The knights stumbled out in a flurry.
[ ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ Unexpected Ending! ]
[ Season 2 Production Confirmed? What’s the truth? ]
[ ‘Special Mobile Unit 808 Season 2’, What’s the story? What’s the casting status? Questions abound from one to ten. ]
–People who stopped midway will be disappointed, haha.
–Yesterday, it gave me proper chills.
–How am I supposed to wait for Season 2….
The online community wasn’t much different.
It was all a festive atmosphere as if there had never been any confusion. Everyone was busy rejoicing in unison.
[ Title: I believed in it haha ]
[ Special 8 never fails to meet expectations, as expected ]
–Absolutely true haha
–We all believed, right? hahaha
–That’s why you shouldn’t doubt.
[ Title: People who got the plot spoiled are haha ]
[ It was your fault for stopping midway. Who told you to stop? You should have believed and watched until the end~~~~ ]
–Absolutely.
–If you couldn’t trust it, you should have left it. Absolutely.
–Where do you think you’re going to freeload?
[ Title: If you experienced ‘Xs’ yesterday, you’re trash ]
[ From the tantalizing back-and-forth to the climax, if that wasn’t Xs, then what is it? I’m done being naive now ]
–I’ve graduated from sympathy too.
–Congratulations on becoming an adult.
–Then what do we call eating chicken now?
[ Title: Compilation of yesterday’s madness ]
(Posts that appeared in 10 minutes between ads)
[ Oh my god, I’m about to die laughing. Seriously, haha ]
–Haha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
–Wow, this is pure madness haha haha haha
–Haha haha haha haha
[ Title: It’s disgusting how attitudes have changed; ]
[ Sure, people who just complained yesterday, but those who swore to kill the production team, should you really stay in the industry? It’s disgusting how nothing happened. haha ]
–Yesterday there were way too many harsh words.
–You’ll only get your act together if faced with a lawsuit.
–At least, finish watching first. tsk tsk
[ Title: Yeah, I fell for it ]
[ But what did I do wrong?
FUCKING ASSHOLES.
Listen HERE, buddy.
It was the production crew’s fault for making everyone angry. It was their prank after all. If I fell for it so easily, shouldn’t I be praised instead? I’m going to confidently roast the forum. You know my personality. Let’s end it nicely. ]
–Haha haha haha haha haha
–You’ve finally gone insane haha haha haha
–Oh god haha haha haha
–Alright, good job haha haha
[ Title: This reversal is unmatched ]
[ Everyone’s got “masterpiece syndrome” ruining good works these days. In this crazy world, protecting the “happy ending” reversal deserves praise and worship. ]
–I worship.
–I worship.
–There’s way too little happy endings these days;
–Is it really that hard to have a happy ending?
◈◈◈◈◈
Let’s rewind time a little.
A few days before the final episode of Special Mobile Unit 808, the senior staff of the production team gathered in the tvS broadcasting station’s conference room.
No less than the director was to be consulted.
Of course, the director’s expression was bright.
“There was no stopping the skyrocketing success. It was absolute chaos, right? Though, I admit, it was pretty entertaining to watch.”
“Thank you.”
“I especially liked the scene revealing the gender. If I hadn’t been tipped off, I might’ve been fooled too?”
“From start to finish, it was all thanks to Miss Sua.”
“Thanks to the actress…”
The director paused momentarily to ponder before continuing.
“Thinking about it, you mentioned this actor’s influence was considerable?”
The writer and Director Choi simultaneously nodded.
“She completed the unfinished script, delivered fitting ad-libs at appropriate times, and perfectly handled the male role too. Rather, we relied heavily on her.”
“Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen this writer praise a newcomer so much. I’ll have to formally thank her later. After all, she’s the one who created our unmatched success.”
The mood in the conference room was warm.
Naturally. The grim atmosphere belongs to other broadcasting stations; it has no relation to tvS.
With an unmatched record, wherever they go, it’s a festival.
“But, I also have some worries about this runaway success.”
The director’s words prompted a reaction this time from Director Choi.
“What worry would that be?”
“What else? Naturally, the ending.”
The director stroked his goatee.
“This has been an unmatched series in many ways, right? Attempting the overdone buddy genre, using the cross-dressing element, and ultimately leading to a massive hit. All of it.”
