MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
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Let's go.
Goddamnit.
Or die here.
Go ahead.
Less than 5% of all conductors are women,
but Cha Seeum is among the best, regardless of gender.
Did you see the news?
You know I don't watch that stuff.
Cha Seeum is coming to Korea.
So how could you stay away
from a husband like me for three years?
I haven't heard you play the piano in a while. I'd like to hear it again.
The new music director and chief conductor
of The Hangang Philharmonic is…
I'm Cha Seeum.
Talent trumps friendship, personality, and effort.
My only concern will be a person's ability.
Starting with our next concert, our new concertmaster will be Lee Luna.
How can she change concertmasters without notifying anyone?
It's obvious she has no regard for us.
So what?
There's one thing I'd like to clarify.
A conductor can leave, but the orchestra will remain.
There will be an uproar. Are you trying to drive everyone away?
The backlash indicates
that the reform is going in the right direction.
And what about you?
How qualified are you?
You're going to visit your mom, aren't you?
Die!
I need…
more time.
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%?
We cannot follow your arbitrary decisions.
You are not welcome here in Hanphil.
I decide where I stay.
If you want to fight with me…
do it through music.
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.
It's been a long time.
Who are you?
Right. It's our first time meeting.
Hello. I'm Yoo Jeongjae.
Do you by chance know a guy named Yoo Jeongjae?
No. First time hearing the name.
It seemed like he and Seeum knew each other pretty well,
but Seeum totally pretended not to know him.
By any chance, did my wife
and Yoo Jeongjae from UC Financial--
They did date briefly a long time ago.
That must have been 20 years ago. Such a long time.
Can you keep it a secret that I know about this?
I don't want to worry her for no reason.
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.
Is this amusing?
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.
So?
Just come back to me, Seeum.
- You really are crazy. - Yes, I am.
I want you to get a divorce.
So, I need something to threaten you with.
You will never get your way.
And you think you will?
COME TO THE B1 EMERGENCY STAIRS LEE AJIN
But you know it's not my style to give up either, right?
I really didn't want you to get on that podium, Seeum.
Don't look.
"EPISODE 3"
That's about it.
When are you coming over?
I miss you.
I miss you too.
But I can't tonight.
LEE AJIN
Now that your wife is back,
it's harder to commute together.
I hope you understand.
I'll try.
Hello, everyone.
It's break time, right?
Yes. Hello, Professor Kim.
Hey…
Professor Kim! Why did you buy so much?
I wasn't really serious about the donuts.
You said you were craving them.
Thank you.
But…
I'd rather see you more often.
I'm sorry about everything.
No, I shouldn't have said anything.
Just give me a little more time.
I'll end things with her.
How about…
meeting for dinner tomorrow?
Really?
Come to the apartment. I know you wanted crab stew.
Let me make it for you.
Ajin.
Thank you for everything…
and I'm sorry.
Cancel the concert?
I just can't stand it.
What exactly are you referring to…
- You did good. - Thank you.
You're always amazing, but you were exceptionally amazing today.
Stop it.
Just get married if you're so jealous.
Oh, just yesterday you were talking
about going back to the States.
What…
LEE AJIN
I need to take this.
Okay.
- Nice work out there. - Good job.
You did great. Thank you.
- Hi. - I want to see you.
Now's not the time.
Maybe later.
I'll be waiting.
Seeum,
come to the B1 emergency stairs.
What is this about?
Ajin, there are still people out there.
So what?
Don't look.
Seeum.
Honey, please.
Stop. I've seen enough.
This is none of your business.
Well, I don't think Seeum's life is your business anymore.
Seeum, get a grip!
I told you to give up the concert because I knew this would happen.
Is that why you canceled it?
- From now on, stay out of my life. - No.
I can't do that.
You mean nothing to me, and you never have.
Phil, wait!
This had to happen eventually.
You were going to leave her anyway. This just speeds things up.
Are you crazy?
You said you would end it. You told me to wait!
Not like this.
So, you want me to just sit still
while the two of you go off to the States?
- What? - Were you ever going to leave Seeum?
Why can't you answer the question?
Later.
We'll talk about this later.
Seeum.
Seeum!
Please, please.
Congratulations on your debut, Maestra.
You brought me sunflowers. Thank you.
I should be thanking you.
It's nice to be acknowledged by the composer.
This is a thank-you gift.
Is this a new piece?
I hope you'll premiere
all my future pieces.
For the rest of our lives.
What?
Seeum.
Please stay with me forever.
Will you marry me?
