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Chapter One: The Card
“My name is everywhere. I finally made it big” I told myself. I was an iconic singer , actress and I was FINALLY famous. I was still single but who cares? I was Ruby. Ruby Kim. a global sensation. Or that's until I met Lee Byung-hun. He didn’t exactly “destroy” my career, but he did tangle me up in some drama and what I mean by “drama” I mean something REALLY bad. It was November and it was freezing, cold, and miserable. I lived through worse but that day it was cold, ok? I had a concert that day and worst of all it was a concert in the open stadium which means that anything can get in. (Kind of like a football stadium with an open roof). I had to prepare the outfit changes and yadiyadi ya the boring stuff and vocal practice, makeup, hair, and all the essentials. I was finally set UNTIL a guy scared me. He looked like a spy so I was already detecting something fishy was going on. He gave me a card and whispered,”그에게 전화하세요” then he went away. I tried to chase after to ask “Call who?!” but he was a goner. A phone number. I flipped the card and saw the company's name. BH Entertainment. My stupid manager was yelling at us to get to our places because I didn't know what he said and he was just yapping. So I left the card in my purse and went to go perform. The concert was 4 hours but totally worth it for the big check. To be honest, I forgot all about the stupid card and I headed my way to the hotel room in Seoul.
I was super tired so I went to take a shower and do my daily night routine.After that, I laid in bed staring into the blue. The blue. As soon I realized I went rushing toward my purse and I pulled out the blue card. This reminds me of a Squid Game…I say in my head. I thought for a minute. What if this was like Squid Game? What if I get kidnapped? Then it clicked. It must be Lee Byung-hun, I told myself with confidence since he is the founder of the company. I couldn’t believe it. An actor I have been simping for over 12 years is finally reaching out for me? The man I always wanted to collaborate with? Oh yes please! So without further ado I called and it dialed…and it kept dialing…and dialing… for 20 minutes. I mean, it was 3:00 in the morning so I’ll just call later in the day. On November 12, I had to go to a “Golden Actor Reunion" to meet with other actors. I totally forgot about the blue card I had to call because I left in a really big rush.
Chapter Two: The Reunion
As I left in a rush, I almost broke my ankle due to these goofy heels with the thick heel. I don’t recommend it to be honest. I arrived at the event in my beautiful red dress (haters can stay mad) and a bunch of gold jewelry because some dumb idiot thought it fit well with the dress. I see a couple of my friends like Shayla McRae and for some reason she is in a Korean event when she has no idea how to speak Korean . So me and her were talking and she was being a Fattie McPattie eating all tteokbokki and kimchi. As I was waiting for her to finish, someone tapped me on the shoulder as I turned around to splash the grape juice on them (since I don’t drink but I want to look cool) I saw it WAS Lee Byung-hun. I almost spilled GRAPE JUICE on the most finest actor out there in Korea. I apologize and he says “ Don’t worry, it's a natural instinct for me too”. I probably turned red even with so much foundation. Shayla was still eating for some reason while I was stuck talking with him. All my confidence was gone because I don’t know, he could’ve insulted me or kidnapped me, but after I started to talk with him more, I felt better. He was super funny and he kept touching me in the shoulder which I don’t mind but still he has a wife. Shayla, on the other hand, found herself talking to Gong Yoo. But Gong Yoo doesn’t speak English…So don’t ask me how SHE communicated without a translator. Anyways, back to me. I was talking to Byung-hun and he lowered his voice “I want to be part of a music video with you” I froze. Why, though? Am I the chosen one? So I answered “Sure but, what would be the concept? We need to plan carefully”.
- “ I know, Ruby.”
- “I’m just saying no need to get mad.”
- “So, you do want to work with me? I heard you always wanted to work with me.”
I got scared for a second because I NEVER talked to this man in my life. He should be scared of me since I am the one who was stalking HIM back in middle and high school. Keep in mind that I became famous not too long ago.
-"Of course I want to work with you, Byung-hun.”
- “Then I want to see you direct everything, Miss.Kim.”
WOAH. PAUSE? MISS KIM? Who just pulls that move when you meet someone? Not me for sure. And I am pretty sure that he is married so god knows what I got myself into.
-”It was nice talking to you Mr.Lee”.
-”It really was.”
As I get ready to leave to go see Shayla, Byung-hun grabs my wrist so hard it turned purple. This guy has a serious skill issue.
-”Ruby! Before you go, I need to tell you something.”I wanted to yell at him next time just to call my name. I wanted to smack the living popsicle out of him. But I didn’t and I let him talk and also cause he’s super hot. But he’s also 55 so that’s not really “legal.’
-”What is it?”
- “ I just wanted to say it was an honor to meet you.”
This bitch is STILL gripping on my wrist.
-”Thanks, I’ll call or text later.”
