All About Eve 'Uncut' — The Cold War
by AAEfanatic
Episode 12A
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s office, night
SCENE: MBS Good Morning studio, morning
SCENE: Outside Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
SERIES OF SCENES: Bundang Yuldong Park, throughout the day
SCENE: Announcer’s makeup room, night
SCENE: MBS news center control room, night
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s apartment, night
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's car, night
SCENE: MBS News Center control room, night
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
Act 3
SCENE: In MBS canteen, night
Joo-Hee and Sun-Dal are sharing coffee at a table in the canteen down the corridor from the Announcer’s office.
As they talk, she plays with the engagement ring on her finger.
Sun-Dal............ So after you made the announcement, those reporters had nothing more to say?
Joo-Hee............ They were happy just to get their scoop in time for the nine o'clock newscast, and cleared out right away.
He motions toward her hand.
Sun-Dal............ That’s a big rock. Where'd you get it?
Joo-Hee............ It's a loaner; I called in a favor from a jeweler friend.
Sun-Dal............ It must be worth a small fortune!
Joo-Hee............ A large one, actually... To be believable, it had to be something only a man like Hyung-Chul could afford.
She admires how the ring looks on her hand.
Joo-Hee............ You know, I could get used to wearing this...
Sun-Dal............ You're not giving up on Hyung-Chul?
Joo-Hee............ Why should I? His fling with Jin Sun-Mi is just a way to rebel against his parents' wishes for him.
Sun-Dal............ (incredulous) You really believe that?
Joo-Hee............ Sun-Mi is a walking disaster. She's only going to keep bringing Hyung-Chul more troubles and heartache...
....................... Sooner or later, something else will blow up and put an end to their mismatched relationship for good...
....................... And when that happens, I'll be beside Hyung-Chul, ready to pick up the pieces.
Joo-Hee holds up her hand to admire the ring again.
Joo-Hee............ And then I can wear this... permamently...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Around the corner from the canteen, Young-Mi is listening surreptiously to their conversation.
Having heard enough, she walks away, back toward the Announcer 1 Team office.
Young-Mi.......... (quietly) I knew it was all a fake...
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s office, night
Hyung-Chul is waiting in his office when Joo-Hee comes in. She is fully expecting a scolding, but he only looks tired, not angry.
Hyung-Chul....... Why did you do it, Joo-Hee?
Joo-Hee............ Not happy that I saved your skin, and Jin Sun-Mi’s too?
Hyung-Chul....... It'll only mean trouble for you, later.
Joo-Hee smiles hopefully...
Joo-Hee............ That depends on what 'later' brings...
Hyung-Chul....... You expect me to play along with this?
Joo-Hee............ How else are you going to avoid a scandal? We juast have to make it look real for three months, maybe six.
....................... After that, nobody will care if we ‘break up’ and go our separate ways. Lots of couples split up these days.
Hyung-Chul....... What about your father? Will he give up trying to matchmake us?
Joo-Hee............ If I convince him I made a sincere effort, but it just wasn't our fate. So, what do you say?
Hyung-Chul....... (reluctantly) All right. Three months, but not a day more...
Joo-Hee............ (smiles) When it’s over, you’ll thank me.
Hyung-Chul....... We'll see about that...
Joo-Hee............ I have to go now, to get ready for the news.
Joo-Hee walks over to the office door. There, she stops and looks back.
Joo-Hee............ After the News, you can send me home, okay? I’ll call you later, Dear ...
SCENE: MBS Good Morning studio, morning
THE NEXT MORNING...
Sun-Dal and Sun-Mi are wrapping up the Good Morning show with some light banter.
Sun-Dal............ The forecast for Saturday predicts a beautiful day. Jin Sun-Mi, do you have any plans for a date?
His adlib catches Sun-Mi off-guard. She immediately blushes as she scrambles for a response ...
Sun-Mi.............. Err... I’ll guess... I have to find a boyfriend, first...
Sun-Dal............ (laughs) Do you want me to set you up?
Sun-Mi laughs awkwardly as she tries to make it appear to be a joke between them.
