MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH
PRODUCTION SPONSORS: MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM AND KOCCA
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
"EPISODE 1"
BAR PUB 62
Get up.
Goddamnit. What the hell?
We have two hours left.
Look. Just back off, would you?
Let's go.
I told you to leave me alone.
Or die here.
Go ahead. Shoot.
Bravo!
Adios. Hope we never meet again.
I'll still come to your funeral.
You're crazy. Do you know that?
World-renowned conductor Cha Seeum
returns to Korea after 20 years.
Cha Seeum, the Manhattan Post's Best Conductor of the Year,
will be conducting Korea's Hangang Philharmonic.
Run, Thunder!
That's it! Let's go!
Keep going! You got this!
There you go!
No, please! Keep…
No, just hold on until the end! Please!
Hey, what's wrong with you guys?
This is embarrassing. Why didn't any of you win?
Come on, this is no fun.
Right?
I can't believe this. I'm his owner, and he's not even listening to me.
Huh, I guess words aren't enough.
You need a little sugar to wake up.
Here you go.
I know, Thunder.
Honestly, it's you who behaves the best.
Have one more.
Do better next time, okay?
GO HANGIL KVN CEO
- What's up? - Did you see the news?
You know I don't watch that stuff.
Cha Seeum is coming to Korea.
It's time for the meeting, Mr. Yoo.
Okay.
Passengers for flight A710 departing at 7:50,
please come to gate 25 now.
PASSENGER TERMINAL 1
Did you say Cha Seeum?
It appears to be the board's decision.
It's all over the news.
This is how our new conductor is introduced to us?
Can you believe this?
I know, right? Seriously, it's so ridiculous.
What's going to happen to our assistant conductor, then?
He was expecting to become the chief conductor.
Oh! Wait, here he comes.
My goodness.
Mr. Oh, I wasn't expecting you.
What brings you--
Sangdo, is it true?
- Is what true? - Hanphil's new chief conductor.
Is it really Cha Seeum?
Yes, I was meaning to tell you--
Didn't you promise me that vacant position?
I even turned down a professorship.
How could you do this to me?
I strongly recommended you, of course.
But the higher-ups
were so set on Cha Seeum. There was nothing I could do--
Mr. Jeon.
Hi, Yoseop. Come on in.
Even the union can't agree to this.
Changing the conductor without our permission?
This decision is too sudden and one-sided.
Look, it was forced on me too.
Why are you guys doing this to me?
So you're not going to do anything?
Mr. Jeon.
You have to make a decision.
Let's be honest here.
We are in a crisis.
Do you know what Hanphil's paid attendance rate is?
Audience members who don't pay outnumber those who do.
If we keep this up, we might not survive.
The news of Cha Seeum's arrival alone flooded the media.
She's getting so much attention.
How was I supposed to stop this?
There's no good reason to do so.
Honestly, what makes Cha Seeum so famous is all the theatrics.
"She's a living legend who transforms third-rate into first-class."
It's all just marketing.
When it was announced that she was coming,
Hanphil was stigmatized, like we were third-rate.
Oh, it's so humiliating.
She's known to be extremely tough and scary.
Rumor has it...
...that she fired a gun at her members.
That's ridiculous.
Wow, sounds exciting.
It will be the same for our concerts.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, though.
Cha Seeum is a famous and very talented conductor.
What would you know?
Since you're the newbie here, you don't get to say anything, okay?
You haven't been here long enough.
She's right though.
Less than 5% of all conductors are women,
but Cha Seeum is among the best, regardless of gender.
I don't think we're in a position to reject her.
It's true. And there are rumors that we're disbanding--
But it's not right that she was appointed
without any procedure or consultation with the members.
Can't we at least vote on this?
I think we already have our answer.
It's either disbandment…
or Cha Seeum.
CHUNG EUN SENIOR CARE CENTER
TAXI
Mr. Jeon!
Mr. Jeon, Mr. Jeon!
Mr. Jeon.
- We have a problem. - "We have a problem." What…
What is it?
What is it now?
Hey, Seeum.
Weren't you flying in the day after tomorrow?
