Chapter 12

“If I fail this time again, my family will try to kill me…”

Han Sun-ah, a high school graduate preparing to enter the journalism and mass communication department at Seoul’s S University, heaved a deep sigh filled with gloom.

She had come close but ultimately failed last year and was confident that next time around, she’d definitely be successful.

However, the reality that greeted her now was merely another year of being labeled a “repeat candidate.”

“Haah.”

In her gloomy state, Han Sun-ah switched on her small TV, sitting alone in her cramped studio apartment. She couldn’t concentrate on studying due to her mood and the throbbing headache it brought on.

“Huh?”

Sun-ah was a habitual watcher of variety show *Celebrity Live*, which commonly covered entertainment industry gossip since she enjoyed such content a lot.

To her surprise, instead of featuring the latest emerging actors or idols, as the program usually did, this episode was airing the making of a drama.

“Ugh, now they’re showing making-of footage on public broadcasting channels?”

Looking at the program, it seemed a rather well-funded variety show.

*The Moon That Hid the Sun.*

From the explanation, it was clear that it was a period drama based on a popular novel.

“How about you just tell me what’s going on with Ho-seok Oppa instead of this stuff?”

Despite the temptation to switch channels, she stayed to see if another segment might come along since she liked these kinds of shows anyway.

First, came the drama’s introduction, followed by a discussion about the actors, and then an announcement of auditions to cast child actors for the younger parts of the main characters.

Naturally, Han Sun-ah didn’t feel much interest.

However skilled the child actors might be, they are children, right?

All she thought as she watched was, “Ah, that girl’s from one of those daily dramas.”

“Wow, Park Sun-woong’s son has grown so much?”

Han Sun-ah’s attention was caught by Park Jung-woo, the son of the once-famous handsome actor Park Sun-woong. As she continued watching, she found herself increasingly absorbed in the performances of the young actors.

She had naively assumed the acting would barely rise above the level of a school play. Yet, it quickly became evident that these were talented young actors who could command the screen despite their tender years.

Then came Park Jung-woo’s performance, and Jo Seohui’s, and it was if they were already bloomed flowers, ready to dazzle.

A beautiful flower that draws the gaze of all who see it.

“Never noticed when she was on the daily drama before. And she’s this good?”

It was no surprise.

Veteran actors often populate daily dramas, so it would have been remarkable if she didn’t stand out amongst them. The description “exceptional” didn’t seem to do Seohui’s performance justice.

“Seohui’s going to win, probably.”

At this point, watching all the child actors, Han Sun-ah couldn’t help but think anyone would arrive at the same conclusion.

Park Jung-woo, well, his position was practically a given. The other boys seemed to have already accepted it.

Thus, Han Sun-ah thought every actor had been cast.

“Huh?”

But then something unexpected happened.

A girl, her presence unnoticed until now, stepped forward.

She was cute.

With inky-black hair and eyes that shimmered with hints of brown, even a reddish hue at times, her gaze conveyed an otherworldly aura.

And there was this calm in that small frame—something hard to find in someone so young.

The subtitle introducing her mentioned only six months of acting experience, and only appearances in commercials.

But Han Sun-ah immediately knew who she was.

“Oh, it’s the soy milk commercial kid!”

She had recently become quite famous through soy milk ads, and her performance had been impressive.

“But can she really act well?”

With only six months of acting experience and a couple of commercial shoots, she was far from matching the seasoned actors with years of practice. Could charm and striking looks alone suffice?

But as she watched her acting during the auditions, her thoughts were shaken.

Princess Yeonhwa.

There stood Princess Yeonhwa, stepping gracefully yet with poise amidst the setting sun’s glow, carrying a touching sorrow.

Han Sun-ah found herself mesmerized by the girl who was known for the soy milk ads. It was only when the first episode ended that she fully realized this.

“Wait! How can you just end it like this?”

Han Sun-ah was exasperated. This was trickery by the producers—despicable tactics to boost ratings.

Of course, everyone wanted to know who’d play Princess Yeonhwa!

Seohui? Jo Seoyeon?

Grumbling, Han Sun-ah sat back down at her desk.

Curiously, her headache had vanished, and her mind felt remarkably clearer than it had been in a while.

“Really, between Seohui and that soy milk girl, who do you think will get the part?”

A week later,

She discussed the matter with a friend from her private tutoring academy who was also aiming for journalism and mass communication. Understandably, the group was deeply engrossed in talk about *The Moon That Hid the Sun* auditions.

“Hard to say, but I favor the soy milk girl a bit more.”

“But the judges said Seohui has more stability.”

“Yeah, but you know acting is about that flash, the brilliance!”

Such debates went on and on until the second episode of the making show aired. The acting segment of the second half was even more intense.

While not all scenes were shown to avoid spoilers, it was clear the performances presented were making it difficult to judge who was better.

Seohui’s acting remained solid. Even as a young actor, she had a professional aura. She was, indeed, a prodigy.

On the other hand, the soy milk girl—Seoyeon’s—acting was rougher, lacking the technical polish, evident after several takes.

However, there was something powerful about her presence. Something about her connection to emotion that riveted the eyes.

Before she knew it, Han Sun-ah had subtly started rooting for Seoyeon.

Maybe it was because she had become a fan.

Because, while Seohui’s technically refined, polished performance was impressive, Han Sun-ah found that she had developed an affection for Seoyeon’s raw and unpolished one.

And then, with the conclusion of the second broadcast, just when everyone wondered if the announcement about casting would be delayed for another episode,

the screen shifted.