“Well… It’s somewhat embarrassing to say, but yes.”
“Ending it feels like a waste. Broadcast stations rarely get a chance to hold onto such a popular IP. In fact, this is a first for tvS. We’ve always been in the weaker position.”
“Hmm.”
“So, is there a way? A way that doesn’t give off the impression of being forced, yet naturally transitions into Season 2. A smooth link that becomes the final episode.”
Both clenched their fists under the table.
Of course, they’ve been waiting for the director to show this reaction.
Director Choi didn’t miss the opportunity.
“Director.”
“Yes?”
“In fact, we’ve prepared multiple endings.”
“What do you mean? I haven’t seen them yet?”
“At the time, we didn’t know ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ would become this successful. Just in case, I kept them in storage. Would you like to see them?”
“Naturally, I need to see them. Play it right now.”
Shortly after.
“….”
The conference room fell silent.
The director was deeply absorbed in the various endings.
It wasn’t just a quick glance either. He revisited those he liked multiple times.
After a while, the director exclaimed.
“Far from being something you just filmed and kept… the editing is already done, wasn’t it? When did you manage this?”
“Having immense affection for the work can make anything possible. It’s all thanks to the whole production team moving with one heart and one mind.”
“And me? Why didn’t you inform me?”
Then, Writer Lee Geum-sook interjected.
“Do you not remember what you said before the beginning of ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’? You were doubtful about an incomplete script and a rookie actor, weren’t you?”
“….”
The director belatedly cleared his throat.
“Right. I was wrong. I have regrets.”
“I’m planning to have endless regrets for life. So, please cooperate well from now on. Director.”
“Understood. I get it… ”
Even though he was facing the powerful director, the prestige of ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ was formidable. Moreover, the production team was well aware they were now the pride and salt of tvS.
There’s no reason to remain subordinate.
“In any case, good. All this is fine.”
“Yes.”
“There is a problem. I’m unable to choose just one.”
“That’s something you don’t need to worry about. Anyway, you’ve already agreed to the production of Season 2, haven’t you?”
“Is that right?”
“Yes. So, there’s no need for concern.”
“Hmm, but why.”
“If Miss Sua chooses, it will be settled.”
.
.
.
.
.
Later, Sua appeared upon being called.
“Hmm.”
After checking all the endings through the tablet, Sua’s reaction was extremely simple.
‘No idea.’
Why ask me? Sua doesn’t know!
You’ll need to use a special feature to find out!
“Do you have the endings in script format?”
“Of course.”
The director, who had been listening, burst out laughing.
“I guessed as much from the impression alone, but you’ve got an authoritative aura, don’t you? Even though she’s young.”
“…?”
Sua realized after a while.
‘Ah.’
Even though video is enough, she requested paper scripts, giving off an impression of pursuing analog style like a division director. Right?
But what can be done? You need to use the special feature.
A little later, Sua confidently said.
“This ending seems best.”
I checked it using the special feature. Go Sua!
The director raised his eyebrows.
“… Hm, this version, huh?”
It seems like the ending didn’t please the director much.
Sua thought inside. Uncle, get your act together! The special feature says to choose this! Sua knows it’s the best!
“Then, let’s go with this.”
“Right. If Miss Sua picked it, this must be the right one.”
However, everything was moving swiftly. PD Choi Hyewon and Writer Lee Geumsuk trusted Sua more than expected. Trust akin to religious faith, one might say.
Ultimately, the director quickly agreed.
“… Well, no matter what. We absolutely have to trust the Special Mobile Unit 808 team. What else can we do? I believe in you.”
“Well thought out. Let’s discuss the details of Season 2, since Miss Sua is here as well.”
“That sounds good. What’s the plan for the storyline?”
“If Season 1 was a buddy story, we’re aiming for a spy action theme for Season 2. Considering the context.”
“Spy action? The mere words make me hear the sound of production costs dripping away. Is my guess right?”
“Considering how much production cost you’ve anticipated…”
“Don’t hesitate. Go all out.”
Writer Lee Geumsuk and PD Choi Hyewon’s eyes widened in astonishment.
Sua might not realize it, but they deeply understood how tightly tvS had squeezed in the past.
