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

Chapter 238 The First Big Scoop of the Year: A Mix of Good and Bad

New Year.

Everything is new.

This is a time when everyone is on holiday and families are reunited.

For some, it was just another ordinary day spent working from dawn till dusk, driven by a hectic schedule.

Yes.

Kang Jae-hoon continues his promotional tour for "Himalaya," rushing from one cinema to another shopping mall.

As an actor.

Spending holidays on film sets and promotional tours is the norm, and in some ways it's even become a "blessing."

After all, this industry doesn't have fixed holidays like a regular 9-to-5 job. If you don't spend the holidays on set or traveling, it might actually mean you're not a big star and don't have much work...

It was quiet inside the car.

Kang Jae-hoon wasn't sleepy, so he took out his phone, turned on the screen, and subconsciously started browsing the news.

An explosive piece of news instantly caught his eye:
[Lee Yong-kwan steps down as chairman of the Busan International Film Festival; hundreds of prominent filmmakers sign petition in support!]

Subsequent reports revealed in more detail the political infighting behind this incident—

The act of signing a petition in support not only failed to stop the incident, but also provoked a more severe crackdown from the Blue House, which included the artist on a "blacklist."

Kang Jae-hoon couldn't help but mutter "Damn it" under his breath. As a member of the industry, seeing film art and freedom of expression being brutally trampled on by power, an instinctive anger welled up in his heart.

He looked up, trying to find common ground, and glanced at the teacher beside him who was resting with his eyes closed. He hesitated for a moment, then gently nudged the teacher with his elbow.
"Teacher, this 'blacklist' created by the Blue House is outrageous..."

Hwang Jung-min didn't even blink, only letting out a short "ho" sound from deep in his throat in response.

There was silence for a few seconds.

He slowly uttered a sentence:
"Mind your own business. Be careful, or the Blue House might invite you in for tea to discuss your life ideals."

Kang Jae-hoon instantly cowered: "..."

All the righteous indignation was instantly extinguished by a bucket of cold water.

He is certainly not afraid of being put on the so-called "cultural blacklist".

With the current explosive popularity of "Himalaya" and "Veteran", there's really no fear of running out of films to make in the short term.

but……

What he feared was that the other party would expose his private "little garden," which he couldn't let see the light of day and was enough to blow up the headlines of the entire South Korean country!
Can he bear the label of "womanizer" or "scumbag"? At worst, he can go overseas for a few years and film some Netflix series.
But what about Yoona? What about Suzy? What about the Bible?

Are their rising careers destined to suffer a social catastrophe along with him?

He couldn't afford to gamble with that.

The car fell silent again.

The teacher clearly didn't want to delve into this sensitive topic, and Jiang Zai Xun, feeling frustrated and unable to vent, opened the "Zhao Line" group chat, sent in the news link along with some text, and seriously sought his brothers' opinions:

[Kang Jae-hoon]: [Link]
[Kang Jae-hoon]: Guys, have you seen this news? It's infuriating!

[Kang Jae-hoon]: Is the most basic freedom of artistic expression being so brutally suppressed? What has become of the Busan International Film Festival? Filmmakers uniting to speak out are being further suppressed?! Isn't this a tragedy for the entire industry?

He had hoped it would spark a serious discussion about the industry's predicament and artistic freedom.

however.

Reality is often more absurd than fiction.

Cha Tae-hyun's first reply completely steered the entire topic into an uncontrollable abyss:
[Cha Tae-hyun]: Who did you spend New Year's Eve with last night...?
[Kang Jae-hoon]: ...My teacher.

[Cha Tae-hyun]: Oh, Dispatch is about to launch their first big announcement of the new year. Do you think the thing they'll reveal at the start of the year... could it be you? (doge emoji)
[Kang Jae-hoon]: Huh?
[Jo In-sung]: Tae-hyun hyung's thinking is always one step ahead. But... Jae-hoon, seriously, let me ask you this: We understand the key point in the link. But the real key point is, between you and Yoona/Suzy/Sungkyunkwan... which one is real? Or... are they all real?
[Lee Kwang-soo]: The Bible is such a practical kid! Jae-hoon, be kinder to the Bible!

