All About Eve 'Uncut' — The Cold War
by AAEfanatic
Episode 12A
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel beach, dusk
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel beach, dusk
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel bar, night
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel room, night
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel corridor, night
SCENE: Seok-Hun’s hotel room, morning
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel buffet, morning
SCENE: Seok-Hun’s hotel room, morning
SCENE: Aboard the return flight to Seoul, night
SCENE: Inside Hyung-Chul’s villa, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s office, morning
SCENE: MBS training office, afternoon
SCENE: MBS 7PM News broadcast, night
Act 2
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel beach, dusk
Hyung-Chul walks quickly back toward the hotel door. As he is passing the umbrella tables, he feels the urge to smoke.
He stops to take a cigarette from the case in his suit coat pocket, lights up, and takes a moment to contemplate the situation.
He hears the sharp clicks of a woman’s heels approaching on the terrace, and turns around, to see Young-Mi.
She has exchanged her conservative suit worn that day for a slinky little black dress with a short hem and plunging neckline.
Young-Mi.......... Do you have a moment, Director Yoon?
He nods.
Young-Mi slowly walks toward him, her hips swaying suggestively as she places one tall stiletto directly in front of the other.
She stops a step away and raises her hand, showing him the cigarette she holds between her fingers.
Young-Mi.......... It’s been a rough night for me, too. Can I trouble you for a light?
As he reaches for his lighter with his right hand, she comes closer. He hesitates, uncertain as to her intentions...
Young-Mi.......... Like this...
She puts the cigarette to her lips and leans in, holding it next to the end of his cigarette as she inhales slightly.
Her perfume sweetens the smoke in his nostrils, triggering the pictures he'd takenwith his eyes that night in his apartment.
Pictures burned indelibly into his memory...
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FLASHBACK
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Once her cigarette lights, Young-Mi backs off. She gazes warmly into his eyes, communicating, “I feel your pain, too...”
Takeing a long slow, drag, she exhales a thin stream of smoke up into the air over their heads.
Young-Mi.......... Let me guess... You’re wondering why I’m here, instead of with Kim Woo-Jin?
Hyung-Chul looks at her, but does not reply.
Young-Mi.......... Me and Woo-Jin, Sun-Mi and you...how is it that we’re both in similar unhappy situations?
Hyung-Chul....... I don't see it that way. Announcer Jin and I don't have the kind of relationship you have with Reporter Kim.
Young-Mi.......... But we both have the same dilemma...
She pauses to inhale a hit of nicotine.
Young-Mi.......... Compared to time spent with you and me, the time they’ve spent together is longer, isn’t it?
Hyung-Chul....... What is your point?
Young-Mi.......... Love is never as easy as we hope and dream. When I met Kim Woo-Jin, I had those hopes and dreams.
....................... Instead, the past five years I’ve been a spare tire, trying to find a space between them to fit into...
....................... I don’t want you to suffer the same hope, and the same sad fate.
Hyung-Chul....... Is it really a matter of fate, or just choice?
Young-Mi.......... Lately, I‘ve asked myself the same question. That if I could do anything I wanted, right now, what would it be?
Hyung-Chul....... And have you decided?
Young-Mi.......... (resolutely) I'm thinking of breaking up with Woo-Jin...
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel beach, dusk
Sun-Mi waits, eyes closed, holding her breath, as Seok-Hun hesitates, his lips almost touching hers.
But he takes his hand from her face and backs off.
Seok-Hun.......... You can stop acting now, Sun-Mi. Director Yoon has gone.
Caught red-handed, Sun-Mi face flushes crimson with embarrassment.
Sun-Mi.............. I was just trying to make him jealous.
Seok-Hun.......... By casting me as the unsuspecting antagonist in your little melodrama?
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry. But how did you know?
Seok-Hun.......... When I arrived earlier, Director Yoon was looking cozy with Team Leader Yoo Joo-Hee.
....................... Putting two-and-two together, the answer came out three...
Sun-Mi.............. I suppose jealousy cuts both ways, doesn't it? (sighs heavily) What else can I say?
Seok-Hun.......... That you want to make it up to me?
Sun-Mi.............. All right, what do youwant?
Seok-Hun.......... It's a big favor.
Sun-Mi.............. Sure, anything... (after thinking for a moment) Within reason, that is.
Seok-Hun.......... Smile.
Sun-Mi is puzzled at the request, but smiles as requested.
