Chapter 80

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on February 25, 2025

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– This “The Chaser” seems to be another thriller.

– Is this Bae Jin-hwan director’s new work? If so, it might be worth watching.

– Who’s acting in it? The actress at the convenience store is stunningly pretty.

– She’s still in high school, isn’t she? The Yeonhwa Princess from “Memories to See.”

– Ah, her?

– Definitely pretty, but casting her as the convenience store employee seems like a waste, which is a shame.

– I heard she’s also appearing on a variety show next week.

– These days, even supporting actors do promotions?

– Since she’s beautiful, how about a drink?

—

The teaser for “The Chaser” aired, and the internet buzzed briefly.

Bae Jin-hwan, the director.

He’s considered something of a genius director in South Korea, and this was his new film.

Moreover, the cast and the thriller genre seemed quite promising.

Since GH Group funded and produced the movie, some skeptics were quick to criticize, but there was no denying it was an anticipated new work. Especially since South Korean films have been struggling recently against foreign hero blockbusters, the anticipation was even greater.

“I hope the plot isn’t too predictable.”

Movie critic Na Dong-sik shook his head as he muttered.

Thriller films—they were great. Word had it that Bae Jin-hwan had received significant support on casting influential actors.

“I don’t even know which era’s ‘Raincoat Murderer’ this is.”

At this comment, Na Dong-sik’s fellow critic smirked.

“…Well, I’m not saying it’s bad. It’s classic, right? But…”

“Lacks a bit of an impact?”

“Exactly. It’s right there…”

He rewound and replayed the movie teaser.

Yesterday’s preview was a 2-minute clip.

Naturally, the full content of the movie couldn’t be known yet. For now, they could only go by the available information.

“She’s too small.”

“Exactly. Her standing next to tall actor Kim Dae-heon makes it even more noticeable.”

“That’s true, that’s true. That’s exactly how it feels. The criminal… definitely has a presence in the atmosphere.”

Why choose such a petite person as the criminal?

It’s true that even a woman with a knife can be dangerous, but still—

“Is the criminal a woman?”

Na Dong-sik, mumbling absentmindedly, narrowed his eyes.

“Oh, the criminal is a woman? That could work.”

“Hmm. If that’s the case, I’m a bit less excited.”

The role of a criminal needed someone with commanding presence. It wasn’t a macho thing, but the mere visual impact mattered.

Absolute evil.

The actor in this role couldn’t completely embody that feeling—there was a certain lack of gravitas.

“And, is she also one of the main characters? I see her face in the preview.”

“Ah, is it Sooyeon Joo? Is she trendy now, so they included her?”

She was undeniably beautiful.

A convenience store employee’s face.

From internet reactions, it seemed she would appear on a variety show soon.

“Sending supporting actors to promote on variety shows…”

“It looks like they’re trying to capitalize on current talkability since the release is still a while away.”

The movie wouldn’t release for at least a few months.

While advertisements were expected, putting her on variety shows felt premature. Still, this deliberate early promotion aimed to leverage her current popularity.

Throw an early punch, then focus on a larger promotion a few months later.

“Hmm…”

But Na Dong-sik felt something wasn’t right about this actress, Sooyeon Joo.

He had heard that producer Cha Dong-jin was involved in this movie.

He was clever; GH didn’t entrust this to him for no reason.

‘Could it really be just for this reason?’

It seemed logical on the surface.

Sooyeon Joo.

He had definitely seen her before. As someone who distinctly remembered her performance from “The Moon That Hid the Sun,” he clearly recalled her work as a child actor.

And recently, from “Memories to See,” her presence.

The audience-drawing power from “With Eyes Closed.”

Her influence on the public—was she really just a supporting role in this convenience store movie?

‘No.’

That couldn’t be it.

For someone to put this actress in what seemed like an inconsequential role was suspicious.

“A brief review of the teaser needs to go up today, right?”

At this comment from his colleague, Na Dong-sik nodded, already guessing the kind of review that would be written.

His colleague mostly wrote negative criticisms, so he’d likely point out the flaws in “The Chaser.”

It wasn’t a review.

Just a throwaway line on social media.

“I’ll refrain this time.”

“Really?”

His colleague appeared surprised; Na Dong-sik was usually the one leading such discussions.

For some reason, it didn’t feel right this time.

At least, not until the movie’s release.

***

It’s a common saying that life can change overnight.

True, my situation wasn’t exactly that, but it was somewhat similar.

With past drama shooting experience, I vaguely expected something familiar, but it wasn’t.

“Hi.”

At my usual convenience store before school, the cashier, who rarely initiates conversations, spoke first.

Why?

