# ITAEWON CLASS: COMPLETE QUOTATION ENCYCLOPEDIA

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## EPISODE 1

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### LIFE

Life is repetitive and obvious — a constant effort toward some goal. — Yi-seo

Everyone knows that success is achieved by madly fighting for it, but everyone is too bothered to try. — Yi-seo

As long as we're alive, there would be no issue. As long as we're alive… — Sae-ro-yi (internal monologue)

You never know what will happen between people. — Sae-ro-yi

Even though I was young, I could understand life. I would think about useless things that would make Dad laugh. — Sae-ro-yi (narration)

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### HUMAN NATURE

I'm just tired of life. — Yi-seo

Everyone has moments when they're tired of life. — Therapist

I'm always feeling this way. — Yi-seo

Counselling should be done candidly over drinks. — Yi-seo

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### IDENTITY / AUTHENTICITY / INDIVIDUALITY

This is my conviction, my father's teaching, and how I wish to live my life. — Sae-ro-yi

He seemed like a nutjob, but he also lived righteously. He didn't have friends, but he never seemed lonely. — Classmate (narration)

He always did whatever he wanted. — Classmate (narration)

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### DIGNITY / SELF-RESPECT / PRIDE

This school's rule: Jang Geun-won is the law. — Geun-won

I can accept punishment for my disruption in the classroom, but I won't apologize to Geun-won. — Sae-ro-yi

This is my conviction, my father's teaching, and how I wish to live my life. — Sae-ro-yi

Beliefs and ambition are just words used by people who have nothing but ego. Without any gain, those people are just being stubborn and foolish. — President Jang

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### PARENTS & CHILDREN / FAMILY

My son is a childish boy with no understanding of how the world works… I'm proud of my son and affirm his convictions and acceptance of punishment. — Manager Park

Violence can never be justified and deserves punishment. — Dad

I was acting on my convictions as a father. — Dad

I wasn't able to live by our family motto, and I had hoped that Sae-ro-yi could live more freely. Seeing his hopes manifest today made me proud of Sae-ro-yi. — Dad

Alcohol should be taught by the father. — Dad

We'll cherish this memory later. — Dad

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### FRIENDSHIP / BELONGING

Can I still use my dad as a reason to be friends with Soo-ah? — Sae-ro-yi

The offer still stands. — Soo-ah

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### SYMPATHY / MORALITY

Sympathy — a sentiment to comfort people who look down on others. — Soo-ah

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### DREAMS / AMBITION

I want to become a police officer. — Sae-ro-yi

Dad had a dream of opening his own restaurant. — Sae-ro-yi (narration)

Dad has enough money to set up his own restaurant. — Dad

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### HAPPINESS / HOPE

How does the soju taste? — Dad

It tastes sweet. — Sae-ro-yi

The sweet taste means that the day left an impression. — Dad

My drink also tastes sweet. — Dad

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### SADNESS / GRIEF / LOSS

I can only remember receiving everything from my father. I took his giving nature for granted. — Sae-ro-yi

That one person was my everything. It broke my heart that he only cared for me, and that's why I worked hard. Dad was the reason for my existence. — Sae-ro-yi (narration)

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### ANGER

It's too late because the person who should receive the apology is dead. — Sae-ro-yi

Apologize directly to my dead father. — Sae-ro-yi

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### LONELINESS / ISOLATION

I have no friends. — Sae-ro-yi

He didn't have friends, but he never seemed lonely. — Classmate (narration)

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### ATTRACTION

You're really pretty. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah, before running off)

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### MORALITY / TRUTH / JUSTICE

Business is all about the people. — Manager Park

An old dog who doesn't recognize his owner is useless. — President Jang

All of Jang Ga's decisions have been the answer. — President Jang

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### OBSERVATIONS ABOUT PEOPLE

A headstrong person like him will make her life difficult. — Soo-ah (about Sae-ro-yi)

You're just hot-tempered. — Sae-ro-yi (teasing Soo-ah)

She doesn't like to receive or give help. — Sae-ro-yi (observing Soo-ah)

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### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODE 1

This is my conviction, my father's teaching, and how I wish to live my life. — Sae-ro-yi

I'm proud of my son. — Dad

The sweet taste means that the day left an impression. — Dad

You're doing great and you're really pretty. — Sae-ro-yi

As long as we're alive, there would be no issue. As long as we're alive… — Sae-ro-yi

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## EPISODE 2

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### LIFE

It was the perfect day for me, who was about to go on a long journey. — Sae-ro-yi (narration)

The price of my dad's life. It should be more meaningful. — Sae-ro-yi

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### HAPPINESS / HOPE

For the first time after his father's death, he felt free from all his tormented and vengeful thoughts. — narration

My first time in Itaewon. My first Halloween Day. With my first love. — Sae-ro-yi (narration)

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### LOVE & ROMANCE / UNREQUITED LOVE / ATTRACTION

Do you still like me? — Soo-ah

I like rich people. — Soo-ah (teasing)

My dream now is to become rich. — Sae-ro-yi

I had a huge hole in my heart. I was lethargic. But strangely enough, I got so easily provoked by him. — Sae-ro-yi (internal monologue)

