*(Director Yoo, Writer Min)
Writer Min and Director Yoo were watching the first episode of the drama they had created, together.
While some directors insist on watching the first episode with the actors, Director Yoo wasn’t that kind of person.
With two idols playing the lead roles, they had many concerns, so they decided it would be better to quietly watch the episode alone.
However, today’s gathering wasn’t solely for the purpose of watching the drama, and both were watching the TV with tense expressions.
“…Wow, we really did it. I really did it.”
“…Indeed. We really did it.”
As the drama was about to end, Elder Yoon appeared and showcased a strong presence, prompting both to sigh out of awe.
Now there was no turning back.
“Still, the visuals came out incredibly well, right?”
“That’s right. Our Director Yoo truly has exceptional skills when it comes to visuals.”
“Hey, Writer Min, why are you reacting like this when it was your idea?”
“That’s true. Why is it this way?”
Writer Min’s detached reaction made Director Yoo click his tongue and lightly admonish her.
After all, everything had happened because of Writer Min.
While Director Yoo had also contributed, the starting point, without a doubt, was Writer Min.
“Then why didn’t you just go with SD’s suggestion?”
“No way, those guys were driving me nuts. There’s no way I could let them mess with the characters!”
“Yeah, that’s your spunk. Now that this has happened, let’s boldly push forward. Honestly, is this all our fault? They were the ones who started it first.”
—
It all began this way.
Lately, unexpected rumors had started circulating on internet communities.
The fans were deeply upset that Seo-eun and Lion—two immensely popular idols—would be paired in a romantic storyline in the drama.
This was a complete shock to Writer Min, who had already meticulously planned the Seo-eun and Lion romance.
Even Director Yoo, someone with extensive experience working with idols, had never faced this situation before.
Typically, idols who tried their hand at acting either did so when their groups were on the verge of collapse, seeking a new alternative, or after years of experience, preparing for the inevitable disbandment of their group. In such cases, the fans generally rally to support their idols’ new ventures.
Regardless of whether it was romance or anything else, the priority was to establish their acting careers.
However, the situation with the two idols—both at the peak of their popularity—was different. Given that their idol careers still had a long way to go, the fans’ reactions were quite distinct.
Director Yoo knew that fans generally disliked their idols getting romantically involved with opposite genders, but he never expected this sentiment to extend to acting.
While such cases were rare, involving just Ji Seo-eun and Lion, this was the first time they were co-starring in a drama together, so the situation took even Director Yoo by surprise.
In most cases, minor complaints like these would be ignored.
After all, external criticisms about projects were relatively common.
But this was no ordinary case.
The fandoms of Ji Seo-eun (from Ashbloom) and Lion (from Nuclear) were enormous, making this a unique and challenging situation.
Moreover, their fanbases were known for their unity, meaning any action they took would be unpredictable.
Especially since most responded by saying they would not stand idly by if the love line progressed. The amount of internet buzz generated by this alone caused deep concern even for the resilient Writer Min.
After pondering the situation, Writer Min eventually decided to entirely remove the romance storyline.
While romance is the heart of Korean dramas, in genre-driven dramas, it’s entirely possible to proceed without a romance element.
Furthermore, casting top idols as the main leads wasn’t just about showcasing their acting talent. Their fandoms were also meant to attract more viewers.
Since ratings were involved, it felt reasonable to accommodate this decision.
In fact, up until this point, everything was fine.
Though the romance was removed, it left some gaps in the story, but these could be easily filled with other subplots.
However, as soon as another supporting character, Jo Yoo-shin, started eyeing the romance plot, the situation became tense.
Worse, Jo Yoo-shin wasn’t just voicing his opinion casually. He was an SD Entertainment artist, and his agency subtly pressured Writer Min, making her increasingly uncomfortable.
It was Director Yoo who intervened, bringing the relevant parties together for a meeting to find a compromise.
Eventually, after several rounds of negotiations involving Jo Yoo-shin, SD Entertainment, Writer Min, and Director Yoo, they failed to reach an agreement.
Writer Min believed she couldn’t realistically create a romance storyline with Jo Yoo-shin and the female lead, while SD insisted that Lion’s storyline shouldn’t be touched.
The character of Jo Yoo-shin, as defined by Writer Min, was a carefree troublemaker, and the storyline had already been filmed up to the fifth episode.
Adding a romance line would require a significant character transformation, something that wouldn’t come easily to Writer Min, who relied on inspiration.
On the other hand, using Lion in the romance as suggested by SD would be a character-breaking move, which Writer Min couldn’t allow if she wanted the drama to succeed.
