All About Eve 'Uncut' -- A Spring Apart
by AAEfanatic
Episode 18A
SCENE: Seoul penthouse club, night
SCENE: MBS office and studios, morning
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, morning
INTERCUT SCENES: Seoul street / Gwi-Sung's home, noon.
SCENE: MBS conference room, afternoon
SCENE: MBS Announcer 1 Team office, afternoon
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, evening
SCENE: Eve's Morning studio, morning
SCENE: MBS classroom, late morning
SCENE: MBS Ladies' washroom, afternoon
SCENE: Art Club studio, afternoon
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, afternoon
SCENE: Art Club control room, evening
Act 3 - Part 2
SCENE: Seoul penthouse club, night
[ piano music playing softly ]
Eun-Ki is waiting in the exclusive club at a table for two, with a bottle of champagne.
The club's Captain appears, escorting Sun-Mi.
Eun-Ki motions towards the empty chair.
Eun-Ki.............. Please take a seat.
Sun-Mi.............. Thank you.
As Sun-Mi sits down, Eun-Ki eyes her appreciatively.
Eun-Ki.............. Announcer Jin, you look absolutely stunning tonight!
....................... I must say, you've certainly found your element.
Sun-Mi lowers her eyes modestly.
Sun-Mi.............. Thank you. Actually, Park Su-Jin chose this gown for my wardrobe, so she deserves the credit.
Eun-Ki.............. Don't they say, it's not the dress, but how the woman wears it?
She looks up at him with a coy smile on her lips.
Sun-Mi.............. Is that so?
Swiveling her chair, she turns toward the windows to gaze out at the expansive Seoul cityscape.
Sun-Mi.............. Such an amazing view!
Eun-Ki.............. A special occasion deserves a special place to celebrate.
Sun-Mi.............. This club is so elegant. I hear it's almost impossible to get in.
Eun-Ki.............. Not if you know the right people to open those 'impossible' doors.
Sun-Mi swivels her chair back to face him again.
Sun-Mi.............. The feeling such an exclusive place gives you is a bit intoxicating, isn�t it?
....................... Like you're on top of the world, and everyone looking up to you.
He nods.
Eun-Ki.............. That's not how I'd say it, but, more or less, yes.
Sun-Mi.............. At first I was hesitant, but now I'm glad I came.
Eun-Ki.............. I'm glad you're here, too. Before we go to the dining room, shall we celebrate?
He picks up the champagne bottle and opens it with a pop.
Eun-Ki.............. This is vintage 1976 Dom Perignon Brut. An exceptional year.
Hearing that, Sun-Mi perks up.
Sun-Mi.............. 1976, that's my birth year!
He pours into his flute, then hers.
Eun-Ki.............. Is it? Then it was an exceptional year for both champagnes, and women.
Sun-Mi picks up her glass.
Sun-Mi.............. You're being too kind.
He smiles.
Eun-Ki.............. Am I?
Lifting his glass, he toasts ...
Eun-Ki.............. Here's to MBS' next top celebrity, Jin Sun-Mi!
She raises hers to touch his.
Eun-Ki.............. Cheers!
Sun-Mi.............. Cheers!
They both tip up and savor the taste.
Sun-Mi.............. Umm ... Delicious!
Eun-Ki.............. I'm glad you like it.
Setting down her flute, Sun-Mi eyes Eun-Ki dubiously.
Sun-Mi.............. But isn't it premature to say I'm a celebrity? This was only our first night.
....................... We don't even have the final ratings reports. What if we bombed?
Eun-Ki.............. Tsk! Tsk! Announcer Jin Sun-Mi, may I speak frankly?
Sun-Mi.............. Uh. Sure.
He puts down his flute and leans forward to capture her full attention.
Eun-Ki.............. You underestimate your capabilities and potential for achievement.
....................... I've been in this business a long time, so I do know what I'm talking about.
....................... Though still a diamond in the rough, in the right hands you could become a sparkling gem!
She considers his words, then asks ...
Sun-Mi.............. And whose hands would those be? Park Su-Jin's?
Eun-Ki.............. You've made good progress under her tutelage, but she can't take you to the next step.
....................... That requires a person with connections and experience, who has done this before.
....................... Someone who can open the right doors and overcome barriers, and avoid the inevitable pitfalls.
He pauses to let his words sink in.
Sun-Mi.............. Like you opened the doors to get me into this place tonight?
