Seoyeon momentarily pondered what to say.
She briefly ran a simulation in her mind, but…
“Hello, Actress Ko Mi-eun.”
“Why are you staring like that?”
“Actress Ko, am I not to your liking?”
…Of course, things wouldn’t turn out that way, but the future didn’t look bright.
If she were to offend her, should she just take it lying down? If Seoyeon impulsively retaliated, Ko Mi-eun would surely end up in a worse state.
Ko Mi-eun was not a renowned swordsman like Pyo Ji-woo, she was just a regular actress after all.
“Hello, Actress Ko Mi-eun.”
Still, following the simulation in her mind, she greeted first.
Ko Mi-eun seemed to flinch slightly.
As if wondering, ‘Why is she at KMB Broadcasting Company?’
But Seoyeon being at the broadcasting station wasn’t strange at all.
After all, she, like Seoyeon, was also shooting a drama. Seoyeon was starring in a different drama.
“…Hello.”
However, unlike expected, though Ko Mi-eun hesitated, she returned the greeting quite normally.
Seoyeon felt relieved.
Fortunately, Ko Mi-eun seemed to be a reasonable person. She didn’t suddenly appear and sneer with questions like, “Parachute?” How benevolent.
She thought that.
But then…
“It must be good, right?”
“Huh?”
“The drama is doing well, isn’t it?”
She suddenly brought up this topic.
Seoyeon blankly stared at her because it was difficult to ascertain the intention behind these words.
Were they truly words meant as congratulations, or was she mocking her?
‘From the looks of it, she doesn’t seem to be mocking me.’
Seoyeon observed Ko Mi-eun’s face.
Mi-eun’s impression was relatively gentle.
But given her tall stature and sharp eyes from earlier, she might have quite a personality.
Then, is it the latter?
‘But what should I reply to that? Saying a simple “Yeah, it’s going well” is impossible. And it’s too successful to modestly say “Not really,” either.’
Seoyeon wasn’t one to misinterpret others’ words.
She decided to think positively.
Besides, Seoyeon had been reading books on the art of conversation lately.
‘The Skill of Complimenting Others.’
Something like that. It was a book she read to improve her own relatively lacking verbal skills.
“The Grand Game also did well, didn’t it? That’s incredible.”
“…But it can’t compare to Sky Garden, right?”
In response to Seoyeon’s comment, Ko Mi-eun smiled and agreed.
As an actress, Mi-eun excelled at hiding her emotions.
“I think the charm lies in not knowing what will happen next. I’ve learned that sometimes giving up on predictability and boldly progressing actually works better.”
Finding it hard to figure out Seoyeon’s intent with her words, Ko Mi-eun carefully evaluated Sky Garden with her response.
Though the tone was soft, the gist was, “Pouring melodramatic twists brought in the ratings.”
Indeed, the latter half of [Sky Garden] had somewhat extreme elements.
To such remarks from Mi-eun…
“Undeniably, Grand Game also had those unpredictable developments. You’re very talented.”
“Huh?”
Seoyeon nodded and responded that way.
What was this? Was she complimenting her for suddenly popping up in romance?
That’s how it sounded.
‘So, she’s not just a simple character.’
Ko Mi-eun looked at Seoyeon, narrowing her eyes.
She didn’t just play villanous roles. Honestly, if not for this occasion, Mi-eun probably wouldn’t have initiated a conversation with Seoyeon.
Even worse, she was annoyed by the constant praises Seoyeon kept throwing her way.
Yet, just because she didn’t like the actress didn’t mean she could physically attack her.
But that said… the thought of [Hyper Action Star] flashed in her mind.
Though it was believed to be rigged at first, the sight of Seoyeon effortlessly flying around during the live broadcast came back.
Of course, technically, it might’ve been a recorded broadcast.
As Ko Mi-eun remained silently standing still…
Seoyeon looked at her for a moment, then said…
“I hope everything always goes this well for you.”
“Eh?”
At this unexpected comment from Seoyeon, Ko Mi-eun momentarily lost her words.
It sounded like good wishes, but it didn’t feel like one.
Certainly, it would be a great thing for Ko Mi-eun if every drama she appeared in was as successful as [Grand Game].
