All About Eve 'Uncut' -- A Spring Apart
by AAEfanatic
Episode 18A
SCENE: Exterior of Sun-Mi's apartment building, late night
SCENE: Sun-Mi's apartment, late night
SCENE: Seoul Shopping Mall, morning
SCENE: MBS main entrance, afternoon
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team, evening
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, evening
SCENE: Restaurant on the Han River, night
SCENE: Restaurant on the Han River, night
SCENE: Exterior of MBS tower, late night
SCENE: MBS corridors, late night
Act 3 - Part 3
SCENE: Exterior of Sun-Mi's apartment building, late night
SCENE: Sun-Mi's apartment, late night
After working late, Sun-Mi returns to her apartment and settles on the couch with a glass of wine.
She takes the remote and flicks on the TV to watch a recording of the MBS evening drama.
[ mobile phone ringtone ]
Putting the TV on PAUSE, she picks up her phone and flips it open.
Seeing the caller is Woo-Jin, she smiles.
Sun-Mi.............. Oppa! Why are you calling so late?
Woo-Jin............ I had to stop at the studio before I went home.
....................... We missed you at the party. You really couldn't come?
....................... Your father was pretty disappointed.
Sun-Mi's smile fades.
Sun-Mi.............. I had no choice! We were reshooting a segment for the show, and it took all night.
....................... I'll make it up to Daddy next time, when he comes back from his trip.
Woo-Jin............ It's not just tonight. It's all the other times recently, too.
....................... You seem to only care about business anymore. Working so hard isn't good for you!
Her eyes spark indignantly.
Sun-Mi.............. Who are you to say what's good for me? You don't understand.
....................... Art Club winning is important to my career! Besides, I don't want to lose to Young-Mi!
Woo-Jin............ Now you're sounding just like Young-Mi. Do you always have to compete with her?
Sun-Mi.............. I'm nothing like Young-Mi! Do you always have to take her side?!
Woo-Jin............ Sun-Mi, it's not taking sides.
Sun-Mi.............. Then what is it?!
Exasperated, he exhales sharply and pauses for a reset ...
Woo-Jin............ I didn't call to argue with you.
Sun-Mi.............. Sorry. I'm just a bit wound up lately.
Woo-Jin............ Why?
Sun-Mi.............. I'm under a lot of pressure from Director Kim. He has plans for me to be the top celebrity at MBS.
Woo-Jin............ Isn't that what you wanted?
Sun-Mi.............. I'd thought so, but when faced with the reality, it's a bit scary to think about what it requires.
....................... Like, I just found out I've been added at the last minute to the Gala's red carpet!
Woo-Jin............ What's scary about that? You're a presenter, in front of people all the time.
Sun-Mi.............. It's not the same. On a program, I'm only part of the total presentation.
....................... Appearance is important, but so are the program content and production.
....................... On the red carpet, your appearance IS the content and production.
Woo-Jin............ And that intimidates you?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes. I'm not an A-list celeb, but in a different class altogether.
....................... I'll be compared alongside some of the most beautiful and sophisticated stars in Korea.
....................... Those fashion mavens who rate the women in their gowns have sharp claws.
....................... I don't want to end up trashed, on a 'worst dressed' list!
Su-Jin and Sun-Mi talk as they drive into work together.
Sun-Mi.............. I didn't know picking out a dress could be so stressful!
Su-Jin............... For the Gala red carpet?
Sun-Mi.............. Yes.
Su-Jin............... Would you like my help? I could give you a few pointers.
Sun-Mi.............. Could you? I'm desperate!
Su-Jin laughs.
Su-Jin............... How about 8 pm? We can go together.
Sun-Mi.............. I'd like that.
As they approach the intersection outside MBS, Su-Jin points to the office building.
Su-Jin............... What do you think of the new Art Club poster?
....................... PR decided we should shift the focus to be more personable.
Sun-Mi.............. To be modest, I should say it's embarrassing being the center of attention like this.
....................... But frankly, I'm proud. I'm finally getting a step up on Huh Young-Mi.
The traffic signal ahead changes, and Su-Jin slows her red Z3 to a stop in the long queue of vehicles.
She turns her head to look at Sun-Mi.