I told Shayla to hurry with Gong Yoo because she was STILL talking to him. One minute she’s a lesbian, next second she’s straighter than an uncooked noodle falling for a guy who’s quadrupled her age. As we headed to the hotel, I was looking at my wrist. Still purple and his stupid handmark was still there. Screw this guy, I hope he gets runned over by a car I cursed in my head. He was still my favorite actor, just this interaction was… weird.
Chapter Three: Texting
As I was headed to the hotel room, I decided to make the first move. Text Byung-hun. I was still mad at him for what he did but I guess it’s fine. I went into my phone and typed his number. I had his work phone number for SOME reason because I found it while doing “research” BUT that’s not the point. I wanted to call or text… I hadn’t had a pleasant calls in the past due for them of being too awkward so I texted him
“Hello, this is Ruby Kim. The one you met in the Golden Global Actor Reunion”
No response. Then I realized, he gave me his personal number. But why personal though? This is going to be a work project so he should’ve given me his work number. Then, he responded.
“Hello Ruby. Text me on my personal phone number instead.”
Excuse me? I was in full shock. Why personal? I had so many questions. So I texted his personal number as he insisted. He responded with a smiley face. Typical. He started texting me with words and started asking what the music video was going to be about. We agreed it should be about how Stalker and Stalker stalk each other and that they will never truly find each other's love. I was already getting SUPER sleepy but Byung-hun had other plans. He sent a picture of the dress I should wear. He doesn’t have bad taste at ALL. It’s red , gold jewelry and all the above and it’s SUPER pretty. I saw the back. IT WAS BARE BACKLESS.The first red flag instantly rose. But I mean… It’s Lee Byung-hun. Maybe he didn’t know. So I accepted with no second thought. Then he asked a million dollar question.
-”Are you…single?”
-”Yes. May I ask why you are asking please?”
Then he left me on read. Great. I screwed EVERYTHING UP. What am I going to do now? At this point it was one in the morning and I fell asleep. Then the phone buzzed.
- “ What are you wearing right now?”
-”Why do I have to answer ?”
- “I just wanted to know”
-”Ok…”
At this point, I was sleepy, I didn’t care and I fell asleep and suddenly he started calling me. Not voice call, FACE TIME. I was VERY concerned. But I mean… there is going to be a very juicy check at the end so I just put my phone on mute and fell asleep till the next day, there was a loud knock. It was seven in the fucking morning. I go see who it is, no one. Great. Then I look down and there is a red envelope with a golden stamp. Which is weird since I am the only one who sends my letters like this. I am very paranoid now since I don’t know what is going to happen to me. Then I saw someone or something at the end of the hall. I wanted to hide and I did because I thought it was a fan. Then I started getting my hair and makeup done so I could be prepared for what was going to happen.
Chapter Four: Red Findings
Even though it was 7:30 in the morning, I prepared myself to face the dangers of the stupid door. Then before I forgot I read the envelope. It was well written and the only thing it said in the front was: 수신: 루비 김. A letter directed to me. Especially for me. I was scared but I opened the letter and it said:
루비 김,
I know you want to work with me and you can’t resist. I see you trying to play it cool but I can see through your face that you're very nervous. I would still like to work with you, but I changed my mind. I want to direct the music video, not you. I have amazing ideas and I think you should let a more experienced person handle all the hard work. All you have to do is just make the music but the moment you’re going to be with me, in the same room, same air, it’s going to be magical for you. Trust me.
Sincerely,
-이병헌
He thought I couldn’t read Korean but this letter is from none other than Lee Byung-hun. Gosh, I thought he was charming, hot , handsome, nice, kind, and super funny but I see I was wrong. He is all of these things not going to lie, but there is something unsettling about it. Or maybe I am going insane and crazy and I am just a paranoid little wussy. As I think more and more I stop myself from opening the door. What if this is a trick? What if Shayla is playing a prank? Nah, I doubt it. I stayed in my hotel room and then I got a text from Byung-hun.
-”I knocked and no one answered. Meet me at this address”
BH Entertainment - Seoul
35, Nonhyeon-ro 142-gil,
Gangnam-Gu,
Seoul
South Korea
I hesitated. But I went anyway. I got an Uber and drove to the address. As I drove the empty street I was sweating. A lot. What if this is the last time anyone sees me? But why do I have to worry? It’s Lee Byung-hun. He can't be bad or evil or have evil intentions. My Uber pulls up outside of BH entertainment. I get out of the car and walk inside the building. It was so big and ginormous. As I went to look for the room he addressed me to go, the hallways were creepy. Very creepy. Almost like the backrooms. I went into the room and the lights were off. As I turn them on, I get jump-scared by this idiot in the dark corner.
