Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: A Bittersweet Farewell (4)
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During the Philippines tour, Kang Han-do discovered the members' hidden charms or appeal points.
He even shaped them into directing material that could be used effectively. Thanks to that, there should be plenty of fun scenes.
The final day of filming in the Philippines.
With the morning shoot wrapped up, Kang Han-do's first Happy Trip filming had come to an end.
“Great work, everyone!”
“You all worked hard!”
The cast and staff encouraged each other.
In the midst of it, Seo In-jang PD called Kang Han-do aside.
“Han-do, you really worked hard.”
“No, no. It wasn't that tough. Filming was fun the whole time. If there's another opportunity like this, call me anytime.”
“Actually, that's what I wanted to talk about.”
Seo In-jang PD lowered his voice.
“While recording, I got the feeling that you fit our show perfectly. Your chemistry with the other cast is great too. So, what do you think about joining as a regular?”
The fixed cast offer he'd half-expected had arrived.
In fact, Food Master's Woo Sung-cheon PD had shown strong interest in Kang Han-do before. He'd even mentioned in private that he might make a formal offer if things aligned.
This was the second offer he'd received.
However, Kang Han-do couldn't accept on the spot.
He needed to check his other schedules first.
“Can I discuss it with my manager back at the company and get back to you?”
“Sure, sure. Take your time and call me later. You have my number, right?”
“Yes. I saved it.”
“Good. Call anytime, even if it's not about work!”
“Haha, yes. Got it.”
Seo In-jang PD seemed to really like Kang Han-do.
His excessive attention made Kang Han-do smile awkwardly instead.
* * *
Back in Korea, Kang Han-do recorded the 7th episode of HSL.
Just one more recording left.
‘It's time to say goodbye to HSL soon.’
Today's recording site felt especially tinged with reluctance.
Yoo Tae-hwan PD lightly patted Kang Han-do's shoulder.
“Great work on today's recording. Didn't you just get back from the Philippines the other day?”
“Yes. I went for Happy Trip filming.”
“I heard. Must've been tough working with Seo PD. How was it?”
“Everything was fine except for the packed schedule.”
The fatigue was no joke because of it.
Fortunately, there was a one-day buffer before the HSL episode 7 shoot. Otherwise, Kang Han-do might have had to record with exhaustion weighing on both shoulders.
“Food Master reactions are good too. Heard Seo In-jang PD praised you a lot. Aren't you guesting on another show soon?”
“Yes. It's a推理 variety called ‘Mafia.’”
A variety program based on the Mafia game. Kang Han-do was scheduled to appear as a guest.
“You're guesting everywhere. No thought of a fixed spot?”
“I'm trying out various types of variety shows to decide on that ‘fixed’ position.”
“Like an internship, huh. Not a bad idea. It's important to shop around programs and find one that suits you.”
Yoo Tae-hwan PD understood Kang Han-do's intentions perfectly.
Kang Han-do suddenly grew curious.
“Are you planning any new programs, PD?”
“Me? Thinking of taking a break for a bit.”
After HSL, Yoo Tae-hwan PD had no immediate plans.
“I've been working non-stop, so I want some downtime to slowly brainstorm my next project. Already cleared it upstairs and got the okay.”
“I see.”
“Creative jobs need these breaks now and then. We're not machines, right?”
He was right.
Yoo Tae-hwan PD had been running flat out. Kang Han-do knew it well.
“Anyway, let's power through to the final shoot. Gotta end on a high note, yeah?”
“Yes! I'll do my best!”
“Good. Looking forward to it.”
Kang Han-do had a gut feeling.
His farewell from HSL and Yoo Tae-hwan PD was drawing near.
* * *
Kang Han-do joined the推理 variety Mafia.
Ten cast members tackle missions to uncover the Mafia among them.
During Mafia night turns, the Mafia can assassinate one civilian-designated cast member at a time.
Find the Mafia before getting voted out.
“Alright, straight into filming. Get ready.”
Standby was over in record time.
Guests included Kang Han-do and two others, making ten total with the seven regulars. They began intense psychological warfare.
One person midway drew suspicion.
‘Ye-ju seems fishy.’
Kim Ye-ju. A young actress, guesting on Mafia like Kang Han-do.
The more they talked, the more convinced Kang Han-do became that she was the Mafia.
Kang Han-do had a habit.
He paid close attention to how people spoke. Aiming for MC roles sharpened his ear and eye for speech patterns.
