All About Eve 'Uncut' — The Cold War
by AAEfanatic
Episode 12B
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s office, afternoon
SCENE: MBS elevator lobby, night
SCENE: MBS training classroom, night
SCENE: MBS training classroom, night
SCENE: Sun-Mi's house, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, morning
SCENE: Sun-Mi's house, morning
SCENE: MBS executive conference room, afternoon
SCENE: MBS elevator lobby, afternoon
SCENE: ON River Station, night
Act 1
SCENE: Hyung-Chul’s office, afternoon
“...You’re fired...”
Hyung-Chul’s pronouncement sends Sun-Mi’s heart plummeting, taking the last bit of breath from her lungs with it.
She blindly stares through him as the full weight of its import hits like a hard blow between the eyes, making her senses reel.
Hyung-Chul....... Should I explain?
Tthe vacancy in her face tells him that any explanations would be pointless. Yet he plows on regardless, fulfilling his duty...
Hyung-Chul....... You have the right to appeal this decision with the Review Committee. I want you to do that.
A spark kindles in Sun-Mi's eyes, then abruptly explodes into raging fire...
Sun-Mi.............. (loudly) WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO YOU?!
Hyung-Chul....... Don't make this personal...
Sun-Mi takes a moment to calm down before responding, but her answer is biting nonetheless...
Sun-Mi.............. You're right. I keep forgetting we don't have that kind of relationship anymore.
With that, she turns on her heels and stomps toward the door.
Hyung-Chul....... Wait... I have something more to say...
Hand on the doorknob, Sun-Mi looks back, shooting flaming darts.
Sun-Mi.............. Director Yoon, I don’t care what you have to say! Actually, I'd prefer that we never spoke again!
She jerks the door open, and storms out.
Sun-Dal sees that Hyung-Chul is unsettled by the unexpected turn of events, and offers his assistance...
Sun-Dal............ I’ll go and talk some sense to her...
Hyung-Chul....... Don’t... Give Sun-Mi some time to think about it, first...
SCENE: MBS elevator lobby, night
Young-Mi and Woo-Jin are conversing in the 3F elevator lobby. Neither appears very happy...
Woo-Jin............ What about dinner, then?
Young-Mi.......... You know I’m always tired after I do the news. I'd rather just go home.
Woo-Jin’s phone rings, interrupting them. He takes the phone from his jacket pocket, checks the caller ID, and takes the call.
What he hears — the sound of uncontrolled sobbing — alarms him.
Woo-Jin............ (into the phone) Sun-Mi? What’s wrong?
Sun-Mi.............. (from the phone, between sobs) I don't know... what to do...
Woo-Jin............ Where are you?
Sun-Mi.............. (between sobs) ... Classroom 2...
Meanwhile, Young-Mi is watching, a cross expression on her face.
Young-Mi.......... (demandingly) Tell her you're busy, and can't come!
Woo-Jin............ (into the phone) Hold on, Sun-Mi... (to Young-Mi) I can't do that. It's Sun-Mi...
Young-Mi rolls her eyes and remarks snarkily...
Young-Mi.......... So all she has to do is shed a drop of tear, and you go running back to her?
Woo-Jin............ It's not like that.
Young-Mi.......... Then what?
Sun-Mi.............. (from the phone, between sobs) I'm... I'm sorry... never mind...
Woo-Jin............ (into the phone) Sun-Mi?
Sun-Mi doesn't answer, the line is dead...
Woo-Jin............ (worriedly) Sun-Mi? ... Sun-Mi!
Young-Mi crosses her arms and demands Woo-Jin's attention...
Young-Mi.......... Make up your mind. Choose her, or me!
Woo-Jin............ (sighs) It's not a choice. You and Sun-Mi are not the same to me.
Young-Mi.......... I can see that... Obviously, you've already made your choice... for her!
Woo-Jin............ (tiredly) Didn't you say you wanted to go home? Then go; I'll meet up with you later.
