“Yes. That’s exactly it.”
Minami Akiko’s voice carried a certain confidence, but the staff member still looked uneasy, tilting their head in concern.
“But isn’t there some risk in rushing this? Director Yusaku isn’t exactly ordinary either….”
“Ah, didn’t I already say this? I told you to fan the flames, right?”
Minami Akiko shrugged her shoulders.
“It’s obviously not about burning everything in one go. It’s about taking our time and keeping the fire burning for as long as possible.”
She had pride in her own writing and was certain that her daughter Sawako’s script was lacking.
However…
‘Yusaku’s discernment is something we should be wary of.’
She was also curious about what exactly had captivated Director Yusaku so much. The answer was Sua, and today she would see her performance.
Until then, caution was warranted.
“Publishing a story now about how we’re guaranteed to win would be risky. We can discuss further after we’ve seen the acting firsthand. But we can’t afford to miss out on this buzz.”
“That’s true. Perhaps we can also involve South Korean audiences in this competition. Expanding the scale could be beneficial.”
“Exactly. For now, let’s not say anything outright about us winning. Let’s just subtly hint that this kind of setup exists. As I said before, let’s keep the fire burning for a long time.”
“We should quietly work behind the scenes to amplify the attention Sua gets from South Korea.”
“Correct.”
Minami Akiko nodded.
“Regardless, in any duel, there will always be a winner and a loser. If anything, the more attention we can garner, the better. After all, both the winner and the loser end up gaining quite a lot.”
“That’s true. Combining South Korean and Japanese audiences, the losing side will still make an astronomical amount of money. The scope of what the winning side could achieve is unimaginable.”
“Yes. And the losing side might lose their honor, but it’s better than losing money, too, wouldn’t you say?”
“You’re right.”
The staff member felt a chill despite themselves.
‘If the attention grows too much, it could also increase the burden on my daughter, but is that even a concern for her? Or does she view this as beneficial too? This isn’t normal thinking.’
Based on what the staff member had observed until now, Minami Akiko had never shown maternal affection toward her daughter.
This situation was evidence of that.
She was only thinking about how to receive more attention in this duel and how both sides could benefit. She wasn’t human-like at all.
Finally, the staff member spoke up.
“Then for now, I’ll publish an article hinting that the atmosphere in Japan is unusual. When should we publish the follow-up?”
“After seeing Sua’s performance with my own eyes.”
Akiko’s tone was firm.
“There won’t be any issues, but if her acting ever impresses me, we might need to adjust the plan. So, write the rest of the articles based on the situation then.”
“Understood.”
After the short meeting, the staff began organizing their next steps clearly, though it was anything but quiet. Everyone seemed to have something to say.
“As we investigate more, it seems quite extraordinary. There’s quite a lot of interest in Sua from South Korea, but the problem is that Sua is a complete newcomer.”
“That’s right. She’s barely been in the industry for a year and hasn’t even attended year-end award ceremonies, which is surprising. Japan has never seen such rapid growth from a newcomer.”
“It seems to be the same in South Korea too. They call her a ‘meteor’ because she’s unprecedented.”
Akiko listened silently to everything, deep in thought.
‘Hmm, I wonder what the real person is like.’
◈◈◈◈◈
Later, the internet was abuzz.
[‘Kim Yu-han’ Sua’s debut in Japan? What’s the exact schedule? Mystic’s silence frustrates many.]
Naturally, the reason was that no detailed information about Sua’s debut in Japan had been released yet.
The rapid Japanese debut of the South Korean sensation grabbed everyone’s attention—fans, journalists, and entertainment insiders alike. People were curious about what exactly was coming.
However, the constant flow of articles didn’t allow them to focus solely on this. After all, Sua already had a significant South Korean schedule too.
[Ham Ah-yoon – Sua to Co-Star in ‘Crescendo’ Starting Tomorrow? Will We See A Piano Duel Between the Two?]
Participating in a film by the renowned director Ko Tae-min, playing the lead role, and taking on a character requiring a strong musical background…
Each element alone was impressive enough, but they were all overlapping.
[Director Kang Hyun-seong Reveals ‘Top Star Talk’]
[Will Korea’s Representative Be Sua? Expectations Are Soaring!]
Not only were movies involved, but Sua had also secured a spot in variety shows. It was nothing short of a dream come true for Sua fans.
Even for those who weren’t fans, opinions were similar.
Sua’s meteoric rise was seen by some as a ‘success story,’ captivating those who love praising others.
Gradually, the idea of “national pride” started to apply to Sua’s persona. She was now even offering a vicarious satisfaction to some.
– Leading role in a Ko Tae-min film? Wow, I don’t even know which aspect to be amazed by…
– So she’s going to start practicing piano now, huh? She’s just incredibly diligent.
– I’m looking forward to Sua as Korea’s representative! I really enjoyed the pet special; wonder how she’ll be here?
– After she goes to Japan, I hope the perception of Korean actors improves. That’s called upholding national dignity.
– Everyone is going crazy; it feels like some kind of mass hysteria. Why’s everyone making such a fuss over one actor? Looks similar to when the elders get all excited watching national pride videos…
– National pride videos are baseless nonsense, but this is based on facts. Stop comparing things randomly; her career already surpasses the average rookie.
– No matter how envious you all get, Sua’s destined for success. The Midas touch hasn’t been broken yet.
◈◈◈◈◈
With communities buzzing, the ripple effects reached every corner. Take CT Entertainment, for instance.
“Director, you need to see this…”
“What is all this? A Japanese debut? Going overseas?”
