**[Dream Future] Joo Ha-rin’s Finale**
It wouldn’t have been that much of a highlight normally.
But.
“Is today the last episode with Joo Ha-rin?”
“Ah? Really?”
“So, what’s going on with Park Min-yul?”
To the public, *Dream Future* was already a drama generating buzz.
The funny thing was that the source of this buzz started from a movie.
“Ah, will there be a live stream today? Of course we’ll do it!”
1.4-million YouTube subscriber Han Bong-sik nodded in front of the camera.
How could he not live-stream *Dream Future*?
‘Wow, I really hit the jackpot with these coins.’
Han Bong-sik chuckled to his subscribers while observing their reactions.
After remaining stagnant around 1 million subscribers for a long time, his numbers had risen noticeably in recent days, reaching 1.4 million.
This all happened after *The Chaser* premiered.
People searching for certain characters who appeared in both *The Chaser* and *Dream Future*, riding the algorithm’s wave, had contributed to this increase.
Even among top movie reviewers, Bong-sik ranked in the top three, but now he had truly become a top contender for the number two position.
If he surpassed one more person, he could reach number one.
Thus, he couldn’t help but feel grateful to the actor who helped him rise to this point.
‘I truly love you, Soo-yeon Joo.’
His inner attachment to Soo-yeon had reached its peak.
For that reason, the anticipation for today’s 14th episode of *Dream Future* was unsurprisingly high.
‘Although I wish she’d appear more often.’
But since the script was revised, there wasn’t much they could do.
All that was left was to hope she went out with a bang.
And…
“……Hmm.”
Joo Seo-hee waited with half-lidded eyes for the start of the live broadcast of *Dream Future* episode 14.
‘But this is not a one-off, right?’
Whoever planned this drama had really captured the latest trends well.
It felt just like waiting for a real audition show.
A drama streamed in tandem with real-time internet responses.
“Indeed…”
Joo Seo-hee personally awaited *Dream Future* episode 14.
This was because of her upcoming work on *Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo*.
Naturally, the drama required a love storyline, which made it crucial to observe Soo-yeon’s acting style in this episode of *Dream Future*.
‘According to Director Jeong-woo, it will progress more simply.’
That was the script.
But did Soo-yeon just settle for that?
‘She acts so coolly around me, but she seems so invested when it comes to acting.’
“…Why is she only so cold to me?”
‘She wags her tail around other people.’
‘This is why one must be careful with words.’
…Clearly, the ‘parachute’ comment from when she was younger might still be bothering her.
Yes, it was clearly that, without a doubt.
Joo Seo-hee convinced herself of this.
In reality, Soo-yeon hardly remembered the parachute remarks, let alone thought deeply about them.
She had almost completely forgotten.
Seo-hee had awkwardly dealt with Soo-yeon simply due to her sharp impression.
Because her face appeared villainous, making Soo-yeon, who already had trouble interacting with people, feel burdened.
“Anyway…”
Joo Seo-hee focused her gaze on the beginning of *Dream Future* with a playing song.
The protagonist Song So-ha and the final stage.
The two girls are about to have their final showdown.
“Actually, I envied you a bit.”
</blockquote>Jo Ha-rin revealed a wistful smile.
The inner thoughts Jo Ha-rin had hidden from Song So-ha all along, about everything.
The viewers already knew, but for Song So-ha, this was the first time these words were being heard.
“The sight of you singing was so dazzling…”
Idols ultimately become singers.
Singing is unavoidable.
Certainly, Jo Ha-rin excelled in dance over Song So-ha, but her singing skills lagged far behind.
The gap still existed even though it had narrowed over time. Song So-ha remained superior.
‘Ironic.’
Seo-hee watched and thought about their interaction.
In the narrative, Jo Ha-rin envied Song So-ha, but in reality, it was the opposite.
Park Jung-woo himself had said as much.
“Na-hee has been overly aware of that person.”
“Overly aware?”
“Obvious. She’s probably worried that if Joo Soo-yeon continues to gain more prominence, she’ll be overshadowed.”
Cha Na-hee had barely reclaimed her leading role when Soo-yeon’s character had a limited role.
From episode 1 to 3, the reactions were mostly about Soo-yeon.
Thus, after the script was revised, she tried hard not to fall behind.
“Exactly as expected, Soo-yeon’s acting surfaced.”
