Extremely Global MBS (4)
To be honest, stuntman Kim Ho-jin had been deep in despair lately.
It was the kind of despair that felt like staring into an abyss.
Emmy? An Emmy? That lunatic's gone international now?!
William White. The nonsense spouted by that rookie actor during the King and Sovereign shoot had actually turned into an atomic trophy.
And to top it off, even the beatings he'd personally delivered were outsourced to burly foreign meatheads.
With talk of Broadway this and Golden Globes that floating around, Kim Ho-jin couldn't help but feel like he was losing hair by the handful every day.
He stared blankly into space, lost in thought.
Escape... is it possible?
Maybe,
just maybe, he was fated to never escape that lunatic Kang Min for the rest of his life?
Just imagining it sent shivers down his spine. Karma had its limits, didn't it?
Watching Kang Min's triumphant return splashed across every media outlet made that horrific fantasy feel all too real.
That was when he finally heard some halfway decent news from a staffer.
"Harry Gordon? He's joining us?!"
"Yes? Uh, yeah... Do you two know each other or something?"
"Nah, not at all!"
"???"
For the first time since meeting Kang Min, Kim Ho-jin lit up with genuine excitement.
No personal connection.
But one was inevitable.
As the poster boy for victims tangled up with Kang Min, Kim Ho-jin was certain. Just watching the Unfilial Son Chun-sik footage showed Harry Gordon harbored massive resentment toward Kang Min.
One-on-one, he couldn't stand up to the guy.
But two? That might just do it!
For once, Kim Ho-jin eagerly awaited this meeting with his potential ally.
"Hmm, for someone Min hyped up, he doesn't seem all that impressive."
"……."
Of course, reality was a different story.
"Jessie."
"What is it, Harry."
"Min's a way more incredible actor than I ever imagined."
"……."
After getting close to Kang Min, Harry Gordon had binged every one of his works.
And he was blown away.
"These PSAs all radiate such clear conviction. It's not even a question of whether to do them—it's like he had to, with this unyielding obsession shining through."
"But Unbelievable takes the cake! The content's wild, but that Pavlov's dog episode? Starts so leisurely, then the back half hits with this frantic urgency—the contrast is huge. Probably meant to unpack human nature in reverse..."
He could probably spin even Cheetaman into a masterpiece with that level of mental gymnastics, but no one was about to call him out.
Jessica the manager had long since tuned out, which only fueled Harry Gordon's ambitions(?).
He finally nailed down his conviction.
"His next project—no, the one after—will launch Min into Hollywood or Netflix territory, riding the global wave. In other words, this is our chance!"
"Our chance?"
"King and Sovereign, Die to Live—Min needs a partner who matches him perfectly! And who better than yours truly, Harry Gordon?!"
"……."
Jessica was starting to wonder if her client had been lobotomized, but hey, as an agency, it wasn't a bad look. The Chun-sik Gordon fiasco aside from the actor's personal humiliation had raked in solid name recognition.
With subtle agency backing, Gordon grew even bolder. Pumped up, he cornered Kang Min.
"Oh, Min! As a fellow actor, who do you think is the ultimate partner for you?"
"Kim Ho-jin, obviously."
"?"
The answer was so straightforward that Gordon blinked in confusion.
But Kang Min's trust was rock-solid.
Without Kim Ho-jin, there'd be no episode 7 of King and Sovereign, and snagging Black Forest would've been a pipe dream.
That led to Unbelievable, then reunions with PD Han Ye-seul and director Shim Yu-hyeon, snowballing into S&W and William White and the Unknown Object. Kang Min had his reasons for the goodwill.
"Kim Ho-jin's an outstanding actor."
"Uh, yeah..."
"I'd love to introduce you two sometime. I'm sure you'd both get something out of it."
"……."
Naturally, Harry Gordon couldn't help but feel a sting to his pride.
Back home, he swallowed his frustration.
"Kuh, Fencing Man...! If you're so great, stick to fencing—why block my path and friendship?!"
"...If anything, Harry, you're the one who rolled into his turf."
"Mark my words, Jessie! One day, I'll strip away all his hype...!"
"……."
Thanks to that, when hellish arctic vibes hit Seo Bom's hospital room after his Korea arrival, Gordon lucked out and escaped.
Kim Ho-jin, who'd shown up with high hopes, was left utterly bewildered.
"Fencing Man. Do you know Min's favorite movie?"
