Hidden Camera Hijinks and the Uninhabited Island Challenge
Why was this turning out to be real? It had been a few days since Maximus and I returned from the pension. True to Grandpa's habits, I'd been lounging around like a total bum, killing time.
"Ah, so boring."
I was sprawled on the living room sofa with Maximus, rolling around aimlessly, when my phone buzzed.
Bzzz. Bzzz.
The caller was actor O Seokgyun. At this hour? I glanced at the clock—it was past 10 p.m. I'd heard he was on an overseas shoot. Had he already come back to Korea?
"Hello?"
"Ah, Areum. Were you sleeping?"
His voice over the receiver sounded even deeper than usual. The background was quiet, so it didn't seem like he was at a drinking party.
"No, I'm still up. Did you get back to Korea?"
"Yeah, I flew in this morning. Um... sorry to call so late."
O Seokgyun hesitated for a moment. The unflappable O Seokgyun, hesitating like this? Had something big happened?
"Could you maybe come out now for a bite to eat?"
"Now?"
I reflexively checked the wall clock again. Dinner time had long passed. Food at this hour? Sure, close friends might do that. But we weren't that tight yet, right? Well, in the video, drunk me had called him "oppa" and acted all buddy-buddy, but sober me was still awkward about it.
"What's going on?"
"Sigh... I never ask for favors like this, I'm really sorry."
His sigh was heavy.
"You're the only one I could think of. No one else would get it."
"...?"
What, a confession?
"I got a promo offer related to camping... and you're the only one around I can ask for advice on it."
Camping. Time? Place? Awkwardness? None of that mattered. A camping promo. And asking me for advice. I couldn't pass this up.
"I'll come."
"...Huh?"
"Where should I go?"
My instant reply left O Seokgyun flustered, unable to respond right away.
"W-Wait, you can really come? Right now?"
"Yeah. Camping talk, right? Of course I have to."
"Aigoo, thank you! Really, thank you, Areum! I'll text you the address!"
The text arrived the moment I hung up. A quiet bar on the outskirts of Seoul.
It's a bit far.
I threw on some clothes: comfy hoodie, jeans, and a puffer jacket for the chilly night air. As I headed for the door, Maximus trotted after me.
"Maximus, sis'll be back soon. Guard the house, okay?"
I patted his head and stepped out. A taxi ride later—about 30 minutes—and I was there. Quieter neighborhood than I expected. A single rundown bar with its sign lit up stood alone.
Sansung Jukmak
...Weird vibe.
A famous actor flying back and hitting up a remote spot like this for solo drinks? There had to be a story.
I pushed open the door. Ding-a-ling. The bell rang louder than expected. And the place was empty. Even in a remote spot, you'd expect a customer or two. Not a soul—or even an ant—in sight. Eerily quiet.
What the...?
A strange unease crept up. The owner at the counter jumped up when he saw me.
"Uh... welcome."
His eyes darted oddly. Not looking at me, but scanning behind or beside me. I noticed the rooms—private booths—with doors slightly ajar. Normally, you'd close them if empty or swing wide for ventilation. Why half-open like that?
Something's off.
I walked the hallway looking for O Seokgyun's room. Then—a faint rustle from a large potted plant in the corner.
Swish. Fabric brushing. And for a split second, something glinted through the leaves.
...Lens?
I kept walking but side-eyed it. Definitely a camera lens. Too big for a crime cam, and the hiding spot too sloppy. No hidden cam advertises "I'm right here!" like that. Conclusion: one.
It's a broadcast.
Puzzle solved. Late-night summons. Remote location. Empty joint. Hidden camera. Classic variety show hidden cam setup! Calling out a celeb's friend for an awkward favor or loyalty test—observational stuff. Me, falling for this? Successful life, Han Areum.
Play along like I don't know—that's polite, right?
Calling out the camera kills the footage. I'm a pro YouTuber. Enjoy the moment. And if I'm doing it, sell it hard.
I stopped at O Seokgyun's door. Deep breath.
It's a show... act closer than usual?
I flung the door open.
"O-oppa! Why are you drinking alone looking all mopey?"
I yelled as brightly and cheerfully as possible. O Seokgyun sat alone inside. Table had a makgeolli pitcher, green onion pancake, and acorn jelly.
His face lit up when he saw me.
"Whoa! Areum! You really came!"
He jumped up to greet me—acting or genuine, hard to tell.
"Sit, sit. Tough trip, huh?"
"Taxi was fine. But what's up? You look half-dead."
I sat and eased into convo naturally. He poured makgeolli into my glass with a sigh.
"Don't ask. Overseas shoot was brutal... jet lag's killing me."
"You worked hard. Glad you're back safe."
We clinked glasses lightly.
"How've you been? Heard you went to Japan."
"Yeah, got some healing in, thanks to you. Oh, and we hit a dog pension recently. Me and Maximus."
"Nice. Gotta take my girl sometime..."
Catch-up talk flowed. Natural. He seemed comfy, like a long-lost little sis.
Guess he really decided to treat me like a sibling that day...
Couldn't stay awkward forever. Keep the vibe, get closer.
Once the mood settled, he got to the point.
"Hey, Areum."
"Yeah?"
"Truth is... I called you for a favor."
Here it came. I put on a serious face, listening.
