All About Eve 'Uncut' -- A Spring Apart
by AAEfanatic
Episode 18A
SCENE: Apartment tower exterior, morning
SERIES OF SCENES: Sun-Mi's new apartment, morning
SCENE: Sun-Mi's apartment vestibule, morning
SCENE: MBS office complex, afternoon
SCENE: Director Kim's office, afternoon
SCENE: MBS 6F lift lobby, afternoon
SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon
SCENE: MBS Art Club studio, evening
SCENE:Hyung-Chul's office, evening
SCENE: Gwi-Sung's home, evening.
SERIES OF SCENES: Various locations, evening
Act 3 - Part 1
SCENE: Apartment tower exterior, morning
SERIES OF SCENES: Sun-Mi's new apartment, morning
Sun-Mi's Bedroom
Sun-Mi is sound asleep in her bed, when her alarm goes off.
[ loud beeps ]
Dragged from slumber by the insistent call to get up, she half opens her eyes and peers out the window.
Outside, the pre-dawn glow colors the cityscape.
She shuts her eyes again, but the incessant clamor prevents any hope of returning to sleep.
Blindly, she extends an arm, groping for the alarm clock, but the bedside stand is beyond her reach.
Opening her eyes, Sun-Mi raises herself on one arm and reaches out with the other.
Tapping the switch, she shuts off the alarm.
[ beeping stops ]
Bleary eyed, she stares at the time, wondering aloud ...
Sun-Mi.............. How can it be four hours already? I feel like I just laid down!
Kitchen
Needing a caffeine jolt to get going, Sun-Mi steeps her morning tea.
Just as she picks up the cup, her mobile ringtone sounds ...
Flipping open the phone, she smiles on seeing the text.
[ Call me when you get up -- Dad ]
She taps the speed dial for her father.
Gwi-Sung.......... (V.O. on the phone) Sun-Mi? You're awake?
Sun-Mi.............. Daddy? Why are you up so early?
Gwi-Sung.......... I'm leaving to get to the job site early. How about you?
Sun-Mi.............. We have a photo shoot before work.
Gwi-Sung.......... Did you sleep well?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes. And you?
Gwi-Sung.......... Fine. Have you eaten yet?
Sun-Mi.............. I'm having my breakfast right now.
She takes a sip from her cup.
Gwi-Sung.......... Do you need anything from home? Some clothes, any other stuff?
Sun-Mi.............. No, they've provided everything for now, including a whole new wardrobe!
Gwi-Sung.......... How about cleaning supplies?
Sun-Mi.............. No need. There's a woman who comes in to do the laundry and cleaning.
Gwi-Sung.......... That's better than home!
Sun-Mi.............. Yeah ... Park Su-Jin says she wants me 100% focused on the job.
Gwi-Sung.......... Don't work too hard. You have to watch your health.
Sun-Mi.............. I know, I'll be careful.
Gwi-Sung.......... Be sure to eat three meals a day.
Sun-Mi.............. Yes, I will.
Gwi-Sung.......... And take your time, don't rush.
Sun-Mi.............. Yes, Daddy.
Gwi-Sung.......... You can't be too cautious, with your stomach condition.
Rolling her eyes, she impatiently airs her peeve ...
Sun-Mi.............. Yesss!! I know that!! ... Daddy, I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself!
Gwi-Sung.......... Of course you can. You're grown up, and don't need your Daddy now ...
His voice breaks, and he pauses to sniffle.
Gwi-Sung.......... But you're the only child I have.
Listening to her father's heartbreak brings tears to Sun-Mi's eyes, too.
Chastened, she lowers her voice penitently ...
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry, Daddy. I was too harsh.
Gwi-Sung.......... It's all right. I'm being overprotective, when you're a perfectly capable person.
....................... Not every father has a famous TV announcer for a daughter.
She laughs.
Sun-Mi.............. Daddy, I'm not famous yet! But if I ever am, it's because you've always been my Number One Fan.
They laugh together.