You're all I need.
Let's get married.
Seeum.
I told you to get lost.
- Who do you think you are? - Hang up and don't bother us.
Good morning.
Let's cure that hangover.
What happened last night?
There's hangover soup.
Maybe a hamburger?
Would chocolate milk be better?
Did you think I'd leave you here alone?
Anyway, I ordered for us.
Two bowls of hangover soup.
Hey!
I told you to get lost.
Hang up and don't bother us.
Seeum.
Where were you yesterday?
I'm so sorry. This is all my fault.
Just stop. I'll send over the divorce papers.
I did a terrible thing.
I totally understand why you're doing this.
But Seeum,
we can't end it like this.
It's already over.
It was just a mistake!
After…
you told me to go back to Korea,
you never came to visit.
I was…
just feeling lonely…
You're such a coward.
You're right.
I am a coward.
You know…
she always smiles at me…
tells me I'm the best,
and leans on me for support.
She's so different from you,
and I felt torn.
But I realized yesterday
that it was a mistake.
- A mistake. - It doesn't matter.
Whatever it was.
And what about you?
Were you with anyone yesterday?
What?
You were with Yoo Jeongjae!
How low…
are you going to go?
CHUNG EUN SENIOR CARE CENTER
What do you think, honey?
Isn't Seeum amazing?
What?
What did you say?
I want…
Yes?
I want to see her too.
Seeum.
Of course.
She'll come and visit you soon.
She's a little busy these days.
Seeum…
Okay, I understand.
I'll tell her to come over soon.
SEEUM MUSIC STORE
CALL
MY DEAR SEEUM
I didn't think you'd come in today.
There's no reason I can't.
So, what are you going to do?
It seems ridiculous for us…
to perform together, doesn't it?
- What's with the smile? - Don't be absurd.
Are you saying you'll remain at Hanphil with me?
Your skills will determine whether I let you stay.
Stop being so hypocritical.
Having to face me like this must be uncomfortable for you too.
Of course it is.
Even now…
I find you revolting.
There would be nothing unusual about me strangling you right now.
So don't create situations where we have to face each other.
Ms. Lee Ajin.
Leave your personal life at home.
I don't want you wasting my time with such nonsense.
You can leave now.
PROFESSOR KIM
Your call cannot be answered at this time.
Please try again later.
Your call cannot be answered at this time.
Please try again later.
I appreciate all the hard work you've put in.
I'm glad everyone kept up despite the sudden change in venue.
I saw Hanphil's potential.
Together, let's make our orchestra…
the best in the country.
I've prepared something for you.
Turn off the lights, please.
I know performing outdoors with the crowd noise was tough.
Even so,
the Radetzky March had many problems.
We'll go over them as we watch.
It's just an encore piece.
Do we need to go this far?
Besides, the audience loved it.
Did you slack off because it was an encore, Ms. Lee Ajin?
That sounds unprofessional.
Every piece an orchestra performs for the audience has to be perfect.
In every situation.
So, let's begin.
Mr. Kang Inhan.
- Yes? - You rushed your entry.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Don't get swept up in the moment, and watch the concertmaster.
I will.
- Mr. Kim Bongju. - Yes?
From here, you kept falling behind and seemed out of breath.
Are you not feeling well?
No, I'm fine.
You'll have to figure it out, then.
Maybe you should relearn circular breathing or get in better shape.
Do it right.
Next.
It was a total mess.
- Excuse me? - The audit report.
There were unnecessary expenses.
What expenses…
It seems Hanphil has its own chief composer.
Someone who hasn't composed anything for three years.
Yes, come on in.
Speak of the devil, here comes our chief composer.
Your contract requires you to write an original piece every year...
...at least 15 minutes in length,
composed in two or more parts.
And Hanphil should hold the copyright for three years.
But there's not a single piece.
Why don't you sit down?
Well, I can explain that.
He does all the arrangements for our orchestra.
He also held a composition master class--
Hmm. So we call it even?
Even…
I'm firing you.
Both from the advisory committee and as a chief composer.
We can't keep you if you don't have what it takes.
But, Mr. Yoo…
how can you spring this on him without any warning?
We're like family.
And if we give him enough time,
he can always compose a new piece for us.
Right, Phil?
I'll quit.
He's right.
You don't need an incompetent composer.
You seem to know your place.
That's great. Keep it up.
Maybe…
you should know yours too, and make sure you don't cross the line.
Normally, you would rest after a concert,
but I'll continue checking on you.
Hanphil can only grow when our quality improves.