Sun-Dal looks directly into the camera.
Sun-Dal............ I hope you’ll all take advantage of the warm weather, and enjoy an outing this weekend.
Sun-Mi.............. We’ll see you Monday morning at this same time.
They both bow their heads slightly.
Both................. Goodbye.
The “ON AIR” light goes out.
PD................... Well done, everyone. You worked hard.
Sun-Dal and Sun-Mi are taking off their earpieces, when he looks at her seriously.
Sun-Dal............ Sun-Mi, do you have a moment?
Sun-Mi.............. What?
Sun-Dal............ (scolding) What's goong on? Your face was too serious again today. Lighten up a bit, and smile more.
....................... This isn’t the News; people want to start the day feeling happy and encouraged.
Sun-Mi.............. I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind right now. I’ll try to do better.
Sun-Dal............ Trying isn’t enough. Ratings are down again this week. Fix your attitude quickly, before no one is watching.
....................... This isn’t a request; it’s an order!
Sun-Mi.............. (sighs) Yes, Sir.
SCENE: Outside Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
THAT WEEKEND...
At Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
Sun-Mi stands in the car park outside Hyung-Chul's villa, debating with herself...
Sun-Mi.............. We’re just good friends; a friend can wish a friend happiness, right? ... But how to say it?
....................... ‘I came to congratulate you, Senior, to wish you happiness’ ... (shakes her head) No, that's not it...
She takes a deep breath, and tries again.
Sun-Mi.............. I just wanted to say I hope you and Joo-Hee are happy... (sighs) That's not right, either...
....................... Anyway, why should he care what I have to say?
As she turns away to leave, Sun-Mi hears voices. A moment later, Joo-Hee and Hyung-Chul appear from the strairway.
Joo-Hee is wearing a sundress, hat and sunglasses. Hyung-Chul is dressed in khakis and a Polo shirt, and is carrying a picnic basket.
Hyung-Chul....... Where do you want to go?
Joo-Hee............ How about Seoul Grand Park?
Hyung-Chul....... Are you sure? It will be pretty crowded today.
Joo-Hee............ That's the point... I want everyone to see us together.
Sun-Mi doesn’t wait to hear or see any more. Before she is noticed, she rapidly retreats out to the street...
SERIES OF SCENES: Bundang Yuldong Park, throughout the day
In the coffee shop at Bundang Yuldong Park, noon
The lakeside coffeeshop in Yuldong Park bustles with customers; the patio tables overlooking the lake filled to capacity.
Sun-Mi sits alone, nursing a lattee. With the entire afternoon free, she is in no hurry...
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) It’s really no big deal... This had to happen sooner or later...
A waitress appears, impatient and looking a bit harried.
Waitress........... Miss? Did you want to order something else?
Sun-Mi.............. Oh… (smiles) I was just leaving.
At Yuldong Park, afternoon
The park is busy, as young and old alike enjoy a warm, sunny, late autumn day under a bright blue sky.
Sun-Mi ambles along the pedestrian promenade circumnavigating Yuldong Lake, recalling a happier time, on a previous autumn day...
|
FLASHBACK [Scenes from Episode 6, of Hyung-Chul and Sun-Mi on their ‘first real date’ as he called it]
Hyung-Chul....... This is our official first date.
Sun-Mi.............. Then what present are you going to give me?
Hyung-Chul....... Something expensive... ramen...
|
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) So much has happened in the year since we ate that ‘expensive’ ramen...
She takes time to stop and watch the jumpers at the bungee tower.
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) That day I vowed never to have another one-way love...
In the sculpture garden, she admires the modernistic artwork.
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) I promised never to let my heart be wounded again...
Passing by the playground, she enjoys watching the children run and shout with delight as parents and grandparents keep a close eye.
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) So why did I let myself fall for him...?
Later she rests on a bench by the shoreline, observing the ducks feeding and swimming in the shallows.
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) Why did I believe it would be different this time...?
At Bundang Yuldong Park, evening
By now, most families with children have left the park; young couples fill the lakeside benches andstroll the promenade arm in arm.