Even a skilled actor couldn't fool him. He sensed Kim Ye-ju was Mafia.
However.
‘Can't pin Ye-ju as Mafia too early.’
Filming had just started.
Pointing at her too soon would kill the fun.
‘And no one else suspects Ye-ju.’
Kang Han-do decided on a tightrope walk.
Pretend not to suspect her and survive as a civilian till the end.
Getting on her radar meant instant assassination.
Kang Han-do deftly shifted topics. He pointed at someone else with deliberately off-base reasoning.
In that moment, he saw it.
Kim Ye-ju smiling.
‘Knew it. My hunch was spot on.’
Her smile sealed his certainty.
Round 1 began.
First Mafia night passed; Kang Han-do survived.
Same for the next.
Down to two survivors and one Mafia, Kang Han-do pointed at Kim Ye-ju.
“Ye-ju is the Mafia.”
“What?!”
“Han-do, you just picking randomly?”
“No, here's the evidence.”
Kang Han-do laid out proofs he'd held back.
Every point rang true.
But not enough. Time for the clincher.
“Trust me once and vote Kim Ye-ju. If she's not Mafia, I'll treat everyone to dinner with my appearance fee!”
Kang Han-do's bold pledge was icing.
For the laughs, the cast voted Kim Ye-ju.
Kang Han-do and the last civilian voted her too.
Majority rules: Kim Ye-ju outed as Mafia.
Her identity was...
“Mafia!”
“Oh my god! Han-do was right!”
“No way, you threw wild guesses all along, then nail it at the end?”
“All an act for the show. Haha!”
He even boasted with flair.
From Food Master to Happy Trip to Mafia.
Kang Han-do safely wrapped the three programs he'd booked as guest over two months.
* * *
The shows Kang Han-do appeared on exploded in reactions post-broadcast, dubbed ‘legend episodes’ by viewers.
His final one, Mafia, got the hottest response.
Kang Han-do was the star.
He'd wanted to test which fit him best.
‘All three blew up. Now I'm in real trouble.’
The famous ‘happy dilemma.’
Too talented for his own good.
Kang Han-do shone across genres.
As intended, love calls poured in from PDs.
Including the ‘fixed MC’ spots he wanted.
This time, aiming for fixed roles, not guest.
‘Meeting later for now.’
Today was HSL's final shoot. Conference after was fine.
Entering the site, Kang Han-do met Oh Min-tae, face full of regret.
“Why the long face.”
“You know why.”
Oh Min-tae was sentimental. HSL was his first show after debuting as a comedian. Bound to be attached.
“Smile till the end. We're comedians, remember? Making people laugh is our job. Can't mope on camera.”
“Hate to admit it, but you're right. Let's go all out to the finish!”
Boosted by Kang Han-do, Oh Min-tae resolved to push on.
4 PM News Table recording began.
For the finale, they reflected on past episodes.
Then, a surprise guest appeared unannounced.
“How can you proceed without me!”
Jeon Yoo-hyun. He joined as special guest.
Kang Han-do and Oh Min-tae were stunned speechless.
But lingering would cause a broadcast mishap.
Kang Han-do sneakily got the new script from the writer. Cameras still rolling.
“No, where've you been? Showing up now?”
“Assigned overseas reporter, been hopping around. Just back. Souvenirs!”
Armfuls of gifts.
Props, of course.
4 PM News Table reunited fully after ages.
Jeon Yoo-hyun's surprise lit up the set.
* * *
Kang Han-do glanced at the camera.
“Thanks to all our viewers who loved 4 PM News Table.”
“Thank you!”
Oh Min-tae and Jeon Yoo-hyun chimed in loudly for the final bow.
All recordings done.
“You two really toughed it out without me.”
Jeon Yoo-hyun consoled them.
He was proud of his juniors. Despite his exit, Kang Han-do and Oh Min-tae held the corner till the end.
Sorry, yet grateful.
Kang Han-do shook his head, saying it was fine.
“Still, glad we wrapped the final recording as three with you, sunbae. Should've warned us if you were coming. I was genuinely shocked.”
“Hahaha! Thought a plain entrance would be dull, so added hidden camera vibes. Success?”
“Smashing success.”
Not all farewells must be sad.
Sometimes, joyful ones like this are needed.
End on a laugh.
Kang Han-do's words to Oh Min-tae came true through Jeon Yoo-hyun's performance.