Chapter 60
Chapter 60: Surviving in the Jungle
Translated by POWERPUFF
One supporting role in a web drama.
One leading role in a drama.
Both were successful, but it was still not enough to fully prove his ability as an actor.
Of course, anyone who had worked with Baek Seungchan or seen his acting firsthand had no doubts about his skills.
But for the general public, it was still insufficient.
So his standing as an actor could not yet be called A-tier.
It was more accurate to say he was somewhere between A-tier and B-tier.
However, his recognition was a different matter.
With his “national sibling” image, TV commercials, and variety shows, his face was already widely known.
Because of that, many viewers recognized Baek Seungchan during the Memorial Day broadcast—
and most of them had the same thought.
Why is he there?
It was understandable.
An actor suddenly appearing as the disciple of a gayageum cultural asset felt completely out of nowhere.
But before their confusion could settle, they were shocked again.
Because of his performance.
The sound of the gayageum alone stirred solemnity,
awakening a deep sense of patriotism in their hearts.
Even those unfamiliar with the instrument could tell—
his playing was exceptional.
“….”
Everyone became absorbed in his performance.
Right after his stage at the Memorial Day ceremony, things unfolded exactly as Ji Pyeongsan had expected.
Even without any promotion, interest in Baek Seungchan surged.
“Wow, it makes me tear up instantly.”
“No wonder he’s a disciple of a cultural asset—don’t know why, but it’s just good.”
“He’s good at acting, singing, action… and now this too?”
“He’s like a chameleon.”
“My patriotism is rising! I’m enlisting!”
“So glad he’s using his talent for something meaningful.”
“He’s handsome and talented—everything about him is likable.”
Praise flooded in.
Ji Pyeongsan smiled as he checked the reactions.
“Now the calls should start coming…”
Right on cue, his phone rang.
It was an entertainment reporter.
“How did he end up performing at the ceremony?”
Ji Pyeongsan explained—
about becoming a disciple of Han Deokrye,
and participating out of respect for fallen heroes.
He adjusted the details slightly,
avoiding mention that Baek Seungchan learned it in just one day.
Because such talent could invite jealousy.
After the article was published,
public interest grew even more.
“His heart is as beautiful as his face.”
“He respects his parents and his country—what a great person.”
“He’s amazing inside and out.”
But not everyone reacted positively.
Malicious rumors began to spread.
“He was abusive in the military.”
“I heard he was a bully.”
“Celebrities can’t be trusted.”
Ahn Taesung, his junior from the military, frowned at the posts.
“These bastards…”
To him, Baek Seungchan was not just a senior—
he was a lifesaver.
During his hardest time, when he struggled mentally and even considered extreme actions,
Baek Seungchan had reached out first and helped him adapt.
Thanks to him, others accepted him too.
To Ahn Taesung, he was a light.
So he wrote the truth online,
sharing his experience and even posting photos as proof.
And he wasn’t alone.
Others from the military and school began sharing similar stories.
Soon, the malicious rumors were exposed as false.
And Baek Seungchan’s public image improved even further.
Currently, Baek Seungchan was on his way to the airport
for filming “Surviving in the Jungle.”
“Don’t overdo it, okay?”
“I won’t.”
“And report even small injuries.”
His manager was worried.
They were heading to a remote location.
“Don’t worry.”
Baek Seungchan smiled.
At the airport, he met the production team.
“Welcome.”
He was guided to the cast.
“Seungchan, you’re here?”
“Hello, PD.”
Then he greeted the main MC.
“Hello, Senior Lee Byungman.”
“Good to see you.”
They had met before.
“I was surprised seeing you at the ceremony.”
“Did you watch it?”
“Of course. It made me tear up.”
“Tear maker”—
his new nickname.
Soon, more cast members arrived.
Among them was a familiar face.
“Oppa, take care of me.”
Kim Gahee.
“Alright.”
The opening began.
“Hello, I’m survival master Lee Byungman!”
He introduced the guests energetically.
“Where are we going?”
“To the Solomon Islands in Oceania.”
That was their location for two weeks.
“This time, there’s a special rule.”
The concept: Find the best tribe leader.
Three leaders would form teams.
“And the leaders are—”
Lee Byungman,
Baek Seungchan,
and Kang Donghyun.
“How do we pick members?”
“Through a mini-game.”
A dart game to test hunting ability.
Each had three throws.
Lee Byungman scored 82 points.
Kang Donghyun scored 43.
Then—
it was Baek Seungchan’s turn.