Chapter 140

The atmosphere at KMB Broadcasting Company’s Drama Department recently could aptly be described as the calm before the storm.

This was to be expected.

With the Drama Department now split into Department 1 and Department 2, it was only natural that both the staff and producers would feel uneasy about the changes ahead.

Among these concerns, one stood out.

“Has PD Bak spoken to you separately? About moving to our side?”

“Oh, I’ve heard. Apparently, they’re seriously starting to assemble the team for Department 2.”

“It seems like most of the division will likely come from higher up…”

“But I hear PD Bak has already approached the people he specifically wants to bring along.”

After exchanging such remarks, the producers lapsed into a moment of silence.

Though the higher-ups would likely take the lead in divvying things up, producers inevitably had to have their opinions factored into the decision-making process.

And so, therein lay the dilemma.

Should they stay with Department 1?

Or move to Department 2?

Judging purely by competence, the scales tilt in favor of Director Ha Tae-oh.

After all, he was the one who quickly resolved the inefficiencies of his predecessor, and his recent success with *Dream Future* had brought renewed vitality to the Drama Department.

But still…

PD Bak Tae-soo held close ties with KMB’s president, and which side would receive more support was anyone’s guess.

Unless one was foolish, it was only natural to back the side that was demonstrably stronger.

However, in this case, it wasn’t solely about past performance but the risks associated with potential failures.

If both were to fail spectacularly, PD Bak Tae-soo would likely have more opportunities due to his connections.

That’s what having an “in” is all about.

Conversely, Director Ha Tae-oh was at a disadvantage in this regard, though he was followed by many loyal producers who praised his exceptional individual capabilities.

Additionally, he was known to have the favor of one of the vice presidents.

Thus it was a tough situation to untangle.

“Headache.”

Connections.

Or lines.

Whose side would you choose?

Who would have thought that they’d end up navigating such matters at a broadcasting company?

Of course, in any workplace, lines had to be navigated, albeit to varying extents.

Only, this split between Drama Department 1 and 2 would inevitably lead to friction.

And there was a real possibility that misjudging could leave one as adrift as a lonely buoy.

Both sides had key dramas currently underway.

The success of those would likely dictate the trajectory of the producers involved.

The last drama before the split would largely dictate their movements.

“So, what do you think of *Sky Garden*?”

“It’s good. The new screenwriter, Min Se-hee, certainly has a good sense. Her writing stands out in a way that you don’t frequently see in public broadcasting.”

“Hmm, that’s true. Whether it’ll be a success or failure is hard to tell, though.”

“Well…”

That was something that was hard to dispute. Min Se-hee’s scripts were original, with a tight plot.

However, her approach to romance was rather lacking, a weak point for any public broadcasting drama.

Knowing this weakness, Min Se-hee was trying to address it as much as possible, though it wasn’t a short-term issue.

PD Bak Tae-soo had supported a variety of screenwriters, resulting in a stable network of talented writers around him.

“And I also heard something about the drama Bak PD is shooting. He mentioned Song Ga-min.”

“Song Ga-min, yes, I’ve heard that too.”

Among the rising actresses of late, Song Ga-min was one of the most frequently mentioned names.

Only twenty-five years old, her career had skyrocketed in less than a year, after years of working as a child actress.

Her journey from tackling every odd job in the industry to becoming a star had become a public talking point.

“Maybe they’re trying to set up a clash between the rising female leads?”

“Or perhaps it’s about casting someone who contrasts with Joo Soo-yeon.”

Though twenty-five might not seem old, it was difficult to compare with a seventeen-year-old who had recently become a media sensation.

“Looks like they’re trying to create a framework.”

“Between a genius actress and a hardworking one.”

While the public might fawn over a prodigy, there’s an innate tendency to root for the underdog.

By putting the focus on Song Ga-min, who struggled and found fame later in life, they hoped to tap into that sentiment.

The success of a drama isn’t determined solely by the acting skills of its actors. It seemed almost deliberate casting that would be accompanied by strategic publicity to sustain that narrative.

In a way, this also implied that Joo Soo-yeon’s star power was incredibly strong.

Her charismatic star quality.

Her monstrous potential.

For over a decade, she had been a pivotal figure influencing KMB Broadcasting Company.

Now,

“Mom, uh, I’d like to appear on an observation variety show.”

“…Eh?”

Sua, her mother, was visibly shocked as Soo-yeon passionately pleaded her case.

***

“Observation variety show.”

It was a genre that typically involved showcasing the daily life of a star.

In this case, the variety show being offered was called *Golden Ducklings*, a program focused on the everyday lives of stars who lived with their parents.

Among observation variety shows, some centered on specific themes like “romantic relationships,” whereas *Golden Ducklings* was a newly-planned program that focused on celebrities who lived with their parents.

