Beyond Synergy – Donghu Devours Everything
Wait, is calling this synergy even right?
Yeo Sujung, the writer, had always avoided other people's works. She didn't want to risk unconsciously plagiarizing them. Memorable scenes stuck in her brain, subtly influencing her scripts later on. That's why, even when High Dream episode 2 caused a massive uproar, she'd brushed it off with, "Handsome or not, they're all the same."
She'd had plenty of reason not to watch from the start—the ratings weren't exactly screaming "must-see." Once the hype about his looks died down a bit, it quieted. And that opinion hadn't budged through episodes 3, 4, or 5.
Click-clack, click-clack.
Still, since it's my sister's project, it bugs me a little. She wasn't watching religiously, but she kept tabs on how it was doing. She knew the ratings weren't skyrocketing or anything dramatic.
"Writer-nim, can we watch High Dream...?"
"Of course, go ahead. What, do I need to give permission to watch TV around here? We in the Joseon era or something?"
"Hehe, thanks!"
She didn't control them at all. She only avoided it herself to protect her own work. Whether her assistant writers watched didn't faze her. They were creators too, each with their own process. It was Yeo Sujung's way of being considerate.
But then, out of nowhere.
"Kyaaahhh!"
A scream pierced the air—not a startled yelp, but pure ecstatic cheering. These weren't the types to react like that to TV. What the hell?
For the first time ever, curiosity gnawed at Yeo Sujung.
Her assistants had seen countless dramas and movies. And they were screaming?
Should I just peek for a second? She still held to her no-watch principle, so she cracked the door open just a sliver.
Poke.
The moment she did, sound hit first: classical piano notes tickling her ears sweetly. Then, without warning, an impossibly handsome face slammed into her retinas and straight to her heart.
...I almost screamed.
Handsome like that? Was that even allowed?
Something's gotta be wrong here.
Yeo Sujung had seen her share of celebs while bouncing between stations. The male actors supposedly so stunning they'd make you weak at the knees in person? She'd checked them all out.
But none like this.
Post-production filters? Had to be. No warning label before unleashing a face like that on TV—bad for the heart.
Ratings are gonna explode with this.
Since she'd already seen his face, might as well watch the rest. She shut the door, fired up the room TV.
Beep. Mute, naturally.
Then she dove into the communities. No way she could resist.
Real-time trends? Jae-i owned #1, of course. Related searches flooded the top spots too.
- Jae-i
- High Dream Jae-i
- Kim Donghu
- Kim Donghu FaceStorm
- Grand Piano
- Moonlight Sonata
She could hardly believe it while watching. Jae-i's screentime was maybe 10 minutes tops. Decent, but nowhere near the leads'.
Yet...
Portals were dominated by Jae-i. No—Kim Donghu.
The viewer boards are on fire.
The plot of High Dream wasn't anything revolutionary. A classic underdog youth band story. But slap Kim Donghu on top, and the synergy was off the charts.
Wait, is calling this synergy even right?
He's devouring the whole thing solo. That realization hit Yeo Sujung like a truck. She glanced at her own script-in-progress. A fictional Joseon-era historical romance she was dead certain would crush it.
Now, that confidence dipped—just a fraction—thanks to one guy: Kim Donghu.
What if he stars in a competing drama same timeslot? With that unreal face, that insane acting... crushing mine?
Tap-tap-tap-tap.
Urgency surged; her thumbs flew. She'd jotted down Min-ha unnie's address somewhere—where was it?
Manager contact? Amateur hour. Real recruitment needed connections—writer-to-writer, actor links you couldn't ignore.
Just gotta find it now.
The second she dug up the address, Yeo Sujung bolted from the studio. To her assistants' "Where to?" she tossed back, "Treasure hunting."
+++++
Post-episode 6.
Kim Donghu's name truly started spreading across Korea.
Episode 2 had folks thinking "unreal handsome," period. But ep 6? Handsome was baseline—piano mastery and acting on another level.
Plus, most High Dream cast were rookies, making his skills pop even harder.
The world wondered: Who the hell was Kim Donghu?
FaceStorm followers hit 80k already. No DMs though—blocked for privacy. Agency stonewalled info requests under "actor protection."
And from BeRitas rep Choi Seokho's view? Obvious call.
Just 15. Still in school, free to chase passions. Amid rare family time? Paparazzi hounding? Not on his watch.
Ads pouring in, sure.
All lowballing his worth. A monster who'd boosted ratings ~5%? Bargain-basement offers.
Unbelievable.
Donghu's future value dwarfed his current. He was crushing now—what about later?
I believe our Donghu can hit Cannes, Hollywood, whatever.
Past moves needed caution. Ads especially.
So Choi Seokho kept filtering. Nothing special? Pass.
Then—
Huh?
One email jumped out.
Already?
Soju ads gauged adult stars. For minors?
One staple never missed.
Donghu, how far ahead are you gonna pull?
School uniform ad proposal—in his inbox.
+++++
Lately, director Kang Sanghun's mood showed no sign of lifting. Hitting new lows daily; from afar, he looked storm-clouded.
Folks wanted to ask but chickened out near his sour face.
No work disruption, so ignoreable? Kinda.
But one day, it tanked hard. Rotting-apple vibes, his prized Guan Yu mustache losing shine.
Crew, cast—all whispering about the director's state.
How could we waste Kim Donghu like that?!
Kang mulled High Dream ep 6. Piano? That's all for our Donghu's charm?
Tiny scale, star idling—tears welled.
Poor kid, talent capped by the setup. Tragic.
But now? Fixed.
Donghu, I'm here.
High Dream? Donezo. Endless Frontline era begins.
Climax shoot imminent.
Heh heh heh.
Kang's gaze shifted to Kim Donghu—script pristine, like unread, posture laser-focused. Probably overlaying research notes.
Scribble-scribble.
Miraculously, his face brightened at the sight. Like sunflowers to the sun.
Donghu charged his energy.
Heard 7-8 no Donghu. I'd never.
Kang stroked his mustache confidently. Glossy again.
Shiny.
"Get ready, everyone."
"Yes, sir!"
Endless Frontline's highlight, student soldier climax, Donghu's 100% moment—finally here.