STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
CHUNG EUN SENIOR CARE CENTER
"EPISODE 5"
It's called Remington's disease.
Remington's?
There's a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Your body slowly stiffens over time, and your memory starts to fade.
In some cases, total memory loss.
Remington's.
Is that what you've been trying to hide?
Remington's.
Is that what you've been trying to hide?
She was amazing.
- She certainly was. - Hey, look.
Seeum!
Well, you must be exhausted.
Are you feeling better?
- I'm fine. - Honey, you were great.
That was an incredible performance.
Shouldn't we have a party or something?
Maybe some champagne?
Let's do it next time.
- Let's talk soon, Dad. - Hey, what's going on?
- Seeum. - Soon.
Oh. Wait, Seeum…
At least take the flowers with you.
What's the rush?
Something must be wrong.
How did you find out?
Tell me.
You're not even going to lie?
What is it you want?
I heard getting tested will tell you whether or not you'll get it.
Bring me the test results.
You don't want to get tested, do you?
That's why you tried so hard to get out of the ER when you woke up.
You refused to take a blood test.
You're avoiding it.
- It's not your problem. - Take the test.
You have a 50% chance of inheriting it. That's a pretty high risk.
You must know from your research.
As your memory fades, you start seeing things.
You can't control your own body.
There's no prevention or cure.
Would knowing in advance make a difference?
And if I knew? How would I spend the rest of my life?
- But still... - I'd rather not know.
Hope is the only thing keeping me going.
So keep this to yourself.
WOO YEONGSEON
Are you Bae Junghwa's doctor?
Yes, I am. Can I help you?
How do you plan to deal with this?
A patient's information was leaked.
Excuse me?
What are you...
The only way someone could find out I could have Remington's
is through this hospital.
Because I've never once mentioned that disease!
And obviously, I've never been tested!
Okay, first,
I need you to calm down. I'll find out what happened...
Don't you think it's too late for that?
You'd better watch your step.
If this happens one more time,
I'll make sure you never wear that white coat again.
Seeu…
All right.
Next time,
I'll make sure to bring Seeum with me.
Seeu…
Honey.
Oh! Hey, you're both here!
- Congratulations, you did a great job. - You brought me flowers?
Thank you.
- You were wonderful. - Thanks.
Way to go, Mom.
Mom.
Mom!
Mom...
What's wrong? There's no one there.
- Mom. - You're a monster.
- A monster. - What?
Die.
Die!
Die.
Die!
You're a monster!
Die!
Die.
Please die.
A celebratory drink?
You're the new art director
of the Yeonsung International Music Festival.
And your new piece is a big hit.
Let's go out for drinks.
It's not confirmed yet.
Getting a call from the chairman himself means you got it.
Man, you're on a roll.
But…
will you be working for the festival alongside Seeum?
I'm not sure yet.
Anyway, let's set a date soon.
All right, sounds good!
See you.
TO CHA SEEUM AND KIM PHIL, CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST CONCERT IN KOREA
Yes?
Hello.
It looks like someone tampered
with the brakes on Ms. Lee Ajin's car.
So,
someone intentionally did that to Ajin…
Can you tell us where you were on the day of the incident?
WARD
Were you trying to kill her? Were you?
I didn't mean to cause an accident.
You think I believe that?
I can't believe you.
You shouldn't skip meals.
I didn't expect to see you again.
I heard what actually happened that day.
And?
I'm sorry.
In spite of everything, you want to be the good guy.
Seeum…
is the perpetrator.
- What? - Who else could it be?
Who else would want to harm me and my baby?
No.
It can't be her.
Are you sure?
She'd never do something like that.
You trust her completely?
No matter what?
I'm having this baby, and I'll make sure
nothing happens to him.
And you don't deserve
to be a father.
- Ajin. - Just leave.
Seeum.
This is for you.
I was asked to deliver this to you.
- Who is it from? - There's a note inside.
Thank you.
YOO JEONGJAE
I'm at the first-floor restaurant.
Choose from the menu and join me.
I'd rather not know.
Hope is the only thing keeping me going.