It was useless to resent anyone. Because my dad was already gone. — Sae-ro-yi

Revenge was the last thing on his mind, but the word fills up his empty heart and he can't wait to get out. — narration

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### LONGING / NOSTALGIA

I miss him. — Soo-ah (letter narration)

A desire to see him again and a wish for his happiness, always. — Soo-ah (letter narration)

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### FRIENDSHIP

He's no one special, just a fearless and reckless guy. — Hee-hoon (about Sae-ro-yi, fondly)

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### GRIEF / LOSS

How does the alcohol taste? — Dad (phantom memory)

It's bitter. — Sae-ro-yi (at the bar, pouring for Dad's ghost)

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### COURAGE / PERSEVERANCE / RESILIENCE

He's fearless. It's very strange. He gets on my nerves for some reason. — President Jang (about Sae-ro-yi)

You made a choice. So just stick to it. You did nothing wrong. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah)

Thank you for stopping me from becoming a murderer. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah)

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### PRIDE / DIGNITY / SELF-RESPECT

Remembering Dad's wish for him to always be proud and confident, Sae-ro-yi stands with a smile. — narration

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### POWER / CLASS / STATUS

Beliefs and ambition are for suckers. — President Jang

Your son is the one who should get on his knees. — Sae-ro-yi (to President Jang)

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### MORALITY / TRUTH / LIES

Nothing can be gained with a conscience. — President Jang

People have no problem eating pork, while condemning anyone eating dog meat. But then again, dogs are very loyal and can be cute. It's just a matter of perspective. — President Jang

Consider the company employees and people below them that work for money as dogs. — President Jang

From killing a chicken to business management — you need to know and understand everything to become a true owner. — President Jang

If you're my son, and the successor of Jang Ga — do not feel sorry to eat pork or chicken. — President Jang

Sae-ro-yi is only livestock. — Geun-won (convincing himself)

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### DREAMS / AMBITION

An ex-convict can't be a police officer. — Sae-ro-yi

He found President Jang's autobiography, and it inspired him to open a restaurant. — narration

My dream now is to become rich. — Sae-ro-yi

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### SACRIFICE / LOYALTY / DEVOTION

You're just living your life. And I'm always grateful. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah)

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### IDENTITY / BELONGING

The 22-year-old guy's plan that sounded rather absurd, but Sae-ro-yi made it happen. To him, it is only natural. — Soo-ah (narration)

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### OBSERVATIONS ABOUT PEOPLE

He's half mad. — Hee-hoon (warning about Sae-ro-yi)

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### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODE 2

The price of my dad's life. It should be more meaningful. — Sae-ro-yi

You made a choice. So just stick to it. You did nothing wrong. — Sae-ro-yi

I had a huge hole in my heart. I was lethargic. But strangely enough, I got so easily provoked by him. — Sae-ro-yi

My first time in Itaewon. My first Halloween Day. With my first love. — Sae-ro-yi

It's bitter. — Sae-ro-yi (drinking alone for Dad)

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## EPISODES 3–5

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### LIFE

Life is a series of choices. — Yi-seo (narration)

People call producing results to match your values a good choice or a correct answer. — Yi-seo

I'm still confused about the values of life. — Yi-seo

Everyone dies eventually, so she finds all the studying and effort tiring. — Yi-seo

Did the coin come up heads or tails? Flipping the coin, which one did I wish for? I decided to call it tails. — Yi-seo (narration)

It's my life. — Yi-seo

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### HUMAN NATURE

Everyone will think and judge from their own perspective, so good and bad are ambiguous. But standards for excellence are clear because you're marked by numbers. — Yi-seo's Mom

The endless desire for success, the ensuing effort… the damn effort — I'll likely be tired until I die, which is why I wish the world would explode instead. — Yi-seo (internal, at the club)

With the face of an angel, Yi-seo had the personality of the devil. — Geun-soo (narration)

Yi-seo is also a sociopath. — Geun-soo

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### LOVE & ROMANCE / ATTRACTION / DESIRE

Now, I'm not drunk at all. This guy with a buzz cut just sprawled out drunk. But he looks cute. This is awkward. He says his night is bitter, but I want it to be sweet. I want to make his life sweet. The feeling I have now is the most foolish thing a human can do. And I can't hold on to this impulse. — Yi-seo (internal monologue)

I like him. — Yi-seo (realizing her feelings)

I want to be with you. — Yi-seo (to Sae-ro-yi, then immediately correcting herself)

I mean… I want to work here. I will help you achieve your dream, Boss. — Yi-seo

Mom will just have to be sad for a little while but I will turn Sae-ro-yi into someone amazing. — Yi-seo (internal)

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### UNREQUITED LOVE / LONGING

He still likes her, but she teases that she doesn't like guys who are poor. — narration

I like you. — Sae-ro-yi (confessing plainly to Soo-ah)

Don't you dare start having feelings for me. A headstrong person like him will make her life difficult. — Soo-ah

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### JEALOUSY

Ever since she met Sae-ro-yi, nothing else interests her. — Yi-seo (internal)

