LYRA ENTERTAINMENT — MORNING
The director is on the phone, looking tense.
The door opens slowly.
Kim Min Hee walks in, a tablet in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other.
She strolls in calmly and settles on the couch.
She sets the tablet on a stand — it turns into a mini-computer.
She starts tapping lightly on the keyboard with her fingertips,
while the other hand slowly brings the cup to her lips.
The director is still on the phone, visibly frustrated.
— Alright. Thank you. Very much.
He hangs up. Sighs. Slowly places his phone on the desk.
Murmurs, annoyed:
— I can't believe I'm out here personally calling people… to cast an actress.
Kim Min Hee, calmly, without even looking up from her screen:
— Why are you panicking so much?
Yuri will make her comeback.
Just wait… instead of calling the whole country.
The director slowly turns his head toward her, eyebrows furrowed, his tone sharp:
— Wait for what?
It's been months. Yuri hasn't done a single drama, no promo, nothing.
Kim Min Hee shrugs, barely reacting, still completely composed:
— So what?
Other actresses disappear for two years… even more.
They come back, and the fans are still there.
The director sighs loudly, tapping his fingers nervously on the desk:
— Maybe…
But they need a truly explosive drama to shine again.
You know how this industry works.
People forget so fast.
With all the new faces out there…
You really think the audience is going to wait for Yuri forever?
They've already got ten new "it girls."
Silence falls.
The director slowly gets up, walks around the desk.
He drops into the armchair next to Min Hee, visibly drained.
He stays quiet for a moment, then raises his head slightly.
— Hey… what if we just find another actress?
Kim Min Hee turns to him, surprised.
— Another actress?
She stares at him. A beat.
Then she grabs a throw pillow from the couch and tosses it at him.
— You should probably start by taking better care of the ones you already have…
instead of chasing the next shiny rookie.
And honestly, I don't even get why you're complaining.
Kim Yoora is in a drama right now.
Director, a bit defensive:
— You're acting like I don't take care of my actresses.
He looks at Min Hee, visibly exasperated:
— You're not considering how much people love new faces.
Young. Beautiful.
Girls who can replace Yuri… even if just temporarily.
He suddenly goes quiet, then lets out a deep sigh.
— I'm being ridiculous.
Even if we cast the most stunning model out there…
No one could replace Yuri.
Kim Min Hee smiles faintly, eyes still on her tablet.
— Of course no one can replace Yuri.
She turns briefly to look at him, her expression calm.
— Our Yuri is one of a kind.
The director doesn't answer. He just sits there, thoughtful.
— But Min Hee… why did you quit, anyway?
Kim Min Hee looks at him.
— Quit what?
Director:
— Your dream of becoming an actress.
Why'd you stop?
She doesn't answer right away. A few seconds pass. Then, she smiles softly.
— No big reason. Just felt like… it wasn't for me.
The director frowns slightly.
— What do you mean, "not for you"?
You were amazing.
Honestly… better than Yuri back when you both auditioned.
I saw your potential. Clearly.
He looks at her, curious, waiting.
Kim Min Hee stares back at him for a moment, then lets out a light sigh.
She gives a faint smile and slowly stands up.
Kim Min Hee
— I think I'll go make myself another cup of coffee.
She walks away calmly, leaving the director hanging, no answer in sight.
The director, mumbling to himself:
— How can she just walk off mid-conversation…
Meanwhile – Seongbuk-dong District
Sitting in the living room, Han Yuri stares blankly at her tablet screen.
A steaming cup of coffee in her hands, she sips it calmly… but her eyes stay frozen.
On the screen, a TV host stands in front of a giant image of Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon in engagement attire — a picture so perfect it almost feels fake.
"Scandal or Strategy?" – Breakdown by Kim In Na | Talk Show
> "Do you know Han Yuri? Of course you do. A beloved actress…
But also recently involved in a murder scandal —
And now, once again, she's making headlines."
(She gestures toward the screen showing Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon smiling like royalty in wedding clothes.)
> "While the Han family was hosting its usual ultra-private annual event…
An explosion occurred. Thankfully, no injuries —
except for Han Yuri, who was hospitalized for shock.
But don't worry, she's said to be doing fine.
What's strange, though… is the silence around the investigation.
No official statements.
Not from the Han family, not from the agency.
Just… radio silence."
(She pauses dramatically.)
> "But guess what… An anonymous source sent me a video.