Seok-hun.......... Hold it...
Sun-Mi waits while Seok-Hun scrutinizes her face at length.
Seok-Hun.......... That's enough.
Sun-Mi.............. Is that all you wanted?
Seok-Hun.......... I also want you to model for me.
Sun-Mi.............. (surprised but flattered) No way! Are you kidding?
Seok-Hun.......... I’m trying to start a career as a professional photographer, and I need to build a portfolio to get a start.
Sun-Mi.............. But I’m not that pretty...
Seok-Hun.......... Sun-Mi, when you smile, your face is completely radiant. It really is something special.
Sun-Mi.............. (hesitantly) I’m not sure...
Seok-Hun.......... You were sure about playing me today. What if I'd actually fallen for you?
....................... Would you take the responsibility for breaking a guy's heart so blithely?
Sun-Mi.............. All right, I suppose I do owe you something. When and where?
Seok-Hun.......... Tomorrow morning, before you leave for Seoul. I brought my light kit to set up a temporary studio in my room.
....................... It'll take just an hour or so.
Sun-Mi.............. Anything I need to do special? Or bring?
Seok-Hun.......... Just be your usual self... and bring that beautiful smile...
Hearing that makes Sun-Mi beam her brightest for him again.
Seok-Hun.......... Now, that is something I’d call pretty amazing...
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel bar, night
When Joo-Hee enters the hotel bar, it is almost midnight. She immediately finds the person she is looking for:
Hyung-Chul is sitting alone, with an empty glass on the bar in front of him. She walks over and puts her hand on his shoulder.
Joo-Hee............ Haven’t you had enough?
Hyung-Chul....... (slurring his words) Don't let anyone tell you a photographic memory is a good thing!
....................... I can still see those damn pictures in my head...
He reachs for the glass, finds it empty, and waves at the bartender.
Hyung-Chul....... One more round...
But Joo-Hee acts first. She pulls him off the barstool, keeping him upright with some difficulty.
Joo-Hee............ Come on, let’s get you back to your room, so you can sleep it off.
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel room, night
Sun-Mi is sitting on her bed, deep in thought, when Kyung-Hee comes out of the bathroom, drying her hair with a towel.
Kyung-Hee........ You've been so quiet since you came back. What’s on your mind?
Sun-Mi.............. I've made such a fool of myself tonight. I'm a real idiot!
Kyung-Hee........ Something you want to talk about?
Sun-Mi.............. Why not? It seems I’ve been saying a lot of things, lately, to a lot of people.
Kyung-Hee comes over and sits on the bed next to Sun-Mi.
Kyung-Hee........ About Director Yoon?
Sun-Mi.............. (sighs) Honestly, my mind is going in circles... Telling me we're not compatible, that I'm living in a dream...
Kyung-Hee........ What does your heart say?
Sun-Mi.............. It refuses to stop believing... but I just don't know what to do. I've made so many mistakes.
Kyung-Hee........ Just be honest with yourself, and you'll know.
Sun-Mi.............. So you're saying I should stop fretting? Act to do something to set things straight?
Kyung-Hee........ More or less...
Sun-Mi's expression slowly changes from perplexity to determination.
Kyung-Hee........ What are you thinking about?
Sun-Mi.............. (resolutely) Something I need to do right now, or I may not be able to...
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel corridor, night
With Hyung-Chul leaning heavily on her shoulder, Joo-Hee staggers down the hotel corridor.
Joo-Hee............ 515... 517... Here it is...
Hyung-Chul....... (groans) Ohh... my head... Joo-Hee...
Joo-Hee............ Just hold on. Give me a second...
She props Hyung-Chul up against the wall, takes his room key, and unlocks the door.
When she turns back to get Hyung-Chul, he is looking at her quizzically.
Hyung-Chul....... Joo-Hee, if you could do anything you wanted, right now, what would it be?
She looks at him, and he appears to be serious.
Joo-Hee............ If you really want to know, I'll show you...
She puts her arms around Hyung-Chul’s neck and kisses him, lingering on his lips.
Meanwhile, Sun-Mi is approaching from the other direction, checking the room numbers... 525... 523...
Rounding a corner in the corridor, she happens upon Joo-Hee with Hyung-Chul, and stops in shock.
Retreating back to where she won’t be seen, Sun-Mi peers around the corner, watching them.