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### HEARTBREAK

Feelings aren't measured by give-and-take. — Sae-ro-yi

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### FAMILY / PARENTS & CHILDREN

I was born by mistake. — Geun-soo (narration)

I was never loved by anyone. — Geun-soo (narration)

Nobody needs him here and he doesn't need anyone. — Geun-soo

If you have no expectations, there is no disappointment. — Geun-soo (narration)

As long as I wasn't in this house, I could find freedom anywhere. I'm living well on my own, without anyone's help. — Geun-soo (narration)

He's someone I want to rely on. I didn't want to do nothing after causing trouble. — Geun-soo (internal, on why he wants to work for Sae-ro-yi)

I'm an ex-convict that the world avoids. — Sae-ro-yi

If I were to become like him, I wouldn't have started this. — Sae-ro-yi (about President Jang)

I had a dream of opening my own restaurant. — Dad (remembered by Sae-ro-yi)

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### BELONGING / LOYALTY / DEVOTION

Just like you all, Hyun-yi is one of my people. To me, that's important. — Sae-ro-yi

Whoever it is, I'll make a decision. — Sae-ro-yi (defending Hyun-yi)

I'm an ex-convict that the world avoids. Yi-seo, Geun-soo, and Seung-kwon recently caused Danbam to shut down while Hyun-yi diligently did her job without causing harm to any of them. — Sae-ro-yi

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### FRIENDSHIP / RELATIONSHIPS

This is the first real adult he's met. — Geun-soo (about Sae-ro-yi)

He's someone I want to rely on. — Geun-soo (internal)

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### IDENTITY / AUTHENTICITY / SELF-WORTH

I'm Zhuge Liang, Merlin, and Rayleigh. I'm someone you absolutely need on your path, and I came here voluntarily. — Yi-seo (to Sae-ro-yi)

I'll deny my services to someone foolish enough to believe that he's doing fine on his own and refuses my advice because she's just 20 years old. — Yi-seo

I have a feeling that he's worth betting my life on. — Yi-seo

I'm a lot more competent than you think. — Yi-seo (to her mother)

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### CONFIDENCE / INSECURITY

I was diagnosed with a 79 percent probability of being a sociopath. — Yi-seo

I'm the type of person that gets what she wants no matter what. — Yi-seo

I like my boss. I'll just have to destroy Soo-ah. — Yi-seo

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### FREEDOM / INDIVIDUALITY / CHOICE

It's my life. — Yi-seo

I'm not like you. I'm smart and clever. I can achieve both love and success. — Yi-seo (to her mother)

I'm not depending on someone else's dream or plans to live up to Mom's either — I'm going to live for myself. — Yi-seo

Thank you for raising me well. I won't take long. I'm a lot more competent than you think. — Yi-seo (to Mom, leaving with the suitcase)

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### DREAMS / AMBITION

She's going to Itaewon to make Sae-ro-yi into someone amazing. — Yi-seo (internal)

Let's make it happen together. — Yi-seo (to Sae-ro-yi, over the city at sunrise)

I have you. — Sae-ro-yi (to Yi-seo)

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### WORK / LEADERSHIP / SUCCESS

I had a hunch, specifically an investment hunch. — Sae-ro-yi (on hiring Yi-seo)

I sensed a confidence with her. — Sae-ro-yi

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### DISCRIMINATION / IDENTITY

She's a transgender woman. — Hyun-yi (revealing herself)

She can go to whatever club she wants. — Hyun-yi (responding to Yi-seo's conventional view)

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### PERSEVERANCE / RESILIENCE / COURAGE

One exception will inevitably lead to more exceptions, and those many one-time exceptions will change a person. — Sae-ro-yi

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### PHILOSOPHY / OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE WORLD

My life is bitter. So bitter that I can't sleep, I feel nostalgic, lonely, and upset. There's no other reason. It's just… I want my bitter night and my life to be sweet. — Sae-ro-yi (drunk confession about the name Danbam)

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### SADNESS / LONELINESS / ISOLATION

Have you ever thought, it would have been better if I wasn't born? — Yi-seo (to Geun-soo, on the bridge)

I understood what you meant and how much you loved me, Mom. I understood it all. — Yi-seo (internal, about her mother)

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### HAPPINESS / JOY

Today it tastes sweet. — Yi-seo (drinking with Sae-ro-yi)

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### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODES 3–5

My life is bitter. So bitter that I can't sleep, I feel nostalgic, lonely, and upset. There's no other reason. It's just… I want my bitter night and my life to be sweet. — Sae-ro-yi

I want to be with you. — Yi-seo

It's my life. — Yi-seo

I have a feeling that he's worth betting my life on. — Yi-seo

I like my boss. — Yi-seo

Just like you all, Hyun-yi is one of my people. To me, that's important. — Sae-ro-yi

Now, I'm not drunk at all. This guy with a buzz cut just sprawled out drunk. But he looks cute. — Yi-seo

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## EPISODES 6–8

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### LOVE & ROMANCE / UNREQUITED LOVE

I like you. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah, at the bar, plainly)

He's liked her for 10 years. — Soo-ah (pointed, to Yi-seo)

