Chapter 75
Chapter 75: Afterlife Restaurant Announcement (2)
Director of Programming Kang Chanhee didn’t have high expectations before watching the video prepared by PD Lee Jeonghun.
After all, he had worked in broadcasting for over 20 years.
It wasn’t easy for any variety show or drama to move him.
But not long after the video started, his heart began to change.
Splash—!
Baek Seungchan diving straight into the sea at the mention of a mission instantly grabbed his attention.
From climbing trees to pick coconuts to hunting wild chickens by throwing stones, every moment made his heart race.
Increasing the airtime of a show like this? He would rather beg for it.
He could already feel that this season of “Surviving in the Jungle” would achieve the highest ratings ever.
And naturally, it would also promote “Afterlife Restaurant.”
“Okay! How much more do you need?”
“You’re agreeing this easily?”
Lee Jeonghun was actually taken aback.
He expected approval, but not this quickly.
“This guy complains whether I approve or not. Should I just forget it?”
“No, who said I didn’t like it? I’m just happy.”
“So how much more airtime?”
“Would 8 episodes be possible?”
He asked cautiously.
Adding four more episodes wasn’t easy.
“Good. Let’s go with 8.”
But Kang Chanhee accepted without hesitation.
“Instead, let’s push the schedule back a bit.”
“The schedule?”
“Yes. Let’s align it with ‘Afterlife Restaurant.’”
“Will that be okay? He joined our show for promotion.”
Usually, promotion happened before a drama aired.
“Trust me on this. These two are a set. They’ll have better synergy together.”
Kang Chanhee’s rare instinct kicked in.
The two shows would amplify each other.
Besides, no matter how well they promoted, beating “Ghost Real Estate” at the start would be difficult.
“Really?”
“Yeah. Maybe not at first, but by week 3, it’ll explode.”
He predicted “Afterlife Restaurant” would surpass “Ghost Real Estate” by the third week.
And “Surviving in the Jungle” would rise along with it.
“The schedule works too. Drama on Fri-Sat, variety on Sunday. We’ll dominate the weekend. Just make sure the editing is good.”
“Got it.”
Thus, “Surviving in the Jungle” received additional episodes.
Park Taeho, director and CEO of Studio Dream, frowned in his office.
“When should we do it…”
He was worrying about the press conference date.
A production press conference was essentially episode zero.
It was the first stage of public exposure and promotion.
And early episodes often determined success.
Especially when competing against a similar drama in the same timeslot.
“It wouldn’t be good if dates overlap…”
If they lost the media battle, it would affect the premiere.
And most likely, “Afterlife Restaurant” would be at a disadvantage.
In actors, director, writer, OST singer, and budget—
“Ghost Real Estate” dominated in every aspect.
Of course, he was confident in his drama’s quality.
But there was no need to start at a disadvantage.
“Maybe they’ll announce theirs first…”
There were two strategies.
One: hold it early and build awareness.
Two: hold it right before airing to maximize impact.
Park Taeho preferred the latter.
“Afterlife Restaurant” wasn’t flashy at first—it grew on you.
So he planned to rely on media buzz.
Then—
“Sir, ‘Ghost Real Estate’ announced their press conference date.”
“When?”
“A week before airing.”
“I see.”
After the staff left, he sighed.
“They’re not even considering us competition…”
Big productions often didn’t bother with strategic timing.
But in this case, it meant they didn’t see “Afterlife Restaurant” as a threat.
“Fine. Let’s do this properly.”
He set the date.
Six hours before airing.
He wanted to beat them in ratings and crush their arrogance.
Baek Seungchan was on his way to a press conference.
Not for “Afterlife Restaurant,” but for “Surviving in the Jungle.”
“Of all days…”
“Yeah…”
It was the same day as “Ghost Real Estate.”
Even the time was only 30 minutes apart.
“Still, I’m curious.”
“About what?”
“That drama, ‘Ghost Real Estate.’”
Given the hype, he couldn’t help but be curious.
“You’ll probably see the teaser after.”
“I’ll check it right away.”
Arriving at the event—
“Oh, Seungchan!”
“Good to see you.”
“You’re glowing as always.”
Some cast members had already arrived.
They had regained some weight.
“You two slimmed down?”
“Barely.”
Kim Gahee and Kim Anki had lost the weight they gained.
Soon, the press conference began.
It started with a 5–7 minute highlight video.
“Wow…”
Most of the admiration came during Baek Seungchan’s scenes.
Then came introductions and Q&A.
Questions ranged from production intent to casting and behind-the-scenes stories.
“Baek Seungchan, your survival skills are impressive. Where did you learn them?”
“Any memorable moments?”
“Your skin looked better over time—what’s the secret?”
Many questions were directed at him.
This season was practically his show.
Even the other cast members accepted it.
They had witnessed his performance firsthand.
“Your drama ‘Afterlife Restaurant’ will compete with ‘Ghost Real Estate.’ How do you feel?”
There were also questions about the drama.
“This is the press conference for ‘Surviving in the Jungle,’ so I’ll only answer questions about this show.”
He declined to answer.
It wasn’t appropriate.
“You can ask me at the drama’s press conference.”
He handled it smoothly.
Later, he impressed everyone again with his dart skills.
The event ended.
“Something wrong?”
In the car, he noticed Kim Sungho frowning at his phone.
“Better if you see this.”
It was an article.
About “Ghost Real Estate.”
The headline was provocative.
“Afterlife Restaurant? I’ve never heard of it.”
Baek Seungchan read it.
A reporter had asked actor Kim Jaewon about competing with “Afterlife Restaurant.”
He responded, “What was the title again?”
“Interesting.”
Baek Seungchan smiled.
Same timeslot, same genre, widely reported—
And yet he didn’t know the title?
Impossible.
It was either deliberate provocation or crossing the line.
“I can’t wait for our press conference.”
Baek Seungchan quietly looked forward to it.