“You’re an actress now! I recognized you right away.”

He pulled out his smartphone to show me the teaser for “The Chaser,” which now had over 2.4 million views.

Honestly, it felt surreal.

Checking the real-time views ticking up every time I refreshed the video, it was hard to believe these were real people watching.

“Good luck!”

Smiling lightly at the cashier’s encouragement, I ran to school.

More people noticed me than before.

The first noticeable change was during the filming of the variety show “Memories to See.” Then “Crown Me as a King.”

Through these, a few acquaintances appeared. But this time, it might be more.

‘Maybe.’

I might’ve entered a bigger world than I imagined.

“The first teaser preview has been so well-received that preparations are underway for the second.”

Director Bae Jin-hwan, beaming with happiness, informed Sooyeon. The positive response was justified.

From what he’d heard, it had the highest numbers among movies released this year so far.

“Ms. Sooyeon.”

“Yes?”

“How were your exams?”

“…”

She hadn’t expected him to ask about her grades, so she stayed quiet. For reference, Sooyeon isn’t dumb. She just dislikes studying—an ordinary student.

“Hmm, but it’s good to balance academics with acting. Understand?”

“Yes.”

Many young actors questioned the importance of academics in acting, but Bae Jin-hwan believed students should study. Even if they weren’t outstanding, it was a matter of attitude.

“Of course, you seem sharp enough, so I’m not worried.”

“…”

Even Sooyeon, brimming with self-confidence, couldn’t nod to that. Honestly, she knew she wasn’t especially sharp. Imagining her father chuckling at this thought made her feel worse.

“Anyway, the film will premiere soon, so our focus will remain on promotions until then.”

Translation: He meant she’d be busy attending promotional activities here and there.

“Will Cha Sooah’s identity be concealed throughout the teasers?”

“Until the second one.”

“So on the third?”

“Yes. It will be a tiny bit.”

They had no intention of hiding her identity forever. Instead, they’d insert a scene at the end hinting at the criminal’s identity.

“So will you rest until the premiere, Ms. Sooyeon?”

“No.”

Upon hearing this, Sooyeon smiled. She was watching Kim Dae-heon, who was dressed up for the promotion.

It was interview day.

“Why not? You’re busy, Ms. Sooyeon.”

Among the actors, Kim Dae-heon casually addressed Sooyeon. Most were now comfortable interacting with her, unlike before.

Though she insisted formalities weren’t needed, Kim Dae-heon insisted on showing respect.

“Isn’t it a commercial shoot? I heard the Éclat Étoile ad model was replaced.”

This comment came from Jung Si-hyun, who played Han Ye-hwa. The previous ad model, Song Hee-bin, was being replaced.

The new model was known to everyone in the room.

“No.”

“Then?”

“I’m going to audition.”

“Audition?”

Another audition already?

Yes, it was possible. But for a student, she was certainly keeping busy.

“What drama? Is it the upcoming suspense drama…?”

“It’s not a suspense drama.”

“Oh, right. Because of the strong image of Cha Sooah.”

In Jung Si-hyun’s mind, Sooyeon was firmly linked to Cha Sooah. This role overshadowed any other image she might portray.

Seeing this clear bias, Sooyeon grew even more confident about this upcoming drama.

“It’s a youth romance.”

“…Youth romance?”

A genre too far removed from Sooyeon, everyone thought.

Considering her action-packed image as Cha Sooah, it seemed like an action-heavy drama would be a better fit.

“It’s the Dream Future auditions, in a few weeks.”

Precisely three weeks after her variety show and ads aired.

“If I pass this audition, I’ll play Joo Ha-rin, a supporting role with a lively and quirky personality.”

The part didn’t have much screen time, but it was vibrant and fun.

If all went well and “Dream Future” was greenlit, the broadcast schedule would overlap perfectly with “The Chaser.”

At around the 4th episode of “Dream Future,” “The Chaser” would premiere. That was her plan—using the drama to shift away from the killer image associated with Éclat Étoile.

“Given that my role diminishes after episode 8, there won’t be much burden.”

Fewer screen appearances mean fewer shootings—thus Sooyeon planned to improve her image and then smoothly exit.

It was quite the well-laid plan.

Smiling inwardly, Sooyeon thought it perfect.

***

“Manager.”

“What is it?”

Éclat Étoile Manager Baek Min-chan continued to review a document, responding casually.

The head of the Business Strategy Team, Jung Tae-soo, then hesitantly began to speak. The atmosphere changed, and Baek Min-chan paused and looked up.

“…Something went wrong?”

His voice carried tension because this was his strongly supported advertising model decision. If it failed, it would hurt his reputation.

“Ten percent…?”