Kim Bokja: The Grandmother With a Plan

Kim Bokja, Ryu Jaerin’s grandmother, could easily be considered one of Kim Donghu’s earliest fans. When Donghu, at the tender age of six, had constantly looked out for her granddaughter during their kindergarten days, Bokja instinctively realized:

"There’s no one else for my granddaughter but Donghu!"

While she always knew there was something extraordinary about him, she hadn’t anticipated just how special he’d turn out to be.

"This kid isn’t just normal—he’s extraordinary!"

She couldn’t have imagined he’d become a star lighting up TV screens everywhere. Then again, perhaps it wasn’t entirely unexpected. With a face that her late husband couldn’t have rivaled even in his prime and an upbringing so impeccable that it naturally inspired praise, Donghu seemed destined for greatness.

But on top of all that, he could act. Not just act, but act so well it left her speechless.

One day, Jaerin had come running home with exciting news.

"Grandma! I’m shooting a school uniform commercial with Donghu!"
"Really?! With Donghu?! Are you serious?!"
"Yeah! It’s just for a year, but isn’t it awesome?!"
"Of course it is! Absolutely awesome!"

Hearing that her granddaughter had rekindled a connection with Donghu brought Bokja immense joy, and that connection had blossomed into the moment they were now living.

And now, they were neighbors?

"Perfect."

Initially, Bokja only planned to prepare a modest, tasty meal to express her gratitude. She intended to show a little of her culinary skill after such a long time.

But then Donghu said something that completely derailed her plans:

"I’m really hungry."

That declaration of hunger obliterated any thoughts of restraint. What did her culinary finesse matter when her future grandson-in-law was hungry?

And not just hungry—really hungry.

Her fridge was fully stocked after a recent shopping spree to ensure the new house started with abundance. With a refrigerator bursting with ingredients, there was only one logical step forward.

"Keep cooking."

Donghu, you just wait. Grandma’s kitchen was about to ignite.

The Feast Begins

"You don’t have to eat it all if there’s too much, really—it’s okay," Jaerin offered hesitantly, hearing the clatter of pans and knives from the kitchen.

"No, it’s fine. I’m really hungry and can eat a lot," Donghu replied confidently, deciding to fully commit.

After all, if he left without putting up a strong defense against Bokja’s cooking, it would be a missed opportunity.

"Besides, it’s just Grandma and Jaerin. How much food could there be?"

Twenty-three minutes later, Donghu realized the flaw in his thinking.

Thud!

A rice cooker landed on the table with a resounding thud, its lid popping open to release an aroma of freshly cooked rice. Yet, it wasn’t just the smell that caught Donghu’s attention—it was the quantity.

"What is this?"

Why was there so much rice? Had she cooked an entire pot?

And then, without missing a beat:

Plop! Plop! Plop!

Side dishes began appearing on the table one after another: soy-marinated beef, salted crab, grilled fish, and more. Every single dish looked like a main course.

"Jaerin, what’s going on?"
"Oh, we went grocery shopping yesterday. Looks good, right?"
"Yeah... I mean, it’s all stuff I love, so it’s amazing!"

Donghu was grateful that his acting skills had developed so much. Without them, even the slightest awkwardness in his tone or facial expression would have given him away.

"Stay calm, stay calm, Kim Donghu. You can do this."

This was what all those years of steady exercise since elementary school were for. Hadn’t he never eaten to the point of fullness? He could handle this.

Fueled by self-affirmation and a winning mentality, he mentally prepared himself for the challenge ahead.

"The boiled pork will take a little longer, so start eating without me!"
"Yes, ma’am! Donghu, let’s dig in!"
"Oh, uh, sure."

Boiled pork too? And yet, it didn’t end there.

"Good thing I bought octopus yesterday. It’s rock octopus, so it’ll taste incredible. You know how to eat octopus sashimi, right?"
"Uh, yes! Yes, ma’am!"
"I’ll prepare half as sashimi and the other half as polbo."

Polbo? Did Bokja know how to make Spanish cuisine? This was a traditional dish from Spain!

Donghu couldn’t even form a protest. Turning to Jaerin with pleading eyes, he sought her help, only for her to misinterpret his desperation.

"Oh? Uh... Okay, here!" she said, shyly deboning a fish and holding a piece up to his mouth.

This wasn’t what he’d expected.

The Aftermath

Twenty-four hours later, Donghu woke up with a groan.

"Ugh..."

Piecing together his memories, he recalled the events following the meal. The food had left him in a sugar-induced haze, and even after taking digestive medicine, the drowsiness had been overwhelming.

He remembered the towering pile of empty plates and the finishing blow:

"Would you like some fruit for dessert? It’s summer, so how about watermelon punch?"

The watermelon punch combo had been too much. Fortunately, a phone call from his manager had saved him from dessert after the dessert. He’d returned home, collapsed onto his bed in a digestion-friendly position, and passed out.

A New Day

The next morning, Donghu called his boxing coach and headed to the gym.

"Coach, about the competitions—"
"Ah, great timing! The nationals are in September. It’d be perfect for you to participate!"

Coach Baek Sangha enthusiastically bandaged Donghu’s hands.

"This time, there’s no need to hold back."
"What do you mean?"
"You used to go easy on the middle school kids, but this is different. Everyone here is serious, so don’t hold back."

Though grateful for his coach’s encouragement, Donghu couldn’t help but think back to the earlier days when he’d also been just a middle schooler.

Still, he prepared for sparring, ready to finally unleash his full potential.

Meanwhile, Elsewhere

"When is Kim Donghu turning eighteen?"
"Why? What are you planning once he’s an adult?"
"I’m going to get on my knees and beg him to read our movie script!"

At a nearby film company, excitement brewed over the idea of casting Donghu.

"Imagine it—Kim Donghu as a chaebol heir, saying that line from the script!"
"You mean the one in the scene with the grindstone?"
"Exactly! That line!"

On the table in front of them sat a script titled Elite.