STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
"EPISODE 7"
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!
- Junghwa, you need to calm down. - Kill me, please.
- You'll be fine. - Help me, please!
It’s okay, Junghwa.
Lower her head.
Ms. Bae, are you okay?
Ms. Bae!
Get the sedatives.
Add one more ampoule.
BAE JUNGHWA REST IN PEACE
Mom.
Once you finish treatment, come visit me in New York.
You can come see me at music school.
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Seeum,
your mom got a diagnosis.
She has Remington's disease.
Unfortunately, it's hereditary.
Why don't you come to Korea and get tested?
SEEUM MUSIC STORE ALL THE WORLD'S MUSIC
Good morning.
Morning.
Is that Junghwa’s violin?
Yes.
This was the first violin you ever made.
Right?
That's right.
She used to love it.
I’m sure…
she’s in a better place now.
I know.
She must be feeling better now.
My goodness, why are you back so soon?
You were supposed to take some time off.
I’m fine.
I heard they've finished fixing the rehearsal room.
Yes, it's as good as new.
Do you want to see?
Looks great.
Not sure what I would have done without Mr. Yoo.
Well, you see,
he paid for all the repairs because insurance didn't cover it.
Even the damaged instruments were reimbursed.
No expense was spared.
So we can start rehearsing again this afternoon?
We got a notice to go to the rehearsal room later.
- Really? - Is Seeum back already?
She came in to work today.
It must be really hard for her right now.
I heard Ms. Bae started showing symptoms when she was around Seeum’s age.
Man, she battled it for a long time.
When she was Seeum’s age?
That means Seeum could be...
That isn't something you should say lightly.
Hey, did anyone see Professor Kim at the funeral?
I didn’t see him.
Neither did I.
Come to think of it,
Ajin missed the funeral too.
Maybe they went on their own instead of going with us.
Something's off.
Doesn't Ajin seem a little different these days?
What I mean is,
doesn't her aura seem completely different?
It does.
Maybe those rumors about the affair…
PREGNANCY JOURNAL
ROUTINE CHECKUP RESULTS
DEMORE IRON
Not feeling well?
Didn't you just take some pills?
Oh...
- They're just supplements. - Really?
You look a little haggard.
Make sure you're eating right.
I will.
What do you mean?
PROF KIM VACATE THE APT
Where is this coming from all of a sudden?
I'm supposed to start teaching there next week.
I'm sorry, Professor Kim.
At least tell me what this is all about!
Out of the blue...
the president told me he didn't think we could hire you.
I plan to stand
in the way of everything this man does.
With a vengeance.
Wait,
does Yoo Jeongjae from UC Financial have anything to do with this?
No. Well, not necessarily.
Anyway, I'm really sorry about this.
I'll be in touch, Professor Kim.
Ah, Ms. Go.
I couldn't get hold of you,
and your office was empty.
If I'd come any later, I wouldn't have found you here either.
I'm sorry.
No need to apologize.
I sent you the documentary contract.
Why didn't you reply?
I'm sorry,
but I can't do that documentary.
What did you say?
I don't think it'll work.
I don't need an apology from you.
What I want is for you and Cha Seeum to appear as a loving couple
in the documentary.
The only thing I can say is that I'm sorry.
You said you'd be able to change her mind.
Then suddenly you disappear, and now you're saying you can't do it?
You're kidding, right?
Did you think I would just let it go?
Excuse me?
I believe in an eye for an eye.
In fact,
I'll take two eyes.
A blind audition for everyone?
Yes, I'm trying to get an accurate picture of everyone's skill level.
But you didn't even discuss it with me…
That's why I'm telling you now.
Seeum, are you confusing this with blind recruitment,
where we pick new members?
Actually, I think the orchestra should be evaluated.
As part of the testing process, I'll also invite all the guest performers.
But we've already passed that test.
- And you're suddenly... - That's good.
It won't be a problem if you have the skills.
And if we don't pass the test?
As I said on the first day, you'll have to leave the orchestra.
