Recently, Seoyeon had been drawing attention for various reasons.
Not only had she been chosen as the lead for the drama *Sky Garden*, but also due to the heightened public interest stemming from *Hyper Action Star*.
– When is Sooyeon coming on? It’s been boring since the second episode.
– But, there are other teams. It’ll likely take a minimum of three episodes to cover everything.
– Still, might the other teams wrap up sooner?
– If they knew how entertaining Team A is, they would do just that.
The first episode of *Hyper Action Star* scored an astonishing 5% viewership rating!
It was an impressive figure, almost unbelievable for a cable variety show.
Furthermore, if this was only the first episode, there was a good chance the ratings would increase, possibly making it the highest-rated show of the year!
In the best-case scenario, it might even surpass the magical 8% mark. However…
“Episode 2 ratings are at 4%.”
“…”
PD Lee Ki-tae sighed upon hearing this from the staff of the ‘HK Channel.’
It was a result he had somewhat anticipated.
“Clearly, there’s no standout feature compared to Team A, which is why it seems to have dipped a little.”
Everyone responded with calm voices, as they had predicted this outcome from the moment the filming had begun.
“Indeed, at the start, the momentary ratings were twice that of the first episode.”
The actors of Team B for Episode 2 had handled the same gunfight mission as Team A in the first episode. They delivered a reasonably fierce gunfight scene, yet it didn’t quite spark the same excitement.
Firstly…
“There are no actors who properly use their superpowers.”
“That’s true. Live action can be difficult to sync perfectly.”
“But wasn’t that the point of holding auditions to find actors who could do this?”
Taking on superpowers while involved in a gunfight was no ordinary feat. In Team B, there wasn’t really anyone capable of executing this convincingly.
“Seoyeon and Jo Seohui should have been placed in different teams.”
“Or at least Han So-yoo.”
It dawned on them that too many strong actors were concentrated in Team A, though it was a random selection, so it couldn’t be helped.
“This raises concerns about how the ratings might turn out until Episode 4.”
There was no strong character in the mix. Upon reflection, it was natural. This wasn’t typical acting; it was ‘action acting.’ Moreover, among the gathered cast members, those skilled in action performances generally lacked strength in normal acting.
“But to properly develop a character, one must have good acting skills.”
“Of course, this is essential for leading roles, isn’t it?”
“Yet, who would think there would be such scarcity?”
Reiterating their thoughts…
They realized anew just how extraordinary Seoyeon was.
Beyond just the true-to-life superpowers she displayed during filming, it was evident that Seoyeon was genuinely ‘acting.’
A protagonist with a villainous aura, she convincingly portrayed her character, and with Jo Seohui’s surprising twist at the end, this was what led to the dramatic success of the first episode’s ratings.
“So, let’s do this.”
After much consideration, PD Lee Ki-tae finally spoke. Given that Team A had already set the pattern for Teams B through D, a bit of a workaround was necessary.
“Are we going to do interviews?”
“Yes, we plan to include scenes with added CG after evaluating Teams A through D.”
“Ah, from the footage in Episode 1?”
Seoyeon briefly recalled the green props and floors from the first episode’s filming. It had evidently been designed for later CG processing.
“Are we doing this for all teams?”
That would take too long, wouldn’t it?”
“No. It will only be for the best of the four teams.”
But already, Team A?
“Of course, the work will only begin after all teams have completed their first mission.”
“Just in case another team surpasses Team A.”
However…
‘That seems unlikely.’
PD Lee Ki-tae focused on Seoyeon, who was staring directly at him.
Physically, it was honestly hard to believe she had such abilities.
‘But beyond that, her acting.’
Ultimately, what mattered most in the broadcast was the acting, not just the physical prowess. This was an audition, after all.
Seoyeon fully utilized her physical abilities while still nailing the acting. She even left a memorable laugh at the end.
‘I need to also consult with Seohui Jo.’
‘And with Han So-yoo.’
After all, acting isn’t something that can be done alone. Chemistry is critical to bring out the best in performances.
‘Team A is correct as is.’
Other staff and PDs thought the three should have been split into different teams. But PD Lee Ki-tae disagreed.
It was because the three were in the same team that the first episode stood out.
An actor who delivered solid lines and played the role of undermining Seoyeon.
If Seoyeon had been alone, she might not have been able to convey her superpowers as well, and the gunfight would have simply ended with a routine victory for her.
‘Of course, Min Do-ha gave strong support.’
Though it was unclear how much of that was acting. It was too real, almost as if there was a genuine possibility it wasn’t an act.
“By the way, we plan to insert brief interviews in Episodes 3 and 4.”
“Of course, not all interviews will be from Team A.”
‘Team A will have the most screen time.’
Since splitting into separate episodes might lead to a drop in ratings, they plan to intermingle the content.
“Seoyeon, your appearance will be at the end of Episode 4.”
“Really? Why is that?”
“You gave the most impressive performance of the first episode.”
Seoyeon’s interview, which will explore her motivations and mindset at the time, will be shown last. That way, viewers would return to watch it.
If Episode 3 doesn’t have much impact, they could still lure viewers back for Episode 4, and ensure they watch Episode 5.
“Well, I trust you then.”
Thus, Seoyeon was arranged to have a one-on-one interview with a reporter in a specially prepared room.
‘Feels like it’s been a while since my early years.’
Although she’d done a few of these as a child actor, it felt strange since it was her first post-comeback.
