STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
"EPISODE 8"
Hello?
Ms. Cha. This is Detective Choo Dongsik.
You were the last person...
to call Kim Bongju.
What do you mean by "the last"?
Kim Bongju is dead.
His body was found in the Han River.
Do you by any chance know anything about this?
Hello?
Seeum, this is Bongju.
We should meet.
There's something I need to show you.
Where are you right now?
I'll wait for you in front of Hanphil.
CRIME SCENE EVIDENCE
Think we'll be able to find anything here?
We need to find whatever we can.
Okay.
Ms. Cha,
what are you looking for?
Kim Bongju
is dead.
Really?
Yes, his body was found in the Han River.
They don't know the cause of death yet.
We suspect foul play.
KIM BONGJU
These are photos from the scene.
Take a look here.
You can clearly see the needle mark...
For the umpteenth time.
I don't want an autopsy.
But Mr. Kim is implicated
- in a drug-related incident... - Are you trying to say
that Bongju did drugs?
I'm saying he was involved
- in the incident... - Impossible.
My son never did drugs.
If you want to keep your job,
you should remember that.
We all know Mr. Kim has done drugs in the past.
Before the election,
you covered it up.
Do you intend on doing that again?
Your son might have been murdered.
Detective,
you're crossing the line.
Is this any way to treat someone
who just lost a child?
Is it?
I'm sorry.
Dongsik, what's wrong with you? That's enough.
You need to respect the bereaved family's wishes.
Don't you find it strange?
Kim frames Cha,
accusing her of being the mastermind behind the drugs.
But he turns up dead right after she leaves the precinct.
And on top of that, she was the last person he called.
How could you not be suspicious?
- Even still... - Cha Seeum.
Strange things keep happening around her.
We need to investigate.
Luna.
Oh.
Okay.
KIM BONGJU
Seeum.
Aren't you coming in?
Are you feeling okay?
You look a little under the weather.
I'm fine.
You should go to the hospital.
There's no need.
Let me take you there.
Really, I'm fine.
Please.
What a mess.
Why are they running away?
We're just going to keep running into one another.
They're embarrassed because they quit.
How could they feel good
about quitting?
I was thinking about quitting too.
Mr. Jeon.
The drug scandal had a huge impact.
Seeum wasn't charged…
but Minjun and Suhyeon were.
It's hard to change public opinion...
Let's just drop it.
JUNG & LEE LAW FIRM
How long will it take?
Please drag this out as long as you can.
I'm sorry?
Is it true that an uncontested divorce takes longer?
Each case is different, but for the most part, it takes longer
because the parties
have a number of issues to iron out.
Since you're the one at fault, the case isn't in your favor.
But your wife has indicated she plans to sue.
She'll settle.
I see.
In the event your spouse dies…
the case gets dismissed, right?
What if they are declared legally incompetent?
I'm not sure I understand what you're…
Actually…
it's nothing.
Please try to stall the process for as long as possible.
Yes, understood.
Thanks for helping me get home.
You can go now.
Try to get some sleep.
Her fever is higher than before.
YOO JEONGJAE
NO ANSWER. PLEASE CALL AGAIN LATER.
I thought you took care of it!
"Drug Orchestra."
How will you take responsibility for this?
Don't worry, I'm going to take full responsibility.
It's been handled.
How in the world...
Didn't I tell you that I would personally cover any losses?
Don't make me repeat myself.
CHUNG EUN REHABILITATION AND SENIOR CARE CENTER
I don't remember anything from that night.
Is it possible…
that I've started sleepwalking?
If I've developed Remington's…
- Ms. Cha... - Wouldn't that be one of the symptoms?
Hmm.
If your memory is deteriorating,
I can't definitively say it's not.
But you mentioned
that you had a lot to drink that night,
so it might be because of the alcohol, not Remington's.
In the event…
Never mind.
I'm going to go now.
If you're that concerned,
what about running some tests?
It's okay.
Thank you.
The test results will be back in a month.
Okay.
Ms. Cha,
don't let it stress you out.
The symptoms don't just appear overnight.
Take it easy, and don't worry about it too much.
Okay.
Seeum...
Seeum.
Seeum!
CHA SEEUM
LEE LUNA
CHA SEEUM
What time is the meeting?
In 30 minutes.
We should arrive right on time.
Ms. Cha came by the rehabilitation center.
MS. KIM
Cancel all of today's meetings.
I'm sorry?
Choo, Choo…
Detective Choo?
What brings you here?
Oh, hello.
Yoo Jeongjae, chairman of UC Financial.
I doubt you're here just to relax during working hours.
I'm here investigating a case.
So, please, don't mind me, continue on your way.
It appears you're here to see Cha Seeum.
You're committing
an obstruction of justice.
Does the police chief know you're here?