Su-Jin............... Did you always compete with her like this?
Sun-Mi.............. It started in Uni and now it's practically a way of life, for both of us.
....................... But now that I'm successful and can hold my head up, I want to enjoy it. Is that wrong?
Su-Jin............... Not necessarily. But remember the saying, pride goes before a ...
Sun-Mi.............. Look!
Interrupting Su-Jin, she points to the MBS South Gate.
Sun-Mi.............. Why are all those people lining up?
Su-Jin............... Didn't you check the forum last night?
Sun-Mi.............. No. I was busy when I got home, and left it for today.
Su-Jin............... Then you should know that your morning schedule has changed.
....................... People were asking for an event, so I put up a notice for an autograph signing from 10-11 o'clock.
Sun-Mi is astonished.
Sun-Mi.............. But it's only seven. Why are they here so early?
Su-Jin............... I stated that due to time constraints, you'd only sign personal requests to the first 50 in line.
....................... Everyone else would just get a pre-signed photo.
She laughs.
Su-Jin............... You seem to have some very dedicated fans!
SCENE: Seoul Shopping Mall, morning
Young-Mi and Jin-Soo are promoting the Children's Charity Fund ...
Costumed as Buzzy Bumblebee, Jin-Soo prances around inside a circle of parents and children.
[ buzzing bee sounds, laughing, crowd noises ]
At the edge of the circle, Young-Mi holds a wireless microphone, speaking to the crowd.
Young-Mi.......... For everyone's safety, please keep your children back while Buzzy does his bee dance.
Finishing with a clumsy pirouette, Buzzy takes a bow.
Young-Mi steps out into the circle, walking up to Jin-Soo.
Young-Mi.......... Buzzy, that was BEE-utilful dancing!
She leans close and gives Jin-Soo a loud smack on the cheek.
He acts abashed as his wings start rapidly flapping.
[ buzzing sound rises in pitch ]
Jin-Soo............. Ah, shucks!
[ crowd laughs boisterously ]
Young-Mi.......... For those wanting pictures with Buzzy, form up a line to the right.
She motions to the spot.
Young-Mi.......... Please make a donation of 10,000 Won, or more, to the Children's Charity Fund.
....................... Thank you.
SCENE: MBS main entrance, afternoon
An MBS van drives up and stops at the main entrance.
The vehicle doors open, and Young-Mi, Jin-Soo, and the location crew alight.
They head toward the building entrance doors as the van drives off.
Jin-Soo and Young-Mi walk together as he complains ...
Jin-Soo............. I'm tired of playing Buzzy. It's so embarrassing! I wish someone else could do the Gala.
Young-Mi.......... Get over it. I'm the one who has to kiss a fat insect in public!
....................... Anyway. It's just one more day.
They enter the lobby, heading toward the lifts.
Jin-Soo............. Hey, look! ... the latest Guide is out.
He motions to a poster and table that was set up after they had left for the shoot.
Young-Mi comes to a dead halt, staring at the poster of Sun-Mi in dismay.
Jin-Soo also stops, puzzled.
Jin-Soo............. I thought the cover girl this month was supposed to be you ...
Jin-Soo............. Why is it Sun-Mi? What happened? ...
He takes a second look, scrutinizing the display.
Jin-Soo............. Doesn't she look great? You'd think she was a professional model!
Young-Mi's face darkens with fury.
Young-Mi.......... Just shut up!
She abruptly storms off, striding a rapid beeline for the lifts.
Jin-Soo scrambles to catch up.
Jin-Soo............. Young-Mi! Wait up! ...
On the rooftop, Young-Mi frets as she paces back and forth ...
Young-Mi.......... It's not possible! It can't be happening!
....................... Art Club is winning, Sun-Mi replaced me on the Guide, and now she's walking the red carpet, too!
Young-Mi.......... I have to do something, or she'll take the News At Nine next!
As she ponders the situation facing her, Jin-Soo's complaint comes back ...
Jin-Soo ............ (V.O.) Playing Buzzy is so embarrassing! I wish someone else could do the Gala.
A plot begins to formulate in Young-Mi's mind ...
Young-Mi.......... What if Jin-Soo couldn't play Buzzy? Who would have to take his place?