Young-Mi.......... (angrily) Forget it! Go to Sun-Mi, and there won't be a later!
Woo-Jin looks at Young-Mi irritably, then gives up arguing and takes off... running...
Young-Mi follows him with her eyes, silently fuming. She turns to go the other way, then sees Hyung-Chul come out of the elevator.
As a plot comes into her mind, she smiles deviously...
Young-Mi.......... (waving) Director Yoon? Over here!
Hyung-Chul stops and turns to look.
Hyung-Chul....... Oh, Announcer Huh.
Young-Mi.......... Do you have a moment? I have some programming ideas to discuss.
Hyung-Chul....... I was just headed out. Did you want to go back up to my office?
Young-Mi.......... Actually, I was leaving, too. Can we go together?
He considers this for a moment, then nods.
SCENE: MBS training classroom, night
Sun-Mi is in the Training Classroom, crying. Her heart is heavy, like a dead weight in her chest.
The man she loves ... the career she loves .. she has lost them both. All she has left is the memories, and even they taunt her...
Woo-Jin opens the door, and bursts into the classroom. panting from running all the way.
When she hears him, Sun-Mi turns. Her cheeks are wet, her eyes are flooded with tears.
Woo-Jin............ What happened, Sun-Mi?
Sun-Mi.............. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have called... I heard you and Young-Mi, fighting... I... I didn't think you'd come...
He pulls out his handkerchief and presses it into Sun-Mi’s hand.
For a moment she clutches his fingers, then releases him and daubs the handkerchief to dry her eyes and face.
Woo-Jin............ Feel better now?
Fresh tears well up in Sun-Mi's eyes as she buries her face in his broad chest.
Sun-Mi.............. (between sobs) I... don’t know... if I can feel... anything... anymore...
He pats his hand lightly on her shoulder to give her strength, and gradually she quiets.
Woo-Jin............ Everything will be all right, Sun-Mi. Trust me. It will be all right.
His words prompt another, better, memory, and Sun-Mi manages a faint smile at the recollection.
Sun-Mi.............. You used to say that when the other kids picked on me for not having a mom, remember?
Woo-Jin............ And you always felt better after I gave you a big hug.
Sun-Mi look up, warmly, into his eyes.
Sun-Mi.............. Could I get that hug again, even just for one minute?
SCENE: MBS corridor, night
Young-Mi and Hyung-Chul are walking together along the curved glass corridor outside the training classrooms.
Young-Mi.......... So I thought that with your overseas education, you might be more receptive to hearing this.
Hyung-Chul....... Those are good ideas. I’ll bring them up in the next Executive meeting.
As they pass the door of Classroom 2, Young-Mi stops. She tilts her head, as if hearing something from inside.
She steps toward the door and peers through the glass, into the classroom, and lets out a quiet gasp.
Hyung-Chul....... What is it, Announcer Huh?
Young-Mi.......... (voice trembling) I’m... I’m sorry, Director... Please excuse me... I'm suddenly not feeling well...
Young-Mi hurries away down the corridor, a hand covering her mouth.
Curious at what had affected Young-Mi so strongly, Hyung-Chul looks through the glass. His jaw drops at what he sees inside...
SCENE: MBS training classroom, night
In the Training Classroom, Woo-in embraces Sun-Mi as she cries on his shoulder. They are unaware of being watched...
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As Hyung-Chul looks on, his face dark with jealousy, Sun-Mi stretches up to give Woo-Jin a quick peck on the cheek.
Woo-Jin............ (surprised) What was that for?
She is looking at Woo-Jin with shining eyes, her face beaming with a light that Hyung-Chul had thought was his alone to have.
Sun-Mi.............. When there's no one else to turn to I can always count on you. I already feel stronger... because it's you...
Hearing those words, Hyung-Chul's jaw clenches. His hand moves to pull the door open, but he restrains himself.
Woo-Jin............ (jokingly) Your minute is up. What are you going to do now?
Sun-Mi.............. (bashfully) Could I get four more, just like this?
