STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
Angenehme, heitere Empfindungen.
Pleasant, cheerful feelings.
"EPISODE 2"
That's what Beethoven wrote on the score of his Pastoral Symphony.
Imagine the view that Beethoven saw
when he went to the countryside.
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.
What's that sound?
What? Why is the alarm…
- Call and check it out. - What? Okay.
What the…
It's been a long time.
It's okay now.
Who are you?
How amusing.
Seeum, do you know him?
No.
Hey, who are you? Please leave now.
What the…
Do I have to drag you out?
Leave now!
Can you please leave? We're in the middle of rehearsal.
What the hell?
Why are you causing a commotion at our rehearsal?
Because she didn't look.
What? Didn't look? What the…
What the hell are you talking about?
And you are?
Well, I'm… Who are you?
Sir?
Mr. Yoo, please excuse…
I've been very rude. I didn't recognize you.
I'm sorry.
How could you recognize me? We've never met.
You're incredibly understanding…
Please have some tea. It's pu'er tea.
As you can see, it is very fragrant.
All right, then.
I hope you enjoy it.
So, what brings you here?
Smoothly.
Okay, nice.
Seeum.
Seeum!
Forte.
Seeum!
JEON SANGDO
Seeum is here.
Mr. Yoo wanted
to introduce himself to you.
This is Cha Seeum. She just came from the US.
She's the new chief conductor...
Nice to meet you. I'm Cha Seeum.
Right. It's our first time meeting.
Well, if you say so.
Hello. I'm Yoo Jeongjae.
This seems like a fun place.
Hope to see you often.
Who was that lunatic?
He looked crazy.
He's the chairman of UC Financial.
Really?
Didn't it seem like he and Seeum knew each other?
Yes.
He acted like he knew her, but she pretended not to know him.
How would they know each other?
Back to rehearsal in 10 minutes.
"Who are you?" Now that I did not expect.
After all, I did save her life.
Hey, hey!
Are you crazy? Why did you jump into the water?
What's wrong with this girl? Hey!
Seriously? I saved your life.
Are you Chinese?
Or Japanese?
Can you please shut up?
You're Korean?
- Why didn't you say so? - Don't you understand Korean?
Shut up.
- You're really bitchy. - You're really loud.
How amusing.
Wanna hang out?
You can die after we have some fun.
Come on.
Enjoy your meal, sir.
Hi, honey.
Who are you?
That's not funny, honey.
- Again, who are you? - What is this game you're playing?
Yes, I can see how you'd want to ignore the question.
What the hell?
How did you know I was here?
It's a secret.
Honey, I've got you in the palm of my hand.
I told you not to call me that. It's revolting.
What else would I call my honey?
We've been divorced way longer than we were married.
So don't call me that.
Stop nitpicking. It's so tiring.
That's not your style.
I totally know how Seeum feels.
Huh? Who?
Hey.
Suddenly,
I think I understand how you feel.
I ask to meet but get stood up.
I call, but no answer.
The only option is to just show up.
Right?
I need to use another method.
HANSUK UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
ARE YOU UP FOR A DRINK?
Happy Seeum's back?
Of course, I'm happy.
Hey, do you by chance…
Hmm.
Actually, never mind.
What?
Do you by chance know a guy named Yoo Jeongjae?
Yoo Jeongjae?
No. First time hearing the name.
Oh, really?
Never mind, then.
Tell me what you were going to say.
Forget it.
Who is he?
Well, the thing is…
It seemed like he and Seeum knew each other pretty well,
but Seeum totally pretended not to know him.
Right, this is our first time meeting.
This seems like a fun place.
Hope to see you often.
Oh, hi.
Oh.
You're early. I thought you were getting drinks.
Yeah.
Just finishing work?
Yes.
I heard someone set off the alarm in the rehearsal room.
Oh, that.
Wasn't a big deal.
Really?
Aren't you getting off?
Oh.
You called for me?
I was curious about something.
CHUNG EUN SENIOR CARE CENTER
Don't you get carsick when you're reading the music?
It's okay. I'm used to it.
Try not to push yourself. Take it slow.
Yes, sir.
Huh?
THE HANGANG PHILHARMONIC
What's a Hanphil score doing here?
Oh, that. I need it for an organology class.
You must be tired.
At least rest your eyes.
- It's so beautiful. - Seriously.
It's gorgeous.
Is it really 700 million won?
Even if you can afford it, it's impossible to get your hands on one.
It was a birthday present.
A birthday present?
- So jealous. - It would've been great
if Sujin became the concertmaster with this.
I know. Plus, she's really talented too.
We all know there are some people who do nothing yet get that position.
Why are you saying such things?
