Chapter 27

The novel I once saw in my previous life, *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, was undeniably a major hit.

Built on a solid story adapted from a novel, it featured powerhouse actors delivering outstanding performances and was directed by a young, talented director. Set in an imaginary historical drama, it was a truly well-rounded production.

Thus, when I was chosen to replace Seohui Jo and participate in this drama, the weight of responsibility was immense.

“I just hope it matches the quality of the original.”

Indeed, I prayed for that very thing.

It would’ve been unforgivable to ruin such a hit—a show that reached a peak viewership rating of over 40%—all because of my involvement. That was the reason I worked harder than usual on this drama.

“I just need to reach Seohui Jo’s level.”

That was my mindset at first. But even Seohui Jo, in her past life, had her screen time drastically reduced, resulting in her child actress role lasting only two episodes. There was no guarantee the same wouldn’t happen to me.

Therefore, I poured in all the effort I could.

Every ounce of it.

“Seoyeon!”

Finally, the premiere of *The Moon That Hid the Sun* aired. While I had already seen it during the premiere event, watching it on TV felt completely different.

But did it turn out well? What if the public’s reaction was different from the test screening?

Just as I worried, my mom, beaming with excitement, spoke up.

“Director Gong Jung-tae just called! The ratings came out at over 25%!!”

“Twenty-five percent? Seriously?”

Stunned, I glanced at my mom, only to find myself enveloped by her big, hugging arms.

“Breath… I can’t breathe…”

Thankfully, my mom didn’t hug me for too long, thanks to my dad pulling her away.

“Honey, the kid is going to suffocate!”

My dad truly saved my life in that moment.

“But!!”

After that, my mom grabbed my shoulders and shook me violently, showing even more excitement than I felt.

“What’s going on? I heard this is the highest premiere rating among all dramas broadcast this year! Isn’t Seoyeon already a big star?”

“No, no, no… surely not!”

Her vigorous shaking made it hard for me to pronounce words clearly.

Please stop.

Meanwhile, my dad, unwilling to intervene further, just shrugged. I silently prayed for him to at least try to calm her down.

“But 25%…?”

In my past life, I clearly remembered *The Moon That Hid the Sun*’s ratings, which were even reported in the news. Recalling the memory now was surprisingly vivid and straightforward.

The original premiere rating of *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, where Seohui Jo played the lead, was 17%. But with me in the role, the premiere rating surged by 8 percentage points, reaching 25%.

Realizing that…

The emotion bubbling within me was one of accomplishment. It was the first time I had genuinely achieved something through my own efforts.

The thrill, something I had never experienced in my past life, made my heart race.

“Huh?”

At that moment, my mom carefully observed my face and smiled.

“It seems our daughter is happy too. Look at how you’re smiling.”

Smiling?

Seoyeon pressed her plump cheeks with her small hands.

Indeed, I was smiling.

‘Of course, this is normal.’

If I could smile naturally without effort, it was because I was happy. Closing my eyes, I felt an uplifting sensation.

“I feel happy.”

It was the first time.

Achieving something through my own efforts felt like a triumph.

In my past life, I had never experienced this feeling. The exhilaration made my chest thump.

“Acting — I’m really glad I chose this path.”

With that thought, I nestled into my mom’s arms.

***

The influence of a drama was incomparable to advertising. Even though only the first episode had aired, I could already feel more people recognizing me.

In addition, the most significant factor was that the “articles” had started rolling in.

[KMB’s Ambitious New Drama *The Moon That Hid the Sun* Opens with a 25% Ratings Spike!]

[MDC’s *Action King* vs. KMB’s *The Moon That Hid the Sun*: Who Wins the First Showdown?]

[Talent Child Actor? Who Is the Young Star Taking on the Role of Princess Yeonhwa Since Her Audition?]

[First Episode Under Pressure for *Action King*: “We’ll Deliver an Impressive Show Next week!”]

The stream of articles was endless. Some of them even focused on me.

My calm and steady acting in the first episode was lauded, but questions also arose about why I switched to the drama right after appearing in a commercial.

As a result, I was drawing more attention than ever.

“Seoyeon, the teacher is excited for the second episode too!”

“Have you already filmed Episodes 1 through 3? What happens next?”

Even in kindergarten, people were talking about me, and teachers who usually kept their distance started approaching me.

“Joo Seoyeon, just wait. I’ll be appearing in dramas soon too.”

Ijeon declared boldly with strong determination.

“Even if you do, change agencies first.”

“You know I already will.”

Later, I heard from my mom that Hong Jin-hee, Ijeon’s mother, had thoroughly investigated *Eunha Entertainment*. Apparently, after realizing some things about the agency, she removed Ijeon from it and was looking for another.

“She’ll go to the agency I recommended,” I thought.

Unfortunately, it seems the current agency doesn’t inspire much trust, so she’s exploring elsewhere. Fortunately, there are other reputable management agencies with promising futures, so I decided to recommend them.

“Joo Seoyeon.”

At that moment, Ijeon eyed my face intently before speaking hesitantly, which was unusual for her.

“Mom told me… that you…”

Her hesitant and stammering behavior was unlike the confident Ijeon I knew.

I immediately guessed what she was about to say. There was only one topic that would make the usually bold Ijeon this tentative.

“Yes.”

“Huh?”

“Whatever you’re thinking right now.”

