At the tvS broadcasting station conference room, the director was reviewing the articles.
[ tvS, MBQ, KBM, SBT. A fierce four-way battle? ]
[Superstar appearance news shakes the Internet: A gathering of stars]
[Overheated competition, pouring in attention… Community on fire.]
As the director refreshed the internet, new articles kept flooding in real-time. Most of them were predicting which contender would emerge victorious from the four-way battle.
Even the speculative articles were gaining significant traction. This is because early attention can significantly influence outcomes; the moment interest wanes, it’s game over.
At that moment, an employee approached the director with a pile of papers.
“Huh?”
The director tilted his head in confusion as he couldn’t make sense of what was placed in front of him. Usually, employees brought screenshots of internet articles or cafe reactions, but this format was unfamiliar.
“What is this? Some survey results? Doesn’t look like an internet article, and the design doesn’t seem like a fan cafe either.”
“It’s a gallery, the most mentioned community.”
“Most mentioned, yet not a fan cafe?”
“Yes, which is why it’s the most discussed. They are interested but don’t firmly align with any faction yet. They can easily become foes or fans.”
“Back in my days, we dealt with cafés and blogs, times have indeed changed. I understand now. Understanding this community will be crucial.”
“Exactly, and the majority are young.”
The director carefully reviewed the monitoring materials brought by the employee, soon emitting a groan as his expression became increasingly serious.
Suddenly —
The door burst open as PD Choi Hee-won and screenwriter Lee Geum-sook entered the conference room.
“PD Choi.”
The director called out even before exchanging pleasantries.
“Other broadcasting stations are causing chaos, and the internet is in turmoil. PD Choi must be well aware. Since this battle is so critical, everyone is trying everything to claim the high ground.”
“I know. Isn’t this why I’m putting in so much effort?”
PD Choi pointed to his weary face.
“I haven’t been to the gym lately. It’s exhausting.”
“Yeah, I’m fully aware that you and Lee Geum-sook are doing your best. But….”
The director slid over a few documents.
First were recent internet articles.
[MBQ screenwriter Choi Si-young claimed, “This is the stickiest script I’ve ever written. There’s no escape.”]
[This Year’s Best Actor and Actress Awards Predicted: Park Gi-woo and Shin Hye-su.]
[Action director Jeong Gi-hong uploaded a confident smile.]
[The drama war is escalating into an actor showdown; meaningful messages left on cast’s social media accounts suggest no backing down.]
The director sighed deeply.
“Romance for romance, action for action. Everyone has their own distinct weapon. But ours feels kind of ordinary.”
“Ordinary? What do you mean?”
“Our story is good, but it lacks impact. There’s no sudden punch, no unexpected blow that would captivate viewers even when casually watching. Besides, there’s something else I’m quite worried about.”
The director slid over additional documents.
These were the screenshots of community posts.
[Title: Lee Geum-sook can’t write romance]
[You think Lee Geum-sook doesn’t write romance because she doesn’t want to, but she just can’t. Look, she’s done several productions for how many years now, and not once has there been any romance. Boring.]
[Title: Isn’t 808’s development too predictable?]
[All buddy cop stories are alike. Start out as enemies, end up friends. Yes, good writing can make it enjoyable, but without any surprises? It’s dull.]
PD Choi’s expression darkened.
“Are you saying that Lee Geum-sook can’t write romance? That’s nonsense.”
“I’m fully aware that Lee Geum-sook is fantastic at romance. However, it’s a problem that only we know this. People close to her might be aware, but do the viewers know?”
“Uh….”
“Stories like these have some basis, you know.”
The director interlaced his fingers.
“Screenwriter, can you throw in just one twist?”
“A twist?”
“Yes. Romance or a shocking plot twist. Something needs to be added. Let’s think about it: this is also actor Kim Yu-han’s first major role, right? Considering that, we’re starting at a disadvantage.”
“Thinking that way could be valid, but I believe this will be an advantage. Believe me, with Kim Yu-han, the ratings will skyrocket.”
“That’s just wishful thinking. What I’m talking about is preparation.”
The director spoke firmly.
“Honestly, casting a rookie actor was something I quietly agreed to. So, could you add just one twist?”
“A twist…?”
“We may not have much room for romance with two male lead detectives, but perhaps a bit of intrigue could be added. Like one of them dying? That kind of thing.”
However, Screenwriter Lee Geum-sook had no reaction.
This didn’t seem to indicate disrespect but rather a lack of perceived crisis.
“Screenwriter?”
When called again, Screenwriter Lee shrugged.
“What do you mean there’s no room?”
“Huh?”
“Romance. We do have it.”
The director tilted his head.
“Promise me, when the climax episodes air, the entire audience will be at our mercy. Will there be romance or not? The suspense will have them hooked.”
“What? But both leads are men. What are you saying? Romantic pairings between two guys?”
At this, both the screenwriter and PD Choi chuckled.
If you deceive the enemy, you begin by deceiving your allies. And now was the time to reveal the truth.
Soon a tablet was handed to the director.
“What is this?”
“The climax scene.”
“You guys must’ve taken care of this well. I’m not talking about checking these scenes. I want to brainstorm some future twists.”
But soon the director fell silent.
The supposedly casual climax scene unexpectedly captivated him. By the end, his eyes widened in surprise.
“…?”
It couldn’t be helped.
“…!”
A drenched Sua appeared on screen.
Screenwriter Lee questioned.
“How is it? Really, are we in a position to lose?”
“….”