The members are all permanent employees.
You can't just do this,
even if you are the conductor.
That's why we have unions.
Think of it as an employee performance review at a regular company.
Permanent employees can be fired
if they don't have the skills.
I don't understand
why you're suddenly doing this.
I heard our last concert was better than the city orchestra's...
I'll be honest with you.
Your last performance…
was the worst.
So you did better than someone else.
Are you satisfied with that?
It wasn't as good as rehearsal.
In other words, it didn't meet my expectations.
So, I feel the need to reevaluate.
Becoming the best orchestra doesn't just happen.
I'm all for it.
You should leave if you aren't good enough.
But still…
Tests can make some people nervous.
How come you're all doubting yourselves?
You know how talented you are.
Besides, we're all employees here.
As she said, let's think of this as an employee performance review.
Okay, then.
Your performance of Symphony No. 1
will be evaluated tomorrow in the rehearsal room.
Thank you, everyone.
This doesn't make any sense.
I'm getting a headache.
Seriously…
Seeum!
Are you doing this to get rid of me?
You don't seem sure about your skills.
Why would I put everyone through all this trouble just to get rid of you?
You better be telling the truth.
If not, I won't stand for it.
You'd be better off practicing right now.
Unless you want to get fired.
Has she lost her mind?
Why does she act like this?
If you take even one step closer to her,
it feels like she takes three steps back.
Tomorrow's the big day. What should I do?
We already have so many violinists.
Let's just do it.
It's our performance review. Cheers.
Hey, Jiae.
Why did you come alone? Where's your buddy?
Oh. She said she was busy, so she couldn't join us.
Maybe she's practicing on her own.
- There's no way. - Come on.
Hmm?
Hey!
I just remembered I have something to do at home.
I need to go.
Just like that?
I forgot about my grandma's memorial service.
- Goodness. - Wasn't that a few months ago?
For my other grandma.
I'll see you guys tomorrow.
Wait...
Cheers.
Come on, cheers!
I'm sorry.
The next one's on me.
- I'm sorry. - It's fine.
You can do it!
Something was going on at Kim Horyeong's place, so I investigated.
I think Kim Bongju ran away.
He ran away…
There's a rumor that Chairman Yoo Jeongjae
took over Hanphil because of Cha Seeum.
It seems they were an item years ago.
Is this because of Seeum?
Damn it.
It was because of her?
I can't believe this.
I booked your flight. Get ready.
I should give her a surprise gift before I go.
Man, this is going to be tough.
REMOTE SMART PARKING ASSIST 2
REMOTE PARKING
Wow, that's nice.
I like it. It's so smart. Just like someone I know.
First of all, I'm glad to see you.
But,
I'm not sure if I'm qualified to judge.
It's not my area of expertise.
Your job is to listen on behalf of the audience.
Being the chairman makes you plenty qualified to do that.
Right.
I heard that
you paid for the room repairs and compensated for the instruments.
Did I do that?
Thank you.
What did you say?
Say that again.
I don't like to repeat myself.
I already heard you.
Hello. It's nice to see you, Mr. Yoo.
Let me introduce you to someone.
This is Oh Hyeonseok, our assistant conductor
and Hanphil's pillar of strength.
Nice to meet you.
Likewise.
I'm Hanphil's assistant conductor, Oh Hyeonseok.
I'm Yoo Jeongjae.
Man…
You're as handsome as they say.
Who would say such a thing?
Excuse me?
I'll take them out to dinner
so I can thank them.
That would be me.
You can buy me dinner.
- Let's all sit. - Here.
Have a seat.
Why are you taking off your shoes?
Oh...
You can tell a woman from a man by the sound of their shoes.
So at Hanphil, women traditionally take them off.
Does that count as gender discrimination or equality?
Well…
Since Seeum told the men to remove their shoes as well,
it must be equality, right?
Oh.
Luna,
I'm sure you'll do great,
but good luck anyway.
Wait,
are you serious about firing them?
The others agreed that their performances were subpar.