At my response, Ijeon’s eyes widened momentarily, then her face crinkled. Clearly, she wasn’t fond of my decision, even though she was still just a child.

“Hmph, whatever.”

I smiled at her grumbling.

This reaction was decent, at least.

“Hey, Ijeon.”

“Uh-huh?”

“Want to join a voice acting school with me?”

“What?”

Ijeon stared at me perplexed. Her expression was clearly saying, “You’re an actor—why do you want to attend a voice acting school?”

You just don’t know.

In the entertainment industry, versatility is essential, and acting is no exception. Voice training, in particular, can be beneficial.

And these days, actors dubbing their own characters is becoming more common.

“Mostly, they get slammed for it, though.”

But wouldn’t it be impressive to showcase great skill despite the criticism?

It would leave a good impression on the public.

Of course, my personal interest also plays a role.

“Hmph, fine. Let’s do it.”

Despite her somewhat irritated expression, Ijeon didn’t reject my offer.

I remembered that Ijeon had appeared as a child voice actress in a children’s anime but faced heavy criticism. That experience likely pushed her toward retirement.

If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have debuted as an actress later.

“I wonder what she did afterward?”

Ijeon had talent and charisma, so it wasn’t impossible for her to excel.

Her acting ability was decent, and her pronunciation and voice projection were also commendable.

“She might be good at voice acting.”

I nodded while gazing at her intently.

And interestingly, I found out where Ijeon worked in my past life in a completely unexpected place.

But that’s a story for another time.

***

A few days passed since the premiere, and interest in *The Moon That Hid the Sun* was growing stronger than ever.

Especially today, the day the highly anticipated second episode would air—both the preview and the premiere screening had left strong impressions.

“It’s not time to let our guard down yet. MDC’s *Action King* is performing exceptionally well too.”

Ha Tae-oh repeatedly reminded the staff and stressed that we weren’t in a celebratory position just yet. With similar time slots and episode counts, the current rival dynamics between the two dramas were intense.

“When air times overlap, the competition has a real, immediate impact.”

A tense atmosphere filled KMB’s Drama Department. While *Action King*’s Episode 1 rating was at 16%, a significant gap compared to *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, it wasn’t something to underestimate.

“But aren’t we confident about Episode 2?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Facing them outright is even fortunate. Lucky bastards.”

Although they talked confidently, the tension was palpable. Despite their confidence, anything could still go wrong.

“The Moon That Hid the Sun Episode 2: We’re almost ready to begin.”

Hae-oh’s somber tone was followed by someone nervously swallowing their saliva.

And so, Episode 2 began.

“Our current ratings are around 15%.”

*Action King* was likely at a similar level, maybe even slightly higher.

‘The first part of *The Moon That Hid the Sun* Episode 2 isn’t much different from Episode 1.’

The young Princess Yeonhwa and young Yoon Seoil shared a light-hearted story.

Amid this atmosphere, Jo Young-dae’s arrival changed everything.

“Ah! It’s revealing!”

“What?”

“Starting in Episode 2, they’ve dared to include such bold exposure. Phew.”

At that moment, *Action King* featured a female actress in daring and shocking scenes that were both bold in their exposure and impressive in acting and direction.

“They really are confident.”

Ha Tae-oh gritted his teeth. He could feel the ratings fluctuating, even without confirmation.

“I’m putting my trust in Yoon Jong-hyuk and Seoyeon.”

Amidst the flashy action scenes of *Action King*, *The Moon That Hid the Sun* was changing its tone as Jo Young-dae began to move.

With confident, unyielding steps through the palace, Jo Young-dae eventually met Princess Yeonhwa—one of the much-praised scenes from the previews and premiere screenings.

Raising her head, Seoyeon’s defiant glare at Jo Young-dae intensified the drama like a storm.

Even though they had shot and edited this scene many times, it was impossible to look away.

As the drama drew to a close…

“PD!”

A staff member monitoring the ratings shouted.

It seemed the ratings for Episode 2 were in.

Did we win?

Or did we lose?

“23%.”

“Huh?”

23% was lower than Episode 1. Confusion swept over Ha Tae-oh as he stared at the staff member, who quickly grinned.

“Of *Action King*.”

Wait, is this a joke?!

Ha Tae-oh’s eyes narrowed. Pushing authority aside, it was clear the staff member had overstepped.

Deciding to call him out, Ha Tae-oh was about to speak when another voice interrupted.

“29%.”

“What?”

“The ratings for Episode 2 reached 29%, with a peak moment hitting up to 34%.”

All anger disappeared in an instant.

An overall rating of 29%, and a peak moment of 34%, was exceptional.

And it didn’t need clarification—when the ratings surged was the confrontation between Yoon Jong-hyuk and Seoyeon as Jo Young-dae and Princess Yeonhwa.

“Peak ratings reaching 34%?”

This kind of result usually only appeared in the later episodes of a drama. Even for a meticulously crafted drama like *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, 34% was surprisingly high.

Hitting 34% with only the second episode was almost unheard of. In the past few years, it would be hard to find many dramas across the three major networks that achieved such impressive numbers.

At that moment…

Uuung, Uuung!!

Ha Tae-oh’s phone vibrated, displaying the name of the caller.

Drama Division Manager Hwang Jeong-soo from KMB was urgently calling him.

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