Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Counterattack (2)
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Right after the broadcast aired.
As expected, the world was abuzz with talk of Jeon Yoo-hyun.
Jeon Yoo-hyun's side had presented such ironclad evidence on the show that public opinion naturally swung in his favor.
Right after the broadcast aired.
Kang Han-do, Oh Min-tae, and Jeon Yoo-hyun gathered at Yoo-hyun's restaurant for drinks.
All three cast members of 4 PM News Table were tilting their glasses together.
Oh Min-tae downed a shot of soju and shouted with a grin.
“I checked the community reactions on the way over, and most people are saying they believe in Senior Jeon Yoo-hyun. Congrats, sir! You’re finally free of that false accusation!”
“...Yeah. Thanks.”
The situation was clearly turning in Jeon Yoo-hyun’s favor.
But his face didn’t show much joy.
“Honestly... I’m not sure. If I hadn’t come back to the stage, none of this mess would’ve happened. And I wouldn’t have dragged you guys into it. I’m just sorry.”
“Sir...”
Oh Min-tae trailed off.
That was when Kang Han-do decided to show Jeon Yoo-hyun things he hadn’t noticed yet.
“Sir, check this out.”
Kang Han-do held out his smartphone.
The screen showed netizens’ comments directed at Jeon Yoo-hyun.
-qwpie4782: Jeon Yoo-hyun! Always cheering for you! Fighting!
-boogiii: Ignore the inciting, fabricating media! Trash journalists have been pulling this crap forever.
-haeulhaeul: I’ve been a fan of your segments forever. Don’t let this get you down. Come back stronger and explode with that potential again!
Jeon Yoo-hyun’s eyes reddened at the supportive comments.
He hadn’t realized so many people were rooting for him.
Ever since stepping away from the stage due to panic disorder, he’d avoided comments altogether.
Out of fear.
But the public wasn’t what he’d dreaded.
“There’s one more thing I want to show you.”
Kang Han-do pulled up the text from Go Jeong-do.
“The three media outlets that hounded you are issuing official apologies soon. He even sent screenshots of the statements.”
“Oh...”
“Looks like they know they screwed up. So, sir—no more hanging your head. Stand tall. You’re our senior, after all.”
Jeon Yoo-hyun nodded vigorously.
“Thanks, Han-do. Thanks, Min-tae! This is all because of you two!”
Thanks to Kang Han-do and Oh Min-tae, Jeon Yoo-hyun felt a huge surge of strength.
He’d always been the comedian making people laugh and cheer them on.
Now the roles were reversed.
But he felt better than words could express.
* * *
The three media outlets that attacked Jeon Yoo-hyun did indeed post official apologies, just as Go Jeong-do had texted.
They even reached out to him personally afterward with more apologies.
It wrapped up smoothly. That’s how Kang Han-do wanted to rate it.
Back to peaceful days. Once HSL recording wrapped, writer Lee Yeon-shin shared new info with the cast and crew before everyone parted.
“Oh, before we go—quick heads-up on the next recording.”
Everyone paused and listened as Lee Yeon-shin continued.
“We’ll have a guest next time. Keep that in mind.”
“Who is it?”
Kang Han-do asked on behalf of the cast. No need to keep it secret, so Lee Yeon-shin named the guest right away.
“Jang Han-seon. You all know him, right?”
“Jang Han-seon...”
Singer and actor whose star was rising fast lately.
Great voice, solid acting. And above all, he was killing it in variety shows with his talent and charisma, topping casting lists everywhere.
Oh Min-tae lit up at the news.
“Whoa! I can’t believe I’ll be recording with the famous Jang Han-seon!”
“Calm down. Why act like an amateur? Someone might think you’re not in the biz.”
Kang Han-do’s jab made Oh Min-tae’s brow twitch.
“Hey, being a celeb’s whatever. Nobody recognized me on the subway.”
“Already playing the star? We’ve got a long way to go.”
“I know, I know.”
Even though last week’s HSL Season 2 4 PM News Table had made waves, the spotlight was on Jeon Yoo-hyun—not Kang Han-do or Oh Min-tae.