Eun-Ki.............. Precisely! Sun-Mi, I can be your guide and mentor to greatness.
....................... With my help, you can feel every day at the top of the world, because you'll be there.
....................... What do you say?
She stares at him, stunned.
Sun-Mi.............. I appreciate your offer, but Sir, why would you want to do that for me?
Eun-Ki.............. Why not? Didn't you tell me that your dream was to become a top celebrity?
....................... I can make that dream into reality.
Mindful of Su-Jin's warning, cautious of his intentions, Sun-Mi looks for excuses.
Sun-Mi.............. You've already done so much for me! I'm not comfortable owing you even more.
He smiles warmly.
Eun-Ki.............. You owe me nothing. It's part of my role to nurture promising talent for MBS.
Sun-Mi.............. Do I have to answer you now?
Eun-Ki.............. Tonight, we're here to celebrate your accomplishments. We'll decide your future another time.
....................... So let's raise our glasses for another toast ...
SCENE: MBS office and studios, morning
Several weeks later ...
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, morning
Hyung-Chul is at his desk, reviewing the latest ratings reports.
[ knock, knock ]
He glances up at the door.
Hyung-Chul....... Come in.
Sun-Dal enters the office.
Sun-Dal............ What is it?
Hyung-Chul....... Have a seat.
As Sun-Dal sits on the arm of the couch in front of the desk, he notices a magazine on the desk top.
Sun-Dal............ KMAX? When did you get into bodybuilding?
Hyung-Chul....... I haven't.
Hyung-Chul picks up the magazine and hands it to him.
Hyung-Chul....... Here, check it out.
Holding up the magazine for a closer look, Sun-Dal's eyes pop in surprise ...
Sun-Dal............ The cover girl is Jin Sun-Mi?!
Hyung-Chul....... Yes. You might find the article inside interesting, too.
Sun-Dal flips through the magazine. On coming to the article about Sun-Mi, his mouth drops open.
Turning the pages slowly, he scrutinizes the photographs and exhales in a low whistle.
Hyung-Chul grins at his reaction.
Hyung-Chul....... What do you think?
Sun-Dal looks up at Hyung-Chul worriedly.
Sun-Dal............ Does Joo-Hee know about this?
Hyung-Chul....... Probably not. It's an advance copy. Why?
Sun-Dal............ This is pushing her limits of propriety for a professional broadcaster. I doubt she'll be pleased.
Hyung-Chul nods in agreement.
Hyung-Chul....... You've seen the latest ratings?
Sun-Dal............ Yeah. Art Club is killing us these past weeks.
Hyung-Chul....... Perhaps we should be pushing the limits, too.
Sun-Dal grins as he jokes ...
Sun-Dal............ You think I'll look as good in a Speedo?
Both men laugh.
Hyung-Chul....... Let's get the team together this afternoon, and have a frank talk.
INTERCUT SCENES: Seoul street / Gwi-Sung's home, noon
Seoul Street
[ loud traffic and crowd noises ]
Sun-Mi runs across a crowded crosswalk, late for her lunch appointment.
[ mobile ringtone ]
Slowing to a brisk walk, she takes her phone from her purse, glancing at the caller ID before putting it up to her ear.
Sun-Mi.............. Daddy? What is it? Are you all right?
Gwi-Sung's Home
Gwi-Sung.......... Never better for a 51 year-young man! Do you have time now?
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O. on the phone) Of course. I always have time for my Daddy! Is it about the party tomorrow?
Gwi-Sung.......... Ms. Song said she'll be here early to cook. And Woo-Jin will come at seven with the cake.
....................... You still can make it, right?
Sun-Mi.............. Have I ever missed one of my Daddy's birthday parties?
Gwi-Sung.......... No, but these days you're so busy.
Seoul Street
Sun-Mi.............. Don't worry. We wrap our session for tomorrow's last segment at six.
....................... Even if the editing takes longer than usual, I'll be home by 7:30. Eight at the latest.
....................... I'm looking forward to this. It's so long since we've all been together.
Gwi-Sung.......... (V.O. on the phone) Yes, it has. Too long. By the way, do you think ...
Sun-Mi.............. Daddy, I have to go. I'm already late for an appointment. We'll talk more tonight. Okay?
Gwi-Sung.......... Sure ... Goodbye, Sun-Mi.
