All About Eve 'Uncut' -- A Spring Apart
by AAEfanatic
Episode 18A
SCENE: MBS classroom corridor, late morning
SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon
SCENE: South gate lobby, afternoon
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, afternoon
SCENE: South gate lobby, afternoon
SCENE: Art Club studio control room, evening
SCENE: MBS News center, evening
SCENE: Art Club studio, evening.
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, evening
SCENE: Art Club studio, evening
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, night
SCENE: At a pochangmacha, night
SCENE: Apartment tower exterior, morning
SCENE: Apartment balcony, morning
SCENE: Exterior of Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
SCENE: Apartment bedroom, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
SCENE: Apartment bedroom, morning
Act 2 - Part 3
SCENE: MBS classroom corridor, late morning
After Eve's Morning wraps, Sun-Dal calls Young-Mi aside for a private confrontation ...
Sun-Dal............ Why?!
Young-Mi.......... Someone had to do something! Aren't you concerned about Eve's Morning?
Sun-Dal............ But an ambush is over the limit. If you felt that strongly, bring it up in the meetings.
Young-Mi.......... Would it have made any difference?
Sun-Dal............ Probably not. But when you go out alone on a limb like this, you can get cut off.
Young-Mi.......... Is that a threat?
Sun-Dal............ A warning. You're on probation. Another stunt and it's a suspension, without pay!
She stares at him, astounded ...
Young-Mi.......... You wouldn't dare! Not with the sweeps starting!
Sun-Dal............ No one's indispensible, and that includes you. So watch yourself!
SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon
Woman 1.......... I can't believe Jin Sun-Mi would admit to that on live TV!
Woman 2.......... How shameless can a person be?
Woman 1.......... It just goes to show, you really don't know anyone completely.
Woman 2.......... What do you think will happen now?
SCENE: South gate lobby, afternoon
Sun-Mi is holding a hastily-called press conference ...
[ repeated camera flashes and shutters clicking ]
Reporter 1......... Announcer Jin, will you confirm your statement about being fired?
Sun-Mi.............. It's embarrassing to admit such poor performance, but yes, it happened.
Reporter 1......... Can you tell us which MBS executive backed your reinstatement? And why?
Sun-Mi.............. MBS has a formal termination appeal process conducted by an executive review committee.
....................... After reviewing all the facts, the committee decided to give me a second chance.
....................... So it wasn't decided by any one person.
Reporter 2......... There are rumors of a secret relationship with MBS Director Yoon Hyung-Chul. Can you comment?
Sun-Mi.............. It's no secret. We met in London and became friends, before either of us came to MBS.
Reporter 2......... But Director Yoon is your superior now. Doesn't that relationship give you an edge over others?
Sun-Mi's eyes flash indignation at the insinuation.
Sun-Mi.............. What advantage? For the record, it was Director Yoon who fired me!
....................... He's not one who plays favorites or mixes personal matters with business.
Reporter 2......... In that case, how would you describe your present relationship with the Director?
Sun-Mi.............. My relationship with Director Yoon is strictly professional when it concerns MBS.
Reporter 2......... But you must admit that the optics don't look good?
Sun-Mi.............. That's an interesting question, coming from a news reporter.
Reporter 2......... How is that?
Sun-Mi.............. Do you want me to talk about how something appears, or the actual facts?
Reporter 2......... The facts, of course.
Sun-Mi.............. Then please, don't write melodramas. Let's set aside rumors and focus on the truth ...
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, afternoon
Hyung-Chul is watching the tape from Eve's Morning on his office TV monitor ...
Sun-Mi ............. Though I always wanted to be a top TV announcer, it was harder than I expected.
....................... Lacking skills and experience, I made many mistakes, which anyone can attest to.
....................... At one point, I was even fired because of my mess-ups, though later I was reinstated.
....................... Some claim I was lucky, or had a secret backer, to have gotten my job back. But it wasn't that.
....................... It was because I had managers who believed in me for second -- and third -- chances.
....................... And good colleagues who helped and encouraged me as I bumbled along.
....................... And also generous viewers who show their love and support every time they tune in ...
[ phone ringtone ]
He pauses the tape and picks up his mobile, checking the caller ID before he takes the call.
Hyung-Chul....... Yes, Su-Jin?
Hyung-Chul....... This evening? Sure. I have time.
SCENE: South gate lobby, afternoon
Meanwhile, Sun-Mi is wrapping up the press conference ...
[ repeated camera flashes and shutter clicks ]
Sun-Mi.............. I sincerely hope your reporting reflects the facts, not unfounded rumors.