Given that many young actors lived with their parents, this program often featured such guests.

It was quite challenging programming, but the episode featuring the daily life of a young child actor had become a sensation.

Shows that provided a rare glimpse into the lives of child actors or young celebrities were always popular.

They were especially useful for image-making, often portraying these young stars as normal kids despite their TV personas.

“They may seem put-together on TV, but they’re still kids.”

“Isn’t this from MDC?”

Indeed, MDC had a long-standing connection with Soo-yeon.

During her child actor days, *Tai Soon Dal* (The Moon That Hid the Sun) had directly competed with MDC’s *Action King*.

Though it escaped her exact memory, it was clear that comparisons had been drawn between her and MDC dramas during *Dream Future*.

Regardless, a single actor wasn’t tied down to one network, and variety shows didn’t present a major conflict of interest.

Back in the day, there were some sensitivities, but that wasn’t the case anymore.

It wasn’t unusual for actors to appear simultaneously on dramas from different networks and even the same broadcasting companies.

Thus, appearing on a variety show wouldn’t create any significant issues.

“Still, I’m not entirely sure what exactly I’m supposed to do…”

Observing other celebrities might provide some clues.

Soo-yeon believed this was an exceptional opportunity.

“Perhaps this is it.”

She had carefully maintained her self-image, being particularly conscious of her public persona as someone who searches for themselves online.

Recently, she had been associated with all sorts of wild animals in合成 battles.

Even more curiously,

– Is it true that Joo Soo-yean killed a fish (dotdom) with her bare hands?

– Yeah, ever since then, the dotdom has been pretty quiet.

– Knocking out a 200kg dotdom with one punch? Even Enagynu couldn’t do that.

– But she did.

– That’s a bit exaggerated, right?

Amidst the chaos, old footage of Soo-yeon pummeling a dotdom had resurfaced and was analyzed in slow motion.

The video was blurry, so it was easy to assume it was just a joke.

“Too dangerous.”

Watching her image unravel in real-time was nerve-wracking.

Soo-yeon couldn’t help but feel envious of Jo Seo-hee or Ji-yeon.

In Jo Seo-hee’s case,

– Perfect antagonist vibes!

– She looks like the daughter of a dark cult leader!

– Definitely an evil villain! But she’s pretty too.

Her somewhat fierce features lent her an aura of a noble-born villainess.

It was a sophisticated and high-end brand of image.

As for Ji-yeon, while her fandom might not be as large as Jo Seo-hee’s, she was building a similar image.

That is,

– Does Ji-yeon still have school bullying controversies?

– What? Still????

– Heeeng, Ji-yeon, stomp them…

– Ji-yeon isn’t a part of a gang!

– Don’t spread lies. Ji-yeon is so gentle.

Some discussions did crop up about her.

Compared to the high-profile villainous image of Jo Seo-hee, Ji-yeon’s image seemed closer to the mainstream public.

Now, looking at both sides, they both needed some image management, but overall, their feminine images were strong.

They were regularly described as cute or beautiful.

But in Soo-yeon’s case,

– Could Joo Soo-yeon burst a sandbag?

– Armed commandos versus Joo Soo-yeon. Without guns, would Joo Soo-yeon win?

– Even with guns, she avoids bullets, so wouldn’t she still triumph?

– That’s paintball!

– Honestly, can she evade real bullets?

– Hmm… but even commandos with guns would find it tough.

While reading these, Soo-yeon pondered.

Is this really a fan café for a female actress?

Certainly, there were far more posts complimenting her looks and calling her cute.

After all, she was attractive.

Most people who first became fans of her often wrote positively about her beauty.

But over time, they naturally gravitated towards the *Coliseum* board on the fan café.

Is the *Coliseum* board really a place for debates on how female actresses would fare in various battles?

Soo-yeon genuinely wondered. She occasionally browsed but always thought it was more of a casual discussion spot for users.

Here, however, serious debates were held about how far Soo-yeon could push her limits.

Truth be told, Soo-yeon herself was curious too.

Would bullets leave a mark?

It seemed her supposedly invincible TS skin didn’t allow for scars or wounds.

No matter how much she exercised, not a single hardened area developed.

Always sleek and smooth.

That’s how her skin had been, proving the durability of TS skin.

“Just maybe, she’s unusually resilient?”

Without ever having been shot, there was no way to verify it.

And she certainly didn’t want to try.

“Hmm…”

After pondering, Soo-yeon responded to the discussion post.

– Stop trying to make her defeat special forces. She’s just a normal actress who’s cute and pretty. Please don’t exaggerate.

That should suffice.

For Soo-yeon, it was her best attempt.

Besides, she didn’t dislike being described as strong.

“Just for the image.”

She had almost typed “Soo-yeon obviously wins” but trembled and changed it.

After posting the comment, she refreshed the page a bit later.

