The Day After the Scandal — 8:00 AM — Han Residence
Yuri's father had been up since dawn. As he did every morning, he was seated in his office—a modestly luxurious room where every object seemed meticulously placed. He was just finishing a call with a restless investor when the door suddenly burst open.
The secretary, visibly unsettled, entered without knocking, holding a tablet in his hands.
Secretary – Sir… You need to see this. It's about your daughter.
Yuri's father raised an eyebrow, silently extending his hand. He scanned the screen quickly, but what he saw made him freeze.
Yuri's Father – A… murder case ?
His voice dropped, almost muffled by the shock. He shot up from his chair and immediately picked up the phone on his desk.
Yuri's Father – Call Yuri immediately
Secretary – Yes, right away, sir.
Without another word, the secretary disappeared down the hallway, leaving behind a heavy silence. Yuri's father remained standing, eyes locked on the screen, his breath short.
Yuri's Bedroom — 8:05 AM
A soft knock at the door.
Secretary – Miss, I'm sorry, but your father is asking for you. It's urgent.
Already awake, Han Yuri was sitting at her vanity, still wrapped in a towel. She got up to open the door and found her father's young secretary, visibly uncomfortable.
Han Yuri – What brings you to my room so early ?
Secretary – I'm really sorry, Miss, but your father is asking for you. It's very urgent.
She sighed slightly, annoyed by the chaotic start to her day.
Han Yuri – Alright…
Despite her answer, the secretary remained frozen in place like a statue.
Han Yuri – Are you planning to stand there forever? I said I'd be right there.
Secretary – I'm sorry… but it's really urgent.
Han Yuri gave a small, mischievous smirk.
Han Yuri – So, are you planning to drag me into my father's office in a towel, just because it's urgent?
The secretary's gaze instinctively dropped, then quickly turned away, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Secretary – I'm sorry, Miss…
Han Yuri – I'll be there right after I put on some clothes. So, you should go now.
The secretary nodded quickly and turned on his heels.
A few minutes later, in her father's office
Han Yuri entered, upright and expressionless despite the tension in the air.
Han Yuri – You called for me, Father?
Seated in his large leather chair, her father threw a tablet at her sharply.
Yuri's Father – A murder scandal… Han Yuri, the most popular actress in South Korea, daughter of Han Ki Tak, involved in a murder scandal.
Han Yuri (calmly) – My agency will handle it. Don't worry.
Yuri's Father – Handle what? I'm telling you again, this is a murder case! Your agency can shield you from haters' comments, but not from this kind of rumor! They can't sweep this under the rug so easily.
Han Yuri – You seem genuinely worried about me… how amusing, she said sarcastically.
Yuri's Father – Of course I'm worried! I'm your father. You know this won't blow over easily… it'll destroy our image
Han Yuri – Our image ?
Yuri's Father – Announce your marriage. People will forget the rumor. That's all they'll talk about. No one cares about an unconfirmed rumor, but a marriage grabs attention.
Han Yuri – You're talking about marriage again? For you, that's the solution to everything, isn't it ?
Yuri's Father – If you announce it now, we'll buy time to handle the rest. Listen to me, it's for your own good.
Han Yuri – That's strange… you always say it's for my good, but I feel like you're the only one who benefits. Anyway, I'll deal with it, don't worry.
She left without another word.
Cheongdam-dong – 9:30 AM
A few minutes after her conversation with her father, Han Yuri's black van came to a smooth stop near the LYRA Entertainment building.
Sitting in the back, Han Yuri stared outside through the tinted window, her expression tense.
Han Yuri – Are there reporters ?
The driver, focused, answered promptly after a brief exchange via earpiece.
Driver – Yes, Miss. About ten of them are gathered at the main entrance. We've been directed to another, more discreet door.
Yuri didn't reply right away. She grabbed the black cap resting on the seat next to her, pulled it tightly over her head, and put on her sunglasses. She raised the collar of her long black coat to better hide her face.
Han Yuri – Alright. Let's go.
The vehicle circled the building and entered a small alley leading to a secondary staff-only entrance. There was no one. The calm before the storm.
