Chapter 62: The First Airing

༺ The First Airing ༻

It was the golden age of dramas.

Even in the late 2000s, cable channels began to thrive, dividing the drama market share.

Now was the era of TV dramas, where the viewership rate of a successful TV drama soared to more than 40%. It was also difficult to find a person who hadn’t watched the drama when it became a ‘national drama.’

KBK wasn’t the only one sharpening their knives for the year-end dramas.

MBK, which basked in the tremendous popularity of ‘Jewel in the Palace’ that ended in the first half of the year, and SBK, riding the momentum of ‘Lovers in Paris,’ both put effort into selecting their last mini-series.

[Year-End Mini-Series War: Who Will Be the Final Winner in 2004?]

[MBK’s ‘Defense of Dignity’ with An Sang-soo and Cha Hye-kyung in the Cast: A Dignified Courtroom Drama in the Making?]

[SBK’s ‘Soulmate’: Can they conquer it with a classic melodrama this time? The return of melodrama queen Yoon Eun-jung to the small screen.]

[KBK’s sudden scheduling changes? Introducing the new drama ‘Showbiz Studies’ by hitmaker writer Yook Mi-young.]

In the midst of the heightened atmosphere, a drug scandal involving PD Joo Ilho broke out.

The entertainment industry buzzed for a while with rumors of a PD and an actress being close to PD Joo, and sparks even flew in the direction of the show, which was currently filming the drama.

— What about Baek Seunghyo and Cha Harin? Shouldn’t all the actors from that show undergo a hair follicle test?

└ We’ll take action if you baselessly accuse our Seunghyo.

— KBK’s dramas were a failure this year, and this was their last chance. They must feel embarrassed.

— PD Joo, your life isn’t worth saving!

So, even if PD Joo split from KBK and held a grand conference, there were journalists who wanted to seize this opportunity to ask.

“Public opinion about KBK has been shaky due to the drug scandal involving PD Joo Ilho. PD Bang Hak, you’re making a drama comeback after a year despite all this controversy. Is there a specific reason you chose to start under such turbulent circumstances?”

Despite being told not to ask provocative questions before starting, there were always those who didn’t follow the advice.

PD Bang Hak raised his hand to stop the host from intervening and picked up the microphone.

“As soon as I saw the quality of the work, the writer, and the actors, I had a feeling that this could be my masterpiece. Compared to the core quality of the work, isn’t everything else secondary, Reporter Choo Sang-hyuk?”

Yoomyeong admired his seasoned response. ‘PD Bang’s Anticipated Masterpiece?’ was a headline-worthy keyword that could be featured prominently in tomorrow’s newspaper.

And sure enough, the journalist who asked that question had to wrap up with a follow-up.

“So, among the dramas airing in the same time slot, do you see any particular work as your competition?”

It was a slightly milder question.

“‘Defense of Dignity’ shares a commonality with us in that it reveals the internal world of a specific profession, and ‘Soulmate’ shares a commonality in that it features a profound love story. They are all good works, so I hope we can compete fiercely. I enjoy competition.”

He might enjoy competition, but he probably loved winning overwhelmingly.

Yoomyeong recalled their first meeting when he heard PD Bang’s assertive tone and smiled discreetly.

PD Bang Hak left a few more press comments before moving on.

And then, the questions turned to the actors.

“Mr. Baek Seunghyo. After receiving recognition for your acting in the movie <The Era of Murder>, fans have shown great interest in your next project. Is there a special reason for your participation in this work?”

“First of all, I enjoyed watching writer Yook Mi-young’s previous works. After reading the script, I saw that my character’s identity is ‘an actor who acts well,’ and that made me interested. When I play ‘Kwon Do-jun,’ I have to act ‘Kwon Do-jun’s character’ as well. If I don’t act well in either aspect, it would be quite embarrassing. So, it stimulated my desire to challenge myself.”

As he demonstrated his determination to excel in acting, the flashes from cameras burst forth.

