The Third-Gen Chaebol Becomes a Genius Actor

Chapter 8.1

Leaving things as they are is not an option.

The late Lee Hee Seo.

Debuting as a four-member idol group at the age of 17, she quickly rose to stardom with just her face alone. She became the centre of attention with this statement: ‘There's a really pretty person in the group.' As soon as she debuted, they became the top idol group of that time and managed a busy schedule.

However, her group's success journey was suddenly cut short due to the arbitrary decision of the CEO of their agency.

After a two-year hiatus, Lee Hee Seo made a transition to acting.

Lee Hee Seo's dazzling comeback

‘Twinkle' Lee Hee Seo returns to the big screen after 2 years

The return of Hee Seo was featured in the newspaper. Her debut film "Happy Farewell", captured both artistry and commercial success, and she swept the rookie awards at various film festivals and acting award ceremonies.

Back in the days when the internet was not as prevalent, Hee Seo's beauty and alluring aura were the subject of serious discussion abroad, even with just one magazine photo.

– Isn't Lee Hee Seo really pretty?

– Honestly, I don't think someone with a face like that will ever come again.

-I agree that Yeon Seo's face is captivating, but who is she? It turned out to be his mother.

Even now, when Lee Hee Seo's name was about to be forgotten, a picture of her pops up, drawing admiration from even those who were not from that generation.

She was admired not only for her appearance but also for her talent as a main vocalist and skilful dancer in her idol group. Critics couldn't help but praise her acting abilities, hidden behind her looks.

Then, the news she announced after a sudden disappearance for half a year, set the public ablaze.

Lee Hee Seo and Jusung Group Vice-chairman Yoo Gun Min and ‘Pink Love Affair'

Lee Hee Seo and Yoo Gun Min, the second generation of Jusung Group, Top Star and Heir of a Conglomerate's Marriage, "The Modern Cinderella."

The marriage between the actress who literally swept the nation and the heir to Korea's top corporation was extensively covered by the media and was widely known to the point where no one didn't know about it.

(But suddenly getting married? Is it because he's a chaebol?)

(Getting married for money, I suppose.)

(I thought they had a good head on their shoulders, but in the end, it's all about the money. That's how all celebrities are.)

(Lee Hee Seo was famous for flaunting money during her school days.)

(There was a rumour that Lee Hee Seo only debuted because she wanted to marry someone rich, even though she had a lot of money herself.)

There were many rumours like this.

Lee Hee Seo, who retired from the entertainment industry after getting married, did not respond to rumours at all and raised her two sons comfortably.

Yoo Eun Ho and Yeon Seo were the talk of the town since they were young, as they resembled their mother a lot and were the focus of attention from other wealthy families.

Step aside, Lee Hee Seo! Here comes the ‘Next Generation Diva' Lim Yoon Joo, a splendid return

Rising star Choi Na Yeon, from Gangbuk district, debuts as an actress… Post Lee He Seo

Many celebrities tried to follow in Lee Hee Seo's footsteps, but none of them could become a ‘star' like her. Lee Hee Seo remained in the public eye even after her retirement.

Every time photos of her daily life, such as shopping at the supermarket or attending a family event with her children, were revealed through the diligent stalking of journalists, her popularity was undeniable, as seen in real-time search trends.

But suddenly, a piece of shocking news breaks out.

[Breaking News]Lee Hee Seo commits suicide

The Tragic Death of "Cinderella" Actress, Lee Hee Seo (1st report)

Top actress Lee Hee Seo dies… presumed to be suicide

In an era where there was no ethical reporting on extreme choices, the news of her death was sensationalized with headlines saying "she hanged herself at her in-laws' mansion in Pyeongchang-dong". It contained explicit content.

In a time when there was no reporting ethic about extreme choices, the news of her death hanged herself at her in-laws' mansion in Pyeongchang-dong. It contained explicit content.

Those who were curious about her life after retirement were shocked by the sudden news of her death, and some even visited the memorable location from her debut film, "Happy Farewell," to commemorate her with flowers.

(I heard her married life wasn’t a joke? It was said that her family had forced her to retire, making her speak a foreign language during meal times)

(I heard that the Jusung Group family holds more than 20 ancestral rites a year?)

(There is a rumour that Yoo Gun Min has a mistress. And she is a model)

(He's a chaebol, her in-laws may have made marriage life hard.)

There was a lot of speculation about Lee Hee Seo's death. One of her acquaintances who had been drawing public attention, had stated in an interview, “She was under a lot of stress because she was a wealthy family's daughter-in-law,” and “She had been suffering from depression due to the constant pressure from her husband's family.”

Amid the suspicions surrounding Lee's death, Jusung Group remained tight-lipped.

The spokesperson of the Jusung Group issued a statement regarding the rumours surrounding the death of Lee Hee Seo, saying that the claims made by the housekeeper are false and requesting the public to refrain from making baseless assumptions.

Despite the statement, it only served to fuel the rumours further and they continued to circulate until they were overshadowed by the love affairs of other top stars.

‘But the atmosphere was unusual, isn't it possible that the rumours are not completely false?'

When he brought up the topic of ‘mom', Chairman Yoo, his father, and his older brother felt like avoided mentioning Lee Hee Seo. This made Yeon Seo feel unease.

‘Something like a drama actually exists in reality.'

Kang Jin Hoo of the year 2207 learned about the society of the past, including the 2010s, through movies.

‘Maybe the drama was based on reality.'

As he tried to shake off the strange, uncomfortable feeling, he imagined a scenario where an ordinary woman is abused by their wealthy mother-in-law and gets a divorce, receiving money as compensation. This was the moment when Lim Seung Hyun stopped the car.

“Young master, we have arrived.”

He woke up from his thoughts and dazedly entered the building.

“This way.”

Fortunately, Lim Seung Hyun took the lead and guided Yeon Seo.

Yoo Yeon Seo entered the elevator. ‘Uh, by the way, what floor am I on?' 

While hesitating, Lim Seung Hyun pressed the button without missing a beat. It was the top floor, the penthouse.

"Uh… what's the password?"

“I don’t know that either,” replied Seung Hyun.