Blazing Rumor and the Invitation
The heat around the invitation letter was hotter than expected. The top five spots on the major portal sites' real-time search rankings were all keywords related to Ha Moo-young's dating rumor.
"Let's see. Number one is Ha Moo-young. Ha Moo-young dating. Kang Bora. Kang Bora age... Aigoo. My god. Haha!"
Na Geum-dong was laughing with his nose practically glued to the monitor. There was definitely something special between Moo-young and Bora. They were the same age, had attended acting academy together in high school, and were even under the same agency.
"President, when are we releasing the article?"
"Just a bit longer. Once other keywords push up from below and take the top spots."
The cellphone in Na Geum-dong's hand was already loaded with a journalist's number, ready to go. One tap on the send button, and the correction article would be up.
Ring ring-
"Yes, Big Win Entertainment speaking. Ah, Ha Moo-young's dating rumor? No comment. Sorry."
Ring ring-
"Hello, Team Leader. Haha. Yes, it's nothing much. It's a photo from a movie shoot. We'll have a correction report out soon. Whew. Of course."
Silence for the predatory journalists on the prowl, gentle clarifications for the advertisers calling to confirm. There wasn't a specific dating clause in the contracts, but image was everything...
"Did you tell the two of them?"
"Yes. They're probably just waiting for your go-ahead too."
Each at their own home, ready to post on SNS clarifying it was all a misunderstanding. Lucky Bora happened to drop by the office right then. Otherwise, handling it would've been a hassle.
"But Moo-young's power is this strong?"
"Right? Probably because he just blew up recently."
Bolting star. Monster rookie who broke 30% ratings with his lead debut, fresh off stamping his name at the Baeksang Newcomer Awards. And now a dating rumor not long after.
Communities and everywhere else were hotspots. With photos as evidence, they figured there was no escaping it.
Na Geum-dong scrolled down endlessly, muttering to himself.
"Go Team Leader, ask Kim Journalist to add something to the article. Tell Moo-young and Bora too."
"What part?"
"Malicious comments will be sued."
Better to hammer it home with the clarification. Crush them right at the start.
"So many cowards hiding behind screens taking out their anger. Nip it in the bud, or they'll think they're on top of the world."
Na Geum-dong chewed on a squid leg, frowning. Where there was light, there was shadow. Fan love came with anti attacks. Natural, but the world had changed.
'Better to drive them out if we can.'
Especially Bora. As the agency's only female actor, the dating rumor brought basic sexual harassment plus endless vile comments unfit for print.
"Gotta go hard so it's easier later."
"Then release the correction quick."
"Argh! That's a different issue. Hard-earned opportunity like this, gotta suck every last drop! For the company and actors long-term!"
Not wearing the Enter President title for nothing. Reason was throttling emotion to handle business.
Click, click-
"Huh? It's dropping."
Na Geum-dong spotted Moo-young's keywords slipping and gave the signal right away. At his word, Go Kyung-min texted Moo-young, Bora, and the journalist.
'Gotta fan the flames when it's cooling a bit to keep it burning long.'
Na Geum-dong grinned nonstop, watching netizen reactions. Meanwhile, the office phone kept ringing. Go Kyung-min yanked the line out.
* * *
Hearts poured in the moment Moo-young's post went up. He smirked, swiping through the photos.
"Seriously..."
Im Jun-ho crying with a handkerchief in the back was captured too. Hard to spot unless you looked close.
Haha. Life's full of surprises.
Dozens of comments vanished, new ones filling in. Portal site still had his name high up.
"Hm?"
Streets' Sunlight creeping up below. Screen shifted as Go Kyung-min's call came in.
"Hellooo."
-Saw the SNS. Good job, sleep it off. Evening shoot, manage your condition.
"But Streets' Sunlight hit real-time search? Can I spill the title?"
Movie titles changed right up to release. Working titles for convenience, but scenes got added/deleted in editing. Title was the finishing touch...