"Uh? Not really..."
"Heh, Au Hasard Balthazar."
"……."
"With that level of insight into the lead actor, no wonder Die to Live turned out so pitiful!"
"……."
After a bizarre Q&A that even Seo Bom might ace with bonus points, Kim Ho-jin finally realized something.
He had no idea why.
It made zero sense.
But it was crystal clear.
For some reason, the actor in front of him was gunning for his spot...!
...No, seriously, why?
Kim Ho-jin blinked blankly.
Was this guy nuts?
...?
It was a situation so alien even a Predator couldn't comprehend an Alien, but Harry Gordon's hostility was unmistakable.
And beyond that, his action-hero energy was no joke. Without even unpacking, he stormed straight to the MBS director's office.
"Pleased to meet you. Director Kim."
"Ahem, yes. Welcome, Mr. Gordon."
"Feel free to drop the formalities. You're older, and the 'no-fun-man' holding my casting fate."
"...Your pronunciation's spot-on."
Needless to say, Director Kim Kang-hyun—chased by 3,000 reporters instead of Kang Min and his crew—was utterly drained.
He had questions for Harry Gordon, but everything felt like a hassle. More precisely, he just wanted to go home and crash.
Kang Min and Han Ye-seul would handle the casting. Cameo or whatever.
Kang Min was one thing, but Han Ye-seul ditching him slyly at the airport still rankled...
"Anyway, truly welcome. We'll hash details when PD Han returns. We'll cover all your stay expenses—"
"Thank you. But first, a word for the 'no-fun-man' with casting power."
"...That's not how you use it, but go on."
"I believe I can nail Fencing Man's scenes better than him."
"...What?"
"No extra pay needed. Just let me prove it clean and clear."
"???"
Harry Gordon flashed a confident grin at the blinking director.
Thus began the impromptu showdown.
No surprise, Die to Live had hit a turning point lately.
Up to episode 4, it was a breezy revenge flick. Action scenes were the highlight, but most viewers tossed mild shade.
Then episode 5 flipped the script.
What viewers thought was a standard revenge drama? The masked leads weren't human.
Events from the masked figure's POV—previously a gag character—veered into cosmic horror.
Non-human shapes anyone could spot.
Their all-knowing actions.
A world ticking toward inevitable, predetermined outcomes—
Viewers were stunned, with mysteries piling up.
The masked role—Kim Ho-jin's—skyrocketed in importance.
Even with his solid (90% forced) scream scene, concerns lingered. Great stuntman, sure, but actor?
And today, a challenger emerged for that role.
"Uh, well... Final say's with PD Han Ye-seul, just to clarify."
MBS Drama Division Team 4,
Die to Live conference room.
Director Kim Kang-hyun cleared his throat amid the blank stares from staff.
"Anyway, we'll revisit when PD Han's back, but since you're all here, actor Gordon wants to show his skills."
"No real reason to refuse, so I greenlit it... Any objections?"
He half-hoped for some, but silence. Staff just blinked in confusion.
...Truth be told, even the director wasn't sure why he was stuck here.
"Pleased to meet you. Harry Gordon."
Gordon stepped up, the only one cool as ice.
He scanned the puzzled room and spoke fluently.
"I've recently reviewed most of my friend Min's works. Die to Live included, naturally."
"First off, impressions: outstanding. You've nailed a tough theme brilliantly."
"Thrilled to contribute, even a little, to such a stellar show."
Everyone loves praise. Faces softened instantly.
More ears perked as he shifted to a serious tone.
"But this show's at a crossroads. Die to Live's twist is killer, but it hinges on the masked performer's acting above all."
"Fencing Man's a stellar stunt actor. I respect him."
"But camera work needs more than stunts. Body language, movement, chemistry with the lead— that's key."
"And there, I reckon Harry Gordon's the better fit."
It pierced the production's exact worries. The DP especially scowled, stroking his chin.
Even PD Han Ye-seul had agonized over it. Kang Min's confident "Kim Ho-jin can do it" had eased her mind, but she'd considered recasting until recently.
Murmurs rose—half convinced, half skeptical.
With the mood primed, Gordon launched into his prepared performance.
"Aigo...?"
Overall, solid acting.
The initial "Aigo" aside, Gordon was a seasoned pro. No contest against Kim Ho-jin.
Gordon's edge? Decent stunt work too. Not pro-level like Kim, but seamless enough.