They both prioritize their jobs. And once my business goes well, you'll end up losing your job. — Sae-ro-yi (thinly veiled confession to Soo-ah)

I like you. I confessed to her in jail and then again at the bus station. — Sae-ro-yi

I couldn't make it any clearer than that. — Sae-ro-yi

Our relationship will always be defined by her. — Sae-ro-yi (about Soo-ah)

Don't feel too pressured. — Sae-ro-yi

I like him a lot. — Yi-seo (to Soo-ah)

I'm not super earnest about my crush. I find human emotions shallow, since they sway in different situations. — Yi-seo

She still has an opportunity and if by chance, he selfishly wants to pursue her, he should first take over Jang Ga. — Yi-seo (to Geun-soo, half-joking)

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### JEALOUSY

I'll quit Danbam if he starts dating Soo-ah. — Yi-seo

I'm jealous… you bastards. — Yi-seo (about Jang Ga consuming Sae-ro-yi's attention)

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### HEARTBREAK

To me, you're always… shining too much. — Soo-ah (confession, interrupted before she can finish it aloud)

Soo-ah collapses into a seat, muttering that Sae-ro-yi is a fool. — narration

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### DEVOTION / LOYALTY

I love him like crazy, but the problem is that his head is full of those damn Jang Ga jerks. And that makes me jealous… you bastards. — Yi-seo (to Geun-won, lowering her mask)

That's why I'm going to destroy you all. — Yi-seo

I'll kill anyone who hurt him. — Yi-seo (internal)

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### BELONGING / PEOPLE

Power comes from people because their trust gives him strength. — Sae-ro-yi

If Danbam fails, Sae-ro-yi will lose his people. — President Jang (threatening)

They're the reason he can continue to run it. — Sae-ro-yi (about his staff)

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### FRIENDSHIP

Friend. — Ho-jin (how he described his relationship with Sae-ro-yi on the prison visitor form)

I don't know much about stocks, but I knew enough about Ho-jin to trust him. — Sae-ro-yi

Sae-ro-yi makes him do all kinds of things. — Ho-jin (warmly)

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### LONELINESS / GRIEF

I still woke up from nightmares of Geun-won and would frequently find myself on the rooftop at night, contemplating suicide. — Ho-jin (to Sae-ro-yi in prison)

Those three years were too long, and the only way I could bear the hell was thinking about revenge. — Ho-jin

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### REVENGE / JUSTICE / AMBITION

I want to open up a pub that will take down Jang Ga. — Sae-ro-yi (to Ho-jin)

It would be hard to take down Jang Ga unless Sae-ro-yi had a talented fund manager on his side. — Ho-jin

This was the reason I came to visit. — Ho-jin (fist-bumping through prison glass)

I endured 9 years and plan to endure another 6 years for the statute of limitations to expire. — Sae-ro-yi (to Geun-won)

So, your goal is my doom. — President Jang (thinking, looking at Sae-ro-yi)

Although it may be slow, I am taking the next steps, and you are my end goal. — Sae-ro-yi (to President Jang)

As a favor to my dad? You've got to be kidding me. The only thing you can do for my father is to get on your knees and receive fair punishment, and I'm going to make it happen. — Sae-ro-yi

I won't do business. — Sae-ro-yi (if all that matters is profit)

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### POWER / STATUS / CLASS

Is that your definition of power? — Sae-ro-yi

I can easily control and influence all of your achievements. — President Jang

Tigers don't growl — they just shred you to pieces. — President Jang

What I want out of this fight isn't money. Because I am… your enemy. — Sae-ro-yi

Getting expelled? Getting kicked out? You took absolutely nothing from me. — Sae-ro-yi

Power comes from people because their trust gives him strength. — Sae-ro-yi

There's only one way our ill-fated relationship ends — with President Jang kneeling and receiving punishment for his sins. — Sae-ro-yi

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### MORALITY / TRUTH / LIES

I'm not apologetic to you at all because I most value myself and am the fondest of myself. Is there something wrong with that? — Soo-ah (drunk)

You've done your best with your life, and you haven't done anything wrong. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah)

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### PHILOSOPHY / OBSERVATIONS

Good defense is important in a fight. Defense is used to stab your enemy in the back. — Sae-ro-yi

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### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODES 6–8

Although it may be slow, I am taking the next steps, and you are my end goal. — Sae-ro-yi

Tigers don't growl — they just shred you to pieces. — President Jang

I love him like crazy, but the problem is that his head is full of those damn Jang Ga jerks. And that makes me jealous… you bastards. — Yi-seo

That's why I'm going to destroy you all. — Yi-seo

Power comes from people because their trust gives him strength. — Sae-ro-yi

Getting expelled? Getting kicked out? You took absolutely nothing from me. — Sae-ro-yi

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## EPISODES 9–10

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### LOVE & ROMANCE / UNREQUITED LOVE

Do you still like me? — Soo-ah (demanding to hear it)

I've told you many times. — Sae-ro-yi

Say you like me. — Soo-ah (ordering him)

You of all people should still like me. — Soo-ah (cracking)

