Chapter 51
Chapter 51
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: We're Doomed Without You
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ZTBC's new drama Reply 1989.
The initial reactions to it had been somewhat lukewarm, but as time passed, the show's ratings were steadily climbing.
Unlike so-called trashy dramas packed with birth secrets and absurd plot twists,
it featured a gentle story that occasionally burst into laughter.
At the same time, it realistically and sweetly depicted the fresh, passionate lives of youth that everyone had experienced at least once—or was experiencing right now—making viewers feel like they were enjoying a comforting, familiar home-cooked meal without any burden.
As a result, Reply 1989 achieved an average rating of 15% in just five episodes.
The cast was stellar from the start, and just like with the previous hit The Queen Dowager, Sovereign of Deception, there were no strong competing shows. On top of that, PD Lee Dong-cheol's masterful direction had produced this impressive achievement.
Thanks to my memories of my past life, I already knew this drama would be a success.
But the current numbers far surpassed those from my previous life.
Back then, it hadn't broken the 15% barrier until around episode 15, in the mid-season. This was undoubtedly a major accomplishment.
However,
separate from this successful ratings surge,
at this very moment,
my mind no longer held any of the details about Reply 1989 that had filled it just moments ago.
A single phone call I'd just received had been that shocking.
"Pardon? A tokusatsu show... you mean?"
*
There's a saying: plenty of people, but hardly any useful ones.
Oda Kyo-suke.
The man who'd directed the Masked Hero series for a decade and revived it from a slump. A true master.
He'd been racking his brain for months over an unsolved problem.
"No people... no talented people. What's the use of having a hundred or a thousand applicants when I can't process any of them?"
Muttering his frustrations, Director Oda tossed aside the latest list of actors and rubbed the spot between his eyes as a headache throbbed.
"Um... Director? Don't you think we should start filming soon? The higher-ups are starting to pressure us..."
"If they don't like it, tell them to get someone else. I can't shoot like this."
"Ugh..."
Even in this situation, Director Oda held his ground firmly.
The staff couldn't say another word. His declaration wasn't mere bluffing—it was heartfelt conviction.
As a director who believed in creating perfect masterpieces or nothing at all, his philosophy had indeed led to Masked Hero's revival. But in moments like this, it just felt hopelessly frustrating.
Just as he was burning up inside once again that day,
the PD, who'd been gauging the director's mood, cautiously approached.
"Um... Director? If you're really short on people... what about this one?"
"Who?"
"It's a video from Sakamoto, the section chief who was on a business trip to Korea. He said it might catch your eye..."
"Hmm..."
Oda wasn't thrilled at the mention of Korea, but he took the PD's phone anyway.
It was a 10-minute video uploaded to a YouTube channel called "Oh Young-ae TV"—something Oda wouldn't recognize. Titled "Chae Soo-jeong Highlights," it was a compilation of clips from historical dramas, variety shows, and her latest youth romance.
It even had English and Japanese subtitles, making it easy to follow.
And then.
"..."
"...? Director?"
Ten minutes passed in complete silence, followed by a heavy pause.
The PD's face began to fill with anxiety, wondering if he'd made a mistake. Pushing a Korean actress here felt like too much of a stretch.
That's when.
"This is it."
"P... Pardon?"
Director Oda spoke with utter sincerity.
In an instant, his eyes—previously dull with boredom and irritation—ignited with sharp, burning ambition.
"This is the one. It has to be her. No one else."
"P... Pardon?"
"Contact Section Chief Nakamura right now and bring her over!"
"Ah... Y-Yes!"
After months of rejections, this was the first approval.
As the PD hurriedly called Nakamura,
Director Oda, buzzing with creative fervor, pulled out his own phone to dig deeper into this actress.
"If it's her... this actress can perfectly embody that role. Chae Soo-jeong..."
*
Section Chief Han Jeong-hwa from Venaris had called out of the blue.
When she casually asked if I had any interest in shooting a tokusatsu show, I wondered what this was about, but decided to meet the person involved anyway.
Even with my name on the wiki and a small fanbase, I was still a rookie who couldn't afford to turn down incoming work.
Besides, the fact that it was in Japan piqued my interest quite a bit.
'Seon-hwa did some work in Japan in her past life, right? I heard she struggled early on due to the beta stigma. If this goes well, it might help soften those barriers a little...'
Japan's entertainment industry was notoriously tough for foreigners to break into.
Even with massive fame in Korea, Plea had faced all sorts of obstacles on Japanese shows at first.
Of course, once she got airtime, her otherworldly vocals turned Japan upside down.
If this gig worked out and created the right connections, it could eliminate those early hurdles.
'Japan, huh... In my past life, I studied some Japanese for roles...'
There were parts as Japanese generals in colonial-era pieces or Imjin War sagas, or Japanese businessmen. Not huge roles, but enough lines to warrant some prep.
Plus, I'd always loved anime, so it felt more familiar than other languages.
With a mix of anticipation and nerves, I arrived at the meeting spot.
There sat Section Chief Han Jeong-hwa,
and, as expected, a Japanese woman.
*
"Hello. I'm Sakamoto Yukari."
"Chae Soo-jeong."
After light greetings, the real discussion began.
Sakamoto immediately started scrutinizing the actress before her more closely.
'Is this her... Han-seo Oniisama...'
A woman with a serene presence and mysterious violet eyes.
Chae Soo-jeong.
Sakamoto had seen her in dramas and variety clips already,
but facing her in person now, she could feel it.
The extraordinary aura she exuded.
Even just sitting there, she seemed to devour everything around her with an intensely vivid presence.
Of course, this alone wouldn't fully explain convincing the picky Director Oda, but it surely played a part.
Impressed inwardly, Sakamoto cut to the chase.
"So... you're talking about a tokusatsu role?"
"Yes. The director saw your performance and insisted strongly."
"But... my shooting schedule isn't done yet."
"Ah, of course we're not asking you to start immediately. We need some time to ramp up too. I hear your current drama wraps in about a month, so we could prep from then."
"Hmm..."
Chae Soo-jeong seemed genuinely thoughtful.
Watching her, Sakamoto broke into a cold sweat, gauging her reaction.
It made sense—after months of futile efforts, this was the breakthrough 'answer.'
If it failed, who knew how much more time they'd waste.
Then, inevitably, a director change...
Worst case, even project cancellation. Her stomach churned with anxiety.
'We're doomed without you... please, just say yes...'
Sakamoto smiled outwardly but felt like her head was on the chopping block.
Finally, an answer came.
"Got it. I'll review positively soon and get back to you."
"Th... Thank you. So, when exactly...?"
"No later than three days. I need to look into a few things myself."
No immediate yes, disappointingly.
Still, for a Korean who didn't beat around the bush like a Kyoto native, this was about 80% approval. Relief washed over Sakamoto's face.
And as expected, three days later.
Having secured the yes, Sakamoto boarded her flight home with a sigh of relief.
"It's finally set... the 'Queen'..."
*
"Ugh..."
"What's up? Something wrong?"
"Does the pathetic leader of The Beasts, ultimate bias of top group Sunlight, have some worries?"
"...Hey, drop that already."
"So, what's with the face?"
The Beasts members swarmed Chan-su like a pack of beasts, gnawing at him playfully as he sat with a serious expression.
Despite the ribbing—laced with genuine concern—Chan-su spilled his inner turmoil.
"Guys... do you know how to film a kiss scene?"
"...Huh?"
"Oh..."
"..."
That one line drew awkward looks from the three... no, the three guys.
Even Yoon Tae-young looked stumped. Chan-su had his answer.
'These idiots... totally useless for this...'