When the van stopped, she quickly got out, keeping her head down, hidden beneath her cap, sunglasses, and dark coat.
9:45 AM, LYRA Entertainment hallway
Han Yuri walked briskly through the hallway. She took off her cap, releasing her messy hair. With her fingertips, she smoothed it out in front of a wall mirror.
Director – Ah, Yuri! You're here. Come into my office.
Without a word, she followed him, her face still partially hidden behind her glasses. They entered the director's office. He gave a quick glance through the slightly open door, then shut it.
Director (in a low voice) – Are you sure no one saw you?
Han Yuri – No. There was no one.
He nodded, visibly relieved… but his tone still held concern.
Director – The situation is more complicated than expected… I think it's just a rumor, but the fans are demanding an explanation, proof. They want a press conference… but that might not be a good idea for now. It's better to stay silent.
As a tense silence settled, the door suddenly opened.
Kim Min Hee – Director, the number of journalists is growing… What should we do?
She stopped upon seeing Yuri seated in the chair across from the desk.
Kim Min Hee – Yuri… Oh, are you okay? How are you feeling? Don't worry, this will pass.
Without waiting for a reply, she sat next to Yuri, briefly placing a comforting hand on her arm.
Han Yuri tried to keep her head high, crossing her legs calmly, though a slight tension flickered in her gaze.
Han Yuri – Don't worry, I'm fine. It's not like this is my first scandal.
Kim Min Hee gave a faint smile.
Kim Min Hee – You're right. You're Han Yuri. You can get through this.
Then, she turned to the director, more serious.
Kim Min Hee – Director, what should we do? Should we hold a press conference or wait?
The director, looking tense, pursed his lips slightly.
Director – We'll discuss it with a lawyer. Then we'll see.
Kim Min Hee frowned slightly.
Kim Min Hee – Maybe we should talk… It might be better to respond now.
Han Yuri, eyes wide, straightened slightly, caught off guard.
Han Yuri – Ah… I have a shoot today. What are we supposed to do?
Kim Min Hee, a little uneasy, avoided her gaze for a moment.
Kim Min Hee – Yuri… No one told you? They've decided to remove you from the project…
Han Yuri, stunned, remained frozen.
Han Yuri – What? But… it's only been a day. And nothing's even been confirmed yet.
Kim Min Hee – I know… but this scandal is a lot more sensitive than the others. It's not just a dating rumor or jealousy. This time it's about murder, Yuri… The producers panicked.
Han Yuri, her gaze icy and her voice tinged with controlled anger, clenched her fists but remained calm.
Han Yuri – Those bastards… They begged me for this role, and now they dare to drop me like some extra ?
The director, somewhat nervous, let out a long sigh.
Director – That's not all… Some of our sponsors have also decided to cut ties with us.
His phone vibrated loudly. He picked up, listened for a few seconds, then hung up immediately, frustrated.
Director – Aish, it's only been one day since the scandal broke, and we've already had over a thousand calls from journalists…
He turned back to Yuri with a serious look.
Director – For now, avoid going out. Don't give any interviews, and set your social media accounts to private. We need to contain this fire before it becomes uncontrollable.
While the director was talking to Yuri, Kim Min Hee suddenly stood up, visibly shocked by something on her tablet. The director and Yuri turned to her, surprised.
Kim Min Hee – Oh... what is this?
Director – Aish! You scared me... What is it?
Kim Min Hee – Yuri… ah!
Han Yuri – What? What now?
She took the tablet from her hands.
Upon seeing the photo, her face turned pale. Her eyes went blank, her gaze frozen. She stood there, silent, paralyzed.
Director – What is it? Why are you reacting like that?
He took the tablet himself.
Director – WHAT IS THIS? Yuri, what is this image?
He got no answer.
Director – I asked you a question!
Han Yuri slowly snapped out of it.
Han Yuri – I… I don't know.
Director – What do you mean you don't know? That's YOU in the photo! Your face is clearly visible! And you say you don't know?