Thus, the impact of this moment couldn’t be underestimated.
“… I feel sorry for doubting ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ until the end, but go ahead and film Season 2 freely without the stress of money. Make it as fun as possible.”
“Understood. We’re extremely grateful.”
Subsequently, the production budget discussion also concluded quickly.
Now, there was only one thing left.
Everyone’s gaze turned toward Sua.
“Miss Sua, will you handle Yoo-han’s role in Season 2 as well?”
“…?”
Sua didn’t understand Writer Lee Geumsuk’s words initially. Isn’t Yoo-han me? What’s she saying?
But then she understood.
‘Hmm, now that I think about it, this makes sense.’
Sua had contracted only for Yoo-han’s role in Season 1. There was no contract for Season 2 yet.
‘What should I say here?’
Sua swallowed dryly. Sua hesitating anxiously.
If she were to be honest with her heart, she would definitely shout “Of course I’ll do it.” After all, ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ was her precious first drama, and the production team felt like family.
Yes, she will do it. Of course, she will.
But…
‘Don’t you need to at least check the script?’
The fact that she hasn’t utilized the special feature worried her, and it was safer to proceed through Kim Iseo.
Meanwhile, did her silence concern the director?
The director spoke up.
“PD Choi, what are top actors earning these days?”
“Top actors vary greatly depending on their capability.”
“Then, tell me based on the maximum potential.”
“Perhaps at least this much…”
PD Choi whispered something into the director’s ear.
Soon, the director’s gaze turned toward Sua.
“Actress Sua.”
“Yes?”
“I’ll take care of you that much. Participate, please.”
That alone made PD Choi Hyewon and Writer Lee Geumsuk widen their eyes. They signaled Sua with their eyes, suggesting this was an opportunity she should immediately seize.
But Sua said…
“…I’ll give you my answer later.”
At that moment, even the director was taken aback.
◈◈◈◈◈
Expectations for Season 2 steadily grew.
[ ‘Special Mobile Unit 808 Season 2’, with Action as its Theme? ]
[ Writer Lee Geumsuk Says ‘Balancing Espionage and Action’s Intricate Charm.’ Maintains a Smile Regarding Romance. ]
[ ‘Special Mobile Unit 808 Season 2’, Quickly Advances Casting with Kim Sun-il—Seo Yeon-joo Finalized ]
This was also true for the online community.
[ Special Mobile Unit 808 Gallery ]
[ Title: The Atmosphere Feels Warm ]
[ There’s nothing decided yet, but already seeing actors accepting casting feels good. It’s evidence of a great atmosphere within the production team. It’s a nice sight. ]
–Absolutely, it’s fortunate that nothing collapsed.
–If the actors suddenly changed entirely, it would be disheartening.
But then.
Mystic soon entered a phase of (questionably) tormenting the public.
Sua’s position has changed compared to before.
Meaning, even Sua’s inconsequential actions can now carry meaning. Even decisions made to ensure safety for contracts are now interpreted this way.
And this is being utilized.
[ ‘Kim Yoo-han’ Actor Sua, Unclear Future Participation? ]
[ Sua Not Participating in Season 2? Is it True? ]
–What? Is Sua not participating?
–?? Kim Yoo-han and rejecting it? Why?
–This could cause an uproar if she doesn’t agree.
–There’s no one who can replace Kim Yoo-han.
Hehe. It’s Sua’s little strategy.
◈◈◈◈◈
The next day. Mystic Headquarters.
Representative Kim Iseo said,
“Sua, I think we should open your SNS account by tonight. Uploading a post would be good, do you have anything light to share?”
“Photos of Sumi.”
Sua replied without hesitation.
The center sends daily photos of Sumi, and lately, Sumi has been looking absolutely adorable. It’s hard to imagine a cuter creature in this world.
Fortunately, Kim Iseo agreed.
“Good idea. Ah, right.”
Kim Iseo blinked.
“The fan club, called Sua Zoo.”
“… Really?”
Sua immediately responded with a pout. The fan club’s name being a zoo? Is this a joke? Even though she liked the fan club itself, she wanted something cooler.
Like, for instance, Sua Chaos, Sua Shadows, Sua Black Contract, World of Lies Sua….
At that moment, the Sua Association exploded in laughter.
