STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
"EPISODE 10"
SEOUL INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
- Hey, thanks for coming. - Sure.
What's up?
I heard that Ms. Cha is back.
What?
But I think she's really planning to leave.
Apparently, she asked Mr. Jeon to accept her resignation.
Mr. Yoo seems to have accepted her decision.
They might even leave together...
"Leave together"?
- Well, actually... - Are you saying
Seeum is leaving with Mr. Yoo?
What?
Well, I'm not sure. You see…
Luna!
Hello?
Are you Ms. Cha Seeum's next of kin?
Yes, I am.
We got her blood test results from the last time she was hospitalized.
We found something unusual.
How could you do this?
I thought we were in this together.
Seeum, please don't leave.
I'm sorry.
I'll try my best to do better.
There's nothing wrong with you.
This is all my fault.
That's why I'm leaving. Hanphil will be better off this way.
Seeum.
Hold on.
Um, are you okay, Seeum?
Why haven't you been answering your phone?
Is there something wrong?
The hospital you were at called.
There was something unusual in your blood work.
They said you may have been poisoned.
That could've been the reason for your collapse.
I…
Think I know…
who did it.
Have a look at this.
JEONGJAE, THEY'RE SHOOTING NOW
DID YOU DO AS I SAID?
GAVE HER A BOXED LUNCH AND COFFEE
DO YOU THINK SHE'LL BE OKAY WITH COFFEE?
I LEFT SANDWICHES AND COFFEE IN HER OFFICE
After you, Maestra.
It's okay.
Maestra,
it's very late,
so it'll be impossible to hail a cab.
Won't you please do me the honor?
- Thank you. - What did you say?
Say that again.
I don't like to repeat myself.
I already heard you.
If you're serious about getting treatment,
I'll make sure you get it, no matter where it is.
If you want to travel, we can go anywhere as long as we're together.
Let's just hang out a little longer.
No matter how hard I try not to be concerned, I can't help it.
I tell you not to do something, you don't listen.
I offer help, you reject it.
I hate it and it's so frustrating…
but like an idiot, I can't stop worrying about you.
Let's go check it out.
I want…
I want to live too.
Seeum.
What's going on?
Did you really assign Taeho
to be my personal assistant?
Jeongjae.
I'm sorry.
What did you put in my food?
What?
If you poisoned me so I couldn't think straight,
did you think I'd stay with you?
What are you talking about?
What do you mean by "poison"?
Let go of me.
It was foolish of me
to even think I could trust you.
What the…
- Hello? - Luna, are you okay?
I was really worried about you.
You're Mr. Yoo's spy, aren't you?
What?
You've been spying on Seeum.
- I can explain... - Don't ever call me again.
POWER OFF
What are you talking about?
What do you mean by "poison"?
Let go of me.
Ms. Cha.
You can come in now.
It's scotilla-min poisoning.
Scotilla-min?
Loss of balance, visual and auditory hallucinations,
memory loss,
and at times, violent outbursts.
The symptoms are similar to Remington's.
That's correct.
Scotilla-min is a poisonous substance used only in research.
Even the smallest dose can be lethal.
That's why you collapsed.
Unfortunately,
there's no treatment.
You have to wait for it to leave your system naturally.
You should report this to the police.
Also, be especially careful of what you eat.
I will.
Seeum.
Why are you still here?
I was worried.
Are you okay?
Yes.
Did you report it to the police?
No, but I will.
Wouldn't it be better not to?
If it really was Mr. Yoo,
I doubt the police would conduct a proper investigation.
I might be worrying for nothing…
No, I think you're right.
Until I know who is behind this,
it's best not to let rumors spread.
That wouldn't be good for Hanphil.
I'll help you.
Just say the word.
Thanks. I'll let you know if I need anything.
Okay.
Scotilla-min is a poisonous substance used only in research.
Even the smallest dose can be lethal.
That's why you collapsed.
You need to eat.
Have some coffee, Seeum.
Thank you.
Have some tea.
Thanks. I could have made it though.
It's my job to take good care of you.
You need to cut back on the coffee.
Why did you buy so much?
It's so you can have them later.
Thanks.
DAD
Hi, Dad.
- Dad. - Hi there.
I'm glad you came.
You'll be safer here than at the hotel.