Rehearsal for the Radetzky March starts tomorrow,
so get ready.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Great work, everyone.
Thank you.
Seeum.
We have a problem.
Mr. Yoo just fired Phil from Hanphil for not composing anything.
It was so sudden.
Maybe you could talk to Mr. Yoo
and put in a good word for Phil.
I don't see a problem. The chief composer was fired for not composing.
- But still-- - Now, if you'll excuse me.
Are you sure you two are married?
How can she be so cold?
I wonder if they fought.
Oh, I can't believe this.
We just finished the concert. She really is ruthless.
She's starting to scare me now.
I was scared from the get-go.
How can you be scared already?
She's just getting started. Hmm?
36 SONGYI-RO 12-GIL
DO NOT ENTER
- You did great. - Good job.
Good morning!
You are?
I'm Kim Taeho, and I will be your personal assistant starting today.
I see.
It's an honor to work for you.
When I was in the States,
I always went to your performances.
- Mr. Kim Taeho. - Yes?
Bring me videos of Hanphil's performances from the past three years.
Excuse me?
You've introduced yourself, so let's get started.
Yes, of course.
Seeum!
Seeum, you have to…
I think you need to see this.
WORLD-RENOWNED CONDUCTOR'S HUSBAND HAVING AN AFFAIR?
- Is this really Ajin? - This is unbelievable.
Honestly, this is ridiculous.
My goodness.
Seriously.
What a shame.
What's going on?
Actually…
Well, you see…
- Can you believe it? - You saw it too?
Yes, that's what happened.
Really? Professor Kim?
THERE'S NOTHING TO LEARN FROM AN ADULTERER
Professor?
I just can't believe it.
It's always the quiet ones.
- How could Ajin have an affair? - Seriously.
Professor Kim seemed like such a good guy.
Maybe the picture was photoshopped.
Could be a deepfake.
I've known Phil a long time,
and he's not that type of person.
You can't really categorize people.
Passion makes people do crazy things.
Come on, Bongju.
By the way, where's Ajin?
Coming to work can't be easy for her.
Even Seeum isn't answering my calls.
As accomplished as Seeum may be,
she won't be able to handle the humiliation.
She won't be in Korea for long.
She didn't do anything wrong, so why would she leave?
Because it's embarrassing.
There's no reason for her to leave.
It's those other two who should.
Huh? Look at this.
They've revealed Seeum and Ajin's identities.
- What? - Really?
MISTRESS - WIFE
My goodness.
All this scandal could be very damaging to Hanphil.
Can you explain this?
Hanphil seems to have a lot of problems.
What on earth made you buy it?
Exactly.
Image is everything in the arts industry.
Rumors of the conductor's husband having an affair are spreading online.
It's all very third-rate. Now we have this trashy scandal.
I don't care about affairs or scandals.
I invested in Cha Seeum,
not her husband.
- The company has suffered damages-- - My stocks will cover any damages.
Is that good enough?
Is it?
- Take care of that video. - Yes, sir.
Aren't you going home, sir?
I will.
But I don't have the strength to get up.
Mr. Jeon.
Hanphil is doomed, isn't it?
Rumors are spreading
on YouTube and social media.
We're famous.
Here is conductor Cha Seeum
from The Hangang Philharmonic.
- What-- What did he say? - Welcome.
- Hello. - Thank you for coming.
Uh, you're the youngest violinist
to win the Schoenberg Competition.
You've won the Grammo Award for Best Classical Album.
You're also the Manhattan Post's best conductor of the year.
You've got some fancy titles on your résumé.
I'm a longtime fan of yours.
- Thank you. - Of course.
Please excuse me, this question may be a little off-topic.
It's a very hot topic right now.
With such a large fanbase, it seems we need to address it.
Yes?
- Yes, of course. - Thank you.
I'm sure most of you are curious about the rumors of my husband's affair.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HANPHIL'S CONDUCTOR, CHA SEEUM
I will get a divorce.
Or I would if it were an authentic photo.
By that, you mean--
That picture was manipulated.
My husband is not having an affair.
That must have been a huge shock.
It's all right.
That story got me on the news.
Do you mind if I ask
what you plan on doing next?
We will premiere a new piece
by my husband, composer Kim Phil.
It will be at our next Hanphil concert.
So, composer Kim Phil
is releasing his first new piece in three years?
That's right.
Why did you choose it for your next concert?
Quite simply, it's a great piece.
I trust my husband.
As a composer and as a husband.
It might have been painful and difficult.
