Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 627 Busy to the point of madness, Honorary Ambassador for National Tourism!
The first rays of dawn were breaking.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk woke up on the unfamiliar, soft bed, his body still feeling the weariness of the previous night. When he looked up, Han Hyo-joo was no longer beside him.

The sound of water in the bathroom stopped, and Han Hyo-joo walked out wrapped in a bathrobe, her long hair slightly damp and her makeup half-finished. She glanced at Kwon Soon-hyuk and saw him open his eyes, her tone natural.

"Awake? Get ready, we can't be late for the opening ceremony."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk stood up, stretched his slightly stiff body, and looked at Han Hyo-joo.

It is
Radiant! Glowing! Full of energy!

Kwon Hyun-hyuk yawned and stood up naked.

A familiar intimacy permeated the two.

Han Hyo-joo watched Kwon Hyun-hyuk's figure with a smile on her lips, becoming more and more satisfied with the sight.

This promising talent was truly a gift from heaven, a shot in the arm for her struggling career.

You can't help but believe in fate; it just so happened that their connection was fortuitously formed through a car accident.

Is it a gift from heaven?
Han Hyo-joo watched him look left and right as he searched for clothes, a smirk playing on her lips, and grabbed his underwear from the bedside.

"Here you are, sit down, I'll put it on for you."

Since today was the opening ceremony, Quan Xuanhe quickly and efficiently changed his clothes, washed up, and got ready to leave.

His gaze swept over the shoe cabinet, and he picked out a pair of nude-colored mid-heeled shoes and handed them to her feet.

"Wear these. They go well with your suit, and you won't get too tired standing for long periods." Han Hyo-joo smiled and softly agreed, helping him slip into the shoes.

The two left the apartment separately and headed to the launch ceremony of Dark Glory.

Seoul is gradually entering summer, and for young men and women, it is already summer. Looking out the car window, their outfits already have a summery feel.

Outside the large professional film studio in Gyeonggi Province, the open space was already bustling with people.

The launch ceremony for "Dark Glory" was held here.

A huge poster for "Dark Glory" stood in the center of the venue. The poster's overall tone was cold and oppressive, with only the four Korean characters "The Glory" (the official name of Dark Glory) on it.

Directly in front of the poster is a red cloth offering table full of ritualistic significance.

The offering table was already fully arranged according to traditional rules.

Right in the center is a huge roast suckling pig, its head slightly raised, roasted to a golden brown and glistening.

Seasonal fruits—apples, persimmons, and pears—were arranged on plates, flanked by large red candles.

Traditional rice cakes, various pastries, and bottled liquor are all available.

The crew members bustled about, confirming positions and procedures. Director Ahn Gil-ho and screenwriter Kim Eun-sook stood to one side, conversing.

The main actors, who arrived one after another, were all wearing T-shirts with the "The Glory" logo printed on them, and gathered in twos and threes to wait for the start of the opening ceremony.

"Everyone's here, let's get ready to begin!" Director Ahn Gil-ho glanced at his watch and announced in a loud voice.

The staff immediately guided everyone to stand in the pre-arranged order.

Director Ahn Gil-ho and screenwriter Kim Eun-sook stood in the center of the first row.

As the male lead, Kwon Heon-hyuk naturally stood next to screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, while Han Hyo-joo stood on the other side.

Actors Park Sung-hoon, Lim Ji-yeon, and Jung Sung-il stood at a slightly later position.

Young actors such as Shin Ye-eun, along with other core crew members, lined up in the back row.

"Ready—!" shouted the ceremony organizer.

As everyone faced the offering table and the huge poster, their expressions quickly became solemn and respectful.

Then the main creators gave speeches.

There's not much to say about this part; it was quick and easy, just some encouragement and looking forward to a brighter future.

Next came the offering of incense and prayers. The main creators, both on and off screen, took turns going up to offer their blessings, hoping for a smooth and successful outcome.

Secondly, under Director An's leadership, everyone knelt down in unison.

After bowing three times, Director An was the first to stand up, and everyone else followed suit.

Guided by staff, everyone prepared to take a group photo in front of the huge poster.

"Come on, one, two, three... Fighting!" the photographer shouted.

The shutter clicked rapidly, freezing the image in that moment.

After the group photo was taken, Director An nodded in satisfaction and signaled everyone to rest for a while.

After the opening ceremony, the next step was to shoot character photos and posters.

The actors will change into costumes and take promotional photos and posters, which will be used for the show's publicity and promotion.

