Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Regrettable Farewell (2)
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The filming for HSL's new season had kicked off.
However, this new season was set to wrap up after just eight relatively short episodes.
The 4 PM News Table proceeded without Jeon Yoo-hyeon.
With one person missing, it felt a bit empty at first, but once the cameras started rolling, that sensation all but vanished.
That was because Kang Han-do and Oh Min-tae stepped up big time to fill Jeon Yoo-hyeon's spot.
PD Yoo Tae-hwan showed his high satisfaction.
“Okay, that wraps up the recording. You two were amazing.”
“Thank you, PD-nim!”
“I should be the one thanking you. I was secretly worried without Yoo-hyeon, but there wasn't a hint of that in this flawless recording. We've only got a few episodes left, but let's keep pushing till the end. Got it?”
“Yes!”
They renewed their resolve.
HSL was the first program Kang Han-do had taken on since becoming a comedian, so it was impossible not to grow attached.
After finishing the first recording of the season, Kang Han-do went out for drinks alone with Oh Min-tae.
“Can't believe it. HSL is really ending.”
“No program airs forever. PD Yoo said it himself—we've already done amazingly well to get this far.”
“True. But that doesn't erase the regret.”
Oh Min-tae was right.
They had performed well enough that the regret only grew stronger.
Still, they couldn't dwell on past regrets forever.
“Han-do, VS Together ended, right? It had solid ratings—why not keep it going?”
“Various circumstances. And there's that saying: leave at the peak. That's exactly it.”
“Guess HSL's the same?”
“Pretty much.”
Though ratings were trending downward, HSL still held strong in buzz.
Oh Min-tae tilted his glass and asked Kang Han-do.
“You busy?”
“Why out of the blue?”
“I'm on this mukbang show.”
“Food Master?”
“Yeah. Our PD's trying to book a guest, but it's tough. He even asked us to recommend someone good. I was gonna suggest you. Got time? Wanna come on?”
“Not as a regular, right?”
“Just a guest. What, wanna go regular?”
“Nah, need to think about that. But as a guest...”
HSL recordings were pretty relaxed. Pobokjeoldo had weekly shoots, but they didn't eat up the whole week.
Guest spots on other shows seemed doable.
Lately, Kang Han-do had been thinking.
‘I want to experience as many variety shows as possible.’
VS Together had taught him one big lesson.
Experience matters.
The best way to gain it was to tackle all sorts of programs. So, he was eager to guest on any show that came calling.
“When's the shoot?”
“Not urgent. They can adjust to your schedule.”
“Okay, I'm in.”
“Really? No need to check with your manager?”
“I already agreed with her: I'll do any guest spot I can fit.”
“Dipping your toes everywhere?”
“More like, figuring out which shows suit me. Which genres I'm good at.”
Kang Han-do needed to find his specialty.
Or identify weaknesses and fix them.
That was MC Kang Han-do's mission.
Oh Min-tae smiled at his passion.
“You're incredible, friend. Alright, I'll pass the word to the PD next shoot. Expect a call soon. Nail it.”
“Thanks. I'll return the favor someday.”
“Sure. Friends... wait, colleagues now? We gotta help each other out. Hook me up on Pobokjeoldo sometime too.”
“Haha, deal.”
In this cutthroat industry, building reliable allies was key.
To Kang Han-do, Oh Min-tae was one such person.
‘I’m truly blessed.’
Kang Han-do smiled to himself.
* * *
After wrapping HSL's third episode of the final season, Kang Han-do headed back to the company with Nemid.
Usually, he'd go straight home post-shoot. But today, they had a meeting.
“How many guest spots lined up?”
“Three. One mukbang, one travel show, one mystery variety. Schedules set.”
“Food Master's the soonest?”
“Yeah. The one with Min-tae as panelist?”
“Right. You know it well.”
“Forgot? I keep tabs on pretty much every variety show.”
“True.”
To support Kang Han-do, she needed to know the variety world inside out. So Nemid monitored every airing show on TV or her phone whenever she had time.
Kang Han-do had been anxious when she first became his manager. Now, he thought no one could top her.
‘Sheridel didn't send Nemid for nothing.’
She was competent. Time to admit it.
“Food Master first, then the travel variety, then mystery. By the time those wrap, HSL's final recording should be done too.”
“Hmm. Yeah?”
“Yeah. Once that's all clear, grabbing a fixed MC gig wouldn't be bad timing. Tempted?”
“Tempted, sure.”
“Then I'll hustle on sales calls. For you!”
Nemid brimmed with enthusiasm.
Kang Han-do expressed his gratitude.
But he was thinking.
‘If I shine on these shows, offers will flood in anyway.’
The best pitch was stealing the show on current or upcoming programs.
In other words.
‘I just gotta work hard.’
That was the surest way.
* * *
Kang Han-do was set to join Oh Min-tae's Food Master episode 56.
He headed to Chuncheon with Nemid—the shoot location.
Weekdays meant smooth roads; they arrived quickly.
En route, Kang Han-do caught up on recent Food Master highlights.
He wanted full episodes, but his packed schedule limited him to quick highlight reels.
‘Still, monitoring's essential.’
He had to see and hear the vibe, the flow firsthand. Kang Han-do took this seriously.
Food Master's main MC was Jeong Il-jun, a comedian-turned-MC senior like Kang Han-do and Oh Min-tae.
Fixed panels around him: food researcher Park I-hyeong, girl group MyO's Rani, comedian Oh Min-tae, and rapper Top-nal. Four total.
Directed by Woo Seong-cheon PD.
‘Only one senior to me: Jeong Il-jun sunbae.’
Park I-hyeong was a researcher, so not a clear entertainer senior. Rani debuted three months before VSLine. Top-nal around the same time as her.
No intimidating presences.
‘Can relax on air.’
Kang Han-do had zero people he felt awkward broadcasting with.
He didn't seek out conflicts either—that'd just tire him out.
The car pulled up.
“Han-do, we're here.”
“Good work.”
Stepping out, Kang Han-do headed to the set with Nemid.
He first shook hands with Woo Seong-cheon PD.
“Sorry for the long trip, Han-do.”
“No worries. The scenery’s stunning.”
Today's Korean restaurant was far from the city.
A river across the road, green mountains right beside.
Kang Han-do thought.
‘Bet even a dead appetite revives eating here.’
Woo Seong-cheon PD was known among mukbang directors for obsessing over backdrops.
Great locations whet viewers' appetites. That was his style.
Hence, he knew hidden gems others missed. Drama PDs and film directors even consulted him—odd sight.
Today's spot was a true gem.
Before getting lost in the views, Kang Han-do greeted staff and cast.
He approached Jeong Il-jun first.
“Hello, sunbae-nim. I'm Kang Han-do. Please take care of me today!”
“Likewise. Min-tae raved about you. Looking forward.”
“Yes!”
Short greetings done, opening shoot began.
Kang Han-do waited off-camera till guest intro.
During, he studied Jeong Il-jun's hosting.
A new habit: researching other MCs' styles.
The more, the better.
Jeong Il-jun called to camera.
“Time to bring out today's guest! The talk of the town—Kang Han-do!”
“Hello, I'm Kang Han-do.”
Panels applauded wildly, welcoming him.
Staff too.
No live audience, so they amped cheers and claps. Kept the energy alive.
Kang Han-do stood before camera amid the cheers.
Food Master—his debut.