His face hadn't shown much anyway—clear upgrade.
"Hmm..."
"This is..."
Staff snuck glances at Kim Ho-jin, skepticism evaporated.
Hearts decided, but loyalty to their longtime comrade demanded tact. Public opinion shifted.
Kim Ho-jin met their eyes calmly.
Inside? Ecstatic.
I don't know what's happening, but heaven's on my side!!!
Kim Ho-jin wanted to bust out a crane dance right there.
A miracle! Gordon's my savior!! God finally pitied me!!
Grinning cheeks and itching fists for an uppercut.
Controlling both took saintly patience.
How long had he toiled to escape this hellhole and Kang Min?
Prayed to God, Buddha, Allah, Odin, Admiral Yi Sun-sin—over and over?
That wish, begged even on Christmas for the first time ever, was coming true!
Call it anything but a miracle!
Face! Keep it together!!
He clamped his trembling lips with superhuman will, reciting the national anthem inwardly before speaking.
"Gotta admit it. Way better than me."
"Heh, quick to concede."
"What can ya do when it's obvious? Haha."
"...Maybe I misjudged you a bit."
Staff faces turned sympathetic; Gordon looked awkward. Meanwhile, Kim Ho-jin fought back joy.
Freedom.
Finally free!
No more trembling before Justin Gilbreth and the meatheads!
No more stomach flares from Kang Min's smirks!
Hell, he could just hole up at home!
Could life get sweeter?
Tears welled at this fortune.
"I'll tell PD Han! Take my role, Gordon!"
"Oh, gladly! Didn't expect such open-mindedness... I have pride too. I'll pass you all my fee."
"No refusals here, haha!"
"HAHAHA!"
Laughter bloomed.
Thus, Harry Gordon, Kim Ho-jin, and the crew neared a perfect happy ending.
But the world's laws are cruel.
As always, one evil antagonist crashed the party.
"I won't accept it! Hollywood my ass!!"
"...?"
The hulking man slamming the table was the kebab-and-Rome guy, Shim Yu-hyeon, glaring daggers at Gordon before whipping around.
"K-Kim Ho-jin! Don't chicken out!"
"Uh, yeah?"
Extremely Global MBS (5)
Surprising? Not really. Broadcast insiders tend to be jaded about celebs.
You need 'em to make shows.
Connections are a must.
But unlike viewers unwrapping the package, wrappers see the guts up close—whether they like it or not.
"Heard actress Choi Na-kyeong flipped out again. Threw stuff at her manager."
"Etherbit waiting room was chaos too? Leader Yi Hwan-jae and members had a blowout."
"Leader feeds 'em all, but they bitch about favoritism. What a shitshow."
"Gonna explode...?"
"Explode my ass—same agency. Only the instigators get buried."
Peel back the glamour, they're all the same.
Showbiz piles on stress. Rare saints like Seo Bom—always mild, polite to staff—but most aren't.
Once the rose-tinted glasses shatter, jadedness sets in.
Looks perfect from afar; up close, meh—that's the industry consensus.
...But exceptions exist.
MBS had two.
"Kang Min's the real deal."
"Tell me about it! Never seen an actor show up to production meetings like clockwork."
"No commercials either. Emmy winner now—could swim in cash if he wanted..."
"Donating to his old haunts left and right too!"
First: Kang Min.
Last part? Unintentional on his end—no death-cola ads for the hero—but staff didn't know.
His US rampage? Zero chill. Even skeptics felt awe toward him alone.
...Koreans melt for "international" anything.
The other? Kang Min's stunt guy.
First impressions weren't great.
"Kim Ho-jin caused that incident, right? Letting him confess and walk? Bullshit."
"Suspended prosecution."
"Same diff! Slippery bastard."
"Bad rumors too. Where there's smoke... And he joins our flagship? Gross."
"Ugh."
Too flashy a record for fanboy eyes; the plea deal screamed sleaze.
Broadcast life's watching snakes in hero masks bask in applause. Staff tsked through colored lenses.
...Until filming camaraderie kicked in.
[Does this even look like acting...?]
[AAAAAAAH!!]
[Stop, stop! It's broken! BROKEN!]
[Save me...!]
[KRRRAAAAAH...!!]
"Mm."
"...Yeah."
Staff slurs against Kim Ho-jin tapered off.