[Kim Woo-bin]: I feel like Suzy has been looking at her phone a little too often lately... @Kang Jae-hoon, don't you have anything to explain?

[Do Kyung-soo]: So... has the guessing game for Dispatch's New Year's headline started? What are the stakes?
[Kang Jae-hoon]: (╯‵□′)╯ Ugh!! You've missed the point, everyone!!
……

The group chat was instantly flooded with "hahahaha" and various memes such as "We just want to know who D-Company accused during the day," "Confess now," "Confess and you'll be treated leniently," and "Gossip is the real business on New Year's Day."

That heavy news link has long since been scrolled away and disappeared without a trace.

The solemn bastion of social events crumbled instantly in the face of Cha Tae-hyun's seemingly nonsensical "Dispatch's first bomb of the new year."

outside the window.

Fireworks lit up the sky precisely at midnight on New Year's Day.

The dazzling light shone through the car window, illuminating Kang Jae-hoon's utterly dejected expression.

really.

Compared to distant thunderclaps, the "pink storm" nearby is always more likely to stir up the hearts of onlookers.

Roadshows, blacklists, the Blue House... none of these can compare to the "shocking" photo that Dispatch will release tomorrow morning.

……

However, to the utter astonishment of all those closely watching (including Jin Dayuan and his eager friends in the "Zhao Line" group), —

Dispatch's highly anticipated "first shot of the year" has gone silent.

At least this time, the cannons poised to fire were not aimed at Kang Jae-hoon, who was at the center of the storm.

It was exactly 9:00 AM.

Dispatch's major announcement of the year has arrived as expected.

[Exclusive: Sweetness Takes a Step Up! JYJ's Kim Junsu and EXID's HaNi (Ahn Hee-yeon) Confirm Their Relationship by Holding Hands on the Jeju Island Beach!]

Below are several high-resolution photos showing the silhouettes of a couple holding hands tightly under the sea breeze, beach, and sunset, creating a romantic atmosphere and confirming the identities of the individuals involved.

In the nanny car.

Jin Dayuan scratched his head, restless, staring at the unexpected news on his phone screen.

On the small table in front of him lay a thick stack of public relations drafts, the result of three sleepless nights of hard work, which had practically rehearsed every possible scenario where he might get caught.
Multiple Public Relations Response Strategies for the "Photographed Private Talk with Im Yoona in a Car" Incident (Including Media Q&A Predictions)

Statement and Clarification Regarding Entering and Exiting Non-Public Areas of a Hotel with Bae Suzy

A Guide to the Justification of Celebrities' Nighttime Visits to Lee Sung-kyung's Private Residence and Key Points for Media Communication

Ten cohabitation strategies and official responses

……

The titles are detailed and the wording is precise, full of both the "wisdom" and anxiety of being prepared for any eventuality.

"D社's layout editor also doesn't understand the secrets of traffic... Such a good start to the new year..."

Kim Dae-won pointed at the "seaside couple" news on the screen and complained to Kang Jae-hoon, who was resting with his eyes closed, with a pained expression.

"Isn't it good that no one took a picture?"

Kang Jae-hoon was awakened by his shouting:
"Brother, put away all those 'precious' contingency plans of yours. Next time... there won't be a next time."

Jin Dayuan sighed.

Finally accepting reality, I reopened my work tablet and prepared to handle Kang Jae-hoon's next roadshow schedule.

However, the occasional glances towards the briefcase still carried a deep sense of regret that the precious gem of his "hard work" had been tarnished.

Kang Jae-hoon was wide awake after all that, and casually opened the incredibly lively "Zhao Line" group chat—

Sure enough, it was already completely flooded with memes of "Hahaha, thank goodness it wasn't us in Hoon's group," "Kim Junsu/Hani is awesome! He took the bullet for Hoon!", "Hoon, what a scare, you're treating us tonight!", and various "I'm so glad I survived this ordeal" and "Gossip lovers are disappointed" emojis.

