Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 181: Dominating the Trending Searches and the Public Execution of the Scumbag Lion's Script
If it were just Yoona who reposted this post, Suzy would probably just scoff and think that the other person was just trying to get attention.

But the problem lies here—

Yoona's post was less than a minute old.

Bae Suzy's phone notifications went off like a hornet's nest had been stirred up, ringing incessantly.

She frowned and opened the notification list—

Kim Tae-yeon retweeted @Lim Yoon-a's post.

Tiffany retweeted @LimYoona's post.

Seohyun retweeted @LimYoona's post.

Kwon Yuri retweeted @Lim Yoona's post.

[Choi Sooyoung retweeted @LimYoona's post]

Sunny retweeted @LimYoona's post.

[Kim Hyoyeon retweeted @Lim Yoona's post]

……

moment.

The comment section of Kang Jae-hoon's trailer post, as well as the trending topics section of social media, were flooded with posts from Girls' Generation collectively promoting Kang Jae-hoon's new movie!
[All members of Girls' Generation are involved?! That's quite a spectacle!!]

Has Kang Jae-hoon stirred up trouble for Girls' Generation?

[Yoona leads the way, and her sisters all pitch in! This promotional effort is amazing!]

[Has Baek PD from "The Producers" been officially recognized by the entire Girls' Generation?]

[This collaboration...did Kang Jae-hoon save the galaxy in his past life?!]

……

The Internet has memories.

Bae Suzy instantly understood the brilliance and malice of Im Yoona's move.

If Yoona had simply shared Kang Jae-hoon's trailer, it would have immediately triggered netizens' memories—during the Ice Bucket Challenge, she and Bae Suzy both nominated Kang Jae-hoon!
This is tantamount to adding fuel to the fire of the already raging romance between Baek Seung-chan and Cindy in the currently airing drama "The Producers".

This level of attention is definitely not what Lim Yoona wanted to see.

and so.

She brought the entire Girls' Generation into the spotlight.

This way.

This serves as a warm-up for their upcoming return.

She can use the high-sounding and perfectly legitimate reason of "cheering for excellent works" to perfectly cover up her personal reposting behavior.

And the viciousness of this move.

The point is that Yoona openly tells Bae Suzy that she has older sisters and younger sisters to help her.

And what about you, Bae Suzy?

Miss A?

Ah.

of course.

Bae Suzy would also comfort herself with the saying, "Lambs flock together, tigers and leopards roam alone."

But behind this comforting remark lies a clearer understanding than anyone else—the power of a team is far greater than that of going it alone.

Just like on ancient battlefields, even the bravest Japanese pirates would be annihilated when faced with the well-trained and perfectly coordinated Mandarin Duck Formation of Qi Jiguang's army.

but.

Although Bae Suzy doesn't have a group of sisters to stick together.

Nothing.

She has the power of money!
There is no problem that money can't solve.

If so?
Then double it!
The effect is the instant the money lands.

The night the eighth episode of "The Producers" aired.

[Naver Trending Searches Real-Time Ranking]:
1. Cindy's first kiss with Baek Seung-chan in "The Producers" (exclusive)

2. Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy's chemical reaction (heat)
3. Veteran Preview (Hot)

4. Cindy's Birthday Wish (New)

……

The headlines of entertainment sections on major portal websites, trending topics on social media, and hot posts on forums were dominated by carefully crafted entries such as "The Producers Episode 8 Kiss Scene Ignites the Show," "Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy's Chemistry is Explosive," "Baek Seung-chan and Cindy's First Kiss is Pure, Sweet, and Heart-Fluttering," and "A Roundup of the Sweetest Moments at Cindy's Birthday Party."

Click in.

A uniform nine-grid of animated GIFs:
Bae Suzy gently cups Kang Jae-hoon's cheeks, slowly tiptoes closer, a close-up of her eyes when their lips lightly touch, and the moment of slight panting after a powerful, intense kiss...

The video is accompanied by scenes of people pushing wheelchairs together in amusement park, and even several screenshots of the "perverted handsome tycoon" from the trailer for "Veteran" showing his profile and Baek Seung-chan's goofy smile.

The direction of the comments section was also subtly guided:
[The warrior of pure love falls to the ground!]

This chemical reaction is absolutely amazing!

