STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
"EPISODE 6"
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!
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.
How did you...
Your mother wanted to see you.
Seeum's mother?
Is that Bae Junghwa?
What happened here?
The violin.
Seeum, why is the violin like that?
It's wet.
The violin is completely soaked.
Mom, let's go back to the hospital.
Seeum!
I don't want to go to the hospital.
I don't want to go.
Come on. You need to go to the hospital.
Seeum!
It's coming for you.
No, please.
Mom.
- Junghwa! - Mom.
- Hurry, call 911. - Okay.
Mom!
Mom.
We need her next of kin.
Yes.
You're coming, right?
Aren't you coming with us?
I'll go.
What?
I'm family.
The law recognizes me as her next of kin.
I'm going to go. Please take care of the members.
911 AMBULANCE
Seeum's mother didn't look like she was all there.
Right? Do you think it's Alzheimer’s?
She called Luna "Seeum," right?
Bae Junghwa
was a renowned violinist.
Didn't she just vanish out of the blue?
- Huh? - Don't you know her personally?
Mr. Park, you only use Mr. Cha's violins.
I just heard through the grapevine that she was ill.
But why would Professor Kim
bring his sick mother-in-law all the way here?
Doesn't that seem kind of strange?
It does.
That aside, I'm worried about Luna's violin.
It got soaked, and then was thrown to the ground.
CHUNG EUN SENIOR CARE CENTER
Ms. Cha?
Your mother has been waiting a long time for you to come see her.
She doesn't have much time left.
I have a question.
What are the first symptoms of the disease?
From birth, those affected are somewhat different.
A high percentage of Remington's patients are born with very acute senses.
So, many of them become artists.
But slowly, all of the senses start to dull.
Eventually your senses and nerves
stop functioning the way you want them to.
Everything you were given at birth is taken from you in an instant.
That's why those patients experience a stronger sense of frustration.
In particular,
it's when they lose their memory and start to become violent
that it becomes very tough.
Especially because those closest to them
have to see them in that state.
Die! Die!
You're a monster. You need to die!
Die.
Your car isn't here because you came in the ambulance.
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?
Tell me what you want to do to that bastard.
If you want, I can send him away,
rough him up,
or even put him six feet under.
Whatever you want, just say the word.
Don't do anything.
I'll handle it myself.
It's coming for you.
What's going on? You're missing every shot.
What I want to shoot isn't here.
Don't worry, Yura.
You're aware the project is already underway, aren't you?
If we have to drop it, there will be consequences.
I'm going to shoot that documentary no matter what.
I'm here.
- Get out. - You're kicking me out? That's not nice.
Leave now.
Everyone must be dying to know what's wrong with your mother.
And I'm able to provide them with the answer.
I sent you the draft for our documentary.
So be sure to check your email.
I already told them you're in.
I lost my job thanks to you, so I expect your full cooperation.
Why?
You're not capable of doing anything without my help?
As it turns out, I'm not.
All the privileges that came with your fame...
are too addicting for me to cast aside.
Well, you're going to have to, just as I've already cast you aside.
Seeum.
It wasn't just love that bound us together.
Living as partners doesn't seem like a bad idea, does it?
You saw for yourself.
I'm not merely making empty verbal threats.
Ms. Cha.
Yes.
We're here.
Is everything okay?
Yes, everything's fine.
Thank you.
CONCERTMASTER'S OFFICE
Mr. Jeon!
So, what did the insurance company say?
Because it's fire insurance,
it's not covered since it wasn't a fire that set off the sprinklers.
Why not? We have insurance.
The insurance we took out
doesn't cover this.
It malfunctioned because the system is outdated.
It's just one excuse after the other.
Why should anyone take out insurance, then?
- Mr. Jeon. - What?
There's a bigger issue. The damage to the instruments is...
Hundreds of millions of won?
Just for the instruments?
And that's just to restore them, not to buy new ones?
So much for getting some time off while they fix the rehearsal room.
Seriously.
Who would have thought she would rent a concert hall?
You've got to hand it to Seeum.
Is it because our piece is the same as the city orchestra's?
They're also performing Symphony No. 1.
Rumor has it Seeum did that on purpose.
To create buzz.
- Well... - Hello.
I wouldn't put it past her.
Hello.
Look at her violin.
It must be a rental.
You had a second violin?
It's a rental.
Oh...
You should have rented a more expensive one.
How do you expect to perform with that?
Why don't you use this opportunity to buy a new one?
After all, you're the concertmaster.
I'm planning to.
Hello.
- Hello. - Okay.
We had some trouble last time thanks to the sprinklers,
but our concert date is fixed, so we need to keep rehearsing.
But we get to practice on stage, which is actually a good thing, right?
Okay, then.
The first movement of Symphony No. 1.
Everyone focus. Let's begin.
More intensity.
Why is it such a mess today?
Elementary school children could do a better job than this.
You know our instruments aren't in the best condition.
You should be more understanding.
