Disclaimer
This story is a work of fiction, entirely born from my imagination.
The characters, events, and some locations are fictional and created purely for storytelling purposes.
To help me visualize the scenes and bring the characters to life, I freely drew inspiration from certain public figures (actors, actresses, idols), solely for their physical appearance or visual presence.
Please note: their personalities, backgrounds, and actions in this story have no connection to the real individuals. Everything is fictional and crafted for the sake of the narrative.
Content Warning
This story contains themes that may be sensitive to some readers, including public scandals, tragic accidents, complex family dynamics, and arranged marriages.
If you are particularly sensitive to such topics, please read with care.
Thank you for reading with kindness and imagination.
Chapter 1: The Golden Illusion
We all believe that fame makes us happy.
We think that celebrity offers an easy life, full of light.
But in truth… it takes everything away from you.
Even the right to cry.
Thursday, January 4, 2025 – Seoul, Sangam-dong district, in front of MNK Broadcasting Studio
A luxurious black van stops in front of the building.
In the blink of an eye, fans crowd the barriers, paparazzi flashes crackle.
The door opens gently… A young woman steps out gracefully.
Stunning, dressed in an elegant black dress and perched on dizzying heels, she walks slowly, as if time has frozen around her.
Beside her, a man and another woman get out of the car, making sure no fan comes too close.
Cameras keep firing, capturing every step, every glance.
After a few quick poses, she slips toward the building entrance, protected by her entourage.
Inside the studio, the atmosphere is tense.
A man shouts, phone in hand, clearly nervous.
Man – She's already here? Very good! Make sure everything is ready for the interview.
(He turns to a young woman adjusting her microphone)
Are you ready?
Woman – Yes. Everything is set.
A few moments later, in the MNK studio lobby…
The automatic doors open slowly with a breath of fresh air.
Han Yuri enters the building, closely followed by her staff.
Her heels click elegantly on the marble floor, each step echoing in the respectful silence of the employees.
Some greet her timidly with a nod, others don't even dare meet her eyes.
She says nothing. Her gaze remains straight, controlled, almost impenetrable.
An employee quickly approaches.
Employee – Han Yuri-ssi, hello. The interview will take place in room 3 on the 6th floor. Please follow me, I will guide you there.
She nods with a simple movement of her head.
The elevator opens.
She enters calmly, surrounded by her staff.
The doors close.
Interview Room – MNK Broadcasting Studio
The room is perfectly lit.
A simple backdrop, two designer chairs facing each other, and cameras already in place.
The technical team adjusts the last settings.
The door opens.
Han Yuri enters.
She is calm, graceful, almost unreal under the soft lights of the set.
Her gaze briefly rests on the camera, then on the woman waiting for her, notebook in hand, professional smile on her lips.
Interviewer – Han Yuri-ssi, it's an honor to have you here today.
Han Yuri – Thank you for inviting me.
They both sit down.
A technician gives a discreet signal from the control room.
Assistant (whispering) – She's even more beautiful in real life…
Technician – Ready in 3… 2… 1… camera!
A brief silence. Then the red light turns on.
Host – Hello everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming one of the most famous actresses of the Hallyu wave. Please warmly welcome… Han Yuri!
Han Yuri – Hello, hello! everyone!
Host – Miss Han Yuri, you are here today to talk about your new drama, Love in the City. It's a big-budget production with an amazing cast and a great script. Han Yuri-ssi, can you tell us what Love in the City is about exactly?
Han Yuri – Of course. Love in the City tells the story of Soo Ah, a brilliant but lonely young architect, who tries to rebuild herself after a painful past. She meets a star chef with a strong personality, and their relationship, initially explosive, gradually evolves into an unexpected love story. But in a city where everyone hides their wounds, falling in love can become a real battlefield.
Host – Wow… just the summary gives chills. Han Yuri-ssi, what was your reaction when you received the offer?