Woo-Jin............ (laughs) Five minutes? Sure, but only... because it's you...
Woo-Jin tightens his arms around her, as Sun-Mi rests her cheek against Woo-Jin’s chest, over his heart, listening to the steady beat.
Sun-Mi.............. (sighs deeply) It's been so long since I felt that someone really understands, and cares...
Outside in the corridor, Hyung-Chul turns away, unable to watch. He trudges off under a dark cloud, despair etched into his face.
SCENE: Local pub, night
LATER THAT NIGHT...
Sun-Mi and Woo-Jin are seated at the bar in a pub near the MBS office. He has a beer; she has a glass of fruit juice in front of her.
Sun-Mi.............. Shouldn't you be going to see Young-Mi now?
Woo-Jin............ No need, after our tiff, she won't see me anyway. She's turned off her cell.
Sun-Mi.............. I'm sorry I was a problem for you...
Woo-Jin upends his beer bottle and finishes off the last swallow.
Woo-Jin............ (irately) Stop saying you're sorry! It's not your fault; it's his... Director Yoon's!
Sun-Mi.............. Woo-Jin... please, don't be so upset.
He motions with his bottle to the bartender, then sets it down and regards Sun-Mi incredulously.
Woo-Jin............ Just an hour ago you were bawling your eyes out, and now you're defending him?
Sun-Mi.............. (looking away) You... don't understand...
Woo-Jin............ What don't I understand?! That Director Yoon is a total jerk?! If I ever get my hands on him, I’ll...
Sun-Mi anxiously looks around to see if anyone is listening...
Sun-Mi.............. Shhh!! Woo-Jin, someone might hear. Don't make things worse for me, please!
The bartender arrives with a fresh bottle, and Woo-Jin takes a long swig.
Hyung-Chul enters the pub with Joo-Hee.
Joo-Hee............ It's been a long time since we were last here together, back when...
Hyung-Chul....... (interrupting) You don't have to remind me...
She gives him a petulant frown, which he conveniently ignores, his attention attracted across the room to Woo-Jin and Sun-Mi.
Sun-Mi sees Hyung-Chul and turns her back on him.
Joo-Hee follows his eyes, and sees them, too. She looks to Hyung-Chul, but he motions toward a table on the far side of the room.
SCENE: Local pub, night
As Hyung-Chul and Joo-Hee take their seats, a waitress immediately shows up.
Joo-Hee............ Your house Chablis...
Hyung-Chul....... Whiskey... and make it a double.
Joo-Hee shows her disapproval.
Joo-Hee............ Ease up a bit. Your drinking these days is getting out of hand.
Hyung-Chul....... (crossly) Don't get started on that again, like you have any right.
Joo-Hee............ (sighs) Okay, what’s eating at you? You’ve hardly said a decent word tonight.
Hyung-Chul....... Frankly, it’s none of your business.
Joo-Hee............ It’s about Sun-Mi, right? Really, what else could you have done? The poor girl was in over her head...
Hyung-Chul....... You think so? Still, I think we made a big mistake letting her go.
Their drinks arrive. Joo-Hee takes a sip from her glass, while Hyung-Chul stares into his, brooding.
Joo-Hee............ The mistake was in letting Jin Sun-Mi go as far as she did. It would have been kinder to wash her out in Training.
Hyung-Chul....... Because she didn't do well on the exams? Is that what's most important in a good announcer?
Joo-Hee............ It's not her scores, but that she doesn't seem to even remember the basics that we taught in class.
Hyung-Chul....... Is that the fault of the student, or the teacher? Or the teaching approach itself?
Joo-Hee looks at him, her expression puzzled.
Joo-Hee............ What are you getting at? There's something on your mind you're not saying.
Hyung-Chul....... I’ve been thinking about restructuring the Training Program for some time now.
Joo-Hee............ Why? I thought things were going just fine.
Hyung-Chul....... Fine if all we want to do is make more of the same conventional announcers to reach our existing audiences...
