Chapter 74

For movie promotions through variety shows, there is generally more influence from the movie’s publicity team rather than the individuals involved. It’s important to consider the movie’s genre.

And the key question is, which variety show would be the most effective platform for promoting the film?

Individual preferences can only be referenced to a certain extent.

Seoyeon knew this much.

‘The easiest option would be *Running People*.’

The basic premise of *Running People* revolves around ‘chasing and tearing off the name tags from the participants’ arms,’ which allows for various concepts to be applied. This makes it the most suitable variety show for [*The Chaser*].

‘What variety show did [*The Chaser*] promote on in a past life…?’

Suddenly reflecting on this,

she realized she had never come across it on any variety show.

It had appeared on the 9 o’clock news, though.

‘Hmm.’

It initially hadn’t done any promotion until the movie was almost completed.

They probably intended to promote only after the shooting was over.

‘Unfortunately, Jiwoo Pyo had released the Sword Master ending beforehand.’

It ended up being covered on the 9 o’clock news before a proper promotion could be carried out.

Of course, it garnered even more publicity than appearing on any variety show would have.

There was only a minor issue with the release being postponed somewhat.

‘Ugh…’

In reality, variety shows were all fine for Seoyeon, but,

‘I have to manage my image.’

When the movie comes out, Cha Sooah’s character image will undoubtedly impact her own.

To defend against that influence, her existing image had to be stronger.

Clearly, playing Princess Yeonhwa cannot defend her in the long term.

‘So, I’d rather avoid physical variety shows for now.’

Seoyeon was naturally confident with physical challenges, overly so in some ways.

From this perspective, *Running People* seemed a bit off.

‘There are certain aspects I want to experience once in the future.’

It was a well-liked show, after all.

Seoyeon stood with her arms crossed, pondering deeply but,

‘My pondering won’t change much anyway.’

Seoyeon sighed deeply as she thought,

And she could sense a few students nearby flinching.

‘Was it… just me?’

For some reason, she noticed more people reacting sharply to her words since the school festival ended a week ago.

Though the class president had started talking to her, there was still this odd distance.

‘Why?’

They worked so well together during the festival, but now it felt like things had drifted.

Even the girl who had played ghost with her on the second floor seemed to react unusually.

Of course, she didn’t particularly want to avoid Seoyeon,

It was more about what she had witnessed during the school festival — chasing after male students on all fours.

‘She definitely looked like Seoyeon at the time.’

But it’s obviously impossible for a human being to crawl and chase like that.

The direction they escaped to also coincided with where Seoyeon had been.

Additionally, Seoyeon’s performance during the practice was impressive, making her ‘actress’ identity very strong.

After the festival, Seoyeon was absent from school for some time due to filming.

So, all these factors contributed to making things seem strange.

‘It’s weird…’

Even so, she had joined the class chat group, which was progress.

But there was this inexplicable sense of moving backward, making her anxious.

And just as Seoyeon was deep in these thoughts,

“Perhaps *Running People* isn’t the best option?”

The production team of [*The Chaser*] was scouting promotional variety shows.

“I think it’s best to preserve the movie’s concept with a pursuit scenario. I heard that actress Sooyeon Joo is quite athletic?”

“Mm, that’s true.”

It was partially valid reasoning.

*Running People* typically splits into two teams, but the plot occasionally changes.

Positioning Seoyeon as similar to Cha Sooah’s role in the show…

“No, it wouldn’t work.”

At that point, producer Cha Dongjin interjected unexpectedly.

“Isn’t it exactly the style of the movie?”

“Yes, it does fit,”

agreed Cha Dongbin,

but,

“Unless we’re hiding that Cha Sooah is a specific character.”

“Ah.”

Indeed. Publicly, Sooyeon Joo was still known simply as a minor character — a convenience store employee.

Apart from that, Cha Sooah’s story hasn’t been deeply explored, leading to various speculations about the identity of the perpetrator.

In thriller movies, the villain typically has as much presence as the protagonist, and naturally, the actor playing the villain contributes to the publicity.

“Let’s do it post-release, or even mid-release.”

They wouldn’t be on just one variety show — at least two would be ideal.

If they overdo it, the public might become indifferent, and scheduling could be challenging.

“Then do we have a good option? Promoting as a convenience store employee is ambiguous.”

“Having four characters promote simultaneously but in a subtle way could work.”

This could create a nice surprise when revealed later.

Sooyeon Joo is currently quite popular, so appearing in promotions wouldn’t be suspicious.

“Then…”

Avoid bodily intense variety shows.

Yet, find something to call moderate attention.

“Recently, raw, unfiltered impressions are popular, and it also helps when actors don’t hold back on their image for publicity.”

“Is it…?”

Cha Dongbin suggested a specific show, and the production team looked startled.

Kim Dae-heon, playing detective Im Seung-cheol, or Park Hee-jun playing detective Seo Kwang-il might not have an issue since they’re men,

but it could be quite strenuous for Jung Si-hyun, portraying Han Ye-hwa, and perhaps even for Seoyeon.

“Not all of them will participate. Considering the filming schedule…”

“With Park Hee-jun and Seoyeon Joo, I think we will plan it accordingly for this show.”

“Hmm.”

Yet it seemed Seoyeon might still manage fine given how director Bae Jin-hwan praised her greatly.