Kim Min Hee – Director… it's probably edited. You know what today's technology is capable of. And it's not like it's the first time Han Yuri's face has been seen in a compromising picture…
Director – You're probably right… Alright. Yuri, for now, go home. Don't show yourself to the press. Do nothing, just stay home. Min Hee, take her and make sure no reporter gets near her.
Kim Min Hee – Alright. Yuri, let's go.
A few minutes later, Kim Min Hee's car pulled up in front of Yuri's house. In silence, she turned toward her, sitting in the back seat, still in shock.
Kim Min Hee –
– Yuri-ah, we're here.
Han Yuri –
– Oh… okay. Thanks a lot for driving me home.
She's about to open the door when...
Kim Min Hee –
– I have a question... This rumor… is it true? I'm not saying I believe it, but… never mind. Maybe it's just a fake.
Han Yuri –
– Okay. I'll go now.
Kim Min Hee –
– Okay… Oh, by the way! Did Jae Hyun call you? I can't reach him.
Han Yuri –
– No, he didn't call me. And it's not my problem right now.
She gets out without another word.
She walks slowly through the garden, her gaze lost in thought.
Yuri (thinking):
What should I do… Everything I've built is collapsing.
No… I'm Han Yuri. I won't fall so easily.
With those words, she lifts her head and walks with confidence.
Upon entering the house, the maid greets her in a grave tone.
Maid –
– Miss Yuri… your father is waiting for you in his office.
Han Yuri nods without a word. She walks through the cold-looking grand hall, her heels echoing on the marble floor. Each step feels heavier than the last. She walks for a few minutes down the long hallway toward her father's office.
The door is already slightly ajar. As she enters, she hears the sound of the TV echoing in the hushed room.
TV Anchor (voice):
The famous actress Han Yuri has recently been involved in a murder case. Anonymous messages went viral: someone claimed Han Yuri killed someone, then posted a photo of her in front of her car, with a body on the ground. No statement has been released by the actress yet. However, her agency announced that they will take legal action against the spread of unverified information.
So, is Han Yuri guilty or the victim of a setup? For now, the silence continues...
Her father was sitting in his leather chair, eyes glued to the screen. He didn't even turn around. Yuri stood behind him, her back straight, fists clenched.
Yuri's Father –
– I hope you have a good explanation. Because right now, you're dragging the entire family down.
Han Yuri (calm voice) –
– It's just a rumor. My agency is already handling it. It'll blow over like all the other times. No need to overreact, this kind of stuff explodes online and disappears just as fast.
Yuri's Father (coldly, glaring) –
– Oh really? You think your agency can cover up something like this? We're talking about a murder accusation, Yuri. This kind of rumor doesn't just fade away with a press release.
(exploding) –
If you had listened to me from the beginning, if you had let go of that ridiculous idea of becoming an actress, we wouldn't be in this situation!
You wouldn't be in this disgraceful position, and I wouldn't have to clean up your messes in public like your PR manager!
Han Yuri –
– I never needed you.
He turns off the television in a heavy silence. Then he slowly stands up, without even looking at her.
Yuri's Father –
– Really? Without me? You think you'd be where you are today without the Han name? Don't ever forget, Yuri — without me, you'd be nothing. No career, no success. Just another average girl dreaming under the spotlight.
Han Yuri –
– I made it because of my talent.
Yuri's Father –
– That's true… But you mostly made it because I'm your father. Because you're the daughter of Han Ki Tak.
Han Yuri (eyes glistening, voice trembling but determined) –
– You say I'm nothing without you...
But were you ever there, even once, like a real father?
A sudden silence falls in the room. Her father freezes, then his anger explodes.
Yuri's Father (shouting) –
– How dare you speak to me like that?!
Do you even realize what you're doing to our name? To our family? And even if the rumor were true… you could've at least been smart enough not to get caught!
Han Yuri (bitter smile, voice barely shaking) –
– What you're protecting isn't the family. It's your image.
Without another word, she turns on her heels, her steps tense and sharp, fists clenched. The door slams behind her, leaving her father alone, fuming with rage in his office.
The next day – 10:12 a.m. – LYRA Entertainment.
The meeting room is tense.
