In her past life, "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" was an undeniable hit. With a solid storyline based on a novel, it featured talented actors and was directed by a young and capable director, making it a standout historical drama. When I took over the role originally played by Jo Seo-hee, the pressure was immense.

'I hope it at least matches the previous success!'

I prayed fervently because I couldn't afford to ruin a drama that had achieved a peak viewership rating of over 40%. My dedication to this project stemmed from this very fear.

'Just match Jo Seo-hee's performance.'

Initially, that was my goal. However, even Jo Seo-hee's screen time was significantly reduced in the previous life, with the childhood parts being cut down to two episodes. There was no guarantee that the same wouldn't happen to me.

So, I gave it my all—every bit of effort within my limits.

"Seoyeon!"

The first episode of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" finally aired. Although I had seen it at the premiere, watching it on TV felt different. Would it succeed? What if the public's reaction differed from the premiere's?

Just as I was caught in these worries, my mom beamed and exclaimed.

"Director Gong Jung-tae called! The ratings exceeded 25%!!"

25%? Really? I was taken aback, and my mom wrapped her arms around my head.

'I can't breathe...'

Luckily, she didn't hold me for too long.

"Sweetie, she's going to suffocate."

My dad, observing the scene, gently pulled my mom away. He was practically my lifesaver at that moment.

"But~~!"

Mom grabbed my shoulders and shook me, more excited than I was. Seeing my mom this thrilled was rare.

"What should we do? I heard it's the highest rating for any first episode aired this year! Is our Seoyeon already a big star?"

"S-S-S-Surely not."

My words stumbled as she shook me. Please, stop.

Dad seemed to give up on calming her down, merely shrugging his shoulders. He should have persisted a bit more.

'But 25%...'

I vividly remembered the ratings of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" from the previous life, as they had been reported in the news. Recalling it was as easy as pulling up a clear memory, so finding the ratings was simple.

The original first episode, starring Jo Seo-hee, had a 17% rating. My version's rating was 8% higher at 25%.

Realizing this, my heart raced with the feeling of 'I did it.'

For the first time, I felt the thrill of achieving something through my own efforts.

"Hmm?"

Mom noticed my expression and smiled.

"Our daughter seems happy, smiling like that."

Smiling? I pressed my chubby cheeks with my small hands.

I was smiling.

'Well, this is normal.'

Being able to smile naturally is standard.

I closed my eyes, feeling light and airy.

'I feel good.'

It was the first time I had achieved something through my own efforts. It was a joy I had never felt in my previous life.

'I'm glad I became an actor.'

With that thought, I nestled into my mom's embrace.

The drama's impact was incomparable to that of commercials. Even after just one episode, I could sense the increased recognition.

Most importantly, articles about the drama began to surface prominently.

<KMB's Ambitious New Drama 'The Sun Hidden by the Moon' Surpasses 25% on First Airing!> <MDC's 'Action King' vs. KMB's 'The Sun Hidden by the Moon': The First Battle Goes to 'The Sun Hidden by the Moon'> <Who is the Child Actress Creating a Buzz as 'Yeonhwa Princess'?> <'Action King' in Trouble Right from the Start: 'We Will Show Our True Colors in the Next Episode'>

Numerous articles flooded in, and some of them were about me.

There were pieces praising my stable performance in the first episode and others speculating about my transition from commercials to drama.

As a result, the interest in me surged to unprecedented levels.

"Seoyeon, the teacher is looking forward to the second episode too!" "Did you finish filming up to the third episode? What happens next?"

Even at kindergarten, discussions about me were everywhere. Teachers who usually kept their distance showed interest and approached me.

"Joo Seoyeon, just wait. I'll be in a drama soon too."

At kindergarten, Jiyeon expressed her strong ambition.

"That's good, but let's switch agencies first?" "I was going to anyway."

According to my mom, Jiyeon's mom, Hong Jin-hee, thoroughly investigated 'Eunha Entertainment.' Realizing the truth about the agency, she promptly withdrew Jiyeon from it.

'She didn't go to the agency I recommended.'

Unfortunately, they didn't trust that agency either and were looking for alternatives. It couldn't be helped. I planned to suggest other promising management companies.

"Joo Seoyeon."