I guess I couldn't wait.
Still, you could have let us know before coming.
Where's your manager?
They dumped me for signing a contract on my own.
That's enough with the pleasantries. I want to meet the members.
Right now? I'm pretty sure they've all gone home…
What should I do…
Man, this has been a long day.
Nice work today.
- Good work, everyone. - Nice work.
Everyone! Please wait!
One moment, please.
Sit down, everyone.
I'm sure…
this is a surprise for all of you.
I understand. I was very surprised too.
Nevertheless, I need to make a formal introduction.
The new music director and chief conductor
of The Hangang Philharmonic is…
I'm Cha Seeum.
Yes, let's all give her a hand.
It's nice to meet you all.
Though I'm sure some of you don't feel the same.
At least she knows.
They're all a bit shy around new people.
Isn't it true that musicians are somewhat shy by nature?
It doesn't matter.
Talent trumps friendship, personality, and effort.
My only concern will be a person's ability.
Now, let's get to know each other.
Uh, so, the most recent piece--
We've prepared a welcome gift for you.
Mr. Librarian, can you hand out the sheet music, please?
It's okay, I don't need to see it.
All right, let's start.
Thank you.
Impossible.
That's a bit negative for a welcome greeting, isn't it?
But if you want to say hello, do it right.
Go for it without hesitation.
Mr. Noh Baha.
The underlying cello in the beginning is very important in this piece.
Lead confidently and the rest of the string instruments will follow.
Ms. Lee Ajin, sit up straight. That's not good for you.
Mr. Kim Bongju, what's the value of the first note in the seventh bar?
- Pardon? - It's an eighth note.
But you played a 16th note.
If you don't measure up, you've got to be humble.
Mr. Librarian, please bring me the sheet music.
The music was lifeless.
With an impact that's not too heavy.
Okay, let's take it from the top.
One, two, three, four!
Stay focused, Ms. Lee Luna!
Whoa, people are right about her being ruthless.
I think she's memorized our names already.
She didn't need sheet music to point out all the bars.
I think Mission: Impossible was a bad idea.
- Did you see that? - What?
Seeum's coat is limited edition.
Really? What's the brand?
Her sudden arrival left me a little dazed.
She's trying to establish authority. Definitely not a pushover.
I'm worried about what's to come.
I told you not to come. I can't believe you drove all this way.
I had to pick you up. We haven't seen each other in months.
- Did you wait long? - No, I just got here.
When you told me you were making a stop at Hanphil,
I thought, "Oh, there's no way she'll just say hi."
I just had a gut feeling.
- You're tired, aren't you? - A little.
Come on, let's go.
Wow.
Hanphil really went all out.
A professor's apartment can't even compare.
But that's where I wanted to go.
Can you imagine taking the maestra to such a shabby place?
We once lived in a semi-basement in the States.
The first thing we need to do is find a nice place to live.
So I can take you there.
It doesn't have to be fancy, just--
Just somewhere close to Hanphil?
You can't stand wasting time commuting.
I was already looking into that neighborhood.
- I appreciate it. - I bet you do.
So how could you stay away from a husband like me for three years?
Well, that's because
you came to the States every vacation.
I knew you wouldn't come here, so what else could I do?
Hey, why did you suddenly come to Korea when you hate it so much?
You've received offers from other places as well.
Uh...
I haven't heard you play the piano in a while. I'd like to hear it again.
Uh, now? At this hour?
Yes, please.
Okay, but I haven't finished it yet.
Have you composed something recently?
Uh-huh. I've missed my day job.
I'm getting nervous.
Okay, that's it.
Have a good night. Take care.
Hey, Luna, wait up!
I heard today's your last day.
How can you just up and quit like this?
I'm sorry, sir.
You can't just quit, even if it's only part-time--
In exchange, I won't charge you for this month.
What's with you?
Have you won the lottery or something?
You could compare it to the lottery.
Luna, you worked so hard to earn money to study abroad--
There's no need for that anymore.
I don't have to go to the States anymore.
We have finally met.
Hello, Maestra.
Were you the youngest member recruited through this year's blind recruitment?
Yes, that's right.