Joo-Hee............ (grumbling) Are you saying Sun-Dal and I aren't doing a good job?
Hyung-chul........ No, I'm saying it isn't good enough just to teach skills; we have to go beyond that, to what really matters.
....................... And what matters is connecting with the audience, so they want to come back...
Joo-Hee nurses her drink as she listens, pondering his assertions.
Hyung-Chul....... (continuing) Otherwise MBS will be left behind as the world changes, but we don't.
....................... So we need to foster a new breed of announcers, who can reach new markets in novel ways.
Joo-Hee seems thoughtful as she puts the pieces together.
Joo-Hee............ Are you saying, that Jin Sun-Mi is this kind of announcer?
A shadow darkens their table. Woo-Jin is standing over them, unsteady on his feet, clearly very inebriated.
Hyung-Chul glances over at the bar where Woo-Jin was with Sun-Mi earlier. Sun-Mi is nowhere in sight.
Hyung-Chul....... Yes, Reporter Kim?
Woo-Jin............ (glowering) I have a message for you, Director...
SCENE: Ladies Room, night
MEANWHILE...
Sun-Mi is coming out of the Ladies' Room, as her phone buzzes. She stops to take it from her office tote.
Sun-Mi.............. Hello, Auntie... Woo-Jin? Yes, I'm with him... Of course I have a moment...
SCENE: Local pub, night
Hyung-Chul stands up, preparing to leave with Woo-Jin.
Hyung-Chul....... Let's go aside to talk.
Woo-Jin............ (loudly and threateningly) What I have to say, I'll say right here.
Hyung-Chul....... All right. Go on...
Woo-Jin............ I won't stand by any longer, while a jerk like you treats Sun-Mi like dirt!
The accusation riles Hyung-Chul's anger, but he steels himself to brush it off...
Hyung-Chul....... (stiffly) I'll forget what I just heard. Now go...
Woo-Jin............ You're not getting away with this! Not if I have anything to do about it!
Hyung-Chul....... (warily) And what exactly do you intend to do?
Woo-Jin............ This!
He throws his arm back, ready to let fly a punch to Hyung-Chul's left cheek.
Automatically, Hyung-Chul takes a step back and raises his arms defensively as Woo-Jin takes a step forward to close the distance...
Sun-Mi.............. (O.S. shrilly) What are you doing?!
Sun-Mi appears and grabs Woo-Jin's cocked arm with both hands, using all her weight and strength to stop him in mid swing.
Woo-Jin glares at Sun-Mi, displeased she has thwarted his initiative. He tries to shake her off, but she clings tighter.
Woo-Jin............ (loudly) Let me give this scumbag what he deserves!
But he drops his arm anyway. Sun-Mi ignores Woo-Jin's intransigence, bowing to Hyung-Chul and Joo-Hee apologetically.
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry! I'm so sorry! He’s just drunk... (to Woo-Jin) Oppa, let's go home...
As Sun-Mi hustles Woo-Jin away, Hyung-Chul sits down again, relieves to have averted a potential scene.
Joo-Hee appears somewhat amused at the situation.
Joo-Hee............ Oppa? Wasn't Reporter Kim with Huh Young-Mi? And now he's defending Jin Sun-Mi's honor?
Hyung-Chul....... (coolly) What are you implying?
Joo-Hee............ Young-Mi and Woo-Jin, Woo-Jin and Sun-Mi, Sun-Mi and you, you and me... it seems people are lining up all over.
Hyung-Chul....... Don’t go filming dramas just yet...
Joo-Hee............ I’m not. But it looks as if the person you’re depending on may already have other intentions...
Hyung-Chul doesn’t answer to her comment, but throws down half his drink in one swig.
Joo-Hee makes a reasonable guess as to what’s on his mind...
Joo-Hee............ Honestly, aren’t you wondering the same thing yourself?
SCENE: Woo-Jin's house, night
In Woo-Jin's living room, Sun-Mi serves coffee to Woo-Jin to sober him up.
Sun-Mi.............. Did you have to drink so much?
