Chapter 75: Movie Promotion (2)
Chapter 75: Movie Promotion (2)
When appearing on variety shows to promote a movie, the marketing team’s strategy often takes precedence over the actor’s personal preference. It all comes down to the movie's genre.
The most important factor in promotion is determining which variety show will provide the most effective boost. An individual’s opinion is merely a point of reference.
Seo-yeon was well aware of this.
The most obvious choice is Running People.
The basic premise of Running People is "chase the opponent and rip off the name tag on their back." Since the show can be adapted into various concepts using that mechanic, it was the most suitable variety show for The Chaser.
I wonder what variety shows they used to promote The Chaser in my past life.
As she thought about it, she realized she didn't have any specific memories of seeing them on variety shows.
They had appeared on the nine o'clock news instead.
Hmm.
In the first place, they hadn't really done any promotion until the filming was completed. They likely intended to start the promotional cycle once everything was wrapped up.
But then Pyo Ji-woo went and triggered a Swordmaster Ending before they could.
The movie had made the nine o'clock news before they could even begin proper promotion. Of course, that provided more publicity than any variety show ever could—aside from the minor issue of the release date being pushed back.
Ugh.
To Seo-yeon, variety shows were fine either way, but...
I need to manage my image.
Once the movie was released, Cha Seo-ah’s image would undoubtedly affect her. To mitigate that impact as much as possible, her existing image needed to be even stronger. She couldn't rely on the "Princess Yeonhwa" title forever.
So, for now, I want to avoid variety shows that require heavy physical exertion.
Seo-yeon was confident in her physical abilities, of course. The problem was that she was too confident. In that regard, Running People was a bit of a risk.
I’d love to go on it eventually, though.
It was a popular show, after all. Seo-yeon crossed her arms, lost in thought.
Well, it’s not like my worrying will change anything.
Seo-yeon let out a deep sigh. As she did, she felt some of the nearby students flinch.
“...”
It might have been her imagination, but it felt like more students had been reacting intensely to her every move since the school festival ended.
It had been a week since the festival. While she was now on speaking terms with the class president, things felt different.
Why?
They had all worked together so hard, yet a strange distance had formed. Even the girl who just flinched was the same friend who had played a ghost alongside her on the second floor.
Of course, that girl didn't necessarily want to avoid Seo-yeon. It was just that she had witnessed something during the festival.
She had seen something crawling on all fours, chasing after the boys.
I’m sure it was Seo-yeon...
But there was no way a human could crawl on all fours and keep up with a running teenage boy. Despite her doubts, the fact that the boys had been running away from Seo-yeon’s direction kept her on edge.
Furthermore, Seo-yeon’s acting during practice had been so incredible that she truly felt like a "professional actress." Plus, Seo-yeon had been away from school for a while after the festival due to filming. All these factors combined to create an aura of mystery.
It’s strange...
Seo-yeon had finally joined the class group chat, which was a step forward, but she couldn't help but feel like she had also taken a step back.
While Seo-yeon was preoccupied with these thoughts, the production team was busy elsewhere.
“Wouldn’t Running People be the best bet?”
The crew of The Chaser was currently scouting variety shows for promotion.
“It would be perfect to have a chase sequence that captures the movie’s concept. I heard the actress Ju Seo-yeon is quite athletic, right?”
“Hmm, that’s true.”
It was a valid point. Running People usually featured two teams competing, though the format changed occasionally. If they cast Seo-yeon in a role similar to Cha Seo-ah...
“We can’t do that,” Producer Cha Dong-jin said, having listened quietly until then.
It was an unexpected objection.
“Pardon? It seems like a perfect fit for the movie’s style.”
“It is a perfect fit,” Cha Dong-jin agreed. “However...”
He paused before continuing.
“That’s only if we weren't trying to hide who Cha Seo-ah really is.”
“Ah.”
That was true. Currently, the public only knew Ju Seo-yeon as a supporting character—a "convenience store part-timer." They hadn't released any deep details, which had led to a lot of speculation about the killer's identity.
In a thriller, the villain needs to command as much presence as the lead. Naturally, the actor playing the villain should be part of the promotion.
“I think we can save that for after the release, or perhaps midway through.”
They weren't planning on doing just one variety show. They needed to appear on at least two. Appearing too often might annoy the public, and it was difficult to coordinate schedules anyway.
“Then do you have something else in mind? Promoting her as just a convenience store part-timer feels a bit weak.”
“We could send four of them at once. Make it look like she’s just naturally part of the group.”
When the truth is revealed later, it adds to the twist. Since Ju Seo-yeon was a hot topic right now, it wouldn't seem strange for her to be included in the promotion.
“Then...”
Something that avoided heavy physical exertion while still generating buzz.
“Lately, people like a raw, unscripted feel. It creates a lot of talk when actors show a side of themselves that isn't carefully curated.”
“And?”
“How about this?”
Cha Dong-jin suggested a specific show. The rest of the production team looked stunned.
Actors like Kim Dae-heon, who played Detective Im Seung-cheol, or Park Hee-jun, who played Detective Seo Gwang-il, were men, so they might be fine. But they were worried it might be too difficult for Jung Si-hyun, who played Han Ye-hwa, or for Seo-yeon.
“They aren't all going, right? The filming is...”
“Since Park Hee-jun and Ju Seo-yeon are the ones with free schedules right now, I’m thinking of sending those two first.”
“Hmm.”
Then again, they wondered if Seo-yeon might actually be fine on her own. Director Bae Jin-hwan had praised her excessively, after all.
