Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Chapter 22: Manager (1)
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Star House episode 19, featuring Kang Han-do's appearance, finally aired.
His performance in the first episode wasn't particularly standout.
Even when Kang Han-do monitored it himself, he thought it was just meh.
The tension was way too obvious.
Viewer reactions weren't all that great either. People had high expectations since Kang Han-do was joining a new variety show, but the final product fell way short of satisfying them.
The real key was what came next.
After Star House episode 20 aired.
Viewer interest in Kang Han-do exploded.
Episode 20 had been announced as featuring D-Pay, but it hadn't drawn massive attention. Sure, D-Pay was a rising hip-hop star, but he was still too new to command that level of spotlight.
But the chemistry between Kang Han-do and D-Pay blew up, turning episode 20 into what Star House fans called a "legendary episode" with rave reviews.
That evening after episode 20 aired.
Kang Han-do's name was plastered prominently on the popular portal site's search rankings.
'This feels kinda weird.'
It wasn't his first time hitting the search rankings. Back when he cleared Jeon Yoo-hyun's false accusation on 4 PM News Table. And when he subbed in for Game World on Pobokjeoldo. He'd climbed the ranks those times too.
But this was on another level.
Not as a comedian, but as a variety show host—as an MC.
That's why this achievement held special meaning for Kang Han-do.
Once his name hit the rankings, messages poured in from people who knew him, all congratulating him.
Kang Han-do's eternal partner, Oh Min-tae, gave him a call.
"Hello?"
-Hey, Kang Han-do! Congrats! While I wasn't looking, you turned into a mega-star on your own?
"Mega-star, my ass. Don't make such a fuss over one good episode reaction."
-Tsk, so humble. So when are you treating me?
"Did I ever say I'd treat you?"
-No. We never made plans. But now that there's something to celebrate, isn't it obvious you should?
"Who's ever heard of the one being congratulated footing the bill?"
-That's how it is between us.
"Whatever..."
Still, Oh Min-tae's words didn't annoy him.
Before debuting as an entertainer, Oh Min-tae was the only friend who still thought of Kang Han-do. From here on, Oh Min-tae would be his partner through thick and thin. With all the good stuff happening in a row, not treating him would feel kinda stingy.
"Alright, got it. I'll treat you soon."
-As expected! That's my partner. Looking forward to it.
"You got it. Oh, and did Writer Lee Yeon-shin contact you? She said we should meet up soon to talk about the HSL revamp for the new season."
-Yeah, I heard. You think we're getting cut?
"Nah, we won't be."
4 PM News Table had become HSL's flagship corner—no exaggeration.
Thanks to that, Kang Han-do, Oh Min-tae, and Jeon Yoo-hyun had solidly established themselves as fixed HSL panelists.
Kang Han-do had a pretty good guess why Writer Lee Yeon-shin wanted to meet separately.
'She's probably planning a new segment.'
4 PM News Table was originally conceived as a one-season thing. But its popularity kept extending it—another season, then another.
Now the material was running dry, the format getting stale, right when viewers might start getting bored. Perfect timing for a new season launch, so they'd try something fresh.
'Might as well prep a few segment ideas myself?'
Who knows. One of his might get picked.
* * *
Whenever he had nothing to do, Kang Han-do headed to his favorite café to brainstorm segments.
No one was forcing him. He was doing it on his own initiative.
He was deep in focus when—
Bzzz!
His smartphone on the table vibrated loudly.
The caller was Choi Ye-hee.
"Yes, Kang Han-do speaking."
-Hello, Han-do ssi? It's Ye-hee.
"Yes, I know. What's up?"
-Nothing special. I watched yesterday's episode. And I saw your name still hanging in the search rankings. Just calling to congratulate you. I meant to do it last night, but it was too late, so here I am in the daytime.
"Haha, got it. Thanks."
Even into the next day, Kang Han-do's name lingered in the rankings.
It had dropped four spots to ninth, but cracking the top ten was impressive.
For reference, D-Pay was at fifteenth. In variety or talk shows built around guests, the guest's name usually ranks higher.
Star House was the same—past guests always dominated the charts on their own.
But episode 20 was different.
Panelist Kang Han-do outshone the guest. His name was still buzzing across community sites.
-Yesterday, I laughed so hard watching Star House. My mom came in and was like, 'Is she crazy?' and nagged me. For real.
"Sounds like quite the scene."