“And Na-hee faced another controversy about her acting.”
This was a story Seo-hee already knew.
It wasn’t like Ma Yeon-woo being completely devoured.
Just a ‘pity’ level.
But for the first time playing the female lead role…
From Cha Na-hee’s perspective, it must feel like having a stake driven through her heart.
“So, I understand her desperation, but…”
“Hmm, it’s not like she really needs to worry that much.”
“It’s different for the person themselves.”
“Huh, didn’t Director Jeong-woo also get overshadowed by Joo Soo-yeon?”
“…”
Jung-woo had planned to say that he didn’t have much screen presence and that his character was far too plain, but it felt like such a flimsy excuse that he stopped himself.
“Anyway, I’ll check it out in your next movie. It’s *Gyeongseong Yeong-Nyeo*, right?”
“Uh…”
Anyway, similar to Jung-woo’s conversation, episode 14 was supposed to focus on the clash between Song So-ha and Jo Ha-rin while solidifying Song So-ha’s role as the female lead.
‘Otherwise, the conclusion might feel too loose.’
But this depended entirely on Soo-yeon.
Seo-hee recalled *Close Your Eyes*, where Soo-yeon had played Hong Jeong-hee — a role meant to elevate the female lead.
And Soo-yeon had executed it brilliantly.
However, unlike plays, in dramas, one’s ambitions could arise.
Especially when everyone had already half-considered Jo Ha-rin as the female co-lead, stepping back awkwardly might spark controversy.
‘The conflict the drama presents between these two.’
This episode leaned more on the conflict between Song So-ha and Jo Ha-rin rather than a mere romantic conflict.
It was right to focus on Jo Ha-rin unveiling her own sense of inferiority, and Song So-ha receiving her.
Simultaneously, Song So-ha secretly admired Jo Ha-rin’s energetic charm and dancing ability.
Hence, upon hearing Ha-rin’s confession of jealousy, Song So-ha felt shocked.
<blockquote>“I can’t lose.”
</blockquote>Song So-ha stated.
<blockquote>“But isn’t that true for you, too?”
</blockquote>Song So-ha’s fragile yet determined resolution.
The curtain rose for the semi-final stage.
<blockquote>“In the semi-final, the competition will happen twice.”
</blockquote>The host declared.
The semi-final consisted of two competitions.
First, they would harmonize on one song together.
Next, they would individually perform their solo songs to determine the winner.
<blockquote>“Are you confident?”
</blockquote>It seemed to be directed at Song So-ha.
But to Seo-hee watching silently, it felt like it was directed at Cha Na-hee.
A question about having the courage to face what was coming next — the ‘acting’ to be displayed in this episode.
<blockquote>“Yes.”
</blockquote>Song So-ha gave a concise answer.
And the music began, with their performance following.
‘As expected, idols have more refined skills.’
Much like how Ma Yeon-woo had succeeded by customizing her role to suit herself.
How would Cha Na-hee handle portraying ‘Song So-ha’?
– I didn’t expect her to do this well?
– With both of them together, they do look like proper female leads.
These opinions began to appear online.
This was their first performance together since the early episodes.
Through this comparison, it was clear that Song So-ha’s skills were better.
“This feels off though.”
1.4 million YouTube subscriber Han Bong-sik felt that way.
“It hasn’t even started yet.”
Joo Seo-hee watched the screen cautiously.
The kind of desperate emotion that should be evident in an audition wasn’t felt.
It wasn’t only her.
‘Why hasn’t this been edited out?’
Director Kim Il-soo frowned as he watched episode 14.
With his extensive knowledge of direction, this was something glaringly obvious.
The acting — it was too apparent.
It didn’t feel like an audition program.
The audience reactions were generally acceptable, but…
And then.
Jo Ha-rin stepped one step forward towards Song So-ha.
“Huh?”
Initially, mere curiosity.
But as Soo-yeon, whose turn came to sing, began, Song So-ha’s eyes widened in confusion.
‘This isn’t acting.’
It’s real.
Song So-ha was genuinely surprised because Cha Na-hee didn’t have the skill to act this level of emotion.
Therefore, this was real.
“Wooow!”
“Is Jo Ha-rin actually the better performer here?”
“Isn’t the actress who plays Song So-ha an idol? What if her skills are worse than the actress playing Jo Ha-rin?”
‘Did she intend to do this?’
