All About Eve  'Uncut' — The Cold War

by AAEfanatic

 

Episode 11B

  

Act 2. 1

 

SCENE: Sun-Mi’s gate, morning. 1

SCENE: MBS Announcer 1 Team office, morning. 1

SCENE: MBS canteen, morning. 1

SCENE: MBS Morning Show studio, morning. 1

SCENE: MBS corridor, morning. 2

SCENE: MBS Announcer 1 Team office, morning. 2

SCENE: MBS announcer’s makeup room, afternoon. 2

SERIES OF SCENES: Locations in the MBS building, afternoon. 3

SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon. 3

SCENE: MBS news studio, night 4

SERIES OF SCENES: Various locations exterior and interior, night 4

SCENE: Hospital room, night 5

SCENE: Sun-Mi's living room, night 5

SCENE: Young-Mi’s hospital room, night 5

SCENE: Local pub, night 5

SCENE: Young-Mi’s hospital room, morning. 6

SCENE: MBS conference room, morning. 6

SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon. 7

 

 

 

Act 2

 

 

SCENE: Sun-Mi’s gate, morning

 

THE NEXT MORNING...

 

Sun-Mi picks up the daily newspaper from the mailbox by her gate.

As she turns back to the house, she turns to the ‘Society and Entertainment’ section, where she sees the headline:

 

CHARITY GALA RAISES RECORD AMOUNT FOR ORPHANS

 

Sun-Mi stops dead in her tracks. One of the pictures with the article is Hyung-Chul and Young-Mi presenting the donations check.

Young-Mi, standing close to Hyung-Chul, rests her hand on his arm. Sun-Mi grits her teeth, seeing Young-Mi wearing her dress.

 

Another picture shows the children’s performance, and front and center is Sun-Mi wearing the roly-poly bumble bee costume.

She stares at the pictures, stunned. Too preoccupied during the event, she hadn't been aware of how ridiculous she'd looked.

With a deep breath, she folds the newspaper and heads into the house, hoping that no one at the office will have noticed.

 

 

SCENE: MBS Announcer 1 Team office, morning

 

As Sun-Mi enters the announcers’ office before the Morning Show, one female colleague is walking away from the bulletin board.

Another colleague sees Sun-Mi and hides her smirk as she goes with the first colleague to the conference table.

 

Wonderig at this unusual reception, Sun-Mi looks at the bulletin board. What she sees there makes her heart sink and her face redden.

Tacked to the board is large a photocopy of the newspaper picture, with the scrawled words: Jin Sun-Mi — MBS' new 'Queen Bee’

 

Embarrassed, Sun-Mi looks over at the conference table,where her two collleagues are sharing a laugh at her expense.

 

Hearing voices in the corridor, she quickly rips the picture off the bulleting board and crumbles in in her hand as she leaves the office.

Hurrying down the corridor, she brushes past Jin-Soo and Ki-Jong without a word, leaving them exchanging puzzled looks in her wake.

 

 

SCENE: MBS canteen, morning

 

The nearby canteen is empty except for Sun-Mi, who sits at one of the tables and stares out the window, at a loss of what to do.

Tears of frustration threaten to spill over as she realizes all of MBS must have seen the humiliating pictures too.

Young-Mi had won again, making her into a laughingstock in front of everyone...

 

She hears someone coming and chokes back a sob and she quickly wipes the tears from her eyes.

 

Young-Mi........... Well, if it isn't the Queen Bee herself.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (angrily) Ha Ha, very funny. I suppose you arranged it all just to make me look like a fool.

 

Young-Mi........... You hardly need my help to do that.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (glowering) Are you here to gloat?

 

Young-Mi........... Actually, I came to thank you, for the dress. I got a lot of compliments about it.

....................... Of course Director Yoon was surprised, but I explained everything to him...

 

Sun-Mi glares at Young-Mi, figuring that she'd probably twisted things to her benefit.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (icily) I'm sure you did...

 

Young-Mi........... He said it suited me very well, that he wouldn't mind if I wore it again sometime.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (shocked) Director Yoon said that?

 

Young-Mi........... Among other things. We had a good conversation when he sent me home. Director Yoon is quite the gentleman.

....................... I understand why you want to cling onto him so badly.

 

Sun-Mi.............. I would hardly call it 'clingling'. We're only good friends.

 

Young-Mi........... Then that dress really didn't mean so much to you, and you were just putting on a show for everyone?

 

Sun-Mi.............. (stiffly) Excuse me, I have to get to makeup.

 

Sun-Mi stands up and starts walking away.

 

Young-Mi........... Which is it? Or don't you know yourself?

