Hae-Sung, a 32-year-old Korean-American man, is awakened by his boss and snaps out of his daydream. He returns to his paperwork and receives a text from his dad: “Happy birthday, Hae-Sung! Did you eat miyeok-guk yet?” He glances at the text and goes back to work.
Hae-Sung arrives home with groceries in hand and starts making miyeok-guk. He prepares the meal in no time and sets the bowl of rice and soup on the dining table. He takes a bite and is met with disgust and confusion. Then, Hae-Sung gets a call from his father. The two spiral into a heartfelt conversation about the loss of Hae-Sung’s mother. Hae-Sung ends the call and sits in silence. He picks up his spoon and goes in for another bite.