I'm really curious.
Hey, Luna.
Just how did you get Seeum to make you concertmaster?
I'm sorry?
I didn't…
Seeum made that decision.
Luna was just as surprised that day.
Would she have gotten the position no strings attached?
Ajin, you're way too nice. It's like a disease.
The world isn't as innocent as you think.
It's easy to scam people like you.
Beware of people like her.
They're not rich or connected, so they manipulate to get their way.
Isn't that something we should learn?
Having nothing, but scheming our way to the top?
You should ask how she does it instead of being wary of her.
I'd like a word with you, Luna.
Why don't you use your office?
Well…
Are you worried what the others will say?
I think I misjudged you. How disappointing.
- I'll try harder... - No.
First, let's cut the act.
I'm sorry?
The girl showcasing her talent in the rehearsal room with the door open.
That's what I want.
That was...
You left that door open on purpose.
So I would hear you.
Are you going to say it was a coincidence? That would be even more disappointing.
Stop acting all nice and innocent.
Because I want to see the real Luna.
Not the child who lets the others scare her.
I want to see a concertmaster that's driven, fearless, and ambitious.
Whether you have to cajole them or threaten them, break them down.
You have to do it on your own to really make that position yours.
Someone who is so afraid of the others
doesn't deserve to be my concertmaster.
If you can't handle it, quit now.
Mr. Park.
What brings you here?
I have something to tell you.
How are you, Mrs. Park? I brought you a little something.
You shouldn't have.
Why are you here?
Please reconsider coming back as concertmaster.
Please.
You quit voluntarily?
Why don't you talk about it inside?
Please come on in.
- No, I… - Come on.
I'll be right back.
For goodness' sake, just talk inside.
I'll see you next time, Mrs. Park.
Okay. Do come back soon.
Why did you say that earlier?
The teacher worried about the student,
so he took it upon himself to quit.
And so, the student went to his house to beg.
That should help you save face in front of your family.
You helped me save face, so now I should be grateful?
No.
I really am pleading with you.
What?
Please come back to Hanphil.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Can you really stop being on stage?
I don't believe you want to retire.
You may not come back as concertmaster,
but you can certainly nurture one.
That's why I've left a spot open for you at Hanphil.
Please think it over.
I'll be waiting.
I heard someone set off the alarm in the rehearsal room.
Oh, that.
Wasn't a big deal.
Ah, Hyejeong.
Were you waiting long?
No, I just got here.
I ordered you a coffee.
- Thank you. - Please.
You wanted to meet me without Seeum because…
Well, I wanted to ask you something.
Because you've been friends with my wife since you were young.
Oh?
Oh, and what is it you want to know?
By any chance, did my wife and Yoo Jeongjae from UC Financial...
Well, they did…
date briefly a long time ago.
That must have been 20 years ago.
Such a long time.
Oh, dear.
Oh, boy.
But how did you know that?
Uh...
Can you keep it a secret that I know about this?
I don't want to worry her for no reason.
Sure.
Hmm, no problem.
Whether you have to cajole them or threaten them, break them down.
You have to do it on your own to really make that position yours.
Hello.
- Oh. Mr. Park. - Mr. Park!
- Mr. Park.
Are you back for good?
Not as the concertmaster.
It's such a relief to have you back.
I told you I'm not the concertmaster.
- Hello. - Oh, hello.
Let me see.
That seat isn't…
Is that her seat?
There must be some mistake.
- This is my seat. - Luna.
I'm going to work hard.
I'm aware of my shortcomings.
And that you're not thrilled to have me on board.
But I'm going to work really hard.
So please give me a chance.
I hope you'll support me.
Now, shall we tune our instruments while we're waiting for the maestra?
Bongju, you heard the concertmaster.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Now that we've tuned our instruments, shall we get started?
Hello.
It's break time, right?
Yes. Hello, Professor Kim.
Professor Kim! Why did you buy so much?
I see you're not here as our adviser.
You're here as the supportive husband.
Yes, I think?
What about class?
I wanted to see you, so I'm playing hooky.
That's so cheesy.
Hello, Mr. Kim. Thank you.
Will that be enough?
It's more than enough.
Whoo!
Here are the documents on Cha Seeum you requested.
I noticed something unusual.
Yes?
Wow.
It's an honor, Mr. Yoo.
What's an honor?
Us meeting like this?
What's going to be an honor is what I'm about to say.
Sorry?
Looks like everything has come together.
The ensemble sounds good.
Yes, slowly but surely, it's improving.
I can't wait to see your first performance.
Of course she's happily married.
I can't stand looking at them. Ugh.
Seeum's husband looks pretty whipped.
Totally.
