Chapter 61
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 061
Chapter Title: Others' Hell Goes Public
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When Innocent Boy hit 400,000 cumulative viewers just ten days after its release...
The offices of Red Film turned into a full-blown festival.
"This is insane! Totally insane!"
"We knew it'd do well, but... this well?!"
It wasn't enough that their previous indie film had been a smash hit.
Now, 400,000 already.
In the indie film world, this was nothing short of a mega-hit.
Not just Kwak Hoon's lips curling into a grin.
The shoulders of all the staff who'd stuck with him from production through to release were riding high too.
People had whispered behind their backs for years about working under an eternal assistant director turned director...
And how small-time Red Film was!
But now?
Just envious stares all around. College classmates, former colleagues—no sweeter revenge!
Grins plastered on their faces, refusing to fade.
Then, a few days later.
"Everyone, we..."
When Kwak Hoon, who delivered daily updates every morning, finally dropped those unbelievable numbers...
"Hit 600,000."
Everyone's jaws dropped.
"...Huh?"
"A-Already?!"
The joy went beyond joy—everyone felt dizzy.
Not only was this an audience figure they'd rarely heard of before.
Scenarios started flooding in to Kwak Hoon at Red Film.
This wasn't the kind of popularity a small production company could expect.
Even inquiries from other studios looking for actor Shin Yi-han reached them.
Impossible things were happening.
And it continued like that.
"T-Today it's 800,000, they say."
Kwak Hoon could only relay the news with a dazed look, beyond belief.
"Precisely 820,000."
The Red Film staff were the same.
"...Director. Are we really about to blow up?"
"Dude. We already have. Mega-hit status."
"We hit 7th on the all-time indie chart already."
"No way?"
With over a month left in the theatrical run, it was truly staggering.
Every day was the best yet.
"We gotta do a gratitude stage greeting or something soon, right?!"
"Oh! Absolutely!"
No way they could sit still now.
"What's Shin Yi-han up to these days?!"
"If he's free, let's throw a celebration party!"
"Hit a million, then we party for real!"
Naturally, talk turned to the star of Innocent Boy, Shin Yi-han.
"Ah. Yi-han?"
But Kwak Hoon could only scratch his cheek.
"He's swamped lately. Not sure if he has time."
Unlike this beaming office, the man who'd written and starred in the film was in way more chaos than expected.
"Others' Hell Part 1 drops next week, after all."
It was because of the upcoming Newflix release.
"Whoa! Right!"
"Time flew, huh?"
"Ooh! Then invite Shin Yi-han actor over and watch Others' Hell together on the big office screen?!"
Hell yeah! Perfect idea! The staff went wild at the suggestion.
Red Film buzzed once more.
"Uh. Actually, that's tricky too."
Kwak Hoon could only give an awkward smile again.
"He said he's watching at actor Baek Eun-won's place."
Baek Eun-won...? That Baek Eun-won’s house?!
"Whoa. Next-level class."
"Classic Shin Yi-han."
"Marked for top actor status... already hanging with the elites. Insane."
No room for regret—just pure admiration.
"Still, he'll drop by the office soon. Let's do a massive company dinner then!"
"......!"
Yes! The mood ignited again at Kwak Hoon's words.
Everyone eagerly awaited that million-viewer mark even more.
And it felt totally possible.
In truth, the man himself, Shin Yi-han...
Was stuck on set for reshoots of Others' Hell, unable to leave.
I thought once Innocent Boy wrapped release, I'd have breathing room.
As a pre-produced drama,
They had no choice but to squeeze in the boosted scenes for Geum Seong-je before airing.
Totally not.
He'd gotten busy starting with Innocent Boy's release,
But a global No. 1 OTT like Newflix? Others' Hell was on another scale. Promo interviews, poster shoots—schedules filled up fast.
Shin Yi-han stretched, chugging coffee nonstop.
But today marked the end.
"Everyone ready?!"
Finally, the last reshoots.
"Of course."
Shin Yi-han beamed and nodded at director Gil Mi-jin's words.
Body exhausted, but face all smiles.
It was only natural.
Not only was Innocent Boy racking up viewers by the day.
The new ending for it thrilled him too.
And acting? Always welcome for Shin Yi-han.
All good news.
A constant grin was par for the course.
Shin Yi-han chuckled inwardly, stepping back in front of the camera.