 

Sun-Mi hesitates, as if wanting to reply, then keeps on walking.

 

 

SCENE: MBS Morning Show studio, morning

 

Sun-Mi slides into her seat at the Morning Show desk next to Sun-Dal and quickly fits her earpiece on.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Sorry I'm late.

 

Sun-Dal............. I was looking for you in the office. Here's the new script.

 

He passes some papers to Sun-Mi.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (surprised) But we just went over it an hour ago. What changed?

 

Sun-Dal............. It seems the hot news of the day is the record breaking donations at last night's Charity Gala.

....................... So of course someone wanted it in today's broadcast. I cut out Segment 2 to fit it two minutes of video.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (cringing) Video?

 

Sun-Dal............. Yeah. Young-Mi and Director Yoon handing over a check, and some kids singiing with a dancing bee...

 

 

SCENE: MBS corridor, morning

 

Sun-Dal and Sun-Mi are walking along a corridor after the Morning Show.

 

Sun-Mi.............. It was weird reporting on a story I was personally involved in, embarrassing, actually.

 

Sun-Dal............. Why? For being the reporter, or the subject?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Both, I suppose. Compared to Young-Mi, I looked pretty stupidt, didn't I?

 

Sun-Dal............. Actually, you looked pretty cute in that costume.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Senior said I should work harder and be more professional in my work. Being 'cute' isn't helping that.

....................... And now the whole world has seen me looking like an idiot...

 

Sun-Dal............. No. The world jsut saw you doing your best to help needy orphans. You should feel proud, not ashamed.

 

Sun-Mi.............. ( sighs)I wish I could think of it like that...

 

 

SCENE: MBS Announcer 1 Team office, morning

 

When Sun-Dal and Sun-Mi enter at the Announcer 1Team office, they are surprised to find that the office has a visitor.

 

Joo-Hee............ Jin Sun-Mi! We've been waiting for you.

 

Sun-Mi.............. Me? Why?

 

Joo-Hee............ President Park Mi-Yong, of the Professional Women’s Business Organization, came to make a special announcement.

 

Mi-Young........... Huh Young-Mi... Jin Sun-Mi... Please step forward.

 

Young-Mi and Sun-Mi approach Mi-Young to stand in front of her.

 

Mi-Young........... Announcer Huh Young-Mi, the Executive Committee was impressed by how well organized this year's Gala was.

....................... You worked hard and deserve a special recognition for your effort.

 

Young-Mi........... (bows) Thank you.

 

Mi-Young........... Announcer Jin Sun-Mi? About the children's performance...

 

Sun-Mi.............. (interrupting) I’m sorry that it was so disorganized with the children... I didn’t do a very good job.

 

Mi-Young........... (smiles) Actually, it was my favorite part of the evening.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (surprised) Huh?

 

Mi-Young........... You did well. The entire Committee agrees on that.

 

Sun-Mi.............. (bows) Thank you.

 

Mi-Young........... Both of you contributed a lot to make this year's gala a memorable event, and also raise the most donations ever.

....................... The Executive Committee has recommended granting you honorary memberships to the organization.

 

Young-Mi and Sun-Mi look at each other, surprised and happy, their personal feud set aside for the moment. Together they bow.

 

YM/SM.............. (excitedly) Thank you, President Park!

 

Mi-Young........... The Committee would like a follow-up report on how the charity will be using the funding.

....................... Sun-Mi, I heard that you did the research for Yoo Joo-Hee's recent speech. Can you make the presentation?

 

Sun-Mi.............. (stunned) Me? (happily) Yes... of course.

 

Mi-Young........... (smiling) Just in case you were wondering what to wear... the Queen Bee costume is optional.

 

Initially Sun-Mi cringes, when the office erupts in loud, jovial laughter, but then she sees Jin-Soo smiling at her with a thumb's up.

Then Kyeong-Hee motions ‘fighting’ to Sun-Mi, and she realizes everyone is celebrating with her, and not laughing at her expense.

 

Everyone, that is, except, Young-Mi, who turns away and frowns, upset that her scheme had backfired.

 

 

SCENE: MBS announcer’s makeup room, afternoon

 

SEVERAL DAYS LATER...

 

Young-Mi grimaces in pain as she is getting ready for the news in the announcer’s makeup room.

Yoo Joo-Hee enters the room ans sees Young-Mi seated at the makeup table.

 

Joo-Hee............ Hi there!

 

Young-Mi........... How are you today? You want coffee?

 

 

Joo-Hee sits down, as Young-Mi stands up to go for the coffee.

 

Joo-Hee............ No, thanks, I already had some.

 

Young-Mi........... Ok.

