The reason the viewership suddenly burst through the roof.
It wasn’t simply because of Kim Donghu’s appearance.
There was another key player that played an even larger role.
“Ah, no wonder they showed Kim Donghu’s face like that in the next episode preview.”
“Seeing reporters wondering if Kim Donghu is coming back, it was obvious!”
“They’re practically saying, ‘Kim Donghu is definitely coming back, so make sure to watch!'”
It was because they actively promoted that Kim Donghu would appear.
While the viewers just tuned in.
“I didn’t watch it when Kim Donghu came back, but after seeing that preview, I decided to watch again.”
“Of course, when it comes to swordsmanship, it has to be Kim Donghu, his acting was fierce back then.”
“A friend told me that Kim Donghu’s swordsmanship is real… They say he doesn’t even use a stunt double.”
The way to raise the viewership is to get those who don’t usually watch the drama to watch.
For those who have already left, the only way to bring them back was through promotion.
By promoting from outside the work, the people living in reality will enter the world of the drama.
And this strategy landed beautifully.
The mention of Kim Donghu got his fanbase moving.
“The strategy was fantastic! I mean, leaking a few behind-the-scenes shots on the fan cafe…!”
“Noisy marketing is the basic of basics.”
Plus, someone accidentally posted Kim Donghu’s filming photos on the fan cafe.
It was only natural that it grabbed attention.
What was the result of pouring all efforts into promotion?
“No matter how you say it, the viewership is a jaw-dropping 32%!”
It was originally a work that was around the mid-20% range.
I thought that if there was just a solid trigger, it could exceed 30%, but never in my dreams did I expect it to be because of Kim Donghu at 32%.
“Isn’t this like having a device that simply boosts viewership?”
Just like the saying that adding soup can fix a ruined dish.
I didn’t realize that if you wanted viewership over 30%, just adding Kim Donghu would do the trick.
And that’s exactly what happened.
All the dramas Kim Donghu appeared in surpassed 30%.
“Normally, when actors do consecutive works like this, one of them flops at least.”
Whether it’s the actor’s intuition or luck,
Since his debut, Kim Donghu has never flopped.
As these thoughts connected, Director Jeong Dosun immediately spoke up.
“Last time when KBC hit over 30% viewership, what did they give to actor Kim Donghu?”
“Details aren’t clear, but it’s said they provided a lot of conveniences regarding overseas rights and next project contracts.”
“Really? So they didn’t give any physical gifts?”
“Yes? Yes, that’s what I’ve heard.”
If you don’t send anything to the benefactor who pushed you over 30% viewership, what’s the point?
“Something that isn’t too burdensome, but still shows sincerity—let’s give him something for the wrist.”
“Here you go.”
“Now, this is how you show your sincerity in asking for the next work.”
Jeong Dosun calmly pulled out a card from his pocket after wrapping up his speech.
“And today, nobody should even think about going home.”
“Uh, what? Director?”
“Do I still look like a director?”
“Today, I’m your guide for a company dinner that’ll go up to round five, so let’s go!”
At those words, everyone in the meeting room burst into cheers.
+++++
Not long after the news that [Swordsman Baek Dong-su] passed 30% started to circulate…
“…Wow, what is this?”
A fancy-looking watch showed up at my door, registered under my name.
Looking at the letter included with the parcel, it seems like it was sent from SKS.
Even though I know nothing about watches,
it really gave off a good vibe.
‘Just to be safe, I won’t wear it for now.’
I’ll send a thank-you note separately.
For now, I carefully placed the watch back in its box and put it in the drawer.
This isn’t the time to focus on the watch.
> Kim Donghu, you crazy! You hit over 30% again? But when did you film that while shooting the drama with me?
> I heard you exceeded 30% again. Donghu, you do know it’s movie ratings that matter, right?
> Donghu! I heard you hit 30% again, congrats! By the way, can I ask if you’re extending your school uniform commercial model gig?
> Donghu! I watched it live! It was super fun, totally deserved to pass 30%!
> Don’t lie! Kim Min-hyuk, you were asleep back then ㅡㅡ; Only Kang Sik and I watched it.
> Ye-rim is right.
Starting from acquaintances, the director, and group chats, I was swamped with congratulatory messages.
I expected this when hitting a million,
but with everything happening consecutively and more people I know reaching out, it got overwhelming.
There were times when the influx of messages actually drained my phone battery.
Suddenly, while sending replies, I looked at the date and realized how fast time was flying.
‘November came in the blink of an eye.’
Meanwhile, the shooting for [Solar Eclipse] was progressing smoothly.