Gwi-Sung.......... Speaking of which, I'm watching your show tonight with Ms. Song.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks Daddy ... Well, I have to get ready now.
Gwi-Sung.......... Then I'd better not keep you any longer.
Sun-Mi.............. Say "Hi" to Ms. Song for me when you see her.
Gwi-Sung.......... I will ... Ehm ... Sun-Mi?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes?
Gwi-Sung.......... I miss you.
Sun-Mi.............. I miss you, too, Daddy ... Bye.
After the call cuts off, she gazes at the phone in her hand, and sighs wistfully ...
Bathroom
After a quick shower, Sun-Mi dries and styles her hair into a simple bob.
Finished, she squarely faces the mirror, and clears her throat.
Holding the comb up like a microphone, she displays her practiced smile and rehearses ...
Sun-Mi.............. Welcome to MBS Art Club. I'm your host, Jin Sun-Mi ...
Dressing Room
Going through the clothing racks, Sun-Mi browses the extensive wardrobe assembled by Su-Jin.
Sun-Mi.............. Hmmm ... How to decide? There's so many to choose from!
Sun-Mi.............. Let's start out with something a bit dressy, for the shoot.
....................... And for this afternoon's meeting with Director Kim ... Something more businessy ...
SCENE: Sun-Mi's apartment vestibule, morning
[ doorbell chimes ]
Sun-Mi opens the door, to find a woman waiting in the corridor, holding a paper shopping bag.
Sun-Mi.............. Yes? ... You are?
The woman speaks quickly, in a clipped, businesslike manner ...
Eun-Hee........... Seong Eun-Hee. KMAX magazine. For the shoot.
Sun-Mi.............. KMAX? I thought it was for W Lifestyle.
Eun-Hee........... Park Su-Jin will explain.
Sun-Mi.............. Oh ... Then, please come in.
Eun-Hee........... Thank you.
Eun-Hee steps past Sun-Mi into the apartment vestibule.
Sun-Mi closes the door.
Not waiting for Sun-Mi to lead her in, Eun-Hee heads immediately for the living room.
Aggravated by Eun-Hee's arrogance, Sun-Mi has no choice but to trail behind.
Sun-Mi.............. I suppose you'll want to start setting up. Let me show you around.
Eun-Hee........... No need. Su-Jin sent photos. We'll make some changes. Do you mind?
Sun-Mi.............. Umm, no, if you have to. Where's your crew?
Eun-Hee........... The roof deck.
Sun-Mi.............. But I thought we were shooting in here.
Eun-Hee........... We're starting outside. Then moving indoors.
Sun-Mi.............. Oh? ... Shouldn't we wait to consult with Su-Jin first?
Eun-Hee........... There's no time. We need the early light.
She hands Sun-Mi the shopping bag.
Eun-Hee........... Change into this. Be on the deck ASAP.
SCENE: Rooftop pool, morning
While the location crew finishes setting up for the shoot, Sun-Mi and Su-Jin wait on the roof deck with Eun-Hee.
Eun-Hee........... Your first swimwear shoot, right?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes. How did you know?
Eun-Hee........... Most women feel embarrassed. But don't worry.
....................... The photographer will guide you, to look your best.
Sun-Mi nods her head compliantly, but her expression is conflicted.
Eun-Hee........... Once we start, you'll settle down. Trust me.
She stands up and trots off, high heels clicking briskly on the tiles.
Sun-Mi waits until Eun-Hee is busy talking with the crew.
Keeping her voice low to not be overheard, she complains ...
Sun-Mi.............. I don't get it. This isn't what we discussed! What happened to W Lifestyle?
Su-Jin............... They share the same publisher, but KMAX has three times the circulation numbers.
....................... So when they offered the switch, I grabbed it.
Sun-Mi.............. But does anyone who reads that rag have the slightest interest in the arts?
Su-Jin............... Isn't that what we're trying to do? Reach out to those who currently aren't art connoisseurs?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes! But this is going a step too far! Photographing me in a bikini?