Sun-Mi.............. Bye, Daddy!
She flips her phone closed, stuffs it back into her purse, and checks her watch.
Sun-Mi.............. Ohmigod! Cho-Jeh's going to kill me!
Tucking her purse back safely onto her arm, Sun-Mi starts off at a spirited jog.
Sun-Mi and Cho-Jeh are eating together in a small noodle shop.
Cho-Jeh swallows a mouthful of noodles and points her chopsticks at Sun-Mi accusingly.
Cho-Jeh............ Finally I get you to come out for lunch, and you're 30 minutes late!
Sun-Mi idly pokes at the noodles with her chopsticks as she offers excuses.
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry. A meeting ran over. Everything's so hectic. Most days, I don't even have time for lunch!
Cho-Jeh............ Whatever ...
She eyes Sun-Mi's barely touched bowl.
Cho-Jeh............ Why aren't you eating anything?
Sun-Mi.............. Lately I have to watch my weight. I can barely fit into my clothes now.
Cho-Jeh............ Since when?
Sun-Mi.............. Since I got a whole new wardrobe for the program.
Cho-Jeh............ So that explains this 'different' look.
Sun-Mi.............. You sound as it you don't approve?
Cho-Jeh............ Actually, now that you don't dress so old-fashioned, sometimes I hardly recognize you.
....................... I suppose, on the balance, though, that's an improvement.
Sun-Mi.............. Then I'll take it as a compliment.
Cho-Jeh............ Whatever ... If you don't eat soon, your noodles will get soggy.
Sun-Mi.............. Yes.
She stirs the noodles and takes a bit out to eat.
Cho-Jeh............ How can you claim to be so busy, but still have time for dating?
Sun-Mi.............. (tiredly) I told you before, I'm not dating. We broke up.
Cho-Jeh............ Yeah, but who's this new guy?
Sun-Mi.............. There's nobody!
Cho-Jeh............ That's not what I read! ... Mystery Man Escorts "Queen of 'Arts" Announcer Jin Sun-Mi.
Sun-Mi.............. Huh?
Cho-Jeh............ There's even a picture of you with "nobody" getting a taxi.
....................... And by the way, when did you start clubbing?
She picks up a tabloid from the table, opens it to the page, and shows Sun-Mi the article.
Looking at the photos, Sun-Mi almost chokes on her noodles.
Sun-Mi.............. What?! Since when did my life become fodder for the paparazzi?
Cho-Jeh............ Now that you're a celebrity, what else do you expect?
Putting down her chopsticks, Sun-Mi sighs.
Sun-Mi.............. Okay. His name is Cha Ki-Young. And regardless of what it says, we're not seeing each other!
Cho-Jeh............ Really? Tell me about him.
While Sun-Mi fills her in, Cho-Jeh continues eating her noodles ...
Sun-Mi.............. Cha Ki-Young is a friend of Park Su-Jin. They met shortly after she returned to Seoul.
....................... He works as an investment banker, and came to here a few months ago from New York.
....................... We've only met a few times at a club, with Su-Jin. And we had drinks at a bar -- once!
Cho-Jeh............ But he's taking a cab with you?
She tips up her empty bowl and drains the remaining broth as Sun-Mi replies ...
Sun-Mi.............. I had a bit too much to drink, and he wanted to see me home safely. That was it!
Cho-Jeh............ So he did or didn't go up to your apartment?
Sun-Mi.............. He didn't. Not that time.
Cho-Jeh immediately latches onto Sun-Mi's verbal slip ...
Cho-Jeh............ Then there was another time?!
Sun-Mi doesn't want to go further into that embarrassment, so she changes the subject ...
Sun-Mi.............. By the way, have you and Jin-Soo picked out a wedding date?
Sparks ignite in Cho-Jeh's eyes.
Cho-Jeh............ Wedding date?! Don't get me started!
....................... All Jin-Soo talks about is his Buzzy Bumblebee character now.
....................... He's worried that he'll have to give up sports casting to play Buzzy. It's driving me nuts!
Sun-Mi.............. Certainly the Gala will be the end of Buzzy.
Cho-Jeh............ That's not how Jin-Soo tells it.
....................... If Buzzy helps Eve's Morning beat Art Club then they might cast him permanently.
She reaches across the table and grasps Sun-Mi's hand, pleading ...