But I think this must have
brought you closer together as a couple.
I think so too.
- Okay. - Yes.
Thanks for coming today.
- Thank you. - Of course.
Thank you even more.
For accepting my sudden request.
You should be thanking me.
- Hello, Mr. Go. - Hello.
Or should I be thanking you?
For making headlines.
You used the news coverage to cover up the controversy.
That's amazing.
Oh, how about joining me for tea in my office?
I'll be swamped with work from now on.
Turning down a friend you haven't seen in 20 years?
Were you my friend?
I thought you were Jeongjae's friend.
It's the same thing, isn't it?
Next time.
- What did you do? - Can't you tell?
Why are you doing this? You saw it for yourself that day.
- So what? - Seeum!
It's my business, so butt out.
Not when the orchestra is involved. Especially since I'm the chairman.
Don't worry, Mr. Yoo.
I'll have the new piece ready for the next concert within a week.
And if you don't?
I'll close down Hanphil.
That will never happen.
We will premiere a new piece
by my husband, composer Kim Phil.
It will be at our next Hanphil concert.
HANSUK UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Yes?
Come on in, Phil.
What are you doing here…
Come on, have a seat.
Yes, thank you.
Ms. Cha explained everything to me.
Also, I saw yesterday's news.
What kind of crazy guy would do that?
Manipulating a picture that way…
My goodness.
If I'm this upset,
honestly, I can't imagine how hard it must've been for you two.
Man…
Anyhow, just stay focused on your work.
Wait, what--
You said you might need to take a few days off to finish your piece.
So I asked him for you.
Why would you do that?
I thought I had given you enough time to think last night.
Seeum.
Do you think
I made all this happen because I've forgiven you?
The only thing you're going to break up is my marriage,
not my orchestra.
So, take responsibility for everything and fix it!
Your life is over if you can't do this.
You want to be a cheater
and a useless composer?
Are you saying that picture was manipulated?
So that news from yesterday was true?
All of you still believe what Seeum said?
If that picture is real,
why would she appear on the news?
I don't care if it's real or fake.
It's all so strange.
But think about it.
Ajin looked so guilty yesterday.
Or maybe she was in shock.
What on earth is going on around here?
Do you think
Phil actually composed a new piece?
I mean,
he did say he was having trouble composing.
Well, that's…
I see everyone's here.
This week's rehearsals…
have all been canceled.
- What? - Really?
Who would do that?
It was Seeum.
But she was so hard on us right after the concert.
- What happened? - I know.
Are you kidding me?
Why was the video removed?
I'll pay what you want.
So please upload it--
Hello?
Hello…
You want to be a cheater
and a useless composer?
HANPHIL CEO JEON SANGDO
Hello?
Why don't you answer the phone?
Do you want me to die of frustration?
Is everything okay?
You pulled that stunt on the news and now you're ghosting us.
I "pulled a stunt"?
Phil said that he was quitting
because he couldn't compose anymore.
So how do you plan to use his new piece in your next concert?
It's going to happen.
Come on.
Honestly, what are you thinking? Do you even have a new piece?
- Don't worry. - How can I not?
I'm hanging up now.
Seeum, wait a minute. Seeum!
Seeum! Seeum… I need to stay calm.
Just stay calm.
Seeum.
I'm sorry.
This isn't going to work.
I couldn't even begin.
I don't think I can do it.
When things get tough, you make excuses and run.
The moment you can't do it, you give up.
It's so easy for you.
You know what made you fail?
Whenever things don't go your way, you find an excuse.
You just come up with excuses to run away.
You just do it like this.
No matter how hard it gets, keep going.
What do you think you're doing? Hey!
Are you the one who leaked the picture?
Man…
You've got a lot of nerve doing something like that.
Do you have proof?
That attitude of yours, you know?
Your…
But how do you know what I'm referring to?
Thanks.
This reminds me of the past.
I don't think…
I can live without you.
How about we...
This is where you've been.
Let's talk outside.
No. I'm going to talk here.
Now you need to decide…
what you're going to do.
MAESTRA: STRINGS OF TRUTH
Tell her to get out of our house!
I don't think I can live without you.
I thought you wouldn't be able to perform.
It has to happen. Otherwise, Hanphil's done.
You hate everything they do, but you can't beat them.
Were you trying to kill her? Were you?
Seeum almost died because of you.
You should have gotten it right, if you wanted to kill me.
So, next time, make sure you kill me properly.
So, should I have an abortion?
How could you do this?
What happens next?
Translated by Park Soyoung