[Your account has been suspended for 3 days.]

– Reason: Stop spreading negativity.

“?”

Was calling her pretty and cute considered negativity? Or was mentioning her loss to special forces seen as harmful?

Soo-yeon glared at the comment for a bit and then closed her browser.

“Observation variety show it is.”

Soo-yeon decided to improve her image with this opportunity.

While her fan café was still filled with compliments about her beauty and acting abilities, the *Coliseum* made her uneasy.

If she didn’t start improving her image soon, Éclat Étoile might start reaching out.

But for the observation variety show, there was a significant hurdle ahead.

“Seo… Seo-yeon, are you saying an observation variety show? And that I have to appear too?”

“I’m inviting you to sit in the guest seat, Mom.”

“Guest seat?!?”

Sua jumped, and her heart skipped a beat.

At her well-preserved chest, Soo-yeon couldn’t help but contemplate.

“Have my own chest started to grow recently…”

Will mine grow that big?

Certainly, that chest could block bullets, it seemed.

“Mom, will you be on TV?”

Younger sister Su-yeon, eyes blinking widely, asked in admiration.

“Ah, actually, nothing is confirmed yet… and if you come too, Mom.”

“I can appear too? I want to appear!”

Su-yeon’s arms were raised as she expressed her excitement as the soon-to-be eight-year-old, future elementary school student.

Her adorable sister made Sua’s expression waver but soon turned her expression firm.

“No, Mom can’t appear! But if you’re on the guest seat, that’s a different story — among MCs!”

“Isn’t it normal that parents observe their children in school?”

“Normal!? Then aren’t we showing Seo-yeon’s school life?”

“Yes.”

Soo-yeon was completely unbothered.

After all, in her school life, she was the epitome of a model student: good notes, no nodding off during class, and maintaining a proper posture while fixated on the teacher.

“Isn’t there a risk that our daughter’s slightly deficient social relationships will be revealed?”

“!!”

Soo-yeon’s eyes widened.

She never expected such a critique to come from her own mother.

“Mom at least occasionally stays in touch with Ji-yeon’s mom and Jung-woo’s mom.”

“Ji-yeon’s one thing, but has Mom really spoken with Jung-woo’s mother?”

Considering the shock the world experienced when Jung-woo returned after a ten-year absence, hadn’t that been kept secret?

“No, that’s not the kind of person who would reveal such things.”

She guarded that secret. Probably something along those lines.

Soo-yeon felt an indescribable emotion towards such subtle consideration.

“Still, only two people she stays in touch with, right?”

Soo-yeon didn’t bring this up.

If she really must, she probably could say three.

Ji-yeon, Jo Seo-hee, and lately, Gil Da-hyun.

Ah, Cha Na-hee, too, making it four.

And if she really stretched, Park Jung-woo, making it a grand total of five.

“I win.”

With confidence, Soo-yeon gave her mother a triumphant look.

Perceiving her look, Sua felt something strange but was more concerned about Soo-yeon’s statement.

“Observation variety show?”

Sua, not being a member of any mother or parent groups, preferred to stay indoors as a freelance programmer.

The home was her sanctuary.

She never expected this turn of events.

“Ah, but why suddenly an observation variety show? Everyone loves her action-heavy roles.”

“You and everyone else know the image she portrays.”

“It’s healthy, and it’s good, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but for a female lead, it’s a bit…”

Soo-yeon seriously explained.

“To renew this image, it’s necessary.”

“…”

With Soo-yeon’s earnest explanation, Sua realized there was no turning back.

Knowing her daughter’s unshakable determination since childhood, she had no choice but to tightly shut her eyes.

Observation variety show.

It seemed there was no avoiding it.

Thus,

MDC Broadcasting Company.

“Wow~!! So great to meet you!!”

The middle-aged woman in a fluster was none other than PD Jeon Ha-young of MDC’s variety show *Golden Ducklings*.

She gazed at the young girl before her and couldn’t help but lick her lips.

Jet-black hair and an elegant countenance.

Jeon Ha-young, who had met countless celebrities over the years, momentarily lost herself at the sight of such ethereal beauty.

She was still a high school student and was already so enchanting — it was unfathomable how beautiful she would become with age.

“Thanks to Na-hee for the recommendation.”

Though she hadn’t expected much when she suggested it, Jeon Ha-young hadn’t anticipated that Soo-yeon would actually agree to come on board.

She managed to maintain her polite smile while trying desperately not to just gape at Soo-yeon.

An actress who was not only breathtaking but radiated such formidable presence.

“Joo Soo-yeon.”

Currently a rising star at KMB Broadcasting Company.

Of course, she was also a highly coveted talent for rival networks.

This *Golden Ducklings* would be the first step in bringing her over.

In essence, PD Jeon Ha-young was given a crucial mission by MDC in her position.

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