....................... That's all I have for today. Thank you.
Reporter 1......... Thank you, Announcer Jin Sun-Mi.
Others.............. Thank you ... Thanks ...
Reporter 2......... One last question?
Sun-Mi.............. I'm sorry, but I have another appointment.
She starts to turn away from the microphones.
Unwilling to give up easily, the reporter calls out loudly ...
Reporter 2......... Announcer Jin! Is Director Yoon the reason why you said you're "unlucky in love"?
Sun-Mi turns back, irritated at the harassment as she emphatically replies ...
Sun-Mi.............. You can put this on the record, too ...
....................... I have never had such a relationship, or intend to have one, with that man, ever!
SCENE: Art Club studio control room, evening
Meanwhile, Hyung-Chul is with Su-Jin in the new studio's control room.
Hyung-Chul....... Why meet here?
Su-Jin............... You haven't see our new digs yet, have you?
Hyung-Chul....... This setup is impressive. The latest in hi-def, right?
Su-Jin............... Yes. It's a prototype of the new tech going into MBS's future digital studios in Ilsan.
Hyung-Chul....... It's hard to believe that this building opened just a few years ago, and it's already obsolete.
Su-Jin............... Come on. I'll give you the tour.
They enter a studio.
A man working at a laptop PC looks up as Su-Jin approaches him.
Su-Jin............... Mr. Lee? You've worked hard today.
Mr. Lee............. Almost done. I'll be leaving shortly.
Su-Jin............... Don't let us interrupt you.
He returns to his work.
Su-Jin turns back to Hyung-Chul ...
Su-Jin............... This is our larger studio. We shoot the wide panorama backdrops here.
....................... It's amazing what's possible now with CG and a simple green room, isn't it?
Hyung-Chul....... So this is how you're going to outdo Eve's Morning?
Su-Jin............... It's just one part of the whole effort I was hired for. Win or lose, it's the same to me.
Hyung-Chul....... And to Sun-Mi?
Glancing over at Mr. Lee, she defers ...
Su-Jin............... That's an interesting question. Shall we move on?
They cross the set to the exit and walk into another, smaller studio.
Su-Jin............... This is where we shoot most interviews, except those on-site.
She gestures toward the far wall, where he can see the chairs of a lounge space.
Su-Jin............... Out that way are our dressing rooms and makeup, and a canteen, for the guests' convenience.
Hyung-Chul....... Your team's also?
Su-Jin............... Yes, especially with the long hours we're racking up.
She starts walking toward the lounge.
Su-Jin............... Earlier you asked about Sun-Mi.
Hyung-Chul....... Yes.
Su-Jin............... I have something to tell you. Would you like to stay for tea?
SCENE: MBS News center, evening
Meanwhile, the MBS 7 O'clock News broadcast is live on air ...
Young-Mil.......... This afternoon a chemical tank at an industrial site in Guro exploded, igniting a building on fire.
....................... Fortunately, no one was harmed. Firefighters are still at the scene. Lee Change Hwan reports ...
SCENE: Art Club studio, evening
Hyung-Chul and Su-Jin resume their conversation over a cup of tea ...
Hyung-Chul....... I thought you didn't invite me here just to talk shop.
She rewards his perception with a smile.
Su-Jin............... What do you think of Sun-Mi's interview on Eve's Morning?
Hyung-Chul....... Announcer Huh Young-Mi was out of line.
Su-Jin............... Yes, it was a cheap shot. But the controversy was bound to come up sooner or later.
....................... And Sun-Mi needed a lesson in being prepared. So I consider that Huh Young-Mi did us a favor.
She looks at him expectantly.
Su-Jin............... But you didn't answer my question.
Hyung-Chul....... Does my opinion matter?
Su-Jin............... I was hoping you'd approve.
Hyung-Chul....... Trying to impress me with your skills?
Su-Jin............... No, because it's not just my effort. I may have set the framework, but Sun-Mi filled in the details.
....................... She really wants to win. At first I thought it was because of Huh Young-Mi. But now I'm not so sure.
Hyung-Chul....... Why?
Su-Jin............... My thinking now, it's because of you.
His thoughts go back to the night of Sun-Mi's cell phone incident, when he had sent her home ...
|
FLASHBACK [ Scene from Episode 12 ]
Sun-Mi........ You just watched me sleep? You should've woken me up. I didn't want you to see me like this.
Hyung-Chul. It's because it's me, right?