I know that, but still,
they're not guest performers. They're permanent members.
We're in for another mess.
Yes, come in.
You wanted to see us?
CEO ROOM
What do you think will happen to those two?
Earlier, I overheard them…
And?
We're getting fired? Why?
Your breathing is erratic, and you keep lagging.
I saw a lot of issues.
Well,
we were both
just nervous today.
Of course. There's something nerve-wracking about a test.
Today's not the first time.
Could it be a lack of practice
or are you doing something you shouldn't be?
If it's the latter,
it's all the more reason you can't stay in the orchestra.
So,
did you really get fired?
Stop laughing.
Why is he getting so worked up?
What is he saying?
Hey.
What is this?
You are under arrest for violating the Narcotics Control Act.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
- Arrest them. - Yes, sir.
Detective…
Excuse me, how did you get in here?
We're here on official business.
What kind of official business would bring cops here?
Oh Minjun and Jeong Suhyeon are members of this orchestra, aren't they?
They are,
but they were fired yesterday.
Oh, and...
there's one more person.
Time is running out.
Hey, come on. Let's find something quick.
Geez, man.
Hey, if you see anything strange, let me know right away.
What are you doing?
Well, hello.
I would appreciate your cooperation.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE WARRANT NARCOTICS CONTROL ACT VIOLATION
Are we good?
I found it!
Will you look at that?
Ms. Cha Seeum.
What do you mean, arrested? What did Seeum do?
They found drugs in her office.
What?
The members who were fired yesterday
confessed to getting drugs from Seeum.
We have a serious problem.
What happened?
It's about Seeum…
The police came and took her.
What?
Our paths keep crossing.
I know. It would be better if we didn't see each other so often.
So far, you seem very relaxed.
I have nothing to hide.
Oh Minjun and Jeong Suhyeon both testified that you gave them drugs.
We also found evidence in your office.
We have obtained witnesses, testimonies, and evidence.
Okay, so what?
Your confession would be greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, that will never happen.
It will be interesting to see how long you can remain relaxed.
This is an arrest without a warrant, so it's 48 hours, right?
That's right.
This will waste a lot of time.
I'll be representing Cha Seeum.
You're well-prepared for someone with nothing to hide.
I never hired a lawyer.
I was sent by Chairman Yoo Jeongjae.
From now on, you can talk to me.
I'm not sure I can do that.
We have witnesses and evidence.
We can't release her right now.
Chief.
I know she's not that kind of person.
But…
I am not simply asking for a favor.
But there are certain procedures...
I'll meet with someone higher up so I can bypass procedures,
and you won't be held accountable.
Mr. Yoo.
I'm a little busy right now, so I hope you won't waste my time.
Of course.
I'm sure it will help Seeum with her case.
Okay, start talking, then.
Something was off that day.
Did you do well?
Oh...
I think so.
I'll be off now.
They usually leave deliveries at the information desk.
The driver paused when he saw me, which I found strange.
So I looked back.
His physique and the way he walked…
reminded me of Bongju.
I'm sure it was him.
Are you saying Bongju came out of Seeum's office?
Yes.
I should have noticed something was wrong right then.
Is Seeum going to be okay?
I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she's okay.
I need you to listen carefully, Mr. Park.
Look into the delivery driver that came to Hanphil yesterday.
Check surveillance cameras, dashcams, and whatever else you need to
to find that bastard.
So,
I look forward to reading your news article.
Oh Minjun and Jeong Suhyeon are in the next room.
What about the drugs?
Everything's laid out for them.
You can go now.
Yes, sir.
Hi, I'm at a club right now,
and I think people in the next room are doing drugs.
Tell them you got the drugs from Seeum.
She was the one who called the police.
You shouldn't have messed with me.
Now, get out of here and out of my life.
Can I just see her for a moment?
I'm sorry.
She's being interrogated right now, so no family visits.
We need to talk about getting her a lawyer…
Ms. Cha has already found a lawyer.
If you'll excuse me.
Pops!
Hey.