-”Hello Ruby”
I wanted to scream, but I couldn’t be acting like a child who got scared by a clown so I stayed cool. He said he only wanted to discuss the music video concept so why did he text me so early in the morning? I agreed and we headed over to a big garage.
-”This is where we are going to film the music video.” He said in a deep, dark, voice.
-”Wow, this is really nice” I said with a bit of worry.
We look around. This place was huge so I was pretty excited. Byung-hun handed me a script and I read the script and I saw it was the idea that he was talking about.
-”We will get to work now. Go change.”
I was skeptical because it was ten at night so it didn’t make sense. And he just pushed me into a room and told me to change like who does that? I was so pissed like the heck? It was a simple fit. I imagine it was the first shot for the video. Great. I had the song, like he asked but why is he treating me like this? It was a red turtle neck red shirt and some pants you would wear in an interview. Stupid heels like always and a gold necklace. Not bad, Byung-hun I said in my head as I got out of the dressing room, Byung-hun was already waiting. What a weirdo.
Chapter Five: The Shoot
I went into the studio. It was big and there was room set up for the shoot. I read the script and it started with being in the room with pictures of Byung-hun, and being all creepy. The song that the company requested did NOT fit with the concept. The name of the song? “I want you too” and it sounded like Scott and Zelda by BIBI. Honestly? Not even creative. They didn’t want me to write, choose, or anything. The only thing they wanted was my singing which I was ok with since yet again, I can’t miss out on the 410,712$ juicy check. I was set up in my position and role, and lights, camera, ACTION. I start doing my movements, I am at the desk looking at pictures of Byung-hun. So cheesy but I got this is how the Korean entertainment industry works. The camera gets all the shots and blah blah blah. Honestly? His ideas are weird. After an hour of filming the same scene 830808182308120 times, I finally got a break. Phew. As I sit in my chair like the actors do, he comes up to me.
-“Hello, Ruby.”
-”Hey. Just taking a break”
-”You are a natural. You know that right?”
-” I know. I made a lot of music videos and directed them too. I guess I am not so used to being told what to do”
- “Trust me. You are going to do a lot of obeying soon.”
I was scared. I was concerned. What did he mean by that? Maybe, just maybe it’s out of context. Yeah that MUST be it. I cannot panic. I see him getting ready to shoot his part. He was honestly pretty hot if you ask me. Just saying. Anyways, it was the same scene I was doing but just his version. And again, he took 3 hours and 484093808430 re-takes because they weren’t “perfect enough”. He started pissing me off. AFTER 5 miserable hours, he was finally happy with the shot. We were here for 9 hours and taking barely any breaks. So I waited… and waited… until it was finally time to go. I headed back to the hotel and then I got a message.
Byung-hun: Sorry for keeping you for a long time.
Ruby: It’s fine lol. I’m just tired.
Byung-hun: Good job today. You did good.
Ruby: Thanks haha. I have to go.
In reality, I didn’t have to go. I just wanted to die and sleep. That is exactly what I did when I got to the hotel. I wake up the next day and the same routine of getting ready, makeup, and clothing and I head over to the studio. Byung-hun was already there looking energetic.
-”Are you ready for today?”
-”Not really haha”
-”This is when we film our scene together”
- “Oh yeah… I forgot”
I have been working for him for two weeks already and he’s driving me crazy. Today was the LAST day of filming. Thank god. I put on the red dress, he put a suit on and for some reason I had a prop knife and tried to kill him but then danced the night away with a red moon? To this day, I wonder about his mental state and the script. Well it came out AWESOME and I was so proud of myself. So was he. He hugged me and lifted me up. He cut my air circulation from how tight he hugged me. Well I didn’t care since I was super happy. The staff were so nice, the workers, and everyone. I was going to miss them all. Especially Byung-hun. We had a party and then we had a count down when we FINALLY posted the music video. In the first hour, it already had 550k views. Then 4.1 Million views. THEN it FINALLY HIT 1.2 BILLION VIEWS! I was so happy since I got BIG money BIG time. Then 2 days after the video post, people loved it and never expected this collaboration. Everyone loved it, My song was on radios, Elevators, and even in ads which is crazy. 2 weeks later I got a text message. It was a group chat with Byung-hun. The message left me in shock.
+17756910712:
Hello! This is Jimmy Fallon.
I wanted to invite Ruby Kim and Lee Byung-hin to the Jimmy Fallon show.
Now normally, I would tell my team to contact you but I wanted to ask you personally since this collaboration was one of the biggest ones of 2025. Please accept this invitation.
-Jimmy Falllon.
Jimmy Fallon? THE JIMMY FALLON? And with LEE BYUNG-HUN? Oh yes please! This has been my dream since I was twelve years old and I CANNOT let this opportunity slide. I responded “yes” that I was going to be there. Byung-hun responded later saying that it would be nice to have me there since he is “lonely” and wants to be with me for the show. Last time I checked this man is MARRIED and had 2 kids. But right now, I don’t care because I FINALLY get to meet Jimmy!