-Production decided. Using (working title) for now, but reactions good, probably sticking with it.
"Reactions?"
-Ever seen a movie hit real-time during filming? No incident, not top-star next project, but banner on three major portals? Easy? Nah.
-Marketing team's grinding, we just film well.
"Got it. So more sleep ok?"
-Yeah. Rest up.
Moo-young hung up, tilting his head. No idea, but all good!
"Uwaaa!"
He stretched hugely, yawning wide. Staff group chat to kid group chat—all buzzing about today.
"Haaam-"
But sleep trumped all for his flipped schedule. Hugging pillow, eyes closed. Warm sun, cool breeze, kids' laughter outside.
"...Nice."
Unlike the noisy world, peace filled Moo-young's home.
* * *
"Hello."
"Good eveninggg~"
"Moo-young! Bora! You ok?"
Arriving on set, worries beat greetings. Especially for Bora.
She tilted her head, slurping iced coffee.
"What?"
"Well, this morning..."
"Ah. Fine. No biggie. You ok?"
"Article? Yeah, fine."
They'd been pacing before the pair arrived. Best set vibe ever, didn't want issues. But the stars seemed unfazed.
"Phew. Glad."
"Why worry? Nothing."
"Nothing? You didn't see comments?"
Staff had been hurt just reading them.
Bora smiled brightly.
"Nope. Don't look."
What good would it do? Just hurt inside. Better ignore.
Moo-young munched chocolate vaguely.
"I look but don't care."
"Steel mental."
"Doesn't affect reality."
Words powerless. People give them power. Everyone sighed relief at the pair's chill.
"Really glad. We worried sick."
"Promo nailed tho. Dropped now, but Streets' Sunlight trended all afternoon."
"Eung. Impressive."
Moo-young grinned, heading to makeup. Staff chattered behind.
"Why's he so casual?"
They laughed, faces saying 'This ok?'
"Investor coming today?"
"Huh? Who?"
"Haha. Finally, Moo-young's face changed."
He rubbed his chin. Day fine, but nights dulled emotions weirdly. Vampire immersion side effect?
"Because of today? Issue?"
Looked at Go Kyung-min, who seemed newly informed too.
Staff waved hands.
"Happening-related, but no problem."
"Then?"
Investor site visit, plus see lead investor Moo-young. Curious about the rookie who buzzed Streets' Sunlight pre-promo.
"Came for Plague?"
"Probably? When you weren't there."
Bunched shoots, missed back half.
"I see..."
Art and commerce. Investor visit shifted vibe.
"Just greet?"
"Arriving soon. Film on."
"Got it. Noona, touch up here."
"Dark circles? Bad sleep?"
"Slept tons, but flipped days tire me."
Not just him. Whole crew sleep-deprived. They prepped casually, chatting trivia.
"Flower grab how?"
"Tried chicken neck?"
"Whoa no. But get the feel."
Vampire lair scene. Moo-young perched bed edge, flopped back. Bridge between stories.
"Going. Ready— action!"
His immersion deepened into the night. Then, sudden bustle. Turned head—sharp-suited young man met eyes.
"Hello."
Too young for investor. He beamed, light clap.
"Great acting. Moo-young."
"...Hello."
"SJ Enter investment head, Yoo Sa-ha."
Handed card, nodded staff. Coffee, snacks chased night fatigue. Staff hid smiles, took bags.
"Short break? Big fan. Wanna chat. Director?"
"Ah! Yes yes."
Yawn- Moo-young swallowed it, followed to waiting room. Boring vibe ahead.
Yoo Sa-ha spoke softly.
"Haha. Shocked today?"
"If fake news, yeah."
"Wow. Fan, but didn't expect that influence. Heard marketing budget cut joke thanks to you. Haha."
Money ads worthless without buzz. Topic power pulled seats.
"Glad if helpful."
"Oh right. Autograph!"
Rifled binder, white paper. But not normal...
'Invitation letter?'