After what seems an eternity to Sun-Mi, Joo-Hee breaks off the kiss, and rests her head against Hyung-Chul’s chest.
Joo-Hee............ I’ve waited so long for this moment, to honestly express my feelings...
Hyung-Chul face is a blank page.
Joo-Hee............ (continuing) you’re the only one my heart desires...
Hearing that sends Sun-Mi’s heart tumbling into a pit of despair; she gasps for air, unable to breathe.
Not waiting to hear more, she runs off back the way she came.
Hyung-Chul takes Joo-Hee by the shoulders and eases her back, so he can look into her eyes.
Hyung-Chul....... I’m sorry, Joo-Hee... but it's someone else my heart desires... not you...
Joo-Hee turns away, taking a deep breath as she tries to contain her feelings. Reluctantly, she accepts his declaration... for now...
Joo-Hee............ Tomorrow, can we forget what happened here? Otherwise I won’t be able to show my face to you.
He doesn’t reply, and when Joo-Hee looks back, she sees he’s closed his eyes and is about to pass out.
Joo-Hee............ (sighs) Thankfully you’re completely wasted... Let’s get you inside...
SCENE: Seok-Hun’s hotel room, morning
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING...
Seok-Hun is photographing Sun-Mi in his room using a makeshift studio with tripod, lightstands, reflectors, and a backdrop.
Seok-Hun.......... Smile... Wider... Great! That's it!
The camera flash goes off, and Sun-Mi drops her smile. She looks tired.
Seok-Hun.......... Perfect. Let’s do another set.
Sun-Mi.............. Can we take a break? I’m feeling sort of woozy.
Seok-Hun.......... You must be a little dehydrated. Here, have another drink.
He hands her a glass, and she takes several gulps.
Seok-Hun.......... Feel better?
Sun-Mi nods and looks through the camera viewfinder again.
Seok-Hun.......... Do a 360 now... Smile!
Sun-Mi smiles and turns slowly as the flash goes off repeatedly...
SCENE: Jeju resort hotel buffet, morning
Hyung-Chul and Sun-Dal are eating breakfast at a table in the hotel buffet.
Hyung-Chul....... Did you check on that guy I asked about?
Sun-Dal............ He's Ryoo Seok-Hun, hired in the mailroom a few months ago. Attended a photography school but never graduated.
....................... And get this: He was arrested for drugging a woman and taking lewd photos, but later the charges were dropped.
Hyung-Chul....... This is beginning to have a distinct odor about it... But why Sun-Mi?
Sun-Dal............ I checked his call log. Besides Sun-Mi's desk phone, he's made a number of calls to Director Kim Eun-Ki's office...
....................... I'd bet that Kim has put Ryoo Seok-Hun up to something.
Ki-Jong and Kyung-Hee enter the buffet together, and walk over to Sun-Dal and Hyung-Chul's table
Seeing them approaching, Hyung-Chul quickly ends his conversation with Sun-Dal about Director Kim.
Kyung-Hee........ It's so beautiful here, Director Yoon. Thanks for doing this.
Hyung-Chul....... You all worked hard and earned it... Please take a seat; I was just leaving.
Hyung-Chul stands up; Ki-Jong and Kyung-Hee sit down with Sun-Dal.
Sun-Dal............ How’s your roommate this morning, Kyung-Hee?
Kyung-Hee........ Actually, I’m a bit worried. She went out late to do something, and still hadn’t returned when I went to sleep.
....................... Then, when I woke up, she was putting on makeup for a photoshoot she said was first thing this morning.
Sun-Dal............ Photoshoot? PR hasn't scheduled anything with me. (looks at Hyung-Chul) Director?
Hyung-Chul....... I haven’t heard anything, either.
Kyung-Hee........ The photographer is some guy she knows. I think she said his name was Ryoo Seok-Hun.
Hyung-Chul....... (startled) Do you know where she was going to meet him?
Kyung-Hee........ She said 'up' so probably in his room, but I'm not sure.
Hyung-Chul and Sun-Dal exchange an anxious glance.
Hyung-Chul....... Excuse me, I have to leave right now...
He immediately hurries out the buffet room door, brushing past some people entering.
Ki-Jong............. What was that all about?
Sun-Dal............ I hope that what I’m thinking is wrong...
SCENE: Seok-Hun’s hotel room, morning
Seok-Hun has his camera off the tripod, photographing Sun-Mi as she stands by the window in the morning light.