Just one regret.
My fingers are getting itchy...
Especially now, with indie Innocent Boy on track for a million viewers.
Shin Yi-han's exact thought.
A million viewers meant at least 10 billion in box office.
Capital's basically secured.
Director Tak Bong-chun had asked him to wait for the next collab,
But scenarios don't write themselves overnight.
Definitely downtime ahead.
Time's coming soon.
So then.
Time to start that, right?
Shin Yi-han naturally recalled one of his past life's scripts.
The second film with Kwak Hoon, defying all odds.
His second script.
And at that thought, excitement bubbled up.
Yeah. Perfect timing.
Bound to be fun.
The story, the acting inside it—all of it.
Just thinking about it was a blast.
Especially a past-life hit with 7 million viewers.
Future looked even brighter. Natural, right?
"Alright, last scene—let's nail it, everyone!"
Shin Yi-han grinned.
"Ready!"
The moment his next project after Others' Hell locked in.
"Action!"
Geum Seong-je's final bow too.
Exactly three days later.
Finally.
Shin Yi-han marveled at how fast time flew.
980,000 viewers.
Innocent Boy stood on the cusp of seven figures.
Yi-han!!
We're about to hit a million!!!! For real, for real!!!
Huff-! Huff, huff! Can't... breathe...
Shin Yi-han chuckled at Kwak Hoon's frantic texts.
He could practically feel Kwak Hoon's heart pounding through the phone.
Hit a million, we do company dinner. Innocent Boy team. My treat.
?!
Shin Yi-han fired off the reply and powered off his phone the second Kwak Hoon responded. It'd blow up otherwise.
"Alright, shall we get started?"
Time to face the press soon.
"Let's go."
"Yeah. Time to deploy."
Gu Do-jin followed Baek Eun-won.
"Yes, let's."
Shin Yi-han smiled brightly, falling in behind.
The launch of Newflix drama Others' Hell, following Innocent Boy.
Its production press conference unfolded right before them.
A vast space like a theater.
Before a backdrop emblazoned with the massive, dagger-slash typography of Others' Hell.
Shin Yi-han found himself seated among directors and actors.
And here, at the press conference...
Dubbed the drama's "Episode 0," it drew the hottest spotlight first.
Click! Click-click, click-click-click!
Newflix's clout packed the place with reporters snapping photos.
A flashy start.
"Yes! We've got director Gil Mi-jin, director Ko Ji-sook, and our lead actors here!"
Not just top stars, genius and master writers in the lineup.
"Others' Hell, generating buzz even before production wrapped. Expectations are sky-high."
Even a comedian-turned-MC hosting.
"Hello. Director Gil Mi-jin."
Part 1 premiering in two days.
Following Gil Mi-jin's bombshell schedule reveal—Part 2 next month.
"Please look forward to it. I sharpened my knives for this one."
Gil Mi-jin hyped Others' Hell with confidence.
"Eh. The actors ground theirs sharper."
Ko Ji-sook was no different.
"Every one of them delivered acting that shocked even me, the writer."
Not skipping a beat, Ko Ji-sook boasted proudly.
"I was constantly wowed on set. You can look forward to it, for real."
The crowd chuckled at the master writer's casual vibe. Warm atmosphere flowed.
"Whoa. From the writer's tone, sounds like insane stuff went down with the actors."
The MC grinned, glancing at the cast.
"Can't skip this. Actor Gu Do-jin! What's Others' Hell about?"
Questions flew to each actor.
"Hm. A drama harsher than me?"
Laughter erupted at Gu Do-jin's sly joke.
"Probably my best work yet."
Questions and answers flowed naturally.
The longer it went, the more serious the responses—but faces weren't serious. Directors, writer, actors—all buzzing with excitement.
That much confidence.
In their drama's fun factor.
Shin Yi-han too. Smiles kept creeping up.
The responsive crowd to his every word, the sharp MC's questions.
Impossible not to enjoy.
"Then, actor Shin Yi-han! As the youngest among the cast!"
Especially these lines as an actor.
"For a final wrap-up, one word to viewers watching this live!"
When that final question hit.
Shin Yi-han spoke without hesitation.
"I'll show you true evil."
With the feeling everyone here shared for Others' Hell.
"As Geum Seong-je."
A faint echo of the smile he'd worn before Others' Hell's camera.