Sun-Mi is alone with her thoughts as she approaches the wooden bridge, to a scene she remembers as if it had happened yesterday...
|
FLASHBACK [Scene from Episode 6, on Hyung-Chul and Sun-Mi’s ‘first real date’ at Yuldong Lake]
Sun-Mi.............. I’m going to forget it all, but I’d like you to remember it for a long time instead... ....................... Would you do that for me?
Hyung-Chul....... I won’t forget...
|
Sun-Mi stops where she’d stood that day, but no one is behind her now, to watch and remember for her....
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) I lied with those selfless, noble words, trying to impress him... But there's no one to lie for anymore...
She watches as a gentle breeze sends ripples across the surface of the lake as the fountain shoots a stream in a 130-meter high arc.
Birds call out their final songs for the day before winging back to their roosts. The sound of chirping frogs and insects grows louder.
As the sun settles into the distant hills, stars are appearing overhead in a deep cobalt sky...
Sun-Mi contemplates the peaceful scene... But in the depths of her heart a dark pit looms larger with the fading light.
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) I can’t forget... I can’t smile and pretend that I’m fine... I can’t wish him happiness without me...
She grips the handrail to steady herself, as a tear wends down her cheek...
Sun-Mi.............. (voiceover) Senior... what shall I do? ... Life won’t be the same without you by my side...
SCENE: MBS News Center, night
SEVERAL DAYS LATER...
In the News Center studio, the set crew is making ready for the broadcast.
Crew 1.............. Please get the camera ready.
Crew 2.............. How do we do this?
Crew 1.............. Move back!
Crew 2.............. OK.
SCENE: Announcer’s makeup room, night
In the announcer’s makeup room, a makeup artiste is preparing Sun-Mi for the newscast.
Artiste.............. There, you’re ready to go.
Sun-Mi.............. Thank you.
Artiste.............. Good luck.
Sun-Mi.............. Ok.
Crew................ Jin Sun-Mi? It’s time...
Sun-Mi.............. Yes, I’m coming.
Sun-Mi picks up her cell phone and turns to go to the set, then remembers the prohibition against cell phones in the studio.
She returns to the make-up table and sets the cell phone down.
SCENE: MBS News Center, night
The News Center studio crew is busy preparing for the evening newscast.
Crew 1.............. Please center camera #1.
Crew 2.............. OK.
Young-Mi slowly walks past the news desk, trying to appear innoculous by her appearance in the studio.
She waits until no one is looking, then drops Sun-Mi’s cellphone on the floor and kicks it under the desk.
Crew 3.............. Let me know if you can hear my voice.
Crew 4.............. Good.
Sun-Mi walks onto the set just in time to see Young-Mi walking away from the news desk.
Crew 5.............. We need to hurry.
Sun-Mi watches curiously as Young-Mi leaves the studio.
Crew 6.............. Is the script ready?
PD................... We’re starting.
Sun-Dal and Sun-Mi sit down at the newsdesk and prepare for the broadcast.
Sun-Dal............ OK.
Sun-Dal............ Jin Sun-Mi. you can’t have any opinions today.
Sun-Mi.............. Mr. Kim, you get nervous when you see me, huh?
Sun-Dal............ Nervous? Course not. Thanks to you, the news crosses over.
Sun-Mi.............. Cross over?
Sun-Dal............ News into comedy. [News with comic effects incorporated into it.]
Sun-Mi feigns a look of disgust at Sun-Dal.
PD................... Anchor standby...
Sun-Dal and Sun-Mi face the camera in anticipation.
PD................... Anchor!
Sun-Dal............ Hello everyone. This is the MBS evening 7 o’clock news.
Sun-Mi.............. A race to see who can climb up 52 flights of stairs had just begun.
....................... These people love a good challenge. Bae Su-Jung reporting...
Scene: MBS cafeteria, night
Young-Mi and Joo-Hee are eating dinner in the MBS basement cafeteria.
Joo-Hee............ Are you feeling better?
