STRINGS OF TRUTH
ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, OCCUPATIONS, ETC.
PORTRAYED IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTIONAL
"EPISODE 9"
Why did you kill me?
Seeum...
Monster.
Seeum!
Se…
Seeum.
My goodness. Can someone call for help?
SEOUL POLICE DEPARTMENT
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.
We have Cha's DNA, right?
What?
When we arrested her,
we got a hair sample for her drug test.
Compare the DNA.
Are we allowed to do that?
The case has been dropped.
It was hard enough getting the jackknife checked out.
Just ask your friend to do it again.
Come on…
The night Kim Bongju died,
Cha Seeum left the hotel and didn’t come back.
Based on the timing, I’m sure she left after he called.
We just need more surveillance footage from that night to prove it.
But still...
If Cha’s really guilty, do you think it'll end here?
Let's catch her first.
I'll handle the rest.
Yes, sir.
Next on the news.
Conductor Cha Seeum of The Hangang Philharmonic
passed out during a performance.
Cha Seeum collapsed while conducting
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, also known as the Fate Symphony.
In light of her recent revelation about possibly developing Remington's,
her collapse...
The audience saw everything, so nothing could be done.
Right after her collapse,
- she was rushed… - Now what?
…by ambulance to the hospital and is currently…
Aren't you going to do something?
No clear explanation was given
for Cha Seeum's collapse.
But...
this could be my last orchestra.
What should I do?
What can I do to help Seeum get better?
It's getting late, you should go home.
Oh.
Are you okay?
I'm all right.
Would it be okay if I stayed with her?
I'm sorry?
It's been a tough day for you.
I think it'd be better for you to go home and get some rest.
I'm fine.
I'm pretty sure she'd be worried about you too.
The doctor said she should be waking up soon,
so don't worry too much.
If you don't mind, I'd like to stay with her tonight.
But still...
I can't tell you how much she's done for me.
I'd really like to help out.
Could you tell me how Cha Seeum is doing?
She was brought to this ER.
Are you a reporter?
We can't give out patient information...
I'm her husband.
Why are you here?
She was taken up to her room.
Is she okay then?
Or was she hospitalized
because she's very ill?
Her test results showed anemia, but she was taken upstairs
because she needed to rest. Reporters kept coming by looking for her.
Ah. Is that so?
Do you want her room number?
No, that's okay.
I'm sorry?
I want to call her before I go up.
Okay, then.
Have a good day.
Seeum.
How are you feeling?
I'll call the doctor.
What happened?
What about the concert?
You don't remember?
You collapsed on stage.
Seeum.
Are you feeling okay?
I'm worried.
Who would've thought she'd collapse on stage like that?
I know.
It was so unexpected.
I don't think it was.
She could have Remington's.
Watch what you say.
She's the one who said she was at risk for Remington's.
Those were her words, not mine.
But,
if she really has the disease,
do you think she'd leave Hanphil?
CHA SEEUM COLLAPSES DURING PERFORMANCE RUSHED TO HOSPITAL
The air is so dry.
It's fine.
Seeum.
Is there anything you'd like to eat?
I'll go out and get it.
You need to get rest and eat well if you have anemia...
I'm going home.
Excuse me?
Already?
You should rest a little more...
I'd prefer to rest at home.
Wouldn't resting here be...
Hospitals are uncomfortable.
Seeum.
I'll take you home.
We can't do that.
Why not?
We have to air the documentary now if we want high ratings.
You know what?
Instead of Cha Seeum and Hanphil,
let’s spotlight her and Remington’s...
Is broadcasting a joke to you?
Do you think we can air a show whenever you want?
We haven't even finished the previews.
We're the only ones who captured Seeum's collapse on camera!
And that's how we got the news out so fast.
Let's finish editing and air the documentary as soon as possible.
Having an exclusive
means we can't handle this lightly.
Oh, come on!
Jeongjae rejected you, so you're taking it out on Seeum.
This is the wrong outlet to vent your anger.
You need to stop obsessing over Jeongjae.
He's not going to change.
I already know that.
What's with your reaction? It's nothing you haven't heard before.
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.
It's not the right time.
We have to raise the stakes.
CHA SEEUM COLLAPSES DURING PERFORMANCE RUSHED TO HOSPITAL
SEEUM MUSIC STORE
Thanks.
