Recently, Joo Seo-yeon was drawing a lot of attention.
It wasn’t just because she was chosen as the lead in the drama Sky Garden.
The hype was mainly due to her participation in Hyper Action Star, which skyrocketed public interest.
– “When is Joo Seo-yeon coming out? Episode 2 is so boring.”
– “There are other groups too, but that means it will take at least three episodes.”
– “Still, other groups could wrap it up quickly.”
– “They would if they knew Group A was super fun.”
The viewership rating for the first episode of Hyper Action Star hit a whopping 5%!!
That was an incredibly high number for a cable variety show.
If this was just the first episode, there was a good chance ratings could climb even higher, possibly setting a record for the year’s best ratings in variety!
There was a possibility they could surpass the dreaded 8% mark.
But then…
“Episode 2’s ratings are 4%.”
“……”
Lee Ki-tae, the PD, sighed at the words of the HK Channel staff.
It was somewhat expected.
“It seems like Group A’s lack of unique characteristics is dragging the ratings down a bit,” he commented.
Everyone spoke calmly.
They’d anticipated this once the filming began.
“Sure, the initial ratings were double those of Episode 1.”
The actors of Group B in Episode 2 faced the same gunfight mission as Group A in Episode 1.
While they put up a fierce gunfight, it didn’t feel that thrilling.
First and foremost…
“None of the actors are utilizing their superpowers properly.”
“That’s quite unavoidable. It’s live filming, and it’s not easy to match timings.”
“But didn’t we audition to select actors for that?”
Performing with one’s set superpowers during a gunfight was not an easy task.
Thus, not a single actor in Group B could manage it well.
“Joo Seo-yeon and Jo Seo-hee should’ve been in different groups.”
“Or at least Han So-yoo.”
It felt like too many capable actors were clustered in Group A.
However, the grouping itself was random, so nothing could be done about it.
“I’m already scared to see what the ratings will be like for the next four episodes.”
There were no proper characters.
When you think about it, this was expected. It’s not just regular acting; it’s action acting.
Moreover, the members gathered this time were more skilled in action acting than in standard performance, which was usually lacking.
“But to capture a character, you need regular acting.”
“Isn’t that a given for leading roles?”
“But I didn’t expect so few who could do both…”
In a sudden realization, they began to grasp just how monstrous Joo Seo-yeon was.
Not only did she seem to possess real superpowers during filming, but it was also evident she could act very well.
The protagonist had a villainous kind of vibe.
That aura shone through, and because Jo Seo-hee pulled a surprise twist at the end, Episode 1’s ratings had a blockbuster hit.
“Then let’s do this,” Lee Ki-tae PD said after much deliberation.
Given that Group A’s situations were set, there was no way around how Group D would follow.
Thus, they had to resort to a bit of a trick.
“Interviews?”
“Yes, I’m planning to add scenes with CG after evaluating all the groups from A to D later.”
“Oh, from the filming of Episode 1?”
Seo-yeon momentarily recalled the filming from Episode 1.
Now that she thought about it, everything seemed to have a greenish tint back then.
It was likely for post-processing with CG.
“Will every group be doing that?”
That felt like it would take too long.
When she thought to ask,
“No. Only the group that scores the best out of the four will be included.”
Wait, Group A already?
“Of course, the work will proceed after all the groups complete their first mission.”
There might even be scenes that exceed those of Group A.
But…
‘That shouldn’t happen.’
Lee Ki-tae PD stared blankly at Seo-yeon.
Regarding her physical abilities, to be honest, it felt surreal.
‘But aside from that, the acting.’
What ultimately mattered on screen was not only physical ability but acting.
This was not just a variety show; it was an audition.
Seo-yeon excelled in utilizing her physical abilities while nailing the acting as well.
She even left a good laugh at the end.
‘I should ask Jo Seo-hee for assistance too.’
And Han So-yoo as well.
Acting, in the end, couldn’t be done by just one person.
It had to resonate, to shine.
‘Group A is supposed to be like this.’
Other staff or PDs insisted on sending these three to different groups.
However, Lee Ki-tae PD thought differently.
It was because these three were in the same group that Episode 1 could shine.
They responded to the acting and threw a curveball at Seo-yeon.
If Seo-yeon had been alone, she wouldn’t have properly executed her superpowers either.
The gunfight would likely have ended with Seo-yeon’s victory unchallenged.
‘Min Do-ha did well in assisting.’
To be honest, it was hard to say if she was even acting.
It felt so lifelike that one would wonder if it was real…
“Oh, and for Episodes 3 and 4, I plan to include brief interviews.”
Of course, it wasn’t just Group A.
‘But Group A will probably get the most screen time.’
If they had even a bit each, it would drop the ratings, so they planned to mix things up.
“Seo-yeon will appear in the last part of Episode 4.”
“Yes? That means…?”
“You showed the best performance in Episode 1.”
Seo-yeon’s interview would reveal her mindset and emotions at that moment, showcasing it at the end.
That way, people would return for that.
This way, even if Episode 3 did okay, it could reel viewers back in for Episode 4.
They had to make them want to watch Episode 5.
“Then I ask for your cooperation.”
Thus, Seo-yeon was to have a one-on-one interview with a reporter in a dedicated room.
‘It feels like it’s been a while since I did this.’
She had done a few interviews during her child actor days, but this was her first time since returning, which felt a little awkward.
“Wow, I could tell! Min Do-ha’s acting was remarkable! I thought it was real!”
“Yes. Thankfully, it seems you passed in the first audition.”
Seo-yeon smiled and responded to the lively reporter.
The interview wasn’t anything groundbreaking.
They mostly asked about her mindset during filming and the intent behind her performance.
A frequent question regarded the superpower scene she enacted with Han So-yoo.