Woo-Jin............ Why did you stop me? He deserved a good punch, to teach him a lesson!
Sun-Mi.............. I'm not some helpless damsel in distress who needs saving. Besides, you can't lose your job because of me.
....................... That would make me feel even worse.
In the face of Sun-Mi's hurt expression, Woo-Jin has to admit to the truth.
Woo-Jin............ I see your point... I'm sorry.
SCENE: Sun-Mi's house, morning
THE NEXT MORNING...
Gwi-Sung comes out of his bedroom, sniffing at the aroma wafting from the kitchen... fresh brewed coffee...
He goes into the kitchen and sees Sun-Mi at the counter, chopping the breakfast fixings.
Gwi-Sung.......... Sun-Mi? Why aren't you getting ready for work?
Sun-Mi doesn't look at him, but keeps working as she answers...
Sun-Mi.............. I wanted to start making breakfast for you. Now that my schedule is more flexible I'll have time.
Gwi-Sung observes her dubiously. After all, this is his workaholic daughter speaking...
Gwi-Sung.......... Is there something you're not telling me?
Sun-Mi.............. (shakes her head) Nothing...
Gwi-Sung.......... Look at me. Tell me, I'm your Dad.
Sun-Mi stops chopping, but doesn't look.
Sun-Mi.............. (dully) Actually... yesterday, I was fired...
Gwi-Sung does a doubletake, unsure he heard correctly.
Gwi-Sung.......... Did you say... 'fired'?
Sun-Mi doesn't answer, but starts chopping again, harder and faster than before.
Gwi-Sung.......... Don't you want to talk about it?
Sun-Mi.............. (tersely) There's nothing to talk about. What's done is done.
Gwi-Sung walks over to Sun-Mi and puts his hand on hers, stopping her from continuing to chop.
Gwi-Sung.......... It's okay, don't hold back your feelings. Cry if you want to.
Sun-Mi turns to look at him. Her eyes are red and swollen, but there are no visible tears.
Sun-Mi.............. Daddy, I've cried so much, I don't think I can cry any more...
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, morning
SEVERAL DAYS LATER...
Sun-Dal and Hyung-Chul are sitting in the conference area of his office.
Hyung-Chul....... Any progress with Sun-Mi?
Sun-Dal............ (shakes his head) Nope. She insists she won't come back. I keep trying, but it’s like talking to a brick wall.
Hyung-Chul....... (nods) I can't say I blame her. She must be very disappointed.
Sun-Dal............ I told you to find a way to avoid Strike Three, instead of getting her upset with you again.
Hyung-C hul...... It’s not me, but herself she’s disappointed with. She won't come back until she has regained some confidence.
Sun-Dal............ That’s all fine, but the clock is ticking if she wants to come back.
Hyung-Chul....... There’s still one more day to file an appeal with the Review Committee.
Sun-Dal............ How are you going to get her to change her mind by then, after all this time?
Hyung-Chul....... (musing) Sun-Mi won't talk to me, so there's no point in my contacting her. But I have an idea...
SCENE: Sun-Mi's house, morning
THE NEXT MORNING...
Sun-Mi is wearing cleaning clothes, her hair tied back with a headband, vacuuming the living room.
On the TV, Sun-Dal and Young-Mi are hosting the MBS Morning Show, but the sound is drowned out by the noise of the vacuum.
The doorbell rings, and Sun-Mi turns to look...
A MINUTE LATER
Sun-Mi is entering the living room from the front door vestibule. Her headband is gone, but she is still wearing her cleaning clothes.
Behind her, Joo-Hee comes in, dressed to impress in her power skirt suit, carrying her office tote slung over her shoulder.
Sun-Mi.............. Please take a seat, Senior, while I get coffee.
Sun-Mi hurries to the kitchen, while Joo-Hee leisurely heads for the living room, taking her time to look around.
Joo-Hee............ You have a nice home.
Sun-Mi.............. Thank you. My Daddy did all the decorating.