- Yes. - Did you file a police report?
Actually…
Seeum?
What brings you here so early?
Are you already...
I needed a place to relax for a few days.
- Really? - Yes.
That's great, I'm glad you came.
Let's have lunch.
Is it already lunchtime?
How does udon sound?
- Sounds good. - It will only take a minute.
You're cooking? Let's just go out to eat.
It will be ready in no time, I promise.
Come to the kitchen.
UDON WITH FISHCAKE
It looks good.
Everybody, eat up.
I hope you like it.
Mm. It's really good.
See?
The soup is really soothing.
The minute I tried this,
I wanted to make it for you guys.
The udon and the fishcakes go well together.
- There's plenty. - Okay.
Since Seeum finally has some time off,
what do you think about going to the Han River today?
What?
Let's go get some fresh air.
What do you think?
Next time. I've got lots to do.
Like what?
Just some stuff.
And here I thought she was going to take a break.
Eat up.
I'd like to get something analyzed.
I think these may contain scotilla-min.
But that's a poisonous substance.
Can you test for it?
It's possible, but...
When can I get the results?
It will take about three to four days.
Please let me know when the results are ready.
Okay.
Was it really poison?
Was Seeum really poisoned?
Yes.
It's a poison called scotilla-min.
Dizzy spells, memory loss, hallucinations, et cetera.
The symptoms are similar to Remington's.
That means someone deliberately poisoned her.
Why are we here? We don't have rehearsal today.
We can't let things end like this.
I don't want Seeum to quit.
Please sign this petition if you feel the same way I do.
Is it our place to refuse to accept her resignation?
What are you doing?
I'm sorry?
If you want my signature,
I need that sheet.
Right.
Is this where I should line up?
In that case, I'm going to follow the leader.
Okay then, let's all get in line.
Don't you think that's being selfish?
Seeum collapsed during the concert.
She's obviously not in good health.
She resigned because she's ill.
Should we be getting in the way of that?
I don't agree with this. I'll be leaving now.
Listen, you…
That was a bit harsh.
Seriously.
What happened to our sweet Ajin?
She's like a totally different person.
My wife is very ill.
You probably saw the news that she collapsed
during her performance.
She needs a guardian to make the important decisions.
But to declare her mentally incompetent…
Applying for guardianship is a very arduous process.
On top of that, you're in the middle of divorce proceedings.
What if…
she has begun to exhibit symptoms of Remington's?
Has she been diagnosed with it?
If you had a medical certificate, then it would improve your chances.
But you'll need a lot of supporting documents.
You'll also need her consent.
My feet are killing me.
Bring me my shoes.
Oh!
Don't worry about that.
I'm sorry?
Oh...
What I mean is,
just buy me some more time.
Stop it, Seeum.
You don't need to clean.
I already swept and mopped the floor.
Just ignore me. I want to do it.
Oh my. Hey.
Do I need to teach you how to have fun?
Look at her, that's her idea of fun.
Okay, then.
How about making us a hot cup of coffee?
Yes, ma'am.
Seeum.
Oh.
What is everyone…
Mr. Cha.
Oh, good to see you.
I brought them here.
I asked them to convince you to stay.
They were nice enough to come,
let's get them some tea or something.
Please, have a seat.
- I guess I should make the coffee. - I'll help you.
A baton suits you far more
than that mop does.
Have a seat.
Seeum.
I can't believe you.
Coming and going as you please.
The union
will not accept your resignation.
I'm sorry.
It's settled, then.
If you're sorry, come back.
You didn't even say bye.
You can't just leave without any notice.
It's not right.
You shouldn't have asked us to come back
after we quit.
Hanphil isn't the greatest orchestra in Korea yet.
Where do you think you're going?
That's right.
You have a responsibility to us.
I'm really grateful
to all of you.
But right now,
I'm not in any condition to stand on that stage.
Are you really sick?
Could it be...
that disease?
As of right now,
I don't know.
But,
a conductor that isn't 100%
shouldn't be on stage.
It will just make everyone anxious.
None of us are 100%.
Look, my finger is messed up,
and so are my arms.
All of my joints ache, everything hurts.
We all have pain.
Me too.
Yesterday, I went to get acupuncture for my shoulder.
I'm also in physiotherapy.