Han Yuri – You can speak to me comfortably, just call me Yuri… or even Yuri-ya!
Host (laughing) – Really?
Han Yuri – Of course! And can I call you Unnie?
Host – Oh, with pleasure, it will be more relaxed like that!
Han Yuri – Great! So, to answer your question, when I received the offer for this drama, I was really surprised. Reading the script, I thought it was too perfect. I thought the writer must have made a mistake with the actress. I didn't think I was up to the role…
Host – Really? Well, I think you were born for this role, and I'm sure everyone thinks the same!
But… if you allow me, a little question unrelated: rumors circulate on social media saying you're dating actor Lee Jae Hyun. What's the truth?
Han Yuri (laughing a little) – Hm… I probably shouldn't talk about that here, but I think it's time to clear things up. Jae Hyun and I are not dating. We're just very good friends. I can't say more… (awkward laugh)
Host – Okay, that's very clear. Let's get back to your drama!
30 minutes later…
Host – That's all for today! Han Yuri, thank you so much for being here. It was a pleasure having you.
Han Yuri – No, thank you for inviting me!
Host – Any last words for your fans?
Han Yuri – My dear fans, look forward to Love in the City! It's an amazing drama with a fantastic cast and a breathtaking storyline. See you soon!
Host – Thanks again, good work everyone! And good work to you too, Yuri-ya.
Han Yuri – Good work, everyone!
Backstage — a few moments later
Kim Min Hee – Yuri, your father called several times during the interview.
Han Yuri – I'll call him back later… He's probably trying to set me up on another arranged meeting. Last time, the guy spent the entire dinner calling his mother, can you believe it? All evening!
Min Hee (laughing) – You should still make an effort. Okay, I admit a mama's boy isn't super appealing… but it's kind of cute when a man thinks about his mother, right?
Han Yuri – Want to try your luck with him? I still have his number if you want… (knowing laugh)
Min Hee – No thanks! And honestly, do you think he'd be interested in me? I'm not THE big star Han Yuri! (laughs)
Han Yuri – Well… my dad won't stop calling. I'm heading home.
Min Hee – Huh? What about our night out?
Han Yuri – Sorry, really. Another time, I promise!
15 minutes later – Hannam-dong, Seoul – Han family residence
Han Yuri steps out of the car without a word. Her heels click softly against the pale stone tiles, surrounded by meticulously trimmed, almost magical gardens. The family residence rises like something out of another world—majestic and silent.
She climbs the marble steps, pushes open the large front door, and steps into a mansion fit for royalty. High ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, antique paintings… everything screams wealth, but also a kind of loneliness.
As she passes the dining room, she sees her parents having dinner, served by house staff.
Han Yuri – Good evening, everyone. Father, Mother…
Father – Ah, you're home. Come eat with us, I have something to tell you.
Han Yuri – It's been a long day, Father. I'm tired, I'd rather rest a little… so…
Father (firmer) – Sit down.
Han Yuri tenses for a moment but gives in. She walks to the table in silence, taking her seat to her father's right. A maid quickly approaches with a neatly arranged plate.
Father – I saw your interview. And those rumors about you and Lee Jae Hyun… Are they true?
Han Yuri (sighing) – I've already answered that question. We're not dating.
Father – Fine. Oh, I told you about my friend, President Lee Tae Kwang. I want you to meet his son this Saturday.
Han Yuri – Father… I already told you I don't want arranged dates. I'm focused on my career, I'm not planning on getting married right now.
Father – Your career… You're already 30. It's time to think about starting a family. I'm not getting any younger. You want to wait until I'm dead to give me a grandson?
Han Yuri (serious) – My career is the most precious thing I have. I worked hard to get where I am, and I'm not going to throw it all away for an arranged marriage.
Father (slowly putting down his cutlery) – This isn't a request, Yuri. It's a decision. You're a Han, you have responsibilities. Do you think your mother and I gave you everything so you could spend your life playing in dramas and dodging marriage like a teenager? And I'm not asking you to give up your career. I'm just asking you to meet the guy.
