Chapter 199

Yuito, a reporter for the Tokyo Daily, genuinely thought it was a good thing he had taken the time to learn Korean.

If he hadn’t, not only would he not have been able to stop Seoyeon, but conducting an interview would have been impossible.

‘Where did her interpreter go if she’s wandering alone?’

There were more than a few things he was curious about. Why was she wandering alone, and why was her outfit so attention-grabbing? Just simple disguise? If that were the case, there would be more explanations required.

“But, we managed to catch you, so what kind of interview shall we do?”

“Ah, caught you a little too suddenly, and I didn’t even think about what to ask.”

Yuito and his fellow reporter, Ouki, exchanged this dialogue. By the way, Seoyeon had stepped away, claiming she had a quick call to make back in Korea.

Perhaps, it seemed like she had some questions regarding interviews similar to this one.

“Made you wait.”

About ten minutes later, Seoyeon returned. Watching her quietly take her seat, Yuito was momentarily captivated.

‘It suits her too well… It’s almost scary.’

Without realizing it, Yuito swallowed his saliva. Because Seoyeon’s gaze, filled with calm indifference, made him struggle to speak easily, despite her face being partially hidden behind a mask. It was as if an aura was pressing down on him.

Even though her face was partly covered by a mask, her presence carried a commanding aura that made him question how he could have approached her.

Nevertheless, they were journalists, and they had to secure the scoop somehow.

“First, as I mentioned earlier, we are reporters with the Tokyo Daily.”

Seoyeon nodded after a brief glance at the business card Yuito had handed over.

‘I can’t tell what’s written.’

Though she wanted to check it with Papago, the current atmosphere did not call for it. Still, even without fully understanding the card, Seoyeon could discern the logo and identify the characters for “Tokyo.”

‘Anyway, if they were simple paparazzi, they’d probably have tried sneaking shots already.’

Of course, if that had been the case, Seoyeon would have chased them down to confiscate the film. But with their composed demeanor and the confident way they had presented the business card, it was likely they were indeed reporters.

“How did you know who I was?”

Instead of Yuito, Ouki replied. He explained that they had seen Seoyeon through the café window after removing her mask.

‘So, you saw me inside.’

The glass walls had seemed opaque, but it seemed she had only removed her mask for a brief moment. Her impression of the reporter’s observation skills was high—how had they recognized her based on that brief glimpse?

“Um, will there be photos in the interview?”

“Huh? No, we don’t include photos unless you wish us to!”

That answer earned a bit more trust. However, Seoyeon shook her head.

“It’s fine to include photos.”

“Eh? But…”

“Shouldn’t there be photos in an interview so people believe it?”

In Japan, all kinds of articles get published, and a significant portion of them are fake news.

“Since I haven’t worn this outfit in Korea either, people will think the photos were taken in Japan.”

On hearing that, Yuito and Ouki exchanged glances. Well, sure—great for them! Actually, they were almost too thrilled.

Moreover, the outfit she had chosen seemed tailored specifically to Japanese tastes, blending all the elements Japanese individuals favor.

Especially, the recent trend in subcultures included these types of explosive fashion statements. While “real” explosive fashion might leave a bad impression, anything worn by an actress always carried a different flair.

“Ah, then, may I take a quick shot?”

“Me too…”

Seoyeon struck a “V” pose for the camera. The picture came out fairly good, giving her some satisfaction.

‘This photo will help redefine my image.’

A strong determination to avoid repeating past mistakes, like the gorilla incident. The photo was a firm statement of her intention to embrace the image of a bombshell actress.

‘Great, it turned out cute and good.’

Seoyeon gave a nod. For reference, this interview had already been approved by NOVA Entertainment’s CEO, Kang Chan-yul.

There was no other person she communicated with more regularly, and their relationship was undeniably positive. After all, Seoyeon was the goose that lays the golden eggs at NOVA.

Moreover, he’d known her since her early acting years, so he felt more like a close uncle than merely her CEO. Therefore, Seoyeon had called CEO Kang rather than her manager.

“Enha probably wouldn’t have approved.”

Eunha always prioritized safety above anything else. Also, asking about it would inevitably lead her to consult with CEO Kang anyway. It made more sense to contact him directly.

‘I don’t want to wake her up either.’

Given the late hour, she might still be asleep. Waking her up for this wouldn’t be ideal. Moreover, informing her afterward would suffice.

“So, how will the interview proceed?”

With that question from Seoyeon, Yuito and Ouki exchanged slightly nervous looks. Now that they were actually face-to-face, it became tricky deciding where to start.

‘What should we ask first?’