- Hi, Dad. - Hey.
I guess you do take after me. You never listen.
I told you to stay in the hospital.
I'm hungry.
Wash your hands.
Okay.
Ah, I haven't had your soybean paste stew in a while.
Really, you were craving this?
- Enough to rush out of the hospital? - Yes, I really was.
Go ahead.
Thanks.
- Mm! - How is it?
It's delicious.
- You should eat too. - I will.
I'm sure you remember this.
If the symptoms start,
you'll step down from the podium.
What is this?
There's nothing strange about me meeting my wife
in a hotel lobby.
Yes, well, I only asked so I could get some information.
Information?
Is this related to a case?
That was the night Kim Bongju died.
Cha Seeum was the last person he called before he died.
And right after that call,
the two of you met in the lobby.
So feel free to tell me anything you know.
I understand that it's difficult to talk about your wife,
but someone died.
- Even the smallest detail... - She was different
that night.
There was something off about her.
And she reeked of alcohol.
It seemed like…
she was rushing somewhere.
So Kim Bongju died that night?
- Hello? - Can you tell me why
Seeum isn't answering her phone?
What?
This isn't how she should be resigning.
Is she around? Let me talk to her.
What did you say?
Seeum resigned?
Yes. I just received a call from Mr. Jeon.
CALLS SEEUM
The person you're calling is not available. Please leave...
Why can't you open the door?
You know I'm Cha Seeum's husband.
I'm sorry, but it's against regulations.
Now isn't the time for regulations...
Let me have the master key.
Open this door right now. A medical patient is missing.
I'm sorry, but I really can't...
Excuse me.
- Hello, Mr. Yoo. - Open it right now.
Yes, of course.
Why don't you get lost?
Wow.
It seems money can do…
what even a husband can't.
Okay. Keep it up if you want to be dragged out.
Mr. Yoo, we're ready to go.
Seeum?
How did it go?
She's not at the rehabilitation center
or the music store.
Okay, I got it.
Hello, Chief. This is Yoo Jeongjae.
This time, I'd like to ask you for a favor.
Yes.
Seeum quit?
What do you mean? Who said that?
I just overheard Mr. Jeon and Ms. Hwang talking about it.
That's impossible.
Is it true?
Did Seeum really resign?
Yes.
I can't believe this.
She's not answering her phone.
She turned it off.
No, she can't do this.
How can she throw it all away...
Luna.
- Sir? - Yes, ma'am.
Could you turn off the radio?
Sure, no problem.
The person you're calling is not available.
Please leave...
Where did she go?
Here's what I found.
It looks like she's staying at a hotel in Gangwon-do.
I sent you the address.
What brings you here?
I thought Seeum might be here.
I can't reach her and she's not...
She said she needed a break.
Um, she shouldn't be alone.
- If you know where she is... - Don't look for her.
Uh, but, Pops…
I don't think you should call me that anymore.
What?
I heard you two are getting divorced.
I don't know all the details,
but I'm on her side.
So you're no longer welcome here.
Seeum.
Seeum!
How'd you know I'd be here?
Why did you come here?
I'm fine, so please...
Don't tell me to go, because I won't.
But I won't ask any questions.
Okay?
You're up early.
Let's have breakfast.
There's buckwheat noodles,
grilled deodeok root,
and potato dumpling soup.
Do you just want coffee?
You go ahead and eat.
You need to eat breakfast. Look, there's a lot to choose from.
This one sounds good. It's called, "Hang out with me."
Wanna hang out?
Hey.
Let's go check it out.
Wow, what a view.
But this one's better.
Drink it while it's cold.
Thanks.
♪ There ain't no heroes ♪
♪ In life ♪
♪ There ain't no heroes in life ♪
♪ You told me that life is filled with sweets ♪
♪ Well, it turns out that life is filled with flies ♪
♪ Still mine ♪
♪ My own, my life, my story ♪
♪ And all this is just matter of choice ♪
♪ That gaze in denial ♪
♪ It is what it is ♪
♪ It's life ♪
So it's not Cha Seeum?
The DNAs don't match.
So whose blood is that on Kim's Bongju's knife?
Beats me.
We need the DNA of another individual to make a comparison.
Who could it be?
This is so cute!
Let's get this one too, then.
Really?
Should we ask our little sprout?
What do you think, Sprout? Do you like it?
