Itaewon Hill – Lee Residence | 7 p.m.
In the vast, light-filled living room, Lee Tae Joon's father sat comfortably in a luxurious armchair.
Dressed in a casual yet refined outfit, he kept his eyes fixed on the television screen, calmly following the wave of media reactions sweeping the country.
The voice of a TV host echoed through the room:
TV Anchor (steady but intense voice)
> Once again, Korea is shaken by a shocking case.
You all know the famous actress Han Yuri — who doesn't?
Known for her exceptional acting, beauty, and elegance, she's recently made headlines for a very different reason.
Yes, she's now at the center of a serious scandal… linked to a murder case.
> An anonymous post circulating online accuses the actress of having killed someone — a claim that instantly caused an uproar nationwide.
Not only is Han Yuri one of Korea's most well-known actresses, but she's also the eldest daughter of the powerful Han family.
Shortly after, a disturbing photo showing what looked like an accident scene leaked online, seemingly confirming the rumors.
Since then, the actress has vanished from social media, offering no public statement.
Her agency tried to ease the situation but failed to provide any clear explanation.
> During this crisis, several brands have ended their partnerships with her, and unfortunately, even some of her celebrity friends have begun to distance themselves.
> But yesterday, Han Yuri finally broke her silence.
At a press conference alongside her lawyer, Mr. Jung, her manager, and her assistant, she presented multiple pieces of evidence and firmly denied any involvement in the alleged crime.
She did acknowledge being out the night of the supposed accident — but completely rejected the accusations.
> During that same conference, the actress also confirmed, for the first time, that she was in a relationship with an unidentified man.
Yes, you heard that right — Han Yuri admitted to being in a relationship but refused to reveal his identity "for his safety."
A first in her career.
> But what shocked the public most came right after:
a video released online showed a man, visibly distressed, claiming to be the one who spread the anonymous rumor.
He said he only wanted to get Han Yuri's attention… before a gunshot was heard at the end of the clip.
The man allegedly took his own life — declaring his love for the actress with his final breath.
> Yes, some fans can become dangerously obsessed — and this case proves it.
For now, the situation seems to be calming down: netizens are starting to support her again, and some have even apologized for judging her too quickly.
The case appears to be closed… at least for now.
Lee Tae Joon walked in without even knocking, visibly irritated.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why did you call me here?
His father didn't take his eyes off the screen.
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— Oh, you're here. Look at this… news about your future wife is already all over the country.
Every single outlet is talking about her.
Tae Joon sat across from him in silence.
He studied his father for a few seconds, expression unreadable, then spoke in a calm but firm tone.
Lee Tae Joon
— Father… I have a question.
The patriarch slowly turned off the television, then looked at his son with a measured gaze.
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— About what?
Tae Joon met his eyes without flinching.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why were you so insistent that I marry Han Yuri?
With the scandal surrounding her, I doubt it's just because of your old friendship with Mr. Han.
So tell me — why a marriage arrangement, and why with her, now?
He paused, his eyes cold, almost defiant.
— I understand that the Han family wants to restore its image…
But be honest with me, Father — what do you gain from it?
A heavy silence filled the room.
For several seconds, the only sound was the steady ticking of the wall clock.
Then, finally, the patriarch's deep voice broke the stillness.
Father of Lee Tae Joon (low, weary tone)
— Tae Joon-ah… our company has been in crisis for a while now.
Lee Tae Joon (his gaze hardening)
— A crisis? There's a problem?
And what does that have to do with a marriage?
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— Yes, a crisis. We're on the verge of bankruptcy.
That's why I pushed for this marriage.
Tae Joon-ah, this isn't just a union between two people.
It's an alliance between two families.
He paused for a moment, his eyes drifting into the distance.
Father of Lee Tae Joon (continuing)
— The Hans need to repair their image… and we need strong backing to stay afloat.
It's a win-win situation. You understand?
Lee Tae Joon (calm, but his jaw tight)
— Fine… let's say I understand.
But tell me this: how do you plan to get the Han family's support?
You know very well that even if Han Yuri is their eldest daughter, she doesn't work for Gloire Group.
Right now, it's still her father running everything.
He paused slightly, his expression sharpening.
— And if I'm not mistaken… Han Yuri also has a younger sister, doesn't she?
The one who managed the company for a while.
But apparently, she's not in Korea at the moment.
Father of Lee Tae Joon (a faint, almost mocking smile)
— Tae Joon-ah… don't be so naïve.
Maybe Han Yuri doesn't work there, but she's still Han Ki Tak's daughter.
And not just any daughter — his legitimate one.
Do you really think he'd hand over his empire to a child who—
He cut himself off abruptly. Then, leaning forward slightly, his tone dropped, eyes sharp.