So…
keep this to yourself.
I'm touched.
You really came to see me.
What would you like to order?
Don't joke around.
Come on, let's eat.
Jeongjae.
This isn't a joke, it's a threat.
Isn't what I found out significant enough
to call you down for breakfast?
Mm.
Try the porridge, it's delicious.
Mm.
You're not in the mood for Korean. Should we go for Western?
Oh, that's right.
Do you still not eat breakfast?
- That's enough. - How about coffee?
Okay, fine. Can you just watch me eat, then?
Fine. Let's go together.
You're heading to work anyway. Get in, I'll take you.
Jeongjae…
Don't be shy, Seeum.
See, hmm?
Isn't it nice to sit face-to-face like this?
We can chat on the way.
Mr. Park, can we go now?
Hold on.
Don't forget
to buckle your seat belt.
Now we're ready.
Or not. It's my turn to buckle up.
Have a great day.
This isn't a joke, it's a threat.
Isn't what I found out significant enough
to call you down for breakfast?
A list of neurologists and neurosurgeons from the country's top five hospitals.
Nice work.
Look overseas as well and find the most qualified doctor.
- Doesn't matter where they're from. - Yes, sir.
PROFESSOR OF NEUROLOGY PARK MUNGI
Good morning.
Morning.
Uh, despite having little rehearsal time, we premiered an original piece.
And I want to thank you for putting on a great performance.
Great work, everyone.
Thank you.
Hey, Ajin.
How do you feel now that you've been discharged?
I'm fine.
Ajin.
Please be on time.
Sure, no problem.
- Taeho. - Yes.
Let's review our last performance, shall we?
She won't let us off easy.
DIVORCE APPLICATION
Ajin.
Have you lost some weight?
I haven't had an appetite lately.
I'm better now.
I was wondering…
about that rumor.
We all want to know.
Are you wondering if Professor Kim and I are having an affair?
Not really.
We didn't really believe any of it.
Well…
Is it true?
You won't believe me no matter what I say.
I don't see why we shouldn't.
I think your joke's gone too far.
If you'll excuse me, I have some work to do.
Wait…
So, is she or isn't she?
It's hard to tell.
How can I help you?
I'm having this baby.
And I'm staying in Hanphil.
It'd be a pleasure…
for me to share
my child's life with you.
So, I guess he didn't want to leave with you.
However, I'm not interested in such things.
So don't bother explaining all that.
If you're done, could you please leave?
Are you sure you're not interested?
Soon, it will be clear you lied on the news.
It will all be exposed.
Are you worried about me?
The moment my lie is exposed, you'll become an adulteress.
You should worry about yourself.
Come on, it's over now.
The boss said
to close the case
because there's no evidence and both parties have settled.
- Who are we to... - But that settlement seems fishy.
She settled when her husband's mistress caused the accident?
Well, maybe Cha Seeum is a good and decent person.
"Good and decent"?
That would be news to me.
- Here. - Man, come on.
Besides,
I'm sure there's a perpetrator. It wasn't just some freak accident.
My sweet baby.
My goodness.
You look so haggard.
Oh, honey.
Mom.
Bongju.
Leave now.
You have to lie low until your dad's election is over.
After that, I'll find a way to send you abroad, okay?
My poor baby.
Remington's disease doesn't have a cure yet.
The best we can do is prescribe medication to delay the symptoms.
She goes into work early and stays late.
Immediately after a concert, she starts thinking about the next one.
And she usually eats quick meals in her office.
Hmm.
Is that all?
You don't need to tell me what I already know.
That's it.
That's all I know.
You're pretty useless for a spy.
Oh, that's right. I'm a spy.
I thought I was just another success story
who used my cousin to get ahead.
What the…
It was obviously a mistake to hire you, so why am I still paying you?
You know what?
Never mind.
What?
I just want to pretend I don't know.
After punching Seeum's husband at the hospital,
you ran a background check on her, and now you commute together.
It's all so strange.
But I'm just going to play dumb.
Besides,
what would people think
about you doing this at her workplace?
I can't afford to worry about such trivial matters.