Young-Mi.......... I’m a bit frustrated, but I’ll take the time to study a little more before the next opportunity.
Young-Mi turns to look at the TV monitor, where Sun-Mi is reading the news.
Young-Mi.......... Sun-Mi’s good too.
Joo-Hee............ (nods) Yeah, that’s more like it.
Young-Mi.......... (nods) I’ll go get some water.
Joo-Hee nods and keeps on eating, while Young-Mi leaves the table.
Scene: MBSlower lobby, night
Young-Mi goes out into the lower lobby, and makes a call to Sun-Mi’s cellphone.
SCENE: MBS News Center, night
An the news center, Sun-Mi is live on the air...
Sun-Mi.............. Yesterday and today it was raining so...
A phone starts ringing on the news set. A cameraman looks from behind his camera.
Sun-Mi.............. The rain will... and the farmers's situation...
The Program Director is looking around the control room for the source of the sound, as the phone keeps ringing.
PD................... Where’s that sound coming from?
Sun-Dal feels his suit coat to see if his phone is there.
Sun-Mi.............. Cho Jung-Hyung reports about the rain...
The phone keeps ringing as she talks.
As soon as the newscast is cut to the reporter on a remote feed, Sun-Mi and Sun-Dal start looking around for the cell phone.
PD................... Studio! I think the sound is coming from there. Please hurry and take care of it.
On the studio monitor, Sun-Mi is seen looking for the cell phone, then glancing at Sun-Dal.
The PD signals that they are about to go live from the studio again.
Sun-Mi is still looking for the phone, then realizes that she is about to be on-camera and settles into her seat again.
Sun-Mi.............. The area north of Kyung-Ki is preparing for ...
Scene: MBS cafeteria, night
In the cafeteria, Joo-Hee gets up from her table to watch the newscast on the nearby TV monitor.
Young-Mi appears and joins her.
Sun-Mi.............. (OS on the TV) ...flooding as in the past two years...
Joo-Hee............ What’s that sound?
Young-Mi appears surprised.
Sun-Mi.............. (OS on the TV) ...They began efforts two months ago...
Joo-Hee............ Is that a cellphone ringing?
They watch for another few seconds.
Sun-Mi.............. (OS on the TV) ...for prevention and recovery...
Joo-Hee............ Oh my goodness. Who brought a phone into the studio?
Sun-Mi.............. (on the TV) Baek Sung-Bae reporting...
On the TV monitor, Sun-Mi ducks under the news desk to search for the phone after the newscast cuts to the reporter.
Nearby Man....... (dismissively) Her again?
Young-Mi and Joo-Hee look at him.
SCENE: MBS news center, night
In the News Center, the cell phone is still ringing, causing consternation among the studio crew and producers.
In the background, a female weather girl (WG) is announcing the forecast.
WG.................. (OS) The weather shows that today will be wet and…
Sun-Dal watches Sun-Mi on her hands and knees, searching through a tangle of wiring under the newsdask for the offending device.
Sun-Dal............ Did you find it?
Sun-Mi finally locates the phone and shuts it off. When she realizes that the phone is hers, she looks up at Sun-Dal apologetically.
Sun-Dal sends her a silent reprimand with his dour expression.
WG.................. (OS) In the North this morning, the temperature will still be hot...
Sun-Dal waves for Sun-Mi to get back into her chair.
Sun-Mi sits down, a bit disheveled, with her earpiece wire dangling in plain view.
WG.................. (OS) The temperature will continue through tomorrow…
Sun-Dal glances over at Sun-Mi to see if she is ready. Sun-Mi looks back, still distressed by the incident.
Sun-Dal closes his eyes and exhales loudly to calm himself.
WG.................. (OS) There will be rain in every part of the country...
Duly abashed, Sun-Mi knows she is in serious trouble now.
Sun-Dal............ (composed) The next news...
SCENE: MBS cafeteria, night
As the newscast continues in the background... two people at the table next to Joo-Hee and Young-Mi react.
Man 1............... She’s addicted to creating trouble! Is that her way of attracting attention?
Man 2............... Would they still want her as an anchor?