……

The hustle and bustle of the city and the enthusiastic applause in the cinema gradually faded into the distance.

The roadshows, one after another, have finally come to a temporary end.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned back in his chair, watching the street scene rushing past the window, just about to close his eyes for a short rest—

But then Jin Dayuan's cell phone suddenly rang.

The tone was initially polite and cautious, as usual.

“Hello… Yes, yes, I’m Kang Jae-hoon’s manager, Kim Dae-won… Oh?! Ah… Yes, you said…”

"...The data is out? It increased?!...10%?!"

"...Yes! Of course we know the target hasn't reached 15%...Understood...Ah?!...Is that so?!...Okay, okay! Thank you so much for the brand's trust and recognition!...The meeting confirmed it? Officially awarded?!"

"...That's wonderful! Please convey our sincerest gratitude! Regarding the subsequent signing ceremony and promotional plans..."

The call lasted for several minutes.

Jin Dayuan's voice gradually rose from initial shock to barely suppressed excitement and joy, and he finally bowed repeatedly to express his gratitude (even though the other party couldn't see him at all).

Kang Jae-hoon appeared to be focused on gazing at the night view outside the window, but his ears were constantly perked up, trying to catch any sounds from his manager.

10%?

increase?

The brand owner?
These keywords floated over, and his heart skipped a beat. He had a vague guess, but rationally he felt it was impossible.

hang up the phone.

Kim Dae-won pulled the car over to the side of the road, turned around abruptly, and excitedly slapped Kang Jae-hoon's thigh, his voice trembling:

"Jae-hoon, it's done! You're the Korean brand ambassador for TAG Heuer Carrera! The contract is ready immediately! The official press release will be released at a later date!!"

Kang Jae-hoon was photographed grimacing, but what stunned him even more was the news itself.

"...Didn't you say it wasn't 15%?"

He had already silently turned the page on Carrera in his heart.

They had even prepared themselves mentally and offered themselves "Ah Q-style" comfort:
Luxury goods are essentially a tax on people's intelligence; they are not essential indicators of happiness, but rather a consumerist trap! They are artificially created symbols of class!

Someday.

When people truly recognize what is truly precious (such as life, love, and freedom), the halo bestowed by these illusory price tags will naturally fade away.

My attitude of not endorsing products might actually make me seem more clear-headed and unconventional.
How aloof, how self-consistent.

However, reality struck too hard and too suddenly.

"They haven't arrived yet, but the brand just finished an internal meeting! They believe that the image of an outdoor tough guy and someone who challenges limits that you portrayed in 'Himalaya' deeply resonates with the Carrera series' philosophy of 'daring to move forward and being precise and reliable,' and the empowering effect far exceeds expectations!"

"Although sales in the last quarter only increased by 10% year-on-year, this is already a significant increase against the trend given the overall sluggish watch market!"

"Taking into account your market influence, image relevance, and future development trends—therefore, you've been approved despite the exceptions!"

Kang Jae-hoon opened his mouth, as if to say something.

But in the end, those sentimental thoughts only lingered in my mind before being crushed by reality:

Yes.

People know that smoking is harmful to health, yet there are still hundreds of thousands of smokers.

People know that high sugar and high oil content causes health problems, yet cola fried chicken is in short supply.

Similarly—

Even if people are aware that luxury goods are essentially a "scam," it doesn't stop countless people from pursuing that logo, that brand story, and the social class it represents with fervor.

reject?

That was not only a betrayal of his career in a somewhat "affected" way, but also a betrayal of the entire team that surrounded him and trusted him, as well as Lee Sung-kyung.

It's like trying to have your cake and eat it too.

……

TAG Heuer's South Korean headquarters.

In the presence of a group of brand executives and legal personnel.

Kang Jae-hoon smoothly signed his name on several important documents.

The moment the pen cap was closed.

Carrera's Korean regional director smiled, stood up, and extended his hand to Kang Jae-hoon:

"Congratulations, Mr. Jiang, on officially becoming the Korean partner of TAG Heuer Carrera. We believe that your resolute and courageous on-screen image, which constantly pushes the limits, is highly compatible with our core spirit of 'challenging ourselves and achieving excellence.' We hope to have a pleasant collaboration in the coming year."

