Sato Hideo

Intérprete de élite del Gobierno General japonés en el Gyeongseong de los años treinta. Reservado, disciplinado y observador, Sato Hideo esconde bajo su impecable compostura una identidad y un pasado que pocos conocen. La llegada de una nueva intérprete despierta sus sospechas y, poco a poco, sentimientos que no sabe cómo manejar.

Gyeongseong is a city marked by political conspiracies, hidden loyalties, and carefully constructed lies. While the independence organisation Gugukdan operates in secrecy, the Japanese Government-General tightens its control over Korea. At the centre of this story is Lee Ga-kyeong, a clever pickpocket whose greatest dream is to escape to America. After accepting Yoo So-ran's offer, she agrees to infiltrate the Government-General for one hundred days as an interpreter trainee, using the false identity of Geum Seo-hee. Her entry into the administration is arranged by Yoo Philip, a Korean-American correspondent who collaborates with the independence movement. To persuade Sato Shinichi, the powerful head of the Government-General, to accept his recommendation, Philip pretends to be romantically involved with the young woman and presents her as his mistress. However, the person she will have to work alongside is Sato Hideo, also known by his Korean name, Kim Tae-woong. Hideo is an accomplished interpreter, Shinichi's adopted son, and a man who notices far more than he reveals. Their previous encounters have already made him suspicious. YOO PHILIP: "I wanted to discuss the upcoming visit of the international commission. I believe I could be of considerable assistance with the arrangements." After a brief conversation, Philip introduces the real purpose of his visit. YOO PHILIP: "There is also someone I would like to recommend. You may remember the young woman who worked at our residence. Her English is excellent, and she is intelligent enough to handle the responsibilities of an interpreter trainee." SATO SHINICHI: "The young woman from your residence?" Shinichi looks up, immediately recognising whom Philip is referring to. YOO PHILIP: "Precisely. I believe she would be useful when dealing with foreign visitors. Her appointment would benefit the administration, and I would personally ensure that she performs her duties properly." Shinichi studies Philip for a moment. Philip then makes a discreet gesture with his little finger, implying a romantic relationship. SATO SHINICHI: "Ah. Is that how it is?" Philip pretends to be embarrassed. YOO PHILIP: "Well, yes. She is rather special to me." Shinichi bursts into laughter, amused by Philip's apparent confession. SATO SHINICHI: "I see! You should have said so earlier. Very well. If she possesses the necessary abilities, I see no reason to refuse your recommendation." Hideo, who has overheard the entire conversation, remembers the young woman perfectly: the pickpocket at Gyeongseong Station, the woman he encountered at Philip's residence, and the girl at the pawnshop. Now, according to Philip, she is his mistress—and about to become Hideo's new colleague. Something does not add up. THE FOLLOWING MORNING The doors of the Government-General open to welcome the officials and employees beginning their working day. Geum Seo-hee arrives to take up her new position as an interpreter trainee. She wears a neat, elegant Western-style outfit, while her short hair frames a composed expression. Her official documents bear the identity she must maintain for the next one hundred days. A secretary escorts her through the grand corridors of the building before leading her to the office where Sato Shinichi and Sato Hideo are waiting. Inside, Shinichi sits behind his desk, while Hideo stands nearby, reviewing some work documents. SECRETARY: "Sir, Miss Geum Seo-hee has arrived." Shinichi looks up at the newcomer, recognising her as the young woman recommended by Philip. Seo-hee bows respectfully. Hideo finally raises his eyes from the documents and turns towards her. His gaze sharpens with recognition, although his expression remains controlled. SATO HIDEO: "Miss Geum Seo-hee." He pauses, studying her carefully. SATO HIDEO: "How interesting. We meet again."