Volunteering for near-10-hour shoots with Kang Min.
Agony so raw it looked real.
Unfazed by Justin Gilbreth and 20 meatheads—pure professionalism.
Sleazy? Maybe.
But respect for the craft? Undeniable...
"Not bad..."
"Yeah..."
Slow conversion.
Reluctant nods.
None voiced it; no need. Quiet acceptance, outward grumps.
No overt thaw for Kim Ho-jin.
"K-Kim Ho-jin! Don't chicken out!"
"?"
But built-up goodwill shines in clutch moments.
Kim Ho-jin didn't just blink. Chaos erupted soon after.
"Y-Yeah! Gotta see length for yourself!"
"I think Ho-jin's great too!"
"Kang Min specifically named Kim Ho-jin! A star like him wouldn't without reason!"
"...?"
The cliché: mistreated hard worker wins hearts.
Moving for softies—eyes misting.
Reality? Less so.
Kim Ho-jin just blinked blankly.
What the...?
Why turn perfect rice into porridge—hell, poison?!
He jumped in.
"S-Staff, no matter what, he's better, right? Big picture—"
"Told ya, don't chicken!"
Kebab director—early convert—thumped his chest.
Rare resolve to defend the diligent kid etched on his face.
"To me, Shim Yu-hyeon, that Yankee's boasts? I can cover 'em all! No sweat!"
"Plus, even Kang Min said Die to Live clicked with Kim Ho-jin!"
"Right! Can't trust our eyes, but Kang's? Hell yeah!"
"Hm, yeah, come to think..."
Kang Min's skyrocketing rep sealed it.
Emmy, Broadway, Golden Globe—flipping giants, then casually name-dropping "Kim Ho-jin's my soulmate."
Influence? Massive.
Gordon fans now stroked chins: If Kang says so...
This goddamn...!
Kim Ho-jin was losing it.
What is this?! That monster's not even here and still torturing me!!
"Kuh...! Fencing Man...!!"
And why're you glaring at me?! I don't want this!!
Gut twisting under Gordon's handkerchief-biting glare, Kim Ho-jin barely cooled his head.
Calmly:
Kang Min absent, yet this reaction.
Gordon might have Kang's favor—likely.
But slim chance otherwise.
Push through sans the lunatic...!
"That face acting was insane! Lifetime away for me!"
"You've got the screams! Gonzalez praised 'em!"
"...Gotta sync with Gilbreth-types. Fellow American better fit?"
"He raved about you last time."
"......Actually, I'm a Gordon fan—"
"Perfect! Tell him to know his place!"
"......."
No dice.
Han Ye-seul's norm-shattering, Justin and 19 meatheads, kebab director—Kang Min's web ensnared Kim Ho-jin tight.
Shouts exploded among split staff, overwhelming the room.
Matching the hospital wrench standoff—maybe worse.
Don't bullshit me...!
Kim Ho-jin gnashed teeth.
Desperate eyes locked on Gordon.
Damn it, convince 'em! No money needed! I'll hand it over!
"......."
Get it? GET IT?!
Luckily, the eye-contact landed. Gordon frowned at bickering staff, stroking his chin.
Pondered awhile.
Then spoke decisively.
"Hm, I still think I'm the better fit."
Yes!!
"But gotta concede. Evidence insufficient."
Wha...?
"Guess we need more judgments."
Gordon looked up.
Serious face at blinking Kim Ho-jin.
"Just now, Fencing Man and I agreed."
When the fuck did I, you bastard!!!
But as always, no choice for screaming Kim Ho-jin. Chaos dragged till the director begged order.
...And soon, it wouldn't end with just them.
The hospital "fun" meetup ended fruitless for all.
Seo Bom trembled with rage; spooked Kang Min regretted stressing her, dragging visitors out.
Thoughtful, but he left too—true courtesy debatable.
Manager Chu Yeon-ji looked like she'd seen a mountain pre-avalanche...
"Seo-Bom? Wait, A.C.? This the actress pic from before?"
Whatever, the wheel-gripping manager gawked at the photo.
Post-stare-down two-shot of Aisling Lewis and Seo Bom? 'Awkwardest Photo on Earth.JPG' worthy, but their beauty made it philosophically intriguing.
Shut up the manager nagging "Why Korea?" at least.
He whistled low.
"Thought profiles were edited. Raw deal's unreal. Living with that? No wonder she sees you as chicken feed."