–Wow, that’s truly cool.
–It’s really amazing. I hope they would really change it to that. I wish it lasts for generations.
–Indeed, that would be great.
“…”
Sua decided to drop the thought, her face turning beet red. Still, there’s no reason to be teased about that, right…?
Kim Iseo continued speaking.
“Maybe it’s time to host a fan event.”
“Fan event?”
“Yes. You’ve already experienced one at the convenience store, right? This time, it’ll be done officially, and on a larger scale.”
The ensuing explanation was straightforward.
What does this mean? Sua couldn’t understand.
” … The venue will likely be a rented movie theater or a large stage. If we have your approval, we’ll proceed with it.”
“Yes. I want to do it.”
Sua strongly declared. Of course. There’s no more grateful existence in the world than fans.
Kim Iseo smiled.
“You’ve made the right decision. It will also help you regain your lost emotional expression.”
“…”
That was when Sua realized. Right, they started viewing her as someone with emotional expression dysfunction.
“It’s going to be fierce competition to win the lottery. We can’t invite all the fans, even renting a soccer field wouldn’t be enough. We’ll likely need to choose about 200 people, and it won’t be easy.”
Regardless of what Kim Iseo was saying, Sua was lost in deep thought. A fan meeting, a fan meeting in my life, can I really enjoy such a happy life?..
However, a worry surfaced in her mind.
What if I make a mistake in front of the fans?
No, Sua, be confident!
‘You’ve worked hard, right? It’s rightful compensation! Enjoy it!’
Just as Sua strengthened her resolve, it happened.
“President!—!”
An employee came running urgently.
A familiar face. It was Team Leader Park.
“President! The ratings for the final episode are out! It concluded with over 40%. Hahahaha!”
“Great job!”
Kim Iseo also unusually shouted in excitement. She then tapped Sua’s shoulder gently.
“Congratulations. Your debut drama concluded with incredible success. Your portfolio is now legendary. They’ve said they’ve already inscribed gold letters on it.”
“Oh…”
Sua was inwardly thrilled. Sua feeling accomplished!
“Alright, let’s get ready now.”
“Next schedule…”
“Yes. Let’s meet Writer Hong Ye-ji.”
◈◈◈◈◈
After that, Sua’s commitments poured down like a storm.
Those who had signed contracts with Sua had been waiting for the right moment to announce it, and now, with the grand success of ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ Season 1, was the perfect time.
[ Unmatched OTT Netflix, Landing in South Korea. ]
[ Short Film ‘Sword’, Launches on Netflix simultaneously with OTT service. ‘Now Meet from Home.’ ]
Netflix, arriving in Korea, chose ‘Sword’ as the bundled content.
Kim Iseo had repeatedly emphasized to Sua. Even these guys noticed how hot Sua was in Korea? It was indeed an incredible opportunity.
Sua just nodded silently.
[ Writer Park Yu-mi, Targets OTT Domination with ‘Upper Class.’ Is Sua Yi-seo on the casting list? Public Astonished. ]
[ Director Park Mu-ryong, Anticipates Chemistry between Seo Yeon-joo and Sua Yi-seo through ‘Lies, Lies, Lies.’ Will it work? ]
After securing Sua, those involved proudly released articles, and MyTube was no exception.
[ Unusual Pets Invited to Our Studio, Almost Got Us Exhausted! | Featuring Sua Yi-seo X Seo Yeon-joo | Studio Snack EP.00 ]
Producer Kang Hyun-seong finally uploaded the teaser video.
Notably, he specifically highlighted Sua and Seo Yeon-joo in the title. Other actors might feel left out, but what can they do? These two are the ones leading the trend.
–What’s the deal with the animals being pixelated??
–Isn’t that a raccoon? Even pixelated, it’s still visible.
–Parrot haha haha hahaha interesting hahaha
–Why does Sua have nothing?
–What’s with the scarf in this weather?
–That scarf is so thick! What is it?
The reaction was predictably intense.
◈◈◈◈◈
Night.
A long, elegant leg emerged from a van parked in a spacious parking lot.
It belonged to Lee Seo-jung. Her long yet well-muscled legs could satisfy anyone just by their existence. Seo Yeon-joo was right.