They were still rookies. Time to build real recognition.
* * *
A free day with no separate recording schedule.
Kang Han-do was about to indulge in a late morning at home for once.
-Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong!!!
But an early-morning intruder assaulted his doorbell relentlessly.
“Who the hell this early...”
Grumbling with annoyance, he dragged himself up, hair a mess.
Ignore it? But the visitor seemed to read his mind, hammering the bell nonstop.
-Dingdongdingdongdingdongdingdong...
“Fine!!! I’m coming, I’m coming!!”
He couldn’t take it. He kicked off the blankets and stormed out.
Yanking open the front door with a thud. There stood a woman flashing a bright smile and morning greeting.
“Good morning~ Han-do-nim. Long time no see. Almost a month, right?”
“...”
He’d half-expected it. And here she was.
Nemid, the woman working under Sheridel.
Her purpose was singular.
“Regular visit.”
“...Figures.”
He’d figured she’d show around now. But damn, the timing was brutal! And so sudden!
Was she doing this on purpose to mess with him?
‘What’d I ever do to Nemid?’
Racking his brain for past sins.
Then a bad memory flashed by.
‘Can’t say nothing happened.’
He’d once accidentally spied on her bathing via a one-way video call.
Not on purpose, but he’d seen her naked plain as day.
If that was her grudge, these dawn raids made sense.
“Could you come later?”
“Later meaning exactly when?”
“At least when the sun’s high in the sky.”
“Shall I?”
Nemid magnanimously agreed.
She’d gotten her revenge with a couple early visits. Seemed satisfied now.
“Got it. I’ll adjust the schedule.”
“Thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
Kang Han-do had finally nixed his monthly torment.
* * *
The Republic of Korea Happiness Index report from Nemid was straightforward.
No major changes.
Kang Han-do hadn’t made big waves lately, so the averages held steady.
If anything, it dipped slightly from last month.
Just 1 or 2 points, but the graph trended down—not up. Worth noting.
Inflation, housing bubbles, official corruption scandals, slowing growth—plenty dragging it low.
“Gotta step it up.”
Kang Han-do muttered unconsciously, eyeing the shift.
HSL Season 2 ratings were up, but something more was needed.
A real big laugh trigger.
Unlike his brooding, Nemid closed the hologram with a smile.
“It’s fine! You’ll be a cosmic superstar soon, Han-do-nim!”
“Thanks.”
There it was—Nemid’s baseless infinite positivity.
Better than his own pessimism, though.
He cracked a small smile.
‘Gotta aim for a massive hit at the next recording.’
Perfect timing: Jang Han-seon was guesting on this week’s HSL Season 2.
A multi-talented celeb like him could spark the kind of fun that’d make the nation grin ear-to-ear.
Sure, one big laugh on his show wouldn’t skyrocket the national Happiness Index.
But even a nudge upward...
No—in this harsh world, delivering even a moment’s joy.
What more could a comedian want?
* * *
Jang Han-seon, the hot celeb drawing crowds everywhere.
One gesture, and his female fans’ cheers erupted.
“Thanks for coming, everyone!! You’ll come again, right?”
“Yes!!!”
His words had the audience roaring on cue.
He twirled his right wrist exaggeratedly.
“You really will?”
“Yeeees!!!“
His fans—especially the women—cheered wildly at every move.
Great singer, actor, variety whiz—his showmanship was top-tier.
He threw his arms wide in a “I’m the best!” pose.
“Shout till we meet again!!”
“Waaaaaah!!!!”
Blue balloons—his fan club color—waved as they screamed.
Schedule done.
Escorted by staff, he headed to his van.
Post-outdoor show, his manager greeted him aboard.
“Good work.”
“...”
But Han-seon’s face flipped the second he stepped in.
Seconds ago, he’d been all smiles, caught in the vibe.
Now? Blank mask. Emotionless. Even bored.
Manager forced a wry smile at the silent star.
“Straight home?”
“...Yeah.”
“Got it.”
Onstage Jang Han-seon and offstage were night and day.
Knowing him well, the manager drove carefully, avoiding nerves.
What you see on air ain’t always real life.
Especially for celebs.