....................... I'll never be taken seriously as an announcer again!
Su-Jin............... (scoffs) Are you now? With your track record?
Sun-Mi.............. Still, isn't W Lifestyle a better fit for an article on a single professional woman?
Su-Jin............... We've changed the focus of the article to how you keep your figure trim for your job.
....................... That's why the swim shoot. We'll also show you in the gym, and prepping a healthy meal.
Sun-Mi.............. But the truth is, I'm not that fit. I don't workout, or eat 'healthy' foods. And I hate swimming!
Su-Jin smiles indulgently as she glances down at the bulge in Sun-Mi's soft belly.
Su-Jin............... Swimming? Or swim suits? Worried about that little pooch showing?
Sun-Mi.............. Ehm ...
She averts her eyes, but her reddening face speaks for her.
Su-Jin............... Don't be. Nobody's perfect. Like Seong Eun-Hee said, fashion photogs are experts at disguising flaws.
....................... And what they can't hide, the editors Photoshop. You probably won't recognize yourself.
But her reassurances fall on deaf ears.
Sun-Mi.............. It's not just that. It's the whole attitude of deceiving the public! How can I claim any self-respect?
She sniffs contemptuously.
Sun-Mi.............. I'm not that kind of person!
Su-Jin............... Aren't you saying that -- I'm that kind of person? A skank without a shred of self-respect?
Sun-Mi.............. Take it as you want!
Su-Jin sighs at her charge's stubborn intransigence.
Su-Jin............... This isn't like the News. What matters here is perception, not reality.
....................... The audience wants celebrities as they imagine them to be, not as they are.
....................... We merely provide the fantasy consumers prefer. It's not deceit when everyone knows this.
Sun-Mi.............. Maybe that's how you see it, but I don't!
From across the pool, Eun-Hee waves to get their attention before she calls out ...
Eun-Hee........... Announcer Jin? Let's get started.
Standing up, Su-Jin challenges Sun-Mi ...
Su-Jin............... High principles are fine, if everyone plays by those rules, too.
....................... But now you're playing by a rulebook that you have no say over.
....................... You claimed that you'd do whatever it takes to win. This is what it takes!
Sun-Mi stands so she can look Su-Jin straight in the eye as she declares adamantly ...
Sun-Mi.............. Fine! I'll do as you want for now, but I can change my mind at any time!
SCENE: MBS office complex, afternoon
SCENE: Director Kim's office, afternoon
Su-Jin and Sun-Mi are meeting with Director Kim Eun-Ki in his office ...
Sun-Mi.............. All the pretaped segments are through final edit.
....................... We completed the live segment scripts yesterday, and started rehearsals this morning.
Eun-Ki.............. Very good, Announcer Jin. President Park, what's the latest on PR?
Su-Jin............... There was overwhelming response for the studio audience, with a waiting list.
....................... Our public interest surveys predict a 22 share.
Eun-Ki.............. That's not bad, but short of our target. Let's hope we can improve on it.
Su-Jin............... I think we can.
Sun-Mi smiles.
Sun-Mi.............. Me too. I feel good about the way things are going.
Eun-Ki.............. You seem confident, Announcer Jin. Not like before.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks to your encouragement, Sir, and Park Su-Jin.
Eun-Ki.............. After the show, I'd like to invite you to my club, to celebrate your hard work.
Sun-Mi.............. Are the crew and staff invited, too?
Eun-Ki.............. Whatever for?
Sun-Mi.............. They've all worked hard, too.
Hearing her remark, Eun-Ki responds harshly ...
Eun-Ki.............. I don't know what the standards in Director Yoon's department were.
....................... But here, we don't hold celebrations for people merely doing their jobs as expected!
Though taken aback by his vehemence, Sun-Mi holds firm.
Sun-Mi.............. It only seems fair!
Tempering his pique, Eun-Ki smiles and softens his voice.
Eun-Ki.............. Let me clarify. It's not to celebrate Art Club.