“The child actress to play Young Eun-hye in *The Moon That Hid the Sun* is…”

The scene showed a meeting room. Here sat director of photography, producer, and other staff passing around slips.

And their verdict?

“The role of Princess Yeonhwa, Eun-hye will go to Seoyeon Joo.”

The result: Seoyeon won by two votes.

A wave of satisfaction washed over Han Sun-ah, akin to finishing a long episode of a variety show.

“…I must watch this drama.”

She muttered this thoughtlessly.

Lately, due to her studies, she had put off watching several dramas.

But for this one, it seemed she’d have to catch it live.

***

After the release of the making footage, all eyes were on Seoyeon.

Until then, she had been merely the cute soy milk commercial child.

But now, opinions on her were becoming more complex.

Some hailed her as the genius child actor who surpassed Jo Seohui from the daily dramas.

Others argued, “Seohui acted better. They just supported the newbie because of her face!”

“Don’t tell me you’ve been looking at the internet again?”

Sua’s eyes and voice trembled with tension, a clear sign of how upset she was. Even her forehead veins were bulging. Moreover, her dark under-eye circles suggested a night-long internet vigil.

“Last night, there was a fierce debate in the Next’s ‘Matgo Square.'”

It seemed that on the portal site Next, an article related to the audition had been posted. In ‘Matgo Square,’ a space for various petitions and discussions, a contentious conversation about Seoyeon erupted. Sua had rolled up her sleeves, ready for a digital fight, engaging with many through the night.

Seoyeon, having woken briefly to use the bathroom, froze at the sight of her mother fiercely defending her online.

It was like watching a warrior in full armor.

“Hmm, what else can you do, right?”

By contrast, Seoyeon’s father, Joo Young-bin, was unusually cool-headed.

“Seoyeon, remember? You have to show everyone through your acting. Don’t worry, Dad believes in you.”

“Yes.”

“Wow, Seoyeon, thanks to you, Dad has been enjoying life lately.”

Young-bin ruffled his daughter’s hair before tying his tie and leaving for work, humming a tune as he went.

Recently, going to work had been a joy for him.

After all, what do parents love most?

Boasting about their children.

Not only did people inquire about Seoyen frequently at work, but some even wanted pre-signed autographs.

It was particularly satisfying when that request came from Kim Team Leader, who used to nag Young-bin over every little thing. Young-bin felt as if he was floating on clouds.

“Dad really likes this.”

Of course, Seoyeon nodded at the sight of her father’s excitement.

“Ah, this is why actors keep doing auditions.”

It was clear that an audition was one of the fastest ways to attract attention in a short period of time. If VTubers also did auditions, it might be possible to gain similar exposure?

“To this extent, one might even consider aiming for corporate sponsors…”

“Don’t VTubers do auditions? If Seoyeon made her debut there like she did here, she might immediately become a monster rookie!”

At this moment, Sua, noticing Seoyeon’s contemplative demeanor, said sternly,

“Seoyeon, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, alright? Also, remember, we’ve booked the appointment to the hospital for stress management.”

“Yes.”

Seoyeon suddenly remembered the prior arrangement to visit a psychiatrist for her stress management. Someone had suggested it, but she couldn’t recall who.

“Hmm.”

Seoyeon sighed and crossed her arms.

Honestly, she wasn’t particularly fond of places like that.

***

The promotion for *The Moon That Hid the Sun* was remarkably successful. Partnering with the PD of *Celebrity Live* for special airings had proven to be the right decision.

That said, Ha Tae-oh PD harbored his own internal concerns.

“Is Joo Seoyeon ready for this?”

The child actor emerged victorious through voting.

Her acting was, without doubt, outstanding during the auditions.

But this time, she wouldn’t just be performing alongside peers of similar age.

Veteran actors who had earned acclaim for their own skills would be part of the cast.

Given that the elite route-trained Jo Seohui had been overlooked despite her capabilities, there might indeed be dissatisfaction among some of the actors.

“To be honest, she’s too unconventional…”

Ha Tae-oh saw her as one who had accelerated through shortcuts rather than the traditional path. Naturally, those proud professionals, who had followed the traditional route, were bound to have doubts.

This was why Ha Tae-oh cast his vote for Jo Seohui during the auditions.

While Seoyeon certainly delivered a greater impact during the audition, the dynamics on set were different from auditions.

“Ha PD.”

At that moment, an actress with neatly arranged silver streaks addressed Ha Tae-oh.

“Oh! Yes, Actress Jeong Eun-seon?”

“Isn’t today the girl’s first day on the show?”

“That’s right.”

“Hmm.”

Ha Tae-oh glanced at Jeong Eun-seon’s expression, reading the subtle undertones beneath her calm actor’s facade.

Even without overt emotions, every person has subtle hints of intent.

Having worked with actors for long periods, Ha Tae-oh could infer feelings through these nuances.

“She’s noticed it.”

Jeong Eun-seon belonged among the senior actors—strict about acting standards.

What she saw as rough performances by someone like Seoyeon would naturally be irksome.

“Besides, she openly favored Seohui.”

Jeong Eun-seon, having been a child actor herself who grew into a successful role, particularly admired Seohui’s budding talent.

She had once mentioned in a variety show that shooting a drama with Seohui would be something to look forward to.

But then, suddenly, a wildcard appeared and shattered that opportunity.

“Please, may this child possess a strong mental fortitude.”

And worse luck—worse luck!

Jeong Eun-seon’s character was Queen Dowager Eun-hye.

In other words, the grand empress of Princess Yeonhwa—her acting grandmother.

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