Kim Min Hee, arms crossed, scans each face.
The director, holding a cold coffee, twirls his pen nervously.
Han Yuri stares elsewhere, her gaze vacant, almost absent.
She seems to be the only one not stressed — her face unreadable.
Then she murmurs, calm but slightly annoyed:
Han Yuri –
– Why did you make me come? You said it was important…
So why are we just sitting here staring at each other?
As soon as she finishes speaking, the door opens.
Master Jung walks in, his serious gaze sweeping the room.
Master Jung –
– Sorry for the delay.
Director (standing up with a forced smile) –
– Ah, Master Jung! Thanks for coming despite your busy schedule.
(gesturing to Yuri)
This is Han Yuri, the artist at the center of this case.
Master Jung (bowing politely to Yuri) –
– Pleased to meet you, Miss Han. I'm Master Jung, here to guide you through this media storm.
Han Yuri (neutral gaze, slightly distant) –
– Thank you for coming.
Director –
– The situation is serious, Yuri. That's why we brought in Master Jung today. We need to consider a press conference.
Alright, now that everyone's here… let's begin.
Master Jung (opening his folder, speaking calmly) –
– As you all know, this case has escalated much faster than we anticipated. The media is on fire, netizens are split, and even blurry visual evidence becomes ammunition for your detractors.
(He looks up at Yuri)
Master Jung –
– The goal is simple: control the narrative before someone else does. A press conference is essential.
Kim Min Hee (arms crossed) –
– And do you already have a clear idea of what she should say?
Han Yuri (looking away, annoyed) –
– Why do we even need a press conference? Just let it blow over. It's not like it's the first time someone's thrown something at me…
Master Jung (serious expression) –
– No, this is different, Miss Han. Past scandals were rumors, misunderstandings, even setups that were easy to dismantle. But this time…
(He pauses, choosing his words carefully)
Master Jung –
– There's a photo. A time. A place. A context. And more importantly, people ready to believe it. This isn't just a rumor — it's a narrative they're building against you.
If we don't speak now, their version will become the truth. Not yours.
Han Yuri (says nothing, gaze drifting to the window, arms crossed)
Master Jung (closing his folder calmly) –
– Very well.
Miss Han Yuri, any public statement can backfire if it's not strictly aligned with the facts.
It's best to clarify everything here, internally, before facing the cameras. One wrong word could destroy everything we're trying to fix.
Director –
– Yuri… you really had nothing to do with this accident?
Han Yuri (lifting her gaze, icy tone) –
– Of course not. Why would you even ask? You doubt me?
Director (awkward) –
– No, no… I believe you. But we need to be ready for anything.
Lawyer –
– Alright. If you're certain, we'll prepare a solid statement.
We'll stick to the facts, be precise, without revealing too much.
You firmly deny the allegation, but express your willingness to cooperate with the authorities. No confessions, no missteps.
We show a calm, stable… controlled image.
Han Yuri (arms crossed, firm tone) –
– I don't just want to seem calm. I want people to feel I have nothing to hide.
What do you suggest, Master? I want something strong. Strong enough that it won't backfire.
Lawyer –
– Alright. Here's a draft:
"I'm aware of the seriousness of the rumors about me. I firmly deny them. I have nothing to hide and I'm fully prepared to cooperate with the authorities to shed light on this matter. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this difficult time."
Kim Min Hee –
– Too flat. People will say you just memorized a script. We need to feel your emotion, your humanity. Not just a corporate face.
Director –
– We could add something more personal… like:
"I'm going through a tough time, but I remain standing. For myself, for those who believe in me."
Han Yuri (lifting her head, eyes shining with determination) –
– No. I don't want anyone's pity. Absolutely not.
(pause, firm voice)
I am Han Yuri.
A few minutes later
Lawyer Jung (standing, gathering his papers) –
– Alright. I'll draft the statement.
(looks at Yuri, more seriously)
But before the press conference, I'll need to speak with you privately, Miss Han. Just a few… confidential clarifications.
Han Yuri (slightly suspicious, but calm) –
– Alright.