Joo-Hee looks disgusted, but Young-Mi smiles craftily, knowing her plot has worked out exactly as she wanted.
Because of this debacle, it is unlikely that Sun-Mi will ever be assigned to do the News again... now only Joo-Hee stands in her way...
SCENE: MBS news center, night
In the news center studio, the ONAIR light goes out.
PD................... Thank you. Everyone worked hard.
The studio crew begins preparing for the News At Nine.
Sun-Dal hears a few sniffles and a stifled sob from the co-anchor seat next to him. He looks toward Sun-Mi.
She is bent over the newsdesk, face buried in her hands, trying to keep her composure together.
Sun-Dal............ Sun-Mi, it could have happened to anyone...
She does not reply, knowing he is merely trying to console her.
Sun-Dal stands up and looks into the control room. He sees Director Kim Eun-Ki approaching the Program Director, looking furious.
He glances at Sun-Mi again and sighs. He will have some serious explaining to do...
SCENE: MBS news center control room, night
In the news studio control room, Director Kim Eun-Ki is dressing down the Program Director.
Eun-Ki ............. Are you out of your mind? This is the first time I’ve seen something like this in my whole career.
PD................... I’m very sorry.
Sun-Dal walks up.
Eun-Ki ............. What the heck is going on?
Sun-Dal ........... I’m sorry. I have nothing to say.
Eun-Ki ............. Change the anchor immediately, and reprimand Jin Sun-Mi! ... What is this?
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
Young-Mi is sitting at the conference table, playing with her hair, enjoying the fallout of her scheme.
Meanwhile, Joo-Hee is pacing back and forth, upset, as she lets off steam to no one in particular.
Joo-Hee............ (angrily) What does she see this as? Why did she take her cellphone in there?
Joo-Hee turns to complain directly to Kyung-Hee, who had backed Sun-Mi’s promotion to the Morning Show.
Joo-Hee............ (angrily) She doesn’t even have the basics down. She’s just trying to put on a show again, like last time.
Kyung-Hee........ Why are you being so harsh? Sun-Mi... can make mistakes, but she’s not that type of girl.
Joo-Hee............ How can you say that? Didn’t you see? Mistakes are within limits. I’m so shocked, I’m speechless.
Jin-Soo looks at Joo-Hee, unhappy about her attitude toward Sun-Mi, then gets up to leave.
Kyung-Hee........ Well, her cellphone...
She pauses and looks at Young-Mi.
Kyung-Hee........ You must be so happy. You looked like you lost everything important to you.
....................... Now you have something to look forward to.
Young-Mi fakes a dejected expression.
Joo-Hee............ I always said we should put Young-Mi back in as soon as she got out of the hospital.
....................... They’re so against seeing people make it big. So all they try to do is step on them instead of cultivating their skills.
Joo-Hee............ (addressing Kyung-Hee) That’s why you never improved.
Kyung-Hee........ (defensively) You keep saying skills, but who says you have better skills?
Joo-Hee looks at Kyung-Hee indignantly.
Kyung-Hee........ Also, are you hated because you have good skills?
....................... Its not because you have good skills, it’s because you’re doing hateful acts.
Joo-Hee............ (coldly) Miss Lee...
Young-Mi.......... Please... Stop it, Joo-Hee.
Kyung-Hee turns her back on both of them and faces the windows.
SCENE: MBS news center, night
Sun-Mi is sitting at the news desk in the empty News Center, contemplating how she could have done something so stupid.
Then she suddenly realizes that she'd deliberately returned to leave her hpone in the makeup room, so someone must have planted it.
She wonders, could it have been Young-Mi?
Sun-Dal enters the news center. He slowly walks over to the newsdesk and sits on it, next to Sun-Mi.
Sun-Dal............ Jin Sun-Mi...
Sun-Mi turns to look up at him.
Sun-Dal............ Jin Sun-Mi, you are still here?
Sun-Mi.............. I really didn’t bring it. I’m positive I left in the makeup room.
Sun-Dal ........... If it wasn’t you then that means someone else put it here. That would be a huge scandal within our office.
