Chapter 136: United Kingdom
Chapter 136: United Kingdom
Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom.
The moment two British men stepped into the arrivals hall, their eyes widened.
“…What the heck? Why are there so many people?”
“…Wait, are they here to welcome us?”
“No way. Who do you think we are?”
“Have some pride. We’re YouTubers with five hundred thousand subscribers.”
Camera flashes burst everywhere.
The two YouTubers awkwardly waved their hands.
“Waaaaaaah!”
As if on cue, a massive roar of cheers erupted. The thunderous sound nearly lifted the roof of the airport.
The two men stared at each other with their mouths hanging open.
“…Are they really welcoming us?”
“…Maybe? Did our Korean mukbang videos suddenly blow up in the algorithm?”
An unfounded confidence swelled inside them.
The two men boldly stepped closer to the crowd. They winked toward the cameras and began making playful gestures.
Then suddenly a woman who had been cheering at the front abruptly frowned.
“What the heck are these squids doing? Why are they flopping around in front of us?”
She shoved the two men aside and resumed cheering passionately toward the back.
“Juuuuushin! Juuuuushin! I love you!”
The two men, pushed aside, finally turned around and realized what was happening.
Behind them, a tall East Asian man was walking out.
He was wearing only a simple coat, yet he carried the aura of a model walking down a runway.
“…Damn it. They all came to see that guy.”
Their faces flushed with embarrassment.
But they were professional YouTubers, after all. Humiliation lasts a moment. Views last forever.
“Turn the camera on right now!”
“Juuuuushin! We love Juuuuushin!”
Not even knowing what it meant, the two men simply started shouting whatever the crowd was yelling.
Meanwhile, standing at the center of that massive crowd, Ryu Sunho looked bewildered.
What is this…? Are they all here to see me?
And then there was the strange chant he kept hearing.
Jushin? Chushin?
It sounded like Korean, but the pronunciation was odd, so he couldn’t quite understand.
But soon he realized the meaning.
Among the crowd, a girl was holding a placard with crooked Korean letters that read “Han Jusin♡.”
Ah, they’re calling Han Jusin.
He had heard that Doctor Princess had reached No.1 on Wiplex UK, but experiencing it in person was completely different.
After all, only about a year earlier, when he had entered France to film Go Table, things had been fairly quiet.
Even though he had some domestic recognition at the time, and top idol Lee Yuna had been beside him, almost no one recognized them.
It had been embarrassing.
He had realized painfully that he was merely a frog in a well.
But now the difference felt like an entire era had passed.
Hundreds of people filled the arrivals hall.
“Ryu! Look over here!”
“Jusin Han! I love you!”
Cheers mixed with English and Korean poured out everywhere.
He lightly waved toward them.
“Kyyaaaah!”
With just that simple gesture, cheers exploded as if the airport roof might blow off.
Click-click-click-click.
The rapid bursts of camera shutters followed.
Honestly, he would have liked to give autographs to everyone.
But causing trouble in a public place wouldn’t be right.
For safety, he simply greeted them briefly and left quickly.
“Wow… I never thought I’d experience something like that in my life.”
The moment they got into the car, Team Leader Jo Sehun laughed in disbelief.
“While managing Park Juwon, I’ve seen airports shut down in Japan and Southeast Asia… but seeing this happen in London is seriously a first.”
He was right.
Getting out of the airport had taken considerable effort.
Ryu Sunho had even prepared a list of famous restaurants and tourist spots for this trip to the UK.
But now it seemed impossible with paparazzi everywhere.
I should be even more careful with my behavior while I’m in the UK.
First, he turned off 【Emotion-Piercing Aura】.
The ability supposedly infused his language and expressions with strong persuasive emotion.
But in his opinion, if used excessively in daily life, it would make him look like a celebrity drunk on fame.
Not only would that damage his image in the UK, it could also provoke backlash back home.
—Ryu went to the UK and suddenly got full of himself lol
—Why is he suddenly so cringey?
He could already imagine comments like that.
This aura was best used only when truly necessary.
While thinking about that, they arrived at the hotel.
A luxury hotel in central London.
The moment he stepped out of the car, a uniformed doorman politely opened the door.