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### DEVOTION / LOYALTY

I bet my life on you. You have to take responsibility. I need a realistic alternative. — Yi-seo

You told me I'm worth betting your life on. So I want you to trust me. — Sae-ro-yi (to Yi-seo)

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### HEARTBREAK

It's been 15 years. — Soo-ah (to Sae-ro-yi, desperate)

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### COURAGE / PERSEVERANCE / RESILIENCE

This doesn't bother me at all. What bothered me was when my dad got fired just because I stuck to my principles. — Sae-ro-yi

I collapsed when Dad died and the truth was covered up but the reason I got back up and continue to fight is because I want revenge. — Sae-ro-yi

Before I achieve that, I will never be happy. — Sae-ro-yi

I will never give up until I destroy Jang Ga. — Sae-ro-yi

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### SACRIFICE

So that you won't suffer, I'll destroy Jang Ga Co. I'll make you quit to ease your mind. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah at the bus stop)

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### PEOPLE / BELONGING / LOYALTY

The pub is all about the people he works with. — Sae-ro-yi (to Min-jung)

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### WORK / BUSINESS / LEADERSHIP

Business is about profit. — President Jang

A small humble pub competing with Jang Ga and winning? — Yi-seo (asking President Jang publicly)

As long as he's alive, it would be impossible for a small pub to defeat Jang Ga. — President Jang

I want my words to have power so no one can mess with me and my people. I don't want to be swayed by anyone or any injustice. I want to live a life where I can make my own decisions and not have to pay for my principles. — Sae-ro-yi (to Min-jung)

Freedom comes at a price. — Min-jung (warning Sae-ro-yi)

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### JUSTICE / REVENGE / MORALITY

Geun-won will still pay for his crime and President Jang lost a son. — Sae-ro-yi

I didn't lose. — Sae-ro-yi (to Min-jung)

Make sure to win, Sae-ro-yi. — Min-jung (passing the baton)

You're sitting comfortably right there. — Sae-ro-yi (to President Jang, after Geun-won's sentencing)

You're next. — Sae-ro-yi

I will offer my life to make the same promise. — Sae-ro-yi (vowing to President Jang)

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### GRIEF / LOSS / PARENTS

I'm sorry for not coming sooner. I was a bad son that went to jail without finishing the funeral and felt too guilty to visit. — Sae-ro-yi (at Dad's grave)

While I may be a bad son, I have a lot of good people around me. — Sae-ro-yi (at Dad's grave)

Don't worry anymore and rest in peace. — Sae-ro-yi (to Dad's grave)

How does it taste? — Dad's voice (echo)

It's still… bitter. — Sae-ro-yi (at the grave, through tears)

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### WISDOM / OBSERVATIONS

It was Mr. Park who made this sauce. It's the dish developed by Mr. Park. And what he got in return for giving credit to the chairman is this watch. — Min-jung (revealing the truth)

Marketing always needs a good story. It's more compelling to say that it was developed by the chairman, not a mere employee. — Min-jung

Dad should've been the last person kicked out of Jang Ga. — Min-jung

I've passed the baton. Make sure to win, Sae-ro-yi. — Min-jung

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### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODES 9–10

I want my words to have power so no one can mess with me and my people. — Sae-ro-yi

Before I achieve that, I will never be happy. — Sae-ro-yi

It's still… bitter. — Sae-ro-yi (at Dad's grave)

Make sure to win, Sae-ro-yi. — Min-jung

You're next. — Sae-ro-yi

I will offer my life to make the same promise. — Sae-ro-yi

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## EPISODES 11–12

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### LOVE & ROMANCE / CONFESSION / UNREQUITED LOVE

I love you. — Yi-seo (direct confession, in the snow)

My feelings were clear from the first time I met him. — Yi-seo

I propose the deal to Geun-soo to manipulate him in the interest of helping Sae-ro-yi. — Yi-seo (confessing her manipulation)

I don't expect him to understand me. I just want to tell him the truth and present myself as I am. — Yi-seo

I won't do any of this anymore because Sae-ro-yi doesn't like it. I ask him to see me instead of talking about Geun-soo. — Yi-seo

If you don't like me, just say it. Don't make excuses. It's cowardly. — Yi-seo

Don't like me. — Sae-ro-yi (point blank rejection)

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### HEARTBREAK

Yi-seo can't take her heartbreak anymore and crouches down in the middle of the street to cry it out. — narration

It was expected. — Yi-seo (to Hyun-yi, drunk after rejection)

She misses him. — Yi-seo (on her break, replaying his rejection)

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### UNREQUITED LOVE / LONGING

He's thought of her every day for the last 4 years. — Geun-soo (about Yi-seo)

She was the reason he left Danbam to take over Jang Ga. — Geun-soo

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### GROWTH / CHANGE / AUTHENTICITY

Seeing Sae-ro-yi's approach to life, he's motivated to make a change. — Geun-soo (narration)

I'll live differently. — Geun-soo (to Sae-ro-yi)

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### DISCRIMINATION / IDENTITY / SELF-WORTH

My name is Hyun-yi, I'm transgender, and I'm here to win. — Hyun-yi (on the competition stage)

