(The scene opens on a video – Multiple screens across Seoul) (Fast montage: trendy cafes, luxurious lounges, agency hallways, phones and laptops. Everywhere, the same video is playing, the sound slightly muffled but omnipresent.)
TV Anchor (voice calm yet intense):
Han Yuri makes her relationship with Lee Tae Joon official: an unexpected but powerfully striking couple.
After several weeks of rumors and heated speculation, it's now official: Han Yuri is in a relationship... and not just with anyone.
The actress has confirmed her relationship with Lee Tae Joon, the son of the CEO of the powerful Empires Group conglomerate.
This Wednesday morning, Han Yuri posted a message that was both heartfelt and sincere on her social media accounts. For the very first time, she breaks her silence and goes public with a romantic relationship.
Until now, she had never confirmed a single dating rumor since the start of her career... Shortly afterward, her agency also released a statement backing up her message.
Let's not forget that the actress was recently at the center of a high-profile scandal, entangled in a dark murder case—an episode that could have permanently stained her career.
And yet... by making this relationship public, Han Yuri sends a strong message: she refuses to be defined by rumors.
A living proof of resilience, she once again shows that even the most serious accusations are not enough to shake her.
Itaewon Hill – The Lee Residence | 9 a.m.
In the vast, light-filled living room, Lee Tae Joon's father is seated in a luxurious armchair. Eyes locked on the screen, he calmly observes the latest chain reactions from the press. A faint smile hovers on his lips.
Lee Tae Joon enters without knocking, clearly annoyed.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why did you ask me to come so early?
His father doesn't take his eyes off the screen.
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— Oh, you're here. Look at this... the news is already blowing up.
Lee Tae Joon sits down opposite him in silence. He watches his father for a few seconds, then calmly speaks.
Lee Tae Joon
— Father... I have a question.
The patriarch turns off the TV. Slowly, he turns to face his son.
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— About what?
Tae Joon stares straight into his eyes, unwavering.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why did you insist so much that I marry Han Yuri?
Usually, people avoid those with a questionable past. Even more so when they're in the middle of a scandal.
So why arrange a marriage with her, and why now?
I get that the Han family wants to restore their image... but tell me clearly: what do we gain from this?
A heavy silence hangs for a few minutes, then...
Father of Lee Tae Joon (voice slightly sad but calm)
— Tae Joon-ah, the company has been going through a crisis for a while now.
Lee Tae Joon (slightly surprised)
— A crisis? Is there a problem?
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— Yes. That's why I insisted on this marriage.
Tae Joon-ah, this marriage isn't just a union between two people — it's a union between two families.
They need to restore their image, and we… we need strong support to avoid collapsing.
It's a win-win alliance, Tae Joon. Do you understand?
Lee Tae Joon (calm but firm)
— Fine… let's say I understand.
But then explain something to me: how exactly do you plan to gain the support of the Han family?
You know very well that even if Han Yuri is their eldest daughter, she doesn't work at Gloire Group.
Right now, it's her sister, Han Ye Reum, who's running things.
Father of Lee Tae Joon (slight smile, almost mocking)
— 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 isn't even his by blood?
Yuri will always have power there.
And you, by marrying her… you'll have that power within reach.
Maybe even more than she does.
At the same time — LYRA Entertainment, conference room
The room is bathed in artificial light. On the big screen, Han Yuri's announcement video plays on a loop. The agency's logo looms in the background — cold and impersonal.
Seated in a leather chair, Han Yuri maintains flawless posture. Legs crossed, expression neutral — nearly unreadable. She stares straight ahead without saying a word.
Director (stunned, smiling)
— This is… incredible. Really.
I never thought a simple couple announcement could shift attention so quickly.
He shakes his head slightly, almost impressed.
Kim Min Hee (more reserved, sits up slightly)
— It's true the comments have calmed down… but not what's happening behind the scenes.
The investors still won't commit.
And the directors? None of them want to work with us yet.
A heavy silence settles.
The director comes back to reality a bit, placing his phone on the table. He sighs, then forces a smile.
Director (trying to stay positive)
— Yeah… things are still bad.
But at least the press isn't dragging Yuri's name anymore.
