Chapter 112: Toward the Mainstream (1)
Chapter 112: Toward the Mainstream (1)
The end of Jo Ha-rin in Dream Future.
Normally, it wouldn't have been a highlight that garnered such intense attention.
However.
"I heard Jo Ha-rin is leaving the show today?"
"Oh? Really?"
"So what happened with her and Park Min-yul?"
To the public, Dream Future was already a drama that courted constant buzz.
The funny thing was that this popularity had all started with a single movie.
"Ah, a live commentary today? Of course! I’m definitely doing it!"
Han Bong-sik, a YouTuber with 1.4 million subscribers, nodded repeatedly toward the camera.
He might skip other things, but how could he not cover Dream Future?
I really timed this perfectly.
Bong-sik let out a hollow laugh as he looked at his subscriber count.
It made sense; his subscriber count, which had been stagnant at one million for a long time, had recently surged noticeably. 1.4 million.
This had all happened after the release of The Chaser.
People had searched for reviews of The Chaser or for a certain person who appeared in both that film and Dream Future, and the algorithm had led them straight to him.
Bong-sik had always been among the top three film reviewers, but now he was the undisputed number two.
If he could just overtake one more person, the top spot was within reach.
Naturally, he felt a certain way about the actress who had made this possible.
I really love you, Ju Seo-yeon.
His sense of one-sided intimacy with Seo-yeon was at an all-time high.
In that sense, his anticipation for today’s Episode 14 of Dream Future went without saying.
I actually wished she’d stay on longer.
But since the script had been changed, there was nothing to be done.
He simply hoped that even if she was leaving, she would go out as spectacularly as possible.
And.
"……Hmm."
Jo Seo-hee narrowed her eyes as she waited for the start of the real-time broadcast of Dream Future Episode 14.
This isn't just a one-off thing, is it?
She didn't know who had planned this drama, but it felt like it reflected the latest trends perfectly.
It felt like waiting for a real audition program.
A drama being broadcast simultaneously with real-time internet reactions.
"Let's see……."
Jo Seo-hee was personally looking forward to Episode 14.
It was because of Gyeongseong Lady, the project she might soon be filming with Seo-yeon.
Since a romance plot was inevitable, she wanted to observe Seo-yeon’s style of romantic acting in Dream Future.
Jung-woo sunbae said she keeps it more understated.
That was the script.
But would Seo-yeon really be satisfied with just that?
Every time they met, she was a strangely cool girl, but wasn't she also incredibly serious about her acting?
"……."
But why is she only cool toward me?
She’s all sweet and charming to everyone else.
This is why people need to watch what they say.
……She was probably still sulking over that "parachute" comment Seo-hee had made when they were younger.
Yes, that had to be it.
Jo Seo-hee convinced herself of that.
In truth, Seo-yeon hadn't given the "parachute" comment much thought.
To be honest, she had almost forgotten about it by now.
The reason she acted awkwardly around Jo Seo-hee was purely because of her impression.
Seo-hee’s face was sharp, like a classic villainess, and Seo-yeon, who was poor at dealing with people, couldn't help but find her intimidating.
"Anyway."
Jo Seo-hee focused on the screen as the theme song played, signaling the start of Dream Future.
The protagonist, Song So-ha.
With the final stage ahead of them, the two girls faced their ultimate showdown.
「Actually… I was a little jealous of you.」
Jo Ha-rin said with a bittersweet smile.
It was the inner feeling Jo Ha-rin, who was always cheerful, had been hiding from Song So-ha.
The viewers knew, but it was the first time Song So-ha had heard Jo Ha-rin’s true thoughts.
「Because you look so dazzling when you sing…….」
An idol is, ultimately, a singer.
Singing is bound to be more important than dancing.
Jo Ha-rin was clearly a better dancer than Song So-ha, but her singing ability fell far short.
Though the gap had narrowed over time, Song So-ha was still superior.
How ironic.
Seo-hee fell into thought as she watched the conversation between the two.
Song So-ha and Jo Ha-rin.
In the story, Jo Ha-rin was the one jealous of Song So-ha, but in reality, it was the opposite.
Even Park Jung-woo had said as much.
"Na-hee is too conscious of that girl."
"Conscious?"
"It’s obvious. She’s worried that if Ju Seo-yeon’s screen time increases, she’ll get overshadowed again."