For some reason, the number of NGs was decreasing steadily on set,
resulting in a completion speed beyond my imagination.
‘Time flies, huh.’
While I was lost in such scattered thoughts, sending replies,
Ding! Ding! Ding!
I received a message from [Sims – The Real Life] after a long time.
Considering the situation, it seemed related to the future.
‘What’s happening this time?’
With anticipation, I checked the content.
A video had been uploaded.
“Suddenly a video?”
A video appeared with no explanation whatsoever.
Without any hesitation, I pressed play immediately.
Then came a voice.
“Hurry! We gotta go fast, this is a big deal!”
It was Seok-ho’s frantic voice to kick things off.
“It’s the end of the year, the traffic is terrible…”
“I’ll double, no, triple your fare!”
“But still, I think there’s been an accident?”
“This is driving me crazy! We need to go fast!”
And thus, the scene of the taxi driver bickering started.
‘Wait, I think I’m in this too?’
What on earth is going on here?
It’s clear something is happening, but I can’t figure out why!
‘Wait a second, end of the year?’
Thinking of the end of the year, one thing popped into my mind.
‘Year-end awards ceremony!’
Am I really trying to participate in both??
+++++
It was a chilly December day.
As filming for [Eclipse] came close to wrapping up.
Yeo Sujeong, the writer, couldn’t hide her amazement as she visited the set.
“This is exactly how I drew it.”
How are the acting chemistry and facial match so perfect?
She couldn’t help but wish they were actually dating.
“Our Donghu really suits everything.”
Dressed in military attire, he becomes a handsome soldier,
In traditional wear, he becomes a dashing prince,
Just looking at him sparked her creative desires.
“Hmm…”
Amidst awe and joy, Yeo Sujeong gazed blankly at Kim Donghu’s performance.
Perhaps because it was nearing the end, the separation of the two child actors was drawing closer.
“His acting is truly amazing.”
Feeling the helplessness of watching her beloved fade away,
Her fingertips hesitated even to hold hands.
The fear of losing someone precious right before her eyes.
All those emotions were reflected in Kim Donghu’s gaze.
“…Your Highness.”
With Kim Sujin’s brief line, everyone let out a silent gasp of admiration.
From the first filming with Kim Donghu, I could tell he acted with deep emotions.
When the moment to act truly arrived, he shone brilliantly.
Like a child having to say goodbye to someone they really love.
How on earth could such a young person convey that?
Tears gently fell, signaling the moment of separation,
“Cut! That’s a wrap!”
As the satisfied director gave the OK signal, everyone finally relaxed.
“Sniff… sob… huff…”
Tears gushed from Kim Sujin’s face, still a mess of emotions.
It was a common occurrence, after all.
Method acting meant diving into the sea of emotions, right?
Everyone was so flustered, frozen in panic, unsure of what to do at that moment.
Swish.
“It’s okay, take a deep breath,” Kim Donghu said, gently pulling Kim Sujin into a comforting hug.
The instant Kim Donghu embraced Kim Sujin…
“Wha, huh, ah?!”
Kim Sujin plunged headfirst into an emotional ocean of a different kind.
At that moment, she didn’t even know why she was crying. Suddenly, her crush was hugging her?
‘What is happening? Wait, how did this even happen?!’
Her mind was a total mess.
Hic!
It was so overwhelming, she nearly hiccuped.
Kim Sujin had very few options left at this point.
1. Stay still and enjoy the hug.
‘That’s definitely a no-go.’
Her heart felt like it was about to explode, and there was no way she could stay cozy in his arms any longer. But he was so warm and had a broad build from all the sports he played.
‘No, get a grip!’
2. Slowly push him away and say that she was okay now, thanking him for his concern.
That was the ideal option, and she had to execute it right away.
First, the gentle push…
Wriggle.
‘Wait, that’s more like snuggling in!’
Kim Sujin snapped back to reality and hurriedly wriggled out of Kim Donghu’s embrace.
‘Dangerous guy! Crazy dude!’
How was she supposed to escape when he hugged her so sweetly?!
Thank goodness they were on set; otherwise, she might have burrowed right into his chest.
Anyway, she was really relieved to get away.
“Cough, um… Sorry for showing you such an unsightly scene,” she said, quickly apologizing.
People said it was fine, assured her it happened, and even worried about her.
“Are you really okay?”
Kim Donghu was just as concerned.
Then, he seemed to have a funny thought and cautiously leaned in, whispering playfully in her ear.
“Should I hold your hand like back then?”
You didn’t cry then, did you?
With his playful tone, she couldn’t help but respond.
“…Yeah.”
“Huh?”
Without realizing it, Kim Sujin had answered him.
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