Joo-Hee............ (mildly surprised) Your father?
Joo-Hee sits on one of the upholstered chairs, just as Sun-Mi appears carrying a tray with two steaming coffee cups.
She puts the tray on the coffee table in front of Joo-Hee, and sits down on the couch as Joo-Hee takes a sip of coffee.
Sun-Mi.............. Yes. My mother died while I was a child; we moved here just before I finished high school.
Joo-Hee............ I see... I'm sorry...
Their small talk dies awkwardly, the imbalance between the two women too wide without a common thread between them now.
Joo-Hee is the poised and professional Announcer Team 1 Leader, seemingly perfect in her makeup and expensive designer clothes.
Next to her, Sun-Mi, sans makeup with a spot of dust on her cheek, and dressed in old, worn clothes, seems just... normal.
She picks up her coffee cup to take a sip, holding on to the cup to keep her hands busy so they won't show her nervousness.
For a few moments, they watch the Morning Show on the TV in silence. Sun-Mi had turned off the sound before going to the door.
Joo-Hee............ How do you feel about Young-Mi taking your place?
Sun-Mi.............. I hear the ratings are much better now.
Joo-Hee............ You have nothing else to say?
Sun-Mi.............. What difference would it make?
Joo-Hee............ Then you disappoint me. I thought your job was important to you. Am I wrong?
Sun-Mi.............. (plaintively) But I've made so many mistakes, serious ones... I've failed to meet the Company's expectations.
Joo-Hee............ What about your own?
Sun-Mi.............. (sighs) Those, too... Since I was a child, I wanted to be a famous announcer. In college, I wanted to be like you...
....................... But in the end, I was just fooling myself, thinking I could be good announcer, much less a great one.
Joo-Hee............ (smiles) I beg to differ on that conclusion. Not that I think you're like me, but because you're like you.
....................... The reason I was harder on you than the others in Training was because I saw something different in you.
Joo-Hee pauses to take a sip of coffee and sets the cup down on the coffee table again.
Joo-Hee............ Everyone makes mistakes, I've made lots, too. It's not the mistakes, but how you come back that is important.
....................... That's the difference between a 'good' announcer, and a great one, and I think you have the potential to be great.
When she hears this, Sun-Mi stares at Joo-Hee, disbelieving...
Sun-Mi.............. Are you being serious?
Joo-Hee............ Serious enough to come all the way out here to ask you to reconsider and appeal for your job back.
....................... MBS needs young announcers with that "X" factor when it comes to connecting with an audience.
Sun-Mi.............. "X" factor?
Joo-Hee............ Just a term for what we can't easily define, or measure. Some might call it 'personality' or 'sincerity'.
....................... But if you just sit at home like a fool waiting for something to happen, that gift is going to be a big waste.
Joo-Hee looks directly into Sun-Mi's eyes to make her next point clear...
Joo-Hee............ And if you do that, then you really deserve to be fired!
SCENE: MBS executive conference room, afternoon
THAT AFTERNOON...
Sun-Mi’s appeal hearing before the Review Committee is in progress...
The Executive Committee – Directors Hyung-Chul, Kim Eun-Ki, and Park Ho-Jun – are seated at one end of the conference room table.
On the other end, Sun-Mi is next to Sun-Dal. The seats on both sides are filled by other managers and their staffs.
Copies of the report of Sun-Mi's disciplinary history are on the table at each seat.
Due to the size of the room, the speakers use microphones, wired into the conference table in front of them, to be heard.
Manager Park.... Announcer Jin, do you agree to the accuracy of the record, as stated in this document?
He holds up Sun-Mi's file. Sun-Dal leans closer to Sun-Mi and whispers into her ear.
Sun-Dal............ Just do exactly as we discussed, okay?
Sun-Mi.............. (stiffly, as if reading from a script) Yes. I agree.
Manager Park.... Then on what basis is this appeal filed?
Sun-Dal............ A procedural issue. At the time of the ‘Third Strike’ decision, Announcer Jin was on suspension for the second strike.