Kang Jae-hoon also stood up and reached out, his face instantly displaying an impeccable smile:
“It is my honor. Thank you for your trust, TAG Heuer.”

applause.

Next came the confirmation and handover ceremony of the specific details of the contract.

When Kang Jae-hoon received the final copy of the contract, symbolizing a 12 billion won endorsement fee, from the other party, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

This is an endorsement figure that is considered top-tier in the South Korean domestic market.

After the ceremony.

Accompanied by brand executives, Kang Jae-hoon and Kim Dae-won toured the brand's history gallery. Huge posters of past global brand ambassadors hung on the walls—

Tennis legends, Hollywood stars, F1 drivers... each one is a renowned name on the international stage, exuding extraordinary presence.

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze swept over those faces, finally settling on an electronic screen not far away.

The screen was playing a series of the latest advertising campaigns featuring Carrera's brand ambassadors from around the world.

The Asian star who once sparked the "Linsanity" craze in the NBA wore a stainless steel watch from the same series on his wrist as he confidently ran through the brightly lit streets.

The scene then changes.

In the antique courtyard, a young actor surnamed Li, who has become a rising star in the Central Plains thanks to "Swords of Legends", is elegantly raising his hand.

Two completely different images.

The equally dazzling title of regional ambassador.

Taking advantage of a brief moment when the brand representative was quietly discussing follow-up promotional matters with other executives, Kang Jae-hoon slightly turned his head, covered his mouth with his hand, and leaned close to Kim Dae-won, who was trying hard to maintain a professional smile, and asked:

"Brother, how much are their endorsement fees?"

The voice just fell.

With lightning speed, Kim Dae-won covered Kang Jae-hoon's mouth.

This drew surprised glances from several brand staff members nearby.

"Huh?!..."

Kim Dae-won forced an extremely unnatural smile, nodding to the brand representative who was casting a questioning glance at him, indicating "It's nothing, it's nothing," while quickly whispering in Kang Jae-hoon's ear:

"Do not ask!"

"Asking will only humiliate you!"

"They settle in both US dollars and Chinese yuan!"

"Just keep that in mind! Okay, let's not compare ourselves to others; it's just asking for trouble!"

"..."

indeed.

Although they are both regional ambassadors, their titles sound equally prestigious.

However, the size of the market directly determines the ceiling of a brand's sales in that region, and naturally also determines the upper limit of the fees they are willing to pay to brand ambassadors.

The North American market and the Central Plains market—what vast consumer hinterland and purchasing power they represent!
compare to.

The South Korean market is ultimately too small.

It's like a big fish in a small pond; no matter how happily it swims, it can't compare to a giant whale in the deep sea.

But anyway...

This 12 billion won that I actually received... it's so good! So incredibly good!
This huge sum of money.

This will not only greatly alleviate his financial pressure in setting up a film and television company, but also be the most direct and solid affirmation of his commercial value!
Whether it's US dollar settlement or RMB settlement, that's something that happens in other people's world. If he can get this much money in his own little corner of the world, he is undoubtedly a top star!
……

Leaving TAG Heuer headquarters.

Jiang Zaihun walked with a swagger, waved his hand, and said to Jin Dayuan with great magnanimity:
"My treat, Korean beef! The best kind!"

Jin Dayuan's eyes lit up, and he skillfully began navigating:
"Hey, the boss is giving out perks? Which store?"

Kang Jae-hoon pondered for a moment:

"Let's not eat out. Let's go to Xibingku Cave instead. Hmm... we should invite Editor-in-Chief Tina along too. She played a crucial role in securing this endorsement deal. I'll make some contact."

"Row."

Ten minutes later.

The nanny van took a detour to a top-notch butcher shop near the famous Noryangjin Seafood Market.

He came out a moment later.

Kang Jae-hoon selected the top-grade 1++ snowflake Korean beef gift box and then drove towards his apartment in Seobing-dong.

……

Inside the West Ice Cave Apartment.