“If casting a rookie is a disadvantage, and there’s no room for romance, shall we scrap everything and start over? Casting to the script, according to your preferences?”
The director didn’t answer.
Rather, he was unable to.
Then, shaking his head as if disbelieving.
“Where on earth do you find such rookies?”
“We didn’t find them, they appeared. So, Director, what’s your decision?”
The director’s expression remained serious.
However, the reasons for his seriousness had slightly shifted. The revelation was so impactful that his shock was palpable.
“PD Choi, Screenwriter.”
With a resolute expression, the director looked at both of them.
“…Let’s stick to this.”
Not long after, an article appeared online.
[Special Tactical Unit 808. No twists, no romance.]
Just one article.
Of course, this was a grand trap laid by PD Choi Hee-won and Screenwriter Lee Geum-sook. And as expected, all sorts of opportunists swarmed.
Follow-up articles popped up immediately.
[Special Tactical Unit 808. What is their confidence?]
[Screenwriter Lee Geum-sook ultimately opts out of romance once again?]
However, even these were part of the 808 production team’s scheme.
And yet another moment.
“…Ah, right. Conceal part of her body slightly.”
Sua’s wet body risked censorship.
◈◈◈◈◈
Meanwhile that night.
With merely two days remaining until the meeting for ‘Starting Tomorrow Crescendo’ with director Ko Tae-min.
The Mystic studio apartment was unusually bustling. The sounds of two people conversing animatedly could be heard.
It was Kim I-seo and Seo Yeon-joo.
Seo Yeon-joo said,
“So, from now on, Sua will also be staying here? Given that she’s joining Mystique, I have high expectations.”
“Typically, people don’t enjoy having more people around. It gets cramped and more difficult to clean.”
“Cleaning? Let Sun-il take care of it.”
After a short exchange, Kim I-seo brought up the main topic, presenting Seo Yeon-joo with the ‘Starting Tomorrow Crescendo’ script.
“Yeon-joo, I’m issuing you a special order.”
“What is it? This isn’t ‘Starting Tomorrow Crescendo,’ is it?”
“This isn’t just any script. It’s by the renowned director Ko Tae-min.”
“!”
Seo Yeon-joo’s eyes widened.
She quickly pointed at herself.
“Me? Is this for me?”
“It’s for Sua.”
“Ah…”
Hope on Seo Yeon-joo’s face melted away, yet internally, she was overwhelmed with admiration.
‘Wait, how does a rookie with no debut drama already have a master director interested? Definitely a prodigy…’
Seo Yeon-joo sighed and muttered,
“Anyway, Director, why show me this? Are you making me jealous with Sua’s opportunities? No need for complaints.”
“Not exactly. Yeon-joo’s role is crucial today.”
“My role?”
With a tilt of her head, Kim I-seo nodded.
“Yes. Do you remember Director Kim Jun-ki?”
“How could I forget that crazy pervert scumbag.”
“It’d be a shame if Sua rejects this new script outright, wouldn’t it? We absolutely need to secure the opportunity to work with Director Ko Tae-min.”
“That’s reasonable. Surely…?”
Seo Yeon-joo’s expression suggested understanding.
“Sua will be here soon, but can you help create some anticipation for this script first?”
“I get it. I’ll handle it perfectly. Just trust me.”
“And if Sua refuses, help me persuade her. This isn’t because we don’t trust her judgment, but to give her a chance to deeply reconsider. Let her think about it thoroughly.”
“Got it. The intention is clear.”
Then, moments later.
Sua arrived.
‘Wow!’
Sua was amazed from the beginning.
‘What? Does Mystique use this apartment as a studio?’
To Sua, it appeared unusually luxurious. It resembled a wealthy home from a drama—exactly that kind of spaciousness and elegant interior.
Just then, Kim I-seo quickly handed over the script.
“Sua, check this out.”
“Hmm? A script?”
Kim I-seo nodded.
“The big catch that I just mentioned? It’s the script from the big catch. It seems casting Sua has been tentatively decided already, so I thought it’d be worthwhile for you to take a glance. Review it carefully.”
Sua quietly braced herself.
‘The big catch’s script.’
The anticipation mixed with excitement.
After all, since ‘Special Tactical Unit 808’ and ‘Sword,’ every script Sua had encountered was garbage. So Sua was excited. She wanted to dive into a great script and revel in its brilliance.
It was at that moment that Seo Yeon-joo beamed.
“Sua, I just read it, right? It’s insane, honestly. If it had come to me, I’d have accepted it immediately. It’s really good.”
That made it even more tempting.
Parraak!
Sua pretended to skim the script but immediately activated her special ability, sending the script contents to her special space.
[Starting Tomorrow Crescendo]
▶ Insufficient material.
▶ Grade 7.
“…?”
Sua was surprised.
Sua covered her eyes with a blink.
A moment later, reopening her eyes to confirm.
▶ Grade 7.
“…What? Grade 7? G-7-e-vvveeerr?”
Sua’s thoughts spiraled into confusion.
Come on, does it even make sense for a script from “The Big Catch” to be Grade 7? No, even Director Kim Jun-ki, despite being called a master, turned out to be trash.
Could there be such circumstances? What on earth?
What about my excitement to find a good script?
It was then that Kim I-seo and Seo Yeon-joo spoke.
“Sua, how does it feel?”
“Sua, isn’t this one good? You don’t want to let it pass, right?”
“…”
Sua hesitantly looked up then shook her head slowly.
“…This one really doesn’t seem right.”
Sua didn’t want to do this. Honestly, she didn’t.