Hyung-Chul. It's because it's me that you call me on days like these. It's because of me that you get angry ...
................. I wish this all was really true!
Sun-Mi........ You should just go. I don't like letting you watch me walk away ... because it's you.
|
Hyung-Chul....... Why do you say that?
Su-Jin............... Sun-Mi is not just working hard, she seems obsessed with Art Club being a success.
....................... Could it be, she's trying to prove something to you?
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, evening
By the time Sun-Mi gets back to the announcer's office, it is dark and deserted, the staff having left for the day.
She trudges tiredly to her desk, reaching to pick up her bag from the chair.
That's when she notices the envelope on the desktop.
Curious, seeing it is addressed to her in a familiar script, she leaves her bag on the chair and picks up the envelope.
Breaking the seal, she opens the envelope flap and withdraws a card.
Sun-Mi.............. Happy New Year?
The comical card brings a fleeting smile to her lips as she muses to herself ...
Sun-Mi.............. That's just like him. Does he even read the cover first?
Inside, she finds a handwritten personal note ...
Jin Sun-Mi --
Another great job today. It's not how you fall, but how you get up, that counts.
I'll be watching your new program. -- Y
Sun-Mi.............. Humph! ... How could anyone honestly say I did a 'great job' today? How ridiculous!
She recalls other cards he'd sent, meant to encourage her ...
|
FLASHBACK [ Scene from Episode 8 ]
Message in the card: Great job. Next time, make it a little better. I'll be watching. Your fan -- Y
|
|
FLASHBACK [ Scene from Episode 11 ]
Message in the card: To Jin Sun-Mi -- You did a great job today. You're one of a kind. Keep up the good work -- Y
|
But today, she regards those memories in a different light ...
Sun-Mi.............. Does he find it so amusing when I mess up, that he has to rub it in?
....................... He must have nothing to do but find ways to make me feel more humiliated!
In a sudden fit of pique, Sun-Mi rips the card into jagged pieces, crumpling and tossing them to the floor.
She tramples the pieces, making a promise to herself ...
Sun-Mi.............. We'll see who has the last laugh, when Art Club tops Eve's Morning in the ratings!
....................... And when you realize that I've made it, Director Yoon, will you regret dumping me?!
SCENE: MBS Atrium, evening
Leaving the announcer's office, Sun-Mi passes through the atrium on her way to the Art Club studios.
[ Brisk tapping of high heels ]
Coming from the Newroom after the 7 PM newscast, Young-Mi is headed back to the Announcer 1 Team office.
[ Brisk tapping of high heels ]
Still on edge from the reporters grilling, Sun-Mi grumbles over her situation ...
Sun-Mi.............. So embarrassing! And it's all Young-Mi's fault, with her dirty tricks!
Meanwhile, Young-Mi is still stewing over her meeting with Sun-Dal ...
Young-Mi.......... How can he say that I'm dispensable?! That program would be nothing without me!
....................... It's so unfair! Why does everyone always side with Jin Sun-Mi?!
Rounding the corner, when Sun-Mi and Young-Mi see each other, they both stop dead in their tracks.
Wanting to avoid a confrontation, Sun-Mi resumes walking, altering her course to go around Young-Mi.
But Young-Mi moves to intercept, blocking her way.
Sun-Mi.............. What is it now?
Young-Mi.......... I heard you just put on another 'show' for the media.
Sun-Mi.............. Young-Mi ...
Young-Mi.......... How shameless! Any honorable person would self-reflect on her faults.
....................... But you flaunt your failures. Aren't you embarrassed at all?
The criticism prickles, and Sun-Mi responds in kind ...
Sun-Mi.............. I'd rather be honestly embarrassed, than be a devious liar with no scruples!
Taking a step closer to Sun-Mi, Young-Mi challenges her.
Young-Mi.......... Those are strong words! What proof do you have to back them up?!
Refusing to back down, Sun-Mi steps forward, too.
Sun-Mi.............. You gave the proof yourself. Senior Joo-Hee told me your confession about the tape.
....................... Only an immoral person would stoop so low as to crawl in the gutter, using such dirty tactics!
Their heated argument is attracting the attention of passersby leaving work, who linger to eavesdrop on the dispute.
Above, gawkers line the balcony railing like spectators at a sparring match.
Sun-Mi.............. How pitiful! You'd do anything to win. Just like you did to snatch Kim Woo-Jin and Senior!
Young-Mi.......... Interesting that you mentioned this ...
....................... Isn't the real issue that you're jealous, because you can't hold onto a man?