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team, evening
Young-Mi enters the announcers' office, carrying a tray of vending coffee cups.
She goes over to Kyung-Hee and Ki-Jong, and sets cups on their desks.
Young-Mi.......... Seniors, thanks for staying over.
Ki-Jong............. Director Yoon made it clear that we had to keep our noses to the grindstone for the time being.
Kyung-Hee looks up at Young-Mi, eyeing her curiously.
Kyung-Hee........ Since when are you bringing coffee? That's not like you.
Young-Mi smiles uneasily.
Young-Mi.......... Everyone is working so hard for the program, so I thought it's the least I could do.
Ki-Jong............. Whatever! Coffee is coffee. Thanks Young-Mi.
Young-Mi dips her head, and moves on to Jin-Soo, placing the last cup on his desk.
Young-Mi.......... Here ... For all your hard work today. It makes a difference.
Jin-Soo............. Thanks.
He picks up the cup, and takes a sip.
Jin-Soo............. What about you?
Young-Mi.......... I have to do the News.
She leans closer, her eyes widening with concern.
Young-Mi.......... You look a bit peaked. Be sure to get a good rest tonight.
....................... You don't want to be ill for the Gala. What would we do without Buzzy?
Her concern set Jin-Soo to worrying.
Jin-Soo............. Do I look that bad?
Beads of perspiration begin to dot his forehead.
Young-Mi.......... Maybe you have a fever?
He touches his cheek with the back of his hand.
Jin-Soo............. I do feel warm. Should see a doctor?
Young-Mi.......... I'm sure it's nothing serious, unless you get a stomach ache, too.
She looks at her watch.
Young-Mi.......... It's time to get ready for the News. See you tomorrow.
Jin-Soo............. Right.
Young-Mi.......... I'm going first.
Kyung-Hee watches suspiciously as she goes.
Kyung-Hee........ (muttering) I still think something must be up!
Ki-Jong............. It's nothing. Just Young-Mi being Young-Mi.
Outside, in the corridor, Young-Mi smiles with satisfaction as she walks off ...
SCENE: Announcer 1 Team office, evening
When Young-Mi returns from the News, she finds the announcers office in an uproar.
Joo-Hee is heatedly venting at Kyung-Hee and Ki-Jong.
Joo-Hee............ Why does it always have to be at the last minute? What are we going to do?!
Entering the office, Young-Mi joins them.
Young-Mi.......... What happened?
Joo-Hee............ After you left, Jin-Soo started complaining of a stomach ache.
Kyung-Hee........ He was concerned that it might be serious, so we called an ambulance.
Ki-Jong............. They just took him away.
As they are talking, Sun-Mi rushes in.
Sun-Mi.............. I just got a message from Jo Cho-Jeh about Jin-Soo going to the hospital!
Kyung-Hee........ He suddenly took ill.
Ki-Jong............. He couldn't even stand when the EMTs got here. They took him out on a stretcher, and ...
While Sun-Mi is being informed on the incident, Joo-Hee motions to Young-Mi.
Joo-Hee............ Young-Mi? Can we talk for a moment?
Young-Mi moves aside with Joo-Hee.
Joo-Hee............ We have to expect that Jin-Soo will not be well in time for the Gala.
Young-Mi.......... But that is such an important part of the program. We can't do it without Buzzy!
Joo-Hee............ I know. So we have to find a substitute.
Confident that her scheme is working. Young-Mi forges ahead as planned ...
Young-Mi.......... Why not ask Sun-Mi to do it?
Hearing her name mentioned, Sun-Mi glances over, curious.
Young-Mi.......... She did a great job as Buzzy last time.
....................... The children loved her, and the audience applauded her performance.
....................... The Director even gave her a special commendation. She'd be perfect again!
Joo-Hee............ I thought about that. But Sun-Mi doesn't have any experience with this year's program.
....................... Only Jin-Soo and you have a relationship with the children.
....................... Buzzy's most important task is to manage the children during the performance.
Young-Mi's eyes widen with alarm.
Young-Mi.......... Senior, are you suggesting ... ?
Joo-Hee............ Yes. You'll have to play Buzzy. Only you can do it.
Caught up in the web of her own schemes, Young-Mi desperately struggles for a way out.