There's no point in going to the police station tonight.
They won't allow visitors at night...
Even if that's true, I need to go.
I'll feel better that way.
Seeum called and told us not to worry since it was all a misunderstanding.
Still...
She won't feel comfortable with you guarding the station.
She's probably already feeling bad.
She has a lawyer, so it'll be fine.
You believe in Seeum, right?
Of course I do, but...
Just go back upstairs, then, okay?
I promised her that I wouldn't let you go visit her.
Go on now.
Is this how you've been developing the orchestra?
"Creating miracles by taking a third-rate orchestra and making it first-class."
Did that method involve drugs?
That was out of line.
Members of the Pittsriver Phil where you used to work
were also involved in a drug case.
Are you an aspiring novelist?
This isn't an investigation, it's a novel.
Look here, Ms. Cha.
Watch yourself. You're pushing this too far.
Any updates on Seeum?
KIM TAEHO
No, not yet…
Luna, have you seen your sister?
We planned to look at houses today…
Uh, is everything okay, Luna?
You look…
I…
What's wrong?
Uh, you can tell me.
Cha Seeum's rapid test
came back negative.
We're still waiting on the hair strand test.
Those results take 15 days.
Negative results don't prove that she didn't distribute drugs.
Honestly,
this case wasn't even ours.
You just went and got it for us.
It was the same as the case of the tampered brakes,
and now you've done it again.
Why is this happening?
There's so much else we should be doing.
It's a different case,
but the suspect is the same.
Geez. Come on…
What on earth is she doing?
Huh?
SEOUL POLICE DEPARTMENT
What are you doing right now?
I don't want to waste time.
I'm ready to begin.
Ah.
Would you mind if I asked you something this time?
No, go ahead.
When, where, and how did Oh Minjun
and Jeong Suhyeon get the drugs from me?
What?
When, where, and how did they get them?
Seeum gave them to us in her office.
The idea of doing drugs never crossed my mind.
But she said everyone does them in the States, so it wasn't a problem.
That's what she told me.
Seeum was very coercive.
Then I became more addicted…
This all feels unfair.
This will be easier than I thought.
I heard the hair strand drug test tells you what drug you used and when.
I'm pretty sure they started taking drugs before I came to Hanphil.
As far as I'm concerned, they were already in bad shape.
That's why I fired them.
So you knew from the start
that they were doing drugs?
It was just a guess.
You seem to know a lot about drugs.
- That's the conclusion you're drawing? - Just answer the question.
I listen to the breath of every single one of my members.
I can always tell when something goes wrong.
And when those two don't breathe right, their instruments sound different.
So conductors know everything?
Why would I offer drugs to the members when I expect perfection from them?
Unless using them would significantly improve their skills.
I would never do anything to ruin my orchestra.
There's someone here who claims to be a witness.
We didn't try to find a witness, but one showed up anyway.
But everything he said is true.
Cha's test came out negative.
Also, I don't think she needs to sell drugs
to make money.
As for Oh Minjun and Jeong Suhyeon,
they may have been holding a grudge after getting fired.
So if what that man is saying is true, Kim Bongju planned all this?
It makes sense under the circumstances.
Let's find out where Kim Bongju is.
Yes, sir.
SEOUL POLICE DEPARTMENT
You must be tired.
You too.
I assume you brought the witness?
Uh...
You're close to Kim Bongju, right?
Excuse me?
When he was running from his father,
I heard you gave him a place to hide and a burner phone.
Uh...
- Well... - Did you do anything else?
I didn't do anything for him.
Didn't he ask you to let him know
when Oh Minjun
and Jeong Suhyeon showed up at the club?
How did you know that?
And when you told him, the cops showed up.
Yes, that's right.
So now, our club's been shut down.
That's too bad.
Are you saying Bongju called the cops?
Damn it, that bastard!
He threw me a few bucks and put me out of a job.
And you know something else, don't you?
What?
That he was doing drugs.
And he also sold them.
Neither Oh Minjun nor Jeong Suhyeon seem to know Bongju gave them the drugs.
