A collaboration with a world star brimming with potential.
As I contemplated what kind of variable this could become, Moon Suyeon stepped forward with direct opposition.
There seemed to be some dissatisfaction lurking.
“Wouldn’t there be a better way if the ratings are the issue?”
“What way?”
“Production. Why don’t we start a new drama? We don’t need to borrow someone else’s help. Ms. Yoo-a, wouldn’t it be possible?”
Moon Suyeon’s suggestion boiled down to simply starting a new drama.
Since this was a time slot already flooded with projects, securing a slot wouldn’t be too difficult.
Heavenly Yuah had also been considering this aspect.
“That’s also one of the options. Though we’re short on time, if we have a script, it’s certainly doable.”
“Come to think of it, wasn’t there a conversation about something similar before?”
“Yes. With all the company actors currently on hiatus, it might be feasible.”
It referred to the story of when I, Heavenly Yuah, and Moon Suyeon were on the same time slot, engaging in a fiery showdown.
When SBC shattered my mental state, I recalled discussing such matters with Heavenly Yuah.
During SBC’s anniversary special or when they showcased self-produced dramas, we considered mobilizing company actors for such a production.
Now seemed exactly the right timing. Borrowing external help for various tests was a far less efficient method compared to this straightforward approach.
“Seems like the script is the main issue.”
“There is something we’re preparing just in case.”
“…Is there?”
“Yes. Though it wasn’t intended for this timing, I had also been contemplating something.”
“What is it?”
“This.”
“Let me see… Cheonma Yeonjeong?”
Our company’s script powerhouse Yang Yuli had already completed the script for Gold Rush, America.
During her free time, she had prepared another script at Heavenly Yuah’s request, and this was it—Cheonma Yeonjeong.
“…So, it’s a martial arts drama, huh?”
“Yes. Martial arts. An almost perfectly researched work.”
“…Research? You’re talking about research in martial arts?”
Cheonma Yeonjeong, a work allegedly almost flawlessly researched.
On reviewing it, the level of research was impeccable, but the characters themselves left me bewildered.
“…A blonde, blue-eyed Heavenly Demon as the protagonist, a young and handsome leader of the Martial Forest, the unparalleled beauty Hao Moonzhu, and… a Latina Swordswoman?”
So, we’d place Heavenly Yuah as the Heavenly Demon, Nam Hyun-ho as Martial Forest Leader, Moon Suyeon as Hao Moonzhu, and even add Ellie as the Swordswoman, assembling a martial roster of this kind.
“Hey, Senior Cheon. What kind of research is this? A blonde Heavenly Demon, and then a Latina Swordswoman?”
Unaware of the circumstances, Nam Hyun-ho strongly protested. However, Nana, Moon Suyeon, and Heavenly Yuah knew how perfectly researched this work was.
No, it really is authentic. The Heavenly Demon is blonde with blue eyes, and the Swordswoman is genuinely Latina.
But that’s just the case for us; for ordinary people, this cast distribution would set off reactions like Nam Hyun-ho’s. After all, martial arts dramas are inherently oriental fantasies, so where does a blue-eyed Heavenly Demon fit?
It was, indeed, a peculiar scenario where the research was so thorough that it felt off.
“…There are too many issues with this.”
“Why? This is as perfect as it gets.”
“Yeah, but martial arts dramas are extremely disadvantageous for ratings.”
Putting aside research and other issues, confronting terrestrial dramas with a martial arts series is akin to suicide. This niche doesn’t hold much appeal for a broad audience.
If we were targeting OTT with a big hit, this might have potential, but terrestrial TV ratings would be a challenge.
“And, I’ve acted with Senior Yoo-a too often.”
“So what? Everyone loves it, don’t they?”
“It’s true. But since we worked together last time, we need a mandatory break.”
“I admit that.”
We had collaborated on four projects already, with Heavenly Yuah co-starring in the lead role in two of them.
This meant half of the works featured our pairing, which might suggest we work together too much.
That said, the feedback has never been negative.
Per analysis circulating in drama communities, the general consensus holds that the only young male actors in Korea capable of holding their own onscreen with Heavenly Yuah are Yun Ju-won and Seo Min-seok.
When Heavenly Yuah teamed up with Yun Ju-won in Kill The Drug, fans rejoiced, echoing those sentiments.
However, since I too worked with Heavenly Yuah in two consecutive successful projects, my name was also elevated to such prestigious ranks.
In truth, I’d even earned the title of the actor who fits best alongside Heavenly Yuah within the storyline, demonstrating a clear upgrade in my reputation.
Still, continuously collaborating with the same actors could hinder image diversification.
Since we had the upcoming Gold Rush, America, it was necessary to pace ourselves.
“Considering the situation, I contemplated taking this one more time with something special, but this script might be a bit of a stretch.”
Taking risks on a script that offers no clear benefits wasn’t in the cards.
If the prepared script didn’t work, we’d need to shop for a new one, making production timing tough for this quarter. Hence, plans for independent production might need to be shelved.