Seok-Hun.......... Okay, that's a wrap. Thanks, Sun-Mi. You worked hard.
Sun-Mi.............. I feel so... tired. Mind if I lie down for a while?
Seok-Hun.......... Be my guest. Come on.
He puts down his camera on a table, and leads Sun-Mi to the bed, steadying her as she sits down.
Sun-Mi stares dully into space, semi-conscious, as Seok-Hun slides the sleeves of her suit jacket off her arms and folds it over his arm.
He is hanging the jacket over the back of a chair, when Sun-Mi closes her eyes and slumps onto her side. Seok-Hun hurries to her side.
Seok-Hun.......... Sun-Mi, are you all right?
She mumbles something incoherent in response.
Seok-Hun.......... Here, let me help you get comfortable.
Seok-Hun removes Sun-Mi's high heel slingbacks off and places them on the floor by the bed.
Next, he has to turn Sun-Mi's body so she lies straight on the bed, so he picks up her lower legs to lift them clear of the mattress.
While sliding Sun-Mi over, her skirt rides up to expose part of her thighs. By now she is fully unconscious and lies still without moving.
Before releasing his grasp, his eyes, and his hands, linger on her smooth, slender legs.
He watches Sun-Mi for a few moments, then looks at the arrangement of studio lights and his camera on the table.
He takes a step in that direction, just as a knock sounds at the door.
Voice................ (OS from outside the room) Room service!
Seok-Hun.......... I didn’t order anything.
Voice................ (OS from outside the room) Compliments of the management.
Seok-Hun.......... Just leave it at the door then.
Voice................ (OS from outside the room) Sorry, you need to sign for it, Sir.
Seok-Hun.......... (grumbling) Very well, I’m coming...
Seok-Hun walks over and unlatches the door. As he is turning the knob, the door is forcefully shoved back into his face.
Caught by surprise, he fails to react as the door flies open and Hyung-Chul bursts into the room.
Hyung-Chul....... Where is Jin Sun-Mi!
Then Hyung-Chul sees Sun-Mi unconscious on the bed and turns to Seok-Hun in a rage.
Hyung-Chul....... What have you done to her!?
Hyung-Chul lets a fist fly wildly. Seok-Hun ducks the punch, and tackles Hyung-Chul. They wrestle in a clinch, struggling for advantage.
Hyung-Chul gets an arm free and lands a powerful jab to the kidney that knocks the wind out of Seok-Hun.
He follows that with a solid punch to the cheek that snaps Seok-Hun’s head back, sending him reeling.
Knocked to the floor, Seok-Hun slowly collects his wits, coiling his muscles to strike back. Hyung-Chul glowers down, fists at the ready.
The two adversaries are plotting their moves, preparing for the next round, when a loud gasp makes both turn.
Sun-Mi is standing by the bed, looking horrified at the scene.
Sun-Mi.............. (loudly) Stop fighting! Just... stop it!
Hyung-Chul and Seok-Hun simultaneously look back at each other, and relax their combative stances in response to her demand.
With the cessation of active hostilities, Sun-Mi hurries over to Seok-Hun and crouches down next to him, concern written on her face.
Sun-Mi.............. Are you okay? Let me see...
Seok-Hun, already feeling a bit humiliated at being outboxed by Hyung-Chul, brushes off her concern.
Seok-Hun.......... It’s nothing... I’m fine...
After inspecting the bruise on Seok-Hun’s face, she looks up at Hyung-Chul accusingly.
Sun-Mi.............. Director Yoon! Don’t you think this is going too far!?
Her stinging accusation takes Hyung-Chul aback.
Hyung-Chul....... But... Do you know who this man is? What he was accused of doing? I came to rescue you!
Sun-Mi.............. (indignantly) Do I look like I need rescuing? Am I just as a helpless damsel needing a white knight to save her?
....................... Isn’t there anything you don’t look down on me for as an idiot?
Tears of shame and anger smart in Sun-Mi’s eyes. She marches over to the door to leave, then realizes that she is barefoot.
Glaring back at Hyung-Chul, she returns to pick up her shoes and jacket, and then flees the room.
Hyung-Chul looks over at Seok-Hun. Seok-Hun looks back, and shrugs.
Hyung-Chul....... Am I missing something here?
Seok-Hun.......... I'd already told Sun-Mi about my record. Just so you know, the photographs were for a class figure study project.
