Grab Him If You Dare!
Try grabbing him! Ilsik Episode 4 pulled in a staggering 28.7% ratings. The ominous signs weren't just signs—they were building into something massive. At this growth rate, it looked like it would smash past 30% next week. If the momentum held, even a historic 40%—unthinkable in the 2010s—was on the table. That was an insane number.
So what could the network do? Smooth. MNC Drama Director Park Seol-jae adjusted his glasses slightly, like he was scanning power levels. He gripped one temple of the frames, casually surveying the room with a relaxed expression. Once his analysis was done, he continued calmly.
"Prepare a ratings pledge event—a fan meeting."
"Yes, sir!"
"Plan an OST concert too. Suggest cover songs to the actors who can sing well."
"Yes, sir!"
"We've already done the production press conference and press rounds, but with the child actors exiting after Episode 10, let's schedule another one then as a turning point."
To boost ratings, of course. The moment Park Seol-jae finished, everyone jumped in eagerly, like they'd been waiting. A loyalty contest kicked off with their responses. He watched them with satisfaction.
"Ho... You're all as serious about this as I am. Good. Very good."
Plus, once ratings hit 30%, the real bonus party would start. Park Seol-jae assigned goals to his staff with calm precision.
"So let's all go crazy chasing that target."
"Yes, sir!"
The thunderous reply drew a pleased nod and smile from Park Seol-jae. That's more like it—now it's fun to lead. And besides...
'I can finally shove it to that cherry pie chunk and the flashy poser.'
Just thinking about flattening the noses of those smug bastards crowing over their recent 30% highs had him buzzing already. And it wasn't just about humiliating them.
'Having actor Kim Donghu—the one they brag about most—shining on our side is huge too.'
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The classic tactic worked because it was guaranteed effective. Especially since he was dominating out there.
'Time to breeze past 'em.'
Who could challenge MNC's reign? And as if to prove Director Park Seol-jae's thoughts, Ilsik Episode 5 exploded with a whopping 30.1% ratings. At the same time, people started realizing one ironclad rule.
Most dismissed it as a joke. But a tiny few took it dead seriously. And those few? Obviously...
"Kim Donghu's on break this year, that's why? Yeah, I know—who doesn't? Just send it over anyway! He might change his mind after reading the script!"
"How many times do I gotta say it? Go to his agency yourself! Show some passion!"
...media pros. Guaranteed ratings just by appearing? Box office hits locked in? How could they resist? While everyone lusted after Kim Donghu's involvement...
The man himself was...
"So much to memorize...?"
I was agonizing over a Challenge! Golden Bell past problems workbook.
+++++
My 2012 schedule boiled down to three things.
'Golden Bell, boxing tournament, and ads?'
I'd said I was taking a break, but I couldn't turn down ad gigs. BeRitas was still a one-man agency—steady income was a must.
'They both want to extend Brilliant and Hot Meal.'
I pictured Seokho hyung's face as he asked what I'd do, barely hiding his "please say yes" eyes.
Scribble scribble. I finished the workbook amid random thoughts. Why did the world have so much "common knowledge" that was basically specialized trivia? When would I memorize it all?
'But I'm actually good at this stuff.'
In my past life, studying was one way I fought my ugly mug. If you're that ugly, at least be smart—I wanted to hear it. Pens had callused my hands raw.
"Good times."
I muttered aloud, turning painful memories nostalgic. No need to dwell on the old life's hurts when now was bliss.
Mid-study grind...
Sudden Kakao from Yerim. We're the type who can chat anytime—no agenda needed, even if she's bored.
'What's up?'
Why ask out of the blue? And a private message despite our group chat? Had to be a reason.
Curious, then her real point popped up.
Reading it hit me: Fate's real. Shin Yerim, destined to be a world-class supermodel. She'd survived as a bully chameleon, but her past clipped her wings after a brief shine. 'Not this time.'
No clinging to the past—in fact, art high could hone her talents. Then pair her with a full-support agency.
'What if it's me?'
Put her under Seokho hyung's management?
'Others won't invest upfront—not sure if she'll blow up.'
I knew she'd be huge. Aggressive investment from day one.
'This could be...'
Ideas exploded. Like Kang Sangi, grinding solo on his game forever. Early funding? Hire fast, slash dev time.
'Genius dev fame hits sooner, right?'
Only possible knowing the future. I couldn't scout every pre-success genius, but accelerating friends'? Yes.
'Let's do it.'
Moment decided, I dropped studying, grabbed my phone.
Ring—didn't even finish once.
"Yo Donghu, what's up?"
Seokho hyung picked up instantly. "Hyung, ever thought about raising a model?" Straight to it.
+++++
Same time.
"Uh, yeah, sounds good. Let's set up a meeting soon."
Choi Seokho, on the phone with Kim Donghu, patted his pounding chest. 'Not about that.'
Relief mixed with fresh tension—not the topic he dreaded.
"Thanks."
"Uh, and Donghu... y'know."
"Yeah?"
"Nah, nothing. Later."
"Okay, hanging up."
"Yeah."
Click. "Huuu..." Deep sigh escaped. Glance. Eyes flicked to the calendar beside him.
Hide Dream aired nearly a year ago. Every look at the calendar burned him up.
"...How do I bring up renewal?"
Just imagining it throbbed. 'Advance and perks are ready.'
Time for multi-year, not one-year taste-test. A real nest.
'Will my prep even matter?'
Contract was perfection itself. But renewal? All on Kim Donghu now.
Key: Keep the end date secret. Leak it, and big agencies swarm.
Sigh. Pushing it aside, Choi Seokho reviewed ad offers for Kim Donghu. Worried or not, do the job.
+++++
Word of Kim Donghu's contract nearing end leaked from the dumbest place.
"Wait, did Kim Donghu sign during Hide Dream?"
"Huh?"
Lunch and coffee&smokes as usual. Daily Happy entertainment reporter Gil Gil-dong's words sparked reactions.
"He signed mid-production."
"And?"
"...And? I mean..."
Gil Gil-dong trailed off, then snapped to. Lit a cig, dashed to his desk. 'What if.'
One-year, not multi? 'Toss bait?'
Insane scoop potential. If wrong? 'Correction article.'
If right? 'War for Donghu?'
Gil Gil-dong couldn't imagine the ripple from his casual piece. Soon...
Comment frenzy was just the start.