Hong Ye-ji and Minami Sawako.
Writer Lee Geum-sook, after bringing together the two geniuses of the century, returned to the studio. Naturally, she was accompanied by her assistant writers, who had delicious takeout food and canned beer in hand.
A light after-work drinking session followed.
The assistant writers excitedly shouted out.
“Both of them are incredibly talented, right? I wonder what they can learn from each other? Even though it’s not tomorrow, I’m already so excited!”
“Hmm, yeah. But will they be okay since they speak different languages?”
At this, Writer Lee Geum-sook smiled faintly.
“These days, the translation apps are so good that they should be able to communicate sufficiently. Even I had no trouble conversing with Japanese writers.”
“Ohh….”
Writer Lee Geum-sook took a sip from her canned beer.
“They’re both undeniably talented and they coincidentally have the common factor of working on very important pieces. I can’t wait to see what happens from here.”
“Absolutely!”
“Exactly!”
That was when…
─♩♪♬
Writer Lee Geum-sook’s phone rang.
Soon, her eyes widened in surprise.
“Really? Already? Is it set?”
Since this was a very rare reaction, the assistant writers pricked up their ears as well. Though the details of the conversation were unclear, it was certain that good news had arrived.
Meanwhile, Lee Geum-sook focused on the call.
The caller was Netflix Korea branch.
“Regarding the title of the work that needs to be sent over… Does this mean our Ye-ji’s piece already has a slot set for it?”
“Yes, that’s correct. It’s been arranged by upper management, which means they’ve judged that this project will proceed without issue.”
“Oh-ho.”
Writer Lee Geum-sook’s lips curved up.
“So, you guys who initially disliked our piece so much ended up liking it?”
She threw a sharp but playful remark.
Of course, it was understandable; until now, the reactions from Netflix Korea’s branch towards Hong Ye-ji’s work had been very cold. However, today they were unusually helpful and friendly.
“Because both Sua and Seo-jung have confirmed their participation, right? With these two under our wing, finding a production team will just be a matter of time. Moving forward, we kindly ask for your cooperation.”
“Alright. Ye-ji will be absolutely thrilled.”
“We have already contacted Ye-ji directly a moment ago.”
“Is that so? I regret not getting to witness her live reaction.”
“She seemed to be crying, wasn’t she?”
“Oh, my! That determined girl? She must be deeply moved.”
Lee Geum-sook thought to herself — better not meddle with this one.
◈◈◈◈◈
Hong Ye-ji thought.
“Why?”
It all started with a question. Why.
Still, the ending is just as uncertain. Why on earth?
“Why? Why is this happening?”
The world is wrong.
Netflix: the global No. 1 OTT company in the U.S. and the world’s largest OTT platform. One doesn’t need to check the geographical distribution of its viewership, it’s vast.
Now, Netflix seemed ready to finally land in Korea.
Of course, for its first production in Korea, they would make something impeccable, and this was a great opportunity for Hong Ye-ji: a chance for her writing career to get shredded and closed down elegantly.
But still…
“Why…? Why is my project getting chosen?”
She was already astonished by the involvement of Sua and Seo-jung, and now they’d gone ahead and reserved the slot.
It was like setting up a designated corner in an exhibition space for “[Hong Ye-ji].” It was a disaster on a large scale now. This meant there was no way out: she had to upload at least one piece.
“Why….”
Lying down, Hong Ye-ji muttered in a deflated tone.
“Why are you doing this to me?”
Hey? Was it because she didn’t try hard enough to escape?
No! Hong Ye-ji confidently insisted that she had done her best.
“The script was written poorly, and for casting, I even mentioned the two most challenging names. But still, the script got good reviews, and those two who had disagreements suddenly found common ground?”
All the results were entirely unexpected.
“Maybe this is some hidden camera thing? Please let it be.”
But, naturally, that didn’t seem to be the case.
Would Netflix executives waste their time on such an unprofitable venture involving an unknown writer? No, this was all real. Shockingly, this was reality.
Alright, the world must be ending.
─♩♪♬
As Hong Ye-ji glanced at the calendar, fantasizing that the Earth might as well explode before production started, the phone rang. Involuntarily, she frowned.
It was Netflix Korea branch.