Arresting an innocent person is bad enough,
but now you just show up without following proper procedures?
You should leave. Either that or come back with a warrant.
SEEUM MUSIC STORE
MY DEAR SEEUM
Hello.
I'm here to repair my violin.
Welcome.
Seeum.
You're still here?
I thought you were lost again.
I was so scared.
I was so worried because I couldn't get in touch with you.
I see.
I'm sorry.
It was a crazy day.
Are you feeling okay?
Yes, thanks to you.
That's such a relief.
But where did you go?
Uh...
Shouldn't you be going? You must be tired.
Yes.
Get home safely.
Seeum.
It was your music…
that helped me survive all these years.
My father's business went bankrupt,
and things were so tough I was thinking of quitting the violin.
But by chance, I saw your performance on TV.
The minute I saw you, I knew I had to keep pursuing my dream.
That's why I didn't give up.
Your music
gives people
dreams, hope, and courage.
So, I'm not going to give up.
I'm going to try and persuade the members to come back.
As the concertmaster, I'm going to keep on trying.
Thank you.
Knowing that's how you feel is enough.
It's my job, so I need to take charge.
I know you can do it.
Mr. Jeon, I need to talk to you.
Let me be honest with you.
I'm the main breadwinner,
so I can't work in an unstable environment.
Everything at Hanphil is going to go back to normal.
Those who remain at Hanphil will also be getting a raise.
Really? Is that possible?
Yes.
Are you serious, Seeum?
- How can we... - I'll take a pay cut.
So, give the members a raise.
Of course, salaries are important,
but that's not enough to persuade the members...
Please accept my offer.
My goodness.
We have no intention of changing our minds.
Don't be so harsh.
Please come back to Hanphil.
We need you. Please reconsider.
You don't need to bow to us.
- It's not even your fault. - Mm-hmm.
The second violin is the link
between the first violin and the other instruments.
Its role is very important.
Your skills and experience
are why Hanphil was able to create such great harmony.
There's no need to go overboard with the compliments.
Well, we are pretty important to the orchestra.
Your absence is deeply felt.
Please come back.
CONCERTMASTER AUDITION ROOM
Did the audition go well?
That's none of your concern.
I hear there are a lot of problems with this orchestra.
Half got in through connections, so they have no talent.
The CEO only cares about padding his pockets by accepting bribes.
Is being concertmaster here worth it?
Again, where I go or what I do is none of your business.
Of course it concerns me. I need you in my orchestra.
I changed the concertmaster
but left you as the assistant concertmaster
because I recognize your talent, Sujin.
It's too late.
I've already tried out, and my audition was flawless.
If you were going to a better orchestra than Hanphil,
I would happily let you go.
But you don't belong here.
Think it over.
Sujin, come back to Hanphil.
Please.
What brings you here?
Didn't you want to shoot a documentary? Let's do it.
The one Yura wanted to do about you and Phil?
No, a Hanphil documentary.
Why would I want to do that?
Your image is terrible these days.
If I say yes, our image will also take a hit.
That aside, do you think
anyone will watch a documentary on Hanphil?
I'm positive it will get good ratings.
How can you be so sure?
Because Phil is going to host it.
Your husband?
What are you talking about?
Didn't you turn us down?
He's not my husband anymore.
I'm not following…
What if news of our divorce broke three days before it aired?
Phil and Seeum are divorcing, but they shot a documentary together?
Wouldn't you be curious?
So, what you're saying is...
An exclusive on our divorce.
Plus, a Hanphil documentary starring the divorcing couple.
I'll give them both to KVN.
What do you think? The ratings will go through the roof.
If KVN turns down my offer, I'll take it somewhere else.
It doesn't make sense.
I agree, it's strange.
It doesn't make sense,
but Kim Bongju's death was ruled an accident,
and the drug case has been dropped.
You need to let it go.
One distributor dies,
and they're going to close a drug case?
I heard the chief of police met with Mr. Kim.
They covered it up.
That's why
this is so dangerous.
You've got an assemblyman,
and the chairman of UC Financial
putting up all these roadblocks.
What can we possibly do?
Find evidence.
That will solve everything.
Did you find something?
What is it?
Hopefully, this is what we've been looking for.
Kim Bongju is dead.
His body was found in the Han River.
Do you by any chance know anything about this?
Kim Bongju is dead.
His body was found in the Han River.
Do you by any chance know anything about this?
Good morning.
They're back.
Welcome back.
- Hello. - Good morning.
- Good to have you back. - Thanks.
Let's get a move on.
They're all coming back.
Hello.
Thank you for coming back.
The concert is just around the corner,
so there's no time to waste.
As you're all aware, we will be performing...
Sorry I'm late.
Now everyone really is here.
