Chapter 185

“Did you see that? ‘Sky Garden’?”

“Yesterday? Wow, it was really unpredictable even a step ahead.”

“Right? I thought it was a thriller, but it turns out it’s not.”

Once ‘Sky Garden’ started rebounding, its ratings showed no signs of stopping.

I thought 18 percent would be the peak, but the next week it hit 20 percent.

And the following week, it hit 22 percent.

With each weekly update of the ratings, ‘Sky Garden,’ which already had the public’s attention, began appealing not just to its core audience but to the general public.

This was the point when a drama truly started to gain traction.

There comes a time when every show and variety program begins to talk about the hit drama.

This was when the broadcasting station decided it was worth pushing the drama even harder.

And it was also a time when pushing it further wouldn’t raise much dissent, because ‘Sky Garden’ had already passed the critical threshold.

“Let’s do a special feature on ‘Sky Garden’ for this week’s variety show.”

“Is there any unused footage from the shoot? Maybe something related to accidents or events?”

“Do we really need to prepare yet? With 22 percent, it’s still manageable…”

“No way! This person underestimates the ratings. Hitting 22 percent is a massive success.”

Moreover, it was the time when people’s attention was shifting to OTT dramas.

A time when various video platforms like YouTube were on the rise, and terrestrial broadcasting was losing its influence.

Yet out of nowhere, a drama with over 20 percent ratings appeared.

‘Grand Game’ also hit 20 percent but failed to sustain it, which cooled the broadcasting station’s eagerness to promote it.

Now ‘Sky Garden’ fully filled that gap.

“Producer Lee, did you contact Miss Seoyeon? Is there no special idea for the feature segment?”

“Huh? Unfortunately, Miss Seoyeon’s schedule is very tight, so it’s going to be difficult.”

“Wait, how could such a young actress be that busy?”

However, no one argued with the claim that Seoyeon was indeed very busy.

Just how active had Seoyeon been recently?

In variety shows alone, she appeared consecutively on ‘Golden Ducklings’ and ‘Masked Singer.’

And recently, she was also involved in Harara Shorts and children’s theater performances.

Each of these productions had a significant impact on ‘Sky Garden.’

Everything turned into a topic of conversation.

“It must be good for Producer Lee, right? Aren’t the ‘Sky Garden’ ratings increasing again this week?”

“That would be great. If we could just hit 30 percent, it would be amazing.”

“Come on, that’s impossible. Ratings like that only existed 10 years ago.”

Producer Lee Min-hwa chuckled, clearly aware of how difficult it was.

At this point, if a drama broke 30 percent, it would essentially be on the same level as the legendary dramas that shook the nation in the past.

Of course, due to the times, it might not feel as explosive, but that’s how the broadcasting station perceives it.

“… But, isn’t Miss Seoyeon that busy? Isn’t this also an opportunity for her?”

“She’s going around various places even without our involvement.”

“Still…”

“I think she’s working on something related to her upcoming movie.”

Producer Lee Min-hwa had no intention of pushing Seoyeon too hard.

Because this wasn’t something that would end with just one job, she wanted to maintain a positive relationship all the way through its conclusion.

“Do you know what her next drama will be? Let me see how I can collaborate.”

“Are you saying that every drama Miss Seoyeon stars in will be a success?”

“Huh? Isn’t that true?”

Upon hearing her colleague’s words, Producer Lee Min-hwa paused and realized: maybe that assumption was true.

Though it’s just one movie now, if we think back to her childhood, she’s already starred in three dramas.

And all of them were record-breaking hits.

‘Dream Future’ might have been slightly less successful compared to ‘Sky Garden’, but it was still the spark that reinvigorated the Drama Department during a particularly low period. ‘Sky Garden’ is already beyond all predictions.

“Could Miss Seoyeon win the演技대상 (Best Actor Award) this year?”

“Judging by this, she’s the most likely candidate.”

This year, there were certainly many strong dramas to consider.

However, due to ‘Sky Garden’s extraordinary success in the latter half of the year, she had become the most likely winner.

“Winning the Grand Prize for Acting right after her comeback….”

Producer Lee Min-hwa chuckled sarcastically.

Sometimes, she felt it.

The undeniable existence of talent.

***

“Seoyeon, do you want to do another ad shoot? Eclat Étoile and Aids both reached out.”

Manager Park Eun-ha grinned as she spoke to Seoyeon.

However, Seoyeon, seated in the back of the vehicle, had a serious expression on her face, repeatedly pressing something.