[Episode 8 tonight is the pinnacle! I screamed when Cindy cupped her face in her hands!]

[A crazy chaebol vs. a goofy PD? Kang Jae-hoon, what surprises do you have in store for you!]

……

The trailer for "Veteran," originally invested by CJ and directed by Ryu Seung-wan, featuring the mentor-student duo of Hwang Jung-min and Kang Jae-hoon, was already generating explosive buzz due to its naturally high anticipation.

The collective promotion by Girls' Generation further fueled the fire.

now.

Then, the bombardment of trending topics featuring a "kissing scene" that Bae Suzy bought at great expense, directly hitting the G-spot of CP fans.

On this ordinary night of June 6th, three top-tier traffic sources converged, collided, and exploded!
Chemical reactions are far more than just 1+1+1>3.

The next morning.

KBS Drama Center, Ratings Statistics Office.

A young staff member stared at the top-rated viewership report, fresh off the printer and still warm.

The sandwich he was holding in his mouth fell to the ground with a thud.

He didn't realize it.

He just rubbed his eyes hard.

Knead again.

The numbers on the report remained crystal clear, like a heavy hammer blow to his perception:
The Producers Episode 8 (Nationwide) AGB Nielsen Ratings:

19.7%
19.7%! ! !

This viewership rating may not be very high.

But compared to the steady 10%-13% range of the first seven episodes, this is like a rocket, soaring vertically by nearly seven points!

Although wireless stations have the advantage of a large number of free users.

But this increase still shocked everyone.

The data will not lie.

Trending topics, discussion, and CP (couple) buzz... all the online buzz was perfectly transformed into real audience attention and gathered on KBS screens under the precise bombardment of this "three-way collaboration".

The storm didn't stop at the ratings.

Naver's top ten trending searches of the day:

#Kang Jae-hoon criticizes chaebols#
#The Producers' show had a 19.7% viewership rating#
#Girls' Generation Recommendation Veteran#
#Bae Suzy's kissing scene#
#Baek Seung-chan and Cindy's chemistry#
#Bae Suzy's famous crying scene#
#Hwang Jung-min and Kang Jae-hoon mentor and student#
#Veteran Trailer#
#Kang Jae-hoon's acting is phenomenal#
#KBS Producer#
Kang Jae-hoon occupied three spots in the top ten trending searches.

The rest are all closely related to him.

This is an unprecedented domination of the charts!
Such a terrifying level of attention and popularity naturally turned Jin Dayuan's phone into a red-hot iron.

From the explosive ratings of the eighth episode of "The Producers" and the hype surrounding the trailer for "Veteran," coupled with Kang Jae-hoon's dominating trending topics, the notification sounds on this work phone have never stopped.

The message notifications on the screen spread and scrolled like a virus, with countless red dots indicating missed calls.

He scrolled through the information stream with a blank expression.

That's right.

Many brands are testing the waters.

It's the kind of restless, calculating urge that's actually there.

These brands have limited market share and extremely tight budgets. Their interest in Kang Jae-hoon is tinged with blatant opportunism and hesitation.
Topic conversion rate ≠ commercial value

They worry that this overwhelming enthusiasm is just a temporary surge and won't actually drive product sales.

After all, Kang Jae-hoon lacks a resume of high-end brand endorsements supported by long-term works.

Secondly, there's the issue of image compatibility.

Baek Seung-chan's warm and approachable PD image is suitable for everyday affordable products, but the upcoming "crazy chaebol" Jo Tae-oh is full of aggression - is he a "friendly and warm man" or a "dangerous charm"?
This poses a challenge for brands with unclear positioning.

Finally, there is the risk of building collapse.

After all, they've only been in the industry for two years, and their public image hasn't yet undergone enough time to mature and be tested.

In case any negative news comes out later...

These hesitations were all reflected in the other party's tactful probing words and the relatively low initial quote.

Jin Dayuan smirked and quickly swiped through the messages like he was sweeping away spam—they weren't even qualified to be at the negotiating table.

however.

Beneath the torrent of information, a few truly significant communication records lie like platinum keys sunk to the bottom of the water—

An emergency meeting invitation from the chief representative of Lotte Department Store's marketing department.

A call from the National Marketing Director of Kaisheng Beer.

more than.

Jin Dayuan's gaze swept over the confidential email suffixes of several top industry players.