Cho-Jeh............ Sun-Mi! You have to win, or I'll be stuck with a chubby insect for the rest of my life!
Sun-Mi pats her friend's hand comfortingly.
Sun-Mi.............. Don't worry, I'm not going to lose to Huh Young-Mi! ... I promise!
SCENE: MBS conference room, afternoon
Responding to Sun-Dal's call, the Eve's Morning production team comes together for an emergency meeting.
The conference room is quiet, their usual banter muted as they await their Director's remarks on the situation.
All eyes are on Hyung-Chul at the head seat of the conference table.
Hyung-Chul....... I think you're all aware of the results in the first round of ratings.
....................... Eve's Morning has remained first in it's time slot thanks to your hard work.
....................... But Art Club has gained every week since the premier, and now is first in their slot, too.
....................... Since the evening audience is larger, they are now leading us consistently each week.
....................... Director Kim and his team had a good program plan and executed it well.
....................... But this competition is not over yet, we can still have time to come back and win in the end.
Jin-Soo raises his hand.
Hyung-Chul....... Yes, Announcer Choi?
Jin-Soo............. But what happens if we lose?
Ki-Jong glares angrily across the room at Jin-Soo.
Ki-Jong............. Idiot! Are you trying to jinx us?
Hyung-Chul raises his hand to stop further outbursts.
Hyung-Chul....... It's a fair question. In that case, Director Kim will take back control of the morning program.
....................... Likely he will return to his format from the former program, or something similar.
....................... Most of you will be reassigned, but there is a possibility of retrenchments to reduce costs.
He pauses to let the team consider the weight of his words.
Hyung-Chul....... Until then, I am committed to helping this team prevail, as I hope all of you are, too.
....................... We need to work smarter, not just harder. Let's think outside the box and be more creative.
....................... I trust you will do your best. Thank you.
Sun-Dal makes a fist and pumps his arm.
Sun-Dal............ Hwaiting!
All.................... Hwaiting!
SCENE: MBS Announcer 1 Team office, afternoon
Returning from the meeting, the announcer team gathers in the office to chat.
Male staff......... I didn't think the Company was serious about this competition.
Female Staff 1... Sun-Mi always did the worst in class! How could that twerp be so good?
Female Staff 2 .. She's not! It's because she's still the Director's favorite. What else could it be?
Kyung-Hee looks around the group, her expression silently scolding the complainers ...
Kyung-Hee........ Do you have so little regard about our Company? Do you think one person can decide anything?
....................... Art Club is winning because they have a program that the public wants to watch.
....................... Let's be honest and give them credit, and redouble effort on our own program!
Ki-Jong thoughtfully tosses a baseball from his hand into his mitt.
Ki-Jong............. But it's not easy to do a comeback. It will take a miracle now to swing the momentum.
Male Staff......... You're right. So why not give up now?
Female Staff 1... Then we'll save ourselves the wasted effort.
Young-Mi glares angrily at her defeated colleagues.
Young-Mi.......... We can't quit now! This isn't over yet, I won't lose to Jin Sun-Mi!
Ki-Jong............. The reality is we've practically lost already.
Contrary to the others, Jin-Soo is grinning widely ...
Jin-Soo............. That's right. Isn't it great?
Surprised at his attitude, everyone turns to look at Jin-Soo.
Ki-Jong............. Hey, minefield! Why are you smiling like a fool?
Jin-Soo............. Because if Art Club wins, I won't have to play 'Buzzy' anymore!
Raising his mitt, Ki-Jong whacks Jin-Soo over the head.
Ki-Jong............. Idiot! You won't be playing 'Buzzy' because you won't have a job anymore!
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, evening
Yoo Joo-Hee shakes her head as she looks through the advance copy of KMAX magazine.
Hyung-Chul....... I wanted you to see this first, before it hit the streets.
She looks up at Hyung-Chul with a resigned expression.
Joo-Hee............ Why is Jin Sun-Mi always at the center of controversy?
Hyung-Chul....... You disapprove?
Joo-Hee............ Society is changing these days. What's acceptable now was hardly imaginable before.
....................... Actually, I give Sun-Mi credit for having the spunk to take big risks.
....................... But I hope she's aware of the inevitable consequences to deal with afterward.
....................... I'll have a talk with her.
Hyung-Chul....... Then, you approve?
She chuckles.
Joo-Hee............ Remember when I was 25? Those pictures you took of me with your eyes?
