Chapter 60
Chapter 60
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Chapter 20: At the Crossroads of Choice (4)
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Kang Han-do was still just a rookie comedian at the moment.
He hadn't become a megastar yet, so how could he dramatically boost the nation's overall happiness index?
Even if he did become a megastar, whether that would raise the average happiness level was still up in the air.
"This is risky."
It had been nearly a year since Kang Han-do returned to the past.
The higher-ups would soon start demanding results on raising the happiness index.
But so far, there were no notable achievements to show.
"Sheridel-nim said she'd buy as much time as possible, but she mentioned it might take too long to see results, so she gave separate orders for me to step in and support you directly."
"I see. But if she's telling you to become my manager, doesn't that mean you haven't been officially hired as one yet?"
"Yes, that's right."
"I've heard getting into LC Entertainment is as tough as landing a job at a major corporation. How do you plan to handle that?"
"I'll take care of it somehow. You don't need to worry about it, Han-do-nim. And hey, I'm still Sheridel-nim's underling, you know. This kind of obstacle is a joke to me!"
"......"
Kang Han-do briefly considered pulling some strings at LC to sneak her in if things got desperate.
But that would be too much of a stretch.
He was only just going through the process of becoming an LC Entertainment artist himself. What power did he have to sway a massive entertainment agency's decisions?
Since Nemid insisted she'd handle it, all he could do was trust her and wait.
It wouldn't make or break anything either way.
Even if she became his manager, Kang Han-do wouldn't magically transform into a superstar overnight.
Still, Sheridel's situation as relayed through Nemid carried weight that couldn't be ignored.
"World destruction."
He'd been so swamped with schedules lately that he'd momentarily forgotten.
Why he'd returned to the past in the first place.
And why a nobody comedian like him was aiming for stardom.
"Right. Don't forget—humanity's fate rests on my shoulders!"
Reminding himself of his role once more, Kang Han-do lightly slapped his own cheeks a few times.
* * *
Kang Han-do, newly signed with LC Entertainment.
Before heading to the company, he pulled out his smartphone and started watching the latest rerun of Star House.
"This part could use some work."
Even though he'd rewatched the footage multiple times, new flaws kept jumping out at him every time.
Reviewing was even more crucial than previewing, as the saying went.
By noting what he'd lacked back then and what needed fixing—then practicing—he could avoid repeating the same mistakes.
One mistake could be laughed off, but two were harder to forgive.
That's why Han-do focused intently on the video, cataloging every area he needed to improve.
In the midst of that, the subway announcement signaled his arrival.
-This station is Gangnam Station, Gangnam Station. Exit on the right.
"Already here."
He double-checked his sunglasses and mask, then hurried past the station and into the LC Entertainment headquarters building.
A security guard who was yawning spotted him just then.
The guard approached slowly and spoke up.
"Excuse me. What brings you here?"
The sunglasses and mask made him look twice as suspicious, unintentionally drawing the guard's doubt.
"About time to ditch these?"
They were just props for hiding his face anyway.
Now that he was at LC Entertainment, he didn't need such unnecessary accessories anymore.
"Hello. I'm Kang Han-do, the one with an appointment today."
"Huh?! No way, are you really Kang Han-do?!"
"Yes, that's me."
"Oh man! I'm a huge fan of Game World! Total fanboy here!"
"Haha, thank you."
Game World, the segment he starred in, was now ranking in the top three most popular corners on Pobokjeoldo.
It dominated real-time search charts every airing, a clear sign of its massive popularity.
One of the greatest perks of being a celebrity was moments like this—when fans recognized him.
A smile crept onto Han-do's face, but he still had a long way to grow.
Saving the world was still far off.
* * *
LC Entertainment's interior was even grander than Han-do had imagined.
Of course it was—the hottest major agency right now.
As a struggling comedian, he'd never set foot in a place like this before.
Even living his second life didn't change that.
"Impressive."
Everything dazzled, impossible not to gawk.