"What is it? Spill."
"Remember that camping vid we did? Blew up... getting offers left and right."
"Ooh, congrats!"
"But... one's a headache."
He downed his makgeolli.
"Outdoor brand promo... strict conditions."
"Conditions?"
"Survive 2 nights, 3 days on an uninhabited island... camping."
"......"
Uninhabited island? 2 nights, 3 days?
"Wait, an uninhabited island? For a camping newbie like you, oppa?"
My voice rose involuntarily. Even for TV, island survival's no joke.
"Exactly! Ridiculous, right? 'Survival camping'—minimal gear too..."
He made a pitiful face. That rugged mug looking pathetic was kinda... cute? No, pitiful.
"So, here's the thing..."
He eyed me cautiously.
"Areum. Come with me?"
Ah. That was it. Blindly asking a friend to join on an island—hidden cam where they hesitate, refuse, or get mad. Producers want that drama.
But who am I? Camping maniac. Wilderness lover. And...
Even knowing it's fake, 'uninhabited island camping' has me thrilled?
Uninhabited island. Pristine nature untouched by man. Real wild camping there. No need to think.
And they'd just ask, not actually go, right?
"Sure. Let's go."
No hesitation. O Seokgyun froze.
"...Huh?"
He looked like he doubted his ears.
"What'd you just say?"
"I'm in. Uninhabited island."
"......"
His jaw dropped. Eyes shaking. Not in the script.
Normally: "Are you nuts?" or "Why go there?" But I accepted too coolly. Look at that stunned face. Had to pinch my thigh to stifle laughter.
"R-Really? Just like that? No second thoughts?"
"You'd struggle alone anyway. I've got time. Should be fun."
I sipped makgeolli casually. He stared, still in disbelief.
"Hahaha! You really said yes?! Actually agreed?!"
"Told you, I'm going. Geez... when? Should I pack?"
He shot up suddenly. Chair nearly tipped. He strode to the door powerfully. Flung it open and yelled.
"You saw that, right?! This is my cred!"
With that shout, the quiet bar erupted.
Rumble rumble. Thud thud.
People poured from next rooms, front, kitchen—even bathroom.
...What?
The tiny room filled with cameras and staff. Easily over 10. Where the hell were they hiding in this shoebox? Ninjas?
Flashes popped, lights on. My jaw dropped. 10% acting, 90% shock. Didn't expect this many.
Then, a man pushed through the staff. Mid-40s, cap low, casual clothes.
"Ah... can't pass that easy..."
Familiar voice. Familiar face. The guy from TV endless times. Korea's living variety legend.
Ha Bong-seok PD stood before me. He smacked his lips regretfully, approaching O Seokgyun.
"Well, can't be helped. Saw O Seokgyun's cred loud and clear. Success! Congrats!"
O Seokgyun jumped like a kid.
"Told ya? Told ya? That's my Areum! Loyalty for days!"
He came over, thanking me nonstop.
"Areum, seriously, thank you. Oppa'll treat you big later!"
I was dazed. This worth celebrating this much?
Ha Bong-seok PD approached for a handshake.
"Hi. First time meeting. Ha Bong-seok."
"Ah, yeah... Han Areum."
Shaking hands felt like meeting a TV star. His eyes sharp yet playful.
"Pretty shocked, huh?"
Cameras zoomed on my face. Nail the reaction. "Shocked!"? But... I hated lying. And honestly, this was hilarious.
After a pause, I decided on honesty.
"...Actually, I kinda knew it was a show."
His eyes widened.
"Pardon?"
"When I came in, rustling from that front plant... saw the camera lens..."
Silence fell. His face hardened. He slowly turned to the staff huddle.
Then sighed loudly.
"Aigoo...! Youngji!"
A young female writer popped out from behind the staff, pale as a ghost. She rushed over, bowed 90 degrees.
"S-Sorry! I messed up the camouflage...!"
Her voice trembled. On the verge of tears.
...Huh?
Weird vibe. I just said I noticed—why so intense? Like she committed high treason. The rookie writer begging, cold stares watching.
One word flashed: power trip? Hierarchy?
Broadcast folks... scary, huh. Bully for one slip-up?
Words slipped out.
"The dark side of broadcasting..."
Ha Bong-seok PD freaked, waving hands.
"No! Misunderstanding, Areum-ssi!"
He yanked the writer up urgently.
"Hey, why the dramatic apology! You'll confuse Areum! Act normal! Like always!"
"Sorry! I'll write a report! Please don't fire me!"
"Who said fire?! Just say your usual 'damn, screwed up'! You're not like this!"
He looked driven mad by injustice. Turned to me desperately.
"Areum-ssi, total misunderstanding. She's usually casual with me, brazen even on mistakes... no idea why tonight. I'm not that old-school! No pointless hierarchy!"
His face flushed. The mighty Ha Bong-seok PD sweating before me. Kinda funny.
But I kept a straight face, eyeing him suspiciously.
"...Hmm."
"Please believe me!"
"But trusting hidden cam island folks is a stretch..."
"Pardon? Not hidden cam."
"...Pardon?"
"We heard 'Yes, let's go.' 'Told you, I'm going. Geez... when? Should I pack?' All recorded."
...Do I really have to go to the uninhabited island?