But it came off awkwardly since it was said by an actress who had risen from [Grand Game].
Was she hinting to try it out?
At exactly that moment…
“Wow, I didn’t realize all the lead actors of KMB dramas were here.”
A male voice spoke out.
Seoyeon turned around to see who it was.
There stood a man with an affable face.
Was he about the same age as her father, Joo Young-bin?
Not exactly, but not too far in generations either.
“Actress Joo Seoyeon, this is the first time we’re meeting, right? Nice to meet you, I’m PD Baek Tae-soo.”
“Ah, yes. Hello, I’m Joo Seoyeon.”
“I’ve heard of you, but you certainly have a warm personality.”
At the name Baek Tae-soo, Seoyeon realized something.
‘This is the person who will become the director of Drama Department 2.’
In the previous life, the rivalry between Drama Department 1 and 2 had been fierce.
However, in that life, Department 1 ultimately lost to Department 2.
It was because the CEO of KMB supported Department 2, which attracted capable PDs. The leader of Department 1 fought hard, but there were limits to what one person could do.
Incidentally, Seoyeon learned everyone’s names only in this life.
Though she had seen many things back then, she didn’t know the names of broadcasting station directors.
“Let’s work together if we get the chance.”
“PD Sir?”
Baek Tae-soo’s sudden statement left Ko Mi-eun surprised as she looked at him.
She hadn’t expected him to talk like this to someone who could be regarded as an adversary, Seoyeon.
Smiling, PD Baek Tae-soo continued,
“Mi-eun, working with an actress like Seoyeon would do you good, wouldn’t it? Acting works best when there’s harmony. When talented actors collaborate, the synergy is extraordinary.”
“That’s true, but…”
“Since everyone did well with this drama, let’s keep getting along like this.”
Upon hearing these words from Baek Tae-soo, Ko Mi-eun nodded.
Seoyeon also nodded at him.
‘…But I don’t find him very pleasant.’
This wasn’t to say he was a bad person.
But he was certainly a complex character, instinctively.
“Let’s see if there’s a chance next time.”
So Seoyeon replied.
Even though this was from KMB Drama, already she’d learned from other people how important this drama was.
Family feuds.
By nature, they tend to be more bitter and ruthless.
Seoyeon had been used as a mere weapon in this battle.
So, PD Baek Tae-soo’s attitude wouldn’t be favorable towards her.
And yet, he smiled while making such an amicable offer—how many people could do that?
It should be reasonable this way, but emotions don’t always match logic.
Based on what Seoyeon had observed so far, people were generally like that.
“That’s good.”
In response to Seoyeon’s words, Baek Tae-soo PD merely smiled.
It was a genuine smile filled with sincerity.
PD Baek Tae-soo didn’t want to make Seoyeon an enemy.
If anything, she was a talent he needed to attract.
‘Just like Ko Mi-eun.’
Ko Mi-eun used to primarily work in MDC dramas.
Baek Tae-sou brought her in.
‘An actor is a sword wielded by a director and PD.’
So, the master could change anytime.
He was far from a petty person who’d anger over a mere sword.
***
“Are you a bit late?”
Entering the pre-booked meeting room, PD Lee Min-hwa welcomed Seoyeon warmly.
“Yes, I ran into PD Baek Tae-soo and Actress Ko Mi-eun on the way.”
“Eh? Didn’t you get into trouble, did you?”
“What?”
PD Lee Min-hwa had heard Seoyeon’s reputation beforehand.
The reputation revolved mainly around dodging bullets, folding coins for fun, and other unbelievable stories. Regardless of whether all were true, one thing was certain: Seoyeon had incredible reflexes.
Else, she couldn’t have won in [Hyper Action Star] and was certainly smarter than to ruin her prospects with other rising actors.
“By the way, please greet this side. This is PD Nanjou Katsuo from Japan’s YHJ.”
“Huh?”
The meeting room was crowded with people. Among them, one particularly distinct individual stood up after hearing PD Lee’s introduction.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Nanjou Katsuo.”
His Korean was fluent, though his pronunciation was a little awkward but not overly distracting. One could pass him off as someone who was just a little slow with speaking.