The unexpected jab sets Sun-Mi scrambling ...
Sun-Mi.............. Wh -- What did you say?
Young-Mi raises her voice slightly, so she is certain to be heard by the onlookers.
Young-Mi.......... You said it yourself, declaring to the whole world that you're a total failure at love.
....................... Only a desperate person stoops so low as to crawl in that gutter, grasping for better ratings.
....................... Because you're as much a failure as an announcer as you are a lover. Now that's truly pitiful!
Sun-Mi's eyes spark with outrage.
Sun-Mi.............. Huh Young-Mi! Why you ... you ...
She starts to raise her right hand to slap Young-Mi. Then, realizing they are being watched, restrains herself.
But the slight motion didn't escape Young-Mi's notice.
Young-Mi.......... What? You wanted to hit me?
She scoffs.
Young-Mi.......... So you lack the guts to do it honestly, in front of others, but don't hold back when you can't be seen.
....................... And you call me devious? You have pretenses as being better, but we're not so different, are we?
....................... It's only that, up to now, nothing's been important enough for you to fight all out for it.
Sun-Mi glowers at Young-Mi, jaw and fists clenched to keep from striking out physically or verbally.
Young-Mi.......... Nothing to say? In that case I'll leave first. I'm having dinner with the Director.
....................... I'll tell him we met, and send your regards.
With a self-satisfied smirk, looking Sun-Mi straight in the eye, she steps forward.
But in passing Sun-Mi, she deliberately bumps her shoulder, knocking it backwards.
Fuming and frustrated, Sun-Mi has no choice but to accept the disrespect and watch Young-Mi walk off.
The last thing she wants is to create a bigger scene and trigger more gossip.
SCENE: Art Club studio, evening
Sun-Mi storms into the studio, spewing her vexation over Young-Mi ...
Sun-Mi.............. That skank! Next time, I won't hold back. I'll slap that smirk right off her face!
Then she sees Su-Jin observing her with amusement.
Su-Jin............... My, my! Who are you calling a skank now, besides me?
Embarrassed, Sun-Mi doesn't want to discuss her conflict with Young-Mi.
Sun-Mi.............. Oh, it's nothing. It's been a long day, and I was just venting.
....................... I'll grab something from the canteen, and we can get to work.
Su-Jin............... Not tonight. We're going out, to celebrate your success today.
But Sun-Mi is not in the mood for what she considers a bad joke.
Sun-Mi.............. If you call what happened today a success, I can't wait to see what failure is like!
Su-Jin............... Actually, that press conference will put Art Club at the top of tomorrow's entertainment news cycle.
....................... Requests for 'exclusive' interviews are already coming in.
....................... It's exactly what we needed to build up publicity before the premier.
Sun-Mi reluctantly accedes to Su-Jin's reasoning ...
Sun-Mi.............. I suppose you're right. Maybe there is a silver lining.
....................... So how are we celebrating?
Su-Jin............... You pick the restaurant. Later, I'll take you to my favorite clubs.
Sun-Mi.............. Go clubbing?
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, night
After work, Hyung-Chul watches the tape from Sun-Mi's press conference ...
Reporter........... Announcer Jin! Is Director Yoon the reason why you said you're "unlucky in love"?
Sun-Mi ............. You can put this on the record ...
....................... I have never had such a relationship, or intend to have one, with that man, ever!
He picks up the remote and pauses the tape, then rewinds it and presses PLAY.
Sun-Mi ............. (V.O.) You can put this on the record ...
....................... I have never had such a relationship, or intend to have one, with that man, ever!
With a heavy sigh, he rewinds the tape, and plays it again.
Sun-Mi ............. (V.O.) I have never had such a relationship, or intend to have one, with that man, ever!
SCENE: Restaurant, evening
Young-Mi waits in the restaurant where she had agreed to meet with Hyung-Chul for dinner.
She checks her watch.
Young-Mi.......... Where could he be? This isn't like him.
SCENE: Gangnam club, night
[ jazzy music playing ]
Su-Jin and Sun-Mi sit at the club bar, sipping drinks as they watch the musicians and busy dance floor.
Sun-Mi.............. This place is pretty swanky!
Su-Jin............... See? I said you'd like it, even if you don't like partying.
Sun-Mi.............. It's not that I don't like to party, I don't often have the chance. In Uni, I had to study a lot.
....................... And since coming to MBS, I'm always busy with work.
Su-Jin............... In that case, it's about time you had some fun!
Sun-Mi is dubious.
Sun-Mi.............. Perhaps. Why do you like to come here?