It was actually quite simple. Everyone was dressed in black formal attire, either facing the camera directly or gazing elsewhere, and the shoot was completed quickly.

After that, the intense filming began.

Early summer in Seoul is already showing signs of heat, but for Kwon Heonhyuk, the heat comes from an even more turbulent vortex of work.

He was busy shuttling between the filming locations of "Night Owl" and "Dark Glory".

On the set of "Night Owl" in Gyeonggi Province, the air was thick with the smell of dust and sweat. Kwon Heon-hyuk had just finished a set of action shots, and as soon as the martial arts director yelled "Cut," his assistant quickly led him to the rest area.

He was clearly exhausted.

The director watched the playback on the monitor and whispered a few words to the cameraman, which meant that there might be one or two details that needed to be redone.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk gulped down a mouthful of water, closed his eyes to rest for a moment, but his mind was racing. He needed to finish as quickly as possible because his scenes were waiting for him in the Netflix "Dark Glory" studio a few hours later.

After hastily changing out of his ancient costume, Quan Xuanhe practically rushed into the van right on time.

The car started, and the highway leading to the film set became his brief respite.

The car was dimly lit, and Kwon Hyun-hyuk repeatedly recited his lines for the scene that was about to be filmed, while the city lights and shadows flashed past the window.

Upon arriving at the studio for "Dark Glory," time was running out.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk quickly changed clothes and applied makeup in the dressing room.

On camera, he once again filmed a scene with Han Hyo-joo.

In comparison, the roles in Dark Glory were easier to film, since the character designs and acting difficulties were on a completely different level.

Once the director called a halt to enter the adjustment period, Kwon Hyun-hyuk's phone screen frequently switched between the "Night Owl" set group chat and the "Dark Glory" work group. The information flow was like his journey shuttling between the two sets, never stopping.

Time passed by as the lights on set flickered.

When the last "OK" sounded on the daily schedule for "Dark Glory," the weariness in Quan Xuanhe's eyes spread like thick ink, but his feet did not stop.

He then jumped into the van on his way back and headed back to Gyeonggi Province, where the set of "Night Owl" was still waiting for him.

Inside the van, he leaned against the headrest, placed his half-eaten boxed lunch on the small table beside him, and drifted off to sleep in his seat.

This kind of back-to-back work, commuting between two film crews that are far apart, and relying on a nanny car, breaks between costume changes, and even short naps while on the move as rest stops, became the norm for Kwon Hyun-hyuk during this period.

The physical exhaustion was real, but as an actor with extremely high professional skills, he had to immerse himself seamlessly in two completely different times and spaces.

They were so busy they barely touched the ground; the only thing they did was be on camera.

Fortunately, his acting skills were good, and he didn't ruin the film because of this.

Just as Quan Xuanhe was spinning like a top, struggling between "Night Owl" and "Dark Glory," a piece of news that could set off a new wave of public opinion swept across the headlines of major media outlets like a summer downpour.

[Official Announcement] Actor Kwon Heon-hyuk has been officially appointed as the "Honorary Ambassador for Tourism in Korea"!
The announcement was simultaneously released by the official accounts of the Korean government's cultural and tourism departments.

On the 29th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) and the Korea Tourism Organization held an appointment ceremony at SJ Kunsthalle in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, officially appointing actor Kwon Heon-hyuk as the Honorary Ambassador for Tourism Promotion of South Korea in 2022.

At the appointment ceremony that day, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Development Bureau unveiled two main commercials and a bonus video featuring Kwon Heon-hyuk.

The two commercials showcase Kwon Seonhyuk's superb acting skills as a professional actor, using the format of short films and music videos to naturally immerse viewers in the endless charm of Korean tourism.

In the accompanying photo, Kwon Heon-hyuk, dressed in a well-tailored light-colored suit, poses with the Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Acting President of the Korea Tourism Organization, his smile bright and approachable.

The official statement emphasized his "representative charm as an international Hallyu star".

And through his diverse film and television works, he has showcased the vitality and profound cultural heritage of the Korean Wave to the world.

And he was praised as "the best candidate to represent South Korea's international image".

This was actually mentioned before; it was Han Hyo-joo who wanted to use her family's resources to make him a publicist for the military, around the time "DP" aired.

However, Kwon Heon-hyuk is not a South Korean citizen, and he is also a representative of the military, a position with a sensitive status.

So later I decided to try to become a tourism ambassador or something similar.

However, as Kwon Heonhyuk's popularity soared to unprecedented heights, the South Korean cultural authorities took notice and directly negotiated and signed him as a South Korean tourism ambassador.