....................... It's to acknowledge the birth of a new star -- MBS' next top celebrity -- Jin Sun-Mi ...
SCENE: MBS 6F lift lobby, afternoon
Lift doors slide open, revealing Su-Jin and Sun-Mi inside, conversing ...
Sun-Mi.............. You're sure that you won't join us after the show?
Su-Jin............... It was obvious that I wasn't invited.
Sun-Mi.............. But if I insisted ...
Su-Jin steps out of the car, followed by Sun-Mi.
[ high heels clicking ]
They head together across the lobby toward the corridor beyond.
Su-Jin............... Don't. After you have a drink with the Director, leave. We'll do our own celebrating, at the club.
Sun-Mi.............. Isn't that a bit rude, to just walk out on him? After all, I owe him a lot for this chance.
Su-Jin stops and turns to face Sun-Mi, speaking adamantly ...
Su-Jin............... There's a limit to what you owe. Don't ever forget that!
....................... If you want an excuse, tell him you already had a date set with a boyfriend.
Sun-Mi.............. What boyfriend?
Su-Jin............... Cha Ki-Young. I've told him we'll be at the club, so he's expecting to see you there.
Sun-Mi.............. How could you do that! You know how embarrassed I am after what happened the last time!
Su-Jin smiles.
Su-Jin............... Is it really that, or because you like him?
Sun-Mi takes a deep breath, then confesses ...
Sun-Mi.............. I don't want to raise hopes, just to see them crushed later.
Su-Jin............... How do you know that's what will happen? Ki-Young is a sincere person.
Sun-Mi.............. Kim Woo-Jin and Director Yoon are both sincere, too. Yet, they gave me up for someone else.
Su-Jin............... All right. I won't insist. Don't worry about Ki-Young. But if you change your mind, come out anyway.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks. I will.
Su-Jin............... Shall we get on to the studio?
They start walking again.
As they pass the adjacent lift, the doors open.
A familiar voice calls out from the lift car ...
Cho-Jeh............ (V.O.) Sun-Mi! Wait up!
Sun-Mi turns her head to look over her shoulder.
Sun-Mi.............. Cho-Jeh?
Cho-Jeh rushes out of the lift.
Cho-Jeh............ I've been looking all over for you! Why is your phone turned off?
Sun-Mi.............. Because I was ...
Cho-Jeh............ Never mind! Come with me.
Grabbing Sun-Mi by the wrist, she tries to compel her along, but Sun-Mi resists.
Sun-Mi.............. I've got rehearsals ...
Cho-Jeh............ But we have to talk! Right now!
Su-Jin smiles with amusement.
Su-Jin............... There's time. Go with her. I'll see you later, in the studio.
SCENE: MBS corridor, afternoon
Cho-Jeh takes Sun-Mi aside to a quiet corridor.
Sun-Mi.............. What's this about?
Sparks flare in Cho-Jeh's eyes.
Cho-Jeh............ I thought we were best friends!
Sun-Mi.............. We are.
Cho-Jeh............ Then why didn't you tell me first?
Sun-Mi.............. Tell you WHAT first?
Cho-Jeh............ About your new, ritzy apartment!
Sun-Mi.............. Oh, that? It's the Company's apartment, not mine, and only for the program season.
....................... I didn't think it was important.
Cho-Jeh............ Of course it is! You don't know how embarrassed I was to hear it from someone else first!
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry. I've been too busy lately to get together with you.
Cho-Jeh............ But not too busy for Park Su-Jin! It's like you two are joined at the hip now.
....................... And you told me that you hated her guts!
Sun-Mi.............. Honestly, she and I just have a work relationship. You're still my best friend.
Cho-Jeh............ Am I? Then when will I get an invite?
Sun-Mi.............. Erm ...
Cho-Jeh............ How about right after work?
Sun-Mi.............. I can't. It's the premier tonight.
Cho-Jeh............ Afterward?
Sun-Mi.............. We're going out to celebrate.