“You speak Korean so well.”
“Yes, indeed.”
Seoyeon also spoke Japanese, though animated by anime influences, she tended to speak like a Japanese high school girl – that was the problem. But this issue from her previous life wouldn’t matter much now since she’s currently a high schooler.
“After watching [The Chaser] and [Dream Future] that recently came out, I was like, ‘This is it!’ Wow, it’s truly incredible. Isn’t Miss… Miss main actress currently an active high school student?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Indeed, his energy felt quite different from typical Korean PDs. He had a dignified look but was exceptionally warm. The visiting Japanese staff seemed to murmur at the mention that Seoyeon was still a high school student.
“The genius actress of Korea. The lost child actor from ten years ago. Wow, what impressive titles.”
At this, Seoyeon quietly directed a question to PD Lee Min-hwa.
“Weren’t they here to discuss [Sky Garden]?”
“Well, [Sky Garden] hasn’t been transmitted to Japan yet. They saw [The Chaser] last time when they visited and [Dream Future] is currently airing.”
Today’s discussion was supposed to determine how [Sky Garden] would be broadcasted similarly to [Dream Future]. They also showed great interest in Seoyeon herself.
In fact, among those who came today, there was even someone from YHJ’s Variety Department.
“To be honest, before discussing [Sky Garden], I’d like to make a personal offer to you, Seoyeon.”
Upon saying that, Katsuo looked directly at Seoyeon.
“There’s a renewed Korean wave happening in Japan right now. Due to OTT dramas and the expansion of the idol industry, I’d like to invite you, as a recent hit in Korea, to a variety show.”
The biggest reason was Seoyeon’s status as a high school student and a genius actress—it was exactly these two titles that struck a chord in Japan, PD Lee Min-hwa explained later.
“More specifically, Seoyeon, your black hair is appealing. Neat black hair.”
“Ah, yes?”
“There are so many who can’t resist that.”
Of course, this generally referred to older generations of viewers, but the preference still lingered.
Even now, in Japan, there was significant backlash towards idols who dyed their hair.
Times have changed somewhat, but the tendency hasn’t completely disappeared.
“But this doesn’t seem like a bad proposal. Raising visibility wouldn’t harm you, would it?”
PD Lee was suggesting that alongside a trip to Japan, one variety show wouldn’t hurt. Accepting this idea, Seoyeon eventually nodded.
Indeed, the suggestion wasn’t bad.
***
“PD Nanjou.”
After a smooth conclusion to the [Sky Garden] meeting, the Japanese broadcasting team, returning to their lodgings, spoke to Nanjou, their leader.
He was slated to become the next director of YHJ’s Entertainment Division which granted his words weight in the team.
His personality leaned toward bringing in international stars, particularly Korean entertainers who generally weren’t fond of appearing on Japanese variety shows.
He didn’t dislike Korean films or dramas—they were, in fact, favorites of his.
So much so that he had learned Korean.
Nonetheless, Korean entertainers showed reluctance toward appearing on Japanese TV, making his recent suggestion to the team quite unusual.
“Why so much interest in this actress Seoyeon? Perhaps an idol would be better?”
Upon hearing this, Nanjou gave his colleague a look of disdain.
“Because she’s good merchandise. And if no one else has touched her yet, that’s a good opportunity to grab her first.”
“Is she really that good?”
“Have you seen [The Chaser]? Ah, since it hasn’t released in Japan yet, you probably haven’t.”
When had he last seen such a strong impression left by such a young actress? And Seoyeon’s looks were precisely what resonated well with Japanese audiences.
The sharp features… but beyond that, overall, she had everything.
“This time, we need to build a minor connection so that when the crucial moment arrives, we can effectively extend our hand.”
Clearly, Joo Seoyeon would grow even more from this point.
Nanjou Katsuo was certain of it.
And…
“…A trip to Japan? Me?”
A woman lying in bed answered her phone, her eyes widening. The runner-up from [Hyper Action Star].
Narumi Sora had been randomly invited to Seoyeon’s Japanese trip.
![[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come](https://i3.wp.com/darkmtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737407792-8993-TS-The-end-of-magical-girls-has-come.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The End of Magical Girls Has Come")