The official signing bonus is naturally not very high. The key is that the signing level is relatively high. Ordinary artists cannot sign such a contract. They must have a good image and popularity, no scandals, no controversies, and no doubts.

Upon closer examination, it's clear that Kwon Heonhyuk has been at the peak of his popularity over the past two years.

This appointment was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a scalding pan of oil, instantly triggering a violent and scalding reaction!

"Actor Kwon is awesome!"

"South Korea is so good at choosing people!"

Congratulations, Oppa! You truly deserve it!

"This is the kind of thing that should be promoted for World Heritage status!"

"Kimchi finally figured out what's important, and now she's secretly stealing it every day."

The cheers from fans almost immediately flooded the comments section of the official announcement.

This is not just another commercial endorsement or award; it is official recognition.

Its symbolic significance far surpasses that of an ordinary title.

This endorsement will bring considerable exposure. The promotional video for Korean tourism featuring her will be released on the official Korean tourism YouTube channel and Netflix.

It will also be deployed in landmarks in sixteen cities, including Times Square in New York, Tokyo, Beijing, and Bangkok.

With Porsche's endorsement setting a high bar, this official endorsement makes fans feel that their idol has reached the pinnacle of stardom and is a true "Korean Wave icon."

Public opinion analysis generally believes that this appointment was "a swift and unexpected development that was both reasonable and surprising."

This is understandable, given that Kwon Heonhyuk's meteoric rise over the past two years can be described as "phenomenal".

From "One Day" to "True Beauty" which swept the global Korean wave, to "DP" which solidified her status as a powerful actress, to "Squid Game" which became a global hit, and then to becoming Porsche's first Asian racing ambassador, she has broken through the ceiling of commercial value.

Her image is positive and sunny, and she enjoys high recognition and favorability both at home and abroad, which perfectly meets the national popularity and international influence required of a publicity ambassador.

This clearly demonstrates the government's desire to leverage Kwon Heon-hyuk's current immense popularity to accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry in the post-pandemic era, and also reflects the government's extreme recognition of his value and urgent need for him.

The media's interpretation is mostly based on Kwon Hyun-hyuk's side. As for the official appointment of tourism ambassadors, it is actually done every year, but this kind of appointment, which is made annually and represents the country, is naturally of great significance.

BH Company was greatly encouraged, and its stock price saw another slight boost as the news spread.

Industry peers had mixed feelings upon seeing this news. Some were envious, as this level of official status is something many artists dream of but can only dream of.

Within the "Dark Glory" production team, director Ahn Gil-ho and screenwriter Kim Eun-sook were naturally pleased with the outcome.

The improved cast will only bring more attention to the series.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk had just finished the interview segment of the tourism ambassador appointment ceremony and returned to his car to turn on his constantly vibrating phone.

The screen was flooded with unread messages: congratulations from the film crew, invitations from brands, and pleasantries from industry colleagues...

When I scrolled to the latest news, my finger suddenly stopped.

News about Sana Minatozaki and Tzuyu popped up one after the other.

"What are you doing?"

"Come out!"

"We've been back in Korea for several days now, don't you understand the importance of offering our condolences and support?"

Kwon Hyun-hyuk could almost picture the scene of Sana Minatozaki saying those words to him in a coquettish tone.

He didn't reply; he called directly.

"Hello, Sana?"

The voice on the other end of the phone was deliberately lowered but carried a hint of dissatisfaction; she was clearly avoiding the members.

"Hey? Mr. Quan, you're so busy, not saying a word."

"Sana, why are you so angry when you talk? What's wrong?"

"Tch, what did you say?" Minatozaki Sana's voice carried a hint of gritted teeth.

"You...you threatened me that night, telling me to come out and meet you!"

She wanted to confirm her status and safety, and even more so, she wanted to regain some ground.

Quan Xuanhe glanced at the bustling traffic outside the car window, then thought about his almost packed schedule.

He sighed helplessly, his tone genuinely weary:

"It's not easy right now. I'm so busy I'm about to burst. 'Night Owl' isn't finished yet, 'Dark Glory' has just started filming, and there are a bunch of official and commercial appointments filling my schedule... I really can't find any extra time."

He paused deliberately:
“If you really want to meet—” He deliberately dragged out his words so that Sana could fully grasp the meaning behind them.

"You might have to come find me."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

Quan Xuanhe could almost picture Sana staring wide-eyed on the other end, wanting to retort but speechless for a moment.

You know what, Kwon Heon-hyuk is actually busier than them these days.