Director Kim Il-soo watched dumbfounded.
It was probably Soo-yeon’s independent decision.
Song So-ha’s reaction clearly showed that.
Soo-yeon’s explosive emotions filled the screen, overshadowing Song So-ha’s presence, almost completely erasing it.
‘I see.’
Director Kim Il-soo realized the method to draw out Song So-ha’s potential.
Stimulating the actor’s emotions.
‘Cha Na-hee is an idol, and her pride as an idol must be far stronger than her pride as an actor.’
How would she respond to Soo-yeon dominating the stage?
Though she might sustain a large blow to her self-esteem and even collapse as a result…
‘Method Acting.’
The term refers to actors completely immersing themselves in their roles, but how should this be classified?
Something that takes ordinary acting and immerses the actor in the role.
It was about triggering emotions, pulling the other actor into the role through that.
Scratching at the idol’s pride, the grip in the hands holding the mic grew tighter.
Cha Na-hee was an idol and had stood on countless stages.
She couldn’t help but realize how this would appear to the camera.
‘This is similar but different from Ma Yeon-woo.’
While Ma Yeon-woo might have deliberately acted that way, this had become an unavoidable situation through direction.
The desperate stage before the finale.
In that moment where Song So-ha’s emotions aligned with Cha Na-hee’s.
Though not method acting, it looked as convincing.
Soo-yeon’s eyes grew red, filled with emotions spilling over.
She smiled through the emotional rush, at Song So-ha, at the audience.
It was probably a smile that people understood each in their own way.
Looking at that smile, the audience and Director Kim Il-soo clenched their fists.
Song So-ha gripped the mic harder.
And then,
An explosive surge of emotions burst forth.
***
“Has it been this long?”
A PD from KMB Drama Department spoke.
“One actor causing such swings in a drama’s ratings.”
The exact amount was unknown, but the impact had definitely been huge.
“I did see some potential in *Dream Future*…”
The 14th episode of *Dream Future*. The final battle between Song So-ha and Jo Ha-rin.
And the ratings?
“23%.”
The drama division buzzed with the news.
Because this was the highest rating among dramas that had aired for around a year.
A number that might have been considered “quite decent” about 10 years ago, but now, an almost impossible feat to achieve.
This came extremely close to the highest rating ever recorded in a youth drama.
It was an unprecedented event to record more than 20% in a youth drama even 10 years ago.
“Honestly, there were risky parts in yesterday’s ep 14…”
“Was it intentional from actress Joo Soo-yeon?”
“I don’t know.”
To begin with, Soo-yeon hadn’t commented much on her acting at all. Only those who watched carefully could vaguely guess her intentions.
“If it was intentional…”
“That’s skillfully playing with emotions.”
Is it only possible because her acting is so rich?
Or is it possible because she profoundly understands others’ emotions?
It’s almost like observing how much someone observes human emotions to achieve such a feat.
Her weapon was originally emotional acting.
People who were familiar with the industry knew this.
She showed this during *The Moon That Hid the Sun* and more recently in *The Chaser*.
While her force may have been a bit weaker in *Dream Future*, episode 14 delivered quite a shock in a different way.
“Is it for a new drama? *Sky Garden*, right?”
“Originally, it was supposed to go to cable.”
“Written by Min Se-hee.”
“Yes.”
The reason for this meeting was due to the discussions about *Sky Garden*.
“Will this be her first leading role?”
“Without any auditions?”
As they were discussing, the door to the meeting room opened, and a good-looking middle-aged man walked in and sat down, speaking.
“Yes.”
“But young actors can be sensitive to this. Isn’t there a risk?”
Instead, Drama Director Ha Tae-oh smiled at them.
“Actually, this actress is used to it.”
“Hmm…”
“In fact, something similar happened in *The Moon That Hid the Sun*.”
For example, the ‘parachute’ incident.
Though it’s been 10 years and most people probably forgot.
Recalling how Soo-yeon overcame that, there was nothing to worry about.
Rather, if the push comes, it needs to be definitive.
An unclear push would be meaningless.
Enough to provoke other young actors.
To show something definitive and complete.
‘Then,’ if we show it correctly, we have the capability to offer that much.
“Ah, and, about the OST for *Sky Garden*, how about we let actress Joo Soo-yeon handle it?”
No one present could refuse Drama Director Ha Tae-oh’s proposition.
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