Episode 28
Episode 28: Advertising Contract
Go Dong-man muttered as he watched ‘The Outcast Legend’ playing on his smartphone screen.
"So this is the guy."
The moment he saw the person on screen, he immediately recognized Nam Si-woo.
Recently, while researching advertising model contracts, he had already heard about the group ‘Kairos’ and its members.
However, using Nam Si-woo was impossible.
Typically, advertising contracts included a clause that prevented simultaneous endorsements for competing brands in the same industry.
Currently, Nam Si-woo was already working as a model for a famous pizza franchise.
"Still… why are they making such a fuss about this?"
He wondered if ‘The Outcast Legend’ was really as great as his friends in the group chat had claimed.
After watching the first few minutes, he thought the quality was decent for a web drama, but not worthy of such high praise.
But that thought changed in less than five minutes.
"What is this guy?"
The moment Baek Seung-chan appeared, Go Dong-man found himself completely drawn into the screen.
Baek Seung-chan’s presence was clearly different from the other actors who had appeared so far.
His gaze, expressions, tone of voice, even his movements.
His acting elevated the entire quality of the web drama.
Before he knew it, Go Dong-man had become absorbed in the actor named Baek Seung-chan.
He watched the drama until the end, and when the screen went dark, he let out a sigh.
"Ah…"
He wanted to see more, but the fact that it had ended left him with a deep sense of regret.
But that regret soon turned into firm conviction.
"This is the one!"
An actor who gave both a fresh yet powerful impression, and while not yet a top star, possessed limitless potential.
He was certain that Baek Seung-chan was exactly the kind of model he had been looking for—someone like “Mayu.”
Without hesitation, he immediately called Dream Entertainment.
"Is this Dream Entertainment? This is Go Dong-man, CEO of ‘Insaeng Chicken.’ I’d like to discuss an advertising contract with actor Baek Seung-chan."
His voice was filled with confidence and passion.
Dream Entertainment CEO office.
"Yes, understood. Then I’ll see you later."
CEO Ji Pyeong-san put down his phone and blinked blankly.
His expression showed disbelief at the conversation that had just ended.
"An advertising offer after just one web drama debut… This isn’t some novel protagonist…"
This wasn’t a simple one-time SNS advertisement.
It was an exclusive model contract for a chicken franchise—something only popular celebrities typically secured.
The franchise that made the offer was ‘Insaeng Chicken.’
Although it wasn’t a top-tier major brand, it was still highly unusual for them to approach Baek Seung-chan, who had only just debuted through a web drama.
Moreover, the fact that they contacted directly without going through an advertising agency showed strong intent.
Ji Pyeong-san lightly tapped his fingers on the desk and muttered,
"I knew he’d succeed, but I didn’t expect him to grow this fast."
He had always believed Baek Seung-chan would become a top actor in Korea—no, even a global star.
His talent was unmatched.
But his current growth was happening faster than expected.
"I need to work even harder."
While waiting for Go Dong-man to arrive, Ji Pyeong-san researched ‘Insaeng Chicken.’
And he made a decision.
To support Baek Seung-chan, an immeasurable actor, so that he could shine even more brilliantly.
Knock knock.
Soon, the door opened and a secretary entered.
"Sir, CEO Go Dong-man from ‘Insaeng Chicken’ has arrived."
"Alright, I’ll be right there."
Ji Pyeong-san stood up, adjusted his clothes, and took a deep breath.
In that moment, his aura changed.
He was no longer just a CEO—he was a negotiator.
His role was to secure the most favorable deal for Baek Seung-chan.
Entering the meeting room with a gentle smile, he greeted the warm-looking Go Dong-man.
"Hello, I’m Ji Pyeong-san, CEO of Dream Entertainment."
"Nice to meet you. I’m Go Dong-man, CEO of Insaeng Chicken."
They exchanged greetings and sat down.
A brief but heavy tension filled the room before Ji Pyeong-san spoke first.
"You mentioned wanting to sign actor Baek Seung-chan as the exclusive model for ‘Insaeng Chicken.’ Could you tell me what level of advertising fee you have in mind?"
His voice was calm and precise.
Go Dong-man nodded and replied.
"200 million won."
Ji Pyeong-san nodded outwardly, though inwardly he was slightly surprised.
"200 million…"
Typically, a rookie actor would receive only a few million to at most 100 million won.
This was an unusually large amount for someone like Baek Seung-chan.
Although Ji Pyeong-san didn’t see him as an ordinary rookie, this figure still exceeded expectations.
He calmly asked,
"I assume you have specific contract conditions in mind?"
Offering such favorable terms surely meant there was something they wanted in return.
"No doubt. We want a 5-year exclusive contract."
At those words, Ji Pyeong-san immediately understood.
"So that’s it…"
They were trying to secure Baek Seung-chan early at a relatively low cost before his value skyrocketed.
