Chapter 103: The Truth (Part One)

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Entertainment Around You – No Pop-ups
Story Creation Date: October 2006
Recommended Song: Power Station – Finally Understand
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional; please do not take it personally. Any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental!

On October 30, 2006, ABC Corporation officially held a press conference in the name of the company and Jiang Yihan.

The invitations had gone out three days prior, and over five hundred reporters filled the venue, cameras flashing everywhere. This was Jiang Yihan’s second official press conference since the scandal broke in April. Previously, Jiang Yihan had only made one initial clarification and then communicated with the media through statements. After nearly six months of silence, his sudden reappearance naturally attracted widespread attention. Reporters from across Asia—including China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and others—were present. So impressive was the turnout that even the three major TV stations sent live broadcast teams. This spectacle was astounding. Regardless of Jiang Yihan’s current reputation, it was hard to find anyone in Korea who didn’t know him.

Though Jiang Yihan’s career had barely extended beyond Korea, with limited overseas exposure due to his initial lack of popularity in 2005 and the setbacks he faced in April 2006, he had only performed a few times in China and once in Thailand. Still, his popularity throughout Asia was undeniably top-tier.

“Can I Love You?” was screened across all Asian countries and achieved impressive success. By October 2006, it had become the third highest-grossing Asian film of the year, trailing only two Hollywood blockbusters, with total box office revenues exceeding 300 million. Jiang Yihan’s second album, also titled “Can I Love You?”, shockingly surpassed 3 million copies sold across Asia, ranking sixth on the continent’s album sales charts. In Mainland China alone, it sold over a million copies, becoming the best-selling album of 2006 there. Despite no promotion in Japan, it still sold 570,000 copies, ranking fifth on the authoritative Orinet chart—an impressive feat.

Naturally, the scandal that erupted in April drew comprehensive attention across Asia. Though Jiang Yihan’s popularity took a hit in some circles, he remained one of the most prominent artists. As a result, nearly two hundred reporters from other Asian countries attended today’s press conference.

Despite the importance of the event, the presence of so many reporters and live broadcasts from the three major networks seemed excessive. The reason for such a turnout dated back to a week earlier.

“Hello, is this Brother Jang Dong-gun? I’m Jiang Yihan’s manager.” After much hesitation, Li Ran dialed the number.

“Oh, it’s you. How’s Yihan doing lately? It’s been a long time since I last contacted him.” Jang Dong-gun, while putting on makeup and apologizing to those around him, stepped aside to answer.

“Brother Jang, here’s the situation.” Li Ran recounted the events since April but withheld the fact that they had found new evidence and their future plans, simply updating Jang Dong-gun to gauge his reaction and trustworthiness.

After hearing Li Ran’s account, Jang Dong-gun blurted a curse, “It’s obvious they’re talking nonsense. I’ve only met Yihan a few times, and I know there’s no way he could be like that. He wouldn’t do such a thing to his seniors. What’s wrong with the media nowadays? The facts are right there, yet they refuse to see them. Wait a moment.”

After rushing through a string of words, Jang Dong-gun took the phone away from his ear, called over his manager to inquire, and upon learning the situation—already well known in Korea—he picked up the phone again and said, “Li Ran, go ahead. Whatever I can do to help Yihan, just say the word!”

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“Brother Jang, Yihan hasn’t told you because he’s worried about affecting your reputation if you get involved. Most people in the Korean circle now avoid him, so it’s better if you don’t step forward, lest it harm you. Yihan would feel guilty.” Li Ran spoke honestly, also worried that any negative publicity might weigh on Jiang Yihan’s conscience.

“What are you saying? I’ve always wanted to help Yihan more but never found the chance. I believe in his character and integrity. My opinions might not sway the media much, but at least I have influence that could benefit him. Besides, I have nothing to worry about now—reputation or not, I’ve been through it all in this industry. Enough talk; I’m committed to helping Yihan. I’ll hold a press conference right here tomorrow. What’s going on with everyone these days? Why hurt such a good young man like Yihan? It’s infuriating!” Jang Dong-gun’s frustration was palpable.

“Brother Jang, we’re truly at a loss for words with how much you care for Yihan.” Li Ran was touched. Though Jang Dong-gun and Jiang Yihan had only met a few times, his unwavering trust was deeply moving. “Actually, the real reason I called today was to ask for your help—not to formally appear, but just to notify the media that the press conference a week from now is a must-attend. We now have some evidence that will clear Yihan’s name, so we need everyone to witness this.”

“That’s all? Absolutely no problem. I’ll do everything I can to make this the biggest press conference ever for Yihan!” Jang Dong-gun agreed decisively.

Thus, the venue was packed today, with live broadcasts from TV stations underscoring Jang Dong-gun’s stature in the industry. He took a day off to attend and was sitting in the VIP lounge. He truly admired Jiang Yihan from the heart.

Back to the main event: as everyone eagerly awaited Jiang Yihan’s appearance, they were disappointed—he didn’t show up. Instead, a strikingly handsome man named Li Ran took the stage.

“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to focus on Jiang Yihan’s situation.” Li Ran maintained a serious expression, though it was hard to tell if his gratitude was genuine.

“Jiang Yihan won’t appear today because he’s disappointed in everyone. I’m disappointed too. Even if he wanted to come, I wouldn’t allow it. However, at the end of this press conference, he asked me to convey a message to you all. That’s the only reason he’s ‘present’ today. Please refrain from asking related questions.” Li Ran’s tone was icy, sending chills through the audience.