 

Joo-Hee............ You don’t have to give me coffee. I hate it when Kyung-Hee makes me get her coffee.

....................... I don’t think it’s fair that I’m doing the same thing to you.

 

Young-Mi........... But it’s different. Miss Lee is jealous of you, but I do it out of love.

 

Joo-Hee............ Well, thanks for saying it like that.

 

Young-Mi grimaces in pain.

 

Joo-Hee............ Young-Mi, are you OK?

 

Young-Mi........... My stomach has been hurting.

 

Joo-Hee............ Did you take medicine?

 

Young-Mi........... I took some digestive medicine earlier.

 

Joo-Hee............ You better go to the hospital. What if you’re sick during the news?

 

Young-Mi........... It’ll get better. Excuse me for a moment.

 

 

SERIES OF SCENES: Locations in the MBS building, afternoon

 

MBS women’s washroom

 

Young-Mi gets up and goes to the washroom.

Kyung-Hee walks in and looks at Young-Mi, noticing she is acting oddly.

 

 

MBS corridor, afternoon

 

Young-Mi is sitting on the window ledge in a corridor. She takes out her cell phone and makes a call.

 

Young-Mi .......... (into the phone) Oppa, it’s me.

 

 

MBS editing studio, afternoon

 

In the editing studio, Woo-Jin hangs up on Young-Mi’s call.

 

Colleague.......... Who is it?

 

Woo-Jin ........... (brusquely) Nothing.

 

 

SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon

 

Sun-Mi comes into a corridor and sees Young-Mi sitting next to the windows, looking sick.

 

Sun-Mi ............. Young-Mi...are you OK?

 

Young-Mi........... (gasping with pain) Sun-Mi, could you ...

 

Sun-Mi ............. (worried) What’s the matter? Young-Mi!

 

Young-Mi........... (frightened) Sun-Mi!

 

Woo-Jin enters the corridor.

 

Sun-Mi ............. Oppa!

 

Woo-Jin ........... Sun-Mi?

 

Sun-Mi ............. Oppa, I think she’s sick

 

Young-Mi is struggling in pain as she sits on the window ledge.

Woo-Jin glances over at Young-Mi, looking disinterested.

 

Woo-Jin ........... No, she probably isn’t.

 

Woo-Jin starts to walk away from Sun-Mi, but she grabs his arm.

 

Sun-Mi ............. (insistently) Oppa...Oppa!

 

Woo-Jin shakes off her hand from his arm and walks off.

Sun-Mi goes back to Young-Mi.

 

Sun-Mi ............. Let’s go to the hospital.

 

Woo-Jin turns around in the doorway and looks at them.

 

Young-Mi........... (shaking her head) No, I’m fine.

 

Sun-Mi ............. (upset) Young-Mi! Stop being so stubborn!

 

Young-Mi........... I’ll be OK.

 

Woo-Jin runs over to Sun-Mi and Young-Mi and puts his camera down on the window ledge.

 

 

Woo-Jin ........... (anxiously) Sun-Mi, can you take my camera back? Tell the others... (to Young-Mi) Are you OK?

 

Sun-Mi runs off with the camera.

 

Young-Mi........... (weakly) Oppa...

 

Woo-Jin ........... Let’s go to the hospital.

 

Young-Mi........... No, I’m not going anywhere.

 

Woo-Jin ........... Stay still.

 

Young-Mi........... (stubbornly) I have to do the news.

 

Woo-Jin ........... Sun-Mi can do it or anybody can.

 

Young-Mi........... (angrily) No, never, I won’t let Sun-Mi do it. I’ll go to the hospital after the news.

....................... Could you take me to a place where I can lie down?

 

 

SCENE: MBS news studio, night

 

Joo-Hee and Woo-Jin are watching as Sun-Dal and Young-Mi announce the 7PM News. Young-Mi is obviously not well.

 

Director............. Anchor! Stand by!

 

Sun-Dal............. It’s MBS 7 o’clock news on this Wednesday Evening. Starting next year drivers will not be allowed

.......................  to use cellphones while driving a car. Violators will be penalized. Lee Chang-Hwan reports.

 

Chang-Hwan ..... (on the TV monitor) Cellphone-related car accidents increased from 8 cases in ’96 ...

 

Sun-Dal............. (concerned) Young-Mi, you OK?

 

Young-Mi .......... (weakly) Yes.

 

Chang-Hwan...... (continuing on the TV monitor) ... to 108 cases last year.

....................... If you violate the new regulation you will be paying a penalty of 70 thousand won.

 

Director............. Anchor stand by!