When Beethoven composed Symphony No. 5,
he faced many personal struggles,
such as a troubled love life and a continued loss of hearing.
In Beethoven's biography, his assistant Anton Schindler
quoted Beethoven as having said
that the first movement represented
"fate knocking on the door."
We don't know if that's true,
but we do know that his first movement reflects his determination
to fight against his approaching fate.
You have put on many concerts over the years.
This time we need to show the audience
a new side of Hanphil.
Now then,
shall we open the door to our fate?
I've reworked the storyline.
It was a shame we couldn't do the other documentary.
So, this is what I propose.
A documentary about Hanphil, like Seeum wanted.
CHA SEEUM AND HANPHIL
What does that have to do with me?
I would like you to conduct the interviews in the documentary.
Me?
We'll prepare a list of questions for you,
but the interview would be far more detailed if you conducted it
rather than the director or the screenwriter.
Well…
And of course…
you also happen to be Seeum's husband.
Tell me,
has Hanphil already agreed to this?
Yes, and Seeum has also agreed.
As you know, Hanphil is going through a tough time.
So, they're more than happy to be featured.
I see.
I have one condition.
You can't tell anyone
that I'm planning to announce my divorce.
- That goes without saying. - That includes Jeongjae.
Huh?
And Phil.
Right.
Is there anything that concerns you?
I'll do it.
This should be fun, for many reasons.
Are you crazy?
What the hell? I'm in a meeting right now.
- There's a face I don't want to see. - Get out.
Hello, Ms. Go.
Perfect timing. That's what I came to see you about.
What?
Why are you leaving me out of the documentary?
It was my idea. Why are you leaving me out?
This is something completely different.
- I want to do it. - No.
- Why not? - Because I said so.
- Get out. I'm sorry. - Why?
- Let's talk outside. - No.
Come with me. Sorry.
- What are you doing? - What?
What a great opportunity.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
How did we get so lucky?
I know, it's perfect timing.
This time, even Seeum is on board.
Things are slowly starting to fall into place.
Is it true that Professor Kim is the host?
Does Ms. Cha know that?
That Professor Kim is the host?
Of course she knows, she saw the proposal.
And she's really going to do it?
Of course she is. Now is not the time to be picky.
- Stop talking nonsense. - Okay.
A loving couple onscreen together. It's going to be great.
And great for Hanphil too.
Make sure we're well-prepared.
Okay.
KIM TAEHO
UC FINANCIAL CEO, YOO JEONGJAE
Yes?
KVN is coming here to shoot a documentary.
So?
The host is Professor Kim.
What?
Ms. Cha is aware of it and still agreed to do it.
They're going to start shooting soon.
Is this really okay?
Thanks for the heads-up.
Sure. I'll be in touch soon.
Taeho?
Hi.
What were you doing in there?
I was just checking to see if the rehearsal room needed cleaning.
You know, because it might be messy.
Have you eaten yet?
Lunchtime is almost over.
I haven't eaten yet.
It's late, why haven't you…
Do you want to have lunch
with me?
- Have you eaten? - No, I'm starving.
Sounds good.
Let's eat lunch
together.
Okay, let's do that.
What do you want?
Let's talk.
Don't do the KVN documentary.
I have to do it.
- Hanphil needs it. - Don't do it.
It's not worth your time.
- I'll make sure Hanphil... - No.
I'm going to shoot it, no matter what.
Why would you want to see that bastard again?
- I don't need to avoid him. - Come on, Seeum.
If I can generate some interest,
I'll do whatever it takes.
That's how I've always done things.
So don't stand in my way.
Isn't this going overboard?
What about you? Why are you acting like this?
As if you didn't know.
From now on, just stop.
Just stop?
Yes, stop.
It's my orchestra, I'll handle it.
Stop making me worry, then.
No matter how hard I try not to be concerned, I can't help it.
I tell you not to do something, you don't listen.
I offer help, you reject it.
It's like I'm…
I hate it and it's so frustrating.
But like an idiot, I can't stop worrying about you.
Why does Hanphil mean so much to you?
If you leave the orchestra, then that's the end of it.
You're right. If I leave, then that's that.
But…
this could be my last orchestra.
You're right.
If I leave, then that's that.
But...
this could be my last orchestra.
- Hello. - Hi, everyone.
Hi.
Your makeup looks different today.
We're going to be on TV, so I got it done.
Maybe I should've gotten mine done too.
We can go tomorrow. They're shooting
up until the concert.
Who did your makeup?
It looks the same to me.
It's a waste of money.
That's because you're both naturally beautiful.
- Hello. - Hi.
Hello.
Ajin,
you look like you've put on a few pounds.
I…
I've gained some weight.
Come to think of it, you changed your style.
You only wore heels,
but now you only wear flats.
Oh! Professor Kim!
Hello.
It's been a long time, Professor.