The kitchen, however, was in complete chaos.

Kang Jae-hoon, wearing a floral apron that seemed completely out of place with his demeanor, frowned as he stared at the touchscreen of the built-in high-end smart oven, his fingers idly poking at it.

"Which preheating mode should I choose? How do I use the temperature probe? Isn't this supposed to be a smart oven? What's so smart about it?"

next to.

Kim Dae-won, who was frantically cutting fruit (and occasionally sneaking a bite), watched him speechlessly:
"I told you to just order a Korean beef delivery service, but you wouldn't listen. You insisted on buying this fancy gift set to show off... When are you going to bring back the Bible? You've blown this kitchen to smithereens!"

It was as if I heard a summons.

The combination lock in the entryway beeped crisply.

The door opened.

Lee Sung-kyung took off her cashmere coat and hung it on the hanger. The person who came in with her was Editor-in-Chief Tina.

After helping Tina get her slippers, she immediately noticed the "disastrous" state of the kitchen and Kang Jae-hoon, who was wearing an apron and looking helplessly at the oven.

next second.

Lee Sung-kyung had already strode over with her long legs:

"Get out of the way, obstacle."

Kang Jae-hoon showed no displeasure at being rejected. While she was focused on adjusting the oven settings, he quickly planted a kiss on her smooth, delicate cheek.
"Mua~ It's good that the experts are here. Thank you for your hard work, here's a reward~"

"ah!"

Lee Sung-kyung's ears turned bright red at a visible speed. She shoved Kang Jae-hoon away with her elbow, giving him a reproachful glare, indicating, "There are other people here!"

Editor-in-Chief Tina witnessed the entire process, from the "kitchen disaster" to the "surprise kiss" and then to the "embarrassment and expulsion," and elegantly covered the smile lines around her mouth with the back of her hand:

"Wow, this live stream featuring a couple's drama, plus the chance to enjoy top-quality Korean beef that's about to be served—this free meal was totally worth it!"

Dinner began in this relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

The perfectly grilled Korean beef sizzles on the cast iron plate, filling the air with its aroma.

Kang Jae-hoon raised his glass first, looking sincerely at Tina:

"Tina, thank you so much for successfully signing this endorsement deal. A toast to you all!"

Editor-in-Chief Tina smiled elegantly, raised her glass and clinked it lightly, her meaningful gaze slowly sweeping over Kang Jae-hoon and Lee Sung-kyung, who was "focused" on grilling meat beside her:
"Do I really need to thank you so formally? I'd rather thank the person next to me properly."

Lee Sung-kyung paused, her hand holding the clips still.

Tina continued to reveal more with a smile:

"During that time, she would ask me out for afternoon tea every few days. Guess what we talked about? We never stopped talking about 'our son, Jae-hoon'—"

Tina imitated Lee Sung-kyung's tone at the time:

"His tough outdoor image is a perfect match for the brand's philosophy, and his wrists would look amazing in a mechanical watch... I'm tired of hearing about it."

Kang Jae-hoon immediately turned his head, his eyes burning as he looked intently at Lee Sung-kyung, who had frozen in place beside him. His hand under the table naturally rested on her leg and gently squeezed it.
"Oh? So our Bible admires me that much in private?"

Lee Sung-kyung was betrayed on the spot by Tina and then teased by Kang Jae-hoon at such close range, almost jumping out of her chair:
"Unnie! Why did you tell everyone! That was...that was an objective analysis from a fashion editor's professional perspective!"

She tried to slap away Kang Jae-hoon's restless hand, but he instead held her tightly with his fingers, pinning her firmly to his lap.

Lee Sung-kyung struggled but couldn't break free. Afraid that her movements would alert Tina and Kim Dae-won on the other side, she had no choice but to pretend to be calm and let him hold her. She picked up her chopsticks and ate the freshly grilled meat in her bowl.

To ease Lee Sung-kyung's embarrassment, the understanding Tina naturally changed the subject:

"Hey Bible, I heard the filming schedule for your new show 'Cheese in the Trap' is pretty tight? How are you feeling lately?"