“You know, Min Do-ha’s acting was fantastic! I really thought it was real!”
“Thankfully, she seems to have passed the first round!”
With the reporter’s lively tone, Seoyeon responded with a smile. The interview was nothing out of the ordinary.
It simply asked about her mindset during the filming, her intentions behind her performance.
Most of the discussion revolved around the superpower scene she did with Han So-yoo. The reporter even tried to embellish it, eliciting some slight embarrassment.
“By the way, didn’t you block the paintballs with your hands and arms? Did that leave any marks?”
At this question, Seoyeon smiled brightly.
She had anticipated this and prepared her response.
“The skincare products I use help with that kind of thing.”
“…?”
This confident reply left the reporter momentarily startled.
Do today’s cosmetics really prevent paintball impacts?
“Ah, uh… I see.”
“Yes.”
“Wow, that’s a great skincare product.”
“Absolutely.”
With that odd exchange, the interview wrapped up neatly.
And through that interview, the sales of a particular company skyrocketed.
Looking at it rationally, it was only natural.
***
The manager of Éclat Étoile, Baek Min-chan, was momentarily lost in thought as he sat quietly.
He was quietly reveling in the feeling of becoming a god of commerce.
“Manager! You didn’t let us down!”
“God of business!”
The staff cheered and clapped enthusiastically.
Of course, there was reason for the celebration.
“1.5 times last year’s sales…!”
It was an exhilarating success.
Finally, they had not only recovered from their declining sales but also made significant profits visible to all.
“I didn’t expect this!”
Baek Min-chan reflected with his eyes closed.
How did this all happen?
Of course, he knew the reason.
Pure fan support, and pure trust in his judgment brought in an actress who turned out to be a blockbuster hit.
The success of Seoyeon was undeniable. Not just because of the impressive ads but because of her consistent mentions of skincare during her media appearances.
“In the wilderness survival, I didn’t burn because of good skincare.”
And, even in the fourth episode of *Hyper Action Star*…
“The skincare I use helps a lot with situations like that.”
She boasted confidently.
Whether it truly connected with skincare or not, viewers seemed to believe it wholeheartedly.
“What skincare does Seoyeon use?”
“Éclat Étoile, probably.”
Talks of it were common at offline stores.
It’s like a miracle cream — protecting from the sun and even scratch injuries.
It’s a great success of modern technology!
‘Hmm…’
As he reviewed the series of events and the rapidly growing sales chart, Baek Min-chan thought:
“Is this overstated advertising going to bring us legal trouble?”
Recently, this was a growing worry.
They trusted in their products and knew they protected adequately from UV rays and rough skin treatment.
But there’s certainly a limit. Day-long survival in blazing heat.
How does skincare prevent paintball injuries?
If it works so well, why use protective gear? Everyone would just use our products.
With a little more progress, they might be blocking real bullets! Truly…
Just as Éclat Étoile morphed into some sort of military company in Baek Min-chan’s mind…
“Manager?”
Their strategy team leader, Jung Tae-soo, who had just earned a big incentive, spoke.
“Are you aware we’re expanding into clothing?”
“Yes, I am.”
“And we’re considering casting Seoyeon as the model. What do you think?”
Other managers nodded, and Jung Tae-soo’s eyes showed complete trust in Seoyeon.
Of course, Baek Min-chan also trusted her enormously. But…
“Sure, I’m up for it.”
“Right? Shall we proceed then?”
“If Seoyeon agrees, please make sure the clothes are sturdy when we sponsor.”
“Eh?”
“Honestly, we should have a meeting about that.”
Éclat Étoile was working hard to launch a new high-end clothing brand. They brought in top international designers and invested heavily in the project.
“But the clothes must be durable.”
Something he hadn’t thought about much before. High fashion doesn’t seem to prioritize durability, but if Seoyeon’s going to wear them elsewhere, it could be a problem.
Given her energy-filled lifestyle, there’s a risk the clothing might just become rags.
“No way, manager. Even with a female actress…”
“Seoyeon’s quite energetic, you know.”
“Really? Well, it seems like it.”
Her appearance and demeanor suggested nothing energetic but considering her variety show performances…
“Maybe she sticks with school uniforms because they’re sturdy.”
They are usually designed to last for students, evident in the quality used for Yeonhwa High School, which now receives several school inquiries.
“Anyway, appearance isn’t everything. Durability is key! And we must confirm with Seoyeon’s preferences first.”
Jung Tae-soo’s reliable nod reassured Baek Min-chan.
Everything was proceeding smoothly. Sales for skincare were soaring due to Seoyeon, and the new clothing line was already gaining attention without major concerns.
The internet community was already buzzing about Éclat Étoile’s upcoming clothing line.
‘There’s no possible way this will fail.’
***
“Seoyeon, Éclat Étoile approached us about a clothing advertisement.”
“Ah, is that so?”
At Manager Eun-ha’s words, Seoyeon nodded.
A clothing ad from Éclat Étoile…
‘Oh, right about now.’
Given the launch of Éclat Étoile’s new clothing brand.
“Hmm…”
“Is something wrong? Don’t you like it?”
Eun-ha was surprised. To her, it was an excellent opportunity; a high-end clothing ad beneficial for image and well compensated.
“Not at all.”
But,
‘This brand will fail big time.’
Seoyeon hesitated a little. After all, Éclat Étoile was a precious company that once paid her 400 million won.
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