Stepmother (without lifting her eyes from her plate) – Yuri, your father is thinking of your future. You can't spend your life alone. And this boy, President Lee's son… he's respectful, from a good family.
Han Yuri (gritting her teeth) – Meeting him is just the beginning. Then what? You'll pressure me to marry. And if I get pregnant? You know how things work in this business. Today you shine, tomorrow you're forgotten. Being an actress and a housewife just don't mix—especially at the top.
Father – You wouldn't be the first actress to get married. Others have done it and are still famous. I'm not asking for a favor. I'm telling you: clear your schedule. You're meeting Lee Tae Joon this Saturday. That's final.
Han Yuri (standing up, angry) – …
Stepmother – Yuri, where are you going?
Father – Let her go.
Call from Min Hee (later that evening)
Han Yuri – Hello?
Kim Min Hee – So, what was the emergency? Why did your dad call?
Han Yuri – The usual. He wants me to get married. I've got a blind date this Saturday with his friend's son… Do you know President Lee Tae Kwang?
Min Hee – Wait… Lee Tae Kwang? The Lee family… one of the richest in South Korea? The CEO Lee's son? Wait… which one? The older brother or the younger one?
Han Yuri – I don't care. I don't want to meet him. I don't want to get married. Listen, Min Hee, I've got a shoot tomorrow, I have to go.
Kim Min Hee – OK, good night, get some rest.
Han Yuri – Alright. Good night, Min Hee.
The next day – 10AM – On set
The spotlights shine on Han Yuri's focused face. She's in the middle of a dramatic scene. Between takes, she steps aside for a break, when her phone vibrates discreetly in her coat pocket.
Call from Min Hee
Han Yuri (in a low voice, a little out of breath) –
— Hello? I'm still on set, why are you calling me now?
Kim Min Hee (voice trembling, worried) –
— Did you see the article…?
Han Yuri (sighing, exasperated) –
— Let me guess… Another dating rumor with Lee Jae Hyun?
Kim Min Hee (hesitant) –
— No… It's much worse. An anonymous message was posted. (There's a heavy silence.) It says… that you killed someone.
Han Yuri (frozen, blank stare. Then, suddenly) –
— What…? What did you just say?!
Kim Min Hee –
— Yuri, stay calm. Where are you? I'm coming to get you.
Yuri's hand trembles. Her phone nearly slips from her fingers. The director, preparing the next scene, notices.
Director (approaching, concerned) –
— Yuri? Are you alright? What's going on?
Han Yuri (pale, voice shaken) –
— I… I have to go.
Director (surprised) –
— What? We still have two scenes left!
Han Yuri (grabbing her things quickly) –
— I'm sorry. It's urgent.
Director –
— What? YURI! YURI! Aish…
15 minutes later – Yuri's agency
LYRA Entertainment
Director –
— Yuri! You're here… What is this rumor? What's going on?
Han Yuri –
— I have no idea. Can you find out where this message came from?
Director –
— We're trying to trace the source, but for now… don't appear in front of the press. We'll make an official statement in two or three days. If we wait too long, the situation might spiral out of control.
Han Yuri –
— Out of control how? What are we supposed to do?
Director –
— Do as I say. Wait. We'll handle this. You're Han Yuri. A rumor won't be enough to destroy everything you've built. But… the accusation is serious. We're talking about murder.
Han Yuri –
— Alright…
Back at home
Yuri scrolls through social media comments.
Some support her, others attack her viciously.
She gets up and looks at herself in the bathroom mirror.
Her director's words echo in her mind.
Han Yuri (to herself) –
— This is nothing. It'll blow over…
I'm Han Yuri. There's no way a simple rumor is going to ruin my career.
I've worked too hard to get here.
I'll do whatever it takes to protect what I've built.
TO BE CONTINUED…