Director Kim...... Manager Kim, can you elaborate? If Announcer Jin was suspended, why was she also working, too?
Sun-Dal............ Due to an emergency staffing shortage, in a role unrelated to her suspension, I asked her to come back.
....................... The policy allows for such a situation, as described in Chapter 2, Paragraph C, Item...
Director Park..... We are aware of the policies, Manager Kim. But, how does that affect this decision?
Sun-Dal............ Only recently we became aware that, due to a glitch in Payroll, Announcer Jin's pay status was not revised.
....................... As a result, she was working without pay during the weeks of the 'Third Strike' evaluation.
Hyung-Chul....... Then you’re saying that Announcer Jin's status was essentially like that of an unpaid intern?
Sun-Dal............ Yes, and therefore she was exempt from the employment retention evaluation process.
A buzz spreads around the table, as the managers remark on the unusual twist this hearing has taken.
Sun-Dal............ We are appealing for full reinstatement of Announcer Jin to her former employment status.
Director Park looks at the other two Directors to assess their responses...
Director Park..... It appears that there is a solid case for this appeal. What do you say?
Director Kim...... (wryly) Well, it seems that we need to revisit our payroll procedures, too. Do you agree, Director Yoon?
Hyung-Chul....... Shall we confer?
The three directors turn off their microphones and lean closer together, so their conversation cannot be overheard.
Shortly, they all nod and settle into their seats again.
A slight smile plays on Hyung-Chul's mouth, before he pronounces the decision.
Hyung-Chul....... Announcer Jin, the Committee has voted unanimously to suspend your termination decision at this time.
....................... You may continue at your present duties and status, working under Manager Kim’s supervision...
Sun-Dal and Sun-Mi exchange a silent look of relief when they hear this.
Hyung-Chul....... (continuing) However, there is one stipulation... Director Kim?
As Sun-Mi looks toward Director Kim, a wrinkle of concern creases her forehead.
Director Kim...... Before returning to your former position, it is important that you demonstrate competence to be successful in it.
....................... Therefore, within 30 days, you must rectify the Third Strike situation and show positive ratings improvement.
The triumphant smile on Sun-Mi's face quickly fades, as she realizes what this means...
Manager Park.... This concludes the hearing. Announcer Jin, you are dismissed.
SCENE: MBS atrium, afternoon
As Sun-Mi and Sun-Dal walk through the atrium, her face is still troubled.
Sun-Mi.............. (fretting) How am I going to improve the ratings? Why not just give up and save myself the trouble?
Sun-Dal............ At least we bought some time. You should be happy about that.
Sun-Mi.............. I suppose... (sounding more optimistic) Whatever happens, it's no big deal, right?
Sun-Dal............ (laughs) That's the spirit! So celebrate first, and worry later, okay?
After a few more steps, Sun-Mi sees Hyung-Chul waiting off to the side. He immediately steps back, out of sight.
Sun-Mi.............. (turning to Sun-Dal) Go ahead, I have something to do. I'll follow on shortly.
Sun-Dal............ Don't be too long; everyone is waiting. No one wants to miss this party!
Sun-Mi waits, until Sun-Dal walks off, before approaching Hyung-Chul.
Sun-Mi.............. (awkwardly) Director Yoon...
Hyung-Chul....... Yes, Announcer Jin?
Sun-Mi.............. I believe I owe you an apology.
Hyung-Chul....... For what? Throwing the book at you?
Sun-Mi.............. (smiles uneasily) For not accepting my resignation... You knew about the payroll glitch then, didn't you?
Hyung-Chul....... (feigning innocence) Since when does a busy CEO bother himself with such trivial matters?
She looks down, seeming a bit disappointed.
Sun-Mi.............. You're right, it was trivial... Well, I have to go. People are waiting.
She turns to leave, but Hyung-Chul quickly moves to block her.
Hyung-Chul....... Wait... I'll accept your apology, on one condition.
Sun-Mi.............. That is?