That's something, right?
Han Yuri (calm, but direct)
— And… the case? What are the police saying? Are they planning to keep investigating or drop it?
The director nods, visibly relieved.
— Since the person who started the rumor didn't provide any solid proof or make an official statement, the police decided to close the case.
They checked the surveillance footage from the scene too… nothing conclusive. No compromising evidence.
Kim Min Hee
— But we shouldn't celebrate too early. We still don't know what this person might do next…
Director (sighing)
— Min Hee… why are you always so pessimistic?
Kim Min Hee (serious)
— I'm not being pessimistic. I'm just saying it's weird. This person drops a rumor and then… silence. Nothing.
Maybe they're planning something. Maybe they're just waiting for the right time to strike.
Director (shrugging)
— Or maybe they just wanted attention. And when they saw the police getting involved, they got scared and backed off.
Could be that simple.
Kim Min Hee (ready to argue)
— No, but listen—
Han Yuri (cutting them off, annoyed)
— Enough. You're both giving me a headache.
Han Yuri (calm but firm)
— Sure, the police dropped the case…
But that doesn't mean we should let our guard down.
Director (nodding)
— You're right, Yuri.
Kim Min Hee (offended)
— Oh… but when she says it, it makes sense. And when I do, I'm just overreacting?
Director (sighing, bluntly)
— Well… because it's Han Yuri.
Han Yuri (getting up nonchalantly)
— Tch. Honestly, I don't even know why I still come here every day.
There's no work anyway.
(She grabs her bag, shoots a tired look at Min Hee, and walks out without looking back.)
(The director watches her leave, a crooked smile on his face.)
Director (to himself, almost amused)
— So arrogant… I love it. She was made for this business.
(He turns, slowly sits back in his chair, and stares blankly for a few seconds.)
Director (speaking to Min Hee)
— You know… I'd do anything to help her rise again.
She'll soar once more… like the beautiful butterfly she's always been.
Kim Min Hee (genuinely smiling)
— You've really grown attached to her, haven't you?
(A short pause. The director lets out a dry laugh.)
Director (in a mock-casual, sarcastic tone)
— Can you imagine the money she brings in?
Yuri is our image. Even without other actresses, she's enough to keep this place standing.
If she rises again, I rise again. And maybe, maybe I can finally go on that damn trip I've been dreaming about for ten years.
Kim Min Hee (shaking her head, chuckling a bit)
— Honestly… I don't even know why I asked.
You creep me out sometimes.
(She exits the room, leaving the director alone.)
(He remains still for a moment, staring at a photo of Yuri on the wall.)
Director (whispering, voice slightly cracked)
— I'll do everything I can to make you soar again, Yuri.
(A single tear slips down his cheek. He wipes it away quickly, irritated at himself.)
Director (sighing, wiping the tear)
— Aish… I shouldn't be this sentimental in this industry.
Hannam-dong – Han Residence | 12 PM
Han Yuri had nowhere else to go, so she went straight home.
When she arrived, the whole family was already seated around the large dining table.
She walked through the living room without saying a word — silent, almost absent… until a voice called out to her.
Han Ye Reum (surprised)
— Unnie, you're back already?
Stepmother (calling to the staff)
— Please bring another plate for Yuri.
Han Yuri already knew there was no way to escape this dinner.
Besides, she had to ask her father about setting a date with the Lee family.
With measured steps, she made her way to the table and sat down gracefully. The staff served her in silence, then stepped away.
An awkward silence filled the room — until Yuri decided to break it.
Han Yuri (calm but direct)
— Lee Tae Joon's father asked when we could arrange a dinner between our two families.
Han Ye Reum (puzzled)
— A dinner? Why? … Ah, because of your relationship with Lee Tae Joon?
But… isn't that a bit fast?
Father (composed)
— Fast? What do you mean?
They're adults. Now is the perfect time to solidify the relationship — before one of them changes their mind.
Han Ye Reum (sighing, a sarcastic smirk on her lips)
— Ah… now I get it. It was an arranged marriage, huh?
I had a feeling. No way you'd suddenly be in a relationship out of the blue.
Stepmother (a bit embarrassed)
— He Reum-ah, what are you trying to say?