Now, whenever the phone rings, she trembled uncontrollably. Please stop.
“Hello.”
“Ye-ji, nice to hear from you! How’s the revision going?”
“I’ve abandoned it.”
“Oh, so it seems there’s nothing more to revise?”
“…”
Hong Ye-ji silently closed her eyes.
Now she lacked the energy to protest. It was truly…
“What’s the reason for your call?”
“Of course, discussions about the production. Right now, we’re casting actors, but the production team isn’t formed yet, right?”
“Yes.”
“We do have our own Netflix production team. If anything, perhaps you could hand the project off to them?”
“No, I’ll find the team myself.”
Hong Ye-ji said this very firmly.
“Absolutely not. Absolutely. Absolutely.”
The only escape route out of the current situation was for the production team to fail in being assembled. But helping her escape? Are you crazy? Do you want to die?
Hong Ye-ji continued in a calm tone.
“It’s my own world that I’ve created. I’ll personally select people who understand, whether it’s production or direction.”
“So, if you can’t find one, will things default to Netflix’s side?”
“If I can’t find one, we won’t proceed.”
Her voice was sharper than any sword at this moment.
“Oooh?”
The Netflix personnel, after hearing this unexpected response, stayed quiet for a moment. Hong Ye-ji liked this prolonged silence. Bad vibes, arguments, disputes — all welcome.
“Now, I was somewhat curious about a decision made recently, but after our call, I’ve understood something too. Indeed, making your small production the marquee for this landing is the right move.”
“Excuse me?”
“Huh? Marquee?”
“Yes. Netflix bundles content together, don’t we?”
Of course, Hong Ye-ji understood bundling. Most likely, under a banner like “Commemorative Works of Korea’s Netflix Arrival!” around eight works would be bunched together and categorized.
Got it.
But why? Why does my work become the marquee?
“Isn’t the number of works for Korea nearly eight? There are many strong ones. Like Ms. Park Yu-mi’s ‘The Upper Class’…”
“But Ms. Hong’s work has Sua.”
“Sua?”
“Yes. Isn’t Sua currently the most talked-about newcomer in Korea? On top of that, Seo-jung has also signaled her participation, and Ms. Hong exhibits her own resolve…”
“No, please stop. This can’t happen.”
Hong Ye-ji, eyes bloodshot, interrupted.
At the same time, she thought. Ah, she wasn’t just bothered by the existence of Sua; now she was terrified. Why is it…
The Netflix representative laughed.
“There’s no need to decline. We’re promising you the marquee position and are not trying to meddle or anything. In fact, think of this as you helping Netflix.”
“Helping Netflix?”
“Yes. From Netflix’s standpoint, it’s crucial to have something representative and successful in Korea, isn’t it?”
Is this going to become our flagship? This is an even bigger problem.
Hong Ye-ji grunted and hesitated, not knowing what to do, while the Netflix representative took it all in stride, interpreting her as deeply moved.
“Ah, Ms. Hong, here’s another note.”
“Yes?”
“Now, seeing things from an Asian perspective, Netflix is already well-established in Japan.”
“I see.”
“With your work, overseas viewers will get to see it too. You have a great ambition for your writing, right? Imagine the excitement that will spark as your work gets seen by so many people. We’re rooting for you! Best wishes for your work!”
Hong Ye-ji hung up the phone.
.
.
.
.
Hours later.
Sawako attentively observed Hong Ye-ji.
Tap tap tap —
Hong Ye-ji furiously typed on her keyboard while Sawako recalled what the writer had said to her.
“Is that woman a hidden genius of Korea?”
Still, it didn’t quite resonate with her.
After reading Hong Ye-ji’s script using a translator, she found it wildly unpredictable. This was the first time Sawako had encountered such writing, making it hard for her to evaluate.
“But one thing’s certain.”
Hong Ye-ji’s attitude was sincere, that much was clear.
“Why are you doing this to me! Why! Why! Why is this happening!”
Bang! Bang!
At one point, Hong Ye-ji slammed her keyboard.
“Ahhh… Huhh… I don’t like it… I said I don’t like it…”
At random moments, she started crying.
Sawako suddenly felt a tightening sensation in her throat as a sense of guilt emerged. Had she ever felt this desperate? No, not really.