Upon hearing this, the heat on Lee Sung-kyung's face finally subsided somewhat, replaced by a hint of helplessness:

"Ugh, unnie, don't even mention it."

She put down her chopsticks and sighed:

"Our production team is currently in a state of 'ice age.' Park Hae-jin oppa and the writer-nim have huge differences of opinion. One side insists on staying as close as possible to the plot and core characters of the original webtoon, believing that's the foundation for audience appeal. The other side feels that the film adaptation needs more dramatic and faster-paced conflicts... Both sides are very insistent..."

Her delicate brows furrowed, and she made a squeezing motion with both hands:
"I was in the middle, and I felt like I was..."

"The cream in a sandwich cookie!"

Before he could finish speaking, Kang Jae-hoon smoothly picked up the conversation:

"Both sides are crowding around you, yet neither can live without you, because you are sweet."

"Ah! Kang Jae-hoon!!!"

Lee Sung-kyung blushed and her heart raced again at his sudden cheesy pickup line, and she scolded him playfully with a hint of disdain:
"Disgusting! Where did you learn that?!"

"Pfft—Hahaha!!!"

Tina burst into laughter at the young couple's oblivious interaction:

"Kang Jae-hoon, I didn't expect you to have such a flirtatious talent besides acting. It seems you've been 'training' yourself quite well in private."

"Unnie!"

Lee Sung-kyung was so embarrassed she wanted to disappear into the ground.

Meanwhile, Jin Dayuan, who quietly grilled the meat and tried to keep a low profile throughout, was internally screaming:

[…This meal was awful, all-you-can-eat dog food. Forget it, I'll just focus on eating meat. I don't want to upset Yoona about this.]

……

Dinner was coming to an end.

Editor-in-Chief Tina tactfully took her leave first.

Jin Dayuan jumped up immediately, as if he had been granted a pardon: "I'll see Editor-in-Chief Tina downstairs! I just need to go to the company to check the details of tomorrow's itinerary!"

The two left quickly.

The excitement has faded.

The pleasantly tipsy feeling after the meal was just right.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned lazily against the sofa, watching Lee Sung-kyung quietly tidying up the table, and suddenly spoke:
"They're all gone."

"Ah."

Lee Sung-kyung didn't look up, but the movements of her hands unconsciously slowed down.

"so."

Kang Jae-hoon walked over and gently hugged her waist from behind:
"Now we don't need to bring up 'market analysis,' 'brand image,' or 'objective evaluation' anymore? Can we just say... Honey, congratulations on getting this endorsement, I'm so proud of you... or something like that?"

Lee Sung-kyung's body stiffened noticeably for a moment in his arms, then, as if all her strength had been drained, she softly sank back into his firm embrace.

She turned her head slightly, trying to avoid his annoying yet provocative breath.

After a few seconds of silence, Lee Sung-kyung muttered something very quickly in a very soft voice:
"...Congratulations. Oh, take your hand off, it's all oily..."

pity.

This warning is like a snowflake thrown into lukewarm water.

fleeting.

With a slight tightening of his grip, Jiang Zai Xun turned the blushing beauty in his arms around, forcing her to face his now gleaming eyes directly.

Her beautiful face, flushed with shame and indignation, was clearly reflected in the mirror.

"A verbal congratulation isn't enough... This is such a joyous occasion as landing your first luxury brand endorsement, shouldn't... you offer a more substantial gift? Hmm?"

"...What...what do you want?"

"For example... allow me to stay here tonight? And properly thank my number one contributor?"

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze swept heavily over her full, rosy lips.

"I...I haven't agreed yet...you scoundrel!"

The unfinished protest was completely swallowed up by a gentle and lingering kiss.

Inside the window.

Warm lights spread out softly, illuminating the empty wine glasses on the counter, the scattered traces of grilled meat on the plates, and the intertwined figures swaying in the light and shadow.

outside the window.

The Han River's wide surface reflects the city's colorful and dazzling festive lights and the pre-New Year's night sky, flowing silently like the tides that belong only to them in the night, unknown to anyone else.

(End of this chapter)