GalaxyTL
The sudden spike in ratings wasn’t solely due to Kim Dong-hoo's reappearance. There was another major contributor, someone even more critical to the show’s success.
Netizens noted:
Indeed, the real reason behind the ratings boost was the aggressive marketing that centered around Kim Dong-hoo’s return.
Casual viewers might have continued watching regardless, but...
The only way to increase ratings was to attract viewers who had drifted away. The key to pulling them back? Promoting content outside the show itself, reminding those in the real world why they should return to the drama.
And that strategy paid off beautifully. The mention of Kim Dong-hoo stirred his fanbase into action.
“The strategy was brilliant. The suggestion to ‘accidentally’ leak some behind-the-scenes shots of Kim Dong-hoo was genius!” “Noise marketing is marketing 101.”
Someone had 'accidentally' posted pictures from the filming to his fan cafe, instantly generating buzz.
The result?
“No need to keep repeating it, but a whopping 32% ratings!”
The show was already in the high 20% range, so the team vaguely believed they could break 30% if they had the right push. But no one had imagined that push would come from Kim Dong-hoo and shoot them up to 32%.
“Is this guy like a cheat code for ratings?”
Like how a failing dish could be salvaged by adding instant ramen seasoning, it seemed like anytime a show needed to break the 30% barrier, they could just toss in Kim Dong-hoo, and the problem was solved.
In fact, it was.
Both of the dramas Kim Dong-hoo had appeared in had surpassed the 30% mark.
“Usually when actors do multiple projects in a row, at least one of them bombs.”
But whether it was his intuition or sheer luck, Kim Dong-hoo had yet to experience failure since his debut.
With those thoughts swirling, SKS drama director Jeong Do-seon spoke up.
“What did KBC give Kim Dong-hoo when their show broke 30% last time?” “It's not clear, but it’s rumored they offered perks on international licensing deals and signed him up for future projects.” “So no material gift?” “No, nothing like that, as far as we know.”
“That’s unacceptable. You can't just break 30% and send the guy off without a proper gift.”
“Get him something tasteful, but not over the top. Something for his wrist, maybe.”
This was how they’d show their appreciation and hopes for future collaborations.
Jeong Do-seon concluded his instructions and then, with a grin, pulled out his credit card.
“And by the way, no one is going home tonight.”
“Excuse me?”
“Do I still look like the director to you?”
Tonight, I’m your guide to a five-round drinking marathon. Let’s go all out.
The room erupted in cheers.
+++++
Not long after The Swordsman Baek Dong-su broke the 30% mark…
“Whoa, what the heck is this?”
A fancy watch, clearly expensive, had arrived with my name on it. The accompanying note from SKS confirmed it.
I didn’t know much about watches, but it looked like something I should be careful with.
‘Better not wear this around.’
I’d send a thank-you note later, but for now, the watch went right back in the box and into my drawer.
There were more pressing matters to handle.
“Dong-hoo, are you serious? You hit 30% again? When did you even shoot this while we were filming together?” “I heard you broke 30% again. But don’t forget, Dong-hoo, film is where your heart is, right?” “Hey, Dong-hoo! Congrats on hitting 30%! By the way, could you let me know if we’re extending that school uniform ad contract?” “Dong-hoo! I watched it live! It was so good, totally deserved 30%!
“Stop lying, Min-hyuk, you were asleep. It was just me and Kang-shik watching.” “Yea, Ye-rim is right.”
Between directors, friends, and group chats, I was bombarded with congratulatory messages.
I’d expected this kind of chaos after the box office hit, but with multiple successes stacking up and my network expanding, the sheer volume was overwhelming.
At one point, my phone even died from all the messages coming in.
As I typed out responses, I glanced at the calendar, realizing how fast time had flown.
‘It’s already November.’
Despite all the distractions, filming for Sunset was proceeding smoothly. Oddly, there were fewer and fewer NGs on set, and the project was nearing completion faster than expected.
