It is the 1930s and Korea is under the Japanese occupation. The Korean people barely survive day to day under the cruel and difficult conditions of the Japanese. Chun-ho and his wife Sun-ie wander about the whole country looking for a place to live. As his wife lags behind, Chun-ho yells at her. He tries to throw away the kettle that she is holding but she holds on to it with her dear life. Chun-ho fails over and over at gambling and gold mines. They settle down in a mining village. Due to his troubles, Chun-ho habitually beats and berates Sun-ie but she works diligently, loving and watching over him. He doesn't understand why Sun-ie wants a child. Chun-ho puts all his energy into getting out of his present misery, at all costs. He listens intently to Hyang-sim, a barmaid, when she says she'll introduce him to her uncle in Seoul who is well connected to the Japanese. Chun-ho yells and beats Sun-ie to get some extra money. In order to get some money, Sun-ie goes to the home of Lee's mistress. (KMDB)