Han Ye Reum (teasing, but affectionate)
— Mom, you still don't see it?
My sister loves herself too much to give herself to someone else.
I remember one of her exes came crying outside the house. I asked him what had happened.
And you know what he said?
That Yuri told him: "You didn't do anything wrong… it's just that I'm too perfect for you."
Everyone turned to look at Han Yuri, a bit stunned.
Stepmother (forcing a small, awkward laugh)
— That really happened?
(she glances at Ye Reum)
Ye Reum-ah, maybe that guy was exaggerating a bit, no?
Han Yuri (icy voice, calm but cutting)
— No, he wasn't exaggerating.
That's exactly what I told him.
Once again, all eyes turned to her. The silence deepened.
Han Yuri (continuing with confidence)
— Why are you all looking at me like that?
I just told the truth.
I'm too perfect for him.
Everyone looked slightly uncomfortable after Han Yuri's blunt declaration.
An awkward silence lingered.
Yuri's Father (continuing as if nothing happened)
— Yuri, you can tell your future in-laws that I'll book a nice restaurant for this weekend.
Han Yuri (calm)
— Alright.
Her phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen, then stood up.
Han Yuri
— Excuse me.
(She stepped away and answered the call)
— Yes?
A few minutes later, Han Yuri entered her bedroom.
She quietly closed the door behind her, then resumed the interrupted call.
Han Yuri
— Sorry… can you repeat that? I'm finally in a quiet place.
Voice on the phone
(inaudible, but we understand from Yuri's reaction)
Han Yuri (raising an eyebrow, a bit surprised)
— A couple interview? With Lee Tae Joon?
Voice on the phone
(detailed proposal)
Han Yuri (a bit hesitant)
— Alright… I'll think about it.
(She hangs up, stays silent for a moment, then looks up Lee Tae Joon's number in her contacts. The phone rings. Once… twice… three times…)
Lee Tae Joon (calm voice on the line)
— Hello?
Han Yuri
— I talked to my father. He said he'll reserve a nice restaurant for this weekend.
Lee Tae Joon
— Alright.
(A brief silence settles. Neither of them seems eager to continue the conversation, but Yuri eventually speaks again.)
Han Yuri (icy, firm)
— I just got offered an interview. With a photoshoot.
So adjust your schedule.
We're doing it. Together. As a couple.
Two days later — Interview day | 9 AM
Kim Min Hee (holding a tablet, looking slightly stressed)
— Yuri, Lee Tae Joon still isn't here?
Han Yuri (calm, almost blasé)
— No. Hold on, I'll text him.
Kim Min Hee
— Alright, I'll go check a few details in the meantime.
Han Yuri takes out her phone, ready to type… but just then, a technician rushes past, arms full of equipment. He bumps into her slightly, and her bag falls to the ground. He doesn't stop — maybe he didn't even see her.
Han Yuri sighs, clearly annoyed. She bends down to pick up her things, but between her sky-high heels and her tight skirt, it's a bit of a struggle.
Suddenly, a shadow stops in front of her. She looks up…
It's Lee Tae Joon, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit.
He crouches down and calmly picks up her things.
Lee Tae Joon (without looking at her)
— Why do you wear heels that high if you can't even bend down?
Han Yuri (stares at him silently, doesn't reply)
He hands her belongings to her. She looks away slightly.
Han Yuri
— Why are you late?
Lee Tae Joon (slight smile, almost insolent)
— Something came up.
Kim Min Hee comes back toward them, relieved.
— You're finally here. Good morning.
Lee Tae Joon
— Good morning. Sorry I'm late. There was… an unexpected delay.
INT. TV STUDIO — 10:30 AM
The set is bathed in soft but sophisticated light. A cream-colored couch is placed in front of an LED wall displaying the show's name: CelebTime — Couple Spotlight.
The vibe is intimate, professional — almost too perfect.
Makeup artists are doing a final touch-up. Cameras are in place, and the technical team begins the countdown.
Han Yuri sits, legs crossed, upright like a queen. She wears an elegant black dress — simple yet irresistibly classy.