When SD used their financial leverage to provoke Writer Min’s professional pride, matters became worse.
They even used their influence as one of the major investors to subtly pressure Director Yoo through the broadcaster’s upper management.
Though generally laid-back, Director Yoo detested any interference with the creative process and could not let this pass.
The tension escalated to the point that they reached an impasse.
The climax of this tension was revealed in today’s ending scene.
The first episode’s ending scene, which should have gone to Jo Yoo-shin, was abruptly handed to White Siu, a bold declaration from Writer Min and Director Yoo to SD.
This was a preemptive warning.
SD should understand that if they continued their intrusive behavior, Writer Min and Director Yoo were prepared to eliminate Jo Yoo-shin entirely.
“So, what are the ratings? That will determine how we proceed, right?”
“Ratings… huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“…Alright. It’s 12.6.”
“Didn’t we cross the 10% mark in the first episode?”
“Yeah, we did. We crossed 12%. Writer Min, you’re free to do whatever you want now!”
Though initially worried about the aftermath of their risky move, Writer Min erupted in cheers upon learning that the first episode had surpassed the 10% mark.
In this business, the ratings were the ultimate king, and with results like this, no investor could dare meddle.
Jo Yoo-shin, whose agency had confidently pushed its way through previously, would now have no grounds for interference.
“So, what’s the plan now?”
“What plan? We’re continuing as I originally intended. That’s why Elder Yoon was chosen for the first episode’s ending scene.”
“Ah, that was your reasoning? I thought it was just to mess with Jo Yoo-shin.”
“Am I stupid? Why would I do that?”
“Considering you clashed with the investors over character roles in the first place… okay, let’s not argue. But won’t Siwoo be caught off-guard?”
“Director Yoo mentioned that no actor dislikes increased screen time. Wouldn’t he enjoy this?”
“Yeah, that’s true, but… we should still call Siwoo in and discuss this. He needs to be prepared.”
With the definitive weapon of solid ratings in her hand, Writer Min now had the freedom to shape the script as she desired.
As a result, the vacant space meant for the two idols’ romance was filled by Elder Yoon, who had originally been a minor supporting role.
Ironically, White Siu became the unintentional beneficiary of the behind-the-scenes battle over pride and survival, all without him realizing it.
Of course, if White Siu hadn’t already proved himself with compelling performances, he wouldn’t have earned this unexpected opportunity.
—
The day after the drama’s second episode aired.
I received a call from Director Yoo.
The request was to meet quietly at Writer Min’s studio for a few important updates.
It must be about that controversial ending scene.
I too had many unanswered questions, so I promptly headed there.
“Without a doubt, a drama that works is working. The response has been incredible.”
Now that the first two episodes have aired,
across various drama and broadcasting-related communities, the story of “The Genius Copywriter, Yoon Seo-eun,” continues to dominate discussions.
Comments about the lead actors’ excellent chemistry and the tight pacing of the story are mostly positive reactions. Some even mentioned how eerily realistic workplace issues depicted in the drama were, albeit in a slightly critical tone.
Still, from the moment the ratings crossed 12% in the first episode, the atmosphere has been undeniably good.
“But the most striking appearance has to be Heavenly Yuah. Even though it was just a cameo, her impact speaks volumes…”
Her first acting role in a year, Heavenly Yuah’s cameo sent shockwaves through the online community.
People were buzzing about the “return of the goddess.”
It was a poignant reminder of her status as a true top star.
“Ah, is that you, Siwoo?”
“Yes, Director Yoo. And hello, Writer Min.”
“That’s right, Siwoo. Please, come closer.”
Both seemed in high spirits, thanks to the good ratings.
Generally, most disputes in drama production arise due to ratings issues, but if the ratings are doing well, accumulated tensions tend to fade.
“Alright. First off, we need to increase your screen time, Siwoo.”
“Huh, yes…”
Starting immediately with the main topic—while efficient, skipping over crucial details left me confused.
At the very least, some explanation is needed, right?
Director, mind explaining what happened?
After I kept giving him significant looks of curiosity, Director Yoo finally explained the situation.
Apparently, SD, the major investment company, had a major clash with both Writer Min and Director Yoo over character roles.
Thus, the ending scene originally intended for that actor was redirected to me?
The visuals and response were excellent, leading both to believe there wouldn’t be any problems, but I wasn’t aware of the intense conflict happening behind the scenes.
The situation was far messier than I expected, and once again, I realized the complexities of this industry.
