When it comes to appearing on variety shows for movie promotions, the decisions are often more reflective of the movie's promotional team's intentions rather than the individual's preferences. The genre of the movie and the type of variety show that can most effectively boost its promotion are the key considerations.

Seoyeon was aware of this to some extent.

"The easiest option is Running People."

The basic plot of Running People revolves around "chasing and removing the name tag attached to the opponent's arm." This format allows for a variety of concepts, making it an ideal choice for promoting The Chaser.

"What variety show did The Chaser promote on in its previous life?"

As Seoyeon thought about it, she couldn't recall seeing it on any variety shows.

It appeared on the 9 o'clock news instead.

"Hmm."

In fact, there hadn't been any significant promotions before the movie finished filming. They probably intended to promote it only after all the filming was done.

"Unfortunately, before that could happen, Pyo Ji-woo ended up concluding the Swordmaster arc."

Before they could properly promote the movie, it ended up on the 9 o'clock news. Of course, that provided a much greater promotional effect than any variety show appearance could have, though it did cause a minor issue with the movie's release being delayed.

"Hmmm."

In truth, Seoyeon wasn't particularly interested in variety shows.

"I need to manage my image."

Once the movie is released, it's certain that Cha Seo-ah's image will impact her. To counteract that impact, her existing image needs to be stronger.

She couldn't rely on the "Princess Yeonhwa" image forever.

"So, for now, I want to avoid any variety shows that require physical exertion."

Seoyeon was, of course, confident in her physical abilities. Too confident, perhaps. In that regard, Running People was a bit of a risky choice.

"I definitely want to appear on it someday, though."

It’s a popular show, after all. Seoyeon folded her arms, lost in thought.

"But nothing's going to change no matter how much I worry."

With a sigh, Seoyeon released her deep thoughts, sensing some nearby students flinch.

"……"

Maybe it was just her imagination, but it seemed like more students were reacting intensely to her words since the end of the school festival.

It had only been a week since the festival ended. While the class president had become a bit more comfortable talking with Seoyeon, she couldn't help but feel there was a strange distance forming.

‘Why is that?’

Even though they had worked together, it felt like there was a growing gap between them. The girl who had flinched just now was the same one who had played a ghost with Seoyeon on the second floor during the festival.

Of course, this girl had no intention of avoiding Seoyeon.

But during the school festival, she had seen something unforgettable—someone crawling on all fours, chasing the boys.

‘It definitely looked like Seoyeon.’

However, it's impossible for a human to chase after running boys on all fours. Despite her doubts, she couldn't shake the memory, especially since the direction the boys had run from was where Seoyeon had been.

Adding to that, Seoyeon’s performance during practice had been so impressive that it strongly reminded everyone she was indeed an actress.

After the festival, Seoyeon hadn’t been at school for a while due to filming, which only amplified the strange feeling.

‘This is weird…’

Still, joining the class chat group was a step forward, even though there was also a slight feeling of having taken a step back, leaving Seoyeon deep in thought.

Meanwhile, as Seoyeon was mulling over her concerns, the production team for The Chaser was busy selecting variety shows for promotion.

"Running People seems like the best choice, doesn’t it?"

"It would be most effective to hold a chase-themed episode that matches the concept of the movie. I’ve heard that Seoyeon is good at physical activities?"

"Hmm, that's true."

It was a valid point. Typically, Running People involves splitting into two teams, though sometimes the plot varies.

If they placed Seoyeon in a role similar to Cha Seo-ah's…

"That won’t work."

Producer Cha Dong-jin, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. His opposition was unexpected.

"What? But it matches the movie's style perfectly."

"It does."

Cha Dong-bin agreed with that point but added:

"But that’s only if we weren’t trying to keep the identity of Cha Seo-ah a secret."

"Ah."

That was true. Currently, Seoyeon was publicly known only as a supporting character, a convenience store worker. Nothing more had been revealed, and the mystery surrounding the identity of the criminal was a significant topic of discussion.

In a thriller, the villain often carries as much presence as the protagonist, making it natural to promote the actor playing the villain.

"We can save that for after the movie’s release."

They wouldn’t just film one variety show; ideally, they would participate in at least two.

Appearing too often could lead to audience fatigue, and it would be challenging to manage the schedule.

"Is there anything else suitable? Promoting her as just a convenience store worker seems a bit awkward."

"It would be fine if four of them promoted the movie together, making it look natural."

Revealing the twist later could work as a reverse effect. Seoyeon was a hot enough actor at the moment that it wouldn’t seem strange if she joined the promotional efforts.

"Well…"

They needed to avoid physical variety shows while still finding one that could generate enough buzz.

"Nowadays, a bit of rawness is appealing. Actors need to show that they don’t care about their image to really grab attention."

"Grab attention?"

"What do you think about this?"

Cha Dong-bin suggested a particular variety show, and the production team looked at him in shock.

While the male actors like Kim Dae-heon, who played Detective Im Seung-chul, and Park Hee-joon, who played Detective Seo Kwang-il, might be fine, they worried about how tough it would be for Jung Si-hyun, who played Han Ye-hwa, and especially for Seoyeon.

"We're not sending everyone out, right? The only ones available are Park Hee-joon and Seoyeon, so we're thinking of focusing on them first."

"Hmm."

But then again, they thought Seoyeon might be fine on her own.

After all, Director Bae Jin-hwan had praised her so highly, and even Kim Hong-baek, the action choreographer at Cheonghong Action School, or rather, Professor Kim Hong-baek, had said this:

"If Seoyeon seriously pursued a career as an action star, she would become a major success."