Come on now. I think they look lovely, don't you?
I guess so.
I thought Professor Kim looked really happy.
Since when have you been on Seeum's side?
Weren't you the most opposed to her?
Park Jaeman…
Mr. Park has come back,
and honestly, the minute Seeum got on that podium,
we could see how talented she was.
Still, this change in attitude is a little sudden.
I'm just acknowledging her as our conductor.
For the sake of Hanphil.
Yes?
Mr. Park.
Please have a seat.
Sure, why not?
I was really worried, but you did a great job today.
Honestly, from the beginning everyone knew
that you were extremely talented, and the same holds true for me.
But you know,
being concertmaster is about communication just as much as it's about skill.
You have to be the bridge between the conductor and the members.
Hmm?
Yes.
Please…
take good care of Hanphil.
I will.
I'm really depending on your help.
Dad.
Hey. Come on in.
- Did you have breakfast? - Yes.
There's no way you had breakfast before work.
Right?
I actually did.
Okay, okay. I've got something for you anyway.
Even if you've eaten, have this too.
Oh, right. You don't have time to chitchat like this.
I need to let you go to work. Hang on.
How are you? How are things?
Everything good with the hubby?
Just what would you like to know?
I'm just asking, you know.
Here you go.
Pops made it just for you. It's so your first performance goes well.
It's the only one of its kind in the world.
Just consider it a gift.
Good morning.
What are you doing here?
I'm also here for work.
I bought this orchestra.
I'm the chairman of the board here at Hanphil.
Are you shocked? Really shocked?
Yes, yes.
And another yes.
- Yes, yes, yes. - Is this amusing?
I knew it would be worth the money. Finally, I get some attention.
The three years we were together…
were the most fun years of my life. Better than any other time.
Actually, it feels like I'm still there.
I always wondered about you.
So?
Play with me again.
Just come back to me, Seeum.
- Stop joking. - You think I'm joking?
- You really are crazy. - Yes, I am.
Whoo!
What are you doing?
I said, what are you doing?
What did you do?
Why did you do this?
Oh, that…
You quit school, and now you want to go to music school?
Why do you want to study conducting?
What gives you the right to question me?
Don't do it. Why give yourself the stress?
We can hang out and have fun...
Why should I?
I have no desire to live like that.
You said you hated music.
That you were sick of it.
You said music made you sad.
So why go back to it?
I can't let you go.
You're mine.
I saved you,
so your life belongs to me.
I've never been yours.
Seeing your reaction just confirms
that music is more important to me than you are.
Horn!
Breathe, Bongju!
Rhythm!
Strings, rhythm!
Over there.
Focus!
As I'm sure you're well aware,
this is Beethoven's…
I'm just gonna shut up.
I'll just shush.
You need to have lunch.
Aren't you going to eat?
You need to have...
Mr. Yoo, let's go to lunch.
I'll pass.
You just said let's go get…
I don't think he meant you, Mr. Jeon.
Why has he been here all day?
He's the new chairman of the board.
Really?
Yes.
Is it true you bought Hanphil?
News travels fast.
Oh, you're crazy.
Why would you buy an orchestra?
You really live large.
So, was it good to see Seeum?
No.
It just made me angry.
Really angry.
Why?
It's almost time.
Only a few days left, so let's focus a bit more.
Okay.
Stop.
There's no need to focus.
You don't need to focus.
I couldn't sleep last night.
I watched you rehearse all day long yesterday.
It put me right to sleep.
You made me sleep all day yesterday, and I didn't sleep a wink last night.
While I was wide awake, I had time to think.
And I realized something.
"Our concert is very boring, and will put people to sleep."
So, I'm calling it off.
Because putting on a performance of this quality would be embarrassing, right?
I don't mind losing money, but I do mind losing my dignity.
The concert has been canceled.
What?
Really?
All of them?
- You can't just cancel the concert. - Oh, yes, I can.
Yoo Jeongjae!
That's right, I'm Yoo Jeongjae.
It's easy to do away with a concert like this.
What?
I told you to come back to me, didn't I?
I want you to get a divorce.
So, I need something to threaten you with.
Music and this orchestra are what's most precious to you, right?
Until you get a divorce,
I'm going to cancel each and every one of Hanphil's concerts.
You will never get your way.
And you think you will?
Due to unavoidable circumstances, the concert has been canceled.
The reason? The reason is unavoidable circumstances.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, I can't say why.
I'm sorry.
Stop yelling. Geez.
Something urgent has come up.
I'm terribly sorry.
Goddamnit. Pull the plug.
My head is about to burst.
Me too.
At this rate we're going to go bankrupt.