Su-Jin............... When I'm in the mood for a more cosmopolitan vibe than the usual Seoul club ...
....................... This place is popular with foreign expats, and reminds me of my time in LA.
....................... It's on the circuit where the elite congregate, and aspiring celebs come to be seen.
Sun-Mi.............. Is that why you brought me here, and insisted we dress up?
Su-Jin............... It's the art of self-promotion. Always look your best, if you want good exposure.
Sun-Mi.............. Frankly, right now I feel conspicuously overexposed!
Su-Jin chuckles at Sun-Mi's concern.
Su-Jin............... Loosen up a little! Don't be so old-fashioned.
Sun-Mi.............. (grumbling) Yeah, that's me -- old-fashioned.
Su-Jin raises her cocktail.
Su-Jin............... Let's have a toast.
Sun-Mi raises her glass, too.
Su-Jin............... To MBS's next top celebrity, the "Queen of 'Arts", Jin Sun-Mi!
....................... That has a nice ring, doesn't it?
Sun-Mi laughs.
Sun-Mi.............. Tsst! You're joking, right?
She brings her glass together with Su-Jin's ...
Su-Jin, Sun-Mi.... Geobae! [ Bottoms up! ]
SCENE: At a pochangmacha, night
Hyung-Chul pours himself a shot and tosses it down.
Immediately pouring another, he muses as he holds the shot ready to chase the last one ...
Hyung-Chul....... How can I expect Sun-Mi to believe our relationship was sincere?
....................... Didn't I tell her she'd be happier with another man, and so I'd let her go?
|
FLASHBACK [Previous Scene from Episode 17]
Hyung-Chul. If Woo-Jin is waiting for you ... if I see that he cares for you as much as I do ...
Hyung-Chul. Knowing you're happy together ... I think that finally, I can let you go ...
|
Raising the glass, he toasts his folly ...
Hyung-Chul....... To the biggest fool who ever lived ... me!
SCENE: Gangnam club, night
[ jazzy music playing ]
Sun-Mi finishes off the last of her cocktail and sets the empty glass down on the bar with a flourish.
Sun-Mi.............. All done!
Su-Jin............... Another?
Sun-Mi.............. Not yet. I have to stay in my limits.
Su-Jin............... This is how you drink? Watching the clock?
Sun-Mi.............. I over did it once and ended the night in a stall, retching my guts out.
Su-Jin nods empathetically.
Su-Jin............... We've all been there.
They share a laugh together.
A bartender appears with a fresh cocktail and sets it in front of Sun-Mi.
Sun-Mi.............. What's this? I didn't order another.
He motions to a booth near the corner, where two men are sitting.
Bartender.......... Courtesy of the gentleman in the dark suit.
Leaving the drink, he walks away.
Su-Jin looks at Sun-Mi, amused.
Su-Jin............... Not bad! -- Though he's a bit older, he's tall and good-looking, and knows how to dress.
Apprehensive, Sun-Mi frets ...
Sun-Mi.............. Why me? Do you think he recognized me from MBS?
Su-Jin............... Not likely. The other man looks American. Your 'benefactor' is probably a dongpo visiting Seoul.
[dongpo is the Korean term for an ethnic Korean living abroad]
Sun-Mi.............. I'm not interested in someone I don't even know! What should I do?
Su-Jin............... Just be polite. Pick it up and smile at him.
Sun-Mi.............. But I don't want to send the wrong message.
Su-Jin............... What message? There's no harm in a little flirting. You're not propositioning him to a love hotel.
Following Su-Jin's encouragement, Sun-Mi turns and smiles while politely dipping her head.
A second later, her eyes widen with alarm.
Sun-Mi.............. I thought you said nothing would happen!
....................... That guy just got up and is heading this way. And his friend is tagging along!
Su-Jin............... (jokingly) Exactly HOW did you smile at him?
Sun-Mi.............. This isn't funny! What now? What do you think he wants?
Su-Jin............... From that confident grin on his face, I'd guess probably an easy pickup.
Sun-Mi gasps.
Sun-Mi.............. You mean ... Love hotel?
Su-Jin............... It's a possibility.
Sun-Mi.............. (nervously) Oh my! ... I've never been picked up before! What do I do? This is terrible ...
Flustered, she takes the cocktail glass and drains it.
Su-Jin............... Hey! Take it easy. Don't go overboard. Just thank him for the drink.
....................... Then watch and learn. I'll handle everything from there.
The man comes up to Su-Jin and Sun-Mi with an amiable smile, while his colleague hangs back.