‘Time flies.’
Just as I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
A message from [Sims - The Real Life] had arrived. Given the timing, it seemed like it might be related to the future.
‘What now?’
Curious, I opened the message to find... a video file?
‘A video? Out of nowhere?’
There was no explanation. Without hesitation, I hit play.
The video opened with my manager, Seok-ho hyung, in a state of panic.
“Hurry! We need to get there ASAP.”
They were in a cab, frantically arguing with the driver.
‘Wait, I’m there too?’
What on earth was going on?
It seemed like this situation was inevitable, but I couldn’t immediately figure out why we were in such a rush.
‘Hold on. Year-end?’
There was only one event that came to mind.
‘The year-end awards!’
Was I going to try and attend two awards shows in one night?
+++++
In the chilly winds of December, as the child actor portions of Sunset neared completion, writer Yeo Soo-jung couldn’t help but be in awe.
‘They’re performing exactly as I envisioned.’
The chemistry between the actors and the way their faces complemented each other was perfect. Deep down, she even wished they were really dating.
‘Our Dong-hoo fits in anywhere.’
Dress him in a military uniform, and he’s a dashing soldier. Put him in a hanbok, and he’s a handsome prince.
Just looking at him made her creative juices flow like never before.
‘Ahh…’
Lost in admiration, Yeo Soo-jung watched as Kim Dong-hoo and Kim Soo-jin neared the climactic separation scene.
‘His acting is phenomenal.’
The helplessness of watching his beloved fade away, the hesitancy in his trembling hands, the fear of losing someone dear—it all came through clearly in Kim Dong-hoo’s performance.
"...Your Highness."
At Kim Soo-jin’s soft utterance, everyone held their breath in silent awe. From the start, her emotional acting had been impressive, but now she was truly hitting her stride, especially in this heartbreaking scene.
It was as if she was a child being forced to part from her first love, despite her tender age.
Tears welled up in her eyes, signaling the impending separation.
"And... cut! That’s a wrap!"
The director’s satisfied call signaled the end, and the crew collectively exhaled.
"Hic... Hic... Hic..."
But even as the cameras stopped rolling, Kim Soo-jin continued to sob, unable to shake off the lingering emotions.
It wasn’t uncommon. Method acting meant plunging into a sea of emotions, and sometimes it was hard to resurface.
Everyone was unsure how to approach her, frozen in place, when...
Srrrk.
"It’s okay. Take deep breaths."
Kim Dong-hoo gently pulled her into a hug, patting her soothingly.
At that moment, Kim Soo-jin’s sobbing took on a different intensity.
Her mind was already muddled from the emotional scene, and now, the boy she liked was hugging her?
‘What’s happening? What’s going on?!’
Her head was spinning.
Hic!
She even let out an embarrassing hiccup.
In that moment, she faced two choices.
‘No way. I’d die of embarrassment.’
Her heart was racing so fast it felt like it would explode. Still, he was warm, and she couldn’t deny that being in his arms felt... nice.
‘No! Snap out of it!’
This was the more rational choice. She had to act fast. She began to push herself away... slowly.
Squiirm.
‘No, no! This looks like I’m snuggling closer!’
Mortified, Kim Soo-jin quickly wrenched herself out of his embrace.
‘Dangerous! Absolutely dangerous!’
How could he be so gentle and caring? If they weren’t on set, she might have melted into his arms completely. But she had escaped—barely.
"Ahem... I’m sorry for the display. I hope it wasn’t too uncomfortable."
She swiftly apologized, and everyone reassured her it was fine, with some even expressing concern for her well-being.
"Are you really okay?"
Kim Dong-hoo asked, still looking at her with care. Then, with a playful glint in his eye, he leaned in close and whispered.
‘Should I hold your hand again? It worked last time, remember?’
His tone was teasing, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
‘...Okay.’
‘What?’
She had agreed without thinking.