Episode 45: Special Investigation Unit Takes Off
Four days had already passed since the premiere of the new KBC Wednesday-Thursday drama Special Investigation Unit.
Among recently aired dramas, it stood out for its buzz, kicking off with a stellar 14.2% rating for episode one. The next day's episode two skyrocketed to an impressive 18.4%. Experts predicted it would easily break 20% for episodes three and four next week.
With the drama's ratings soaring from the start, Suhyeon's status as an actor rose right alongside it. Though he played a villain with limited screen time, his overwhelming presence and genius in his debut scene in episode one left a mark. In episode two's brutal fight against a rival gang, he pulled off bare-knuckle combat with Flying Tiger-like agility—no props needed—captivating viewers and stamping his name in their minds.
Especially among middle-aged viewers who knew little about idols and had no interest, Suhyeon's recognition surged. His role as a kung fu master and gang boss earned him the nickname Punchy from the cops in the show, which spread like wildfire. Now, even elders who didn't know BBG's Suhyeon would nod at "Special Investigation Unit's gang boss Punchy," with eight or nine out of ten getting it right.
On Sunday morning in BBG's exclusive practice room, Suhyeon scrolled through recent news on his phone, muttering under his breath.
"Unmasking what? If they knew my real identity, the world would flip upside down."
As he kept browsing, something prickled his sharp senses about the current vibe. Frowning, he turned his head.
Despite it being the weekend, the other members slumped on the floor like drugged rats, faces twisted in grimaces.
"You guys. Lighten up those faces. Someone might think we're at a funeral."
Gyeongbin shot back in an irritated tone.
"Hyung. The good times are over. Ugh, just thinking about it is nightmare fuel."
Seongbin, who had been scarce lately designing choreography for their new track, chimed in.
"Yeah. The thought of facing that witch later killed my appetite. But you're all chill?"
Suhyeon grinned.
"If you don't screw up and just do your jobs, why would the witch nag? I've taken all her crap so far—why are you guys grimacing?"
Kevin, listening to music nearby, retorted.
"Who'd be happy with a nagging mother-in-law popping up again? She'll micromanage our meals from the jump... But Suhyeon, how're you gonna handle this?"
"Huh? Handle what?"
"My phone's been blowing up these past few days. On fire. Too hot to touch."
"Whoa, Kevin's Korean's leveled up. Now he even bullshits..."
"I'm dead serious. Not just friends—random people I've nodded at once are hitting me up nonstop."
"Why?"
"Why? Featuring requests on their tracks, duh. All because of you!"
"Really? I haven't gotten any special calls. Kevin must be popular with other singers. Jealous."
Kevin twisted his face in disbelief.
"Dude... They can't just hit you up easily—composing takes time and costs a bundle. Featuring? Cheap, and they just need me to spit a few lines on their pre-made track. That's why I'm swamped. You and me aren't the same!"
"Gotcha. But why's it my fault? Blame your killer featuring skills. Curse your own awesomeness."
Kevin flushed as Suhyeon spouted nonsense calmly and went back to his phone. As Kevin geared up to yell, the practice room door flew open. A shrill high-pitched voice pierced the air.
"BBG! You guys in here?"
Suhyeon instantly recognized the grating tone—it belonged to the woman who'd crashed their near-perfect prank on the members before, ruining the mood.
She said afternoon arrival, but she's early. Did her team beat the ones touring South America back? Footsteps say she's not alone.
Suhyeon turned toward the sound. Leading was a woman in her late thirties, petite at around 150cm with a plump figure, striding confidently. Trailing her was a pack of young women.
Manager Yoo up front... Makeup artists and stylists from Singer Team 1, all together.
Startled by the witch's raid, BBG members scrambled up, exchanging warm greetings with the long-lost Singer Team 1 crew led by Manager Yoo.
Soon after, Suhyeon sat alone with Manager Yoo in her office—Singer Team 1's Yoo Jeong-ok.
Her voice softened unusually.
"Suhyeon. Let me apologize again for Hyang-ok's mistake."
"No need. I said it in the practice room—I hold no grudge against Chief Choi. Back then, I acted like rotten pollack eyes on purpose. No need for apologies. Let's drop it."
"Thanks for understanding. Anyway... I should've spotted your genius right after Europe, when I got back. I met you that day and still missed it... Sigh. My oversight."
Suhyeon flashed a sly smile.
"I acted pretty damn well, right?"
"Yeah. How'd you fool me so completely? I busted my ass cleaning up your messes... And it was all an act? Suhyeon, no more of that crap, right?"
"Of course. And I'm truly sorry for the grief my dumb kid antics caused you."
"That's enough. Past is past... Now, let's plan ahead. You're working on four projects?"
"Yep. Music: BBG's new track main, plus one for Pink Berry on the side. Acting: Special Investigation Unit drama and Moonlight Escort movie."
"Time okay? Not too packed?"
"Nah. Music has plenty till release. Acting—both supporting roles, and movie shoots in two weeks, so not slammed yet."
"Good. I'll manage your schedule personally from now on. First, music. BBG new track status?"
"Nearly done. Title set, tweak a few spots, record soon. Choreo's almost wrapped too."
"Like Moon and My Story, you'll produce it yourself?"
"Gotta."
No hesitation. Manager Yoo sighed.
"Sigh... You're sharp—you know what I'm worried about?"
Suhyeon chuckled.
"A&R team's profit split drama, right?"
"Spot on. Moon and My Story you produced blew up—original and live versions still dominating charts one-two. But A&R gets zilch. You composed and produced solo—not a dime for them."
Suhyeon mulled it over swiftly.
Can't make Manager Yoo an enemy—work here's tough enough. She's naggy but straight-up, loves BBG. Ride or die with her.
Decision made, he spoke firmly.
"Manager. You've been with BBG since debut, through thick and thin, so straight talk: I have a fix for that. But no collab with A&R anytime soon. Worry less about their cut. Soon, BBG and A&R will clash inevitably. You'll have to pick a side then."
Manager Yoo sighed deeply at his bluntness.
"Haa... Table that for later. Pink Berry track progress?"
"No issues on my end. But Rookie Planning might not debut them with it—who knows. Not my call."
"Call them in to hash it out? I don't know their stance either."
She pulled her phone from her bag, dialed Rookie Planning. Short call ended, she set it on the table.
"They'll be up in 30. Meanwhile, acting talk."
"Sure."
As she opened her mouth, her phone and the office line blared simultaneously.
She grabbed her phone and stood for the office call. Suhyeon's phone buzzed wildly too—Baek Seongcheol.
"Hello?"
[Suhyeon-ah, it's hyung... Check the news NOW. It's chaos!]
"Yeah? What's up?"
Then Manager Yoo's shrill, excited squeak pierced from beside him.
"What? For real? Suhyeon donated 20 million won to charity?!"
Her words stabbed his ear. Suhyeon nearly dropped his phone in shock.
What the hell kinda bullshit is this?