Yes — a video that allegedly shows a man planting the bomb."
The video plays. A masked man crouches, placing something on the ground.
The host's tone sharpens, now laced with suspicion:
> "Watch closely.
He doesn't place the device at the center of the scene —
but a few meters away. Strange, isn't it?
If someone really wanted to hurt Han Yuri,
why not place it exactly where she was standing?"
(She zooms in, pointing at the screen.)
> "He could've placed it here.
That would've had a direct impact.
But he didn't.
And anyway… can we even call this a real bomb?
No actual explosives, just sound and smoke…
Enough to cause shock, sure —
but nothing deadly.
> So I ask you —
Isn't this just a bit too well-staged?"
She folds her arms, raising an eyebrow.)
> "And speaking of surprises…
Han Yuri recently married Lee Tae Joon —
a powerful man from a very well-connected family.
And wouldn't you know it?
This marriage comes right after the murder scandal involving Han Yuri.
But just like the others, that case vanished without a trace.
> Now let's talk about this sudden couple.
After the scandal, Yuri disappears for weeks…
and suddenly reappears — married —
to one of the most influential men in the country.
Han Yuri, who's never gone public with any relationship,
gets married just a month after a scandal?
Coincidence?"
"And now she's making waves again —
just weeks after the 'explosion' —
with yet another scandal.
During a commercial shoot, she reportedly had a full-blown meltdown on set.
The video spread like wildfire."
(She ends with a doubtful smile.)
> "I'll let you decide for yourself.
But here on the Kim In Na Talk Show,
we've learned one thing:
In showbiz…
nothing ever happens by chance."
After watching the video, Han Yuri remains silent.
Eyes blank, expression frozen —
her mind clearly tangled in thoughts far too heavy to say aloud.
She gently places the tablet down on the table.
That's when Lee Tae Joon walks into the living room.
Han Yuri
— I have to go out today.
Lee Tae Joon stops in his tracks, looking at her without a word.
Han Yuri
— I'm just telling you… in case you wonder where I went.
He raises an eyebrow slightly, his tone dry and unreadable.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why would I be curious about your whereabouts?
He adds, under his breath, with quiet irony and a bitter edge.
Han Yuri
— Of course… why would you be curious?
She stands up, heading toward her room.
Lee Tae Joon
— Where are you going?
She stops in her tracks, turns around slowly — almost theatrically.
Han Yuri
— I thought you weren't curious?
He stays silent for a second, then replies calmly, with a hint of challenge:
Lee Tae Joon
— I'm not.
But as your official husband, I'm at least entitled to know where you're going.
A smile spreads across Yuri's lips.
Cold. Charming. Almost mocking.
Han Yuri
— I'm going to visit a friend.
One hour later – at a luxury restaurant
An elegantly dressed woman calmly places her order with the waiter. Suddenly, a pair of sunglasses lands gently on the table in front of her. She looks up, surprised. Han Yuri stands there — poised, graceful, as always.
Han Yuri offers a faint smile.
The woman addresses the waiter directly, without missing a beat:
— Leave us.
The waiter bows politely and walks away. The woman turns back to Han Yuri.
— What brings you here?
Still smiling, Han Yuri slowly takes a seat.
Han Yuri
— What do you mean? I came to visit my biggest fan.
The woman, clearly tense, crosses her arms with a smirk:
— Don't be ridiculous. Just tell me the truth.
(She pauses briefly.)
Ah, I bet you saw my little video… What did you think?
Han Yuri (composed):
— I thought it was well put together. People love videos that tear celebrities down. And yours? It's definitely intriguing, I'll give you that.
But you know what? Even if your story grabs attention… to the public, it's still just another tale told by an influencer chasing clout.
Kim In Na
— What do you mean, "tear down"? I'm just presenting the facts.
Or is it that you simply can't handle the truth about yourself?
Han Yuri, still calm, tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile unwavering.
Han Yuri
— The truth?
(she looks up gently)
What truth are you referring to exactly?
Kim In Na
— That everything about you is fake. Your marriage, that so-called bomb, everything you've done before.
You love the spotlight. You love people talking about you.
When the scandal broke, you panicked and made up a whole circus.
You think people will forget just because you got married or pretend to be the victim?
She leans in slightly, her tone sharper now.
— You're fake. All of it. Everything about you. Everything you tell the public.
A heavy silence falls.
Kim In Na (in a hushed tone):
— My little videos are nothing compared to the fact that you stole my boyfriend.