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— Yuri will always hold influence there.
And by marrying her… that influence will be within your reach.
Maybe even more than hers.
Tae Joon said nothing.
He just stared at his father, silent.
Their eyes locked — a battle of wills with no words spoken.
The kind of silence that said everything, without a single sound.
From Han Yuri's side – Hannam-dong, in her father's office
Her father was speaking in a low voice on the phone — hurried, almost anxious.
Father of Yuri (muttering)
— You made sure everything's erased? Not a single trace left, or else…
The door suddenly swung open.
Han Yuri entered without warning, her gaze cold and determined.
Han Yuri (approaching, her tone calm but sharp)
— I knew it. I knew you had something to do with that video.
Her father hung up without a word.
He stayed still for a few seconds, then slowly turned toward her.
Father of Yuri (feigning confusion)
— What are you talking about?
Han Yuri (a faint, knowing smile on her lips)
— Don't play dumb. You and I both know it's no coincidence that the video leaked on the same day as my press conference.
A heavy silence fell.
Her father averted his gaze and calmly walked toward the wine shelf.
He grabbed a bottle, uncorked it with deliberate care, and poured two glasses.
Then, he handed one to his daughter.
Father of Yuri (steady voice)
— You're right.
Why bother pretending anymore?
(He continued, his tone calm but weighty)
— You're smart enough to know it wasn't a coincidence.
Han Yuri (taking the wine glass slowly, her voice low but cutting)
— Of course… I'm your daughter.
Her father smiled faintly — almost tenderly.
Father of Yuri
— That's true.
Han Yuri (eyes glinting, a mix of defiance and curiosity)
— So… who did you hire to put on that little show?
Father of Yuri (exhaling, as if choosing each word carefully)
— A show? What do you mean, a show?
I may have been involved in releasing the video, but I never said it was fake.
Han Yuri (stunned, her voice trembling)
— What… what do you mean? Are you saying… it was real?
A brief silence settled — thick, suffocating.
Father of Yuri (gravely, as though burdened by the weight of his own secret)
— Half true.
Yes, he was the one who spread those messages.
And yes, he did harbor an obsessive love for you — all his life.
Funny, isn't it? After daring to drag our family's name through the mud, he wasn't even smart enough to cover his own tracks.
Han Yuri (her voice quivering, breath unsteady, frozen for a moment)
— So… you found him.
(Her eyes widened, fear and disbelief mixing together)
Don't tell me… you killed him.
Her father didn't answer immediately.
He walked a few slow steps, turned slightly away from her — as if he needed a moment to choose his next words.
Father of Yuri (cold, distant tone)
— Does it matter?
(He turned back to face her, voice now firm, unyielding)
— Just be satisfied with how this all turned out.
And now… enough. You should focus on your wedding.
Han Yuri stood there, her eyes wide, disbelief clouding her face — lost, torn between anger, fear, and something she couldn't quite name.
A few minutes later, after her conversation with her father, Han Yuri walked slowly down the hallway of the house. Her steps echoed faintly on the polished floor, but her mind was miles away, tangled in thoughts she could barely hold together. Then suddenly—her phone rang, slicing through the silence.
Han Yuri (her voice tired, surprised)
— Oh… oppa, what's wrong? Why are you calling at this hour?
Lee Jae Hyun (gently)
— Can we meet tomorrow?
Han Yuri (a little surprised)
— Tomorrow? You're finally back?
Lee Jae Hyun (soft, teasing warmth in his tone)
— Yeah… I wanted to surprise you, but it's impossible to hide anything from you. And I know you don't really like surprises anyway.
Han Yuri ran a hand through her hair wearily, her voice faint.
— Oppa… I'm sorry, but I don't think we can meet.
Lee Jae Hyun (cutting in softly, but with quiet insistence)
— I understand. But… I really want to see you. Even if it's just for a few minutes.
Yuri didn't answer right away. She hesitated, staring at the floor, her breath unsteady. Then finally, she sighed.
— Alright… I'll come.
(brief pause)
— Good night, oppa.
She hung up and stood there, motionless, letting out a deep breath before she finally resumed walking.
But as soon as she stepped into the living room, she froze.
A suitcase sat in the middle of the room—unexpected, out of place.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she approached it… until a familiar voice echoed behind her.
??
— It's been a while, unnie.
Yuri turned around sharply.
Standing there was a young woman with flawless elegance: a fitted black knit top, buttoned perfectly, paired with a short skirt trimmed with golden buttons. She wore sheer tights, tall black boots, and a thin gold chain wrapped around her waist. A quilted black bag hung loosely from her arm, while her sleek, glossy hair flowed down her shoulders like a dark waterfall.
The young woman smiled warmly—
as if time had never come between them.
To be continued…