It's not just us.
All of the members
are in agreement.
PETITION TO REJECT CHA SEEUM'S RESIGNATION
Please come back
for the members.
SEEUM MUSIC STORE
We're all waiting for you.
You saw how they felt.
The person who poisoned you
wants to see you step down from that podium.
That's why I don't want to see you quit.
You can't give them what they want.
SEEUM MUSIC STORE
♪ On my way back as the day turns into night ♪
♪ With each quiet step I take ♪
♪ Seeing myself scarred and worn ♪
♪ I erase the me that's crying ♪
♪ Again tonight, under the moonlight ♪
♪ I let go of the darkness that closes in ♪
♪ The days that felt unbearable ♪
♪ I push them out of my mind and burn myself away ♪
Didn't it look like Seeum was caving yesterday?
I'm not sure.
We must be attached to her.
She even appeared in my dream last night.
It's a disease.
- Next, you'll see ghosts. - Seriously.
- Hello. - Oh!
Now I'm hearing things.
I heard it too.
Hello.
What? You're really here!
Seeum!
Is this job a joke to you?
First, you resign, and now you tell me you're back?
I guess I should be going.
You know that's not what I meant.
Come on now, have a seat.
You really haven't changed.
I'm sorry, Mr. Jeon.
I said you haven't changed, then you do this about-face.
Just act like you normally do.
I want to be up front with you.
I…
Was tested for Remington's.
The results aren't out yet,
but I would like you to accept my resignation.
I don't know what's going to happen to me,
so it wouldn't be fair to the others if I stayed on.
So you're quitting?
Please let me stay on until the next concert.
I want my final goodbye at Hanphil…
to be a proper one.
I'm surprised you came back,
given your condition.
How long are you going to care what I do?
You've got more important things to care about.
Let's just focus on our respective tasks.
That's it.
Sounds good.
Softer.
If my wife has Remington's…
what should I do to prepare for it?
Excuse me?
Is it better for her to be in the hospital?
If she gets worse, then that would be safer.
When should I admit her, then?
Oh.
I'm worried about her.
Her memory seems to be getting worse…
and she collapsed on stage.
Don't worry too much. The results aren't even out yet.
What results?
Did my wife get tested for Remington's?
Well…
She was tested?
It wasn't me.
If I were you, I would suspect me too.
I understand that's how it looks, but I swear it wasn't me.
Why would I do that to you?
Why would I poison you, Seeum?
You're right. Maybe it wasn't you.
But that doesn't change anything.
I'm really sorry about sending Taeho.
But let's find the culprit.
I'll find the person who did this to you.
I'll hire some bodyguards.
- Your safety comes first... - No, it's okay.
I completely understand why you don't trust me.
I know I have no right to do this, which is why I gave it a lot of thought.
But you're in a dangerous situation.
Something terrible might...
So please, listen to me, just this one time...
I can take care of myself.
I would do anything for you.
Anything.
If I were you, I would suspect me too.
I understand that's how it looks, but I swear it wasn't me.
Why would I do that to you?
Why would I poison you, Seeum?
Yes?
I'm sorry.
I know there's no excuse for what I did.
I'm sorry I gave Jeongjae information about you.
But he was just worried about you.
That's why he sent me here.
Of course…
that's not an excuse, and it was wrong.
Are you finished?
I really am your fan, Ms. Cha.
It was an honor.
RESIGNATION
Once again, I'm really sorry.
Luna, hang on. Let's talk.
I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Kim.
After all,
you no longer work here.
I'm sorry.
How dare you do that to Seeum.
Goodbye then.
Hello?
This is Woo Yeongseon from the Chung Eun Center.
Yes, hi.
I understand that he would be worried,
but something didn't feel right.
I'm not following…
Your husband came to the hospital.
He didn't know
that you had been tested for Remington's.
He insisted that he be given the results first.
I thought that was a bit strange.
- Hello. - Hello.
All right.
Let's get started.
What do you mean Cha Seeum was poisoned?
Please look into it.
But,
why didn't she report this herself?
Even if I report it,
the police can still investigate.
She's in danger.
Please move quickly on this.
If the victim is in danger,
then of course the police...
What the hell?
We have a guest here.
I would like to be put on this case.
You're a cop.
And here you are
openly eavesdropping?
