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

Chapter 189 Collapse Alarm! Three-Way Wall Construction VS Hidden Arrow Piercing the Heart
The July heat in Seoul is scorching.

however.

Even more scorching than the temperature was the box office performance of "Veteran"—

Over 400 million viewers in its first week!

This number carries a scorching impact, like a thunderbolt rolling across the entire film and television industry and even the broader public opinion arena.

The media exclaimed in surprise.

This has caused a stir in the industry.

Even more terrifying is that dimensions beyond the film have been completely ignited—

Naver, Daum, Twitter... the top ten of all the trending lists were almost entirely dominated by entries related to "Veteran".

Even Girls' Generation's grand comeback with their summer album, a major event that was originally expected to dominate the charts, has been almost completely suppressed and forgotten!
This is almost a cultural spectacle.

While all eyes were on the phenomenal success of "Veteran," Kang Jae-hoon unexpectedly became a breakout star.

What made him famous was not just the pair of gold-rimmed glasses that sold out after the movie's release and became a hot-selling item, nor was it the complex charm of his character, Jo Tae-oh, that was both chilling and captivating.

Instead, it was a scene full of irony—

While the driver demanding back wages was forced into a humiliating boxing match with the project manager, Zhao Taiwu, accompanied by Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, performed an elegant and twisted "dance of death" in the office!
on the screen.

A luxurious yet cold office.

The father's painful groans, the child's cries, and the abuser's panting formed the perfect backdrop.

Meanwhile, Zhao Taiwu was completely immersed in his distorted "art," dancing wildly and with bizarre movements and a strange rhythm!
Every movement in this dance is extremely relaxed, yet precisely timed to every exciting melody moment, exuding a peculiar and captivating charm that strikes at the nerves of internet users in the internet age who crave novelty and deconstruction.

"Wow! Those dance moves... are amazing!"

"Even though I know Zhao Taiwu is a scumbag, why is his dancing... inexplicably captivating?"

"Help! I've started to twist and turn along with it!"

"This twisted elegance...this frenzied rhythm...absolutely amazing!"

"Please provide a slow-motion breakdown of the motion!"

Overnight.

This dance clip, jokingly referred to by netizens as "Jiang-style rhythm," has swept across the internet like a virus.

Countless internet celebrities and comedy bloggers have jumped on the bandwagon to imitate it, resulting in a plethora of fan-made, parodies, and versions accompanied by various catchy background music.

The level of popularity is extremely high.

This prompted many idol groups that were in the process of making a comeback to join the attack on Girls' Generation, and their companies required them to imitate this highly recognizable "Jiang-style rhythm" in the practice room or backstage at music shows.

The boy band members imitated it wildly and unrestrainedly.

When the girl group members jump, they exude a charmingly playful contrast.

There are even large groups that perform group rhythmic movements in their variety shows, dancing crookedly and awkwardly, which makes the comment section laugh and amplifies the popularity.

The most ironic thing is—

The professional idols who are best at hip-twisting dances are now all flocking to imitate an actor who is "twisting randomly" in a movie.

This trend is so strong.

So much so that the Girls' Generation members, who were meticulously refining their choreography for their comeback song "Party" backstage in the M! Countdown waiting room, were also flooded with posts during their breaks.

Hyoyeon swiped her phone and shoved it in front of Yoona, who was adjusting her tassel earrings in front of the mirror:

"Hey, Yoona, look!"

In the video.

A muscular man in a vest is frantically imitating Kang Jae-hoon's "electrifying shoulder shrug and circle drawing" in front of a mirror.

Yoona glanced at it casually.

puff--

"Oh no!"

She laughed so hard she almost choked, tapping the screen with her finger:

"He twisted like he was being electrocuted... no, like a crab that got caught in a door!"

The sisters gathered around to watch, bursting into laughter.

The laughter carried a hint of helplessness at having the market's enthusiasm "hijacked," as well as a subtle sense of pride—after all, the guy who "twisted" the whole internet was, to some extent, one of their own.

……

As Kang Jae-hoon's personal popularity skyrocketed.

Those advertisers who had a keen eye for talent or a strong gambling spirit have finally had their moment to shine!
Almost simultaneously, the official websites all changed their promotional materials to feature the newly released photos of Kang Jae-hoon as the brand ambassador.
[COWAY Official Website]

Against a blue background.

Kang Jae-hoon wore a high-quality off-white turtleneck sweater, turning slightly to the side. One hand casually rested on top of the technologically advanced water purifier, his expression gentle yet composed and intellectual.