“Cha Harin, you mentioned in an interview that ‘Kim Hana’ is similar to your real self, and you liked that about her. What does that mean?”

Yoomyeong looked at Cha Harin.

Fortunately, interviews were part of her on-camera mode, and she didn’t resemble her usual sloth-like self.

“While being given the undeserved title of the ‘Nation’s Little Sister,’ I’ve mainly played cute and kind roles. But, you might be disappointed to know that’s not who I am in real life. I have my own ambitions, a competitive spirit when it comes to my goals, and a stubborn side like any ordinary girl. That’s what makes Hana a ‘real character,’ and I admire her for working hard to pursue her dreams with her own strength. Of course, Hana also has her ‘benefactor’ by her side.”

The mention of ‘benefactor’ led to another question, this time directed at Yoomyeoung.

“Writer Yook Mi-young mentioned in a written interview that she’s very happy to have found an actor who can deliver ‘Bohyung,’ a supporting character she’s worked hard on, at 120%. Could you tell us more about Bohyung’s character and how you’re portraying him?”

Trying not to close his eyes from the blinding flashes of the paparazzi’s cameras, Yoomyeong answered.

“Cha Harin mentioned the word ‘benefactor, and’ Bohyung is exactly like that. He’s similar to a modern-day fairy godmother who helps Hana in the background. That’s why I have to portray him as an endlessly affectionate supporter to Hana, and a cold judge to the world. I’m focusing on making sure that the two sides are properly separated, but not inconsistent.”

“Mr. Shin Yoomyeong, you recently garnered attention from the public for your outstanding performance in the film <Ballerina High>, for which you received an award at PIFF. The release of this film is also just around the corner. Do you think these two characters will influence each other, given their similarities or differences?”

Anticipating that question, Yoomyeong smiled.

“The roles of Phantom in ‘Ballerina High’ and Bohyung in our drama have many similarities. They both serve as mentors and supporters for the female lead, helping her rise to the next level. However, the approach is completely different, so there shouldn’t be any confusion. I think it will be interesting to compare two different approaches to supporting someone.”

Afterward, questions and answers poured in for nearly 30 minutes.

And then came the question for all the actors.

“If you could describe the character you’re playing in one word, what would it be?”

“Challenge. He’s a man who challenges himself tirelessly, first in his acting and later in the heart of the heroine. I think that’s what makes him Do-jun.”

“An ordinary person. She’s not a particularly pretty or impressive female lead, but just an ordinary person. So, I want to be remembered for the role of a character that anyone can relate to and support.”

“Rest. When Hana is tired and wants to run away from Do-jun, who always challenged her, Gyu-min is the man who becomes her refuge.”

“Temptation. Jun-kyung is a woman who has everything but is sad because she can’t have Kwon Do-jun. I’ll do my best to tempt Kwon Do-jun, but be careful not to be tempted, viewers~”

And then, the microphone returned to Yoomyeong.

“Opportunity. Bohyung is like an opportunity that anyone can encounter in life at least once. Whether you can seize it depends on the life you’ve lived until then.”

Opportunity.

As someone who had seized that opportunity, Yoomyeong calmly described it.

*

On the day of the first airing, they wrapped up shooting early and gathered in one place.

“Let’s eat heartily today.”

The meat sizzled on the grill.

“What was the rating for ‘Defense of Dignity’ last week?”

PD Bang Hak discreetly asked the assistant director. He must have memorized it to the decimals, but he was clearly pretending not to.

“Episode 1 had a rating of 15.6%, and episode 2 had 17.4%.”

“Not bad. Let’s aim for over 20%.”

“Yeah, it would be nice to reach that level effortlessly.”

Yoomyeong chuckled as he watched their bravado.

He remembered what it was like when he was in graduate school.

‘Soulmate’ must have been a flop because he couldn’t remember much about it, while ‘Defense of Dignity’ had gradually climbed up in ratings and took first place.

‘Showbiz Studies’ was just a mid-level drama. It fell slightly short of the 20% average viewership, and although it was decent, it couldn’t be called a massive hit.