Don't hesitate to speak freely.
How did you learn to play the violin?
My dad taught me.
He played the violin as a hobby.
I went to many concerts with my dad before his business went bankrupt.
I tagged along wherever he went.
You don't seem like the type to follow your dad around.
Do you think so?
Uh, the two eighth notes in bar 448.
Can you extend those notes with force instead of cutting them short?
Let's play it together.
Yes?
- How are you, Mr. Park? - Hey, Seeum.
Wait, that's not right.
I should call you Maestra, right?
Come in.
Were you tuning your violin?
Do you recognize this?
My dad made that. Do you still use it?
Of course.
It means more to me than a Stradivarius.
It seems like just yesterday that I was teaching you violin.
You've become such an accomplished conductor, huh?
I'm so proud of you.
I have something to tell you.
Sure.
Are you aware that you have a problem with your left fourth finger?
You couldn't press the strings down properly.
No one's said anything about it yet.
I'm sorry, but I'll have to replace you with another player.
- Seeum. - This is for the orchestra.
I have one year until retirement.
And my daughter's getting married.
Considering I was your teacher once,
don't you think you can overlook this?
I'm not asking you to leave Hanphil. If you just resign as concertmaster--
My honor is all I have.
Your words…
are basically a death sentence.
I can't have an unstable concertmaster on my stage.
I'm sorry, sir.
And what about you?
How qualified are you?
I…
still remember.
It was 20 years ago.
Because you didn't show up for a concert and disappeared,
Hanphil was expelled from the National Orchestra.
I'm here to pay that debt.
That's why I'm qualified.
HANSUK UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Good morning.
Congratulations, Professor Kim!
Cha Seeum has returned to Korea, right?
You must be very happy, Professor Kim!
Of course I am.
We want to see her too.
Could she give us a special lecture?
Nope. She's all mine.
- Come on, why not? - Just once, please?
All right, that's enough fun for today.
We had a very memorable introduction yesterday, didn't we?
However, I intend to continue
pushing all of you.
I would appreciate it if everyone followed along.
All right, then.
Luna, please change seats with Mr. Park.
Starting with our next concert, our new concertmaster will be Lee Luna.
What is she talking about?
Sir, I would appreciate your cooperation.
I'll say it again, Luna.
Come up front and take your seat.
Maestra.
- I think you're being stubborn. - So what?
Even rudeness has its limits.
There's one thing I'd like to clarify.
A conductor can leave,
but the orchestra will remain.
Come on, Yoseop.
Yoseop, wait. Ajin, don't go.
Wait a minute. Hold on, please.
All right, everyone, just wait a minute.
Where are you all going? For God's sake.
My goodness.
Now, just wait a minute.
You can't all just leave like this.
How can she change concertmasters without notifying anyone?
You need more than talent to be a concertmaster. Luna's just a kid.
She's right. And what about Sujin, our assistant concertmaster?
Out of the blue, she chose Luna?
It's obvious she has no regard for us.
No matter who she is, this is too much.
We cannot let this slide, Mr. Jeon.
Please handle this according to regulations
regarding the new conductor and the concertmaster.
What is going on with you?
Mr. Park is Hanphil's oldest member.
- How could you do that without-- - You granted me carte blanche.
You should have consulted with the executives…
- Or at least with me. - Would it have made a difference?
Why would you suddenly change the concertmaster?
In terms of ability, Luna is the best, and Hanphil needs a change.
Do I need to explain myself further?
Concertmasters need more than just talent.
If a kid with little stage experience becomes concertmaster--
- It'd be refreshing. - They'd find it refreshing--
What?
I heard Luna was chosen over all the other accomplished musicians
during the blind recruitment.
Totally based on talent. I was able to confirm it, of course.
Okay, then,
how about Kwon Sujin?
It makes more sense to promote the assistant concertmaster.
That smile scares me.
I clearly stated that I only care about talent,
not someone's background.
- What do you-- - I mean nepotism.
What? It's not true.
Those rumors are unfounded…
I meant that nepotism should not be tolerated.
My only concern is talent.
You must have misunderstood me.