Han Yuri suddenly laughs, briefly glancing away before locking eyes with Kim In Na again.
Han Yuri
— Still that story? Honestly, I thought you were smarter than that.
You really think I, Han Yuri, would date someone like him?
Kim In Na
— Don't lie. I saw the way you looked at each other. And I have proof — a photo of you kissing him, in a very shady place.
Now that I think about it… I wonder what people would say if I published it?
Yuri meets her gaze head-on.
Han Yuri
— You must really love him… to hold on to that grudge, even after marrying someone else.
But I'm guessing he doesn't feel the same way.
Considering how he follows me around… like a little dog.
Kim In Na, seething, clenches her jaw.
— Han Yuri, you—
Before she can finish, Yuri raises her hand to call the waiter. He approaches immediately.
Han Yuri (smiling):
— Please bring us one of your finest drinks.
Waiter
— Of course, ma'am.
Kim In Na, frozen, eyes burning with rage, glares at Yuri in silence.
Kim In Na (quietly):
— Just wait until I post that photo. Say goodbye to your career.
Imagine the headline: "Han Yuri caught cheating on her husband."
Sounds juicy, doesn't it?
Han Yuri, flipping through the menu casually:
— Yes, you're right. That would make quite a buzz...
(she pauses and looks up)
Oh, by the way… how's your husband doing?
Kim In Na
— What?
Han Yuri, folding her hands, locks eyes with Kim In Na.
— Don't you think that… before you even get to expose my little betrayal,
someone else might expose yours?
Kim In Na freezes, eyes wide.
Kim In Na
— What are you talking about?
Han Yuri pulls a photo from her bag and slides it across the table. The image shows Kim In Na kissing a man — photo taken through a hotel window.
Kim In Na, trembling, stares at the picture. The waiter arrives with their drinks; she hurriedly snatches the photo and hides it.
Han Yuri (smiling):
— Thank you very much.
(she tastes the drink)
Uhm… delicious.
The waiter bows again and leaves.
Han Yuri
— Why'd you hide the photo? It's a nice one. Deserves to be… shown off, don't you think?
(She pauses.)
— You know, In Na… when you post too many photos of other people online,
sometimes people start posting photos of you.
Kim In Na, shaky, voice low:
— Are you threatening me?
Han Yuri (with a gentle smile):
— Me? Threaten you? No…
I'm just stating facts.
(She lets out a soft laugh.)
Kim In Na (slamming the table):
— What's your game?! What do you want?!
Han Yuri
— What I want?
(She pauses, taps her glass. Her tone turns cold, cutting.)
— What I want…
Is for you to stop publishing anything about me or my family.
Otherwise… you'll regret it.
Kim In Na
— Stop threatening me!
Han Yuri (calm voice):
— It's not a threat.
It's a promise.
Silence. Kim In Na grits her teeth, clearly boiling inside.
Without waiting for a reply, Yuri slowly stands up and puts her sunglasses back on.
Han Yuri
— Well, I'll be going now. Always a pleasure.
She turns to leave, then stops, casting one last look over her shoulder.
Han Yuri (in a soft, almost mocking tone):
— You should really try that drink.
It's delicious. Refreshing… perfect to calm your nerves.
(she grins)
My treat. Go on. Drink it. It'll help.
She walks away, leaving Kim In Na fuming, jaw clenched.
A few minutes later.
Sitting in the back of her car, Han Yuri gazes out the window. The car pulls out onto a quiet road. Her voice is low, firm.
Han Yuri
— Destroy every photo of Kim In Na I asked you to monitor.
Driver (hesitating):
— But madam… what if she starts posting videos again, or worse… leaks that photo she claims to have?
Han Yuri (eyes fixed ahead):
— She won't.
She might enjoy dragging my name through the mud in public…
(pause)
— But she'd never risk destroying her own marriage.
Meanwhile, at Empire Group.
The shareholders are already gathered. The moment Lee Tae Min, Lee Tae Joon, and their father step into the meeting room, glances are exchanged—heavy with tension and anticipation.
One of the shareholders speaks up, his tone respectful, almost solemn:
Shareholder
— Mr. Chairman… have you come to a decision? Don't worry, we'll stand by it. After all, you know what's best for the company.
The father remains silent for a moment, eyes fixed, his expression grave. Then finally, in a calm voice:
Chairman Lee
— Yes… I've made my decision.