What would happen this time?

Ring—

His phone rang.

Yoomyeong stepped aside to answer it.

[Mom]

It was from home.

“Yoomyeong, it’s me~ There’s not much time left until the drama starts. Are you watching?”

“Yes. I’m watching it with the PD and the staff while having dinner.”

“Did you drink my ginseng tea? Hahaha,” his father added.

(TL/N: Ginseng tea helps alleviate anxiety and physiological stress.)

Yoomyeong chuckled heartily.

It felt like something his mom would say because his dad was always the quiet and stoic type.

While he laughed outwardly, something warm seemed to burst inside his chest.

‘To think he would be this pleased. I should have made him smile like this for the past 15 years.’

“What about Jiyeon?”

“She went to Inha’s place. She said that the ratings won’t go up if we all watch from the same TV, so we need to tune more TVs to KBK channel as soon much as possible.”

There were separate methods for calculating the viewership ratings, but…

Still, he felt thankful.

‘I should tell her that the ratings changed for the better because of her the next time we meet.’

“I’ll go home after this and sleep.”

“Can you make it??”

“It’s the first episode, so we finished shooting early. Even if the dinner lasts late, I’ll go home to sleep. Since I don’t have my own shooting tomorrow, I think we can watch episode 2 together.”

“Oh my, what should I prepare then? I’ll prepare food as soon as the drama is over.”

“Miso soup is fine.”

Yoomyeong smiled and hung up the phone.

Talking with his family seemed to calm the nervous excitement inside him.

‘It’s okay even if I don’t succeed. I’m enjoying it, giving my best performance, and I’ve regained the most precious thing I lost during my graduate school.’

With that content feeling in his heart, Yoomyeong returned to his seat.

“Bohyung, come quickly! It’s starting!”

– Showbiz Studies –

– Episode 1 –

The title appeared, and scenes they had filmed over the past two months came to life on the screen.

Hana’s job interview.

Her meeting with Do-jun.

A fight between Do-jun and the CEO of the agency.

Do-jun lost the fight and reluctantly accepted Hana as his road manager.

Hana endured Do-jun’s torment all day long, muttering curses to him on her way home.

And then…

“Hana.”

Dreamily, as if in a song, Bohyung made his appearance.

*

“Wow, Bohyung looks great on camera.”

Someone offered a comment but was quickly shushed, and everyone focused on the TV, the sound of the meat sizzling in the background.

Bohyung was introduced, and snippets of Hana’s family life accompanied his arrival.

The next day and the day after, Do-jun continued to torment Hana.

Gyu-min started to feel bad for her, who seemed to be having a hard time.

Finally, unable to endure Do-jun’s bullying any longer, Hana shouted.

“Mr. Kwon Do-jun, I might be plain, poor, and even run errands for your drinks, but I’m a human too! I’m a human!”

The screen froze, zooming in on Hana’s outcry, and the ending credits rolled.

Then came the preview.

In line with writer Yook’s signature style, conflicts escalated quickly, and even the preview for Episode 2 was filled with turmoil.

“It’s similar to a hierarchy, those dogs…”

“Teacher, I’ll do it again… I’ll do it again.”

“What’s wrong, Hana? What happened today?”

It wasn’t until the preview ended that everyone could finally catch their breath.

Sigh—

“It’s our drama, so it’s fun… right?”

The assistant director said with a hint of relief.

“I think so too.”

“Me too.”

“The editing is really on point, and the tension is… wow.”

After a while, more detailed discussions started to emerge.

“Do-jun really came off as shameless. It might change from Episode 2, but he’ll get a lot of criticism for Episode 1.”

“Well, that’s the charm of this drama, isn’t it?”

“And as for Bohyung… He appeared too soft in Episode 1, so there might be some reactions to the ‘hierarchy’ comment in the preview.”

“Right? Hahaha.”

Amidst congratulations, encouragement, and various assessments,

The FD, who had been clicking away on the computer at the barbecue restaurant, shouted.

“The articles are starting to come out!”

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