Chapter 68
Chapter 68: Surviving in the Jungle (9)
Translated by POWERPUFF
The survival method of “Surviving in the Jungle” was self-sufficiency.
Because of that, filming usually took place in remote locations rarely touched by people—uninhabited islands, jungles, or deep forests.
Of course, there were rare occasions when people did live nearby.
But even then, it wasn’t cities—it was indigenous tribes living without the benefits of modern civilization.
In any case, for these reasons, the filming locations of “Surviving in the Jungle” were filled with danger, which made safety precautions even more important.
But no matter how thoroughly prepared they were, accidents could still happen.
In fact, over the ten-plus years of the show, there had been both major and minor incidents.
Fortunately, none had resulted in death, but there had been situations where someone nearly died.
Because of that, the urgent radio call from the junior PD filled PD Lee Junghoon, the head of the program, with anxiety.
“What happened?”
At his serious tone, both the staff and the cast, who had been enjoying the party, turned their attention to him.
“…Hyunju is missing.”
Jung Hyunju.
She was the youngest writer who had joined the show this season.
“She’s missing? Explain everything clearly.”
“…It’s like this.”
The junior PD carefully explained the situation.
The staff had gone ahead to scout the filming location for the next day.
During that time, the junior writer went off alone to relieve herself due to stomach pain—
and when she didn’t return for a long time, they went looking for her, only to find she had disappeared.
“I told you! Going alone in the jungle is practically suicide!”
“…I’m sorry…”
“I’m not saying you should apologize…”
His raised voice wasn’t to scold, but out of frustration.
“…I’ll head there now. Until then, don’t move alone.”
“…Understood.”
After ending the call, his expression darkened.
He was reminded of a past incident.
Five years ago, in the Amazon, a staff member had gone missing.
Thankfully, they were rescued after 26 hours with the help of locals—
but it could have easily ended in death.
That memory sent a chill through him.
Just then, Lee Byungman approached him.
“Nothing will happen. Let’s not worry too much yet.”
Speaking not as a cast member but as a friend, he tried to comfort him.
Though he, too, had experienced that terrifying incident.
“First, send a rescue request. Then let’s all go search together.”
“…Alright.”
The entire team—staff and cast alike—moved to search for the missing writer.
Led by Lee Byungman, they arrived at the site.
It was located in the center of the island.
There, a large cave stood.
It was supposed to be the location for the next day’s courage test mission.
“….”
The staff already there looked pale, their eyes trembling in panic.
“What happened? Explain in detail.”
As PD Lee Junghoon listened,
Baek Seungchan noticed the junior PD, Choo Sunghoon, crouched to the side, holding his head.
He approached him.
“PD-nim.”
“…Seungchan…”
The junior PD looked like he was about to cry.
Though their roles were different, both were the youngest, and Jung Hyunju had relied on him a lot.
Now, he felt it was his fault.
“She’ll be fine.”
“…You think so?”
“Yes. The island isn’t that big, and we know where she disappeared.”
He was right.
It wasn’t a hopeless situation.
“And do you remember which direction she went?”
“Yes. That way.”
He pointed clearly.
“That’s enough. We’ll find her soon.”
With his experience in tracking from his past life,
finding someone on an island of this size wasn’t difficult—
if there were traces left.
But then—
Drip… drip…
Suddenly, heavy rain began pouring down.
“…What is this…”
Everyone’s faces darkened.
Especially Baek Seungchan.
“…Of all times.”
Rain made survival harder—
and erased traces, making tracking difficult.
At night, it was even worse.
The situation, once manageable, suddenly became much worse.
“…We’ll wait until the rain stops before moving.”
Though it cost precious time, they couldn’t risk more danger.
“Please stop soon…”
But the rain didn’t stop quickly.
After about 20 minutes, it finally cleared.
They formed teams of two or three and began searching.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Baek Seungchan teamed up with the junior PD.
“If you see even the smallest unnatural trace, tell me.”
“Okay.”
Tracking was about finding traces—
but the rain had erased most of them.
“…The rain washed too much away.”
Just then—
“What’s that?”
Something caught his eye.
A piece of white cloth with red plum blossoms tied to a tree.
“A handkerchief?”
“PD-nim, do you recognize this?”
“…Yes! I gave this to her as a birthday gift!”
“Good. Then we’re close.”
Following the trail, they found more pieces—
until suddenly,
the trail stopped.
Jung Hyunju, a recent graduate,
was the youngest writer of the show.
Though the program was known for being tough,
she had been thrilled to join—
she loved travel and remote places.
And especially this season—
because her favorite actor, Baek Seungchan, was part of it.
She admired how he always showed something new.
That’s why she volunteered for scouting.
But then—
her stomach started hurting.
It was from overeating seafood.
Embarrassed, she went deeper into the forest alone.
After finishing, she tried to return—
but something felt wrong.
She had walked farther than before,
yet couldn’t find the group.
Realizing she was lost,
she tore her handkerchief and tied pieces to trees as markers.
Then—
a snake appeared.
Startled, she ran—
and fell somewhere, losing consciousness.
When she woke up, it was raining.
“…Ugh…”
Her whole body ached.
Her left ankle was especially painful.
“I need to get out of the rain…”
She crawled to shelter.
Looking around with her flashlight—
“…It’s a miracle I survived.”
She had fallen into a sinkhole over 6 meters deep.
If not for soft ground and branches,
she would have died.
“…What do I do…”
Fear turned into terror.
“Help! I’m here!”
But her voice didn’t escape.
Time passed.
Her body weakened from injury and cold.
“I should’ve just stayed closer…”
Regret filled her.
“…I should’ve confessed…”
She had never dated before.
She liked the junior PD.
But she held back.
“If I survive… I’ll confess…”
Tears fell.
Then—
a voice she never expected to hear.
“…Finally found you. But who were you planning to confess to?”
It was Baek Seungchan.