Man................. Good evening, ladies ... Enjoying the music?
Sun-Mi.............. Er, thanks. For the drink.
Man................. You're welcome. I see that you've fully enjoyed it already.
Sun-Mi flushes red, but doesn't reply.
He looks at Su-Jin.
Man................. I see yours is almost dry, too. Could we buy you both another round?
Su-Jin and Sun-Mi reply simultaneously ...
Sun-Mi.............. No!
Su-Jin............... Yes!
Glancing at Sun-Mi, Su-Jin lifts an eyebrow to remind her who is handling things for the moment.
Su-Jin............... Why, that would be nice of you.
The man turns back to Sun-Mi.
Man................. I'm Cha Ki-Young, and my friend here is ...
The second man steps up, speaking awkwardly in English-accented Korean ...
Second Man...... Hello. My name is Peter Ellis. Please excuse my poor Korean.
Ki-Young........... This is his first trip to Seoul, and I'm showing him the nightlife.
Su-Jin............... Welcome to Korea, Peter.
Peter................ Thank you.
Su-Jin............... I'm Park Su-Jin, and this is Jin Sun-Mi.
Ki-Young........... Nice to meet you.
Peter................ (in English) Nice to meet you.
Sun-Mi.............. Uh ... Sure ...
Ki-Young........... Now that the introductions are done, I was wondering if you'd like to move to our booth?
....................... The view of the stage is much better than from here.
Sun-Mi shakes her head, but Su-Jin ignores her.
Su-Jin............... Thanks for the offer. We'd be happy to, right Sun-Mi?
Sun-Mi.............. Umm ... Well ...
Disregarding Sun-Mi's reservations, Su-Jin slips off her barstool.
Su-Jin............... C'mon, don't be a drag! Let's go.
Pressured, Sun-Mi gets off her barstool, too.
Looking directly at Peter, Su-Jin asks rhetorically, speaking English ...
Su-Jin............... But wouldn't it be nice to take in a dance first?
Taking the obvious hint, he smiles back at her.
Peter................ (in English) It's my pleasure, Su-Jin.
Su-Jin puts her hand around Peter's arm.
Su-Jin............... We'll catch up with you guys later.
The pair walk off toward the dance floor, leaving Sun-Mi alone with Ki-Young.
Feeling abandoned, Sun-Mi remains silent in the awkward situation.
Ill at ease, she avoids his eyes, debating with herself about what to say.
But he speaks up first ...
Ki-Young........... Actually, I'd seen you on the MBS News before, but didn't recognize you at first tonight.
....................... You're just so much prettier in person!
Unimpressed by the hackneyed pickup line, Sun-Mi intends to dispel any untoward intentions ...
Sun-Mi.............. Mr. Cha ...
He interrupts with a disarming grin.
Ki-Young........... That sounded really corny, didn't it? It's not that I thought you weren't attractive then, but ...
....................... I mean, it's that now, your appearance is just so much more ...
He stops short, exhales a breath of frustration, and gives her a look of chagrin.
Ki-Young........... I'm just making this worse, right?
Observing his hang-dog look, Sun-Mi turns sympathetic.
Sun-Mi.............. Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Cha, I understood what you meant.
Ki-Young........... Please don't speak so formally. Age isn't important in the US. Call me Ki-Young.
But she maintains her arms-length stance.
Sun-Mi.............. Mr. Cha Ki-Young, what I'm trying to say is that I'm not into casual hookups, if that's your intent.
He chuckles.
Ki-Young........... I'm not, either, so I'm glad that's cleared up now. I'm pretty old-fashioned concerning relationships.
....................... Maybe that's why Su-Jin said that we had some things in common.
Sun-Mi stares at him, dumbfounded.
Sun-Mi.............. Then, you know Park Su-Jin?
Ki-Young........... Yes.
Sun-Mi.............. How?
Ki-Young........... I recently came here to work in corporate M&A for a US investment bank.
....................... We met in this club, just after Su-Jin came back to Seoul, and hit it off as friends.
....................... Yesterday, she said she had someone to introduce to me tonight, and to bring a buddy.
After hearing his explanation, Sun-Mi fumes ...
Sun-Mi.............. Why am I always the last to know? Am I really so easy to fool?
....................... That skank! Letting me get all worried for nothing! I'll kill her!
Ki-Young........... I don't know what that's all about, but in my opinion, you're not a fool.
She takes a deep breath, holds it until her temper cools.
Sun-Mi.............. Then, you really didn't know?
