A Secret Ally

Series: Vintage Heartbeat

Han-sol, a 28-year-old from a rural grape farm, has long been dismissed as a 'country bumpkin.' Armed with generations of ancestral agricultural wisdom but scorned by a society that values academic pedigrees, he embarks on an ambitious mission: to create a world-class cognac in Korea, a region deemed unsuitable for such a craft. His path soon converges with Lee Soo-yeon, a 30-year-old brilliant, city-bred sommelier, who initially views his provincial dream with skepticism. However, as she witnesses Han-sol's unwavering passion, his deep, intuitive connection to the land, and the unique flavor profile he coaxes from his grapes, her initial cynicism transforms into admiration, and then something profound. Together, they navigate the treacherous landscape of the global beverage industry, blending Han-sol’s rustic intuition and profound heritage with Soo-yeon’s refined expertise and sharp intellect. They face relentless mockery from international experts and sabotage from corporate rivals, but their shared dream and evolving love fuel their resilience. 'Vintage Heartbeat' is a heartwarming story of an underdog's triumph, a slow-burn romance, and a heartfelt tribute to the Korean countryside, proving that the finest spirits are distilled not just from grapes, but from passion, heritage, and the beating heart of a shared dream.

Creator: Han2

Published: 2026-06-16T13:15:06

Frame 1: Soo-yeon's investigation is underway. CENTER: The slender Soo-yeon sits at a desk, face illuminated by a laptop screen, looking intensely focused amidst piles of documents.

Frame 2: A breakthrough is found. The laptop screen displays a personnel file for a former employee of Global Spirits Corp. The word 'TERMINATED' is clearly visible.

Frame 3: A moment of realization. CENTER: The slender Soo-yeon's eyes are wide, reflecting the laptop screen's light. A hand is raised slightly toward Soo-yeon's mouth in shock.

Frame 4: A discreet meeting occurs. LEFT: The slender Soo-yeon sits upright. RIGHT: A 50-year-old man with glasses, The Whistleblower, sits opposite, face partially obscured by shadow.

Frame 5: An exchange of invaluable information. RIGHT: The Whistleblower's hand pushes a thick manila folder across a table. LEFT: The slender Soo-yeon's hand reaches out to receive the folder.

Frame 6: The insider seeks redemption. RIGHT: The 50-year-old man with glasses, The Whistleblower, looks down with a somber expression. LEFT: The slender Soo-yeon listens intently, holding the folder.

Vintage Heartbeat — Ep.12: A Secret Ally

Published 6/16/26, 1:15:06 PM · 👁 0 · ❤️ 0 · Shares 0

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Creator note

Episode

Soo-yeon’s diligent investigation into Global Spirits Corp. yields an unexpected breakthrough: she uncovers a former high-ranking employee who was unjustly ousted for refusing to partake in unethical practices. This secret ally, seeking a form of redemption, provides invaluable insider information about CEO Kang's aggressive, cutthroat tactics and past attempts to suppress smaller, innovative competitors. Armed with this critical intelligence, Han-sol and Soo-yeon swiftly devise a strategy to counter the ongoing sabotage, focusing on strengthening their supply chain and bolstering legal protections. Their deepening trust and reliance on each other solidifies as they navigate this escalating external threat.

✦

@Han2

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Episode

#Vintage Heartbeat#Han-sol#Lee Soo-yeon#Drama

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Characters in this episode

Han-sol
Raised on a multi-generational grape farm in the Korean countryside, Han-sol inherited a wealth of agricultural knowledge passed down through his family. Frustrated by a society that devalues traditional wisdom in favor of formal education, he sets out on an ambitious mission: to create a world-class cognac in a region deemed unsuitable for it. His journey is a tribute to his ancestors and a defiant attempt to prove that true quality comes from passion and heritage.
Lee Soo-yeon
A top sommelier from Seoul, Soo-yeon built her career in the competitive, high-stakes world of fine dining and international beverages. She has a prestigious education and a reputation for being one of the best in her field. She first meets Han-sol as a skeptic, viewing his project as a provincial fantasy. However, his unique product and undeniable passion challenge her preconceived notions, leading her to risk her reputation to join his unlikely venture, finding a deeper sense of purpose along the way.