Chapter Six: Jimmy Fallon
The day had finally come. It was the day I finally got to be in a Jimmy Fallon interview. I was backstage in my little room, getting ready but then I heard a knock on the door. “Come in!” I said. And who is it? It’s freaking Lee Byung-hun.
-”Are you ready?”
-”Not really”
-”You look good that red dress”
-” Thanks…It’s the you chose for me”
-”You’re welcome”
-”I’ll see you out in the stage with Jimmy”
As I was getting ready, he closed the freaking door. I was panicking already. Why did this dumbo close the door?
-”So..”
-”Yes..?”
-”Don’t be nervous. You just talk. Nothing deep”
-I wasn’t nervous but, you are making me nervous right now by what you just did”
-”Sorry… or am I?”
-”Just go please”
I was already standing up, super pissed and ready to throw my makeup powder at him but he left. For now. Jimmy was yelling that we start in five minutes and I was already ready to go. I positioned myself on the couch and I was waiting. Then Byung-hun sits next to me even though there is a whole entire couch just for him. They removed the other couch since he was sitting with me. What the fuck. I did NOT want to sit next to..him. But his cologne smelled really good so I guess it’s okay. The interview started and Jimmy asked the basic questions of how we met, “you guys must be so proud of this video”, relationships, and ect. Then in the middle of the interview, this bitch just wraps his arm around me. The crowd goes “OoooOOo” and I turn red but I didn’t say anything, I just had to keep quiet. Then I don’t know if it was an accident but he kind of might have touched my boob.I was super uncomfortable and I wanted to leave but I had to deal with…this. Then he hugged my waist. I whispered to him.
-”Can you stop?”
-”I’m giving the public what they want”
-”Then give me what I want. Please stop.”
-”Oh trust me. I’ll give you what you really want”
At this point I was dead. What did I do? Then ten minutes later, he placed his hand on my thigh. Like, your NOT slick pal and then I smacked him. I acted like nothing happened but I know damn well the ship editors are clipping the scene on live television. This is not how I imagined my first Jimmy interview. On the other side, Jimmy saw all of this and he told the staff to cut the cameras and told us that he was happy to have us tonight. I wasn’t. I wanted an interview with just me. Not with him. Now, it was too late. It went on live tv and was posted on YouTube. As we left, I needed fresh air. I went outside and I saw a freaking shadow. I thought it was Byung-hun but again I am just paranoid. I told my staff to drive me back because I didn't want to see him. Not today. As I was headed to the back of the building, Byung-hun saw me and stopped me. “안녕하세요 루비” he said. Something about him saying “hello” to me in Korean was scaring me a bit too much. “안녕하세요” I said back.
-”Why are you scared?”
-”Maybe cause you keep touching me”
-”루비, It was a damn accident. Stop being so childish”
-”But why? Especially on live tv. I’m only 24 and your 55”
-”It’s only a 31 year difference”
At this point he had me nearly against the wall, almost pinning me. As we were arguing, I pushed him and yelled, “Do NOT come near me. I wanted to work with you now you made my life a nightmare! I can’t believe you are the guy I dreamed to be with!”
I ran. I ran for my life while he started chasing me down the hallway. I was running out of breath but I could NOT let him catch me. I ran and got out the back door. My driver was already there and I told him to get out of here. Fast. I was scared. I wanted to die. But, I can’t let a pervert ruin my life and career. I made it to the hotel lobby because I was sure that he was still following me but I can’t seem to prove it. I get on the elevator to the forty-first floor. When the door was closing, I swear I saw him looking for me. I can recognize him anywhere. As I was going up in the elevator, I got a message from Byung-hun.
Lee Byung-hun: Ruby, can we talk?
Ruby Kim: No. Not after what you just did.
Lee Byung-hun: I told you it was an accident!
Ruby Kim: I don’t care. Why are you like this? Don’t you have a family? Go be a pervert to your own WIFE.
Lee Byung-hun: I was just giving what the public wanted.Ruby Kim: But this is not what I want.
Lee Byung-hun: How do you want to work in the Korean entertainment industry if you can’t even deal with small things? Idols take this stuff and give what the people want, not what THEY want. You act just like a small child Ruby. Shame on you.
Ruby Kim: Shame on me? Dude, we cannot be serious right now. I’m 24 and you're 55. See what's wrong with that?
Lee Byung-hun: Well, age is just a number.
Ruby Kim: And prison is just a place that exists.
Lee Byung-hun: Don’t make me come to you. I will give you exactly what you want. Trust me.
I left him on read since I didn’t have time for brats like him.