....................... A group of us got wasted celebrating the semester end, a ruckup ensued, and the police jumped to conclusions.
....................... My Prof had to come down to the station to clear things up.
HYung-Chul....... I suppose I jumped to conclusions, too.
Seok-Hun.......... I had no intentions to harm Sun-Mi, or besmirch her character. I have too much regard her to ever do that.
....................... (grins) You know, that woman is one of a kind... I understand why you’re into her so much.
He feels the sore spot on his face where Hyung-Chul hit him.
Seok-Hun.......... And why you’d slug a guy, wanting to protect her...
Seok-Hun extends his hand. After a moment to reflect, Hyung-Chul reluctantly accepts his offer, and they shake.
Seok-Hun.......... I’ll be moving on now.
Hyung-Chul....... What about Director Kim?
Seok-Hun.......... I quit working for him before coming here, but there’s nothing I can do about what happened before:
....................... In a couple of days, the shit will hit the fan. I'm truly sorry about that, and hope you'll extend my apology to Sun-Mi.
Hyung-Chul....... (gloomily) If she ever gives me the chance to speak to her again, that is.
Seok-Hun.......... (laughs) You don’t get it yet, do you, Director? Sun-Mi never looked at me for one second as more than a friend.
....................... You’re the only one in her heart. All you have to do is regain her trust, and she’ll come back to you.
Hyung-Chul....... Any ideas on how I can do that?
Seok-Hun.......... I’ll leave it to you, Director, to figure that out...
SCENE: Aboard the return flight to Seoul, night
THAT NIGHT...
The MBS employees are patiently lined up in the airplane cabin waiting to take their seats on charter flight from Jeju back to Seoul.
Kyung-Hee and Sun-Mi are already seated together; Sun-Mi in the window seat, browsing an entertainment magazine.
Kyung-Hee........ It was so nice to have a few days ti relax after working so hard, wasn’t it?
Sun-Mi.............. (a bit sarcastically) Yeah... it was so restful...
Jin-Soo passes them, carrying both his carryon and Cho-Jeh’s, as she tags along right behind him.
Cho-Jeh catches Sun-Mi’s eye and gives her a big wink. Sun-Mi returns a smile with a thumb’s up.
Elsewhere on the plane, Sun-Dal stops by Joo-Hee's seat. She is working on a business report on her laptop.
He motions toward the empty seat beside her.
Sun-Dal............ Is that spoken for?
Joo-Hee looks down the aisle, hoping to see if Hyung-Chul is available, but is disappointed.
Joo-Hee............ (reluctantly) I suppose so. Suit yourself.
She goes back to typing as Sun-Dal puts his carryon under the seat and sits down.
Sun-Dal............ I’ve heard it’s good for the complexion to be fully hydrated when flying.
Joo-Hee............ (indifferently as she types) You don’t say?
Sun-Dal takes out a bottle of juice from his carryon and loosens the cap. He holds it out for Joo-Hee.
Joo-Hee appears to ignore him, continuing to type. He presses the bottle against her wrist, causing her to stop typing.
Sun-Dal............ For you...
Joo-Hee looks away and smiles to herself at his insistence... then takes the bottle from his hand.
Joo-Hee............ Thanks.
The last of the passengers in the line takes their seats, and the flight attendant vacates her greeting position by the door.
A second later, Ki-Jong bursts into the cabin frantically.
Ki-Jong............. (loudly) Am I late? I only stopped to pick up a something to eat...
With carryon in one hand and a plastic bag in the other, which also clutches a obarding pass, he struggles to read the seat assignment.
Kyung-Hee hears him and looks up, motioning him to the only empty row left. Ki-Jong raises his eyebrows and hints with his eyes.
She smiles back and reaches down to get her purse from under the seat.
Kyung-Hee........ (to Sun-Mi) I’m changing seats now.
Sun-Mi.............. (engaged in reading) Sure...
Hyung-Chul, who was talking with the flight captain in the jetway just outside the airplane door, shakes the officer's hand and goes in.
Walking slowly down the aisle, he passes the filled rows, greeting employees with nods and smiles.
When he comes to Young-Mi, who is sharing the row with Woo-Jin, she looks up and gazes at him warmly.
Woo-Jin turns to look down at the floor, pretending not to notice...
Scanning the airplane cabin to the back, Hyung-Chul sees the only vacant seat remaining is next to Sun-Mi.