These names, which normally require repeated public relations efforts and connections to get in touch with, suddenly appeared in his inbox proactively, with a hint of eagerness in their requests.

Lotte is experiencing severe growing pains in the Chinese retail market, and has even been forced to shrink and retreat in some regions. At this moment, they urgently need a strong "cultural carrier" to support and revitalize the brand.

exactly.

They learned that "The Producers" had been introduced to China.

Korean dramas, with their influence and large audience base in the Chinese market, are undoubtedly the most cost-effective and engaging medium for generating buzz.

Lotte needs Kang Jae-hoon.

Or.

They need the "Korean Wave popularity" that he will bring to the Chinese market through "The Producers" to try to reactivate the remaining goodwill of Chinese consumers towards the Lotte brand.

They are betting on whether the lingering warmth of Korean culture can melt the ice in China's retail market.

In contrast.

Kaisheng, the national beer giant that claims to "sign whoever is popular," has a much simpler purpose.

The strategy is crude yet highly effective: gamble!

They only ever sign short-term, quarterly contracts.

The goal is to quickly cash in on a celebrity's popularity.

If the hype wanes or negative signs emerge, cut your losses immediately without hesitation.

Although Kang Jae-hoon is not currently a "rising star" or a "top-tier celebrity".

But what happened after Veteran was released?

The gamble paid off. They signed a rising star for a price far below that of top-tier celebrities.

Lost the bet?
It's only been three months.

She's just one of the many seasonal spokespeople, so it wouldn't hurt to throw her away.

Many brands have similar intentions.

Each one represents enormous commercial value and the unimaginable wealth that comes with it.

however.

Jin Dayuan showed no trace of the elation one might feel at being struck by a windfall.

Because he knew all too well that behind immense wealth lay equally immense troubles and risks—just like after he "sided" with Lim Yoona.

Will Lotte Department Store's China strategy ultimately put Kang Jae-hoon in a difficult position due to policy shifts or market fluctuations?

How well do the "national" image of Kaisa Beer match the "perverted chaebol" Zhao Taiwu who will soon be portrayed on the big screen? Will it cause confusion among viewers?

Of those brands that flocked to him, how many truly valued Kang Jae-hoon's long-term worth?
How many of them are just trying to ride this wave of popularity, squeeze out the hype and run?
How can we ensure that the brand's image complements the artist's short-term (Baek Seung-chan) and long-term (Jo Tae-oh) image, rather than hindering each other?

How to transform short-term gains into a ladder for long-term growth?
Where is the ceiling for endorsement fees?

Is setting a price now premature and exhausting future negotiating power?

This is no small matter.

Every problem is incredibly heavy, and every step is fraught with danger.

A misjudgment leading to the wrong endorsement deal can, at best, damage an artist's image, and at worst, embroil them in brand controversies, or even affect the box office prospects of "Veteran".

Jin Dayuan took a deep breath, decisively picked up another personal cell phone, and steadily pressed the number on the screen:
"Hello, Attorney Park? It's me, Kim Dae-won. It's an emergency. The whole rental housing project I previously entrusted to you is temporarily on hold."

"We now need your help to lead the formation of a temporary legal and risk control negotiation team to focus on Kang Jae-hoon's commercial endorsement contract..."

"Yes, the situation is more intense than expected."

"Contract review, avoidance of commercial traps, risk assessment, penalty leverage, pricing system establishment..."

"The legal fees will be handled according to the highest priority project, and I will fully cooperate in providing resources!"

"Okay, I'll wait for your reply!"

"..."

Hang up on Attorney Park.

Jin Dayuan picked up his work phone, which was almost bursting with messages, and began to give preliminary replies and schedule appointments in an orderly and official tone.

And at the center of this storm that swept through the entire entertainment industry—

Kang Jae-hoon himself is currently on his way to the SM studio.

The matter of playing a lion...

He really hadn't planned to agree.

With filming of "The Producers" nearing its end, the schedule is like a tightly wound spring. The remaining key scenes, with their emotional build-up and climaxes, all require absolute focus.

but.

a few days ago.

Every single member of Girls' Generation shared the trailer for "Veteran" on social media, cheering him on...

That profound affection, that undisguised support...

The debt of gratitude is the hardest to repay.

Especially this kind of large-scale support, bearing the mark of a "family".

reject?