Kwon Sujin seems capable enough.
Let's avoid unnecessary procedures.
There will be an uproar. Are you trying to drive everyone away?
The backlash indicates
that the reform is going in the right direction.
Within a year, Hanphil will be on top.
I'll step down if it doesn't work out.
I'll give you three months.
Increase the paid attendance rate to at least 50% within three months.
Your wish is modest.
What about 90%?
No.
How about 95%?
I'm fine.
Mr. Park.
DAD
SEEUM MUSIC STORE ALL THE WORLD'S MUSIC
Boss, I'm going home now.
Sure, go ahead.
Nice work.
Hey, Pops, Seeum is here.
Hey, Seeum!
- How have you been? - Good.
Who do we have here?
Hey, Dad.
I'm back.
You've lost some weight, I see.
No, she hasn't. She's become more beautiful.
Ah, living in the States must have been great.
How have you been?
You know me. Work and my kid are all I have time for.
Why did you have to come now? I have to go pick up Seowoo.
I'll see you soon, right?
You're running late. Go on now.
All right. Good night, old man.
Good night.
Shall we have some hot tea?
Sounds great.
I'll be right back.
Don't just stand there,
go on up to the house.
GRAND PRIZE IN STRING INSTRUMENT CATEGORY CHA SEEUM, THIRD GRADE
Die!
Die.
Please die!
Seeum.
Everything's the same, right?
It must've been hard keeping everything clean. Why did you bother?
It was like a ritual for me.
I would sweep and dust while praying for your well-being.
My prayers have been instrumental to your success in the States.
You're going to visit your mom, aren't you?
I need more time.
Thank you for doing this.
You remembered what I said
and came to see your mom before she goes.
That's enough for now.
Let me know whenever you're ready.
By the way…
You saw Jaeman, right?
He was your violin teacher.
He was thrilled when I told him you were coming.
You can count on him to be a big help to you.
The concertmaster was replaced.
What do you mean?
It just happened.
Seeum, how could you--
I just hope you can understand me, Dad.
Daddy!
You came out to see me?
Hi, honey.
Hope you had a good day.
- Hayeon, let's go home. - Let's go.
Hayeon, let's have something nice for dinner.
Why'd you leave your father's so early? I wanted to see him, too.
He's sleeping. Maybe next time.
I hurried over, but I guess I was still too late.
Let's just go.
We should take your father on a trip somewhere nearby.
It's been a while since you were in Korea.
That sounds great.
Honey, do you…
Yes, do I what?
Never mind.
Come on, what is it?
Do you regret not having children?
Not really.
What makes you ask that now?
You're all I need.
Besides, it can't be easy being a dad.
I don't think I'd be a good one.
You would have been a great father.
Wow, this is fun.
Why did you create this game?
Because I've maxed out my levels on everything.
RPG games are really my thing.
I beat every game on the market and had nothing else to play.
- That's why I created it. - You really maxed out all your levels?
Yes, I have a difficult time containing my curiosity.
I must see things through to the end.
Do you tend to obsess over things?
- Excuse me? - You would have to.
Creating something interesting requires persistence.
Oh, well, yes, I do.
That grit is appealing to me.
BRIEFING ON ATTRACTING INVESTMENT
- Mr. CEO. - Yes, sir.
Can you tell me what you want most in life?
At the moment, it would be getting this investment.
So if I don't invest,
your feelings will be similar to mine.
I'll invest then. This is fun.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you!
What are you doing?
I wanted to feel like a chairman instead of a CEO.
Hey, what about Seeum?
Did you see her?
Not yet.
Well, I guess it's pointless to meet now.
Actually, we're meeting.
For curiosity's sake.
Look at those eyes.
You're going off the rails again.
Your eyes are wandering.
They're all running late. We'll be starting soon.
They're not running late.
It's because of me, isn't it?
Actually, I know that I shouldn't be the concertmaster.
I was planning to tell Seeum when she got here--
You'll do it if you want to. What's the problem?
Everyone who's rehearsing today is here, right?
Luna, please come to the concertmaster's seat.
Luna?
Yes, of course.
Let's begin.