Ki-Young........... Only that tonight I'd be meeting someone very special. And I believe I have.
Sun-Mi.............. You're joking, right?
Ki-Young........... It's no joke. I'd like to talk. Get to know you better, if that's all right.
....................... But first, if you'd like to dance, Sun-Mi, I'd be honored.
Without reservation, she beams back a bright smile.
Sun-Mi.............. I'd love to, Ki-Young.
SCENE: Apartment tower exterior, morning
The next morning ...
SCENE: Apartment balcony, morning
Su-Jin is talking on her mobile ...
Su-Jin............... And I'm rescheduling this morning's interview to tomorrow.
....................... No, Sun-Mi's fine. She's just a bit ... indisposed.
....................... We're at the apartment right now. It was convenient last night, and saved a trip.
....................... I haven't raised that with her yet. I'm sure she'll be surprised.
She starts to pace the narrow space as she continues to listen and converse ...
Su-Jin............... Yes ... Uh-huh ... Thank you, I'd be happy to ...
....................... Of course we're coming in later -- no time for a day off!
....................... Right ... Bye, Eun-Ki. See you later.
Snapping her mobile shut, she remarks to herself ...
Su-Jin............... Let's check if our 'party girl' has recovered.
Pushing the sliding door open, she goes into the apartment.
SCENE: Exterior of Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
Hyung-Chul wearily drags himself out of bed and trudges to the kitchen.
He is surprised to find the table laid out with two settings for breakfast.
A pot simmers on the stovetop.
On the table is a handwritten note. He picks it up and reads ...
Hangover medicine is ready. Help yourself .
[ bathroom door latch turning ]
At the sound, Hyung-Chul turns to look.
He notices the suitcase sitting in the entry hall, just as Young-Mi steps out of the bathroom ...
SCENE: Apartment bedroom, morning
Meanwhile ...
Sun-Mi half opens her eyes, then shuts them against the bright sunlight streaming into the room.
With a groggy moan, she presses her palms against her temples and grumbles to herself ...
Sun-Mi.............. Why did I drink so much?
A smile curves her lips as she languidly recalls the previous night's revelry at the club.
Sun-Mi.............. But I did have a good time ...
Opening her eyes again, her brow wrinkles at the unfamiliar surroundings, until she concludes ...
Sun-Mi.............. Oh, right ... This must be Su-Jin's place.
She sits up in the bed, to better peruse the spacious, smartly-furnished bedroom.
Looking out the expansive window, she takes in the sweeping bird's-eye view ...
Next, she turns her attention to the numerous paintings on display.
From her extensive knowledge of fine art, she quickly recognizes they are works of acclaimed artists.
Sun-Mi.............. Wow! It's like living in an art gallery!
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's villa, morning
Young-Mi greets the puzzled expression on Hyung-Chul's face with a smile.
Young-Mi.......... Good morning. I didn't know you were awake ...
Young-Mi.......... I'll make breakfast while you clean up.
But Hyung-Chul has questions first ...
Hyung-Chul....... What are you doing here?
Young-Mi.......... You don't remember?
....................... After standing me up for dinner, leaving me waiting for hours, I get texted from a street bar!
He thinks for a few seconds, piecing together snapshots from the previous night ...
Hyung-Chul....... Sorry, for being inconsiderate. But, what's going on?
He points to the suitcase.
Young-Mi.......... It seems this is becoming a regular thing, sending you home unable to manage on your own.
....................... I can't keep borrowing your stuff, so I brought some of mine, to keep here instead.
Hyung-Chul....... Aren't you being a bit presumptuous, without discussing it first?
Not backing down, she replies politely, but firmly ...
Young-Mi.......... What's to discuss? I already warned if you persist like this, I'd personally intervene.
....................... I'll do whatever it takes to beat Jin Sun-Mi, and ensure that Eve's Morning wins.
Hyung-Chul has nothing to say in rebuttal.
Young-Mi.......... Then you agree? ... Good. And unless you have something better to do on your day off,
....................... we have a pile of unfinished work from last night. So I suggest we eat quickly, and get busy!
SCENE: Apartment bedroom, morning
The bedroom door opens, and Su-Jin enters, warmly greeting Sun-Mi.
Su-Jin............... Good morning. When did you wake?
Sitting up in bed, Sun-Mi has gathered the loose sheets around her.
Sun-Mi.............. Not long ago.
Su-Jin walks over to the bed.
Su-Jin............... Breakfast is ready, if you're hungry.
Sun-Mi.............. I'm famished! But my dress ...?