Caption: Pure and healthy, breathe freely. COWAY, on your journey.

[Kaisheng Beer Official Website]

The background is a back alley food stall with a strong summer night atmosphere.

Kang Jae-hoon wore an indigo casual shirt, the sleeves casually rolled up to his forearms. He placed one foot on the bench railing, held up an amber-colored chilled Kaisa beer bottle, and flashed a refreshing smile at the camera.

Caption: Summer passion, cheers to this moment! Kaisheng.

Binggrae Banana Milk Official Website

The art style suddenly changed, becoming full of childlike fun.

Kang Jae-hoon sat cross-legged on the ground wearing a cream-colored hoodie, holding a giant banana plush toy in his arms and a row of mini Binggrae banana milk in his other hand, tilting his head and smiling brightly.

Caption: The taste of childhood tastes even better as an adult! Sweet every day.

[TONYMOLY Official Website - Men's Collection]

The color scheme has shifted to a minimalist silver-gray and black.

Kang Jae-hoon was shirtless, wearing only black trousers, and the muscular lines of his shoulders, neck and arms were sculpted with strength by the light and shadow.

His face remained calm.

He held a tube of black, matte men's serum between two fingers of his left hand, and with his right fingertip, he took a small amount and was about to apply it to his sharp jawline, which was still damp with water.

Caption: Sharp carving, masterful control of charm. TONYMOLY Men's Collection.

Effect?

Like boiling oil over a raging fire, it explodes directly!
In addition to the brand's customer service hotline being overwhelmed with inquiries about "same style" and "where to buy it", sales on e-commerce platforms have surged.

Even more amazing is—

Related stocks rose in response.

Although the increases varied.

Some are like slow oxen climbing a hill.

Some are like spring onions growing out of dry land!

In particular, Binggrae Foods, as a long-established national brand, has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its collaboration with Baymax from "Big Hero 6". Now, it has precisely marketed the dual emotional points of "Kang Jae-hoon + childhood nostalgia", and its stock value has seen a visible leap after the release of the promotional photos!
For a while.

"Endorsement effect," "celebrity sales power," and "fan economy" have become frequently used terms in various financial programs and stock commentators.

The hosts of various terrestrial financial channels, wielding laser pointers and poking at the screen, were analyzing with great enthusiasm:

"We've observed a striking correlation between the unusual stock price movements of these four brands and the endorsement activities of the same celebrity, with a massive influx of short-term capital. It's fair to say that Kang Jae-hoon's personal popularity has become a significant variable driving the value of these brands! No, it's a key variable!"

"Kang Jae-hoon effect!"—This term was quickly extracted by the media and appeared on the search rankings.

The discussion forums of major securities trading apps have gone completely crazy:
"This is terrifying! I just sold my Coway last week! I'm so regretful! Is it too late to buy a Bengrave now?"

"Seeking resources! I'm offering a hefty sum to buy a list of potential future brand endorsements for Kang Jae-hoon! Payment is required!"

"Insider information: Kang Jae-hoon is about to sign a deal with Shinsegae Duty Free!"

"Bullshit! It's definitely a car! Hyundai or Kia?"

"Kang Jae-hoon is a Virgo, and his financial luck this month is in the southeast. Quickly check which big companies are in the southeast!"

"Never mind, let's build up our position in Tony Charm first! What if we sign a sales-sharing agreement?!"

"Wake up, upstairs. The profit-sharing agreement is essentially a gamble. What if his facial condition deteriorates? (doge)"

"What are you afraid of! Charge! Follow Young Master Zhao, and wealth will beckon to me!"

"..."

These unfounded speculations were quickly reflected in the related stocks, causing short-term fluctuations lacking logical support. Even some brands with names that were completely unrelated to Kang Jae-hoon but sounded similar were innocently affected, experiencing a small price increase.

The entire market is caught up in a frenzy of tracking "Kang Jae-hoon's next move".

It was as if he could conjure up a vein of flowing gold mine out of thin air by stomping his foot.

Stock market investors are using all their skills and strategies.

They were desperate to find out about his endorsement deals, revealing their gambler mentality.

At this moment, in the eyes of countless speculators eager for quick riches, Jiang Zaihun was no longer an actor, no longer a complex character, but a figure walking at the top of the stock chart—

"Living God of Wealth!"
however.

This "living god of wealth," revered as a deity by stock market investors, sits in the house, while Jin Dayuan, the "temple keeper," suffers from the incense smoke.