Apparently, she was so absorbed that she didn’t even notice Manager Park’s words.

Manager Park quickly realized why.

‘She’s commenting online.’

Manager Park smiled, seeing Seoyeon yet again actively defending herself against online criticisms.

Recently, as Seoyeon took part in performances and various video projects, Park Eun-ha found out another side of her.

‘I always thought she was a girl immune to embarrassment or tension.’

Seoyeon’s face, which showed little emotional expression, made her appear remarkably calm. But in reality, it wasn’t true.

While she didn’t show it, Seoyeon was actually deeply expressive.

She was so transparent to those who were familiar with her that her thoughts and feelings were obvious.

It was probably why her acting conveyed emotions so clearly — drawing audiences easily into empathizing with characters.

‘But Eclat Étoile and Aids must be losing their minds right now.’

Manager Park Eun-ha had already heard whispers.

Sales from the two brands that used Seoyeon as a model were continuously breaking records.

Eclat Étoile had always practically worshipped Seoyeon, and now Aids, after getting a taste of her influence, was also caught up in the whirlwind.

[Harara Chair by Aids is trending upward!]

[‘Harara Chair’ shortage hits! Aids promises to secure additional stock.]

[Amid shortages, Aids beams.]

All the chairs featured in ‘Sky Garden’ are sponsored by Aids.

Especially the chair that the main character, Lee Yoo-joo, uses for studying is an Aids product.

As a result, it’s now called the ‘Lee Yoo-joo Chair’ and sells like hotcakes.

“Ms. Joo, if you’re available, please do reach out. We’re about to launch a new brand…”

When the previously unenthusiastic Advertising Planning Team Leader Kwak Hyun-woo said this, Manager Park Eun-ha chuckled internally.

Seoyeon had mentioned it, but she seemed not to think much further about it.

“I wanted to be a top student, but instead, I became a magical girl.”

It sounded like she understood something that couldn’t quite be explained.

There wasn’t a clear sense of achievement, but her complex feelings suggested that deep down, Seoyeon wasn’t entirely unhappy about her situation.

Anyway, she was probably still fighting the negative comments directed at her online.

– “Joo Seoyeon haha, no way I’d fall for your fake cuteness, gorilla.”

– “Uh, Joo Seoyeon was always cute.”

– “Joo, turn off the broadcasting studio’s WiFi.”

– “Admit it, she was surprisingly cute this time.”

“Seems like she’s a die-hard fan of Joo Seoyeon…just ignore them.”

“Still, I admit Joo Seoyeon was cute. I noticed since her ‘No Humans Survive’ show.”

– “What? Wasn’t that the start of the ‘Gorilla Joo’ meme?”

– “What does ‘start’ even mean? Cutting ankles off?”

“Hay hay hay!”

These were probably the kinds of interactions happening online. She was no doubt engaging in these kinds of online debates at this moment.

Though only one of the replies was hers, when things heated up, mysterious accounts supporting Seoyeon often appeared.

With a smile recalling those moments, Park Eun-ha remembered another recent contact she had received.

“By the way, Seoyeon.”

“…”

“Seoyeon?”

“Yes?”

Hurriedly turning off her phone, Seoyeon gave a seemingly calm but slightly guilty look.

Her gaze slightly shifting to the upper-right corner as if she hadn’t done anything wrong gave her the demeanor of a guilty dog — which was a bit amusing.

“We’re starting the ‘Gyeongseong Lady’ shoot. Actor Lee Sang-soo mentioned he wants to move forward soon.”

“Okay.”

“He said it’s time to start. As you know, ‘Gyeongseong Lady’ had quite a few issues recently, but I think they’re settled.”

Seoyeon nodded, understandingly.

Several actors originally slated to star in ‘Gyeongseong Lady’ had dropped out recently.

Like the role of Isamu from ‘Amamabi Michiko,’ who was played by actor Kang Seo-hyeok.

‘That must’ve been his name.’

He was also considered a veteran in the acting industry.

The director Baek Min had gone through a lot of effort to persuade him to star in the movie.

But right before filming, he suddenly backed out, along with a few other actors.

Of course, it was a big blow to the production team preparing ‘Gyeongseong Lady.’

By some miracle, things were sorted out, and now it was time to test the acting skills of Lee Sang-soo, who would play ‘Isamu.’

‘Currently fishing, I assume.’

Seoyeon primarily handled communications with Lee Sang-soo.

Since she was the one who became close to him through the show ‘Star Fisher.’