Can't speak.

then.

Kang Jae-hoon reluctantly asked the director for half a day off.

Half a day off.

This means we'll have to work non-stop to catch up on the progress.

Under normal circumstances.

The director probably won't let him go.

But having just experienced a nearly 7% surge in viewership brought about by this "ratings hero"...

then.

A big wave of his hand.

Leave was approved.

but.

When leaving.

The director patted Kang Jae-hoon on the shoulder meaningfully.

He followed the director's gaze—

Under a parasol.

Bae Suzy, who looked like a little pufferfish in anger, was glaring at herself.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

When Kang Jae-hoon pushed open the heavy soundproof door of the studio.

The iconic retro synth intro of "Lion Heart" is flowing powerfully.

The eight members, dressed in brightly colored yet distinctive outfits, are filming the dance portion of the music video in front of a pink backdrop.

Kang Jae-hoon greeted several staff members near the entrance in a low voice.

He then quickly found a corner where he wouldn't block the way and stood quietly.

Their gazes were naturally drawn to the dazzling blonde hair in front of them.

Lim Yoona stood in the center of the formation.

Every precise movement, every fluid and graceful extension of her body, displayed textbook-level control. The fill light shone on her porcelain-white skin, adding a vibrant, radiant beauty.

have to say.

The choreography for "Lion Heart" focuses more on showcasing the beauty and independence of women compared to "Party".

The action design is more streamlined.

Formation changes are more dynamic.

The overall visual impact is stronger.

of course.

It could also be because all eight of them had exquisite makeup on...

The results were indeed more stunning.

Kang Jae-hoon quietly admired it for a while.

His gaze gradually shifted from focused to sarcastic.

He doesn't understand.

Why must Kim Tae-yeon make a certain move where she has to make a circle with the largest diameter?
Those two short legs moved around like they were powered by a motor...

as well as--

That inexplicable hand-on-hips, hip-twisting, horse stance pose.

at that time.

A props staff member walked over carrying a huge lion head mask covered in thick "golden fur," interrupting his inner rant.

"Kang Jae-hoon-ssi? The props are ready."

"OK, thanks."

Kang Jae-hoon thanked him, took the exaggerated lion head mask and tucked it under his arm, then casually flipped open the thin script.

The plot is not difficult.

The male lead, who plays the incarnation of a lion, encounters and successfully wins the hearts of eight female leads with distinct personalities in a retro and dreamlike setting.

That's all.

The plot remains within the conventional understanding of "the Lion King displaying his charm".

The problem lies in the middle section:

When parting.

This "lion" male protagonist gave each of the eight female protagonists a... date invitation.

The time is the same.

Same address.

Even the invitation content is exactly the same!
Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

What kind of baffling plot is this?
Is the male protagonist (the lion) portrayed as mentally challenged?
Eight people meeting at the same place and time?!

Don't you want to die fast enough?!
His temples throbbed as he looked at it.

however.

Just the next second.

A strong sense of déjà vu suddenly crashed into my mind.

Kang Jae-hoon broke out in a cold sweat instantly.

He watched as the mentally challenged male protagonist in the script performed the same bizarre actions.

It felt like looking into an ugly funhouse mirror.

screenwriter!

What kind of virtual character are you writing about?
Is this a picture of me?!

Is this a reflection of my life, Kang Jae-hoon?!
"……Ugh."

Jiang Zai Xun sighed resignedly and forced himself to continue reading.

really.

The second half was a major car crash scene—

The eight female protagonists happily went to the appointment, only to bump into each other face to face at the door, completely dumbfounded!

Looking at each other.

After a brief moment of shock and anger.

There was no jealousy or rivalry.

Instead, the eight of them instantly formed an unbreakable "Sisters Who Were Scumbags" alliance and began to prank and take revenge on this "scumbag lion" in their own ways.

……

After reading the script.

Kang Jae-hoon silently put the lion head mask on his head.

My feelings are incredibly complicated.

There is a subtle sense of shame about having one's dark past exposed, written into a script, and publicly executed in front of the entire Republic of Korea.

What's more terrible is——

He even wants to personally play the role of the "executed person"!
[PS: Yesterday's temperature drop in Northeast China gave me a cold, and my head is still foggy, so I'll be posting less today. I'll make up for it later.]

(End of this chapter)