Young-Mi.......... Me? Buzzy? Bu--but, what about the program emcee? That's as important as Buzzy.
Joo-Hee............ True. But anyone experienced can read lines from a script, right?
She turns towards the others.
Joo-Hee............ Sun-Mi? Come over here.
Sun-Mi.............. What is it?
She steps over and joins Joo-Hee and Young-Mi.
Joo-Hee............ With Jin-Soo sick, Young-Mi has to take his place as Buzzy.
....................... Could you fill the emcee slot, in Young-Mi's place?
Sun-Mi can barely conceal her glee at her rival's comeuppance.
Still, mindful of Su-Jin's advice, she puts on a veneer of modesty ...
Sun-Mi.............. How can I replace Young-Mi? Everyone is expecting her because of last year's record donations.
....................... The audience will be disappointed to have me as a stand-in instead.
Joo-Hee............ Nonsense! Last year, Young-Mi stood in for me, and everyone was fine with it.
With a reassuring smile, she pats Sun-Mi's shoulder encouragingly.
Joo-Hee............ Please say yes, for the children.
Sun-Mi.............. When you put it that way, sure, I'd be happy to.
Joo-Hee............ That's great!
Sun-Mi.............. But my red carpet gown isn't suitable for an emcee, and there isn't time to get another one.
Joo-Hee............ I've already considered that. You're both the same size, so why not wear Young-Mi's dress?
....................... We can get it altered for you.
Glancing at Young-Mi for her reaction, Sun-Mi feigns reluctance.
Sun-Mi.............. But what will Young-Mi wear before the fund raising event, on the red carpet?
Joo-Hee............ Don't worry about that. As Buzzy, she won't need it, anyway.
....................... This year we expanded the role. Buzzy will be working the red carpet, greeting the arrivals.
Sun-Mi.............. What about the fitting?
Joo-Hee............ I'll give Wardrobe a call. They can do it before they leave tonight.
As Joo-Hee returns to her desk, Sun-Mi turns to Young-Mi with a smirk.
Sun-Mi.............. What a coincidence, us working together again on the Gala.
....................... But this time, the shoe -- or rather, the fat bee-hind -- is on the other woman.
Young-Mi glowers at Sun-Mi, furious but unable to say a word with the others present.
Pressing her advantage, Sun-Mi compounds the dig ...
Sun-Mi.............. What a pity! Didn't Director Yoon buy that gown specifically for you to wear?
....................... But I think I can do it justice. Don't they say it's not the dress, but how the woman wears it?
Hyung-Chul is seated at the bar, drinking alone.
After serving another customer, the bartender comes over, and spies his empty glass.
Bartender.......... Another, Director Yoon?
Hyung-Chul....... Sure. The same.
Bartender.......... Is the young lady joining you tonight?
Hyung-Chul....... Announcer Huh?
He takes out his mobile and taps in a number, then puts the phone to his ear.
[ phone ringing ]
Woman's voice.. ( V.O. recording ) The person you are trying to reach is unavailable. Please try again later.
He sets the phone down on the bar.
Hyung-Chul....... It appears not.
As the bartender reaches for the glass, she notices the folded newspaper on the bar top.
Bartender.......... Announcer Jin Sun-Mi? ... Art Club? I watch it all the time.
Hyung-Chul....... But aren't you working?
Bartender.......... Yeah. So I have to tape it for later.
Hyung-Chul....... What do you like about it?
Bartender.......... At first, I didn't watch, 'cause I never bothered much about those arty things.
....................... But then I saw her in KMAX, and she seemed to have a pretty interesting life and career.
....................... So I decided to give her show a try, and ever since I've been hooked.
....................... Every week is different. You never know what Jin Sun-Mi is going to do next!
Hyung-Chul....... (chuckles) That's for sure.
Bartender.......... I'm actually learning about art. I even went to a painting exhibit in Gangnam!
Hyung-Chul....... Really? Good for you.
The bartender picks up Hyung-Chul's empty glass.
Bartender.......... Let me get this for you.
Hyung-Chul....... Okay. But make it a double.
SCENE: Restaurant on the Han River, night
SCENE: Restaurant on the Han River, night
Cha Ki-Young and Sun-Mi go out on the restaurant veranda to enjoy the night view of the Han River.
