Itaewon Hill – Lee Residence
The door slowly opened, revealing an interior as luxurious as it was cold. As soon as they stepped inside, the sound of footsteps echoed through the vast hallway.
A man was coming down the stairs. Tailored suit, confident stride, a perfect smile. He stopped at the bottom, eyes fixed on them.
Lee Tae Min
— So, you've finally arrived.
His gaze shifted to Han Yuri. He gave a small, polite bow, though his smile seemed to carry more than simple manners.
Lee Tae Min
— You must be Han Yuri… Good evening. I'm Lee Tae Min, Tae Joon's older brother.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
Yuri bowed with equal grace, her voice calm.
Han Yuri
— Good evening. The pleasure is mine.
Tae Min's gaze lingered on her for a moment before slowly scanning her face, as if trying to read her. Then, a faint, enigmatic smile curled on his lips.
Lee Tae Min
— You're even more beautiful than in the pictures, Han Yuri-ssi.
Beside her, Lee Tae Joon watched the scene silently.
Yuri barely replied, offering only a polite, almost forced smile.
Then, Tae Min finally turned to his brother.
Lee Tae Min
— It's been a while, little brother.
Lee Tae Joon (dryly)
— Where's Father? Why are we seeing your face first?
Lee Tae Min (shrugging)
— He's somewhere in the house… maybe upstairs. I don't know.
Just as he finished speaking, a warm voice echoed from the top of the staircase.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (coming down, clearly in a good mood)
— Ah, there you are.
Han Yuri bowed respectfully.
Han Yuri
— Good evening. How are you?
Lee Tae Joon's Father (smiling)
— Doing well. You're still as stunning as ever, Han Yuri-ssi.
At that moment, a maid approached quietly.
Maid
— Gentlemen… Dinner is ready.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Come, let's eat. You must be hungry.
They all took their seats around the large dining table as the staff placed the dishes down with almost choreographed precision. Once everyone was served, the father gestured for them to begin.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Let's eat.
Dinner began in delicate silence, broken only by the soft clinking of chopsticks. Then, after a few bites...
Lee Tae Min
— So, you're the famous actress Han Yuri… My brother is lucky to have you as his wife, isn't he, Father?
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Oh, absolutely. She's very beautiful, and so elegant.
(turning to his son)
Tae Joon, take good care of her. And above all… never make her cry. I wouldn't forgive you.
Lee Tae Joon (sighing, a bit exasperated)
— Why does everyone act like I'm the lucky one?
I'm not so bad either. I'm handsome, rich, smart… and charming.
Lee Tae Min (grinning)
— Here we go again...
Lee Tae Joon (shooting him a look)
— What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Lee Tae Min (turning to Han Yuri, teasingly)
— Han Yuri-ssi… Besides being beautiful, I also find you incredibly patient.
Han Yuri (slightly surprised)
— Why do you say that?
Lee Tae Min (still smiling)
— You manage to put up with my brother… and his childish ways.
A brief silence fell, like a quiet veil of tension.
Faithful to herself, Yuri simply offered a subtle, sideways smile.
Then, with a slow and almost theatrical motion, Lee Tae Min leaned forward slightly.
His forearms rested on the table, hands clasped near his face.
His gaze, calm yet sharp, locked onto Han Yuri's, as if preparing to deliver something carefully calculated.
Lee Tae Min
— Han Yuri-ssi… I've heard some things about you lately.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (cutting in, uncomfortable)
— I don't think this is the right time for that kind of talk.
(turning to Yuri with an apologetic smile)
Han Yuri-ssi, I'm truly sorry. My sons can be… a bit reckless at times.
Han Yuri (politely)
— It's alright, don't worry.
But Lee Tae Min, unfazed, held his ground. He calmly met his father's gaze before turning back to Yuri.
Lee Tae Min
— Father, let me finish. There's nothing inappropriate here.
(He straightened a little, voice steady and composed.)
— You may not know this, Han Yuri-ssi, but aside from the family business, I also run my own company.
It may not be as influential as my father's or your family's…
But it has its own resources. And more importantly, a clear vision.
(He let the silence settle, eyes fixed on her.)
Lee Tae Min
— I can support you through this difficult time.
I can help you rise again.
To become the person you once were… or even go beyond that.
If you accept my help—
He was about to continue when a calm but slightly sharp voice cut the tension.
Lee Tae Joon
— Is this a family dinner… or a business meeting?
Lee Tae Min
— I was just offering her my support.
Lee Tae Joon (bitter smile, voice tight)
— And why would she need your support… when I'm her husband?
Hyung, you seem to forget — I also run my own company.
I can support her.
I can even help her become more famous.