Whether by design, or chance, he realizes that the moment he was waiting for has been handed to him...
Hyung-Chul settles into the aisle seat next to Sun-Mi, but if she notices, she doesn’t show it.
He clears his throat, but her eyes stay fixed on the magazine.
Hyung-Chul....... Sun-Mi...
Sun-Mi.............. (coldly, without looking up) I’m sorry I over reacted this morning. Please forget it ever happened.
Hyung-Chul....... (quietly) It's not like you... Why are you acting this way?
She looks up at him, her face grim.
Sun-Mi.............. Who is acting like what? Who barged in and created those circumstances? Did I?
She unfastens her seat belt.
Sun-Mi.............. Let me out... I wanna change seats...
Captain............. (over the intercom) Flight attendents, prepare preflight checks. Passengers, please fasten your seatbelts...
....................... We’ll be taxiing for takeoff in a minute.
Hyung-Chul reaches over to fasten Sun-Mi’s seatbelt snugly.
Hyung-Chul....... (smiling) Too late. It looks like we’re stuck with each other for now...
She glares at him momentarily to show her irritation at his unwanted attentiveness, then turns away to signal the end of conversation.
Sun-Mi ignores the magazine on her lap, staring out the window as the airplane starts backing away from the terminal.
With the churning of emotions just his presence next to her evokes, she is unable to concentrate enough to read, anyway.
She wonders if their estrangement will ever be resolved... will they ever be able to go back to how things were before?
Next to her, Hyung-Chul resigns himself to the impenetrable wall Sun-Mi has erected to shut him out, and closes his eyes to rest.
For both, this will be a long, uncomfortable flight...
SCENE: Inside Hyung-Chul’s villa, morning
A FEW DAYS LATER...
Hyung-Chul is eating a breakfast of coffee and toast at his kitchen table as he skims through the morning paper.
He turns to the entertainment section, andreads the headline:
SHAKEUP IN MBS NEWSROOM CONTINUES
Announcer Jin Sun-Mi Rumored in Secret Affair with Director
The article is accompanied by photographs of himself and Sun-Mi, stock releases from the MBS PR department.
He begins to read the article, when his cell phone rings. Hyung-Chul sees it is his father, and answers the call.
Hyung-Chul....... What is it, Father?
Hoe-Jang.......... Have you seen today's papers? What the blazes is going on?
Hyung-Chul....... There’s no truth to the allegations... it's just a bait we should ignore.
Hoe-Jang.......... Still, the Board doesn't look favorably on publicity matters like this. Director Kim will take full advantage of it.
Hyung-Chul....... I can handle Director Kim.
Hoe-Jang.......... I'm more concerned about Director Yoo. He's still pressuring me about you and Joo-Hee.
Hyung-Chul....... (jokingly) Maybe after he reads this, he’ll change his tune.
Hoe-Jang.......... It's not a joke. If this becomes a scandal, he could throw his support behind Kim.
Hyung-Chul takes a sip of coffee for a moment to think.
Hyung-Chul....... Just speak directly. What are you trying to say?
Hoe-Jang.......... Stop wasting your time with Announcer Jin, and get serious about the consequences of what you're doing.
....................... Joo-Hee was your mother’s choice for you, after all, so you should...
Hyung-Chul....... (abruptly ending the conversation) I need to get going... I’ll keep you informed on any development... Bye.
Hyung-Chul puts the phone down and ponders their conversation as he tries to cool his ire before it explodes inside him.
But he recognizes that his father is right, the situation is untenable and needs to be resolved quickly...
Now if he can just persuade Sun-Mi to think the same way, too...
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s office, morning
Sun-Dal is in Hyung-Chul’s office for a hastily-called meeting...
Sun-Dal............ My informant at the paper said it was an anonymous tip, there's more photos of you with Sun-Mi...
....................... Taken before she was accepted in the Announcer Training Program, so you know the insinuations.
Hyung-Chul....... It has to be Director Kim. We attacked his cronyism and nepotism, now he’s trying to tar me the same way.
Sun-Dal............ The media will blow a tidbit like this completely out of proportion, to create a juicy scandal.
....................... We’ve already had a calls asking for an official statement, but so far I’ve stonewalled them.
Hyung-Chul....... (smiles confidently) Why not give them what they want?
Sun-Dal............ What?
Hyung-Chul....... Information. Announce an informal press conference tonight with everyone who got those photos.