"Shut up."
"Ok..."
He did. Recently, the perpetually gloomy Aisling had perked up.
Exactly two minutes later, sulk resumed.
"Maybe tone down your personality?"
"More nonsense?"
"Look, she's sweet-faced, nice vibe. Learn from her. That's why my setups flop."
"......."
Manager winced at her clamped lips.
Aisling grew up scorned—not abused, but white-eyed.
Stepped into dream theater? Power-clique cousin tormented slyly; idiot bro funneled cash to her shack-life.
Raged to Hollywood, scraped debt—bro dies screaming, hyena press spews rumors for a year+.
Even angels turn venomous.
Whoops, screw-up...
Manager eyed for apology.
But Aisling's mind wandered elsewhere.
She scoffed incredulously.
"Sweet? Her?"
"Huh?"
"Does she look sweet?"
"Well... yeah?"
"If I had anything handy, I wouldn't let her off. Without Min, I'd smash her skull."
"...?"
"She's a psycho bitch."
No one else clocked it.
But malice-honed Aisling knew.
That one's a maniac.
Even cousin Megan'd flee barefoot.
Manager bit back "Ridiculous" or "Pot calling kettle"—dropped it.
Brief silence.
Aisling broke it casually.
"Anyway, about last time. Think I should go?"
"Huh? Where?"
"Broadway."
"...!"
Manager nearly slammed brakes.
Regained composure, nodded nonchalantly: "Yeah? Sounds good." Unsure if coherent. Senses locked on her.
Quiet swallow.
For real...?
Aisling Lewis: once Broadway-prospected. Agency pushed returns amid fame—no brainer.
90% success shot; stardom beyond compare. Fail? Nothing lost. Her stubborn lip-bite on "Broadway" stalled it.
Now she brought it up.
Manager's brain raced turning the wheel.
What? What sparked this?
William White? But no signs lately.
That Bom actress? Nah...
Screw why! Dream come true!
Yeah. Whatever reason, jackpot. Seal it, bonuses rain heavenly.
If sealed—
Aisling shrugged at the gulping manager like she knew.
"But one must-have for it."
"Anything...! Ahem, let's hear. If too much..."
"Dunno if 'too much,' but essential."
She smirked at his managed face.
Crocodile grin.
"Hook me up with that guy first?"
"Who?"
"Y'know, from before. Barely human enough to spare."
"...?"
Exactly one day later, VP's office.
MBS VP painfully grasped Kang Min's return via underlings.
"......."
"......."
Head in hands, he eyed the sports paper stack. Beside him, neck-drooped Director Kim Kang-hyun peeked nervously.
Headlines screamed huge and hilarious.
<Mad MBS, Harry Gordon Joining 'Die to Live' Lead?>, <Staff Backlash, Historic On-Set Audition>, <Kang Min's Solo Wins Inflate Egos?>, <Piggybacking Global Buzz, Public Broadcast Dignity?>...
"......."
"......."
"...Th-there's reasons."
"Excuses are sin, Kim Kang-hyun."
Director shrugged; VP massaged throbbing brow.
Leak to rival press was the real crime, more than the story.
VP snapped.
"Can't control your own team?!"
"S-sorry. Warned 'em hard, but Gonzalez, S&W..."
"......."
"They blabbed 'cause it's wild; Gordon confirmed gleefully to questions..."
Bait lit up as usual.
VP gazed ceiling blankly. Kang Min's return = nonstop explosions. Guy a walking curse?
But routine now.
So many curveballs, this felt minor.
VP sighed, ordered.
"Gordon's a nobody sans Chun-sik. Spin it down. 'Internal role-bump talk snowballed.'"
"Yes."
"Stick to cameo plan. 'Miscommunication, minor hiccup.'"
"...Safe?"
"Why not? No more fuel, they'll drop it."
Solid logic.
Gordon linked to Kang Min, but no star power. Ember too weak to blaze.
Director brightened.
"As expected, VP!"
"No sucking up—handle clean."
"Of course!"
Rare tidy wrap-up. As director hustled out to contain—
Boom, as always.
CP lines already pandemonium.
"......."
"......."
- What do?!
"......."
"......."
VP and director froze amid "Decide FAST!" shrieks.
Director's peek past—VP's eyes squeezed shut.
Yep. Back for real, Kang Min...!
But none's shock topped one stuntman's.
·········???
What the hell?