Next to her, Lee Tae Joon in a light grey suit, perfectly fitted, looks relaxed but slightly distant.
Their posture is flawless, but the air around them feels… frozen.
TV Host (charming smile, slightly fake naivety)
— Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to CelebTime!
Today, we're joined by a couple who's already making headlines:
Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon.
An unexpected pairing… but undeniably powerful, wouldn't you say?
(The camera slowly zooms in on the pair. Yuri wears a subtle smile — poised, almost political. Tae Joon nods politely.)
Host
— First off, thank you both for agreeing to this interview.
Let's not lie: your announcement surprised everyone.
Yuri-ssi, after all these years without confirming any dating rumors…
Why choose to confirm now?
Han Yuri (calm, composed voice)
— Uhm…
When you meet the right person, you always find the courage to face anything, right?
(She smiles slightly, almost mysteriously.)
And… there's a time for everything.
Host (touched)
— Wow… that's really beautiful.
Now, the question every fan is dying to know:
Who made the first move?
Who fell first?
(Silence. Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon exchange a glance.)
No words. Just a quiet look between them — subtle but heavy with meaning.
Host (playfully teasing)
— Oooh, it looks like our couple is a little shy!
Han Yuri (smirk, almost ironic)
— To be honest…
(She doesn't get the chance to finish her sentence.)
Lee Tae Joon (cool, almost nonchalant)
— It was me. I fell for her first.
(Han Yuri slowly turns to him, a little surprised. Her expression softens for a moment.)
Host (astonished, smiling)
— Really? Can we hear a little more?
Lee Tae Joon (slight smile, eyes drifting off as if reliving a memory)
— Of course… that's why we're here, right?
(He pauses briefly, then speaks more softly.)
— I met Yuri a long time ago… we were neighbors. I was sixteen back then.
And I don't know if it was love, but…
Every morning, I had to walk past her house to get to school.
I'd see her — sometimes outside, sometimes by the window.
We barely spoke.
But every time… I'd get this weird flutter in my chest…
like a happy kind of nervousness, you know?
(He smiles gently.)
— She was beautiful. Untouchable. Kind of like now.
And then one day… they moved away.
I never saw her again. Until now.
So when fate brought her back into my life…
I told myself:
"This time, I won't let her slip away.
Maybe… this is my last chance."
He throws a quick glance at Yuri, almost imperceptible.
(A silence settles in. The host stares at him, speechless. Han Yuri looks at him too… and there's something in her eyes. A mix of surprise and emotion.)
TV Host (almost whispering)
— Wow… that's beautiful. It really feels like a drama.
And you, Han Yuri-ssi… did you know he's loved you for so long?
Han Yuri (still slightly shocked, speaks softly)
— No… I didn't know.
(She smiles faintly, slightly shaken.)
After her answer, she shares one last glance with Lee Tae Joon.
The host quickly moves on with more questions.
Nine One Hannam, Seoul – 12 PM
In his luxurious apartment, Lee Jae Hyun watches the interview video, a glass of red wine in hand. His gaze remains fixed on the screen, lost in thought.
Jae Hyun's thoughts
— Funny… I did everything to make her happy. And yet, she chose someone else.
He picks up his phone and makes a call.
Unknown voice on the phone
— Hello? Everything's been taken care of, sir. Don't worry, Miss Han Yuri will never find out anything.
He hangs up. Then stays there, frozen, staring blankly ahead.
BACK TO THE INTERVIEW SET
The interview is now over.
Time for the photo shoot.
Everything is ready: a magical, romantic set in a beautiful flower-decorated garden. At the center: a giant heart-shaped flower.
Kim Min Hee walks over to Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon, already standing on the set.
— Are you ready, lovebirds?
Han Yuri
— Why haven't we started yet?
She's trembling slightly. Kim Min Hee notices immediately.
Kim Min Hee (worried)
— Yuri-ah… Are you cold? Do you want to change outfits? I told the stylist that dress was too thin…
Han Yuri
— No, I'm fine. Just tell the photographer to start.
Kim Min Hee
— Alright.
(She walks away to talk to the photographer.)
Lee Tae Joon
— Why did we have to change clothes? This isn't my style at all.
Han Yuri
— It's for the photo. It has to match the set, that's all.