Ki-Young........... Are you free this Sunday?
Sun-Mi.............. Well ...
Ki-Young........... If the weather is good, I thought we could hike Bukhansan.
Sun-Mi.............. Ki-Young ... If we keep seeing each other so often, people may get the wrong idea.
He smiles, speaking humorously ...
Ki-Young........... You know? That's my secret plan. If enough people believe it, maybe it will come true!
She banters back ...
Sun-Mi.............. Only in your dreams!
He gazes at her fondly, his voice intense ...
Ki-Young........... You are ... every night. And in my daydreams, too.
She looks at him, stunned at his confession.
Ki-Young........... It must be a shock, since we met only a short time ago. But I feel as if I've known you forever!
....................... You're the woman I've always hoped to meet, and possibly marry, someday.
....................... I wanted to tell you before, but the right time never seemed to happen.
....................... I'm sorry to just blurt my feelings out now. I don't want to put any pressure on you.
Sun-Mi.............. Ki-Young ... I should've spoken up to you sooner. It's not as if I didn't have an inkling.
....................... But I didn't want to look foolish if I was wrong. I'm sorry I only thought about myself.
....................... Didn't I make it clear I'm not interested in relationships, but want to focus on my career?
Ki-Young........... You did. But I'm willing to give you space now, and wait.
Sun-Mi.............. It could be a long time. That's not fair to you.
Ki-Young........... Waiting is not a burden to me.
She exhales an irritated breath.
Sun-Mi.............. But it's a burden to me! I'm speaking from the experience of being on both sides.
....................... Regardless of intentions, there will always be unmet expectations, and regrets, and hurt feelings.
....................... That will put a cloud over everything.
Ki-Young........... Then what do you want me to do?
Sun-Mi.............. For now, leave me alone. Don't tell me your feelings, or that you're waiting for me.
His face falls as he realizes his hopes are in vain.
Ki-Young........... You're going to cut me off, just like that?
Feeling sorry for him -- and a bit guilty for not speaking up sooner -- she offers a compromise.
Sun-Mi.............. It's okay to meet sometimes. Like at the club. We can talk, and drink, and dance. As friends.
....................... But don't accompany me back home. Or ask if you can call me, or see me again.
She smiles slightly.
Sun-Mi.............. If you can accept it, then I can do that that much for you.
Reluctantly, he nods, accepting her decision.
Ki-Young........... Okay. Except that tonight, since I drove, it seems rude to send you back in a taxi.
Raising her index finger, Sun-Mi smiles appreciatively.
Sun-Mi.............. Just this once then.
Ki-Young........... Okay.
Looking out over the river, Sun-Mi hugs herself, sending a hint that they should move on.
Ki-Young gets the hint.
Ki-Young........... It's chilly out here. Why don't we go down to the bar, and have a drink ... as friends?
....................... There's a dry Palatinate Riesling I wanted to introduce you to.
Sun-Mi.............. I'd like that.
She slips her hand around his arm, and they walk off together.
SCENE: Exterior of MBS tower, late night
The MBS complex is mostly shut down for the night.
Only a skeleton crew is present, running the pre-taped late night radio and television broadcasts.
SCENE: MBS corridors, late night
Young-Mi quickly strides down an empty corridor, still fuming at Joo-Hee's decision ...
Joo-Hee............ (V.O.) Sun-Mi, could you fill the emcee slot, in Young-Mi's place?
Young-Mi.......... It's not fair! Why does Joo-Hee always take her side?
Entering a stairwell, she pauses to listen for anyone else using the steps.
Joo-Hee............ (V.O.) You're both the same size, so why not wear Young-Mi's dress?
....................... Wardrobe can do the alterations before they leave tonight.
Going down to 2B, Young-Mi hesitates outside the Wardrobe room door as she recalls Sun-Mi's jibe ...
Sun-Mi.............. (V.O.) Don't they say it's not the dress, but how the woman wears it?
With a devious smile, Young-Mi puts her hand on the knob, turns it and pushes the door open.
Young-Mi.......... Let's see how you wear the dress, Jin Sun-Mi, after I'm done with it!
To Be Continued ...