LC Entertainment put heavy emphasis on employee welfare, pouring resources into the building's interior and such.
Kang Han-do advanced slowly, taking it all in.
At the elevators, he pulled out his phone.
"Let's see... tenth floor, right?"
The contract was already signed. He didn't really need to make this trip to LC Entertainment for any big reason.
It was just to discuss with Yoon Chae-won how he'd carve out his path in the industry moving forward.
Goals and direction were crucial—no amount of emphasis was too much.
That's why he'd carved out this time for a one-on-one with Yoon Chae-won.
Stepping onto the tenth floor, he started down the hall.
Without thinking, Kang Han-do dipped his head slightly in greeting to a man ahead.
"Hello!"
"......?"
The man, who hadn't been paying attention, turned at the sound of Han-do's voice.
He was stocky, with a distinctly Western look rare among East Asians. Spotting Han-do, he let out an exclamation.
"You're Kang Han-do, right?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Haha! Who would've thought we'd run into each other here. Nice to meet you—I'm Jameson Lee."
Kang Han-do knew him well enough without the introduction.
Jameson Lee, half-Korean through his mother, half-American through his father.
He clearly took after his dad, with strong American features.
Tall and handsome, he was gaining fame as a flower boy actor.
Still a rookie now, but in the future Jameson Lee would rise as one of Korea's top actors.
At least, according to the future knowledge Kang Han-do remembered.
When Jameson introduced himself, Han-do replied as if he'd known all along.
"I know who you are—you're famous."
"Hahaha, famous? I'm still just a newbie."
Before Han-do crossed into this timeline, Jameson had been a full-fledged A-lister.
By those standards, his words rang humble—though he was indeed still a rookie.
Jameson flashed an awkward smile and turned the praise back on Han-do.
"You're way more famous than me, Han-do. Oh, loving Game World, by the way."
"Thanks."
"I heard 4 PM News Table's getting revamped for season three. You in it?"
"Who knows? Tune in and see."
"Got it."
Leaking internal info was reckless.
Especially since this was their first meeting.
Better to keep key details under wraps.
Jameson seemed to get Han-do's caution—no offense taken.
But something else piqued his interest more.
"Anyway, what brings you here to LC...?"
No official announcement had dropped about Kang Han-do joining yet.
Jameson had no clue, so the question was natural.
"This should be fine."
Most LC artists would learn about it soon anyway.
No need to hide the contract status. Han-do explained why he was there.
"I'm joining the LC lineup starting today."
"You signed?"
"Yeah."
"Oh! The CEO mentioned beefing up the variety side lately. With Oh Shin-hoon and now you—thrilled to be working together!"
"Honored to share an agency with you, Jameson."
"The honor's mine! Looking forward to it."
"Sure."
Wrapping up the brief encounter, Kang Han-do hurried on.
Having lived in Korea so long, Jameson's accent was nearly flawless.
"Makes sense—if you're acting, spot-on pronunciation is key to success. He's put in the unseen work."
Han-do needed the same relentless practice.
Star House had exposed his limits lately, demanding even more training.
Spitting out scripted lines perfectly wasn't enough.
Variety was live combat.
Instant wit, situational awareness, ad-libs, and the humility to let go of ego.
Oh Shin-hoon embodied it all.
"Time to reset my mindset as a variety star."
And make sure Yoon Chae-won saw it too.
Entering the office, a staffer approached as if expecting him.
"I'll take you to the CEO."
"Okay."
Trailing the staffer, Han-do reached Yoon Chae-won's CEO office.
Spotting him, Yoon greeted warmly.
"Feels different seeing you here."
"Same for me."
Han-do responded calmly.
From now on, they were partners.
Yoon Chae-won respected his talents.
He valued trust and camaraderie over hierarchies, known for his easy rapport with artists.
"First things first—I have a question."
Yoon took a sip of his tea and asked.
"As an entertainer, Han-do—what's your goal?"
In that instant.
Han-do unleashed a decade of pent-up frustration in his reply.
"I want to become the world's greatest MC."