Su-Jin............... Still at the in-house cleaners. There's a robe you can use, hanging in the bath.
....................... And I laid out something in the dressing room that should fit you.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks.
Su-Jin............... How are you feeling?
Sun-Mi.............. I've been worse.
Su-Jin............... After you eat something, you'll be back to normal. What do you think of our night out?
Sun-Mi.............. That was a dirty trick you pulled on me!
Su-Jin smiles as she recalls Sun-Mi's worried expression.
Su-Jin............... Would you have come out, if I told you up front?
Sun-Mi.............. Probably not, now that you mention it.
Su-Jin............... I felt you needed a distraction from the pressures of work.
....................... You seemed to hit it off with Ki-Young, spending most of the night dancing and drinking together.
Sun-Mi lowers her eyes self-consciously as her cheeks blossom.
Sun-Mi.............. Oh? Did I?
Su-Jin............... You don't remember?
Sun-Mi shakes her head.
Sun-Mi.............. After a while, it gets pretty spotty. Did I do anything ... unbecoming?
Su-Jin............... You mean like, making out in the booth while Peter and I were dancing?
Sun-Mi gasps in horror.
Sun-Mi.............. You're joking, right?
With a crafty grin, Su-Jin fills her in on the reality ...
Su-Jin............... Yes. Nothing like that happened. You're both too old-fashioned for that.
....................... Instead, you passed out in the booth about 2 am, and couldn't be waked.
Noticing Sun-Mi's eyes widen, she answers the unuttered questions ...
Su-Jin............... As a true gentleman, Ki-Young carried you from there to a cab, and then up to this bed.
....................... After he left, I tucked you in.
Cheeks burning, Sun-Mi silently reproaches herself, then laments ...
Sun-Mi.............. I made a really bad first impression, didn't I?
Sitting on the bed, Su-Jin consoles her.
Su-Jin............... Hey ... don't fret. No one thinks the worse of you for it. Particularly Ki-Young.
....................... If you asked me, he was smitten at first sight. His eyes rarely left you all night.
The information leads Sun-Mi to sigh regretfully.
Sun-Mi.............. I hope I didn't lead him on, since I'm not interested in having a boyfriend right now.
Su-Jin............... Because of Yoon Hyung-Chul?
Sun-Mi.............. No. Because of me. I'm focusing on achieving my career goals first, before any entanglements.
....................... Besides, I don't think my heart can take another disappointment.
....................... So, let's not talk about men and relationships for now, okay?
Su-Jin............... Sure. If that's what you want. We'll look at last night as a learning exercise, instead.
Sun-Mi smiles, asking tongue-in-cheek ...
Sun-Mi.............. Did I pass?
Su-Jin............... If you had fun, then yes.
Sun-Mi.............. I did. So thanks for watching out for me. And putting me up here.
Su-Jin............... Not at all. How do you like the bed?
Sun-Mi.............. Very comfortable.
Su-Jin............... And the room?
Sun-Mi.............. It's fantastic! ... The view, and all this art!
Su-Jin............... Wait until you see the rest of the apartment. You'll love it!
Sun-Mi.............. I envy you, having a nice place like this.
Su-Jin............... Actually, I don't live here.
Sun-Mi.............. If it's not yours, then whose ... ?
Su-Jin smiles at her confusion.
Su-Jin............... The apartment is leased and furnished for use by the program. We'll shoot some segments here.
....................... Your name on the resident listing ... for the duration.
It takes full two seconds for Sun-Mi -- gaping in astonishment -- to respond.
Sun-Mi.............. You want ME to live here?
Su-Jin nods affirmatively.
Su-Jin............... A celebrity needs to maintain an appropriate lifestyle commensurate to her image.
....................... In today's society, a modern woman is expected to be independent and sophisticated.
....................... Sharing a parent's house, filled with childhood dolls and memorabilia, just won't cut it.
Uncertain about accepting Su-Jin's offer, Sun-Mi looks for excuses.
Sun-Mi.............. If I move out, my Daddy has to live alone. That would be hard on him.
....................... I'm comfortable with my own room, I don't need a whole apartment, just for me.
But Su-Jin has prepared a counter-argument in advance ...
Su-Jin............... Will you stay there forever, till you die? Even when you marry, you'd still live with Daddy?
Sun-Mi.............. Well, no ... but ...
Su-Jin............... Then it's settled. Starting today, this is the new residence of Seoul's Queen of 'Arts, Jin Sun-Mi!
To Be Continued ...