Goo Bon-woong
The story takes place during the period of Japanese Imperialism in Korea. It tells the tale of the life and loves of one peculiar poet. In 1932, Bon-wwong returned from studying fine arts in Japan. He is known as a painter of the Fauvism school of the Art. At the first successful exhibition of his works, he meets a young man, Lee Sang, a poet with really queer character. Soon Lee Sang and Bon-woong become close friends, and they meet almost every day and enjoy all kinds of interesting and usual events. Lee Sang goes to visit Bakchon (a health resort) for medical treatment. Bon-woong follow him. At Bakchon, Lee and Bon-woong meet Keum-hong (a famous waitress) and both fall in love with her. Lee loves Keum-hong physically, vulgarly, and indecently. On the contrary, Bon-woong loves her spiritually and platonically with respect. So, he can do nothing but watch the torrid love affair between Lee and Keum-hong.
Byeong-tae
The shy Byung-tae has a crush on Mi-ran, a college student. He fails to win her over. Disheartened, Byung-tae runs away from home in search of something more. He wanders the streets when he meets and hangs out with Min-wu, a beggar. They walk around the city when they meet Chun-ja, a mute maiden, in the red district. With Min-wu's support, Byung-tae wants to help recover Chun-ja's voice and find her hometown. They rescue Chun-ja and head for her hometown.