You got it?
It's way too early in the morning for this.
Why aren't you signing off on it?
I sent my project proposal ages ago.
You did?
Don't you come to work to hang out?
Just sign off on it.
Jeez... What are you up to?
"Documentary on the lives of Cha Seeum and Kim Phil,
the married musical geniuses"?
What is this?
Sounds good, right?
If Jeongjae knew, he'd freak out.
That's why I'm doing it.
You said she was Jeongjae's first love.
You're already working on it?
The Symphony No. 1 violin solo.
Yes, it's a bit challenging.
It can't be easy.
It took Brahms more than 20 years to compose this piece.
The fair thing about effort is that it always shows.
Hard work pays off in the end, right?
It's important to capture the lyrical mood in this movement.
Shall we begin?
Stay calm, you don't want to get too overexcited when playing a solo.
Imagine that you're having a conversation with a woodwind instrument.
Let's try again.
Seeum.
Mr. Jeon wants to see you.
I sense a big hit.
Thank you.
This is great. What do you think?
- It looks good. - Doesn't it?
Yes, come in.
Hey, Seeum, come on in.
Hello.
I'm Go Yura, director of KVN.
KVN GO YURA
I see. I'm Cha Seeum.
Your last concert was a huge success.
That's why I've rushed here to get you on board.
Despite my appearance, I'm quick on my feet.
I'm planning a documentary about you two.
The genius conductor and the genius composer.
The life of a musician couple.
Doesn't it sound exciting?
You don't have to overthink this.
Just show us how your daily life is...
I appreciate your interest,
but I can't do a documentary about my life.
Unless it's a documentary about Hanphil.
I'm sure Hanphil
will naturally play a part in our story.
I think it'd be great if we could do this together.
We've been getting a lot of requests for joint interviews
- and TV appearances... - No.
We're not doing any future interviews or TV appearances together.
- Honey. - If you'll excuse me,
I'm busy right now.
Considering I'm the director of KVN,
don't you think it'll cause problems
if you flat out refuse me like this?
The abrupt presentation of your proposal without any prior arrangement
gave me the impression that you're quite impatient.
I guess I was wrong.
If you want an indirect rejection,
my assistant will relay the message.
- I'll be going now. - Wait, Seeum, just…
Wait…
Ms. Go, Seeum's speech may be a bit abrasive,
but that's not who she is.
You don't need to explain.
I've heard enough.
She might change her mind if I talk to her.
Is that possible?
It's a great opportunity, for both Hanphil and us.
This should be good enough.
This is great.
What brings you here?
I'm working.
- What's with the sandwiches? - You don't need to know.
How sweet.
- You brought her a sandwich. - Why are you here?
I'm going to produce an amazing show.
A documentary that shows a glimpse into the daily lives of Cha Seeum and Kim Phil.
- You're doing what? - Looking forward to it?
- Leave her alone. - I don't have to listen to you.
It was a decision made by Cha Seeum and her husband.
Why would you stop them?
Did Seeum say she'd do it?
I just met with them, and they agreed.
Honey,
don't forget.
Seeum is a married woman.
Bringing her a sandwich doesn't change that.
In fact, if you keep this up, people will think you're an adulterer.
Would that make her an adulteress, then?
DAD
Hi, Dad.
HANYANG HWARO SPECIALIZING IN GRILLED BEEF
Seeum, over here.
No, don't worry about me.
Give it to Seeum.
Yes, of course.
Mm.
- It's delicious. - I agree.
The food's better because we're all here.
Why aren't you eating?
Hmm? Do you not feel well?
Oh, no, I'm fine. I'll eat.
It's good.
- Dig in, Dad. - Sure.
They do takeout.
No, I ate way too much today.
You two should take it.
I got some for us too. Hope you enjoy.
Thanks.
I'll definitely enjoy it.
Go on now.
We'll wait until you get inside.
My house is right there. I'll watch you leave.
- Okay, we're going to go. - Go ahead.
- Good night, Dad. - You too.
- We'll see you soon. - All right.
Bye.
Stop the car.