Hyung-Chul....... Of course. Like it was yesterday.
Joo-Hee............ Didn't I cut a pretty sharp figure in a bikini then, too?
SCENE: Eve's Morning studio, morning
Sun-Dal............ Next on Eve's Morning is Buzzy Bumblebee with the Children's Corner.
Young-Mi.......... Buzzy, what do you have for us today?
Smiling widely, Jin-Soo speaks in a high falsetto voice ...
Jin-Soo............. Good morning, humans! Today we're going to learn about a new nature park!
....................... But first, if you haven't already joined Buzzy's Beehive, get your bee-hind moving, right now!
[ crawl begins across the lower screen -- Sign up at www.mbs-buzzybeehive.co.kr �]
....................... The Beehive has lots of interesting, fun things for both big and little bees to do.
....................... And the best part is membership will always B-E-E FREE!
[ studio audience laughter ]
Jin-Soo............. Now let's go to the park!
....................... It has many different ecosystems ... forest, tall grass, a lake, and marshlands ...
Jin-Soo............. But my favorite is the flower gardens. Aren't they BEE-u-ti-ful?!
SCENE: MBS classroom, late morning
Sun-Mi opens the classroom door and walks inside.
She checks her watch while pacing apprehensively.
A few moments later, Joo-Hee enters and closes the door.
Sun-Mi faces Joo-Hee, ill-at ease at their first meeting since Sun-Mi had started on Art Club.
Sun-Mi.............. What did you want to talk about, Senior?
Joo-Hee shows her the KMAX magazine.
Sun-Mi immediately assumes Joo-Hee's disapproval.
Sun-Mi.............. Senior, I don't think I did anything wrong!
Joo-Hee............ I'm not here to tell you what to do or not to do now. That's for Director Kim.
....................... Right now, I'm only concerned about you.
Sun-Mi's eyes widen with surprise, as she was expecting a strong tongue-lashing.
Instead, Joo-Hee smiles warmly.
Joo-Hee............ There's disagreement over what behavior is appropriate when it could affect MBS' image.
....................... Of course, things should always be done with propriety and according to Company procedures.
....................... Personally, I think this took a lot of courage, and I hope everything works out well.
Sun-Mi is stunned ...
Sun-Mi.............. You do?!
Joo-Hee............ It's not what I might have done. But then, I'm not you.
....................... Expect some malicious pushback. If things become too hard, come and see me, okay?
Sun-Mi smiles with relief.
Sun-Mi.............. Thank you, Senior, for the support. I really appreciate it.
Joo-Hee............ Don't mention it. Working in a man's world, we women have to support each other.
SCENE: MBS Ladies' washroom, afternoon
[ sound of running water ]
Sun-Mi is washing her hands when the washroom door opens and Young-Mi strides in.
Young-Mi.......... (harshly) Jin Sun-Mi!
Sun-Mi stands up straight and turns to look tiredly at Young-Mi.
Sun-Mi.............. Yes? What is it now?
Young-Mi marches up close to get in Sun-Mi's face.
[ high heels clicking loudly ]
Young-Mi.......... I didn't know you were so shameless.
....................... So this is how you boost your ratings? Flirting with your audience!
Glaring defiantly, Sun-Mi doesn't back down.
Sun-Mi.............. The KMAX article?
Young-Mi.......... What else?
Sun-Mi.............. You accused me of flirting ... But I think this is more about your own jealousy.
Young-Mi.......... Jealous of you? Hah ... Me?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes. Because you're not confident enough to do it yourself, you attempt to trash me!
Young-Mi.......... It's not from lack of confidence. Do you really think I'd stoop down to that level?
Sun-Mi smiles condescendingly at her rival.
Sun-Mi.............. I thought you already had. Does 'Cinderella' ring a bell?
Young-Mi.......... Cinderella?
Both women recall their confrontation in the Ladies' room at the MBS 40th Anniversary celebration ...
|
FLASHBACK [Previous scene from Episode 10 ]
Young-Mi.... How do you feel, being a Cinderella?
Sun-Mi........ I thought you worked hard for what you wanted. Do you really believe in such things?
Young-Mi.... Exactly, I tried so hard to move forward, but you made a huge move just because of a man.
................. Isn't that Cinderella, or what? Did I hurt little Cinderella's pride?
Sun-Mi........ I will challenge you, even with out him!
|
Sun-Mi.............. Today our circumstances are quite different than the last time.