Lee Tae Min (relaxed, almost mocking, but polite)
— Oh, I don't doubt that.
(takes a sip of water)
— But just because you can… doesn't mean you'll do it well.
Lee Tae Joon (his gaze hardens)
— What's that supposed to mean?
Lee Tae Min (calm, almost instructional)
— Tae Joon… You're smart, no one's denying that.
I know you have potential, and that you could achieve great things.
But… you're not mature enough to handle situations like these.
(He paused, locking eyes with his brother.)
Lee Tae Min (voice cool, almost too calm)
— I've been managing companies for years.
I know the risks, the backstabbing, the choices that leave scars.
I was raised for this.
Since childhood, I've been trained to lead, to make the right decisions, even when everything is falling apart.
All my life, I've been prepared for this.
And so far, I've managed the family business… without a single failure.
(Another short pause.)
— I'm not saying you're not capable, Tae Joon.
I'm just saying… you don't yet have the experience, the maturity, or the perspective required for this kind of responsibility.
Lee Tae Joon was about to respond when a firm voice interrupted him.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— That's enough. This is neither the time nor the place for this discussion.
(He sighed, clearly irritated.)
— Aigoo… I'm truly sorry, Han Yuri-ssi.
(turning to his eldest)
— Tae Min, if you wanted to make a proposal, you should've done it in your office. Or at her agency.
Not here, in the middle of a family dinner.
Lee Tae Min (bowing his head slightly)
— I apologize, Father. I only meant to help, as her brother-in-law…
But you're right. This wasn't the time or place.
Han Yuri (soft voice, polite smile)
— It's alright. I understand.
A short silence settled in, just long enough to weigh down the room.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (setting his chopsticks down, turning to his younger son)
— And you, Tae Joon… I know you're her husband and want to protect her.
But that doesn't mean you should argue with your brother at the table.
(He paused.)
— Tae Min was only trying to offer help. Nothing more.
Lee Tae Joon (bitter smile, almost muttering)
— How amusing…
Lee Tae Joon's Father (sighing heavily, suddenly looking older)
— Honestly…
(shaking his head)
— If you keep this up, I might just leave this world sooner than expected.
Why… why does it always end like this whenever we're gathered around a table?
Arguments, tension…
(He glanced at each of them, voice lower, wearier.)
— And on top of it all… in front of our guest.
(He briefly looked at Han Yuri, then continued more firmly.)
— Is it really too much to ask… for just one peaceful dinner as a family?
Silence fell over the room. The clinking of utensils stopped.
No one dared to speak.
Han Yuri broke the heavy silence with a soft but composed voice.
Han Yuri
— Excuse me… Could you tell me where the restroom is, please?
Lee Tae Joon's Father (immediately, with kindness)
— Wait, I'll call someone to guide you.
Han Yuri (shaking her head gently)
— That's not necessary. You can just point me in the right direction.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Alright. It's down the hall… straight ahead.
Han Yuri
— Thank you very much. Please excuse me.
She stood up gracefully, tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and walked away with quiet steps.
Her heels echoed lightly across the immaculate floor as she moved through the silent hallway.
A few meters ahead, a slightly open door caught her attention.
Instinctively, she pushed it gently. But it wasn't the restroom.
It was a bedroom.
Han Yuri was about to close the door again… when something caught her eye.
A framed photo sitting on a dresser — a young Lee Tae Joon in uniform, likely from high school or college.
She stepped inside slowly, drawn by a quiet curiosity.
The room was simple but warm. Light walls, dark wooden furniture… and on the side, a large bookshelf filled with books.
She walked over, her fingers brushing softly against the spines.
Some titles looked familiar — classic Korean literature, economics, a few philosophy essays…
She pulled one out, flipped through a few pages, then gently placed it back.
A bit lower, something caught her eye. Not a book. A notebook.
A journal.
She picked it up carefully, as if it were something fragile…
and slowly opened it, reading the first lines—
> "She wanted to shine. No matter the cost.
Even if the light came from the flames."
She had barely read the words when the door suddenly burst open.
Lee Tae Joon (surprised, his tone slightly firm)
— What are you doing in here?
Han Yuri (turning around, a bit flustered)
— I… I took the wrong door.
I was going to leave, but…
He stepped forward slowly — not angry, just a curious look in his eyes.
Lee Tae Joon (calmly)
— Don't worry. I get it.
We all have that little curious side… especially when a door is left slightly open.
Han Yuri (putting the journal down, avoiding his gaze)
— So, you really like reading, it seems.
Lee Tae Joon
— Let's say… since I'm not into social media,
I kill time with stories.
And I like puzzles. Intrigue, mystery… the "who's the real culprit?" kind.
Han Yuri (still holding the journal, a bit hesitant)
— And this one?