He had no way to verify if it was true or just embellished.
But her enjoyment came through loud and clear.
-By the way, Han-do ssi, you're on a lot of shows now. This is your third, right?
"Yeah. Actively, it's two—HSL's on hiatus."
-I need to work harder and debut soon too...
"Oh yeah, I heard from LC. Ye-hee ssi, you're starting practice next week?"
-Yeah. Vocal and dance training. Honestly, I'm worried. Especially the dance...
Choi Ye-hee voiced her anxiety.
But Kang Han-do reassured her.
"Don't worry too much. You'll do great, Ye-hee ssi. I guarantee it."
-Even though I've never danced a day in my life?
"Yes. I'm certain."
Choi Ye-hee couldn't quite buy his blind faith.
But Kang Han-do knew.
She actually had surprising talent for dance.
'I saw it in the future.'
Even in her solo stages, Choi Ye-hee filled the space with presence rivaling any girl group member.
He still remembered her future interview.
She'd first danced as a trainee and discovered her knack for it then.
If that was true, current Choi Ye-hee had no reason to fret.
Unlike Kang Han-do, she knew nothing of the future—so worry was natural. He decided to boost her spirits.
"Ye-hee ssi has what it takes as a singer. Not just vocals—you'll nail dance too. Trust me."
Her trust in him had gotten her this far toward her singing dream.
That built-up faith was strong.
-Got it. I'll trust you, Han-do ssi, and give it my all.
"If I get a chance later, I'll swing by to cheer you on."
-Sweet! I'll be waiting.
He tossed that bait partly because he wanted to see her practice.
After hanging up, Kang Han-do dove back into brainstorming.
'Hang on. What was this?'
He unlocked his laptop screensaver for research.
When he opened the browser, he couldn't believe his eyes.
Search rank one: Oh Sin-hoon.
'Why's sunbae suddenly topping the charts?'
Unlike Kang Han-do and D-Pay, Oh Sin-hoon hadn't hit the rankings. Not because he lacked popularity—it was just that Kang Han-do and D-Pay had hard-carried episode 20.
Yet here was Oh Sin-hoon at number one.
Kang Han-do searched his name.
He instantly saw why.
-National MC Oh Sin-hoon Finds New Nest.
-Oh Sin-hoon Transfers to LC Entertainment. What's Next...?
-National MC's New Challenge! Joins Hands with LC Entertainment!
The official announcement of Oh Sin-hoon's agency switch.
When Kang Han-do's LC Entertainment contract was announced, it hadn't caused this stir.
'As expected from the National MC—different league.'
His moves were major news fodder for reporters.
Thanks to him, LC Entertainment hit the rankings too—at second, right below.
A National MC teaming with a major agency? Bound to draw eyes.
'Someday, I'll be like Oh Sin-hoon!'
The road to superstar.
It felt distant to Kang Han-do still, but not impossible.
He could do it. No—he had to.
That was his current stance.
* * *
Word came from LC Entertainment.
At first, Kang Han-do had no idea why they were calling.
The reason was simple.
-Han-do ssi, you've been solo without a manager so far, right? Manager assignment's done, so I'm calling to let you know.
"A manager's been decided?"
-Yes. If it's okay, could you drop by the office today? I'll introduce you.
"Got it. On my way."
Finally, Kang Han-do was getting a manager.
Wonder what they're like. Curiosity piqued already.
He drove his newly bought car toward LC Entertainment.
After parking in the basement garage, he hopped straight into the elevator.
"Han-do ssi! Over here."
A young female staffer spotted him and waved to signal her spot.
He'd seen her often coming and going to LC Entertainment.
Section Chief Lee Yeon-joo. She led the way, gesturing for him to follow.
"We just hired a great new manager at the perfect time. Super sharp, great talker—total sales type. Feels like they'll snag gigs left and right going to shoots with you, Han-do ssi."
Such talent existed? LC Entertainment was on another level.
Kang Han-do's expectations grew.
Truth be told, he'd tried not to expect much. High hopes led to big letdowns.
But hearing this from Section Chief Lee Yeon-joo made it impossible not to.
She opened the meeting room door and entered first.
Then introduced his new manager.
"Get acquainted, Han-do ssi."
For a moment, Kang Han-do was speechless.
It was a face he knew all too well.
The new manager introduced herself with a bright smile.
"Hello! I'm Nemid, your new manager starting now. Nice to meet you!"