Is that what you're going to tell the audience?
- That's not what I... - We're professionals.
If you're going to make excuses like amateurs,
why are we charging people for this performance?
At the very least, we shouldn't be ashamed to charge people.
From the top. Like the professionals we are.
Four, five, six.
Suhyeon.
The phrasing from the top.
It should continue with a full-sounding legato.
Why are your breaths so short?
I'm sorry.
Minjun, your breathing is also very erratic.
Both of you, please watch your breathing.
One more time.
Four, five, and!
I feel like Seeum is being really harsh today.
You need to stop.
It's fine, Minho.
Replacing the sprinklers is one thing, but paying for the instruments
is a bit excessive.
Is this because of Seeum?
Now who's being excessive?
I'm sorry.
See you tomorrow.
Why do you suddenly want your old violin?
It's a present for someone.
Hmm?
Who are you giving it to? Your dad made that just for you.
There's someone I really want to give it to.
Is that okay, Dad?
Of course. I'm sure they are very deserving of it.
It would be nice to see this
in the hands of a new owner instead of just collecting dust.
Thank you for understanding.
Pops, you're such a pushover when it comes to Seeum.
I have something to tell you.
What is it?
Why so serious? Stop it, you're scaring me.
I want to get a divorce.
What are you talking about?
It's what I want.
SEEUM MUSIC STORE
Why don't you use this opportunity to buy a new one?
After all, you're the concertmaster.
LOAN
U BANK, DONGHAENG BANK
- I'm not really sure about this one. - Oh, really?
- You don't like it? - Not this one.
- This one. - Oh, this one's nice.
I think it will suit you.
Hi.
Oh! Hello, future sister-in-law.
Already? Calling her that sounds weird.
It's fine. She needs to get used to it.
You think?
Aren't you going to work today?
I told you, we're going wedding dress shopping.
Oh.
Are you going out now?
- Yes. - Okay.
- Isn't this one nice? - Yes.
Not this one.
Haena, do you by any chance have some cash...
Huh? What?
- Forget it. - What is it?
No, it's nothing.
CHA SEEUM
I'm really sorry. My mother probably freaked you out.
Oh, no, it was fine.
Your mother is ill.
I'm okay.
Are you okay?
Yes.
As a way to apologize, I have something for you.
This was mine.
My father made it for me.
I don't know what to say...
The sound will be richer than a new one that needs breaking in.
The tone is already developed.
Thank you.
I can't thank you enough.
Yes?
I have a delivery from Cha Seeum.
This too.
Have a nice day.
A petition will be sent soon. I've started the divorce proceedings.
You should get a lawyer.
There is no answer. Please leave your message...
In trouble?
You've got to be kidding me.
Where did you hear such nonsense, Mr. Shin?
I heard the repertoire for this concert
is the same as the city orchestra's.
In Korea, their interpretation of Brahms
is far more recognized than Seeum's interpretation.
That's what I think...
That remains to be seen.
Once the concert is over,
you'll see why people are clamoring for Seeum.
Cha Seeum.
There hasn't been a dull day since she's come on board as conductor.
You have a new concertmaster, her first concert was canceled,
plus the rumors of her husband's affair. How embarrassing.
As a reporter, you should check your facts
before shooting off at the mouth.
I'm just telling you what I've heard from other people...
I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, but do you know how much
our paid attendance rate has gone up
since Seeum joined?
How much?
Just as Seeum promised, it...
- What is it? - Mr. Jeon?
- Uh, the paid attendance rate...
Hang on a minute.
What...
CHA SEEUM'S MOTHER, BAE JUNGHWA, HAS REMINGTON'S
What the...
Have it removed at once.
How did this article get published?
- Remove it, now. - Yes, sir.
Did you see the article? It says Seeum has a hereditary disease.
Isn't that crazy?
Seeum doesn't have it yet.
Her mother is the one who's sick.
If the chance of getting it is 50%, then who knows?
She might be hiding it from us.
They say your body starts to stiffen, and your cognitive abilities decline.
The article is probably true, right?
I don't know.
What is everyone doing? It's time for rehearsal.
Well, we...
Did you see the article?
I thought you wanted me to read it.
Thank you for that.
Okay, then. Shall we go to rehearsal?
Seeum, the shit has hit the fan. There are reporters...
Reporters are...
Please, you can't be here. I need you to leave.
I promise, we'll send you an official statement.
Okay, we understand.
- So... - Are you
all here to see me?
Seeum! Is the news that broke today true?
Seeum, have you been tested for Remington's?
Yes, it's true. My mother has Remington's.
Which means I have a 50% chance of getting it.
Can you conduct if you have Remington's?
Probably not. But I'm still completely healthy.
Have you been tested? Isn't it dangerous?
If I start showing any symptoms, I will voluntarily step down.
Is there any reason that should be an issue?
It's not like I have the disease.
I had no idea it would be a cause for concern.
But if the probability is 50%...
Anyone can get sick,
regardless of whether it runs in the family or not.