Didn't you treat Seeum like she was a criminal?
Ironic, isn't it?
I know more about any case related to Ms. Cha than anyone else.
How can I trust you?
You saw for yourself
just how persistent I am.
Good job.
Wow.
Seeum is still as tough as ever.
I forgot how tough she could be.
That was nothing.
At least we finished on time today.
Give me your palm. Come on.
Good job.
Ajin,
your breathing has really improved.
Really?
What's your secret?
Maybe
it's because I'm not alone?
Huh? What does that…
What do you mean you're not alone? Have you met someone?
Are you dating?
That's it.
Oh, come to think of it, you've gained some weight.
It's common to gain weight when you're dating someone.
Maybe it's because Ajin was really thin before,
but why is it just her stomach?
Is it possible for just your stomach to get bigger?
It's like she's pregnant.
That's right.
I'm pregnant.
What did she just say?
Did I hear that correctly?
No way.
I wonder who the father is.
Surely, it can't be
Professor Kim?
That was just a rumor, wasn't it?
But ever since then,
it's like Ajin has become a different person.
No, there's no way.
Why don't you ask him?
You guys are close.
No way.
How can I ask him something like that?
- Just ask... - You guys are really…
Hello?
Yes, of course.
I'll see you tomorrow.
KIM PHIL'S INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
"The possibility of developing Remington's…"
NOH BAHA
- Ah. - Over here.
What's up?
Professor Kim.
Do old friends need a reason to have a drink?
How are things at Hanphil?
So-so.
I see.
By the way,
Ajin
is pregnant.
Really?
She's pregnant?
Yeah.
She said so herself.
And she's also showing.
I see.
Aren't you curious?
About what?
Everybody is curious about who the father is.
I don't need to know.
It's none of our business.
I guess so.
Let's just have a drink.
We need to talk.
What do you want?
What's wrong with you?
What?
You told the members you're pregnant.
So what?
It happens to be the truth.
What do you hope to achieve by telling everyone?
Do you want to tell
the whole world I'm the father?
Did you think I could hide it?
I'm showing more each day.
You said having this baby was my choice.
So what I do
is none of your business.
Leave.
What?
Leave this city.
You were going to leave after you found out about the baby.
Don't worry about money.
You're just going to get bigger.
You can't stay in the orchestra.
I don't need money.
What do you want from me?
Tell me what you want!
I don't need anything! I want nothing from you.
I just want…
my child to be happy.
Do you know how hard it is to raise a baby alone in Korea?
Everyone pointing fingers.
Can you handle that?
I don't care how hard it is.
I'm going to give my child everything it needs.
I never want to see your face again.
If you get in my way…
I'm going to make you pay for it.
Get out.
Now.
SEEUM MUSIC STORE
SEOUL INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
Yes, this is Cha Seeum.
This is the Institute of Food Science Technology.
I have the results you requested.
What are the results?
We found no traces of scotilla-min.
But scotilla-min is colorless and odorless.
It's possible that it got mixed with a non-edible liquid.
If anything else comes to mind,
please bring it by.
Okay, thank you.
I'm the best husband in the world.
Here.
You're almost out, so I bought you a new one.
Wow.
Thank you.
You said this scent calms you before you get up on the podium.
I don't want you to run out.
Mm. Thank you.
But scotilla-min is colorless and odorless.
It's possible that it got mixed with a non-edible liquid.
Scotilla-min is a poisonous substance used only in research.
Even the smallest dose can be lethal.
It can't just be because of the alcohol.
I'm sure you remember this.
If the symptoms start,
you'll step down from the podium.
Does that mean…
this will be your final concert?
Nothing has changed between my wife and me.
We're still very happy.
That also goes for our relationship as partners in music.
A documentary featuring both of you will be released soon.
Right.
I wouldn't say, "featuring both."
It's more my wife…
I mean, it features the conductor Cha Seeum and Hanphil.
I just conducted the interviews.
Oh, I can't wait.
I'd like to
ask you something
a bit more serious and difficult to answer.
Ms. Cha
has revealed she could possibly develop Remington's.
As her husband,
how do you feel about that?
I pray every day…
that she doesn't get it.
I see.
However,
in the event…
In the event…
my wife develops Remington's…
I'm going to be by her side…
just as I've always been.