After some time had passed…
Hong Ye-ji suddenly began deleting everything she had written. This was shocking to Sawako. How could she so easily delete what felt like blood and flesh to her?
“Excuse me, Senior Hong.”
“Uh?”
Hong Ye-ji turned and activated a translator.
“Speak into this.”
“Ah, thank you. I have a question.”
“Yes?”
“Isn’t it a bit sad to delete all that?”
“Not at all.”
After all, it was a script she had hastily written while almost falling asleep. Of course, Sawako was impressed by Hong Ye-ji’s firmness.
Suddenly,
Hong Ye-ji blinked her eyes as if an idea struck her.
“Come to think of it, you showed an interest in writing, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I’m from Japan…”
Sawako hesitated with her lips.
Hong Ye-ji still hadn’t obtained any background information about Sawako. Lee Geum-sook had dispatched Sawako with the belief that “a writer should know how to introduce themselves.”
Sawako, after pondering how to introduce herself,
“I’m just an aspiring writer. I wish to become an excellent writer someday, but I don’t know if I can.”
Introducing herself without confidence, since she hadn’t produced any major works yet and was still under her mother’s shadow.
“…”
Hong Ye-ji stared intently at Sawako.
Middle schooler. Extremely young. And an aspiring writer?
Hong Ye-ji crossed her arms as if a light bulb had switched on in her mind.
“I have one question.”
“Yes, Senior.”
“Are you practicing to become a writer?”
“Training? Is there anything besides reading and writing?”
“Dear.”
Hong Ye-ji shook her head left and right.
“For instance, here’s a type of training.”
Hong Ye-ji grabbed the handles of Sawako’s wheelchair. Suddenly, Sawako found herself in front of Hong Ye-ji’s desk.
“With this script I’ve randomly deleted chunks of, fill in the blanks with your imagination, Sawako. Just go with whatever comes to mind.”
“Eh, isn’t it your script, Senior? If I tamper with it…”
“It’s fine. All the content is already in my head, so just focus on the exercise. Filling out a structured world according to your own taste is quite beneficial.”
“Aah, I definitely see… Thank you so much…”
Akiko nodded.
“I’ve never tried a training method like this…”
For a while, the two thought, facing each other.
“Indeed, geniuses have completely different training methods.”
“I should kick everyone out this time. Definitely.”
Finally, the two geniuses exchanged their first greetings with smiles.
“Senior, please treat me well going forward.”
“Sawako, please treat me well going forward.”
◈◈◈◈◈
The next day.
Sua stepped out of the van.
Today was the day of the photo shoot meeting related to swimwear!
It was the most renowned ‘Jog Korea’ headquarters, and the moment Sua entered the building, she marveled. Stunning photo shoots were displayed all around.
“Whooa…! Am I the one getting these kinds of shots…!”
Sua herself had seen ‘Jog Korea’ photo shoots before. Though embarrassing to admit, she’d even mimicked the models’ expressions and poses while showering…
Regardless! Now she was here as the cover star!
Meanwhile, the staff was whispering.
“Oh, it’s Sua! Sua! Kim Yu-han!”
“Today’s shoot will be intense….”
“Let’s not mess up. The boss isn’t joking around.”
Kim I-seo, overhearing, couldn’t help but laugh.
“Sua, remember the old days?”
“What do you mean by old days?”
“Even Sua once had a phase where everything she did was doubted first, right? But, slowly, people started to recognize and accept her talents, even in this harsh industry.”
“Hmm.”
Listening to it, she had to admit it was true. Sua-pu-ly!
“There’s no point settling for the past. We’ll dive into bigger waters, and there will be more people who recognize her.”
“That’s true.”
.
.
.
.
.
Chatting along the way, they soon reached the conference room.
The vast space began filling up with ‘Jog Korea’ employees. There were more people than she expected. Involuntarily, Sua had to swallow her saliva.
A moment later, several female staff members approached Sua. They carried a pile of something in their hands.
It was easy to understand. All of them were swimsuits.
“Would you like to take a look at these for today’s session?”
Sua, without a thought, picked one up and spread it out.
“…”
She was startled.
Even if she didn’t show it outwardly, her eyes widened inside. Of course.
“…Wow, that’s too risqué!”
