You Call It Passion 2015

Intern entry and awakening to newsroom realities

Do Ra-hee enters Dongmyung, the newspaper company, as an intern in the entertainment section. She quickly encounters the dirty and hidden aspects of journalism and learns the passion and enthusiasm of the press. She also faces pressure to produce non-existing news by corroborating stories, a practice she finds troubling.

First assignment: scandal involving Woo Ji-han

Her first assignment as an official journalist is to write up a sexual assault scandal involving an up-and-coming actor, Woo Ji-han of JS. She digs into the new evidence surrounding the case and begins to question its credibility. The investigation marks the start of a deeper scrutiny of the media's handling of sensational stories.

Uncovering fabricated evidence

During her investigation, she discovers that the evidence used against the actor is fabricated. She tells her boss that she will not proceed with the write-up given the falsified material. The newsroom atmosphere becomes tense as the truth challenges the initial assignment.

Boss publishes the scandal anyway

Despite her refusal, her boss, Ha Jae-kwan, goes ahead and posts the scandalous article on the company's website. The published piece damages the actor's reputation and tests Ra-hee's loyalty to ethical journalism. She realizes the system can prioritize sensationalism over accuracy.

Ex-mentor proposes a counter-approach

Later, her ex-mentor Seon-woo suggests she pursue a different angle by exposing the fabricated evidence. She weighs the risks of going public with the truth. The moment marks a shift from compliance with the newsroom to seeking accountability.

Drafting the counter-exposé

Ra-hee begins drafting a write-up that would reveal the fabricated evidence used against the actor. She aims to clear the actor's name and present verifiable facts. The project puts her at odds with some newsroom leaders who fear backlash.

Company refuses to publish the exposé

The company refuses to publish her counter-exposé, blocking the effort to challenge the fabricated narrative. Ra-hee faces professional pushback, but she remains determined to seek truth. The stalemate nudges her to seek alternative routes to reach the public.

Colleagues post the exposé online

Undeterred, Ra-hee's colleagues assist by posting the write-up on the internet using public computers. The move brings the story to a broader audience and spurs public discussion. This act drives momentum toward transparency and accountability in the industry.

Arrest for corruption follows exposure

The online post leads to the arrest and prosecution of film studio manager Jang for corruption, as authorities uncover the broader scope of manipulation behind the scandal. The exposure also reveals how fabricated evidence influenced the media narrative. The actor’s innocence is brought back into the light.

Actor thanks Ra-hee for clearing his name

The actor publicly thanks Ra-hee for clearing his name, recognizing her role in exposing the truth behind the allegations. The gesture acknowledges the courage it takes to challenge false narratives and seek accountability.