Cho-Jeh............ (glumly disappointed) Another day, then? Soon?
Sun-Mi.............. I don't know. We're in full production for the next several weeks.
Seeing her friend's disappointment, Sun-Mi offers a consolation ...
Sun-Mi.............. But, how about lunch? I'll give you a call.
Cho-Jeh's face light up.
Cho-Jeh............ Lunch? You're buying?
Sun-Mi laughs.
Sun-Mi.............. Of course ... if it's ramen!
Sun-Dal is having dinner with Joo-Hee ...
Joo-Hee............ Do you know what's going on between Hyung-Chul and Young-Mi?
Sun-Dal............ Is there something going on?
Joo-Hee............ I heard rumors they're spending a lot of time together -- AFTER work.
Sun-Dal............ It's true. He told me they're working long hours on Eve's Morning programming.
Joo-Hee............ Humph! It seems those "long hours" also include "overnighters" at his place.
Sun-Dal............ What?
Joo-Hee............ You heard what Young-Mi said as she left the club with him -- that it wasn't the first time.
....................... And they've been seen regularly coming to work together.
Sun-Dal............ So?
Joo-Hee............ So I'm just putting two and two together, and it adds up to something's going on!
Sun-Dal............ First you were worried about Hyung-Chul because of Jin Sun-Mi.
....................... Now you're fretting over rumors he's hooking up with Huh Young-Mi?
Joo-Hee............ I don't trust that woman. She lies. And she's her eye on him for some time.
....................... We're his friends, we should look out for him.
Sun-Dal............ Is it that, or because you're jealous?
Joo-Hee............ Jealous? Me?
Sun-Dal grins.
Sun-Dal............ So many rumors about Yoon Hyung-Chul and women, and Yoo Joo-Hee is not one of them anymore.
But Joo-Hee isn't amused. Indignant, she glares across the table.
Joo-Hee............ What are you suggesting? I'm your fiancee!
Realizing his error, Sun-Dal is quick to apologize ...
Sun-Dal............ I'm sorry. I was being jealous myself. It was wrong. Forgive me.
The fire in her eyes fades, and she exhales a regretful sigh.
Joo-Hee............ No, you're right. Thinking of Hyung-Chul with another woman upsets me.
....................... I still carry traces of him in my heart. It's not you, but me who needs forgiveness.
Reaching across the table, he takes her hand.
Sun-Dal............ What's to forgive? Loving someone deeply leaves a permanent mark in the heart.
....................... I only care that I'm the one who's leaving those traces now.
SCENE: MBS Art Club studio, evening
Su-Jin watches from the wings as the studio crew put the final touches on the set.
She catches the attention of a crew member, points out a correction.
Su-Jin............... Can you move the table a bit this way?
Crew................ Sure. Like this?
He moves the table slightly.
Su-Jin............... Yes. That's good.
PD Lee............. (V.O. on intercom) Five minutes to air. Take your places people.
The crew bustles to finish their tasks, the cameramen make final adjustments, and the control room staff settles in.
Su-Jin's mobile ringtone sounds.
After glancing at the caller ID, she answers sternly ...
Su-Jin............... Where are you?
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O. on the phone) I'm just leaving makeup. Don't worry, I'll be there.
Su-Jin............... Okay. See ya soon.
Sun-Mi.............. Umm ... This morning ... I'm sorry. I was out-of-line. I didn't mean to impugn your integrity.
Su-Jin............... But you were right. I've compromised a lot to get where I am.
....................... Whatever integrity I had, I gave up to chase success.
She smiles ruefully.
Su-Jin............... Success and integrity, it's hard to have both at the same time. I hope you'll do better than me.
....................... So if you still feel that strongly about the article, I'll nix it.
Sun-Mi.............. Don't, I have a solution for that.
....................... Before it's published, I'll start working out, eat more healthy, and ... learn to like swimming.
Su-Jin............... (laughs) All right. Now get here ASAP, or PD Lee will have a fit!