‘Good question.’

They suddenly remembered her extended stay in Akihabara and the mention of VTubers in her broadcasts. Perhaps…

“Are there any comics from Japan that you like?”

“Comics?”

Ouki gave Yuito a bewildered look in response. Certainly, it was common to ask about national culture, similar to asking “Do you know Japan?” But why comics specifically?

It was clear that Seoyeon didn’t give off an impression of someone who enjoyed comics. Even though she had mentioned VTubers yesterday, most people saw it as more of a passing remark rather than genuine interest. Ouki felt the same way.

“I like martial arts comics.”

“Eh?”

“Baki, or Ken Gan Ashura.”

“?!”

Why was this about martial arts comics?

Both reporters were left puzzled.

“Uh, would it be alright to ask why?”

“Because I can draw a lot of inspiration from them.”

Exactly where does one find inspiration in martial arts comics?

Yuito, though acknowledging the greatness of these works as an avid fan, couldn’t stop questioning. Aren’t these typically more popular among men rather than women?

“I also like how strong the characters are.”

Seoyeon smirked and shrugged her shoulders dismissively, pleased by Yuito’s question.

“Maybe I’ll show you sometime in the future.”

“Ah?”

What exactly could she show him from these comics? Curiosity got the better of Yuito.

‘No, surely she’s joking.’

The Japanese reporters had no idea what Seoyeon had done on *Hyper Action Star*. Even if they had seen it, they would have dismissed it as exaggerated entertainment.

At least what they had encountered from Seoyeon in Japan was limited to previews from the movie *The Chaser* and the ongoing drama *Dream Future*. Viewing her as delicate was not out of place.

“Ah.”

Realizing something late, Seoyeon quickly added,

“Of course, it’s a joke. My body is frail, so I admire those things.”

“Ah.”

Yuito nodded in understanding. To his response, Seoyeon reiterated,

“Please make sure to include that comment in the interview.”

“Ah? Which comment do you mean?”

“The comic discussion and the reasons why I like them.”

“Ah, um, understood.”

Finally, Yuito seemed to internalize this understanding.

The response reassured Seoyeon, who inwardly exhaled a sigh of relief.

‘Unintentionally.’

Her attempt to break her violent image would have been counterproductive if this kind of interview went public. Thankfully, the Japanese reporters passed it over easily.

‘But is she really delicate?’

Still, Yuito felt a bit unsettled. After all, images of Seoyeon crawling around during variety shows came to mind—an impression far from delicate.

“Ahem, moving on with the questions.”

With that, Yuito started asking a series of more straightforward questions.

“What brought you to Japan?”

“Which Japanese actors do you admire?”

“Which Japanese food do you like most?”

Her answers were relatively ordinary.

Compared to the comic question, these answers seemed completely normal.

With a hint of disappointment, Seoyeon responded routinely. However, some answers were slightly quirky, but when compared to the first question, most of her responses were safe.

‘So why…’

While Seoyeon showed detailed responses about games and comics, the rest seemed unenthusiastic. Typically, actors would show more interest in other aspects, wouldn’t they?

‘Maybe it’s her concept?’

In Japan, there are many entertainers with different concepts—some highly unique, even bordering on extreme.

Though, generally speaking, foreign actors didn’t need to settle on such precise concepts because they already had some form of recognition in their home countries.

A female actress with both a mining outfit and a love for gaming. One who was also quite knowledgeable about anime.

‘Surely, this would appeal to a particular audience.’

Specifically, the Otaku community, it seemed. Though they suspected these might be prepared answers, knowing too much made it confusing for Yuito.

“So, to wrap up…”

What should be the final question? As he contemplated, some of the comments from her TV appearance that made it trending on Twitter surfaced in his mind, particularly one mentioning a certain director.

“Have you heard of Director Hiro Kakeba?”

“Ah?”

Seoyeon took a moment to think. Despite her vast knowledge of the entertainment industry, her foreign knowledge was, unfortunately, lacking.

“Sorry, I’ve never heard of him.”

“Ah, don’t worry. He is not yet well-known in Korea, but he’s a rising genius director here in Japan.”

He employed unconventional filming techniques adapted for foreign audiences, unlike what is typically seen in Japan. Currently, he was directing a TV series. Though the popularity was moderate, much of that was due to its divergence from the usual Japanese drama sentiments.

Surprisingly, despite that, the ratings were decent.

“This director recently posted several tweets about watching your variety show, Ms. Joo Seoyeon.”

“Really?”

Indeed, Twitter in Japan could be considered a national SNS platform, used by all ages.