- Honey. - I told you to stop.
- Seeum! - Let go.
- Have you lost your mind? - It's unfair, I know.
But I was willing to do it if it meant I could hold on to you.
Just file the divorce papers.
No.
I don't want a divorce.
I'm sure you'll change your mind.
You see,
I know…
about the Remington's.
I've known since last year.
The fish might be shy.
Maybe.
There's not a single fish biting today.
CHUNG EUN SENIOR CARE CENTER
Hello?
Is everything okay with Junghwa?
Yes.
She sometimes throws fits looking for Seeum.
She was a little worse today.
I never wanted you to see her like this.
If Seeum finds out…
I won't say anything.
I don't want to worry her either.
Thanks.
I have no intention of separating.
I didn't want to when I found out, and I don't now.
I understand why you couldn't tell me.
And I totally get why you didn't want kids.
So this time,
I'm asking you to understand me.
You…
want…
to keep conducting, don't you?
All this time, I kept your secret…
because I'm your husband.
Is this a new piece?
I hope you'll premiere
all my future pieces.
For the rest of our lives.
Let's get married.
You want…
to keep conducting, don't you?
All this time, I kept your secret…
because I'm your husband.
RMRFK305
has completed phase 1 clinical trials this year,
and we're now conducting research with Soohan Hospital.
Besides treating obesity...
it stabilizes the nerves and reduces stress...
But,
if you keep doing this kind of thing at her workplace,
you could put her in a predicament.
Would that make her an adulteress, then?
The product is formulated to ensure clean charging.
This concludes my presentation.
Feel free to ask any questions.
It's over, Mr. Yoo.
What?
What brings you here?
How did you know he was having an affair?
What?
You have evidence, right?
HANSUK UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Let's wrap this up with your resignation.
- Sir... - Don't make a fuss.
If things get out of hand, our school could suffer.
Shame on you.
Hello?
Did you get the pictures?
Was it you?
It all started with you.
Your threat hinges on a possibility.
I don't have the disease yet.
- Seeum. - We're getting divorced.
If we can't reach an agreement, we'll go to court.
You have nothing to gain from this.
Is this really necessary?
You shouldn't have crossed the line
if you really wanted my forgiveness.
Those pictures…
were only sent to the president's office. Next time, it'll be a TV station.
Stop, or you'll lose everything.
Today is our first look at Symphony No. 1 by Brahms.
It took Brahms many years to complete this symphony.
It was only released after a lot of thought was given to it.
Consequently, it is rich,
intricate and structurally dense.
For the concert, I would like to add
more dramatic elements to this already dramatic piece.
Let's begin.
Yoseop!
The steps of a giant!
Good. Tempo!
With more intensity!
You have a 50% chance of inheriting it.
That's a pretty high risk.
As your memory fades, you start seeing things.
You're a monster!
You can't control your own body.
Seeum.
Seeum, are you okay?
It doesn't look like there's a fire.
Why did it go off, then?
There's been so much chaos, and now this!
Just look at all this water! It's as if a water cannon went off!
- Are you okay? - I can't believe this.
- Inhan. - Yes?
- Please call the instrument technician. - Okay.
Check your instruments,
and give the damaged ones to the technician first.
- Seeum, are you okay? - Of course.
Luna, hurry and check on the string instruments.
- Okay. - What... What happened here?
Mr. Jeon, please turn off the sprinklers.
Yes, of course.
Please get them some dry towels.
Okay.
Mr. Park, are you okay?
I'm fine. It's the instruments I'm worried about.
Yoseop, is the timpani okay?
I'm not sure. It looks pretty bad though.
Seeum?
Seeum.
STRINGS OF TRUTH
You saw for yourself.
I'm not merely making empty verbal threats.
She doesn't have much time left.
It's coming for you.
Tell me what you want to do to that bastard.
From now on, I plan to stand in the way
of everything this man does.
Seeum, I can't leave you.
She might be hiding it from us.
I will voluntarily step down.
She didn't look like she was all there.
You must have a death wish.
Now, get out of here
and out of my life.
Translated by Park Soyoung