Endorsement offers came raining down like an avalanche.

Not to mention the script offers pouring in from various production companies and television stations, some as thick as bricks.

Screening, negotiating, assessing risks, weighing pros and cons...

Jin Dayuan felt like he had been stuffed into a high-speed centrifuge.

She visibly lost weight in just three days.

His cheekbones are very prominent.

Her dark circles under her eyes were so prominent they could be a model for smoky eye makeup.

After several sleepless nights in a stuffy, air-conditioned office, he meticulously planned out Kang Jae-hoon's future business empire, trying to extract truly sustainable gold from this dazzling gold mine.

finally.

My body, this old machine that's been running under heavy load, is sending out a sharp alarm.

I have a severe cold.

A splitting headache.

My throat feels like it's been rubbed with sandpaper.

My whole body aches and feels weak.

After swallowing a handful of cold medicine, Jin Dayuan collapsed onto the makeshift cot in his office.

Just a second before my eyelids felt so heavy I could barely lift them, a clear thought popped into my head: maybe I really should find a reliable assistant; doing this job alone would be unbearable...

I don't know how long I was unconscious.

Even in my dreams, I'm still battling with the constant stream of news about "Kang Jae-hoon's endorsement effect."

A rapid, sharp telephone ring, like a death knell, abruptly pulled Jin Dayuan from his daze.

"Uh……"

He let out a painful groan.

My head felt like it was filled with lead.

My eyelids are so heavy I can't lift them.

Feeling around.

I caught my phone vibrating incessantly in the dark.

The glaring light from the screen made him squint. The caller ID read: Binggrae Foods - Director Park.

Kim Dae-won's heart sank.

This timing... is definitely not a good thing!
He suppressed the burning pain in his throat and pressed the answer button:
"Hello...Director Park?"

On the other end of the phone.

Director Park's voice had lost its usual composure:

"Stories of bullying incidents involving Kang Jae-hoon during his school days have suddenly surfaced online! Is it true?!"

"Bullying?!"

All the drowsiness, soreness, and splitting headache were completely dispelled by the immense shock at this moment, and a chill ran from the soles of my feet straight to the top of my head.

Jin Dayuan even felt that his blocked nasal cavity was instantly cleared.

In the South Korean entertainment industry, "school bullying" is a nuclear bomb that can destroy any artist's career!
The public has virtually zero tolerance for this.

No matter how high one's achievements become, once one is accused of bullying, it's almost like a death sentence for one's career.

"The news has already caused a huge uproar online. If it's false, please clarify and refute it as quickly and effectively as possible to minimize the impact!"

"But if it's true..."

"Then prepare the penalty for breach of contract, and the cooperation will be terminated immediately!"

Jin Dayuan was, after all, a seasoned veteran who had been through many trials and tribulations.

Forcibly suppressing the overwhelming shock, he maintained a calm voice:

"Please wait a moment. Give me some time to find out what's going on, I'll be right there..."

"ASAP!"

The phone hangs up.

All that could be heard through the receiver was a rapid busy tone.

Beep...beep...beep...

Jin Dayuan put down his phone and quickly opened the Naver trending search list.

1. #KangJaehoonSchoolBullying#
……

He forced himself to calm down and clicked on the entry.

The pinned post is an anonymous long post.

There are no photos or videos.

The only evidence was dense text and a few screenshots of chat logs. The content directly accused Jiang Zaixun of gathering a delinquent gang during his high school years to subject a classmate, "A," to long-term, organized bullying.

Physical violence, extortion, verbal abuse... each incident was described in vivid detail.

The writing is skillful, rich in detail, and powerfully evoking emotions, creating a highly immersive experience.

The ending is even more provocative:

"A person who rose to fame by playing villainous roles was actually an even more real monster in real life! Victim A still lives in the shadows, while the perpetrator enjoys the spotlight and wealth! Where is justice?!"

The comment section below the post has been completely flooded with comments:

[Oh my god! Is this for real?! My scalp is tingling!]

No wonder he portrayed a psychopath like Jo Tae-oh so convincingly! It was just him playing himself!!

This is horrible... We demand that Kang Jae-hoon immediately come forward to apologize and explain! Give the victims an explanation!

Boycott "Veteran"! Boycott bullies! All brands that endorse the film should immediately terminate their contracts!

[My heart aches for victim A! How have they endured all these years? The psychological trauma they've suffered is unimaginable!]