- Could you ring these up? - Sure.
Mom!
Mom, take me with you!
Your mom said she'd come back for you.
No, please!
Mom!
Mom…
Luna.
You really came.
You shouldn't be drinking alone.
I'm just so upset.
I know the feeling.
I know that you were very attached to Seeum.
Uh...
Let's drink together.
I can't believe she's doing this.
How can she disappear without a word?
She threw everything away.
Come on, we should drink together.
Taeho.
Yes?
Do you think I'm a bad person?
What?
It feels like I'm always getting left behind.
Always.
I'm always left alone.
No.
You're a good person, Luna.
The bad people are the ones who left.
You think so?
Of course.
Thank you.
So, don't take it so hard...
I really appreciate this.
DEAR DAD, I'M THINKING OF GOING ON A LONG TRIP
DAD, YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY
DEAR DAD, I'M GOING ON A TRIP
DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH I'M SORRY, DAD
What are you doing?
What is this?
Are you going somewhere?
Is this a suicide note?
Is it?
You thought I wouldn't understand what "going on a trip" meant?
Is that why you wrote this?
What are you planning to do at this unknown location?
Come on, tell me.
What were you going to...
Wait a minute.
Is that why you were so agreeable today?
Was it supposed to be your last gift to me?
Are you going to jump into the water like the first time we met?
So that's why you were standing there yesterday.
Man, I can't believe how selfish you are.
Do you only think about yourself?
Can't you see how hard I'm trying?
You can't do this.
I won't let you go. I won't allow it.
I…
I want to live too.
But there's no other way.
If I do have Remington's…
I can't live like that.
I can't face losing everything.
And I don't want my dad…
to see me that way.
What happened with Mom…
He shouldn't have to go through that again.
I can't do that to him.
Not even my mom wanted me to live like her.
I want to do it before I forget everything.
While I'm still myself.
While…
I still have a choice.
I want…
I want to live too.
KVN is coming here to shoot a documentary.
The host is Professor Kim.
Ms. Cha is aware of it and still agreed to do it.
They're going to start shooting soon.
Is this really okay?
Sure. I'll be in touch soon.
Taeho?
Yes?
Hi.
- What's going on with you? - What do you mean?
You were out all night. Got a new boyfriend?
Come on, tell me.
Wait, that must be him.
You're early.
Yes, I am. I finished early today.
Luna, I didn't realize you were home.
Hey.
Oh.
We took a day off to go shopping for our new place.
If you're ready, let's go.
What's the rush?
Well, we have a lot to do, so I thought we should get moving.
I'll catch up with you later.
I want to hear about last night.
You should go.
- Okay, see you later. - All right.
Bye, Luna.
Okay, bye.
- Let's go. - Okay.
I'll see you.
Seeum.
If you're serious about getting treatment,
I'll make sure you get it, no matter where it is.
If you want to travel,
we can go anywhere as long as we're together.
Let's just hang out a little longer.
Give it some thought.
I'll wait for you.
PHIL, TAEHO, MR. JEON, JEONGJAE
The conductor resigns,
and the concertmaster plays hooky.
What's going on around here?
What do we do now?
You don't think Seeum really quit, do you?
Having her here
helped us get some recognition.
It's irresponsible of her
to leave without saying goodbye.
Why did she bring back everyone who quit?
Yeah, this isn't right!
"We'll be the best."
She promised we would do that together.
Maybe we should try to persuade her to come back.
Yes, let's do that together.
Come on, let's go.
But we can't reach her, and she's not at the hotel.
So…
is this really how it's going to end?
It's time to settle this.
I'm willing to meet all his conditions.
I'm sorry.
I know I'm a little late.
- Here. Have some coffee. - Thank you.
And rooibos tea for you.
It's good for anemia.
What were you discussing?
Uh, Ms. Cha has agreed
to meet all of your conditions.
Ah, I see.
Let's settle this quickly. There's no reason to drag it out.
Think of all the years we've been together.
Do you think it can be resolved that fast?
Where have you been? And why couldn't I reach you?
Tell me where you've been!
I don't need to answer that.
You're not yourself right now. You could've put yourself in danger.
You need to be careful.
What if you pass out again?
Or worse.
What if you forget again?
Like that night.
It wouldn't matter either way. Nothing would change.
Because whatever it is you want, it will never happen.