"As an 'other' who might one day stand beside you all."
He declared boldly to those who'd face this story.
"As other."
For a split second, the crowd startled.
"...That cuts right to the drama's core. Wow."
The MC rubbed his arms, responding a beat late.
"Gotta watch now. Makes you even more curious about that evil..."
Signaling the true start, naturally.
"Well... that's it for today."
The start of Others' Hell, airing in two days.
"Newflix's most anticipated of the year! Others' Hell!"
Meanwhile, a few hours earlier.
In truth, Others' Hell's launch wasn't just Korea's news.
Newflix HQ in the US felt it too.
An internal Newflix screening was underway.
Jennifer Kim had pushed for it to boost overseas promo, greedily.
Full Part 1 for company eval.
In a room packed with Americans,
Prejudice ran rampant before viewing.
"Jennifer's such a drama queen."
"Patriotism, whatever. Let's humor her."
"This is why Asians..."
Starting with jabs at Jennifer Kim.
"Korean dramas are a fad anyway. Popularity's tanked lately. Don't even chart in English-speaking countries."
"Thriller too."
"Oof, that's worse. Japanese horror maybe, but Korean thriller?"
"Boring instead of scary?"
The work got trashed too.
But Jennifer Kim stood firm.
Just watch—they'll beg for Part 2.
She prepared the screening steadfastly with her team.
And I'm American-born, you fucking white folks.
A twinge of anger was inevitable.
Nothing to lose now anyway.
"Hey, Jennifer!"
"Your big Korean drama prep, huh?"
Nailing approval meant billboards, whatever—promo blast in English markets from day one.
"We cleared our schedules special, you know?"
"So tired I might nap~ Cut me slack? Not dozing 'cause of the drama?"
Fail, and it's domestic market only.
"Yeah. Enjoy."
Jennifer Kim smiled breezily, ushering the snide group into the theater.
Newflix building's screening room, used for big events.
...Half seats filled? Baseline cleared.
"Hate their guts when they act like that."
As Jennifer Kim eyed the room depths, teammate Brian sauntered up, arms crossed.
"Might slip a line in their perf reviews later."
"Nah."
Jennifer Kim smirked.
"They'll change after watching."
"Like me?"
"Yep."
Teammates in her corner? Solid gold.
"Yeah. The fun stuff? Everyone's gonna watch anyway."
Nationality, race—irrelevant. Brian nodded.
He too anticipated their shock.
Had doubted it himself at first.
This all-Asian thriller? Americans interested?
But.
Damn good.
Chills-level good.
All we gotta do is show 'em Episode 1.
Brian grinned.
Especially these snack-munching, freely milling staff.
Those smug "special favor" faces.
Wonder how they'll change. Right?
Brian shrugged with a laugh.
And soon enough.
- Others' Hell Episode 1.
Ah, me? Just Episode 1 then bounce, busy.
Same! Let's split!
Nah, I'll watch. Aren't you curious why Jennifer's so hyped?
As they bantered jokingly, Others' Hell Episode 1 began.
Opening with protagonist Ban Ki-hyeok, up from his hometown to Seoul, enduring every hardship life threw.
Hm... better than expected...?
Start's solid anyway.
Direction was key,
But early-career grind. Their own urban lives, maybe.
Relatable, subtly funny.
Frustrating too,
Yet irresistibly pulling you in.
Then hometown pal Geum Seong-je appeared soon after.
Uh...
Pretty... good...
The share house they inevitably move into too.
- Lucky House.
Suddenly, ticking like a time bomb—tick-tock-tick-tock.
......
......
Tension of an unknown explosion loomed.
Suddenly, all silenced, holding breath.
By the time they were hooked...
...!
Episode 1's final scene.
Geum Seong-je's true nature exposed.
Creeeak.
- Ah, busted?
Pfft.
Geum Seong-je's giggle at his murder scene being caught?
Enough to freeze everyone solid.
What the...
......?!
Hard to believe that was the end.
As Episode 1 wrapped and lights came up for break,
"...Wait."
"It ends like this?"
Groans echoed briefly.
"Jennifer?"
"What're you doing? Lights off! Can't stop here...!"
"Next episode!"
"Please! Play it now!"
"Gotta see who caught him!"
Americans, snapping out of it—yelling for the next episode of a Korean drama.