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The Buzz After Episode 2:
The day after the airing of the second episode of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon," the buzz was intense. Both dramas, KMB's "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" and MDC's "Action King," were products of each network's highest efforts and aired simultaneously, adding to the competitive excitement.
Despite the striking action scenes and the bold nudity of the main actress in "Action King," which were spectacular for a second episode, the climax of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" in Episode 2, particularly the confrontation between Jo Yeong-dae Goon and Yeonhwa Princess, left a lasting impression.
Yoon Jong-hyuk, a seasoned actor known for his excellent villain roles, delivered an impressive performance. However, it was the intensity of the young actress playing Yeonhwa Princess that truly stunned the audience, overpowering even Yoon Jong-hyuk's presence.
Recalling an interview Yoon Jong-hyuk had given to an online outlet, viewers remembered his praise for the young actors.
"Ah, the young actors I worked with this time?"
He laughed heartily at the reporter's question.
"Jung-woo is a given. He's the son of actor Park Sun-woong, after all. You realize that some people are born with a silver spoon in acting. When I think back to my own childhood... oh boy..."
While Park Jung-woo, playing young Yoon Seo-il, was already a proven talent, the real curiosity was about Joo Seoyeon, playing Yeonhwa Princess.
"Seoyeon? Oh, has the word already spread? Episode 2 hasn't even aired yet, right?"
Nodding in agreement, the reporter watched as Yoon Jong-hyuk's smile faded into a serious tone.
"Honestly, I don't like evaluating people based on the word 'talent'."
He gazed distantly as he spoke.
"But honestly, that's talent. Her acting still feels fresh, like she's just started. But, you see, there's a light."
A light. He meant the kind of spark often referred to when talking about a star's potential.
"People call entertainers 'stars'. A superstar. When they say that, I felt something for the first time with her. Ah, so this is what real talent is."
Yoon Jong-hyuk thought to himself. Seoyeon's strong emotional acting, often described as method acting, was undoubtedly her greatest weapon. Even veteran actress Jung Eun-sun had tried to hold her back.
"But more than that, she has this radiance. Just a feeling. For the first time, I thought, 'This kid would have found her way here no matter what.'"
He continued.
"If an entertainer is a star, then she's a little star. I think everyone will see it in this drama. A small, young, but shining little star."
A genius child actor. While Yoon Jong-hyuk didn't use those exact words, everyone present understood it that way. A young star. It was a term signifying star quality.
Meanwhile...
"I am Hwang Jung-su, the Director of the KMB Drama Department."
Accompanied by her parents, Seoyeon was meeting about her future.
Meeting with the Director:
Anyone in the broadcasting industry likely experiences an instinct for recognizing talent. Drama Director Hwang Jung-su felt this when he reviewed the footage and even more so upon watching the actual broadcast of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon."
The explosive start of the drama, especially during a dry spell for KMB, was a godsend. They celebrated just days ago.
"I had to meet this young star," Hwang said.
"There's a lot of excitement at the station. Everyone wants to meet Seoyeon."
Some remained skeptical, thinking her success might be fleeting. But if it was, they needed to capitalize on it immediately. Various producers were eager to contact Seoyeon.
Of course, Hwang, having a good connection with PD Ha Tae-oh, only needed a call.
"Some even suggested adding two more episodes of the child actors."
Seoyeon's parents, Jo Young-bin and Min Su-ah, tensed up. They knew Seoyeon wouldn't have the stamina for extended filming. Seoyeon, meanwhile, sipped her drink calmly.
"Ha Tae-oh PD here strongly opposed it."
Hwang glanced at Ha Tae-oh.
"Yes. While the child actors' parts were impressive, adding two more episodes would disrupt the story. It wasn't in the original material."
"True. Though I thought it might work..."
Hwang cleared his throat.
"You can probably guess why I arranged this meeting."
Su-ah nudged Young-bin.
"Ah, yes. Of course."
Young-bin, with his long career in the industry, had a rough idea of the meeting's purpose.
"It's about our Seoyeon's... future activities?"
"Indeed. As I mentioned, there's a lot of interest."
Hwang took a sip of water.
"I understand she doesn't have an agency yet. If there are no specific plans for her future activities, I have a few KMB variety shows and recommended dramas in mind."
While the variety shows weren't Hwang's department, the Variety Director had asked him to mention them. It was an exceptional opportunity for Seoyeon.
A Cinderella story, if you will.
"Hmm."
But Seoyeon's parents had mixed expressions—pleased yet conflicted.
After exchanging glances, Hwang and Ha Tae-oh sensed something was amiss.
"We've discussed this with Seoyeon."
Seoyeon's recognition had skyrocketed with "The Sun Hidden by the Moon." They realized it was becoming difficult to proceed without an agency.
Young-bin paused, then looked at his daughter.
"Seoyeon, is it okay if I speak for you?"
"Yes."
Seoyeon's expression was neutral, but she believed this was right, as did her parents.
"Then I'll discuss Seoyeon's future activities."
As Young-bin began, Hwang and Ha Tae-oh were astonished.
After the Meeting:
"Well, this is unfortunate."
After the meeting, Hwang remarked, sipping his bitter coffee. Ha Tae-oh chuckled.
"I think it's for the best."
"Child actors often face this. It's a bold decision."
Ha Tae-oh sighed. While it was disappointing, he believed it might be better in the long run.
He'd seen many child stars burn out from excessive attention.
"Well, it might be a long time, but it could feel short in hindsight."
"And they promised her next project would be with KMB."
"That's great, but I might not be here by then."
How long would it take for her to return? It might not be long, but it wouldn't be short either. Hwang felt a bit regretful.
"By then, you might be in my position."
"Surely not."
"Who else but you?"
With the success of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon," Ha Tae-oh's stock had risen again. Hwang sincerely believed Ha Tae-oh had a high chance of succeeding him.
"Anyway."
Hwang smiled.
"When this news gets out, it'll be quite the uproar."
And with that, the third episode of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon" was just a day away.
Episode 3:
"Joo Seoyeon."
Park Jung-woo called out to Seoyeon, who sat alone.
"It's starting soon. Are you going to stay here?"
Seoyeon looked a bit troubled.
'How did this happen?'
Today was the airing of the third episode of "The Sun Hidden by the Moon." Seoyeon planned to watch it with her parents after kindergarten.
Episode 3 showcased her best performance yet.
But that morning, Yoon Jong-hyuk had called.
"Ha Tae-oh PD told me. It's a shame, but how about we gather with Seoyeon?"
Su-ah, flustered, had reflexively agreed, leading to this unexpected meeting at actor Park Sun-woong's penthouse.
It was a kind gesture from Yoon Jong-hyuk, but for Su-ah, it was nerve-wracking.
"Seoyeon's mother, you're so beautiful. You should be an actress." "Yes, um, thank you."
Frozen in place, Su-ah listened to Park Jung-woo's mother, Shin Jung-hwa, who was gushing over her. Celebrities were intimidating for Su-ah.
She silently cursed her husband for not being there.
'Poor mom.'
Seoyeon nodded.
"...I'll go."
"You... never mind."
Seoyeon replied to Jung-woo, sipping her drink. Jung-woo seemed to have more to say but nodded and left. Watching him go, Seoyeon sighed softly.
'I haven't resolved the title issue.'
Park Jung-woo was the hardest to deal with. At ten, he was three years older than Seoyeon, making it difficult to address him.
Like calling him "oppa."
'Ugh.'
It was a daunting term for Seoyeon.
Tftc
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