Even Martial Arts Director Kim Hong-baek—no, Professor Kim Hong-baek—of Cheonghong Action School had said:
“If Miss Seo-yeon seriously pursues a career as an action actress, she will become a massive star.”
This was coming from Professor Kim Hong-baek, who had worked with countless action stars and even international actors. If he said that, it was highly likely that Seo-yeon’s physical abilities were far beyond just "good." Professor Kim was famous in the industry for being strict and stingy with his praise.
The fact that he spoke so highly of Seo-yeon left a deep impression on the production team, forcing them to consider various possibilities. That was why Running People had been mentioned first.
“I think it’s a good idea. Actor Park Hee-jun is a former Special Forces soldier, so he can help Ju Seo-yeon if she struggles.”
Cha Dong-jin nodded at the staff's comment. The decision was made.
“Then, the appearance will be on... Wilderness Survival.”
Wilderness Survival.
A variety show where guests live on a deserted island or in the jungle for five days and four nights. It was a genre Seo-yeon hadn't expected at all.
*
“What?! Wilderness Survival?!”
The voice shouting in shock didn't belong to Seo-yeon. It was her manager, Park Eun-ha.
She was appalled that Seo-yeon was scheduled to promote the movie on Wilderness Survival.
“Wilderness Survival for an actress? Isn't that too much? Her skin will get ruined by the sun, and for future filming...”
“I heard Seo-yeon’s scenes are all finished?”
“Well, yes, but still.”
Park Eun-ha sighed at her superior's words. She wanted to go straight to the CEO and complain, but she didn't have the seniority for that. More importantly, she couldn't complain unless Seo-yeon herself actively refused.
She’s not reacting at all.
It was something she thought often—it was both Seo-yeon’s strength and her weakness. Because her emotional changes were so subtle, it was hard to read her mind. Even after hearing the words Wilderness Survival, her eyes had only widened slightly; she didn't seem particularly displeased.
Of course, Wilderness Survival was a show frequently used for movie promotion. It allowed actors to show their natural selves, and many had gained popularity by revealing unexpected charms.
But...
It’s not great for actresses.
First of all, the filming locations for Wilderness Survival were either remote backwoods or sun-drenched deserted islands. For an actress who needs to maintain her skin, it was a nightmare. Furthermore, there were many instances where actresses were portrayed as nuisances who couldn't sleep and did nothing but complain.
On the flip side, if she showed an active and hardworking side, she could easily win the public's favor...
I’m sure Seo-yeon will do well, but still...
Professor Kim Hong-baek had praised her, but physical ability and survival were two different things.
Hmm.
Contrary to Park Eun-ha’s worries, Seo-yeon didn't think much of Wilderness Survival. In fact...
It sounds fun.
She was a bit surprised, but she didn't care about the sun or the harsh conditions. Seo-yeon’s skin was invincible; it wouldn't develop a single blemish or freckle from UV rays.
There will be downtime during filming, so I can share some stories about the movie.
She had expected Running People, so this was a surprise, but she figured she could appear on that show later.
“Seo-yeon. I’m just saying this in case, but... don't overdo it, okay?”
“Okay.”
Seeing Seo-yeon nod nonchalantly, Park Eun-ha felt a strange sense of unease.
And so, the appearance on Wilderness Survival was finalized.
Filming starts in a week.
It was a strange coincidence. The final day of filming happened to be a very important day for Seo-yeon.
It was the day of Ramiel’s first broadcast.
And it was also Seo-yeon’s birthday.
*
“Wow, hello, PD Shin! It’s been a long time.”
“Hey, our Actor Park! You’ve grown so much. It really has been a long time.”
Park Jung-woo smiled awkwardly at PD Shin Young-woo’s bright greeting. It was understandable, as he had appeared on Shin Young-woo’s variety shows frequently since he was a child. Perhaps because of that, PD Shin tended to treat Jung-woo like a nephew. Above all, the PD was close friends with Jung-woo’s father.
“You’re always working hard.”
“Oh, don't even get me started. Ever since I moved to Wilderness Survival, it’s been hell. It’s so hot out there. Phew...”
Wilderness Survival was a show that even the staff and PDs found grueling. In fact, the PD had already been replaced several times. The only one who remained constant was the main MC, Jung Dae-hyun.
“Jung-woo, why don't you come on our show sometime? I’ll save a spot for you.”
“Ah, of course. I’ll think about it.”
He had no intention of going. Park Jung-woo had no interest in variety shows that required physical labor. Wilderness Survival, in particular, was both physically and mentally exhausting. Filming on a deserted island in this weather would ruin his skin.
“We have one guest spot open for the next shoot...”
Jung-woo smiled awkwardly, as if the PD were practically asking him to join right then and there. Of course, PD Shin Young-woo didn't actually expect Jung-woo to agree. Park Jung-woo was an actor who was incredibly meticulous about self-management.
“Sigh, anyway, I’m already worried. We have two actors coming on this shoot for movie promotion.”
“...Movie promotion on Wilderness Survival?”
It was a bold move. Thinking it must be a tough break for the actors, he asked.
“As it happens, it’s someone related to you, Actor Park. She’s still just a kid, so I’m already worried. It’ll be a mess if she starts whining about wanting to go home in the middle of filming.”
There were indeed many actresses and idols who had done exactly that—collapsing or giving up when the filming became harder than expected.
“...May I ask who it is?”
Something about Shin Young-woo’s words bothered Park Jung-woo. An actress related to him. And a young one at that.
There was only one person who fit that description.
“Actress Ju Seo-yeon. She’s coming on our show this time.”
At those words, Park Jung-woo squeezed his eyes shut.