Whatever they say, you're a brave and pretty girl. — Sae-ro-yi (to Hyun-yi)

You don't have to convince others about who you are. — Sae-ro-yi (to Hyun-yi)

I'm burning with anger. — Sae-ro-yi (internal, about those who hurt Hyun-yi)

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### COURAGE / RESILIENCE / PERSEVERANCE

I'm a rock. Go ahead and sear me. I won't budge an inch because I'm a rock. Go ahead and beat me up. I'm a solid rock. Go ahead and leave me in darkness. I'm a rock that will shine all alone. I don't break, ash, or decay as I go against nature's way. — poem read by Yi-seo to Hyun-yi

I survive. I'm a diamond. — Yi-seo (voiceover conclusion)

Don't worry, and don't underestimate Hyun-yi. That woman is stronger than anyone. — Seung-kwon

---

### WORK / LEADERSHIP / PEOPLE

For the people who make me strong, I stand here to repay them with my delicious food. — Hyun-yi (on the competition stage)

I work at the best pub with the best people, so I will remain the best. — Hyun-yi

I don't need others to understand who I am. — Hyun-yi

---

### BELONGING / LOYALTY

You may find Hyun-yi uncomfortable, and though it would be great for you to understand, I won't force it. — Sae-ro-yi

---

### SACRIFICE / DEVOTION

I like him too much for words and liking him is the reason I work here instead of going to college. — Yi-seo

I don't mind that his feelings aren't the same and I agree with his statement that feelings aren't give or take. — Yi-seo

I like him anyway and he can't tell me what to do with my feelings. — Yi-seo

He can fire me for my feelings. — Yi-seo

I can't imagine Danbam without her. — Sae-ro-yi (about Yi-seo)

---

### PHILOSOPHY / OBSERVATIONS ABOUT PEOPLE

A person with a clear goal can achieve many things. — President Jang

Living by your values is possible, and people like him just make excuses to live more conveniently. — Yi-seo (to Geun-soo)

---

### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODES 11–12

I'm a rock. Go ahead and sear me. — Yi-seo (reading the poem)

I survive. I'm a diamond. — Yi-seo

Whatever they say, you're a brave and pretty girl. — Sae-ro-yi

You don't have to convince others about who you are. — Sae-ro-yi

If you don't like me, just say it. Don't make excuses. It's cowardly. — Yi-seo

Don't like me. — Sae-ro-yi

I like him anyway. — Yi-seo

--- ---

## EPISODES 13–14

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### LOVE & ROMANCE / REALIZATION

It's all you. — Sae-ro-yi (realizing, looking at Yi-seo's sketch and event proposal)

I like Yi-seo. I won't apologize though. — Sae-ro-yi (to Geun-soo)

She's overtaken his heart and mind, wondering if this is how she's felt all these years. — Sae-ro-yi (internal)

I love you. I love you, Yi-seo. I love you so much. — Sae-ro-yi (confessing at last)

---

### UNREQUITED LOVE / LETTING GO

You can curse or even hit me. — Sae-ro-yi (to Geun-soo, after confessing)

I'm doing it now. The betrayal. The awful thing. — Sae-ro-yi (admitting he's pursuing Yi-seo despite Geun-soo's feelings)

It's okay. Because you're just a kiddo. — Sae-ro-yi

---

### LONGING / DEVOTION

Miss you like crazy. — Sae-ro-yi (internal, flashing back to his rejection of Yi-seo)

I regret that day. — Sae-ro-yi (about rejecting Yi-seo)

Follow my heart and be myself. A life without regrets regardless of consequences. That's how I wanted to live. — Sae-ro-yi (voiceover as he's struck by the car)

---

### HEARTBREAK / SORROW

Blood is thicker than water. I hate that saying more than anything. But I guess it's true. — Soo-ah (to Geun-won)

---

### FAMILY / PARENTS & CHILDREN

I built Jang Ga Co. so that my family could eat good food and will never have to starve again. — President Jang

I'll never abandon my son. — President Jang

Don't you dare tell me to abandon my family ever again. — President Jang (to Soo-ah)

As a father, I've never once hugged my son. — President Jang (lament)

---

### SACRIFICE / FORGIVENESS / REDEMPTION

When Dad lent her money for college, she promised to pay him back three-fold. — Soo-ah (internal)

There's a limit to influencing people with power and fear. — Soo-ah (to President Jang, with her resignation)

She finally paid him back. — narration (about Soo-ah)

---

### POWER / MORALITY / TRUTH

I'm Jang Dae-hee. I am Jang Ga Co. itself. — President Jang

No one can drive me out. — President Jang

You're tamed to his preferences. — President Jang (to Soo-ah, dying)

I've pressured everyone around him to tame them like that, saying it's easy to control them and he despises them. — President Jang (dark self-reflection)

Is that the impression you want to leave at the end of his life? — President Jang (to Soo-ah)

I'm becoming strange at death's door. — President Jang

---

### COURAGE / RESILIENCE

I need the right to say that I love him. — Yi-seo (to Hyun-yi)