....................... I'm challenging you on my own, while you're the one looking at a man to move up.
....................... So who's the Cinderella now?!
The slight infuriates Young-Mi.
Young-Mi.......... How dare you!
Throwing her right hand, she takes a swing at Sun-Mi.
But Sun-Mi blocks the intended slap, grabbing Young-Mi's arm and shoving it to the side.
Sun-Mi.............. What? Did I hurt little Cinderella's pride?
....................... And, by the way, did you hear about the MBS Guide?
Young-Mi.......... (grumbling) What about it?
Sun-Mi.............. I'm replacing you as the cover girl for this month's edition.
....................... They decided MBS' top program deserved the prime promotion spot.
Young-Mi.......... I don't believe you!!
Sun-Mi.............. Then go and check for yourself. We had the photo shoot yesterday.
She smiles triumphantly.
Sun-Mi.............. Who will be the first choice to fill Joo-Hee's place now?
....................... You should work harder. Director Yoon isn't one to tolerate mediocrity.
....................... If you fail, you could end up being replaced.
Seething at Sun-Mi's taunts, Young-Mi barely manages to restrain herself.
Sun-Mi.............. It's been nice chatting, but I have more important things to do.
....................... Have a good day, Announcer Huh Young-Mi. It may be one of your last!
Turning her back to Young-Mi, Sun-Mi strides confidently out of the washroom.
[ high heels tapping with perfect cadence ]
Humiliated, Young-Mi can only stare at her rival's back.
Under her breath she promises herself ...
Young-Mi.......... This isn�t over yet, Jin Sun-Mi! I will beat you in the end, or I'll die trying!
SCENE: Art Club studio, afternoon
Sun-Mi is taping the final segment for the program.
Walking slowly, she speaks her scripted lines from memory �...
Sun-Mi.............. Today we are visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, in Gwacheon.
....................... The museum has just opened an exhibition featuring artist Sang Nam Lee ...
Pausing, she stares at one of the studio monitors, frowning.
PD................... Sun-Mi? What is it, this time?
Sun-Mi.............. That wasn't right. The camera tracking was off. Let's do it again.
The PD's strained voice evidences his frustration.
PD................... First is was the lighting, then the wind machine, and now this?!
....................... We're already well behind schedule. At some point we have call it a wrap!
Sun-Mi.............. I understand, but the production needs to be perfect. We'll reshoot again.
The PD can barely contain himself ...
PD................... Announcer Jin Sun-Mi! I'm the PD! I decide when and if we reshoot!
Sun-Mi's smile is cold as she retorts caustically ...
Sun-Mi.............. Of course. But if you did your job well, then no one would have anything to say, right?
SCENE: Hyung-Chul's office, afternoon
Sun-Dal, Young-Mi, and Hyung-Chul are meeting to regroup their efforts.
Young-Mi.......... Is there really nothing we can do?
Hyung-Chul....... The agreement with Director Kim was to use ratings as the deciding factor.
....................... It's too late to go back on that now.
Young-Mi.......... But, Jin Sun-Mi is building hers up with those cheesy magazine articles! She's such a minx!
Hyung-Chul turns a cold eye on Young-Mi.
Hyung-Chul....... Do you really believe that's why Art Club is up in the ratings?
....................... Are audiences so easily bamboozled?
Under his stony gaze, Young-Mi fidgets self-consciously, lowering her eyes to avoid his.
Young-Mi.......... Well ... um ...
Sun-Dal steps in to move the discussion on.
Sun-Dal............ It could be a factor in growing their demographics. More PR never hurts.
Hyung-Chul....... So what are we doing, to counter?
Sun-Dal............ Not much. We've exhausted our budget for the month.
Hyung-Chul....... What about Buzzy?
Sun-Dal............ The Beehive internet site gave us a bump, but that's flattened out since.
Hyung-Chul nods.
Hyung-Chul....... The Gala is coming up soon. Can we use it for leverage? There's no cost to that.
Sun-Dal............ Good idea. We'll increase the exposure, and have Buzzy do more live promos on location.
Hyung-Chul....... Why not have Young-Mi pair up with Buzzy on those? See what chemistry it generates.
Young-Mi looks up, aghast.
Young-Mi.......... What? You want me to flirt with that chubby bug? In public?
Hyung-Chul....... Why not?