In terms of possibility, that applies to everyone here
because nobody knows what the future holds.
I think I've answered enough questions for today.
- Thank you. - Seeum!
Seeum!
- Let's talk. - I have nothing to say.
I was afraid you would jump to the wrong conclusion.
It wasn't me.
I know you probably don't believe me.
If I were you, I would be thinking the same thing.
But it really wasn't me.
Hey, what's up?
You must have a death wish.
What?
KVN was the first to release that article.
You didn't even give me a heads-up.
That's not...
So I can pull all my ads, right?
No, you can't do that.
You're blaming the wrong guy.
I know it wasn't you.
I'm the one who did it.
What?
I used your ace in the hole. Now what are you going to do?
Your mother...
How could you...
Weren't you the one who brought my mother here?
Now, get out of here and out of my life.
Seeum asked me to publish the article.
What?
Don't do anything. I'll handle it myself.
That's what she meant.
SEEUM, ALL THE WORLD'S MUSIC
Dad, I'm here.
Seeum.
What are you doing here at this hour?
Pour me one too.
Sure.
Allow me.
I'm sorry.
You have nothing to be sorry for.
I'm the one who's sorry.
If I hadn't gone to the hospital with Phil that day...
It's my fault...
No, don't think that.
I'm sorry.
I actually feel relieved now that it's off my chest.
It doesn't seem like such a big deal after all.
Here, I'll pour you another.
There is no answer.
Please leave your message after the tone.
KIM PHIL
Why isn't he answering the phone? He was so sure
he could convince Seeum.
You think I'm going to give up?
Uh...
Where could he have gone?
What do you mean I can't be the art director?
I'm sorry, Professor Kim.
Something came up.
This is totally unexpected...
I told him not to let you do it.
Nice to see you, Mr. Yoo.
- How are you? - I'm good.
Please, have a seat.
It's been a while. Let me pour you a drink.
Yes, of course.
I really want to thank you
for letting me support the Yeonsung International Music Festival.
Please, allow me.
From now on,
I plan to stand in the way of everything this man does.
With a vengeance.
Why are you going to such extremes?
To such extremes?
If I knew the answer to that, I probably would have stopped by now.
- Is this some kind of joke? - I'm sure you know it's not.
Chairman.
Uh, given the nature of the festival, I know some organizations in the US
that would be a big help to you. Working with Hanphil
could also be beneficial.
If I start showing any symptoms, I will voluntarily step down.
Is there any reason that should be an issue?
Yes?
You're still here.
Everyone's gone home.
Why are you still here?
I wanted to practice some more.
The violin plays so beautifully, I didn't even notice the time.
Don't depend too much on the instrument.
I'm sorry?
On stage, of course the instrument is important,
but who's playing it is more important.
The musician matters more than the instrument.
At the end of the day,
an orchestra is made up of a group of people.
You can't have just instruments.
I understand.
Oh...
This was in the violin case.
I have no idea how that got in there.
When I was younger, my mother always used a fountain pen.
I thought it was so cool, and I begged her to give it to me.
Seeum.
I'm going to go home now.
Okay. Get home safely.
Mom.
I'm okay now.
What?
Mom, you were sick earlier.
You'll feel better if we go to the hospital.
Seeum.
I'm so sorry...
I really am okay.
By the way, I know what I want for graduation.
What is it?
That.
A fountain pen?
Okay.
I'll buy you one.
No, I want that one. I want yours.
I'm going to college in the US soon, so I want a keepsake from you.
I thought you were all grown up, but you're still just a baby.
Of course I am.
Here.
HANGANG ART CENTER CONCERT HALL
CHUNG EUN SENIOR CARE CENTER
I'm sorry, Mom.
I didn't come to visit, even though I knew you wanted to see me.
I was scared.
Seeing how you've changed...
I was scared I would become like you.
Mom.
Seeum...
Do you recognize me?
Seeum.
Yes.
I missed you.
I'm sorry.
I'm...
sorry.
Seeum.
You're not going to become like me.
Don't let it find you.
Mons...
Don't let the monster…
catch you.
The monster...
Mom.
EMERGENCY BUTTON
Kill me, please. Seeum, help me.
Don't press it!
Don't press it.
Don't press it!
♪ When the night falls ♪
♪ And the moonlight ♪
♪ Faintly illuminates my path ♪
♪ Sometimes, it's hard ♪
♪ And it feels dark ♪
♪ The fate that has blocked me is watching ♪
♪ Like a shadow... ♪
STRINGS OF TRUTH
What do you mean, arrested? What did Seeum do?
She was acting strange that day.
- I found it! - Ms. Cha.
It's a different case, but the suspect is the same.
Becoming the best orchestra doesn't just happen.
Is this how you've been developing the orchestra?
At least tell me what this is all about!
I should give you a surprise gift before I go.
I told you not to come.
If this continues, Hanphil's done for good.
I would never do anything to ruin my orchestra.
Translated by Erica Lee