I just need to justify my actions. — Yi-seo

I can show her affection because she's someone Sae-ro-yi needs. — Yi-seo

---

### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODES 13–14

I love you. I love you, Yi-seo. I love you so much. — Sae-ro-yi

It's all you. — Sae-ro-yi

Follow my heart and be myself. A life without regrets regardless of consequences. That's how I wanted to live. — Sae-ro-yi

I'll never abandon my son. — President Jang

There's a limit to influencing people with power and fear. — Soo-ah

--- ---

## EPISODE 15

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### LIFE / DEATH / FATE

It's hard. No matter how much I convinced myself that I could persevere, I never lived a day comfortably. — Sae-ro-yi (to Dad, in the dream)

Missing my father and hating someone was burdensome. — Sae-ro-yi

If I'm reborn, I want to live as Dad's son. — Sae-ro-yi

I love you very much. — Sae-ro-yi (to Dad in the dream)

I'm not coming. — Sae-ro-yi (refusing to cross to the afterlife)

No matter how many times, I'll live this terrible life again. — poem (Yi-seo, read in Sae-ro-yi's memory)

I have a date. — Sae-ro-yi (to Dad, choosing to return)

I have a family who needs me and I look forward to the future days I'll spend with them. — Sae-ro-yi

Though I don't have you, Dad, I'll live on carrying my longing for you. — Sae-ro-yi

I'm proud of you, son. Continue to live on. — Dad

This is life. As long as you're alive, nothing is a big deal. — Dad

---

### GRIEF / LONGING / PARENTS

I'm not coming. I have a date. — Sae-ro-yi (to Dad, in the dream)

---

### LOVE & ROMANCE / REALIZATION

He's not going to Geun-won to die; he's going there to live. — Sae-ro-yi

He'll fall apart if something bad happens to Yi-seo. — Sae-ro-yi (to Soo-ah)

I like Yi-seo. — Sae-ro-yi (admitting it to Soo-ah at last)

Everyone knew except for him. — Soo-ah

---

### IDENTITY / DIGNITY / SELF-WORTH

Don't you dare determine my worth. — Seung-kwon

You shouldn't diminish your worth just because of the ex-convict label. — Seung-kwon (echoing Sae-ro-yi's teaching)

The police will take him seriously because he's the director of IC. — Seung-kwon (about himself)

---

### COURAGE / RESILIENCE

She breaks out of her act and stands to find an edge to undo the ties. — narration (Yi-seo escaping)

Geun-won is merely looking to torture her — that's why he left her half tied up. She's just playing along with the victim role. — Yi-seo

---

### POWER / MORALITY / REVENGE

Kneel in front of me. — President Jang (to Sae-ro-yi, at the last moment)

There are impossible things, things beyond death. For President Jang, kneeling is one of them. But for me, in this moment, I could easily kneel a million times. — Sae-ro-yi (internal)

---

### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODE 15

No matter how many times, I'll live this terrible life again. — Yi-seo (reading the poem)

I'm not coming. I have a date. — Sae-ro-yi (to Dad)

I'm proud of you, son. Continue to live on. — Dad

This is life. As long as you're alive, nothing is a big deal. — Dad

Though I don't have you, Dad, I'll live on carrying my longing for you. — Sae-ro-yi

Don't you dare determine my worth. — Seung-kwon

For President Jang, kneeling is one of them. But for me, in this moment, I could easily kneel a million times. — Sae-ro-yi

--- ---

## EPISODE 16 — FINALE

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### LOVE & ROMANCE / CONFESSION / DEVOTION

No, I love you. — Sae-ro-yi (to Yi-seo, correcting like to love)

Do you like me? — Yi-seo (asking him to confirm again)

No, I love you. — Sae-ro-yi (again)

She's overtaken his heart and mind. — Sae-ro-yi (internal)

I love you. I love you so much. — Sae-ro-yi (to Yi-seo while running together)

I want to make your bitter nights sweet. — Yi-seo

When he'd told her his story, she'd wanted to embrace his past and keep him from suffering or being lonely. — Yi-seo (narration, final)

When I'm with Sae-ro-yi my heart beats and it's fun. — Yi-seo

Thank you. I love you. I want to make you happy. — Yi-seo (final declaration)

Let's be happy. — Sae-ro-yi (internal)

I'm already happier than I ever imagined I could be. — Sae-ro-yi (internal)

I just like her. — Sae-ro-yi (in the epilogue, pecking Yi-seo's cheek)

That's not true. — Sae-ro-yi (kissing her properly when she pouts he only likes her a little)

---

### PRIDE / DIGNITY / REVENGE / JUSTICE

I spent over a decade of my life following in the footsteps of such a disgusting old grouch? I deeply regret wasting my life. — Sae-ro-yi (to President Jang, after kneeling)

After over a decade, I got to know you. — Sae-ro-yi (a devastating dismissal)

This isn't just resentment. Jang Ga is a good company. — Sae-ro-yi (to President Jang at Danbam, on the takeover)

I'm a businessman. This is a business takeover and your apology means nothing so we should do business. — Sae-ro-yi

Jang Ga represents Korea and the food represents Jang Ga. It was the fault of an individual, not the restaurant. — Sae-ro-yi (at the takeover board meeting)

