Daeil Kim, Director, Writer 

Sloan Grant(s) Received: 2024, USC, Production Award

Project Type: Short

Genre: Drama

Length: 18 pages 

Field of Science: Biology

Stage: Development

Synopsis: 

In 2005, Dr. Park Ho-Won, a charismatic veterinarian and pioneer in stem cell technology, introduces Terrius, the world’s first cloned dog, to global acclaim, earning worldwide praise and establishing himself as a national hero. His lab’s mission to end human disabilities inspires his team, including Do-Hee Lee, a talented assistant researcher in her 30s. Pregnant and full of hope, Do-Hee dreams of leaving a legacy in science, idolizing Dr. Park’s vision and pushing boundaries. However, her caring husband, Dae-Soo, worries about her health and balance between work and life.

Tragedy strikes when Do-Hee suffers a miscarriage, and she begins to isolate herself from Dae-Soo. Focusing on work, she becomes obsessed with Noo-Ri, a 9-year-old patient with disabilities who is a candidate for the lab’s stem cell treatment. As Do-Hee becomes more consumed by the work, Dr. Park convinces her to donate her eggs for research, promising career advancement.

Do-Hee grows close to Noo-Ri but uncovers discrepancies in the data, realizing the lab’s celebrated breakthroughs may be falsified. She discovers a potential cancer risk linked to the stem cell technology and becomes morally conflicted. As she investigates further, she uncovers Dr. Park’s secret dealings, including suspicious interactions with Noo-Ri’s parents.
Amid increasing tension, Do-Hee confronts Dr. Park, but he manipulates her, threatening her career and warning her not to expose the truth. On the day of Noo-Ri’s surgery, Do-Hee, overcome with guilt, attempts to rescue him, but ultimately lets him go, realizing the complexity of the situation.

At home, Do-Hee finds a letter from Dae-Soo, revealing his heartbreak over her obsession with work. Overwhelmed by guilt, Do-Hee decides to expose Dr. Park’s fraud, leaking her findings to a journalist. The ensuing media storm leads to Dr. Park’s conviction, but it also isolates Do-Hee, leaving her with few allies.

Despite the personal and professional repercussions, including death threats, Do-Hee finds an unexpected ally in Noo-Ri’s father, Young-Ro, who helps her strengthen her case. Noo-Ri passes away from the shock of losing hope, and Do-Hee faces the painful consequences of her actions. She eventually reconciles with Dae-Soo, who rescues her from an attack by Dr. Park’s supporters.

Do-Hee’s sacrifice becomes a symbol of integrity in science, reminding others of the importance of truth, even at great personal cost.