Twice doesn't have any schedules right now. Their upcoming comeback is being prepared in an orderly manner, and that's about it.

The busiest one is Lim Nayeon, who will be doing her first solo performance soon.

"Wow, you really are a big star! Is your time so precious?"

"I'm really busy, I'm not lying to you."

Quan Xuanhe spoke sincerely and wasn't lying. He then added another sentence.

"You've been so busy you've even fallen asleep on set, you should understand me, right?"

"Hehe. Speechless."

When Kwon Hyun-hyuk mentioned her unpleasant past, Minatozaki Sana pretended to be speechless and laughed twice, but in reality, she felt a little awkward.

This is indeed not a very honorable thing, and it's a little embarrassing, although fans find it both pitiful and adorable.

"How to say?"

"Send me your schedule. How am I supposed to know when and where to find you if you just tell me?"

Sana Minatozaki, quick-witted and sharp-tongued, avoided giving a direct answer and instead began to criticize his lack of initiative.

"Okay, okay, I'll send it to you after I hang up the phone."

"Then I'll hang up."

Sana Minatozaki's voice was crisp and clear.

"Why hang up so quickly? I haven't even congratulated you on the successful conclusion of your Tokyo Dome performance yet."

Quan Xuanhe tried to persuade him to stay.

Chatting with Sana Minatozaki is also very interesting, especially listening to her talk is like a way to relax your mind.

"You're just in time."

Sana Minatozaki remained silent, then delivered a sharp retort.

“I remember sending you a message, I meant to congratulate you in person.”

"Are you sure it wasn't a mass message? It seems like all the members received the same message."

She added insult to injury, but little did she know that he had secretly been studying the message he sent!

"No, I edited everyone's posts, especially yours. I thought carefully about the auspicious words."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk kept track of their three-day performance at the Tokyo Dome and sent a congratulatory message the day after it ended. For some members he wasn't familiar with, he simply said a few auspicious words.

Quan Xuanhe carefully edited a message and sent it to his sweet little girl.

"Men are always all talk and no action."

Sana Minatozaki, however, ignored him and continued talking on purpose.

"Do you dare let your fans listen to what you have to say?"

Quan Xuanhe asked back.

"Of course I dare not. My fans will definitely prove their love for me with their actions."

Sana Minatozaki was confident and fearless.

"So you mean you want me to prove my love for you with actions?"

Quan Xuanhe used a substitution technique, and then proceeded to tease her.

"So you were just feeling unloved, Sana-chan."

"Hey! Don't talk nonsense."

Sana Minatozaki screamed and pouted, then became furious.
Hang up.

Having just finished chatting with Sana Minatozaki, this thorny rose, Kwon Hyun-hyuk had barely taken his scalding hot phone away from his ear for three seconds when the screen stubbornly lit up again.

This time it's Chou Tzu-yu.

He swiped his finger across the answer button, and before he could even utter a tired "hello," a warm and caring voice came through the receiver.

"Hyun Hyuk oppa."

"Ziyu."

Quan Xuanhe adjusted himself. He had been so busy lately that he wanted to create shadow clones. Now that they were all coming at him, he was having a hard time keeping up.

"How's work going lately? Are you tired from filming? Remember to rest."

These words were like a perfectly warm blanket, instantly covering the sparks of anger that had just been stirred up by Sasha's nagging.

Compared to the sharp question from the previous person who immediately started with "calculation" and "proof," Tzuyu's "Are you tired?" was like a warm winter sun.

The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up, and even the teasing tone he had when he hung up on Sana earlier dissipated, leaving only a comforting feeling of being understood.

"Thank you, Tzuyu. Our Tzuyu is so thoughtful."

A soft yet expectant voice came through the receiver: "Xuanhe oppa, I miss you. Can we meet?"

"It's okay." Tzuyu's voice on the other end of the phone was still gentle. "If oppa is busy, I'll come over to find you."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk's lips unconsciously curled up, and the restlessness from days of travel was strangely dispelled by the gentle breeze.

Quan Xuanhe looked down at the three words "Zhou Ziyu" on his phone, and then thought of Minatozaki Sana who had just been baring her teeth and claws and saying she would come to "settle accounts" with him.

Tsk.

Both involve "finding them," but one seems to be chasing after them to the ends of the earth while holding a bill.

The other one... quietly adjusts the time on her own, then gently and irresistibly leans in.

Chou Tzu-yu's gentleness and thoughtfulness are sometimes so irresistible that they even make you feel a little... expectant?
(End of this chapter)