Cha Na-hee had only barely reclaimed her presence as the protagonist when Seo-yeon had less screen time.
From Episode 1 to Episode 3, most of the reactions had been about Seo-yeon.
So, after the script was revised, she had been working hard not to fall behind.
"As expected, Seo-yeon’s acting has come to the surface."
"And the controversy over Na-hee’s acting has been reignited."
Seo-hee knew the story.
It wasn't that she was being torn apart like Ma Yeon-woo had been.
It was just at the level of people saying it was "unfortunate."
But this was her first lead role.
From Cha Na-hee’s perspective, it must feel like a stake being driven into her heart.
"So I know she’s desperate, but……."
"Hmm, I don't think she needs to worry that much."
"It’s different when it’s you."
"Heh, even you got overshadowed by Ju Seo-yeon, Jung-woo sunbae."
"……."
Jung-woo wanted to say that his role wasn't that big and his character was too plain to show much color…… but he decided against it, as it felt like a pathetic excuse.
"……I’ll see you during your next movie. Gyeongseong Lady, was it?"
"Uh, well."
Anyway, just like that conversation with Park Jung-woo.
This Episode 14 had to handle the battle between Song So-ha and Jo Ha-rin while simultaneously allowing Song So-ha to make a proper impact as the female lead.
If she doesn't, the ending will feel lackluster.
However, this also depended on Seo-yeon.
Seo-hee thought back to Close Your Eyes.
The role Seo-yeon played then was Hong Jeong-hee.
It was a role meant to elevate the female lead.
Seo-yeon had performed her role brilliantly back then.
But unlike a play, one couldn't help but be ambitious in a drama.
Moreover, since everyone already considered Jo Ha-rin a semi-protagonist, if she stepped back awkwardly, it would cause a controversy.
The conflict between the two handled in the drama.
This episode focused more on the story of Song So-ha and Jo Ha-rin than on the romance between the leads.
It was the right call.
Jo Ha-rin revealing her inferiority complex.
Song So-ha accepting that Jo Ha-rin.
At the same time, Song So-ha had also secretly envied Jo Ha-rin’s bubbly charm and dancing skills.
So, she was shocked by Jo Ha-rin’s confession of jealousy.
「……I can't lose.」
Song So-ha said.
「But that’s the same for you, isn't it?」
The weak Song So-ha showed a strong will.
And then, the semi-final stage began.
「In the semi-finals, you will compete twice.」
The host announced.
The semi-finals consisted of two matches.
First, they would perform a song together to show their harmony.
Then, they would each perform a solo song to decide the winner.
「Are you confident?」
It sounded like a question for Song So-ha.
But to Seo-hee, watching the screen, it felt like a question directed at Cha Na-hee.
Whether she was confident enough to face the 'acting' that was about to unfold.
「Yes.」
Song So-ha’s concise answer.
And as the music flowed, their song began.
She’s an idol, so her skills should be superior.
Just as it had been with Ma Yeon-woo.
However, Ma Yeon-woo had achieved that by tailoring the character to himself.
How would Cha Na-hee fill the stage as the character 'Song So-ha'?
And then.
Internet reactions like these began to appear.
Except for the very beginning, this was the first time they had stood on stage together.
Comparing them like this, people felt that Song So-ha was better in terms of skill.
Something feels strange.
The 1.4 million YouTuber Han Bong-sik felt it.
It hasn't even started yet.
Jo Seo-hee watched the screen intently.
If this was an audition, she couldn't feel the desperate emotion that should be there.
And Jo Seo-hee wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Why did they broadcast this as is?
Director Kim Il-soo, who was watching Episode 14, frowned.
As someone with an eye for directing, it was a part that couldn't help but bother him.
It was acting.
Yes, it felt too much like acting.
It didn't feel like an audition program.
The viewers' reactions were generally fine, but…….
But just then.
Jo Ha-rin took a step in front of Song So-ha.
At first, it was simple curiosity.
But at the sight of Seo-yeon, who began to sing during her turn.
Panic appeared in Song So-ha’s eyes.
It’s not acting.
It was real.
Song So-ha was truly flustered right now.
Cha Na-hee didn't have the skill to express that kind of emotion through acting in the first place.
So, Seo-yeon had dragged the real thing out of her.
Was this intentional?
Kim Il-soo watched the scene blankly.
This was likely Seo-yeon’s independent action.
He could tell by Song So-ha’s reaction.