“Today’s press conference covers just two points.” Li Ran picked up his notes, which summarized the entire incident. “First, let us review all the news about Jiang Yihan since April.”

Suddenly, the lights went out; the projection screen lit up, displaying the entire sequence of events—from Ryu Sun-bong’s press conference, Lee Nam-kyu’s seemingly casual yet deadly remarks, to PD Lee, Lim Il-chang, anonymous reporters, Sister Yun, and finally Lee Yimei.

Step by step, they had orchestrated a plan to corner Jiang Yihan into a desperate situation.

When the review ended and the lights came back on, the audience was stunned by how much had happened in those months. They had only remembered the constant criticisms directed at Jiang Yihan, but it seemed as if everyone had risen up against him. Some reporters knew there was someone orchestrating behind the scenes, and some were even part of that scheme. Yet now, looking back, many felt a lingering fear.

Li Ran’s expression remained unchanged, but his voice grew angrier: “This is the Jiang Yihan you constructed—every negative label assigned to him. Many have wondered why he never clarified or presented evidence to prove his innocence. The problem is, how many times has he tried? Who believed or supported him? In the end, even Jiang Yihan’s own circle abandoned him. So who were his efforts and struggles for? No one believed him anymore. As for evidence, that’s why we have yet to prove his innocence directly. Today, I’m here to show you the real Jiang Yihan.”

Li Ran’s speech was broadcast live simultaneously on the three major TV stations. SBS even launched a special live program for the event, while KBS and MBC initially prepared only text news, ready to switch to live coverage. Half an hour later, after SBS’s ratings skyrocketed past 60%, KBS and MBC were stunned and immediately joined the live broadcast. Although KBS attracted 10% viewership and MBC 15%, SBS maintained a stable 55% share. In other words, 80% of Koreans were watching the live broadcast of Jiang Yihan’s press conference—a phenomenon unprecedented and unlikely to happen again. Even mentioning it seemed exaggerated, yet it was real.

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Most viewers saw Li Ran’s words—some scolded, some remained silent, others continued to follow the story, and some regretted their earlier judgments.

Although the entire nation was watching, Li Ran remained unaware of this and pressed on with righteous anger, following the plan.

“This is something everyone should recognize.” Li Ran held up a videotape. “It was that very tape shown at Ryu Sun-bong’s press conference that dragged Jiang Yihan into this endless vortex. Today, we start again with that tape.”

At the moment Li Ran revealed the tape, Lee Soo-man of MS Company had just been notified and turned on the TV. Furious, he watched carefully. Meanwhile, Seong-shi opened the TV earlier and upon seeing the tape, scoffed, “That must be fake.” But then he paused, recalling that he himself once used a fake tape to deceive everyone. Now, seeing Li Ran’s confidence, he couldn’t dismiss the possibility and had to stay alert.

Suddenly, Seong-shi thought of something and hurried to his desk, opening the drawer only to find the tape—originally supposed to be safely kept there—was missing. The shock hit him like a bolt from the blue. It was gone—how could it be gone? He racked his brain but couldn’t recall the last time he had checked it. Since Jiang Yihan’s disappearance after summer, the company had relaxed its guard, and so had he. Almost three months had passed, and he didn’t know when the tape vanished, much less who had stolen it. Feeling as if he had lost his soul, Seong-shi sank into his office chair. When he first sat here, it symbolized his achievements and was his favorite seat. Now, he feared it might become his “electric chair,” sending him to ruin. He hoped not.

Back at the press conference, the lights went out again as the tape was played in full. After the screening, the room was completely silent for thirteen minutes—it felt like an eternity. Li Ran then replayed Ryu Sun-bong’s original footage, pausing to compare it with the authentic tape, pointing out every sign of editing. After a detailed ten-minute analysis, the lights came back on.

“I believe everyone now understands clearly what actually happened in the beginning.” Li Ran took a deep breath, barely restraining his growing anger. “Many doubted the tape’s authenticity because the cuts and missing footage raised suspicion. But why did no one investigate? Jiang Yihan begged everyone to seek the truth, yet not a single reporter did. Why? Why? Was it profit? Profit is always the reason. Explosive news brings benefits, right? Creating a different Jiang Yihan brings benefits, right? So you all let it slide—that’s your fault!”

Li Ran’s voice rose involuntarily, but no one stood to refute him—not even the reporters bribed by Seong-shi. Everyone knew that standing up now would be like slapping oneself.

“Finally, if anyone doubts this tape’s authenticity, feel free to verify it. I promise you’ll be convinced. What you just saw is the truth.” Li Ran pointed at the large screen with commanding presence.

“Next, let’s watch Lee Nam-kyu’s remarks.” Calming himself, Li Ran continued, “First, here’s footage from the ‘Star Sports Meet’—absolutely authentic, broadcast on TV. If you don’t believe it, you can verify it yourself.”

The screen lit up again, showing Jiang Yihan’s perseverance and effort during the program, culminating in injury but still pushing through. Everyone watched intently. The staff who helped Jiang Yihan to the finish line were interviewed, all agreeing that he was deeply moved by Jiang Yihan’s determination despite the injury, which was severe enough to make him nearly unable to stand.

When the footage ended, Li Ran presented the hospital’s injury report. “Jiang Yihan worked hard to complete the competition, winning first place despite being hurt. The next day, he even participated in a film shoot while still injured. Who dares say Jiang Yihan is unprofessional or a diva?”

[End of Part 1]
More to come soon.