(He pauses.)
I've given it a lot of thought, thinking about the future of the company and—
Suddenly, his body tenses. He grips the edge of the table.
Lee Tae Joon
— Father? Are you alright?
Chairman Lee (breathless)
— I'm fine…
He tries to straighten up, but stumbles.
Chairman Lee
— As I was saying… I must first think of
He collapses.
Panic erupts in the room. Tae Joon and Tae Min rush to his side, supporting him while the shocked shareholders remain frozen in place.
One hour later – Lee Residence.
The chairman lies unconscious on his bed, an IV drip in his arm. Outside the room, Tae Joon quietly steps out. Tae Min follows closely behind.
Lee Tae Min
— You know it too, don't you? Father was about to name me the head of Empire Group.
Tae Joon slowly turns to face him, his eyes dark.
Lee Tae Joon
— Seriously? Father's barely out of crisis, and you're already talking about who gets to run the company? Not a word about his health? His condition?
Lee Tae Min (calm, almost cold)
— Of course I'm concerned. But you know as well as I do that his health is tied to the pressure he feels over Empire Group. If the company gets back on its feet, so will he.
And Father understood that. When choosing between us, he had to think of the future.
And I am that future. The company can recover—if it's in my hands.
Lee Tae Min
— Father won't be able to return to the company in his current state. A board meeting is inevitable. The company needs a leader—and fast.
(He stares at Tae Joon, determined.)
So I'm asking you clearly: if you truly care about reviving the company, let me do it. Step aside.
Deep down, you know I'm the only one who can bring Empire Group back to the top.
Lee Tae Joon
(Silence. No reply. The two brothers lock eyes. A heavy, charged silence hangs between them.)
At Kim Min Hee's apartment – Earlier that day
She enters her home quietly, as if carrying the weight of the world. Pensive, she looks around.
Setting down her bag, she replays the director's words in her mind… then stops in the middle of the living room, lost in thought.
A memory begins to resurface.
March 20, 2012 – Dongbinggo-dong neighborhood, No. 19
Someone rings the doorbell.
Min Hee walks slowly down the stairs.
When she opens the door, her eyes widen in surprise.
Kim Min Hee
— Mr. Han? What… what are you doing here at this hour?
Yuri's Father (smiling gently)
— Good evening, Min Hee.
Kim Min Hee
— Oh, I'm sorry… Please come in.
He steps inside. She seems a little embarrassed by the modest state of their home.
In the living room, she hands him a glass of water, clearly uneasy.
Yuri's Father
— Yuri told me your mother isn't well…
Kim Min Hee
— Yes…
Yuri's Father
— Is she in the hospital?
Kim Min Hee (hesitant)
— No… The bills are too expensive.
Even though I work every job I can find, my salary isn't enough.
But Yuri and I… we're preparing for an audition. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
(a small, bitter smile)
Yuri's father places a small suitcase on the table.
Min Hee eyes it, puzzled.
Kim Min Hee
— What's this?
(looking around)
Ah, and… if you're looking for Yuri, she's not here.
Yuri's Father
— That suitcase has money. I'm giving it to you… so you can get your mother the care she needs.
Kim Min Hee (startled)
— What? But why…?
Yuri's Father
— I'm only asking for one favor in return. Nothing huge.
(neutral, almost too calm)
You see, to me, Yuri is my little sunshine.
And if that sunshine were ever to be clouded over… it would be unfortunate.
Especially for those who love the light.
Kim Min Hee
— I'm sorry, I don't understand…
Yuri's Father
— I want you to give up your dream… and let Han Yuri take the stage.
Kim Min Hee (suddenly standing)
— What?! Have you lost your mind?
Yuri's Father
— Don't react like that.
Even if I didn't ask, Yuri would win that audition.
Everyone knows me. They'd do anything to earn my approval.
But since you're her friend… I'm offering you a graceful way out.
With money. To help your mother. To change your life. Easily. Quickly.
Instead of waiting for a role that may never come…
Kim Min Hee stands frozen, fists clenched.
Yuri's father slowly opens the suitcase. Stacks of bills are neatly arranged.
Min Hee looks at the money… then at Yuri's father… then her gaze shifts to a small trophy on the shelf.
Her eyes linger a second longer — next to it is an old photo of her and her mother. She was just a child, beaming with pride.
Her breath catches. The room feels too silent.
She swallows hard, her fists trembling
To be continued…