I vow to focus on people and trust over money and gain and prosper together. — Sae-ro-yi

---

### FORGIVENESS / HEALING / REDEMPTION

I forgive you. — Ho-jin (to Geun-won, sweeping out of prison)

It's okay. Because you're just a kiddo. — Sae-ro-yi (to Geun-soo, hand on his shoulder)

Is this enough? — Soo-ah (to Sae-ro-yi, asking if blowing the whistle repaid Manager Park)

I'll always cheer for her. — Sae-ro-yi (about Soo-ah as a friend)

Live happily. — Soo-ah (her final ask of Sae-ro-yi)

Of course, you do. — Yi-seo (hugging Geun-soo, granting him dignity)

You were just faithful to me. — Yi-seo (to Geun-soo)

I felt it and I apologize for taking advantage of your feelings. Thank you. — Yi-seo (to Geun-soo)

---

### FRIENDSHIP / BELONGING / FAMILY (CHOSEN)

Having the same goal makes for better teamwork. — Seung-kwon (grinning as he drives to save Yi-seo)

Yi-seo may be a brat but she's family. — Seung-kwon

She's someone you can bet your life on. — Sae-ro-yi (to Geun-soo, about Yi-seo)

---

### HAPPINESS / HOPE / HEALING

Let's be happy. — Sae-ro-yi

I'll be happy. — Sae-ro-yi (vowing, facing Geun-won)

Some days were tough or sad, but fun days sprinkled in. Every day was exciting with Yi-seo. — Sae-ro-yi (memory)

When I'm with Sae-ro-yi my heart beats and it's fun. — Yi-seo

Thinking of him, my empty life fills up. — Yi-seo (final narration)

---

### LIFE / DEATH / FATE / PHILOSOPHY

If it feels that much like a chore, just die. Despite a repetitive routine, you never know what tomorrow brings. — Sae-ro-yi (past, to Yi-seo)

Seung-kwon tried to fight him, and now he's a waiter. Yi-seo got the pub suspended only to become its manager. — Sae-ro-yi (on the unexpected nature of life)

Some days were tough or sad, but fun days sprinkled in. — Sae-ro-yi

---

### WISDOM / OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE WORLD

A real boss takes responsibility. — Seung-kwon (to Hee-hoon)

Jang Ga became weak, so people are preying. The strong prey on the weak. — Geun-soo (echoing President Jang's own words back at him)

---

### MEMORIES / NOSTALGIA

Neither knows the warmth of people. — Yi-seo (reflecting on herself and Sae-ro-yi, hand in hand in Itaewon)

She'd wanted to embrace his past and keep him from suffering or being lonely. — Yi-seo (narration)

---

### MOST ICONIC LINES — EPISODE 16 / FINALE

I spent over a decade of my life following in the footsteps of such a disgusting old grouch? I deeply regret wasting my life. — Sae-ro-yi

No, I love you. — Sae-ro-yi

Let's be happy. — Sae-ro-yi

I forgive you. — Ho-jin

Live happily. — Soo-ah

She's family. — Seung-kwon

Thank you. I love you. I want to make you happy. — Yi-seo

How does it taste? — Dad's voice (final echo, over the rooftop drinks)

He just smiles. — narration (final image of Sae-ro-yi)

--- ---

## MASTER THEMATIC INDEX — MOST ICONIC LINES ACROSS ALL EPISODES

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This is my conviction, my father's teaching, and how I wish to live my life. — Sae-ro-yi

My life is bitter. So bitter that I can't sleep, I feel nostalgic, lonely, and upset. There's no other reason. It's just… I want my bitter night and my life to be sweet. — Sae-ro-yi

I have a feeling that he's worth betting my life on. — Yi-seo

I love him like crazy, but the problem is that his head is full of those damn Jang Ga jerks. And that makes me jealous… you bastards. — Yi-seo

Just like you all, Hyun-yi is one of my people. To me, that's important. — Sae-ro-yi

Power comes from people because their trust gives me strength. — Sae-ro-yi

Getting expelled? Getting kicked out? You took absolutely nothing from me. — Sae-ro-yi

Although it may be slow, I am taking the next steps, and you are my end goal. — Sae-ro-yi

You don't have to convince others about who you are. — Sae-ro-yi

Whatever they say, you're a brave and pretty girl. — Sae-ro-yi

I'm a rock. I survive. I'm a diamond. — Yi-seo

No matter how many times, I'll live this terrible life again. — Yi-seo (reading the poem)

I'm not coming. I have a date. — Sae-ro-yi (to Dad)

I'm proud of you, son. Continue to live on. — Dad

This is life. As long as you're alive, nothing is a big deal. — Dad

The price of my dad's life. It should be more meaningful. — Sae-ro-yi

Don't you dare determine my worth. — Seung-kwon

I love you. I love you, Yi-seo. I love you so much. — Sae-ro-yi

Let's be happy. — Sae-ro-yi

It's still… bitter. — Sae-ro-yi (at Dad's grave)

How does it taste? — Dad (recurring echo, final and unanswered — he just smiles)