The staff was left flabbergasted by the news of Sua’s Japanese debut. After all, overseas debut isn’t something easily done.
Overcoming language barriers is the first challenge, but even if that’s cleared, whether the individual will receive good treatment is an entirely separate matter. Returning in disgrace is all too common.
But Sua…
“…Seriously? Director Yusaku made the collaboration offer first? Shit! Does this even make sense? She’s enjoying Korea and simultaneously paving a smooth path in Japan?”
CT Entertainment’s CEO shouted, his face red as if about to burst. Despite all his efforts to bring Sua down, he had never succeeded.
“Is this some kind of tabloid rumor? Right? Is it confirmed?”
“It’s official. Director Yusaku’s statement.”
“Huh…!”
The CEO gasped for air but it was futile. No matter how many stones he throws at a moving train, it would keep going because Sua was already far ahead.
Yeah, dogs may bark, but the caravan moves on.
…
…
…
…
…
…
In the midst of this chaos.
“Ugh…”
Ironically, Sua was sitting cross-armed at home, brows furrowed in deep contemplation.
[Guidebook of Yeoncheon-Kyung]
[1. Kim Sun-il – Yeoncheon-Kyung: Reconciliation]
[2. Seo Yeon-joo – Yeoncheon-Kyung: Passion]
[3. ███ – █████]
‘…Who could the next Yeoncheon-Kyung be?’
Her attention was fully on the guidebook that was shimmering like mist. She had to solve this to advance to the next level. A sudden thought struck her.
‘What… Could it be? Could it possibly be!’
Sua clenched her fists.
‘Could this finally be my Yeoncheon-Kyung?’
Yes! Sua thought.
Isn’t this finally the time of Sua?
Sua’s Passion! Sua’s Fire!
◈◈◈◈◈
The next day.
Vroom!
A black van sped toward the filming site of “Lies, Lies, Lies.” The passengers were not actors or staff but rather special guests.
Sawako and Director Yusaku.
‘Why am I…’
Oh, and Hong Ye-ji was also there.
Hong Ye-ji was nervously fidgeting with her fingers resting on her knees. She wanted to play a rhythm game but suppressed herself due to the formality of the situation.
Director Yusaku spoke first.
“Sawako, we’re finally going to see Sua’s performance.”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”
“We won’t be able to see it immediately. We’ll be staying at a hotel near the filming site and watch tomorrow.”
“Okay, I’ll happily wait.”
The shy nod from Sawako.
Yes, the reason they were heading to the filming site was to observe Sua’s performance. Minami Akiko was also on her way in a different vehicle.
“Hey, Senior Hong Ye-ji.”
At that moment, Sawako spoke to Hong Ye-ji through the interpreter.
“What?”
“We’ve only communicated through translation apps so far, but now we have a professional interpreter with us, so I’d like to talk more.”
“Talk?”
Sawako nodded slightly, her face turning red.
“Yes, I’ve had so many things I wanted to share with you.”
“Oh, really.”
“Of course. So, is the script I revised okay?”
“…”
Actually, Hong Ye-ji hadn’t even read it.
She’d wanted the script to fail with Sawako’s revisions, but the result was the complete opposite. Just look at Director Kim Young-gon’s reactions—he had been thrilled.
“It’s fine.”
And that was the problem. Why was it so good? Hong Ye-ji forced herself to swallow the words she wanted to say next.
“I’m glad to hear that. I was really scared. But you mentioned before that I should write down whatever comes to my mind, without filtering it. That was helpful.”
“Hmm…”
“So, the protagonist goes for a first meeting, gets rejected, experiences some melodrama, then later has fantastical adventures. I mixed in my own thoughts.”
“Hmm…”
“Well, aliens abduct the protagonist when they’re down on their luck and bring together others in similar situations. They may all seem quirky but are, after all, financially broke.”
“Ah.”
“In my imagination, the aliens are superhuman beings. They give abilities to the people gathered and have them play games, with the last survivor winning the grand prize. And there’s even planetary gambling in between…”
“Hmm…”
“Each game is a little different. There will be deadly rap battles, fantasy battles using spontaneously granted powers, and it’s unclear whether they’re serious or not.”
Hong Ye-ji swallowed hard.
Cold sweat trickled down her back.
What is this? Why does it feel somewhat entertaining?
Even more than that…
‘Is this genetic? Is she talented?’
Having Minami Akiko as a mother makes sense—bloodlines clearly cannot be denied. Sawako was even filling in all those fuzzy, ambiguous setting gaps.
Not that Sawako was aware of it.
‘…’
It wasn’t possible to entrust her with this. It shouldn’t be done. It’s like handing a legendary sword to the best swordsman in the world.
“Do you have a title in mind for this one, Sawako?”
“Well, there is one…”
“Please share it.”
“The ‘Alien Game.’”
“The ‘Alien Game’…”
Stupid content. Stupid title.
But it was peculiar.
Even Hong Ye-ji, despite feeling this way, thought she might actually watch the show if it came out. Kidnapped by aliens for a rap battle to the death? Hmm?
“…”
When she thought about it, a chill ran down her spine.
Sawako’s script, interpreted freely into direction by Kim Young-gon, with Netflix randomly throwing in the budget, and the stars giving their best—without question, this wasn’t her work anymore.
By this point, is it even hers? Is this like Theseus’ ship?
All the parts have changed, haven’t they? Is Hong Ye-ji’s original trace even left? Then why is it still called Hong Ye-ji’s work? Why is her name still leading it?
“Why? Why? Why? Why in the world…!?”