[Binggray! Kaisi! Coway! Tony Glamour! What are you waiting for? Terminate your cooperation immediately!]

[I'm disgusted. I used to think he was a good actor, but now I just find him repulsive! I'm unfollowing him!]

[We need a thorough investigation! We need solid evidence! We cannot let any bully get away with this!]

【…】

Anger, doubts, demands for boycott and censorship swept through the comment section like a tsunami, interspersed with a few faint voices saying "waiting for an official response" or "something seems amiss."

read it.

Jin Dayuan's brain was working at high speed, and his professional instincts even overcame the drowsiness brought on by his severe cold.

It shouldn't have been exposed earlier.

It won't explode tonight.

It just so happens that the news broke at a time when "Veteran" was doing so well at the box office, his endorsement effect was sweeping the stock market, and his personal reputation was at its peak.
and.

The revelation went viral and immediately became the top trending topic within just one hour of its release?

Major marketing accounts coordinated their efforts to stir up trouble, and there were obvious signs of comment control in the comment section...?
This is by no means just an ordinary netizen's "revenge by revealing information," but a premeditated, organized, and highly resource-intensive precision attack.

Who could be targeting Kang Jae-hoon?
Extreme supporters who think "Zhao Taiwu" is too realistic and tarnishes the image of the chaebol group?
Because Kang Jae-hoon's rise completely overshadowed his own and threatened his career, his fellow actors and their teams harbored resentment.
His business competitors, driven by the soaring stock prices of the products he endorses and their shrinking market share, are now desperate.
Or perhaps a political scandal to divert attention?

What major scandals have recently required a rising star to divert public attention?

—Oh! A documentary about the Sewol ferry disaster is scheduled to be screened at the Busan International Film Festival, and the Ministry of Culture has issued a statement saying that if it dares to screen the film, the festival's budget will be cut. More than 100 film and television industry professionals, led by Song Kang-ho and Park Chan-wook, signed a protest, which resulted in them being added to the Blue House's list of banned artists.

……

Jin Dayuan had no time to delve into the details of who was behind it all.

The most urgent task is to find Kang Jae-hoon.

With that thought, he grabbed his car keys and rushed out the door, even knocking over a chair in his haste.

along the way.

Kim Dae-won almost slammed the accelerator into the engine compartment.

But all that came through the receiver was a cold, mechanical female voice:

"The user you are trying to reach is currently on another call. Please try again later..."

Once.

Again.

Jin Dayuan's palms were drenched in cold sweat as he gripped the steering wheel, his mind racing with the worst possible scenarios. If this were true... No! It couldn't be true! Everything would be over!

The car braked suddenly and stopped in front of the apartment building in Seongsudong.

Jin Dayuan burst through the car door and rushed up to the fifth floor.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The force of the impact caused dust and debris to fall from the door frame.

A few seconds later.

The door opened a crack.

Kang Jae-hoon's face peeked out.

He held the phone to his ear with his right hand.

In his left hand, he was clearly holding a carton of Binggrae banana milk...

When Kang Jae-hoon saw Kim Dae-won at the door, panting heavily, pale-faced, and with dark circles under his eyes, he was clearly taken aback. He raised his chin to indicate that he should wait a moment and continued talking on the other end of the phone.

Jin Dayuan choked on his words: "..."

What kind of time is this to be sipping banana milk?!
But next second.

Looking at Jiang Zai Xun's calm and even somewhat helpless expression, Jin Da Yuan felt the tension in his heart suddenly ease.

Not right.

This reaction is very strange.

If he had truly been hit where it hurt, he would be panicked and completely lost right now. How could he possibly be so calm?

My thoughts drifted, but my ears caught the conversation:

"Have Zhixian help me with my legal issues? That's not a good idea, I'd owe her a favor..."

"...Oh, normal payment, at market price? Okay then."

"Come to my house? Or should I go find her?"

"...Afraid I'll get photographed by paparazzi when I go out? Hmm, okay. Thanks for your help."

"Okay, got it. Bye."

Kang Jae-hoon hung up the phone and looked up at Kim Dae-won:
"Brother, why do you look so pale? Have you been indulging in too much sex?"

Jin Dayuan didn't have time to banter with him, so he shoved him into the house and slammed the door shut behind him.

"Is Lim Yoona on the phone?"

"Ah."

So the news online is false?

"Of course it's fake."

Kang Jae-hoon pulled out another carton of banana milk from the refrigerator, tied a straw to it, and handed it to Kim Dae-won.
"Brother, have some tonic."

