Seoul, 8 a.m.
In the crowded subways, trendy cafés, and even classrooms, the same image was circulating from phone to phone.
A sharp, perfectly framed photo: Han Yuri, in an elegant dress, her gaze calm, sitting across from a man whose face was carefully hidden by the angle.
Right above, a bold caption hit like a bombshell:
"Famous actress Han Yuri spotted on a romantic date with a mysterious man."
Within minutes, social media exploded. Comments scrolled endlessly.
Meanwhile, in Hannam-dong…
Han Yuri stared at her phone screen. Her lips curved into a barely noticeable smile.
Still on her bed, she gently placed her phone beside her.
Suddenly, it vibrated. She grabbed it immediately and answered.
Kim Min Hee (on the phone)
— Have you seen the news? Everyone's talking about it.
Han Yuri (detached)
— Yes, I saw. Someone must have spotted us during the date… Anyway, we'll talk about that later. Tell me first what the lawyer said.
A brief silence followed, then Min Hee's voice returned, more serious.
Kim Min Hee
— He said a press conference is really necessary. Since you couldn't go out much with the scandal, we've already arranged everything with him: what you should say, how you should behave… etc. But… he insisted on seeing you alone. He said it's important that you meet first.
Han Yuri (frowning, wary)
— Why does he want to see me? Before, you just sent me what I had to say, and that was enough. I don't need to meet him in person.
Kim Min Hee
— I know… but this time, it's more serious, Yuri. It's a murder case.
Han Yuri remained silent, her fingers tightening slightly around the phone.
Kim Min Hee
— The conference will be held this Saturday. He says the sooner we speak, the sooner we can handle this. The director agrees… he's very worried about the situation.
She paused briefly, her voice slightly lower.
— Everyone who's always supported you is starting to pull away, one by one. Only those who've been with us for years are still around… but I know they'll eventually let go too. Some have even already deleted some of your images.
A heavy silence followed her words.
Han Yuri (firm but controlled)
— Alright… set up a meeting with the lawyer. Even if it's today, it doesn't matter. We don't have time to waste… especially with the conference coming up so soon.
She held the phone gently to her ear, her gaze fixed into the distance, more determined than ever.
10 a.m. — Han Yuri's Room
Sitting in front of her vanity, Yuri gently brushed her hair. The mirror reflected a calm face, but her eyes betrayed deep exhaustion. Her phone vibrated. A message from Min Hee appeared: the address of the meeting with the lawyer. She glanced at it briefly, then set the phone aside without replying.
A few minutes later, she slowly descended the stairs. Her heels clicked softly on each step.
Downstairs, her father was calmly having breakfast. When he noticed her, he looked up and studied her for a long moment. Yuri gave a slight nod.
Yuri's Father (calm, neutral)
— Where are you going?
Han Yuri (calm, direct)
— I have an important meeting today.
Yuri's Father
— Another meeting with Lee Tae Joon, right?
Han Yuri (pausing slightly before answering)
— No. I'm meeting with my lawyer to discuss the situation.
(She paused briefly, then added softly)
And I don't think I'll see Lee Tae Joon again.
Her father slowly put down his chopsticks, watching her with a mix of surprise and calculation.
Yuri's Father
— What? Why?
Han Yuri
— We're very different. Even if all this is just a way to cover something else… I still have the right to choose what suits me, don't I?
A faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered across her father's lips.
Yuri's Father (cold, pragmatic)
— Lee Tae Joon is the best choice for you. He comes from an influential family, like ours. And besides… he's no ordinary person. He's from the Lee family.
(He straightened slightly, confident)
But if he doesn't suit you… I can find someone else. I have many friends with sons.
At least what we've done has worked as we intended.
Yuri's face remained impassive. She replied in a low, almost detached voice:
Han Yuri
— Do as you wish.
Then she turned, ready to leave the room without another word.
But a gentle, warm female voice stopped her.
The Woman (smiling, soft voice)
— Yuri, wait. Eat something before you go. You need strength to face what's ahead.
Yuri paused and slowly turned. Her eyes fell on the woman, but her expression stayed cold.
The Woman (stepping forward with a smile)
— I cooked myself today. You'll love it, come.
She reached out to grasp Yuri's arm, but Yuri stepped back slightly, avoiding the gesture.
Han Yuri (a bit distant, polite but firm)
— I'm sorry. I can't… I have an important meeting.
Without another word, she calmly walked toward the door, leaving the woman and her father behind in frozen silence.
A few minutes later, the car stopped in front of a modest but elegant building in the heart of Gangnam. The chauffeur got out immediately and opened the door.
Han Yuri stepped out gracefully, looking up at the building: Jung & Associates Law Firm.
She entered the front door. Immediately, conversations in the lobby cut off like a knife. All eyes turned to her—some admiring, some wary, many curious.
A silent whisper seemed to glide through the air. Her name, her scandals, her face now linked to the headlines.
Guided by a secretary, Yuri finally entered a sleek, understated office.
Dark bookshelves sagged under neatly stacked files, and framed diplomas gleamed under the soft light. She seated herself elegantly in a leather armchair.
The handle turned gently. The door opened.
Master Jung entered, briefcase in hand, looking pressed for time but composed.
— Sorry for the delay, he said, placing his things down. I had a trial this morning… it ran a bit long.
He extended his hand with a polite smile.
— Hello, I'm glad to meet you, Miss Han. I'm Master Jung, assigned to guide you through this media storm.