(she gently offers it to him)
I heard it's about an actress…
Lee Tae Joon (takes the notebook from her hands and places it back on the table, a faint, enigmatic smile on his lips)
— Yes. It's the story of a little girl… who desperately wanted to become an actress.
At any cost.
Han Yuri (slightly intrigued)
— Really? Sounds interesting.
Who wrote it?
Lee Tae Joon (dodging the question with a faint smile)
— We should head back.
Otherwise, the others might start wondering what's keeping us so long.
He turned, ready to leave the room.
Han Yuri (watching his back, then returning to a neutral tone)
— You go ahead.
I… still haven't found the restroom.
Lee Tae Joon
— Walk a few more meters, it's just there.
Han Yuri
— Alright.
They parted ways at the hallway.
Han Yuri continued on alone. She finally reached the restroom, took a deep breath, and entered quietly.
A few minutes later, she stepped out. She washed her hands carefully and touched up her makeup slightly in the mirror.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
Text – Kim Min Hee
> Here's all the info about your shoot.
Han Yuri
> Thanks a lot, Min Hee.
Almost instantly, another notification popped up.
Kim Min Hee
> Yuri, I've missed you lately…
Since you got married, we barely talk.
Wanna have a sleepover at your place? I'd love to see your newlywed home.
Han Yuri (typing with hesitation)
> I'm sorry… I know I've been busy, but right now, a sleepover isn't possible.
We're not fully settled in yet — my stuff's not even all here.
I'm sorry if I've made you feel left out, but I promise we'll plan something once things calm down.
Kim Min Hee
> Alright, I understand (with a smile emoji)
Meanwhile, at her home, Kim Min Hee was lying on her bed.
She tapped on her phone for a moment, then set it down on her blanket.
Next to her, her cat, Kitty, purred softly.
Kim Min Hee (softly, to herself)
— Kitty… Han Yuri doesn't want to play with me anymore.
It's like she's dropped me.
She slowly sat up, walked to her vanity, and sat in front of the mirror.
Her fingers combed through her hair, rearranging it gently.
There was a strange look in her eyes — difficult to read.
On the vanity table, she picked up a framed photo:
Her and Han Yuri in high school. Two smiling, carefree girls.
Kim Min Hee (smiling at the photo)
— Look, Kitty. That's me and Han Yuri… cute, right?
We've been friends for 15 years. Isn't that amazing?
She's my best friend.
She gently placed the photo down, stared at it from a distance…
then slowly shifted her gaze back to her own reflection in the mirror.
Back at the Lee Residence —
On her way back to the dining room, Han Yuri suddenly stops.
A voice catches her attention.
Lee Tae Joon's low voice
— Why did you really come back?
Curious, she steps closer, silently.
Han Yuri (whispering)
— Who is that…?
She recognizes the voice — Lee Tae Min's, calm and composed.
Lee Tae Min
— What do you mean?
I came back because I missed my family.
Lee Tae Joon
— Stop with that. You know I don't believe that excuse.
That phrase… it doesn't exist in this family.
A tense silence.
Lee Tae Min
— I heard the family business is in crisis.
Honestly, I suspected it.
When I left Korea to focus on my own company, I knew the family business wouldn't last.
Father can't run it anymore, not with his health.
But I thought, "Tae Joon's there. He can handle it."
Turns out… I was wrong.
Lee Tae Joon (voice steady, but a little tense)
— I didn't know the company was in trouble.
I only found out after the arranged meeting with Han Yuri.
And you know very well I have my own company to run too.
You also know I was never interested in managing the family business.
Lee Tae Min (stepping closer, hands in his pockets)
— Really?
Then tell me… why did you marry Han Yuri?
Lee Tae Joon (frowning)
— What are you trying to say?
Father arranged the marriage. I didn't have a choice.
Lee Tae Min (a subtle, almost sarcastic smile)
— Oh really? Come on, Tae Joon…
Stop pretending.
You always act like you don't care about the company, but I know how Father works.
(He tilts his head slightly.)
— What did he promise you in return for this marriage?
Han Yuri isn't just a famous actress — she's from the Han family… one of the most powerful families in Korea.
I'd bet anything he promised you something, right?
Maybe… the company itself?
(He narrows his eyes.)
— It's strange, isn't it?
(Staring at his brother with a faint smirk)
You — the family's rebel. The one who dodged every blind date, the one who said marriage was a prison.
And suddenly, you're married. Just like that.
No resistance at all.
Lee Tae Joon doesn't answer.
His jaw tenses slightly, but his gaze stays firm.
The silence is heavy. Thick.
Suddenly, a soft noise breaks the moment — something hits the floor.