It wasn’t just anyone but Professor Kim Hong-baek, known for working with countless action stars and even collaborating with international actors, who said this.

His endorsement suggested that Seoyeon’s physical abilities might be far beyond exceptional.

Professor Kim was famous in the industry for being strict and critical, yet he couldn’t stop praising Seoyeon.

Naturally, the production team was deeply impressed by his comments and had to consider various factors.

This is why Running People was initially mentioned.

"I think it’s fine. Park Hee-joon is a former special forces soldier, so even if Seoyeon struggles a bit, he can assist her."

Hearing this, Cha Dong-bin nodded, feeling like the decision had been made.

"So, the appearance will be on Survival on a Deserted Island."

Survival on a Deserted Island.

It was a show with a plot centered on surviving for five days and four nights on a deserted island or in a jungle.

It was the last thing Seoyeon had expected.

"What?! Survival on a Deserted Island?!"

The voice of shock didn’t belong to Seoyeon but to her manager, Park Eun-ha. She was utterly stunned that Seoyeon would be promoting the movie on Survival on a Deserted Island.

"A survival show for an actress? Isn’t that too much? Her skin will get damaged, and it will affect her future filming…"

"I heard Seoyeon’s scenes are already completed?"

"Well, yes, but…"

Park Eun-ha sighed at her superior's words. She wanted to storm into the CEO’s office to argue, but there wasn’t time for that. Plus, Seoyeon would have to be the one to outright refuse for any protest to even be considered.

‘But she’s not reacting at all.’

Sometimes Park Eun-ha wondered, but this was both Seoyeon’s strength and her weakness. With her usual calm demeanor, it was hard to read what she was thinking.

Even hearing the words "Survival on a Deserted Island," Seoyeon only widened her eyes slightly, showing no signs of dislike.

Of course, Survival on a Deserted Island was often used for movie promotion.

It was a variety show where actors could showcase their natural selves, and many actors had won over audiences by showing a different side of themselves.

But…

"It’s not ideal for an actress."

The locations for Survival on a Deserted Island could be the worst: remote, uninhabited places. At best, it would be a sunny, deserted island.

Naturally, this was detrimental to actresses who needed to maintain their skin. On top of that, many actresses ended up unable to sleep properly and ended up causing a lot of trouble.

Of course, if Seoyeon could show an active and enthusiastic side, she could gain a lot of favor. But there was still concern.

‘Seoyeon could probably handle it well…’

After all, Professor Kim Hong-baek had praised her. But physical activity and survival challenges are two different things.

‘Hmm.’

Contrary to Park Eun-ha’s concerns, Seoyeon didn’t think much of Survival on a Deserted Island. In fact, she found it…

"Sounds fun."

Although she was slightly surprised, things like sunlight didn’t really bother Seoyeon. Her skin was practically invincible against UV rays—no freckles or sunspots could mar it.

‘There’s also downtime where I can talk about the movie.’

She had expected Running People, so this was unexpected. Perhaps she would consider appearing on Running People later.

"Seoyeon, just to be clear, don’t push yourself too hard, okay?"

"Yes."

Seoyeon nodded calmly, but this left Park Eun-ha feeling uneasy.

Thus, Seoyeon’s participation in Survival on a Deserted Island was confirmed.

‘Filming starts in a week.’

What a coincidence. The last day of filming would be a particularly significant day for Seoyeon.

It would be the day of Ramiel’s first broadcast.

And, it would also be Seoyeon’s birthday.

"Wow, hello, Producer Shin! It’s been a while."

"Hey, our Park Actor! You’ve grown so much. It really has been a long time."

Producer Shin Young-woo’s bright greeting made Park Jung-woo smile awkwardly.

It was no wonder; he had often appeared on Shin Young-woo’s shows since he was young.

Because of this, Producer Shin tended to treat Jung-woo like a nephew.

Not to mention, he knew Jung-woo’s father well.

"You’re always working hard."

"Don’t even mention it. Ever since I moved to Survival on a Deserted Island, it’s been exhausting. The weather’s been so hot… ha…"

Survival on a Deserted Island was a tough show, not only for the participants but also for the staff and producers. In fact, the show had already gone through several producers. The only constant was the main MC, Jung Dae-hyun.

"Jung-woo, you should join one of our shows sometime. I’ll find you a spot."

"Ah, of course. I’ll think about it."

Naturally, he had no intention of doing so. Park Jung-woo wasn’t interested in physical variety shows. Especially Survival on a Deserted Island, which was both physically and mentally challenging. Filming on a deserted island would surely damage his skin.

"There’s an open guest spot for the next shoot…"

It almost sounded like he was subtly asking if Jung-woo was interested, making him smile awkwardly. Of course, Producer Shin didn’t actually expect Jung-woo to accept.

Park Jung-woo was known for being meticulous about his self-care.

"Sigh, but I’m already worried about the upcoming shoot. We have two actors coming to promote a movie."

"…Promoting a movie on Survival on a Deserted Island?"

It was a bold move. He could understand why actors might be hesitant, so he asked:

"It just so happens that one of them is related to you. She’s still quite young, so I’m already worried. If she starts complaining or wants to quit during filming, it’ll be tough."

There were indeed many actresses or idols who struggled with the unexpected hardships of the shoot, some even giving up partway.

"…Could you tell me who it is?"

Park Jung-woo felt a nagging concern at Shin Young-woo’s words. A young actress related to him?

There was only one person who came to mind.

"Actress Ju Seoyeon. She’ll be appearing on our show."

Hearing this, Park Jung-woo closed his eyes tightly.