But you seem to know that.
All you have to do is be an innocent witness.
Let's go.
I'll take you home.
Thank you.
Seeum.
You have something to say?
If not, go home.
I think
Bongju is doing this because of me.
He's the one who leaked those photos of your husband's affair, and I...
It's fine.
Anyway, it's all over.
Good night.
Dad, don't worry, everything's fine.
Have a good night.
Bye.
Seeum.
What are you doing here at this hour?
Oh...
I was worried.
I asked Taeho, and he told me you were coming home today.
Is everything all right with you?
Let's go inside.
Feel free to take a seat.
Okay.
Was it awful?
I'm fine.
I never thought Bongju would go this far…
How did you know?
Actually, I saw him coming out of your office.
I didn't recognize him at the time.
If I had known he would do this…
That's enough.
From now on, let's just focus on the concert.
Seeum.
We'll start rehearsing tomorrow, so get ready.
It might be hard to do that.
IT'S OVER FOR DRUG ENABLER CHA SEEUM GET RID OF DRUG QUEEN CHA SEEUM
I told you there was nothing to see here.
Mr. Jeon said you should rest...
Seeum!
8282 QUICK PICKUP
DRUGGIE CHA SEEUM HANPHIL'S SHOCKING NEWS
Okay.
Get rid of everything.
This is all outside Hanphil?
What about the media?
So far, I've blocked everything.
But when it comes to social media and online communities,
posts keep popping up.
IT'S OVER FOR DRUG ENABLER CHA SEEUM
Tell them to report that Kim Horyeong's son Kim Bongju
is the one responsible.
Neither Hanphil nor Seeum are involved.
Emphasize that he's the son of an assemblyman.
Yes, sir.
Yes?
I told you not to come.
Whatever is out there doesn't matter to me.
I canceled today's rehearsal.
And the members aren't coming.
What do you mean?
You didn't do anything wrong, and I'm sure you're frustrated.
But news reports and rumors say you're under police investigation.
I'll just be honest with you.
Those with Hanphil memberships
protested and asked that the concert be canceled.
About half of the members said they'd quit.
This incident has shaken everyone up.
So,
let's wait. We just need time to regroup.
Take some time to rest.
For how long?
Until things settle down?
Does it end when I quit?
It's not like that...
I'm afraid I can't do that.
If and when I do decide to quit,
it won't be because of this ridiculous accusation.
And there's no way
that lousy concert we put on
is going to be my last.
- But now it's... - Mr. Jeon.
Now's not the time!
I'm not backing down this time.
If this continues, Hanphil's done for good.
Just until things settle down.
It's time that you follow my lead.
He's the one who leaked those photos
of your husband's affair, and I...
I never thought Bongju would go this far…
I'm not backing down this time.
If this continues, Hanphil's done for good.
Just until things settle down.
It's time that you follow my lead.
Hello?
Seeum, this is Bongju.
We should meet.
There's something I need to show you.
Where are you right now?
I think we should meet.
There's something I need to show you.
I'll wait for you in front of Hanphil.
Hello?
This is Detective Choo Dongsik.
Kim Bongju…
is dead.
♪ I have died ♪
♪ Foolish me ♪
♪ My torn and wounded soul ♪
♪ I have died ♪
♪ I've swallowed myself ♪
♪ Like a lonely and angry monster ♪
♪ Erase me cruelly ♪
♪ In the middle of a tranquil universe ♪
♪ I stand small behind a giant shadow... ♪
STRINGS OF TRUTH
What are you looking for?
We suspect foul play.
Strange things keep happening around her.
But where did you go?
You don't remember that night, do you?
I don't remember anything.
In the event your spouse dies…
Didn't you want to shoot a documentary? Let's do it.
If I can generate some interest, I'll do whatever it takes.
What do you think? The ratings will go through the roof.
She's using you.
I've had enough of your little games.
Why does Hanphil mean so much to you?
This could be my last orchestra.
Translated by Park Soyoung