Jin Dayuan rolled her eyes at him, too tired to argue, and took the cold box, taking a big gulp. The sweetness of the banana milk mixed with the dryness in her throat rolled down, and the strange coolness seemed to suppress her anger a little.

The atmosphere inside the room transformed from apocalyptic devastation to a kindergarten afternoon tea.

A suckling at the breast.

The other one also suckled.

……

half an hour.

Jin Dayuan quickly listed out his previous analysis, counting on his fingers.

Kang Jae-hoon was originally inclined to engage in infighting among his peers.

After all, the Chungmuro ​​pie is only so big, and if you stand out too quickly, it's bound to attract envy and jealousy.

Tripping people up, resorting to dirty tricks, and smearing others are nothing new in this industry.

Whoever steps forward will naturally attract hatred.

But after hearing Jin Dayuan's more comprehensive analysis...

The motive of simple business warfare (grabbing market share) is not wrong.

The official cover-up of scandals is a routine operation, and the motivation is not questionable.

The motive for stabbing someone in the back is even more understandable...

The scope is too broad, and there are too many possibilities.

All of a sudden.

He couldn't guess which side sent this venomous snake lurking in the shadows.

at this time.

"Om-"

My phone, which was on the coffee table, vibrated.

The screen lights up.

It's Bae Suzy's Kakao.

[Suzy]: Oppa, come with me to a charity volunteer event tomorrow at 3 PM. I've already decided on the location; the press conference will "just happen" to be passing by and take pictures.

Kang Jae-hoon paused his thumb on the screen.

I have mixed feelings in my heart.

Not only Yoona, but Bae Suzy also reacted quickly.

Being "secretly photographed" showcasing one's kindness as a charity volunteer is one of the most direct and effective public relations strategies for dealing with negative news. She used her connections and resources to pave the way for him.

[Jae-hoon]: Okay. I'll follow your arrangements.

The message was just sent successfully.

The sound of a key turning the lock came from the entryway.

The door opened.

Lee Sung-kyung stood at the door, looking travel-worn.

Her little face looked tired, and she had a bulging canvas bag slung over her shoulder.

Obviously.

She also saw the storm online.

Unlike Yoona's swift and decisive approach of directly mobilizing legal resources to resolve issues.

It also differs from Bae Suzy's clever strategy of quickly planning charity public relations.

Lee Sung-kyung didn't have that vast network of connections, nor could she think of a more complex way to deal with it.

All she could do was...

She simply returned to his side as quickly as possible when he might need support the most, and silently stayed by his side.

That's it.

Kim Dae-won and Lee Sung-kyung exchanged a glance, then guiltily looked away, pretending to be engrossed in their phone screens.

Kang Jae-hoon instinctively strode forward to meet him.

"came back."

"Ah."

Lee Sung-kyung responded, changed into slippers, and quickly scanned his face, seemingly to check on his condition.

Are you...hungry?

They didn't inquire about the uproar online, nor did they ask for solutions.

Only the most ordinary and simple care.

It was as if the sky were falling and the earth were collapsing outside, but it had nothing to do with this small apartment.

An indescribable emotion suddenly welled up in my heart.

Kang Jae-hoon gently stretched out his arm, pulling her into his embrace.

The familiar scent of lavender, with its unspoken comfort, gently fills the nostrils.

The flavor is mild.

But people are different...

next second.

She stepped lightly on the instep of Kang Jae-hoon's slipper-clad foot:

"Oh! Someone's here!"

She then shoved him away abruptly.

With her head down, she rushed into the kitchen, her heels clicking like the wind.

"Wow--"

The faucet was turned on.

The water flowed rapidly over the sink.

Then came the crisp sound of rinsing rice and the clear clinking of pots and pans.

Only then did Jin Dayuan dare to look away from his phone screen, gazing at the busy figure in the kitchen. A mix of emotions welled up within him, and he couldn't help but silently sigh:
"What a lovely girl... how could she have fallen for this scoundrel..."

at this time.

"Tuk Tuk Tuk!"

The abrupt and clear knocking broke the sounds of running water and white noise in the kitchen.

Kang Jae-hoon walked to the door.

Get closer to the cat's eye.

in view.

A young woman wearing a well-tailored navy blue suit skirt was carrying a sturdy black briefcase.

He stared blankly at the doorway.

This person was his junior high school classmate whom he had met briefly at Yoona's birthday party.

Attorney Zhixian.

(End of this chapter)