Sun-Dal............ (surprised) What are you going to do?
Hyung-Chul....... Fight rumors with facts. All we have to do is show that Sun-Mi didn't need my help to get into MBS.
....................... Presenting everything in black and white will put a quick end to this ‘scandal’ before it gets legs.
SCENE: MBS training office, afternoon
Sun-Dal is at a desk in the Training Office, looking at records on a computer monitor, when a knock sounds on the door.
Joo-Hee comes in, closing the door as she enters.
Sun-Dal............ (anxiously) Did anyone see you?
Joo-Hee............ Why all the secrecy? What’s going on?
Sun-Dal............ You heard the rumor that Hyung-Chul got Sun-Mi a job at MBS because they were dating?
Joo-Hee............ Yes, everybody's seen the story.
Sun-Dal............ Hyung-Chul wants to call a press conference to show the media Sun-Mi’s records... that she passed without his help.
Joo-Hee............ Okay... That seems simple enough.
Sun-Dal............ If it were only simple... (sighs deeply) It wasn’t Hyung-Chul who helped Sun-Mi get the job, but me...
Joo-Hee............ (surprised) What? How did you do that?
Sun-Dal............ Remember the 3-minute oral exam that Jin Sun-Mi failed because someone had destroyed her script?
Joo-Hee............ (scoffing) You actually believed that sob story? ‘The dog ate my homework’ is the oldest excuse in the book!
Sun-Dal............ But I’d actually seen her finished script before, and felt it wasn’t right to penalize her just for that.
....................... So I changed her grade to pass.
Joo-Hee............ How did you did that without consulting me? We both have to sign off on the numbers.
Sun-Dal............ (sheepishly) Since I'd memorized your password, I did the approval for you...
Joo-Hee............ Idiot! If anyone finds out, you could lose your job! And Jin-Sun-Mi, too!
Sun-Dal............ (pleading) So you’ve gotta help me, Joo-Hee...
Joo-Hee............ Why should I save your hides? You'll only be getting what you deserve.
Sun-Dal............ But who’s going to believe it was me, and not Hyung-Chul, who was ultimately responsible?
Joo-Hee ponders her dilemma...
By refusing to help and eliminate her rival, she also could ruin the man she loves. How could she ever forgive herself?
But by saving Sun-Mi’s career, she probably dooms her own chances to ever win Hyung-Chul’s affections back...
And quickly makes her choice...
Joo-Hee............ (determined) Let’s go over it again, and see if there’s some way to fix this.
She scrolls through the records, as she thinks of a plan...
Sun-Dal............ (still fretting) What can we do?
Joo-Hee............ First, correct the test scores. If anyone checks the raw numbers, they’ll know you fudged the results.
....................... Then if we put another assignment into the records, with the additional points, she'll pass...
Sun-Dal............ But it's too late to make up something now.
Joo-Hee............ I don't have to... I had Sun-Mi do the noon radio news brief once when Shin Ki-Jong was late.
....................... I never bothered to add it in her record, but the extra points should be enough to give her a passing grade.
Relief comes over Sun-Dal’s face as Joo-Hee changes the records, and Sun-Mi is officially, and honestly, passed.
He is all smiles as he logs in to confirm his approval.
Sun-Dal............ Whew! ... Joo-Hee, you’re a lifesaver!
Joo-Hee............ (wryly) It must be my fate. I gave that task to Sun-Mi out of spite, to give her trouble, but it ended up saving her.
Sun-Dal............ Now all we ahve to do is print out her records, like Hyung-Chul wanted...
Then he notices the serious expression on Joo-Hee's face.
Joo-Hee............ Except this alone won't quash the rumors. It's true that they did have a relationship all those years.
....................... So who would believe he wasn't favoring Sun-Mi? You can't disprove a negative with evidence like this.
Sun-Dal............ What do you have in mind, then?
Joo-Hee............ When is the press conference?
Sun-Dal............ Hyung-Chul wanted it tonight at 7:45, in the main lobby, so he could make a statement after the Board meeting.
Joo-Hee............ Let me handle it. With any luck, by the time Hyung-Chul comes down, the entire matter should be resolved.
Sun-Dal............ All right, I've gotta go and get ready to do the news. Can you handle it on your own?
Joo-Hee............ (smiles) I’ll give those vultures something bigger to gnaw on, so they’ll forget all about this entirely...