Even Kim Hong-bae, the action director of Cheonghong Action School, not to mention a professor, praised her saying

“If Seoyeon truly pursues the action acting field, she will undoubtedly achieve great success.”

Not just anyone, but Kim Hong-bae has worked with numerous action actors, even overseas actors, and still said this.

If anyone, Kim Hong-bae was renowned for his rigorousness and tough critiques in the industry, but he lavishly praised her.

Undeniably, the production team was deeply impressed by his words, leading them to reconsider various factors.

The first mention of *Running People* was also for this reason.

“I think it’ll be okay. Park Hee-jun, being a former special forces member, could support Seoyeon in case she feels strained.”

Producer Cha Dongbin nodded in agreement, sensing a rough plan forming.

“Then, let’s finalize it with *Deserted Island Survival*.”

*Deserted Island Survival*.

A variety entertainment show where participants spend four nights and five days on a deserted island or jungle.

Of course, this was a completely unexpected choice for Seoyeon.

***

“What?! *Deserted Island Survival*?”

The one who screamed in shock wasn’t Seoyeon but her manager, Eun-ha Park.

She was astonished that Seoyeon would do movie promotions via *Deserted Island Survival*.

“Is a survival show for a female actress really appropriate? It could damage her skin and affect future filming.”

“It’s said that Seoyeon’s scenes are already done, though.”

“Yes, that’s true but…”

Eun-ha sighed heavily at her boss’s words.

She wanted to argue, but she didn’t have the time for it. Also, Seoyeon would need to outright object herself to start the discussion.

‘This girl has no objection.’

At times, it felt like a flaw and a strength of Seoyeon—she rarely shows emotions, making her thoughts hard to read.

Even hearing about *Deserted Island Survival*, her eyes just widened a bit without any particular sign of disapproval.

Of course, *Deserted Island Survival* often appears in movie promotions.

It not only allows actors to display their daily lives but has also shown many actors revealing unexpected charm.

However,

‘Not great for female actresses.’

For *Deserted Island Survival*, the shooting locations could be as bad as remote wilderness areas, even if the best-case scenario was still a glaringly sunny deserted island.

It’s obviously very harmful for actresses who constantly manage their skin.

Also, female actresses tend to appear sleep-deprived and cause trouble during the broadcasts.

Of course, showing determination could easily boost their likability, but…

‘With Seoyeon, it does seem like she’ll do well…’

Given how Kim Hong-bae praised her,

but athleticism and survival situations are different.

‘Hmm.’

Contrary to manager Park’s concerns, Seoyeon didn’t give *Deserted Island Survival* much thought.

Rather,

‘It sounds fun.’

Seoyeon wasn’t bothered by the sun’s heat or the general conditions, thanks partly to her flawless skin that didn’t get damaged by UV exposure.

‘Maybe I’ll have some downtime to talk about the movie in between.’

Originally, she expected it to be *Running People*, so this was somewhat unexpected. She figured they might explore appearing later.

“Seoyeon, just to be on the safe side, don’t push yourself too hard, alright?”

“Sure.”

Watching Seoyeon nod calmly, Eun-ha felt a strange sense of unease.

Thus, the participation in *Deserted Island Survival* was decided.

‘Filming starts in a week.’

What a coincidence. The last filming day was also quite important to Seoyeon as it was the day Ramiel’s show airs and also her birthday.

***

“Wow, hello there, Producer Shin. Long time no see.”

“Hey, Park! You’ve really grown up! Long time no see!”

Park Jung-woo smiled a bit awkwardly in response to Shin Young-woo’s cheerful greeting, as he’d been on Producer Shin’s shows since he was young.

Because of that, Shin PD had a tendency to treat Jung-woo like a nephew.

Not to mention that he and Jung-woo’s father were quite close.

“As always, thank you for your hard work.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. Since I transferred to *Deserted Island Survival*, life has been nothing short of brutal. It’s so hot out here. Ha…”

*Deserted Island Survival* was a show that was tough not only for its participants but also for the staff and PDs. It had already gone through a few changes in producers.

The only constant was MC Jung Dae-hyun of *Deserted Island Survival*.

“Jung-woo, how about you appear on our show someday? I can save you a spot.”

“Of course, I’ll think about it.”

Naturally, Jung-woo had no intention of participating.

Physical variety shows weren’t his thing, especially *Deserted Island Survival* which was both physically and mentally demanding.

Who’d want to get their skin burned in such a place?

“There’s one vacant spot for the next guest…”

Shin PD’s suggestive tone made Jung-woo laugh uncomfortably. Of course, he knew Shin PD wasn’t seriously expecting Jung-woo’s participation.

Park Jung-woo was known for his meticulous self-management as an actor.

“Phew, I’m already worried. We have two movie promotion actors coming this time.”

“Movie promotions on *Deserted Island Survival*?”

It was a bold move.

But it was something actors might generally avoid.

“Actually, one is related to you Park Jung-woo. Still pretty young, which worries me. Imagine the situation where she might demand to go back during filming.”

Indeed, some actresses and idols have previously given up during shoots due to the grueling conditions.

“By any chance, do you know who it is?”

Jung-woo now felt curious after Producer Shin’s words.

A young actress related to him. That could only mean one person.

“Actress Sooyeon Joo. She’s coming on our show.”

Hearing this, Jung-woo closed his eyes tightly.

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