She had also informed him about this test.

Honestly, Seoyeon was a little nervous when contacting him, but surprisingly, Lee Sang-soo readily agreed.

‘Realistically, it’s formalities.’

At first, Seoyeon thought Director Baek Min was being nitpicky.

But upon reflection, she realized there were many reasons for this test.

‘For both Mr. Lee Sang-soo and Director Baek Min.’

From Mr. Lee Sang-soo’s perspective, it’s understandable to be wary of a director who gives a role based solely on reputation.

And from Director Baek Min’s viewpoint, it’s been a long time since Mr. Lee Sang-soo acted, so it’s natural to verify his skills.

Even from the perspective of other actors, they would naturally be skeptical of Mr. Lee Sang-soo.

People often see significant failures, and even past achievements can quickly crumble.

This was also a concern for Mr. Lee Sang-soo.

After being a famous actor in Korea, his reputation was tarnished by his failure in Hollywood.

Perhaps the uncertainty that these rumors could be true also contributed to him being hesitant about re-entering the industry.

‘Am I really no longer a good actor?’

This seed of doubt had grown inside him.

‘This test is that formal, but not meaningless.’

‘It seems that Mr. Lee Sang-soo’s participation is being kept secret from the other actors for now.’

“Really?”

“Yeah, I think they’ll announce it when it’s finalized.”

As always, Director Baek Min was cautious.

Seoyeon thought about the timeline while calculating the dates.

Assuming the test takes place now, the official filming for ‘Gyeongseong Lady’ will likely start around the end of this year, around November or December.

‘About a month left perhaps?’

She had to carefully plan to avoid conflicts.

There would be two major shooting projects at the end of the year.

‘Mine’ and ‘Gyeongseong Lady’.

She also heard ‘Mine’ would release through OTT rather than domestic theaters.

That’s why filming has been delayed.

‘Does that mean it will become a drama instead of a movie?’

Though that raises doubts, it’s not necessarily a bad choice.

Considering the current climate, it had several advantages.

‘And lastly…’

Seoyeon double-checked the date marked on her phone.

Both ‘Mine’ and ‘Gyeongseong Lady’ were important, but there was another project that meant the most to her.

There was an audition in the second half of this year.

It wasn’t highly publicized because multiple film auditions coincided around the same time.

The ‘Seoul Escape’ audition.

A movie about a biochemical disaster.

The last work of director Jo Bang-woo.

***

“Kyaaaa!! Big Brother!!”

“Please take a look over here!!”

Park Jung-woo walked down the street with a smile, waving at fans.

Was there a special fan meeting today?

Not really.

He just casually went out shopping today with no particular plan.

The problem was that he was too relaxed about it.

‘Guess I should have covered my face better.’

He got too comfortable, thinking that occasionally signing autographs for people was the extent of his obligations.

But due to a drama he recently filmed for an OTT platform, it received high acclaim overseas, and things suddenly got out of hand.

“The drama is amazing! Truly a masterpiece!”

“Agreed! The best!”

“Thank you.”

While he smiled and waved at such fans, Park Jung-woo actually found it quite surprising.

‘That’s been out for a while now, right? Why are they bringing it up now?’

To be honest, it didn’t receive great reviews in Korea.

But somehow, it gained traction overseas, and even those who initially called it childish were jumping on the bandwagon.

It hit number one on foreign charts, turning it from just another drama into something meaningful.

A work with unique and original direction by the director…

“Is there something next? If it’s out, I’ll definitely watch!”

Thinking over the fans’ enthusiastic calls, Park Jung-woo considered it for a moment.

He didn’t have anything concrete in mind, but he did have ideas.

“That.”

Just as he was responding to a fan’s question with a smile, he noticed someone waving at him among the crowd.

A suspicious figure wearing sunglasses and a cap, which looked strange no matter how you looked at it.

He initially ignored it.

Well, he did ignore it.

‘Is she crazy?’

With so many people around…

Thinking he’d turn away, his body didn’t budge.

“Huh?”

The moment Park Jung-woo realized the weirdness of the situation, he felt someone grab his arm.

“Why are you running away?”

“This is so…insane…”

The moment he tried to call her out, his body started being dragged away.

Actually, more like half-lifted and pulled away.

And it happened in the blink of an eye.

It was almost as if a ninja had just appeared out of nowhere.

“Huh? Big Brother?”

“Is it a movie shoot?”

The unexpected turn of events had the fans pursuing Park Jung-woo momentarily stunned.

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