SCENE: MBS Main Lobby, night
At 7:15 a crowd of reporters is milling about in the MBS main lobby when one of the elevator doors opens and Joo-Hee steps out.
She has changed from her dark, serious news anchor suit to a brighter color, projecting a warmer, more feminine image.
Joo-Hee walks up to the platform erected especially for the news conference, and taps the microphone lightly to see if it is turned on.
The amplified sound alerts the reporters, who direct their full attention on her.
Joo-Hee............ Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming out tonight on such short notice...
Grumbling erupts among the reporters.
Reporter 1 (M)... We want to hear directly from Director Yoon Hyung-Chul, not a surrogate!
Reporter 2 (F).... (calling from the back) If Director Yoon isn't available, then let us see Announcer Jin Sun-Mi!
Joo-Hee............ (calmly) Regrettably, Director Yoon is detained by important business matters, but will arrive shortly.
....................... Announcer Jin is, as you all know, delivering the news right now. So please, indulge me a few minutes.
The grumbling stops, as the reporters grudgingly accept Joo-Hee’s request.
Joo-Hee............ Regarding these photographs purporting to depict a secret affair between Director Yoon and Announcer Jin,
....................... on their behalf, I categorically refute that claim. This was not an affair and it was not a secret.
Reporter 3 (F).... What evidence do you have to back up your assertion? And if even if what you claim is true,
....................... how does that prove Director Yoon still didn't personally have a hand in advancing Announcer Jin's career?
Joo-Hee............ That is exactly the issue I wanted to address tonight. And as to evidence, in a moment I'll show you the proof...
....................... But first, let me fill you in on some background...
SCENE: MBS 7PM News broadcast, night
In the News Center control room, the PD is watching a commercial on the monitor when a runner hurries in.
Runner............. (breathlessly) I just got word that Yoo Joo-Hee is holding a news conference in the lobby... right now!
The PD looks at the paper briefly and makes a snap decision.
PD................... (to an assistant) Get a camera to the lobby with a live feed, now! There's still 60 seconds to the end of the break.
The PD scrawls some words on a piece of paper and hands it to the runner.
PD................... Send this out to Jin Sun-Mi... Hurry!
....................... (into his headset microphone) Breaking news, Sun-Mi, put it at the top of the segment. We'll have a feed in 45.
The runner arrives on the set and hands Sun-Mi the sheet of paper.
Sun-Mi looks up at the PD and nods.
At the news desk, Sun-Mi and Sun-Dal wait, frozen in their seats, as the commercial break ends.
PD................... Anchors standby! 3... 2... 1...
The “ON AIR” light comes on.
PD................... Anchors!
On the large monitor in the control room, the camera zooms in from a wide view of the studio set, centering on Sun-Dal.
Sun-Dal............ Thank you for joining us... This is the MBS 7 O’clock News... Jin Sun-Mi has the latest in Entertainment news...
The camera pans over to Sun-Mi as she starts reading...
Sun-Mi.............. We have breaking news to report tonight, happening right now in the MBS studios...
In the control room, the PD counts aloud the seconds to the live feed.
PD................... 3... 2... 1...
On the monitors, a live camera shot of the press conference in the lobby appears behind Sun-Mi.
Sun-Mi.............. MBS News Anchor Yoo Joo-Hee is about to make a special announcement. Let's join the press conference live...
The studio monitor cuts to Joo-Hee at the podium in the lobby.
Joo-Hee............ I hope that clearly explains the background to Director Yoon and Announcer Jin's relationship... Questions?
When Sun-Mi and Sun-Dal hear this, they watch the video feed with rapt attention.
Reporter 3 (M)... Announcer Yoo, earlier you claimed to have proof Director Yoon and Announcer Jin are not in an intimate relatioship.
....................... Can you reveal that proof now?
Joo-Hee............ Certainly...
Joo-Hee smiles and pauses to build anticipation, before she continues speaking...
Joo-Hee............ This is my proof...
She holds up her left hand, displaying a diamond engagement ring on her finger that sparkles in the bright conference lights.
An audible gasp comes from the crowd, as much at the size of the diamond, as at the startling news they were just handed.
In the news studio, the announcement is received with similar stunned surprise...
Every eye is glued to the video monitor as the camera zooms in for a closeup of the ring.
Sun-Mi stares at the monitor with utter disbelief, unable to breathe...
To Be Continued…
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