Glasses-clad Lee Seo-jung was accompanied by her manager.
“Hey, Seo-jung. Today’s meeting is on a huge scale. Netflix representatives are also participating.”
The manager chuckled.
“Isn’t that rare? Although, this script is absolute garbage, isn’t it? But with Netflix representatives helping in the meeting? Isn’t this an abuse of power from Lee Geumsuk’s clique?”
The manager had just read Hong Ye-ji’s script belatedly, and the reaction, naturally, was one of shock. It was a complete mess originally.
However, Lee Seo-jung shook her head.
“Netflix representatives are not here to help the meeting. They’re here to monitor. You idiot.”
“Eh?”
“Hong hasn’t secured a production team yet, right? Making a work with such a trashy script and no production team? Seriously? They’re probably here out of curiosity.”
“Ah! That’s right!”
The manager’s eyes widened as they asked.
“Seo-jung, so if you refuse?”
“Netflix would likely cut the project. With no production team or actors, what can they do?”
“Poor them. That’s why we’re here to refuse, right?”
What the manager said was true.
Lee Seo-jung could have outright rejected the request, but ultimately decided to show up at the meeting. It was out of gratitude for Lee Geumsuk’s group.
Maybe one day Lee Seo-jung would need their help too. Showing up for a bit was a good trade-off.
“Seo-jung, just got a text from the president. We can’t afford to be capricious for this one. Got it?”
“That’s a different matter. Don’t joke with me.”
“Look at your track record. Isn’t it reasonable for him to be anxious?”
The manager shuddered.
Recalling her past, he felt a chill. She was that unpredictable.
Her filmography alone was a mess. There were great works, but there were also catastrophic ones.
Why? Simply because she did things whenever she felt like it.
Shaken by fear, the manager changed the subject.
“Seo-jung, want to hear an interesting story?”
“Sure, give it a go.”
“Well, it turns out they already have the main lead secured. Doesn’t it make you want to burst out laughing? Don’t you want to know who accepted it?”
The manager laughed heartily.
“Given how trashy the script is, right? Demanding things like singing, exposure, physical intimacy, dancing… and they still accepted it so readily. They must be completely out of their minds.”
“It must be some nobody who has nothing to lose and nothing to gain.”
“Hmm, that’s somewhat unsettling. You always act as if you have nothing to lose, don’t you?”
The two soon arrived at the meeting room.
.
.
.
.
.
Meeting Room.
‘I want to go home.’
Hong Ye-ji’s sentiment was that short.
‘Five-star difficulty, how am I supposed to conquer it?’
Hong Ye-ji thought of a rhythm game with a five-star difficulty level. At that level, it becomes almost impossible to keep up even by just watching. Practice was needed.
She absentmindedly moved her fingers placed on her thigh. Like playing piano or typing on a keyboard.
The supporting writers quietly observed her movements.
‘She must be brimming with inspiration.’
‘Do I grab my laptop now?’
‘She’s feeding the text into her mind…’
Crash!—!
The meeting room door opened at that moment.
“Nice to meet you.”
Finally, Lee Seo-jung appeared.
Everyone quickly stood up.
There were few top-tier actors whose conduct and acting prowess were as bold as Seo-jung’s. They knew her reputation.
“Seo-jung, please take this seat.”
“Hmm?”
However.
Lee Seo-jung froze in motion.
She soon removed her sunglasses and fixed her gaze on one person. The only one who didn’t stand up. It was Sua.
She stared so piercingly that it felt like a hole would burn through.
“….”
Sua didn’t look away either, rendering the atmosphere in the meeting room awkward almost instantly. It was natural that two actors were glaring at each other with hardened expressions.
Everyone soon became flustered.
Naturally. An argument before even exchanging greetings. How could any good dialogue come from this? A disaster was foreseen.
Hong Ye-ji darted her eyes restlessly and then.
“…?”
Suddenly, as if she’d realized something, she widened her eyes once.
At the same time, she crossed her arms tightly.
“Let’s just call it off.”
Her voice was very decisive.
“I’m a writer, not a homeroom teacher. I have no intention of mediating between the actors, nor am I interested in getting involved. If you don’t like each other, leave now. Let’s end this upfront.”
Hong Ye-ji was a bit uneasy.