It's a difficult subject.
Thank you for answering.
Lastly,
we're just going to take a few photos.
Okay.
- Okay. - Over here.
All right. One, two.
Try to look natural.
One, two.
Good.
Hang on.
You need to see this.
EXCLUSIVE, MAESTRA CHA SEEUM AND COMPOSER KIM PHIL HEADED FOR DIVORCE!
SPECIAL DOCUMENTARY
A MAESTRA'S FATE. HANPHIL.
Awesome.
This was your plan?
Break the news of their divorce,
then release the trailer.
I'm a big picture kind of guy.
Unlike you.
What will you do
if Seeum files an injunction banning the broadcast?
Not gonna happen.
She gave me the exclusive on the divorce.
What?
What's wrong with that woman?
We should be grateful.
She created all this buzz for us.
I really don't like her.
I, on the other hand, really do.
Don't you think Jeongjae will flip out?
Seeum's divorce
is good news for him too.
You used it to sell the documentary.
So what?
Seeum's divorce is a fact.
Ah! A fact, you say?
I've got it all under control.
What's going on today?
Why are there so many problems?
News of Seeum's divorce, the Hanphil documentary trailer.
What am I supposed to do about all this?
For starters, I've unplugged your phone.
Is it okay for this documentary to be released
when I can't even answer the phone?
Doesn't it air in three days?
The trailer is getting tons of views.
Why? I don't understand.
Why do people want to see a divorced couple onscreen together?
They think it's interesting.
Tell me, why is that interesting?
Why does something like that create such a buzz?
Everybody is dying to see it.
But... Really?
So am I supposed to be happy about this or not?
This is driving me nuts.
Good.
Louder!
Forte!
Tempo!
What the hell?
What right do you have to give an exclusive?
We already agreed to a divorce. What's your problem?
It was supposed to be amicable.
Why the delay tactics, then?
I just wanted to iron out some details.
Are you sure there isn't another reason?
- What? - Why?
Are you hoping I'll get Remington's and lose my memory?
I told you.
You're never going to get your way.
No matter what you do to me, you'll never get what you want.
Congratulations
on your divorce.
Get out of my way.
You tried so hard to hold on to her. I guess it didn't work out.
Isn't it time you stopped acting like the doting husband?
Get out of my way.
If I'm not careful, you might hit me.
Two can play your game.
Are you really going to hit me?
I'll sue for custody.
If you continue to cause trouble for me and piss me off…
I'll exercise my parental rights and sue for custody.
So…
I suggest you quietly leave town.
You're…
You're an animal.
We heard you were poisoned.
How did you find out
that I was poisoned?
At first, we suspected you.
You were at the center of so many incidents.
Your husband's mistress gets into an accident.
Then, the member who frames you dies.
It's hard to see those things as coincidences.
On top of that, you were the last person to speak to Kim Bongju.
So now that I'm the target, I'm no longer under suspicion?
Help us.
You're at the center of all these incidents.
And now the perpetrator is going after you.
It's very likely you know this person.
Why do you think these are the acts of a single person?
We don't know that for sure yet.
But what these cases have in common are you and Hanphil.
In an investigation, we can't rule out even the smallest things.
Do you really not remember anything
about the night you last spoke with Kim Bongju?
No, but I don't know if it was
because of the alcohol, the poison, or the disease.
I don't remember that night at all.
By any chance, is my husband a suspect?
I'm sorry, but…
I think my husband is the person who poisoned me.
I think I found some evidence.
PREGNANCY JOURNAL LEE AJIN
FATHER'S NAME
We believe the suspect is a female with type B blood.
BLOOD TYPE B
A female with type B blood?
That's based on the evidence we have so far.
It's not my husband, then.
Probably not.
♪ I walked longer ♪
♪ It didn't go my way ♪
♪ Today's a foggy night... ♪
STRINGS OF TRUTH
We can't be sure of anything at this point.
Seeum, you're not safe.
We've identified the suspect as…
Who are you?
I never expected there would be an accomplice.
If something should happen to me, you…
- Seeum. - Help me.
Seeum is really special to me.
It's my dream.
I'm here to say my last goodbye.
Don't leave me.
Don't think about running away without telling me.
After this concert, I'm leaving Hanphil.