Young-Mi.......... I ... I'll be a laughingstock!
Hyung-Chul....... You claimed that was the reason for Sun-Mi's ratings. Maybe it can help ours, too. Sun-Dal?
Sun-Dal............ It's worth a try.
Young-Mi.......... But ... Director Yoon ...
Sun-Dal gives her an irritated glance, then stands up.
Sun-Dal............ I'll get Marketing and the writers on it right away. Young-Mi, let's go.
SCENE: Art Club control room, evening
Su-Jin and Sun-Mi are having a heated argument over the just-completed segment tape.
Sun-Mi.............. You approved this?!
Su-Jin............... The PD said it was good, so, of course.
Sun-Mi.............. But you didn't watch it yourself?
Su-Jin............... No. I was busy. Why?
Sun-Mi turns to the man at the console.
Sun-Mi.............. Play it again, Mr. Lee.
She points to the video screen ...
Sun-Mi.............. Look. That spot on my dress? It wasn't there in Wardrobe. ... Did you see it?
Su-Jin............... Yes, but only because you pointed it out. It's really not that noticeable.
Sun-Mi.............. If I noticed it, so will others. We'll have to reshoot the entire segment!
Su-Jin............... But the crew just left off for the day. You really want to call them back? For something this small?
Crossing her arms, Sun-Mi digs in doggedly ...
Sun-Mi.............. I don't see it as small! It's my image that's impacted, not yours! So it's my decision!
Undeterred, Su-Jin pushes back.
Su-Jin............... But you have to consider the impact on people's schedules, and on the budget, too!
....................... A reshoot will be on overtime. There's a point where close is good enough!
Sun-Mi.............. That's not how I see it!
Su-Jin............... I'm the Style Director, not you! And I say it's a wrap!!
Sun-Mi.............. And I say, we shoot it again!!
Locked in a standoff, tempers flaring and reputations at stake, the confrontation is nearing the boiling point ...
Determined to have her way, Sun-Mi argues crossly ...
Sun-Mi.............. Didn't you lecture me that our presentation needs to be perfect for the viewer experience?
....................... And didn't you incessantly work me for hours, just to get one small error corrected?
....................... How is this any different, now that I'm the one calling for it?
Effectively countered by her own standard, Su-Jin blinks in surprise, then responds a bit sheepishly ...
Su-Jin............... Yes ... You're right. It is the same.
....................... I'll have the PD call the crew back. It'll take about an hour to get set up again.
Having made her point, Sun-Mi eases up, offering a magnanimous fig leaf.
Sun-Mi.............. That's just enough time for makeup and wardrobe.
....................... This time, with you present, I'm sure things will get done properly, right?
Their dispute amicably settled, they share a comradely grin.
Su-Jin............... Yes, it will.
As Su-Jin starts to walk off, Sun-Mi calls to her.
Sun-Mi.............. Since we'll be working late, why not order in dinner for everyone, too?
Su-Jin stops and looks back.
Su-Jin............... Now, that's a good idea! How does pizza sound?
Sun-Mi.............. Yummy!
Su-Jin............... I'll see you on the set then.
After Su-Jin leaves, Sun-Mi picks up her mobile and makes a call.
Sun-Mi.............. Daddy? ... Sorry, but I can't make the party tonight ... No ... No, I'm fine.
....................... It's just that something came up, so I have to work late ... Yes, again ...
....................... Maybe we can celebrate another time? ... I know I promised, but ...
....................... I'm so sorry ... Of course I miss you and want to be there ... you have to believe me!
She forces a positive lilt into her voice.
Sun-Mi.............. Say 'Hi' to Ms. Song and Woo-Jin for me. And save a piece of cake, okay?
....................... Yesss, I love you too, Daddy ... Bye.
As she rings off, Sun-Mi recalls a night long ago, when the circumstances were reversed ...
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FLASHBACK [Previous scene from Episode 1]
Sun-Mi........ Daddy? Where are you? Dinner is almost ready!
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Sun-Mi........ You're not coming?! ... Again? ...
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Gazing at her mobile, she exhales a regretful sigh.
Sun-Mi.............. Back then, I thought you didn't care, and resented how your work took you away from me.
....................... I was immature, thinking only of my petty feelings, but now I realize ...
....................... You wanted to be home, with me, even more than I wanted you to be there.
Continue with Act 3 Part 3 ...