The explosive emotions pouring out of Seo-yeon filled the screen.
As if she were about to erase Song So-ha’s presence entirely.
She knows.
Director Kim Il-soo realized how to draw out Song So-ha’s potential.
By stimulating the actor’s emotions.
Cha Na-hee is an idol; her pride in that area must be much stronger than her pride as an actress.
But Seo-yeon was showing a performance that overwhelmed her?
Perhaps she could have been crushed by the blow to her self-esteem and collapsed.
Method acting.
If method acting was immersing oneself deeply into a role.
What would you call this?
Making someone who was giving an ordinary performance fall into their role.
She was inducing emotions.
By forcing the other person to immerse themselves in the role.
Idol pride.
By scratching at that, Song So-ha’s grip on the microphone tightened.
Cha Na-hee was an idol and had stood on stage countless times.
She couldn't help but know.
What she would look like when this was caught on camera.
It’s like Ma Yeon-woo, but different.
If Ma Yeon-woo had acted that way on his own.
This had become a 'direction that left no other choice.'
A desperate stage before the finals.
The moment the emotions Song So-ha possessed and Cha Na-hee herself became one.
So that even if it wasn't method acting, it looked like it.
Seo-yeon’s eyes turned red.
She smiled as she faced the pouring emotions.
Toward Song So-ha, and toward the audience.
It was a smile that likely felt different to every person.
Watching that smile, the viewers and Kim Il-soo clenched their fists.
Song So-ha’s hand gripping the microphone tightened.
And then.
Explosive emotions erupted.
*
"How long has it been?"
A producer from the KMB Drama Department said.
"Since a single actress dictated a drama's viewership ratings."
They didn't know exactly how much.
But it was clear she had a massive influence.
"I did see a fair amount of potential in Dream Future."
Episode 14 of Dream Future.
The episode featuring the final battle between Song So-ha and Jo Ha-rin.
The viewership rating was.
"23 percent."
He could feel the Drama Department buzzing.
And for good reason; it was the highest figure for any drama released in the past year.
If it had been ten years ago, it would have been a score where one could say, "That’s a pretty decent result," but nowadays, it was a rating that was hard to even dream of.
It was close to the maximum record for a youth drama.
Even ten years ago, there hadn't been a case where a youth drama exceeded 20 percent in ratings.
"Yesterday’s Episode 14…… honestly, there were some risky parts."
"Was that intentional on actress Ju Seo-yeon’s part?"
"Who knows."
Seo-yeon hadn't said a word about that performance.
People who saw it could only vaguely guess her intention.
"If it was intentional……."
"She’s at the level of playing with emotions."
Was it possible because she was rich in emotion?
Or was it because she understood the emotions of others so well?
It felt as if one wondered how much she must have observed human emotions for such a thing to be possible.
Seo-yeon’s weapon had always been emotional acting.
Anyone who had been in this industry for a while knew that.
It was true during The Moon that Hides the Sun.
And recently, she had clearly shown that side in The Chaser.
In Dream Future, that power had been somewhat weaker, but in Episode 14, she had delivered a huge shock in a different sense.
"The new drama…… it’s Sky Garden, right?"
"Yes, I heard the script was originally intended for a general programming channel."
"By writer Min Se-hee."
"Yes."
The reason they were gathered here today was for a meeting regarding Sky Garden.
"Will it be her first lead role?"
"Without an audition?"
As they were conversing, the door to the meeting room opened.
An impressionable middle-aged man.
He walked in slowly, took a seat, and spoke.
"Yes."
"But young actors are sensitive about such things, so won't there be problems?"
At their words, Ha Tae-oh, the Director of the Drama Bureau, smiled at them.
"Actually, that actress is quite used to it."
"That’s……."
"A similar thing happened during The Moon That Hides the Sun."
For example, the "parachute" incident.
It was ten years ago, so everyone had likely forgotten by now.
But considering how Seo-yeon had overcome it back then, there was nothing to worry about.
In fact, if they were going to push her, they should do it properly.
Pushing her halfway was meaningless.
Enough to stimulate other young actors.
They had to show it perfectly and clearly.
If she shows us what she's got, we can do this much for her.
"Ah, and about the OST for Sky Garden. How about having actress Ju Seo-yeon handle it?"
There was no one in the room who could refuse those words from Ha Tae-oh, the Director of the Drama Bureau.