 

Young-Mi .......... The Bank of Korea distributed newly issued 10 thousand won bills to major politicians by the serial numbers.

....................... However, by next month, the new bills with old serial numbers will be stored in museums or be listed in

....................... auction markets... There is a new luxurious apartment. Kim Do-Hun reports from Kang-Nam.

 

 

SERIES OF SCENES: Various locations exterior and interior, night

 

MBS Announcer 1 Team office, night

 

Sun-Mi is watching the newscast on the TV monitor in the announcers’ office.

 

Sun-Mi ............. (aloud to herself) Young-Mi, you dummy.

 

 

MBS news studio, night

 

 

Sun-Dal............. This is the MBS 7 o’clock news. Enjoy the rest of the evening.

 

Young-Mi puts her head down on the desk.

Sun-Dal says something into the microphone to the crew.

 

Director............. To the commercials, hurry up!

 

Sun-Dal signals to Woo-Jin to come onto the set.

Woo-Jin runs onto the set to help Young-Mi.

 

 

Yeouido street, night

 

An ambulance with siren and lights on rushes Young-Mi to the hospital.

 

 

Hospital ER entrance, night

 

Orderlies take Young-Mi out of the ambulance as she cries out in pain.

Woo-Jin follows them down as they rush down the corridor.

 

Orderly............. Get out of the way!

 

 

SCENE: Hospital room, night

 

Woo-Jin is waiting in a hospital room, appearing distressed. Sun-Dal knocks on the door and comes in.

 

Sun-Dal............. Oh, you’re here... Young-Mi?

 

Woo-Jin ........... She’s in the operating room.

 

Sun-Dal............. (reproachfully) You should have stopped her from doing the news.

 

Woo-Jin ........... I tried, but you know her too.

 

Sun-Dal............. (looking exasperated) I’ve never seen anyone like that.

 

Orderlies bring Young-Mi into the room on a gurney.  Young-Mi is still unconscious from the operation.

 

Woo-Jin ........... (anxiously) Is she all right?

 

Orderly............. She’ll wake up in a few hours.

 

 

SCENE: Sun-Mi's living room, night

 

Sun-Mi brings a fruit plate into the living room, where her father is watching TV.

They start talking about what happened at work concerning Young-Mi.

 

 

Gwi-Sung........... (surprised expression) Who is ill?

 

Sun-Mi.............. Young-Mi was sent to the hospital for acute appendicitis after the 7pm news.

 

Gwi-Sung........... (appearing concerned) Really? That’s why she looked pale on TV. Which hospital?

 

Sun-Mi.............. A small one near MBS. Are you going to see her?

 

Gwi-Sung........... (nods) Of course!

 

Sun-Mi.............. (worry wrinkling her brow) Daddy, I don’t get it. I don’t think delivering the news was worth it, she was sick.

....................... Is that what you call a professional?

 

Gwi-Sung........... You know she’s stubborn. What is it that you don't understand?

 

Sun-Mi.............. (looking exasperated) I don’t know. I just don’t get why she’s like that.

 

 

SCENE: Young-Mi’s hospital room, night

 

Young-Mi is in the hospital bed as Woo-Jin stands nearby.

 

Young-Mi........... It’s because of Sun-Mi... I was afraid that Sun-Mi would take my place.

 

Woo-Jin............ (tiredly) Young-Mi.

 

Young-Mi........... I know what you are trying to say. I don’t know why I’m so jealous of her. But what’s the difference between us?

 

Woo-Jin............ Like you said, we can’t choose our parents. Take what you have and appreciate it.

....................... You have what Sun-Mi doesn’t have.

 

Young-Mi........... (wiping a tear from her eye) You hate me too. You think I’m stupid, right?

 

Woo-Jin............ No, I don’t hate you, just frustrated.

 

Young-Mi takes Woo-Jin’s hand, and then he holds her hand.

 

SCENE: Local pub, night

 

LATER THE SAME NIGHT...

 

Sun-Dal and Hyung-Chul are drinking together in a bar.

 

 

Sun-Dal............. Kim must have been fuming mad about it.

 

Hyung-Chul........ That's precisely my aim. Would you be sadder if he wasn’t?

 

Sun-Dal............. Well, I don’t think your father wants to pit you against your uncle.

 

Hyung-Chul........ Then, I shouldn’t be in this seat. I’m not some puppet.

 

Sun-Dal............. He helped your father a lot over the years. Don’t upset him too much.

 

Hyung-Chul........ Let's not talk about such things.

 

Sun-Dal............. What?

 

Hyung-Chul........ When are you going to express your feelings for Joo-Hee?

 

Sun-Dal............. It’s not my fault that she’s still single.