Lee Tae Joon (slightly sarcastic)
— So if we had to shoot a summer picture in a snowstorm, we'd just dive in headfirst, huh?
Han Yuri (cold)
— Enough. We don't have time to debate this.
Photographer (from a distance)
— Han Yuri-ssi, we'll begin in a few minutes. Just making some final adjustments.
Han Yuri doesn't answer, offering only a faint smile.
(Small silence. Then…)
Han Yuri (without looking at him)
— By the way… you're a much better actor than I thought.
Lee Tae Joon (surprised)
— What are you talking about?
Han Yuri (turning to him, icy tone)
— That story you told during the interview. It was fascinating.
You managed to invent a drama-worthy plot… in seconds.
Lee Tae Joon doesn't reply. They stare at each other for a long moment.
Suddenly, a camera flash goes off.
Photographer (smiling, admiring)
— Wah… I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself.
That look you just shared… it was magic.
I've been doing this for years, and that kind of chemistry is rare.
Even without posing, you're already telling a story.
If you're ready… let's capture it for good.
And don't worry — if you don't like the photo, we can just keep it as a keepsake. Perfect. Let's go.
The photo shoot finally begins.
The photographer gives the first directions: simple poses, close together, holding hands, gazing into each other's eyes.
But… something's off.
Photographer (sighing, a little frustrated)
— What's going on? Just a few minutes ago, they were exchanging a drama-worthy gaze… and now it feels like they're being forced to pose.
Kim Min Hee (frowning)
— I don't get it either… Wait, I'll talk to them.
(She walks over to Yuri and Tae Joon.)
Kim Min Hee
— What's the problem? You're acting like you're here against your will. Not like a couple in love.
Lee Tae Joon
— How exactly are we acting?
Kim Min Hee
— Like someone threatened you to be here. Not like two people who are supposed to be in love.
Han Yuri (cold)
— We're following the photographer's directions. He tells us to pose, we pose. What's the issue?
(Before Kim Min Hee can reply, the photographer approaches.)
Photographer
— Sorry, but… yes, there's an issue. The photos aren't giving what they should.
Lee Tae Joon
— But we're doing all the poses you asked for.
Photographer
— It's not just about the poses. The gaze is missing.
Han Yuri
— The gaze? What gaze?
Photographer
— Yuri-ssi, you're an actress. You know exactly what I'm talking about. That famous look that says everything without a word.
And for a shoot like this — between two lovers — it's essential.
Han Yuri (straightening up)
— I understand. We'll do our best.
Photographer
— Perfect. Just recreate that look from earlier. That's the one I want. Alright, let's go again.
(He walks off with Min Hee. The session resumes. Photos are taken one after another, but something still isn't right.)
Photographer (sighing again)
— Let's take a short break.
(Staff members approach to touch up their makeup.
Yuri is still trembling slightly — her dress is thin, way too thin.)
Lee Tae Joon watches her silently.
Then, without a word, he takes off his jacket and places it on her shoulders.
Lee Tae Joon
— Watching you shiver like that… it's just pitiful.
(Han Yuri looks up, slightly surprised. They exchange a deep gaze.)
(The photographer notices, rushes for his camera.)
Photographer (excited)
— Yes, that's it! Don't move! That's the look I want!
(He snaps several shots — the moment is perfect. But suddenly…)
A strange noise.
A creaking sound from above.
A suspended light — or rather, a metal rig meant to create lighting effects — begins to sway dangerously.
Kim Min Hee (panicked, screaming)
— YURI-AH!
(Everything slows down.
The object falls.
Yuri, frozen in shock, doesn't react.
But Lee Tae Joon, without thinking, throws himself at her.)
Lee Tae Joon, without a second thought, dives on her.
He pushes her violently to the ground and falls with her.
The impact is brutal.
The metal crashes exactly where Yuri had been standing just moments before.
A gust of air sweeps through the room.
Silence. Almost supernatural.
Yuri is unconscious.
Lee Tae Joon is on the floor, his arm still around her shoulders.
The staff is frozen.
Some scream.
Others run.
But for one more second…
no one breathes.
TO BE CONTINUED.