Lawyer Jung (nodding) –
– Thank you. We'll be in touch very soon.
(The director and lawyer briefly leave the room.)
Han Yuri (gathering her things, tired voice) –
– I'm going too… I'm exhausted.
Kim Min Hee (casting a worried look) –
– Do you want me to come with you?
Han Yuri –
– Okay…
(They leave the agency together. Silence follows them as they slowly walk through the underground parking lot. Suddenly, Kim Min Hee stops. Han Yuri, surprised, turns around.)
Han Yuri –
– Why are you stopping?
Kim Min Hee (hesitant, lower voice) –
– Yuri… you really have nothing to do with this, right?
I didn't want to bring it up, but… the clothes in the photo… it's the exact same outfit you wore on my birthday. Thirteen years ago.
(A heavy silence sets in. The parking lot's echo makes the tension almost suffocating.)
Han Yuri (cold gaze, nervous breath) –
How can you even remember that? It was so long ago… and I don't even have a clear image of it.
(sharper) And don't say things like that out loud… Do you want someone to hear you?
Kim Min Hee (hesitating, digging through her phone) –
It was a long time ago… but look… I still have a photo of us from that night, at my birthday…
(She's about to show the image. Suddenly, Han Yuri grabs the phone and throws it violently to the ground. Kim Min Hee jumps, shocked.)
Kim Min Hee (rushing to pick it up) –
Yuri! What are you doing ?
(she checks the phone)
Thankfully… it's not too broken…
(Han Yuri slowly steps closer. Her gaze is hard, her expression like frozen stone.)
Han Yuri (low voice, cold, sharp) –
What are you trying to prove, exactly? Are you trying to make me fall by showing that photo?
(she leans closer)
And what if someone is watching us right now?
Kim Min Hee (swallowing, trembling voice) –
I… I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention. Really. Don't be mad, Yuri…
(she steps back slightly)
Let's go… it's getting late…
(They both get into the car. The ride is silent, filled only with the sound of horns and never-ending traffic. An hour later, they finally arrive. Kim Min Hee turns off the engine and slowly looks at Yuri.)
Kim Min Hee (calm tone) –
Yuri-ah… just forget what I said earlier, okay?
We had posted that photo online. Maybe someone just used it to create a fake.
Han Yuri (staring straight ahead, calmer voice) –
I'm sorry about earlier… It's just that I'm really overwhelmed by all of this.
(Kim Min Hee lets out a small laugh and flashes a big smile.)
Kim Min Hee –
Don't worry, I get it.
(a beat, playfully)
But you still owe me a new phone… and a really good meal to make up for it!
(Yuri finally cracks a small smile.)
(Yuri gets out of the car, thanks Min Hee with a simple nod, and walks away. A few minutes later, she finally enters the family living room. Her father is seated, reading the newspaper and sipping tea, unfazed. She tries to walk past without saying a word.)
Yuri's Father (without looking up) –
I've already spoken to my friend. His son agreed to meet you.
Han Yuri (stopping, tense voice) –
Father, you know very well about my current situation… Why are you still bringing this up?
(clenching her fists)
I can't go on a date with this scandal hanging over my head. Do you really want me to create another one?
Yuri's Father (unfazed) –
That's not a problem. I already made a reservation in a good private restaurant. It's good for you.
I told you: always cover a scandal with another scandal. You still don't understand?
Han Yuri (bitter, looking at him with exhaustion) –
No matter what I say… you've already decided.
(Han Yuri leaves without another word. She goes upstairs, heavy with silence.)
In her room. She drops her bag, then sits at the edge of the bed. A long sigh escapes her lips as she buries her face in her hands, exhausted. The silence is brutal… until a sound breaks it: her phone vibrating in her bag.
She pulls it out quickly and sees the name on the screen: Lee Jae Hyun. She picks up immediately.
Han Yuri (trembling voice) –
Hello? Jae Hyun Oppa… Did you see the news?
(panic rising)
I think… someone saw me that night…
(Her breath grows shaky. She clutches the phone to her ear, eyes glossy — but no tears fall. Not yet.)
TO BE CONTINUED...