In the future, talk to my lawyer.
I never want to see you again.
Jeongjae!
You shouldn't be doing this right now.
Move.
You said Ms. Cha is back.
Shouldn't you do something?
I'm waiting patiently.
What?
Until the time is right.
So, move aside.
Oh, come on!
What do you mean you're leaving?
A lot has happened.
- Seeum. - I haven't told Dad yet.
Hey.
Are you okay?
It seems strange that you're suddenly leaving.
I'm fine.
Seeum.
You know you’re a workaholic, right?
It's not unusual for people like you to pass out.
My point is,
that can happen to anyone. It doesn't mean you're sick.
You're always working, so you were a little tired.
Don't read too much into it, okay?
Anemia can be managed
by eating well and resting...
You know a great deal
about my mother and me.
No, I don't.
Hyejeong.
What will you do on your own?
Hmm? Where are you going off to alone?
You don't need to worry.
To be honest,
I'm not sure what to do…
but I need to leave.
Please look after my dad.
I'm sorry.
Can't you…
just lean on me?
I don't want anyone to see me. Not even you or Dad.
Seriously, you...
You understand, right?
- Hey, thanks for coming. - Sure.
What's up?
I heard that Ms. Cha is back.
What?
But I think she's really planning to leave.
Apparently, she asked Mr. Jeon to accept her resignation.
Mr. Yoo seems to have accepted her decision.
They might even leave together...
"Leave together"?
Well, actually...
Are you saying Seeum is leaving with Mr. Yoo?
What?
Well, I'm not sure. You see…
Luna!
I need to leave.
Please look after my dad.
I'm sorry.
Good morning, Boss.
Morning.
Don't you know it makes employees feel bad when their boss starts work before them?
You should sleep in more.
Now the boss is starting to feel uncomfortable.
Hey, don't blame me.
Yes?
Are you Ms. Cha Seeum's next of kin?
Yes, I am.
We got her blood test results
from the last time she was hospitalized.
We found something unusual.
How could you do this?
I thought we were in this together.
Seeum, please don't leave.
I'm sorry.
I'll try my best to do better.
There's nothing wrong with you.
This is all my fault.
That's why I'm leaving.
Hanphil will be better off this way.
Seeum.
Hold on.
Um, are you okay, Seeum?
Why haven't you been answering your phone?
Is there something wrong?
The hospital you were at called.
There was something unusual in your blood work.
They said you may have been poisoned.
That could've been the reason for your collapse.
I…
Think I know…
who did it.
Have a look at this.
JEONGJAE, THEY'RE SHOOTING NOW
DID YOU DO AS I SAID?
GAVE HER A BOXED LUNCH AND COFFEE
DO YOU THINK SHE'LL BE OKAY WITH COFFEE?
I LEFT SANDWICHES AND COFFEE IN HER OFFICE
♪ I have died ♪
♪ Foolish me ♪
♪ My torn and wounded soul ♪
♪ I have died ♪
♪ I've swallowed myself ♪
Seeum.
♪ Like a lonely and angry monster ♪
♪ Erase me cruelly ♪
♪ In the middle of a tranquil universe... ♪
What's going on?
Did you really assign Taeho
to be my personal assistant?
♪ I stand small behind a giant shadow ♪
♪ In the eye of the typhoon, amidst the fierce winds... ♪
Jeongjae.
♪ I am born again ♪
I'm sorry.
♪ Oh God, please save me... ♪
What did you put in my food?
What?
If you poisoned me so I couldn't think straight,
did you think I’d stay with you?
♪ Foolish me ♪
♪ My torn and wounded soul ♪
♪ I have died ♪
♪ I've swallowed myself ♪
♪ Like a lonely and angry monster ♪
♪ Erase me cruelly ♪
♪ You also died ♪
♪ As you became stronger ♪
♪ More quiet down we're silent now... ♪
STRINGS OF TRUTH
What if she has begun to exhibit symptoms of Remington's?
That means someone deliberately poisoned her.
I'm surprised you came back, given your condition.
How dare you do that to Seeum.
It was foolish of me to even think I could trust you.
I would do anything for you. Anything.
Congratulations on your divorce.
Are you hoping I'll get Remington's and lose my memory?
If you get in my way, I'm going to make you pay for it.
But you're in a dangerous situation.
No matter what you do to me, you'll never get what you want.