What's going on?
Where's everyone else?
Seeum, please listen…
Come on.
You could be nicer and try to appease them.
They'll be more open-minded and come back.
Why should I? It was their own decision to quit.
There's not much time until the next concert.
Exactly. There isn't much time left,
and they staged a protest.
Well, that's because
you changed the concertmaster at your whim…
They have until tomorrow.
I'll assume they're all quitting if they don't show up tomorrow.
What?
Please go and tell them so I can choose new members.
Now, hold on a minute… This is driving me crazy.
You're hurting my feelings.
Come on, Sujin. You're better than this.
Why are you doing this? I thought we were close.
I can't work with Seeum.
Don't be like that.
I think you should reconsider.
Since Seeum is so great, let her handle everything.
You should be trying to convince her, not us.
That's what I'm saying.
It's over for Hanphil if you don't show up tomorrow.
Everyone's really digging in their heels.
I'm sorry, Mr. Jeon.
My answer is no.
She said she would hire new members.
What happens if we all get fired?
- Mr. Jeon. - Yes?
APPROVED BY CEO
Here you go.
Mm.
This is nice.
Did something good happen, Mr. Jeon?
Well, of course.
It's a beautiful day, and the coffee is great.
Despite all the protesting members?
This is me you're talking to.
What? Did you resolve everything?
Look for yourself. They're all here.
Wow, I can't believe it!
There's this thing called leadership.
Well, sometimes,
I feel so proud of myself, you know?
Why did everyone come so early?
Uh...
They're a little earlier than usual…
Why is this chill going down my spine?
You all turned to me in your time of need.
I'm here because I understand how you feel.
I'll keep this short.
I invite you all to perform the Pastoral Symphony with me.
- Is it locked? - Yes.
This is so childish. Open this door!
Open it right now! This doesn't change anything.
- Here it is, Mr. Jeon. - Man… Thanks.
I can't believe this. Wait a minute.
What do I do with this…
Hurry up and find it. My goodness.
What's going on?
Uh, the door is locked.
Why did you have to fire the concertmaster?
What is the problem?
Everything. The members are rehearsing together
without the conductor and concertmaster.
Move aside.
Now there's no problem, right?
Thanks for your hard work, Mr. Oh.
You may step down now.
The members do not want to work with you.
That's why I'm here.
You are not welcome here in Hanphil.
I decide where I stay.
We cannot follow
your arbitrary decisions.
You can't change concertmasters without our consent.
Are you content to remain a third-rate orchestra?
- What did you say? - Seeum.
The concertmaster's ability is the heart of the orchestra.
It doesn't take much to recognize
Luna's ability, if you have ears.
We will continue to be in this position
if we compromise on everything according to custom.
But as long as I'm here, Hanphil will be the best.
It's going to be ruthless and intense.
If you're not prepared for this, please leave now.
Apparently, this is what the members want.
If you want to fight with me,
do it through music.
Concertmaster, are you ready for rehearsal?
Yes, of course.
We're really going to rehearse right now, in this mess?
I know, right?
Angenehme, heitere Empfindungen.
Pleasant, cheerful feelings.
That's what Beethoven wrote on the score of his Pastoral Symphony.
Imagine the view that Beethoven saw
when he went to the countryside.
The earlier performance was too dry.
Now, remembering that feeling, let's try that again.
Cheerfully.
As if we are giving and receiving.
As if you're warmly embracing each other.
Subito.
Crescendo.
Good.
Excellent.
Watch the concertmaster, bows in unison.
It's been a long time.
MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH
Hello. I'm Yoo Jeongjae.
I bought this orchestra.
- Is this amusing? - Play with me again.
So, I need something to threaten you with.
Whether you have to cajole them or threaten them…
You will never get your way.
The concert's been canceled.
I told you to come back to me.
There must be some mistake.
Do you by chance know a guy named Yoo Jeongjae?
Can you keep it a secret that I know about this?
But you know it's not my style to give up either, right?
Stop joking.
You think I'm joking? The next round is going to be fun.
Translated by Park Soyoung
Ripped and synced by TTEOKBOKKIsubs