Both Tae Min and Tae Joon turn at the same time.
Just a few steps away, Han Yuri is crouched down, picking up her lipstick.
She says nothing, but her eyes clearly show she heard everything.
The silence that follows is awkward. Still. Almost painful.
Lee Tae Joon walks toward her slowly.
He kneels to pick up the lipstick that fell next to her, then gently hands it to her.
She takes it without a word.
Then, unexpectedly, Lee Tae Joon takes her hand — gently.
Lee Tae Joon (low voice, tired)
— Let's go.
(He doesn't look away.)
I'm tired.
She doesn't respond. Just nods silently.
And follows him without resisting.
Behind them, Lee Tae Min watches quietly… and intently.
Back in the dining room:
Lee Tae Joon's Father (standing, understanding)
— Oh, I see. Of course.
Han Yuri (polite, but distant)
— Thank you very much for having us.
(She glances toward Tae Min.)
Lee Tae Min-ssi… It was a pleasure to meet you.
Lee Tae Min (with a slight smile)
— Same here.
Too bad you're leaving already…
Han Yuri bows gracefully.
— Have a nice evening.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (with a soft smile)
— Drive safe.
A few minutes later – in the car.
Silence fills the space. The soft hum of the engine is the only sound.
Lee Tae Joon, eyes fixed on the road, finally breaks it.
Lee Tae Joon
— I know you heard us.
(His voice is calm, but carries a hint of tension.)
Why aren't you saying anything? Why aren't you asking me anything?
Han Yuri (arms crossed, looking out the window)
— Ask what, exactly?
He sighs — deeper this time.
Lee Tae Joon
— If it's true.
(His voice lowers.)
If I married you… just to take over my father's company.
Aren't you angry?
Han Yuri slowly turns her head toward him. Her eyes are calm… but slightly ironic.
Han Yuri
— You think we're in a drama or something?
A girl finds out her husband arranged a marriage just to get his father's company…
(She gives a small smile.)
— It sounds upsetting.
But… I get it.
Sometimes, to get what we want, we have to make sacrifices.
Lee Tae Joon shakes his head slowly — almost defeated.
Lee Tae Joon
— I swear… it wasn't my idea.
Maybe my father's, yes…
But not mine.
Han Yuri stares at him — composed. Unmoving.
Han Yuri
— Then why?
Why did you accept this marriage?
He doesn't answer.
His eyes stay fixed on the road ahead.
Lee Tae Joon
— I told you already, didn't I?
(His tone turns light again, almost teasing.)
I wanted the Batmobile… and free pizza.
Han Yuri looks at him, puzzled.
She wonders what truly made him accept the marriage.
But just like he never asked about her scandal,
she doesn't dare ask, either.
Back at home
Lee Tae Joon calmly takes off his jacket.
Without a word, he walks to the kitchen, opens the fridge, and grabs a cold bottle of water…
Then returns to the living room and sits on the couch — looking exhausted.
Lee Tae Joon (without looking at her)
— I think I'll sleep here tonight.
You can take the bedroom.
We'll figure out another room for me later.
Han Yuri (gently)
— Alright.
She nods quietly, turns on her heels…
But before leaving the room, she glances back.
Lee Tae Joon is sitting in the shadows, staring at the floor — lost in thought.
His face is unreadable… yet clearly burdened.
Han Yuri walks into the bedroom, closing the door softly behind her.
TWO DAYS LATER – SHOOTING DAY
The set is buzzing with movement.
Technicians run in every direction.
Sound, lights, camera… everyone's busy with their roles.
Kim Min Hee, phone pressed to her ear, paces around giving orders.
Han Yuri, already in costume, is seated quietly with her script in hand, rereading her lines in focused silence.
The director claps his hands to grab the crew's attention.
Director
— Alright. Let's begin.
Han Yuri-ssi, you get in the car, focus on the road, and deliver your lines. Are you ready?
Han Yuri lifts her head and nods gently.
Han Yuri
— Ready.
She steps into the car.
The door closes behind her.
She places her hands on the wheel, eyes forward.
But suddenly, memories crash over her like a wave.
The accident.
Blinding lights.
The sound of impact.
Bodies lying on the ground.
Han Yuri (whispering like a prayer)
— No… no…
Her hands start to tremble.
Her breathing quickens.
Then, in a soft, broken voice:
Han Yuri
— Get me out of here…
And suddenly, she screams.
Han Yuri
— Let me out!
Let me out, please!
Everyone on set freezes, stunned by the unexpected outburst.
Han Yuri, now in tears, pounds on the car door.
Han Yuri
— Please! Let me out! I'm begging you!
She repeats it again and again — her voice raw, cracked with fear.
The crew exchanges worried glances.
To be continued…