Yes, it has.
Uh, is everyone doing well?
- Yes. - Of course.
Let's have a good shoot today.
We're looking forward to it.
CHA SEEUM AND HANPHIL
QUESTIONS FOR CHA SEEUM
Yes?
Hi.
Hello.
Let's do this.
Should we do the interview over here?
That sounds good.
Are you okay…
today?
I'm ready to go.
For today's interview, we'll mainly follow the script
we provided to you.
Recently,
you opened up about Remington's disease.
Yes.
I spoke about the possibility of getting Remington's disease.
Yes, "the possibility."
And should the symptoms start to appear,
you would voluntarily step down from your position.
Yes, that's correct.
Tell us,
what does standing on the podium mean to you?
It's like a battlefield.
- A battlefield? - Yes.
The members are in front of me, and the audience is behind me.
The conductor is the center of everyone's attention.
In some ways, I'm standing on the opposite side of everyone.
So, the stage is like a battlefield with enemies on all sides.
If it's that much pressure,
do you ever think about stepping down before your time?
I quite enjoy the adrenaline rush.
I see.
Okay.
Our current share price is 18,500 won,
our revenue is 29 billion won...
and operating profit is 1.4 billion.
Revenue has increased 22% compared to Q1 of last year.
So, revenue for the latter half…
They're shooting now.
The dramas we introduced early this year
were very popular in Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia.
And the feedback indicates they should do well globally.
Additionally, our sales…
What do you want?
What kind of greeting is that?
If it's not important, go home. I'm tired.
It's important.
I heard you sold your shares because of Hanphil.
What's it to you?
It's been 20 years. Why is she still so important?
Since when have you been such a romantic?
It doesn't suit you.
You seem to have forgotten we're divorced.
You need to stop this.
It's not like we got married because we were madly in love.
Did you ever really...
Why are you acting like this?
Did we marry for love?
What did you expect from me?
Cha Seeum.
She's using you.
She's shooting a documentary with Phil today.
So, stop letting her play you for a fool.
That's enough.
I've had enough of your little games.
I think we're done here.
I have one last question.
You're Hanphil's youngest concertmaster.
What is your goal?
I want to continue working with Seeum.
Can you elaborate?
Hmm.
I want to work with Seeum
to turn Hanphil into a great orchestra.
That's my goal.
Ah, I see.
Uh, I hope you achieve your goal.
Thank you.
Cut. Good job.
- Nice work. - Thank you.
- Nice job.
Did you conduct the interview with Seeum as well?
Of course.
Oh.
You're really something else.
How so?
I just mean you must be really busy.
Good job.
Thanks, everyone.
Thank you.
Well done.
Help her with her mic.
Thank you.
- You did a great job. - I didn't do much.
I didn't do anything.
TEST
CONCERT, BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 5
BEETHOVEN, FATE
It sure is quiet.
I don't think we'll sell a lot of tickets for this concert.
We should have given out more complimentary tickets.
The seats will be empty for the shoot.
I'm sure it will be at least half full.
A quarter of the seats are our guests.
I know.
It will get better once the documentary airs, right?
It should.
Yes?
It's me.
Get out.
Do I need the film crew around to see you?
Didn't you hear me? Get out.
You don't remember that night, do you?
Where are you going?
SEOUL FAMILY COURT
I signed them.
I won't contest the divorce.
Honey.
My feet are killing me.
Bring me my shoes.
Ooh!
Sure, okay.
Wait here a minute.
I was so worried because you disappeared.
It looked like you had a lot to drink.
Wait, have the symptoms started?
If you don't even remember seeing me,
it can't just be because of the alcohol.
I'm sure you remember this.
If the symptoms start,
you'll step down from the podium.
Does that mean…
this will be your final concert?
I should have at least brought some flowers.
The National Forensic Service called. It's his.
The fingerprints on the jackknife belong to Kim Bongju.
What about the blood?
It doesn't belong to him. It belongs to a female with type B blood.
Seeum.
Does that mean...
this will be your final concert?
Why did you kill me?
Seeum…
Monster.
Seeum!
Se…
This is how fate comes knocking on your door.
Inevitably.
With cruelty.
♪ Sometimes, it's hard ♪
♪ And it feels dark ♪
♪ The fate that has blocked me is watching ♪
♪ Like a shadow ♪
♪ Cold glances... ♪
STRINGS OF TRUTH
What if you forget again? Like that night.
Are you leaving Hanphil?
I'm leaving. I'm sorry.
You can't do this.
You can't throw it all away!
I can't face losing everything.
Open this door right now. A patient is missing.
She shouldn't be alone.
You said, "together."
What can I do to help Seeum get better?
Seeum!
Can't you see how hard I'm trying?
I want to live too.
But there's no other way.
Translated by Erica Lee