“In that case, the solution is clear.”
“Yes, Jon-ye Boss, Her. We should proceed with this for now. By the way, has the male lead been cast?”
“The male lead is still being searched for. They told me casting is ongoing for Im Jin-nyeon, but it seemed like some male actors approached by Jon-ye Boss, Her were testing the waters.”
“Ah, our side rejected two roles, leaving two important male parts open?”
“That’s right. Since this project emphasizes the female lead, famous male actors might turn it down accordingly.”
With the immediate prospects of independent production looking challenging, we decided to focus on Jon-ye Boss, Her.
Fortunately, the male lead wasn’t finalized yet. My and Nam Hyun-ho’s rejections of Im Jin-nyeon left two key male roles open and temporarily halted casting while other strong male actors considered the opportunities presented by Im Jin-nyeon instead.
For any actor eyeing the male lead in a different drama, it’s only natural they’d find the vital roles in Im Jin-nyeon more appealing compared to the near-female-driven Jon-ye Boss, Her.
Still, from my perspective, given that this drama was being undertaken with some resolve, if it could draw decent ratings, I was willing to endure certain losses.
“Besides, the counterpart is Na Ye-ri.”
“…That’s a bit concerning.”
One troubling factor was the female lead, Na Ye-ri from Ashbloom.
While Ashbloom’s fanbase, known as Ashseed, is already vast, it’s notorious for being among the strongest.
Though Luna’s Goddess of Moon also commands an intense fanbase, it doesn’t hold a candle to Ashseed when compared to idol fandoms.
Just like a deeper abyss exists beneath hell and an expansive universe beyond the skies, Ashseed stands as the ultimate powerhouse in fandom circles.
Take, for instance, Ji Seo-eun’s romance being sidelined before it even began, showcasing how relentless these fans can be.
Sure, in this case, fans supported Na Ye-ri’s decision to participate in the drama, so there might be some understanding. Still, predicting how the fan consensus might evolve is impossible.
Considering the extremity of idol fandoms, caution was essential. This situation was akin to a double-edged sword. Thanks to Ashbloom’s fandom, this might be a worthwhile fight. Yet, mishandling it could harm us.
“Plus, I’m already regarded as ‘that guy’ among Luna fans…”
“What if ‘that guy’ evolves into ‘that jerk’?”
“…Isn’t that statement a bit too harsh?”
“It might. Na Ye-ri explicitly stated in her live stream that this drama includes romance, so fans should refrain from complaints.”
“…So there’s romance?”
“Yes, but there won’t be physical contact.”
“Ah, I understand the level now.”
When hearing about romance in a drama featuring Ashbloom, I naturally hesitated, but it seems we’re talking about mere emotional exchanges.
Of course, the writer has their own thoughts and wouldn’t include anything too out of place. Glancing at it, it’s evident that Na Ye-ri’s approach was more about toughing it out since this was drama they suggested. So, the likelihood of my image deteriorating significantly seemed minimal.
“Why? Disappointed?”
“Am I the type to feel disappointed? It would’ve been bothersome otherwise.”
“Hm…”
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“I’m contemplating how to handle a man who insists on romance scenes with the top girl group.”
Here comes the sharp gaze.
If Moon Suyeon starts her barrage of obsessive gazes, soon Heavenly Yuah would join, transforming the scenario into the usual chaos.
This time, however, the situation was slightly different.
“It’s enough.”
It was Heavenly Yuah stepping in to restrain Moon Suyeon early.
“What? Stopping me?”
“Isn’t this unavoidable? It’s literally a one-man show. Let’s not overthink it.”
“Hmph… What is this? The person who should explode the most is defending instead?”
Indeed, she had a point. So far, Heavenly Yuah had been the fiercest opponent to my romance scenes, going as far as inserting herself into roles or flipping tables when competing dramas involved me with other actresses.
So, seeing such a calm approach now made Moon Suyeon naturally curious.
Perhaps this is the power of communication?
It’s unlikely Heavenly Yuah had an epiphany out of nowhere.
Instead, it seems our conversation from the last outing carried significant meaning, leading to feelings of reflection.
Heavenly Yuah, this woman—she actually does understand reason.
While appreciating her growth, I requested her to first confirm the slots.
“Let’s look into the slots. And…”
“I’ll secure some investments. Siwoo, it’s time for you to steel yourself.”
“That’s correct. This drama seems unconcerned with ratings.”
Neither TVA nor Ashbloom’s management company, nor even Na Ye-ri herself, appears overly focused on ratings.
For the management company, this drama seemed like a fan service. Likewise, Na Ye-ri’s primary career isn’t acting.
Though TVA might have some rating aspirations, as it’s not a self-financed project, they probably won’t push too hard.
Still, to ensure decent ratings, I need to start by reinforcing internal discipline.
“Ratings will inevitably attract greed if they rise.”
Certainly, securing the role took precedence.