The reporter put a spotlight on that, and honestly, it was a bit embarrassing.
“Oh, and you knocked those paintballs away with your arm or hand. Did you get hurt?”
“Yes? Oh, I’m fine.”
Seo-yeon smiled brightly at the question.
She had anticipated that question and prepared her answer.
“My skincare products help with things like that.”
“……?”
The reporter was slightly taken aback by Seo-yeon’s confident response.
Do modern cosmetics really protect against paintballs?
“Oh, I see.”
“Yes.”
“What a great product, indeed.”
“Of course.”
Their peculiar exchange wrapped up the interview neatly.
And thanks to that interview, some company’s sales skyrocketed, but that was perhaps inevitable.
*
Baek Min-chan, the director of Éclat Étoile, was sitting in his chair, momentarily dazed.
He was quietly closing his eyes and feeling as if he had become the god of business.
“Director! I knew we could do it!”
“The god of business!!”
Everyone cheered and clapped incessantly.
Honestly, it was understandable.
‘1.5 times last year’s sales…!’
That was an impressive performance.
They had not only fully recovered the previously plummeting sales but had begun to noticeably increase profits.
‘Never knew it would be like this.’
Baek Min-chan thought while his eyes were still closed.
What on earth had happened?
Well, he knew the reason.
Purely due to fan loyalty and forcefully pushed actress.
Joo Seo-yeon was beyond phenomenal.
Not just because the advertisements turned out well, but also because whenever Seo-yeon appeared on screen, she wouldn’t fail to bring up skincare products.
“Oh, I think my skin didn’t burn thanks to the cosmetics.”
That was how it was during the deserted island survival and even in the latest Episode 4 of Hyper Action Star.
“I find my skincare products really help with this kind of stuff,” she’d confidently exclaimed.
Sure, it made one wonder how those products could relate to paintballs.
But whichever way you looked at it, the viewers seemed to have taken it at face value.
Seeing how things unfolded,
“What’s the name of the cosmetics Joo Seo-yeon mentioned?”
“Must be the brand Éclat Étoile?”
Such remarks were common even at offline stores.
A multifunctional product that prevents sunburn and skin abrasions.
Truly, a victory for modern science.
‘Hmm.’
Baek Min-chan pondered over the chain of events and the sharply rising sales figures.
‘Isn’t there a concern about exaggerated advertising leading to a lawsuit…’
That had recently become a genuine concern for him.
He undoubtedly took pride in their product, and while there was a degree of UV-blocking and protection for rough skin, there were limits.
How could one withstand all-day exposure under the intense sun of a deserted island?
If it worked like that, who would even use safety gear?
Everyone would wear their products.
If they developed any further, they’d be able to block bullets!
At that moment, while Baek Min-chan’s head was blending Éclat Étoile into a military corporation…
“Director.”
The chief of business strategy, Jung Tae-soo, mentioned, returning with a sizable incentive.
“Are you aware that we’re expanding into apparel for our brand?”
“I am.”
“They’re planning to hire Joo Seo-yeon as the model. What do you think?”
It seemed other directors were already nodding in agreement.
In Jung Tae-soo’s eyes, boundless trust in Joo Seo-yeon was evident.
Of course, Baek Min-chan also had endless faith in her.
However, considering she’d be wearing these clothes on a variety show…
“I’m good with that.”
“Right? Then we’ll proceed with that…”
“But if Joo Seo-yeon agrees, make sure the clothes are durable.”
“Excuse me?”
“No, wait. We need to hold a meeting about it first.”
Éclat Étoile was working hard to launch a new upscale clothing line.
They were bringing in top-tier overseas designers and taking special care to prepare for the launch, but…
‘The clothes need to be tough.’
It was something he hadn’t cared about much before.
Being high-end fashion, who would care?
But if Joo Seo-yeon wore it and went somewhere, it could turn into an issue.
Given her levels of activity, it could easily end up as rags.
“Director! No matter how you look at it, she’s a lady actor…”
“Joo Seo-yeon is quite full of vigor.”
“Really? Is that so?”
If you only looked at her appearance or vibe, she didn’t seem lively at all.
Yet considering her behavior on variety shows, it did seem like it.
“Always donning a school uniform is likely why it’s durable.”
The uniforms must have been made to suit student standards, so they tend to use sturdy materials.
Additionally, it was noticeable that Yeonhwa High School’s uniforms were of notably high quality.
As a result, recently several high schools had issued love calls to that manufacturer.
“Anyway, aesthetics aren’t everything. Durability! And most importantly, Joo Seo-yeon’s input is critical, so be sure to ask her opinion.”
“Understood.”
Seeing Jung Tae-soo nodding confidently, Baek Min-chan was satisfied.
Everything was going smoothly.
Thanks to Seo-yeon, the cosmetics sales were soaring.
The new clothing venture was receiving attention without any problems either.
Just looking at online communities showed the audience buzzing about the new clothing brand from Éclat Étoile.
‘I have no confidence.’
He felt uncertain about a failure.
*
“Seo-yeon, we got an offer for apparel advertising from Éclat Étoile.”
“Oh, really?”
Park Eun-ha, her manager, said, and Seo-yeon nodded.
An apparel ad from Éclat Étoile…
‘Oh, I guess it was about time.’
It suddenly hit her that Éclat Étoile had launched a new clothing line.
“Hmm…”
“Why? Do you dislike it?”
Park Eun-ha questioned, slightly bewildered by Seo-yeon’s reaction.
Perhaps it was because advertising for a high-end clothing brand would typically be great for an actress.
It was good for her image and paid quite well.
“No, it’s not that.”
It was simply…
‘That’s likely to flop big time.’
Seo-yeon was slightly troubled about how to handle this.
After all, Éclat Étoile was a precious company that had given her 400 million won.
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