Sun-Mi.............. It’s unfair! I'm innocent.
Sun-Dal ........... That’s enough. Stop it. Some announcers work for their lives without making it. You did it all in one season.
....................... Just think of it like that.
Sun-Mi turns away sadly.
Sun-Dal ........... Also, starting tomorrow, Young-Mi will take over the slot.
Although she was expecting this, actually hearing the decision that she was kicked off the News jars Sun-Mi.
Sun-Dal nods to confirm the decision, and then gets up to leave.
SCENE: MBS corridor, night
Sun-Mi is anxiously trying to get coorboration from the makeup artiste who was with her before the newscast.
Sun-Mi.............. You saw me leave my cellphone. You saw it, right? Right? You didn’t see it?
Artiste ............. I didn’t. I’m sorry, Sun-Mi. I’ll see you later.
Sun-Mi.............. (frustrated) Oh! Oh!
Sun-Mi walks slowly down the corridor and sees Young-Mi holding a cup of coffee, waiting for her.
Young-Mi slowly walks up to Sun-Mi with a smirk on her face.
Young-Mi.......... What is it? Why don’t you accuse me again?
Sun-Mi.............. Weren’t you eating with Joo-Hee at that time?
Sun-Mi starts to walk away.
Young-Mi.......... I was watching your broadcast with her.
Sun-Mi.............. Yeah. You probably did it. Making a call won't take long. You tried really hard to get an alibi, didn't you?
Young-Mi.......... What a joke! Do you have any evidence?
Sun-Mi.............. I don’t. But... you came to the News Center, right? Right? I saw you. It was definitely you.
Young-Mi.......... Yeah. I want to pay my respects to the staff. Are you saying everybody in the studio is a suspect?
....................... What a joke! You always pretend to be good and when something goes wrong, you blame others!
Sun-Mi looks away as she restrains her desire to lash back. Tears glisten in her eyes.
Young-Mi.......... I have to go right now. I have to get ready for the News.
Young-Mi walks past Sun-Mi, deliberately brushing her shoulder.
A few steps later, she looks back at Sun-Mi. then she takes out her cellphone out and calls Sun-Mi’s phone.
Sun-Mi gasps in suprise when her phone suddenly rings. She looks at the Caller ID and sees that it is Young-Mi.
Young-Mi stops and turns to SM, waving her cell phone at Sun-Mi.
Young-Mi.......... Be careful, Jin Sun-Mi.
Sun-Mi watches, angry and frustrated, as Young-Mi walks off triumphantly.
SCENE: Young-Mi's car, night
Young-Mi drives home, satisfied that she has all-but-destroyed Sun-Mi's chances at ever gaining the Nine O'Clock News.
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
Sun-Mi is crying at her desk. She picks up the phone receiver and dials Hyung-Chul. His answering machine picks up the call.
Recording......... This is Yoon Hyung-Chul. Please leave me a message and I'll call you right away.
Sun-Mi.............. (sobbing) Senior, What should I do?
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s apartment, night
Hyung-Chul arrives at his apartment after areturning from a business trip, carrying a large suitcase into the living room.
He sits down and listens to the answering machine for his messages.
Recording......... You have two messages.
Eun-Ki.............. Yoon Hyung-Chul, it’s your uncle. You should return from Japan this evening, right?
....................... I need to leave soon. I want to know...
Hyung-Chul deletes the message without listening to the rest of it, gets up and starts walks away.
The answering machine starts to play the next message:
Sun-Mi.............. (sobbing, then in a sad, broken voice) Senior... What should I do?
Hyung-Chul stops when he hears Sun-Mi’s message, then runs out of his apartment.
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's car, night
Hyung-Chul drives recklessly as he rushes to the MBS studios, talking on his car mobile to ascertain the situation concerning Sun-Mi.
Sun-Dal............ Everything got mixed up before anyone could stop it. You didn’t see it, did you?
Hyung-Chul....... Where’s Sun-Mi?
Sun-Dal............ I’m not sure. She was in the News Center earlier, but ...