Yuri rose slowly and shook his hand. Her neutral, slightly distant gaze betrayed nothing.
— Hello. Pleased to meet you as well. But… why see me in person? Haven't you already spoken to my agency? Why was this meeting necessary?
Master Jung gave a slight smile and gestured for her to sit.
He pressed a small, discreet button. Moments later, the secretary returned to place two cups of tea before leaving, leaving the room silent once more.
Master Jung opened a thick folder in front of him. His voice, calm but firm, filled the room:
— As you know, the matter has escalated far faster than expected. The media is ablaze, netizens divided, and even blurry visual evidence is already being used against you.
He looked up at her.
— The goal is simple: control the narrative before they do. A press conference is essential.
He paused, closing his pen between his fingers.
— But first, I need to clarify some points with you. Unlike previous rumors…
He placed the folder prominently on the table.
— This time, there's a photo. A time. A place. And most importantly, people willing to believe it. It's no longer just a rumor—it's a story being constructed against you. If we don't act now, that story will become their truth. Not yours.
His expression darkened.
— You should also know: this case involves a murder. The police could summon you at any moment.
Yuri straightened abruptly, her fingers gripping the armrest.
— Su…summon me? Why?
Master Jung clasped his hands in front of him.
— As I said, the photo has a date. That's enough to intrigue them… and to put you in their crosshairs.
He fixed her with a steady gaze, voice lowering.
— But don't worry. I'm here to protect you. First, though, you need to tell me the full truth.
Han Yuri (voice firm, almost irritated)
— What truth? You know very well this is all set up.
Master Jung (calm, fingers interlaced slowly)
— Alright, if you say so. But answer me clearly: where exactly were you on April 4, 2012, as indicated by the photo?
Han Yuri (raising an eyebrow, sighing lightly)
— That was thirteen years ago… How do you expect me to remember?
Master Jung (eyes sharpening, leaning forward)
— Think carefully, Miss Han. The police will ask you the exact same question. And I'm the only one who can defend you. Where were you that day?
Han Yuri (hesitating, then lowering her eyes)
— I was… at a party. My friend was celebrating her seventeenth birthday.
Master Jung (letting the pen slide between his fingers, voice firm)
— You're thirty now… which means you were underage. Did you drink that night? Did your father know you weren't home?
Han Yuri (clutching her bag on her lap, slightly defensive)
— No, he didn't. And yes, we drank a little…
But why these questions? You're a lawyer, not a cop. You're supposed to protect me.
Master Jung (a thin, almost ironic smile)
— Exactly. I protect you by asking the right questions.
Did you sleep at your friend's that night? She could testify.
Han Yuri (biting her lip slightly, hesitant)
— No. Well… I don't think so.
As I said, we all drank… and fell asleep however we could. I left very early, in the morning, to pack. I had been offered an overseas commercial.
I doubt she remembers that detail.
Master Jung
— What time did you return home?
Han Yuri
— …I don't know. Around five in the morning, maybe.
You could ask the housekeeper; she saw me come back.
(Silence, then she murmurs)
Now tell me, Master… what am I at risk of?
Master Jung (closing the folder slowly, tone grave)
— For now, we'll gather evidence to prove your innocence.
(He holds her gaze)
And rest assured… I've never lost a case.
(A heavy pause)
But… are you sure you've told me everything? Nothing forgotten?
Han Yuri (hesitating, glancing away briefly, silent)
— No.
She rose abruptly, grabbed her bag without meeting his eyes.
Han Yuri
— I'm sorry, Master, but if you're done… I have to go.
Master Jung straightened as well, adjusting his jacket.
— Very well, Miss Han.
I've already sent Miss Kim Min Hee the draft of what you'll say at the conference. If you have any doubts or changes, call me.
Han Yuri
(nodding coldly)
— Alright. I'll leave it at that.
She left the office with a straight posture, never looking back.
Master Jung watched her leave, his expression tightening.
His eyes betrayed a doubt—as if he knew she hadn't told him the whole truth.
Barely arriving at her car, Yuri pulled out her phone.
She dialed a number and lifted the device to her ear. The ringtone sounded, then a familiar voice answered.
Han Yuri (controlled, almost cold)
— Hello, Lee Tae Joon. Can we meet today? It's about that… news going around.
Lee Tae Joon (voice calm but distant)
— If you want.
Han Yuri
— Very well. Let's meet at the same place as last time. In a few hours.
Without another word, she ended the call. She tucked her phone away and got into the car.
An hour later, Yuri had already arrived at the meeting spot.
As before, all the tables around were empty.
At the far end, Lee Tae Joon stood waiting. He stared at the horizon, motionless.
Yuri spotted him from behind and approached slowly. The sound of her heels echoed on the ground, but he didn't turn.
When she reached him, he spoke in a calm voice, without even looking at her:
Lee Tae Joon
— Han Yuri-ssi… I have to say, you impress me. You're beautiful, popular, and intelligent.
And I must admit, your plan… was very clever.
Yuri furrowed her brows slightly, intrigued.
Han Yuri
— What are you talking about? What plan?
Only then did Lee Tae Joon turn toward her. His smile was subtle, almost ironic, but his eyes seemed to read right through her.
Lee Tae Joon
— Diverting one rumor… with another rumor.
Quite clever, actually.
Their gazes locked, and a heavy silence settled between them.
The wind rustled the flowers on the terrace, as if emphasizing this strange, forced complicity.
To be continued…