Yuito showed Seoyeon some of Hiro Kakeba’s recent tweets on his phone, translated for her.

==

@kakeba_hiro

After watching her in the variety show, I checked out Seoyeon Joo’s “The Chaser” Japanese preview. Even in the short scenes, her acting skills were evident. This was not a fluke.

@kakeba_hiro

The more I watch, the more the gap between “Dream Future” and “The Chaser” stands out. The same actress, but completely different vibes.

Could the lack of connection between Joo Ha-rin and Seoyeon stem from this difference in their images?

@kakeba_hiro

I recently heard that a Japanese broadcaster quickly contacted about “Sky Garden,” which recently ended with a strong response in Korea. Frankly, I thought, “Hmm…” But now, I would love a chance to work with her someday.

==

On reading those tweets, Seoyeon felt a bit bashful.

Even despite knowing it, being complimented face-to-face was embarrassing, even for someone like Seoyeon.

‘Besides, that wasn’t acting.’

In a situation where she was already being mistaken for acting, she doubted anything she said would be heard otherwise. Moreover, it was better she was seen as an actress who could act.

If… the truth came out that she had run from fear, her image would be damaged beyond repair.

‘Moreover, it’s Japanese drama.’

She wasn’t entirely disinterested. In fact, she had only ever watched one, and that was while her mom was viewing it. The experience gave her a definitive impression of the different acting style and emotional delivery.

“…What do you think about that?”

“Ah, if the opportunity arises, I’d love to meet him someday.”

This wasn’t an offhand comment. Even if he’s regarded as a genius in Japan, building connections couldn’t hurt.

Moreover, it was clear he already held her in high regard.

“Hmm.”

With Seoyoen’s response, Yuito hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Would you consider meeting him?”

The unexpected question left Seoyoen surprised. She hadn’t anticipated hearing that they might meet right then.

***

“Then, what’s the relation between that and your cameo?”

Later, Seoyeon went back to her hotel. Even this short interview had eaten up considerable time, making it awkward to immediately proceed for a meeting.

Enha had been a little more reassured, originally suspecting Seoyeon might already have met him.

“Well, didn’t it surprise you? Just explain properly…”

At least it was clear that Seoyeon hadn’t gone alone. They seemed to have spoken only briefly over the phone.

“The journalist and Director Hiro Kakeba seemed to know each other. They were high school classmates, right? The journalist said he would reach out during this opportunity.”

Certainly, the relationship seemed rather vague—infrequently kept in touch and the ability to communicate was limited—but it seemed this was enough to sway him.

“So, Director Kakeba said okay to this, about the cameo?”

To Seoyeon’s question, it was Sora who replied. Given the context of working with Japanese directors, it was only natural she’d take interest.

“To be precise, Director Kakeba suggested we meet on the set. If the chance came, he asked if you could appear as a cameo.”

Despite it being an impromptu request, Director Kakeba had readily agreed upon the reporter’s recommendation. Be it out of genuine interest in Seoyeon or Yuito’s persuasion skills, it wasn’t clear.

“Do you know Director Kakeba, Sora?”

“Um, I know him, but… honestly, while I’ve never exactly performed much acting in Japan…”

Sora had knowledge as aspiring actress nonetheless and had watched a few of his dramas.

A considerably youthful director. He favored restrained emotional expressions, an uncommon feature in Japanese cinema.

‘Anyway, at least the landmine didn’t detonate.’

Park Eun-ha exhaled a sigh of relief. Had they already shot the cameo, it would’ve been too late.

Truthfully, if Seoyeon said yes, Eun-ha wouldn’t have been able to stop her even if she wanted to. Not only was she not the type to be stopped easily, Seoyoen’s track record had never once failed.

If all this were credited to instinct, it was almost frightening.

“Seoyeon is a bomb, but every explosion ends up being a gain for her.”

Whether by instinct, calculated reasoning, or something else, Eun-ha didn’t oppose Seoyeon’s cameo appearance. There was no downside in her participating.

Given Eun-ha’s non-opposition,

‘Good.’

Seoyeon inwardly sighed with relief.

‘Changing the image, nothing beats broadcasting for that.’

She first planned to let the internet articles do the rounds. And then, briefly appearing as a cameo in the drama would erase the ghostly impression, right?

‘And…’

Her active role wasn’t purely for image reasons. The Japanese OTT market was significant, and if an opportunity presented itself to carve a path, it could prove advantageous later on.

‘Using the filming as an excuse to frequently… no, work in Japan makes sense, doesn’t it?’

Seoyeon nodded, fully satisfied with her flawless strategy.

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