Hyung-Chul....... Got it. I’m hanging up.
Hyung-Chul speeds up, honks and passes a car.
SCENE: MBS News Center, night
Hyung-Chul arrives at the news studio, looking for Sun-Mi.
The News At Nine is in livecast. Joo-Hee and a male anchor are at the news desk.
Male anchor...... Farmers need more hands for their farm labor, especially when peach and pear orchards ...
Joo-Hee sees Hyung-Chul come into the studio control room, look around, and then leave in a hurry.
Male anchor...... suffers under a tight labor market. Cho Hung-Soo reports ...
SCENE: MBS News Center control room, night
As Hyung-Chul leaves the control room, Director Kim stops him.
Eun-Ki.............. In your absence, I ordered that Announcer Jin Sun-Mi be removed from the News. She is your Junior, right?
....................... Do you have anything to say?
Hyung-Chul....... (stiffly) Under the circumstances, nothing.
Eun-Ki.............. Don't think that is over. Since the announcers are your responsibility, this debacle falls directly on your shoulders.
Hyung-Chul faces him and speaks directly.
Hyung-Chul....... What are you trying to say? Say it...
Eun-Ki.............. The Company just spent a small fortune on training the announcers. Is this all we have to show for it?
....................... I’m sure the Board will be interested in looking further into this, and I'll demand they take appropriate action!
Hyung-Chul....... (restraining himself) Excuse me, I have something more important to do right now...
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
Sun-Mi is crying, head down on her desk. She wipes away her tears, stands up and turns to leave.
Jsut then Hyung-Chul apprears in the doorway, breathless from running. They stare at each other for a few seconds.
Sun-Mi looks away, embarrasssed.
Sun-Mi.............. (quietly) I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call you. Out of habit, my hand just dialed. Knowing that it was you....
....................... But ... you’re not the same. You’re not the person who can comfort me like before,
....................... (breaks into sobs) But...
Hyung-Chul goes over to Sun-Mi, puts his arms around her and pulls her close to him.
Sun-Mi.............. (crying) Senior! I’m frustrated. What should I do? I didn’t think you’d come.
Hyung-Chul....... It’s OK, It’s all right. Stop crying. It’s OK now.
Sun-Mi continues crying in his embrace. Hyung-Chul pats Sun-Mi’s back and strokes her hair as he comforts her.
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, night
A FEW MINUTES LATER...
Sun-Mi has stopped crying, but Hyung-Chul continues to hold her tightly in his embrace.
Still distraught, she welcomes the strength his broad shoulders and calm demeanor gives to her.
Sun-Mi.............. (quietly) I’m so confused... which is the real you?
Before he can answer, the office lights come on, simultaneous with a loud gasp of surprise from the open doorway.
Sun-Mi raises her head as Hyung-Chul also turns to look.
Joo-Hee walks into the room, heading directly toward her desk. She passes by Hyung-Chul and Sun-Mi without looking at them.
Embarrassed at being caught in such an intimate position with Hyung-Chul, Sun-Mi belatedly pushes him away.
Awkwardly, she dips her head toward Joo-Hee and mumbles an explanation as a means of apology.
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry... I didn't know what I was doing...
Joo-Hee stops and turns, casting a cold glare at Sun-Mi.
Joo-Hee............ (icily) I've already forgotten it. Just go...
Sun-Mi hurries to the door to leave, but stops there and looks back.
Sun-Mi.............. Director, Team Leader, please forgive me... I'm so sorry...
Sun-Mi flees, leaving Joo-Hee and Hyung-Chul alone.
Joo-Hee forces a smile.
Joo-Hee............ Well, I see that you found what you were looking for... but was it wise to encourage her like that?
....................... Now the poor girl feels guilty of making you betray your fiancée, too, on top of being publicly humiliated...
Hyung-Chul's stern gaze cuts Joo-Hee short.
Hyung-Chul....... We'll talk later. There is something I need to do, right now.
Without elaborating, he rushes out of the office...
To Be Continued…
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Episode 12a Act 2
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