 

Hyung-Chul........ I know you like her. Don’t beat around the bush.

 

Sun-Dal............. (laughs) Let's not talk about such things.

....................... Did you know, Young-Mi’s appendix burst while she was reporting the news.

 

Hyung-Chul........ (barely showing concern) Is she OK? You think I better go and see her?

 

Sun-Dal............. That’s how it works. You’re her boss.

 

Hyung-Chul smiles, but doesn’t reply.

 

 

SCENE: Young-Mi’s hospital room, morning

 

THE NEXT DAY...

 

Young-Mi is lying in a hospital bed as Woo-Jin and Joo-Hee stand near by.

 

Young-Mi........... I’m fine now.

 

Joo-Hee............ Now, they’ll all know that you and reporter Kim are engaged.

 

Young-Mi and Woo-Jin both appear embarrassed.

 

Young-Mi........... Woo-Jin, I have something to say privately with Joo-Hee.

 

Woo-Jin............ (wondering) OK, I’ll be outside.

 

 

Woo-Jin leaves the room.

 

Joo-Hee............ What is it?

 

Young-Mi........... They say it will take at least 4 days to be discharged.

 

Joo-Hee............ About the news?

 

Young-Mi........... Yes.

 

Joo-Hee............ No, you can’t do it.

 

Young-Mi........... I know that. But who will be my substitute?

 

 

SCENE: MBS conference room, morning

 

The MBS top management is holding a meeting to discuss corporate strategy.

 

Eun-Ki............... You’ve made a big investment, so when will we see the benefits? Ratings are still down.

 

Hyung-Chul........ The announcer’s training is only half completed. I think we should hold judgement for now.

 

President Yoon... I heard that Announcer Huh Young-Mi is in the hospital.

 

Hyung-Chul........ Yes, she had a bout of appendicitis yesterday.

 

Eun-Ki............... Who are the candidates to replace Young-Mi on the 7PM News?

 

Hyung-Chul........ Team Leader Kim Sun-Dal tells me that Announcers Jin Sun-Mi and Lee Mi-Ra are at the top of the list.

 

Eun-Ki............... Given the present circumstances, it might look suspect if Jin Sun-Mi is selected.

....................... Isn't she Director Yoon's favorite among the young female announcers?

 

Hyung-Chul........ Team Leaders Kim Sun-Dal and Yoo Joo-Hee are making the decision, not me.

 

Eun-Ki............... But would they oppose your hand-picked nominee? I think not.

....................... What I'm saying is that in this day, such workplace relationships are not appropriate, if only for appearance sake.

 

Hyung-Chul........ As if you haven't been shading appearances the past five years hiring your cronies?

 

President Yoon... Gentlemen, please! We won't bring this company together by arguing amongst ourselves.

....................... Both of you have a point, but I'll agree with Director Yoon, and leave the decision up to the Team Leaders.

 

Hyung-Chul doesn't suppress his smirk at winning that arugment.

 

President Yoon... But I also agree that you need to be more discreet, Hyung-Chul, concerning Announcer Jin Sun-Mi.

....................... Perhaps you should avoice dioing anything that might give others reason to think you're favoring her.

 

 

SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon

 

Hyung-Chul is walking down the corridor with his assistant and two other men. He speaks to his assistant.

 

Hyung-Chul........ Don’t try to upset Director Kim. It doesn’t look good, if we compete in the same company.

 

Sun-Mi is in the 3F canteen, getting coffee for a meeting, a tray of filled cups with one hand, and another cup with her other hand.

She steps into the corridor and watches as Hyung-Chul and his entourage approach.

 

Hyung-Chul........ The new project ideas for the next season premier. Please submit everything to me.

 

Several Men....... (simultaneously) Yes, sir.

 

Hyung-Chul’s eyes meet Sun-Mi’s. She looks at him expectantly, for some sign of recognition, but he seems to look right through her.

As the group passes Sun-Mi, one man bumps the cup in her hand. Sun-Mi lets out a gasp of dismay as the full cup is knocked away.

When they hear her gasp, Hyung-Chul and the others turn back to look.

 

Man................. (to Sun-Mi) Are you OK?

 

Hyung-Chul’s normal impulse would be to go back and help Sun-Mi, but given the warning by his father, instead just turns away.

Following his lead, the rest of the men continue on, leaving Sun-Mi to deal with the mess herself.

 

Sun-Mi crouches down to pick up the fallen cup. She glares at the backs of the men as they move on.

 

 

She wonders how things have gotten so bad between them, that Hyung-Chul won't even acknowlege her now...

 

 

To Be Continued…

 

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