SCENE:Hyung-Chul's office, evening
As the time for Art Club's premier broadcast nears, Hyung-Chul reviews reports at his desk as he waits.
After turning a few more pages, he checks the time on the wall clock behind him.
Then he picks up a TV remote and points it toward his office monitor ...
SCENE: Gwi-Sung's home, evening
Gwi-Sung sits impatiently in his living room, TV remote grasped in hand.
Turning his head to look toward the kitchen, he calls loudly ...
Gwi-Sung.......... Hurry up! It's almost time!
Jin-Suk appears, carrying a serving plate of cut up fruits.
She sets the plate on the coffee table in front of Gwi-Sung and sits on the chair next to him.
He flicks the remote, turning on the TV.
[ jazzy upbeat music begins ]
Gwi-Sung.......... Look! There's Sun-Mi!
Jin-Suk's eyes widen.
Jin-Suk............. Oh, my ...
Gwi-Sung �beams proudly.
Gwi-Sung.......... Yes. That's my daughter!
SERIES OF SCENES: Various locations, evening
Announcer 1 Team office
The Eve's Morning team has gathered to watch their new competition.
[music fades off ]
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O.) Welcome to MBS Art Club. I'm your host, Jin Sun-Mi.
....................... First, I want to take a few minutes and explain what Art Club is all about ...
Male Staff......... Is that really Jin Sun-Mi?!
Female Staff..... I can't believe it!
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O.) Of course, it's about art ... We'll inform you on what's new, and also look at what's timeless.
....................... But Art Club is also about you, our audience viewers, and your individual interests ...
Kyung-Hee........ Good for Sun-Mi! I knew she would do well.
Ki-Jong............. I knew it first.
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O.) On the program, we're limited in the time we have to experience and explore together.
....................... But through the Club, it's possible to chart your individual path through the world of arts ...
MBS makeup room
While removing her makeup from the Seven O'clock News, Young-Mi is also watching Art Club.
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O.) So if you haven't become a member of the Club yet, join us right now ...
[ crawl begins across the lower screen -- Sign up at www.mbs-artclub.co.kr �]
Young-Mi.......... (frowning) Humph! ... It'll take more than a makeover and slick production to beat me, Jin Sun-Mi!
Sun-Mi.............. With your free membership, you're eligible for Club premiums, such as discounted event tickets.
....................... You have access to extended coverage of our program topics, and previews of what is coming up.
....................... You can also expand your creativity and knowledge through our growing library of video how-to's and
....................... interviews with professional and amateur artists, museum curators, collectors, and art historians ...
Hyung-Chul's office
Hyung-Chul watches Art Club with a pleased grin on his face.
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O.) In the Club chat forum, you can connect with groups of like-minded members,
....................... tell us what you like and don't like, and provide suggestions for future programming ...
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O.) You may message me on my personal page at the Club, or by email ...
[ crawl begins across the lower screen -- sunmi@mbs.co.kr ]
Sun-Mi.............. But, please, no postcards!
She smiles brightly at her inside joke.
Sun-Mi.............. Thanks for watching. Now, let's begin our journey together ...
Hyung-Chul looks over at the Peter Rabbit figurine.
Wistfully, he recalls the moment Sun-Mi gifted it to him when she was leaving from London City Airport ...
|
FLASHBACK [Previous scene from Episode 3 ]
Sun-Mi........ Cute, isn't it?
Hyung-Chul. But it doesn't really fit my character.
Sun-Mi........ It suits me. It's up to the giver anyways.
|
He sighs with frustration.
Hyung-Chul....... When you left that day, Sun-Mi, you took my heart with you. What will it take for me to win yours?
He opens a desk drawer, takes out a greeting card, and removes the envelope.
Placing the open card on the desk top in front of him, he begins writing, speaking his thoughts aloud ...
Hyung-Chul....... Jin Sun-Mi -- Great job today! You've come a long way.
....................... I'm looking forward to what comes next ...
To Be Continued ...