When he entered the suite assigned to him, the hospitality reached another level.
“…Wow.”
Welcome amenities had been prepared on the table.
A three-tier dessert tray.
At the top was a printed photo of a scene from Doctor Princess.
“…This is practically state-guest treatment.”
Team Leader Jo Sehun stood beside him, snapping photos in amazement.
Ryu Sunho also felt a surge of emotion.
He was grateful that a foreign country recognized his value like this.
But gratitude was one thing.
Grrr—
His stomach growled.
He had barely eaten the airplane meal, planning to fill up at a restaurant in the UK.
Now that plan had fallen apart.
“Let’s eat first.”
He ordered a large selection from the hotel’s room service menu.
After eating his fill, drowsiness washed over him.
He unpacked his luggage roughly and lay down on the bed for a moment.
How much time passed?
Suddenly, a loud commotion outside woke him.
“Ahh!”
A scream-like sound.
Thinking there might have been some kind of accident, he opened the door and looked into the hallway.
At the far end of the corridor, a man was arguing with a hotel security officer.
The security guard looked quite troubled.
From what he could hear, another guest had reported shouting and crying coming from the room. They had rushed over in case of a possible violent incident.
“I’m telling you, no! I was just practicing alone. I was testing ten versions of a new character’s accent and tone.”
The man raised both hands as if protesting his innocence.
“Okay, yes, the final emotional outburst might’ve been a little excessive. I admit it. My fault. Sorry.”
His hair was messy and he wore a stretched-out T-shirt.
At first glance he looked like an unemployed slacker.
But—
That face looks familiar.
Especially the distinctive smile and the shape of his eyes.
…Isn’t that Evan Harris?
A famous Hollywood actor.
He usually played gentle and sexy roles.
Ryu Sunho had watched several of his films.
But—
Did Evan Harris always look like that…?
He was often listed among handsome Hollywood actors.
Yet seeing him in person, he somehow looked less impressive than on screen.
Usually actors of that level looked better in real life.
Curious, Ryu Sunho opened the status window.
【Name: Evan Harris】
【Occupation: Actor】
───────────
【Stats】
【Appearance: B+】
【Emotional Expression: S】
【Line Delivery: S】
【Physical Acting: A+】
【Trait: Actor Who Performs Handsomeness (S)】
…!
Having two S-rank stats was surprising.
But even more shocking was the trait.
This is the first time I’ve seen someone with a trait…
And it was even an S-rank trait.
“Actor Who Performs Handsomeness,” huh…
Meaning his original looks were decent, but the overwhelming visual presence he had on screen was largely an illusion created through acting skill and charisma.
While Ryu Sunho was staring blankly in admiration, their eyes suddenly met.
“Oh?”
Evan Harris’s eyes widened.
Then he brushed past the security guard and strode toward Ryu Sunho.
“Wait, you… aren’t you that actor from Doctor Princess? Ryu?”
When Ryu Sunho nodded, his face lit up.
“Oh my god! I’m a huge fan! Seriously!”
He grabbed Ryu Sunho’s hand and shook it vigorously.
A global superstar.
In a hotel hallway.
In a stretched-out T-shirt.
Jumping up and down while holding his hand.
“I watched your drama. Your surgery scenes… absolutely insane. Especially your eyes. How do you do that?”
He fired off words like a machine gun.
Saying he could never have acted that delicately at Sunho’s age.
Saying Sunho’s East Asian face had a mysterious charm.
Compliments poured out endlessly.
Then suddenly he paused.
“Oh wait. You probably can’t understand what I’m saying. Damn it. I don’t speak Korean well either.”
Apparently assuming Sunho didn’t understand, he awkwardly scratched his head and began gesturing.
“Um… hello…?”
“Don’t worry. I understood everything perfectly. Thank you for the compliments, Mr. Harris. I also enjoyed The Last Agent.”
“…!”
Evan Harris’s mouth dropped open.
“Wow… your English… that’s ridiculously classy! That’s perfect British pronunciation!”
Even to his British ears, Sunho’s accent sounded almost textbook-perfect.
Which made sense.
Because Doctor Princess had become a major hit in the UK, boosting his English stat significantly.