Hyung-Chul....... You rescind that decision to never speak to me again.
Sun-Mi cringes at recalling her harsh words in his office, regretting that she had lashed out in anger.
Sun-Mi.............. (nods) That was a mistake. Please forget it ever happened, Director...
Hyung-Chul....... (interrupting, adamantly) And, stop calling me 'Director'...
Sun-Mi's demeanor immediately cools at his suggestion to go easily back to their earlier casual friendship.
But she also can't bring herself to directly say she refuses that level of relationship again... so she avoids the issue...
Sun-Mi.............. (brusquely) That's two conditions...
Hyung-Chul realizes that he has stepped beyond the line she is comfortable with, and acquiesces reluctantly.
Hyung-Chul....... All right, I take that one back. Satisfied?
Sun-Mi nods, but looks away to avoid eye contact.
Sun-Mi.............. (hastily) Umm... I gotta go... See ya...
As Hyung-Chul watches her run off, his spirits are lifted a bit, for the first time in weeks.
This is one more positive step, he hopes, that will eventually bring them back together.
SCENE: MBS elevator lobby, afternoon
After leaving Hyung-Chul, Sun-Mi comes out of the elevator, to find Young-Mi waiting.
Young-Mi.......... I hear you're back again, as our new 'intern'...
Sun-Mi.............. (annoyed) Ha ha, very funny.
Young-Mi.......... Tsk, tsk, from 'Cinderella' to 'Time Cast Girl'... I would be embarrassed, but you have no shame do you?
Sun-Mi.............. I'd rather be that, than be known as the 'Little Witch of the West'.
That shuts Young-Mi up for a moment, but she quickly bounces back...
Young-Mi.......... I don’t get it. How can any person be so lucky as you?
Sun-Mi.............. (smiling tautly) Is it 'Cinderella' or ‘luck’? ... Make up your mind.
Young-Mi.......... Actually, it doesn't matter. Either way, I'm better than you.
Sun-Mi.............. Actually, it doesn't matter to me, either. Why should I compare myself to you, or anyone else?
Sun-Mi walks away, seemingly untroubled, leaving Young-Mi stewing in her wake.
Young-Mi.......... (muttering) Just you wait and see, Jin Sun-Mi! I'll beat you in the end, or I'll die trying!
SCENE: ON River Station, night
Joo-Hee and Hyung-Chul are having drinks before dinner on the upper deck of the ON River Station floating restaurant.
Joo-Hee puts her cell phone away into her office tote.
Joo-Hee............ That was Sun-Dal; they’re going to a norabang (Korean karaoke) for round two, and he wanted to know if I’d come.
Hyung-Chul....... Sun-Mi is your Junior. You should go to celebrate, too. Besides, you have a good singing voice.
Joo-Hee............ (sniffs) No thanks. Frankly, I prefer present company.
Hyung-Chul....... Either way, thank you, Joo-Hee... for doing this for me.
Joo-Hee............ It wasn’t easy. I had to swallow my pride and my convictions, put on a face and do some real acting.
Hyung-Chul....... Still, I knew I could count on you.
Joo-Hee............ (complaining) You know, you owe me bigtime for today.
Hyung-Chul....... (smiling at ease) Let me reward you. Ask for anything you want...
Joo-Hee............ Anything? Promise?
Hyung-C hul...... I’m feeling generous... name it and it’s yours.
All along Joo-Hee was playing with the engagement ring on her finger as they talked. Now she holds her hand up to look at it.
Joo-Hee............ Actually, there IS something, but it’s pretty expensive... you did promise, right?
Hyung-Chul....... Of course; I'll have the jeweler bill me directly for the ring.
Joo-Hee............ I wasn't talking about the ring, although I’ll accept that, too...
Hyung-Chul....... (puzzled) Then what?
Joo-Hee............ (solemnly) A wedding. Yoon Hyung-Chul, I want you... to marry me.
BACK TO AAE 'Uncut'
Episode 12a Act 4
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