Jiyeon hesitated and looked at me, something rare for her.

"I heard from my mom... you..."

She hesitated, a rare occurrence for the usually confident Jiyeon.

Her actions hinted at what she wanted to ask. The usually assertive Jiyeon only hesitated like this about one thing.

"Yes." "Huh?" "What you're thinking right now."

At my words, Jiyeon's eyes widened, and then she frowned.

She wasn't happy with my decision.

"Hmph, whatever."

Jiyeon's reaction made me smile.

"Hey, Jiyeon." "Yes?" "Want to go to voice acting school together?" "...What?"

Jiyeon looked at me, puzzled. She seemed to wonder why an actor would attend a voice acting school.

She didn't know. Entertainers need to have multiple talents.

Actors especially benefit from good vocal skills.

Later, actors often did their own dubbing.

'Most were criticized.'

But if I performed well, it would be a chance to establish a good image with the public.

...Of course, my suggestion had a personal interest too.

"Hmph, fine."

Jiyeon seemed reluctant but didn't reject my offer.

She had once been criticized as a child voice actor in an animation.

That experience likely led her to retire.

Otherwise, Jiyeon would have debuted as an actor later.

'I wonder what she did after that.'

Jiyeon had talent and charm. She wasn't a natural actor, but she had potential.

I believed she'd excel as a voice actor.

I nodded, watching Jiyeon.

Later, I learned about Jiyeon's surprising career, but that's a story for another time.

Days passed since the first episode aired.

Interest in "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" grew.

Today, the highly anticipated second episode was airing, after making a strong impression at the teaser and premiere.

"We can't relax yet. MDC's 'Action King' is also doing well."

Hae Tae-oh reminded the staff, cautioning against complacency.

The two dramas aired at the same time and had similar episode counts, creating a competitive atmosphere.

In real-time, this overlap would impact the ratings.

"We won the first round, but 'Action King' is not to be underestimated today."

The KMB drama department was tense.

"Action King" had a 16% rating for the first episode.

Though lower than "The Sun Hidden by the Moon," it was still significant.

"We're confident in the second episode, right?" "Absolutely." "It's good we're going head-to-head. Their luck ran out."

Despite the bravado, there was tension. Confidence couldn't eliminate the possibility of failure.

"'The Sun Hidden by the Moon' Episode 2 is starting."

As Hae Tae-oh spoke, someone swallowed nervously.

The second episode began.

"Our current rating is around 15%."

"Action King" was likely similar or slightly higher.

'The early part of Episode 2 isn't much different from Episode 1.'

It focused on the interactions between young Yeonhwa and young Yoon Seo-il.

In this light-hearted atmosphere, Jo Yeong-dae Goon's actions shifted the tone dramatically.

"She... she's undressing!" "What?" "A bold nude scene in the second episode. Wow."

"Action King" featured a daring nude scene, shocking the audience with its execution and performance.

'They have reason to be confident.'

Hae Tae-oh clenched his teeth. The ratings must be fluctuating.

'I trust actor Yoon Jong-hyuk and Seoyeon.'

While "Action King" showcased its bold scenes, "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" turned the tide with Jo Yeong-dae Goon's actions.

His commanding steps and the tension-filled coup meeting Yeonhwa Princess captivated the audience.

The praised scenes from the teaser and premiere played out, with Seoyeon lifting her head and glaring at Jo Yeong-dae Goon.

Despite multiple viewings during filming and editing, the scenes remained gripping.

As the drama concluded,

"Producer!"

An employee called out, having checked the ratings.

Did we win? Or lose?

"23%."

"What?"

23% was lower than the first episode. Hae Tae-oh was confused.

The employee smiled.

"For 'Action King.'"

Is this a joke? Hae Tae-oh's eyes narrowed. Though not usually authoritative, this was too much.

Just as he resolved to address this,

"29%." "Huh?" "The second episode's rating is 29%, with a peak of 34%."

Rising anger vanished like sand.

Overall rating: 29%, peak: 34%.

The peak happened during the climactic scenes between Jo Yeong-dae Goon and Yeonhwa Princess.

'A peak of 34%?'

This was a rare feat for a second episode.

The phone buzzed.

KMB Drama Director Hwang Jeong-su was urgently calling Hae Tae-oh.