And since the stat was influenced by where his works succeeded, this time his British pronunciation and intonation had strengthened noticeably.
“Where did you learn that accent? Honestly it sounds even more aristocratic than mine.”
It was awkward to explain, so Sunho simply shrugged.
Harris interpreted it however he liked and nodded, placing a hand around Sunho’s shoulder.
“I like you. What are you doing tomorrow? If you’re free, want to visit our movie set with me?”
The invitation came completely out of nowhere.
He wasn’t even the director.
…That’s a bit much.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Sunho brushed his hand off his shoulder.
“Sorry, but I have a schedule tomorrow. I appreciate it, but I’ll pass.”
“A schedule? What schedule?”
“I’m appearing on The Great Norton Show.”
Evan Harris jumped.
“Wow! Amazing Korean indeed! It took me ten years after my debut before I was invited to that show—and you’re going on it immediately as a foreigner?”
He looked ready to keep talking.
That was enough.
Seeing Sunho look slightly tired, Harris raised his hands.
“Okay, I get it. Sorry, I kept you too long.”
Then—
“Well, before you go, at least give me your Instagram.”
Persistent.
Sunho quickly exchanged IDs and followed him back before returning to his room.
He’s completely different from his film image.
On screen he felt intellectual and heavy.
In real life he was a bit… no, very eccentric.
Still, he didn’t seem like a bad person.
No reason to block him.
You never knew how paths might cross again.
Finally, some peace and quiet.
He had plenty to show during tomorrow’s recording.
Thinking he should sleep early, he lay back down on the bed.
The next afternoon.
London BBD Television Centre.
The recording studio for The Great Norton Show was wrapped in a strange tension.
“Pay extra attention to security! Thoroughly check the audience’s belongings!”
It was understandable.
Today’s guests were Ryu Sunho—and Princess Shoopy of the British Royal Family.
This wasn’t just an ordinary entertainment recording.
Security and preparation had to be handled with extreme care.
At that moment, one staff member approached the PD.
“PD, do we really need a translator? The agency insists Ryu Sunho speaks English fine. Wouldn’t it look better if he just communicated directly?”
“No. Absolutely not. Don’t take that risk.”
The PD shook his head firmly.
“Even if an Asian actor speaks good English, nine times out of ten it’s American-style English—or Konglish with a strong accent. And who’s sitting next to him today?”
“Princess Shoopy.”
“Exactly. A royal guest is appearing. If cheap American slang pops out beside her, it’ll ruin the atmosphere. It’s better to attach a translator and keep things clean and formal.”
“…That’s true.”
British pride in their language was enormous.
To them, American English sometimes sounded rough and unrefined.
Using awkward English beside a member of the royal family would lower the dignity of the show.
“Understood. I’ll keep the translator on standby.”
“Good. Tell Ryu Sunho as well. Don’t force English—just speak Korean comfortably. That’ll be better for him too.”
Once preparations were complete, the lights came on and lively music filled the studio.
“Tonight we have a very special guest!”
The show’s host, James Norton, opened with his trademark exaggerated gesture.
“These days people say if you don’t know this man, you’re missing what’s happening in the world. The man who even made the British royal family fall in love—Korea’s ‘real prince,’ Ryu Sunho! Please welcome him!”
As the introduction ended, the red curtain opened and Ryu Sunho walked out.
“Wow…”
Audience members in the front row gasped simultaneously.
A perfectly fitted dark navy suit.
An appearance combining Eastern mystery with Western elegance.
The women in the audience stirred excitedly.
Afterward, once Ryu Sunho sat down, James Norton smiled and asked the first question.
“Ryu! Welcome. Is this your first time in the UK? How’s London’s weather? Quite different from Korea, right?”
After asking, Norton instinctively glanced toward the translator.
The audience also expected translation to follow.
But Ryu Sunho didn’t even look at the translator.
Instead, with a relaxed smile, he met Norton’s eyes directly and spoke.
“Well, the weather here has its own charm. It’s definitely gloomier than Seoul—but isn’t that the real romance of Britain? Something like a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.”
“…?!”
For a moment, Norton’s eyes widened.
At the same time, the PD watching the monitor backstage jumped to his feet.
“…What? Why is his pronunciation so precise and elegant…?”