One Day (1)
In the SBC president's office, executives at the director level were gathered to discuss how to handle tabloid articles about Jung Yoo-Jin.
"How are we planning to handle this issue?"
When Kim Gab-Soo, the president of SBC, asked with a stern expression, Drama Director Lee Ki-Do glanced around cautiously before responding.
"We're considering replacing her role. There's no need to work with an actress caught up in a controversy, right?"
As Lee Ki-Do spoke cautiously, looking for Kim Gab-Soo's approval, Jung Sam-Ryong stood up abruptly.
"Mr. Lee! How could you say this all of a sudden without consulting me first?"
"Hey! How dare you raise your voice in front of Mr. Kim?"
But the undeterred Jung Sam-Ryong continued. "We've already discussed and settled this matter in advance, didn't we? They've been handling the situation well. We can't just do this."
But Lee Ki-Do shook his head.
"Mr. Jung. I understand where you are coming from, but this has grown into a bigger problem than expected. Haven't you seen the reactions on social media? There's an uproar over why we're using such a controversial actress."
Then, the Director of the Culture Division, Woo Ji-Han, stepped in. "Mr. Lee, why don't we wait a bit and watch the situation? The Human Stories episode is going to be broadcast soon. We did agree to wait until then, right?"
As others started to object, Lee Ki-Do frowned. "Mr. Woo, don't you know we need to start the crank in for Blue Sky right away?"
"What's the problem in delaying it for a day or two? And don't you think public opinion will change after our documentary airs?"
"Do you really think public opinion will change easily just like that? Do you think those who posted the malicious comments will suddenly start posting supportive ones!?"
Despite Woo Ji-Han's persuasion, Lee Ki-Do was adamant about his stance.
The debate continued for a while without reaching a conclusion.
Finally, Kim Gab-Soo intervened to end the argument. "What did the writer say?"
"She insists on using Jung Yoo-Jin. She says there's no time to cast a new actress."
"And the reaction of the other actors?"
"Ms. Lee Sa-Rang strongly supports Ms. Kim Soll-Ip's decision. She even threatened to boycott the shoot if we showed a lack of confidence in our cast in the face of such a minor controversy."
"Really? Lee Sa-Rang said that?"
Lee Sa-Rang, a renowned actress with a career spanning over four decades since the age of five, was playing the mother of Twilight in Blue Sky. Her firm stance made Kim Gab-Soo fall into deep contemplation. Although not all actors might agree with her, they couldn't ignore the words of such a sunbae with many years of experience.
The pushback from the writer and actors was significant. Even with viewers calling for a boycott, SBC couldn't make a hasty decision ignoring the sentiments on set. On top of that, Jung Yoo-Jin's fans were calling for people to show their support by contributing to the viewership ratings.
After weighing the pros and cons cautiously, Kim Gab-Soo came to a decision. "Director Lee, let's delay the crank-in for just a week for now. We made a promise, so we should keep that promise."
"But Mr. Kim!"
Lee Ki-Do protested, but Kim Gab-Soo responded with a frown. "If you're so frustrated, go talk to Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon yourself!"
"I'm sorry? Why Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon and not Ms. Kim Soll-Ip…?"
"Lee Ji-Yeon goes around saying Kim Soll-Ip is her baby. So what do you think will happen? Will she listen to her baby or us? I don't want to be on bad terms with Ms. Lee, so if you insist on your way, then go explain the situation to her yourself!"
Lee Ki-Do was taken aback by Kim Gab-Soo's harsh tone. Being on Lee Ji-Yeon's bad side could jeopardize Kim Gab-Soo's position and future projects. After all, the broadcasting station's earnings depended heavily on star writers like Lee Ji-Yeon.
"And let's reassess the situation after the broadcast of The Human Stories. And Director Lee, you persuade the actors yourself. Act like a director in times like these, okay?"
"M-Mr. Kim."
"That's enough. There's no need for further discussion. Everyone, you may leave."
With Kim Gab-Soo's dismissal, the meeting concluded.
***
Yoo-Jin finished her appointment at the hospital and wanted to return to the script reading session. However, she was unable to do so as the doctor had advised against it.
Having sought the hospital's permission, Na Hun-Seok captured all these moments on video with the intention of including them in the upcoming broadcast.
Then, a few days passed.
[Rookie Actress J's Secret Life]
-Miss J's hidden child revealed, this time a son.
-The child's father has been identified! A member of a local gang…
Ju Kang-Yong's articles were becoming more outrageous. However, the increased intensity of these tabloid articles indicated his desperation.
Finally, January 27th arrived—the day when the first part of The Human Stories was to be broadcast. Gu Seong-Cheol and I headed to Kang Gam-Chan's office upon his call.
Knock, knock.
"Come on in."
As we entered, I could see Kang Gam-Chan, Jung Soo-Hyuk, Kang Ji-Yung, and the head of the legal division, Kwak Moo-Hyuk, seated with serious expressions.
Kang Gam-Chan pointed to a chair for us to sit on. As soon as we took a seat, he immediately inquired about Yoo-Jin's well-being.
"Is Yoo-Jin doing alright?"
"Yes, sir. Apart from the minor incident that day, there have been no major issues."
"You've done a great job. It's not easy to keep someone's mental state in check..."
Kang Gam-Chan appeared fatigued, probably due to his concerns about the situation.
"Today's the broadcast day for the documentary, right?"
"It is."
"Let's hope it goes well."
Kang Gam-Chan then turned to Kang Ji-Yung.
"And Director Kang, what about the information Reporter Choi So-Hye prepared?"
"The list and evidence related to the first group of victims have already been handed over to the legal division. And today, we'll provide them with the second group of victims' details. It took some time to persuade them."
Kang Gam-Chan's eyes sparkled.
"If we've drawn the sword, we must cut decisively. Make sure those scoundrels can never pester our celebrities again."
If it weren't for Reporter Choi So-Hye, we would have only succeeded in imposing a fine on Ju Kang Yong's newspaper company. After all, the articles were initially published anonymously with blurred photos.
However, with the list of victims and testimonies Choi So-Hye had prepared, we had sufficient evidence for a lawsuit against Ju Kang-Yong.
"Well, then. Shall we start?"
With Kang Gam-Chan's words, the plan was underway.
***
The landlady brought seafood pajeon[1] and dongdongju[2] to Yoo-Jin's house. The large wooden basket overflowed with steaming hot squid-filled pajeons.
"Miso! Yoo-Jin! Come and take a seat!"
Yoo-Jin and Miso rushed over with their mouths watering. Having been off the phone and internet for a few days, Yoo-Jin's condition had improved.
The landlady's seafood pajeon received enthusiastic thumbs-ups from both Miso and Yoo-Jin.
"Wow!"
"I even brought a bottle of soda for you, Miso."
"Grandma, you're the best!"
The landlady beamed with pride. "Alright. Let's have a drink while watching TV."
"Sure, ma'am!"
They filled their glasses and turned their attention to the TV.
"It's starting."
[SBC The Human Stories – 'A Day in the Life of a Newbie Actress (Part 1: Under the Sky Without a Mother)']