Maintaining his smile, Ji Pyeong-san shook his head.
"I’m sorry, but those terms will be difficult."
Go Dong-man’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
"Isn’t this more than generous for a rookie?"
His voice turned cold.
"That’s true."
Ji Pyeong-san nodded.
Five years for one billion won—it was a dream deal for most rookies.
"Then why refuse?"
Go Dong-man asked stiffly.
Ji Pyeong-san replied with a relaxed smile.
"Because Baek Seung-chan is not an ordinary rookie."
Go Dong-man was momentarily speechless.
Ji Pyeong-san continued,
"I’m confident that within one or two years—no, even within one year—he will become an actor incomparable to what he is now. At that point, he could easily earn 500 million won or more per year."
His voice carried unwavering conviction.
He had seen Baek Seung-chan’s true talent.
"Weren’t you considering this as well when you made your offer?"
Go Dong-man fell silent for a moment, then let out a helpless laugh.
"I’ve heard you’re a skilled negotiator in the industry… I can’t beat you. You’re right."
He agreed.
The reason he offered such a large amount was simple—it was a chance to secure Baek Seung-chan at a low valuation before he rose.
"Then let’s renegotiate."
"Agreed."
The two resumed discussions over the contract terms.
After more than an hour of intense negotiation, the deal was finally concluded.
As Ji Pyeong-san left the meeting room, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
In contrast, Go Dong-man looked tired as he watched him.
"I look forward to working with you, advertiser."
"The pleasure is mine."
Yet Go Dong-man also smiled.
Although the deal cost more than expected, he believed it would drive explosive growth for ‘Insaeng Chicken.’
While preparing for the filming of ‘The Killer’s Shopping Mall’ and spending busy days at action school, Baek Seung-chan visited Dream Entertainment after a long time.
"Our Seung-chan, welcome."
Ji Pyeong-san greeted him with a bright smile.
"He’s starting to resemble the team leader."
Baek Seung-chan suppressed a laugh at the thought of how similar he was becoming to Kim Seong-ho.
"Hello, sir. What’s the good news you mentioned?"
The reason he had come today was because Ji Pyeong-san had said there was good news.
"Congratulations. You’ve received an advertising offer."
"An advertisement? What kind?"
Baek Seung-chan’s eyes lit up.
He had expected something like this after hearing from Kim Seong-ho and Nam Si-woo, but hearing it directly still excited him.
"It’s for a chicken brand. Let’s go over the contract details together."
"Yes."
Baek Seung-chan carefully read through the contract handed to him.
"It’s Insaeng Chicken."
The brand name caught his eye.
"Do you know it?"
"Yes, there’s one near my house. I’ve eaten there a few times."
It was a familiar brand to him.
In fact, it was the place he had bought chicken from to celebrate his first acting payment with his family.
It was also Baek Seung-hui’s favorite.
"Is this… really correct?"
He paused while reading.
The contract conditions were surprisingly favorable.
Five-year exclusive contract, 300 million won per year, plus additional incentives based on sales growth.
Even to someone unfamiliar with such contracts, it seemed extremely good.
"It’s real."
At that confirmation, Baek Seung-chan finally understood the saying that worrying about celebrities was unnecessary.
"Let me explain each clause in detail."
Ji Pyeong-san carefully explained every part of the contract, including its advantages and the potential downside of the long exclusivity period.
"Do you have any questions?"
"No."
"Then what would you like to do? As I said, you don’t have to accept if you don’t want to."
"No, I’ll sign it right away."
Baek Seung-chan had no intention of refusing.
While the long contract period could be a disadvantage, the guaranteed amount was already significant, and the additional incentives offset that concern.
More importantly, it was a brand his family loved, and he had fond memories associated with it.
"Alright, let’s proceed with the contract."
Baek Seung-chan signed the contract and officially became the advertising model for ‘Insaeng Chicken.’
The next day, Baek Seung-chan visited the studio inside Dream Entertainment.
It was for his first promotional activity as the exclusive model for ‘Insaeng Chicken.’
"Hello, Seung-chan."
A man wearing a cap approached and greeted him—it was a PD from Dream Entertainment.
"Just think of it as casually watching a video while eating chicken."
His first promotion would be a YouTube live broadcast where he reviewed ‘The Outcast Legend’ while eating ‘Insaeng Chicken.’
The main advertisement shoot would take place later once the concept was finalized.
"Also, try to eat as deliciously as possible."
"As deliciously as possible…"
At those words, Baek Seung-chan recalled a beggar from his past life known for eating in an incredibly appetizing way.
Watching him eat made even full people crave food.
In fact, Baek Seung-chan had once fed him in front of an inn to boost business—and it had worked.
"Alright, we’ll begin."
As he drifted into those memories, the PD’s voice signaled the start of the live broadcast.