The good news is Mr. Yoo said he would cover the losses...
Money isn't the issue!
Sorry?
An orchestra needs a successful concert.
What's this?
I'm not answering this.
Mr. Jeon!
HANPHIL IN CRISIS!
Mr. Yoo is crazy.
This situation is unbelievable.
This is absurd. The concert was just a few days away.
I know. I don't understand this.
Yoseop.
Should we just sit here and do nothing?
This makes no sense.
CONCERT CANCELED
Do you think everything is okay with Seeum?
I want you to get a divorce.
So, I need something to threaten you with.
Until you get a divorce,
I'm going to cancel each and every one of Hanphil's concerts.
I'm home.
I figured you'd be like this.
It's a good thing we're in Korea.
Here.
It's easy to find dried persimmons here.
I looked everywhere for them back in the States.
You always have this with your whisky.
Lemon cream cheese persimmons made by yours truly.
Stop drinking until I'm done.
It's bad to drink on an empty stomach.
Seeum.
What do you think?
Should we wrap things up here and go back to the States?
Mr. Jeon, please take this.
Take care of this, please.
All of the members are coming, right?
Are you sure
we should be doing this here?
I don't care if Mr. Yoo sees us.
I got the feeling that Mr. Jeon wanted this to happen.
That's good news.
That's enough.
There's no need for this.
NO TO CONCERT CANCELATION!
Mr. Yoo.
Sir, I think you need to see this.
IMPROMPTU CONCERT BY THE HANGANG PHILHARMONIC LED BY CHA SEEUM
Should we wrap things up here and go back to the States?
No.
Not like this.
Take care of this, please.
What's this?
It's money for an outdoor stage.
That's enough.
There's no need for this.
Because we're going to have our concert.
Encore, encore!
- Good work. - Fantastic job.
- Seeum… - Good job.
- Great job. - Way to go.
Thank you very much.
- Thank you. - That was awesome, Seeum.
- Thanks. - Good job.
Nice work out there.
- That was great. - You did good.
Thank you.
You're always amazing.
But you were exceptionally amazing today.
Stop it. You're like a fool in love.
Just get married if you're so jealous.
Oh, just yesterday you were talking about going back to the States.
I'm off.
- I need to take this. - Okay.
- Good job. - You did great.
You were incredible.
- The response was great. - Yeah.
We should do this again, right?
- For sure. - Totally.
Who would have thought
you would livestream a free concert in front of the art center.
You really got me good.
You win. You're a tough opponent, Seeum.
If you have nothing more to say, I'm going to leave, Mr. Yoo.
But you know it's not my style to give up either, right?
The next round is going to be fun.
It's only fun when you face a worthy opponent.
COME TO THE B1 EMERGENCY STAIRS
LEE AJIN
I really didn't want you to get on that podium, Seeum.
♪ I walked longer ♪
♪ It didn't go my way ♪
♪ Today's a foggy night ♪
♪ My steps lead to new path ♪
♪ More you do that my shadow grows ♪
♪ Never forget Far away ♪
♪ Crazy shining city light ♪
♪ Grains of sand that were out of reach ♪
♪ Maybe now I know ♪
♪ Like a statue I was silent ♪
♪ It was that I'm comfortable ♪
♪ I breathe out Closed my eyes ♪
♪ Smile again dark and bright ♪
♪ I'm colored ♪
♪ Tip of my hand that's swirling around ♪
♪ Pour out a lot of emotions, oh yeah ♪
♪ I take another step more forward into the fire ♪
♪ I know that fact that it's coming to end ♪
♪ Focus on me, me, me ♪
♪ And I'm not fine ♪
♪ Go back before it is too late ♪
♪ To you looking at me in the mirror ♪
♪ I walked longer ♪
♪ It didn't go my way ♪
Don't look.
♪ Today's a foggy night ♪
♪ My steps lead to new path ♪
♪ More you do that my shadow grows ♪
♪ Never forget Far away ♪
♪ Crazy shining city light ♪
♪ Grains of sand that were out of reach ♪
♪ Maybe now I know ♪
♪ Like a statue I was silent ♪
♪ It was that I'm comfortable ♪
♪ I breathe out Closed my eyes ♪
♪ Smile again dark and bright ♪
♪ I'm colored... ♪
STRINGS OF TRUTH
How low are you going to go?
Why are you doing this?
Stop being so hypocritical.
There would be nothing unusual about me strangling you right now.
I told you to get lost.
This is none of your business.
Why would you do that?
Where were you yesterday?
You want to be a cheater and a useless composer?
It's your turn to choose.
I'll end it.
The only thing you're going to break up is my marriage,
not my orchestra.
Translated by Erica Lee