Godsent Top Star [EN]: Chapter 147

Ki Han-hyang? (2)

147. Ki Han-hyang? (2)

2022.03.27.

To be unable to even call something bad, bad. If this isn’t some new form of calling a tiger a dog, or rather, calling a pushover a pushover, then what is it? The person on the receiving end is suffering, while the audience finds it refreshing. This dual spicy [a Korean expression referring to something that is both challenging and satisfying] flavor is exactly what the critic Ki Han-hyang is all about. “He originally doesn’t like appearing on broadcasts. Why did he suddenly pop up and make things so complicated… What should I do?” It started with a cautious casting offer from a program that wasn’t even a priority on the schedule. It was a show that mainly introduced movies on weekend mornings, famous for unearthing old classic movies and hidden gems. But what was even more famous was the incredibly witty narration that introduced the movies. It’s no coincidence that many memes heating up the internet come from there. Of course, there was also a segment that introduced not only existing movies but also upcoming anticipated works. It was for that segment that Ki Han-hyang agreed to appear.

-Is there really no way? Our program has quite high viewership ratings for a weekend morning show. The dedicated audience is also solid.

-It’s not that I’m dissatisfied with the program, but my schedule is too packed. I’m sorry, but I don’t have time to appear on the program you mentioned… I’m already flooded with requests from all over the place. There are even solicitations relying on personal connections. However.

-Excuse me, do you happen to know Ki Han-hyang?

-Yes. Of course, I know him. Lee Gyu-han, remembering the name of the famous critic who gives praises that aren’t quite praises every time Kwon Seong-hyun’s movies come out, replied. It was a movie review that was endlessly close to criticism and not at all friendly, but it was ultimately very helpful. There was even an internal assessment that it helped to exceed ten million views by subtly criticizing while still giving a good evaluation.

-Then the story will be quick. None other than Ki Han-hyang contacted us, saying he wanted to introduce the movie himself.

-Excuse me? Who?

-Ki Han-hyang. Himself. He even specifically said he wanted to review and interview the movie that’s being released this time. Still difficult? It’s difficult. Of course, it’s difficult! But the name Ki Han-hyang is quite attractive. “Seong-hyun, what would you do? If we accept this, other schedules will be pushed back, but if we squeeze it in somehow…” Since he’s a core figure, his appearance itself will create quite the buzz. But. “Decline it.” Kwon Seong-hyun said as if there was no need to think twice. Kwon Seong-hyun, who seemed to be contemplating at first, made a firm decision as soon as the words ‘squeeze in the schedule’ came out. “Hey, but it’s Ki Han-hyang. Wouldn’t this be a huge help? We’re releasing a hero movie soon, so it would be good to have something else to help, right?” “You want to squeeze an already tight schedule even more? Yeon-woo’s going to get hurt.” “That’s true, but… But you know too. This is a very important time. Right?” “What if he collapses while traveling around the country for stage greetings? Is that the kind of person you are, hyung [older brother or male friend]? Ignoring the actors you’re in charge of because of sales?” Once again, the upright gaze of a handsome man with neat features reaches him. Seeing the low voice and the criticism in the depths of his eyes, Lee Gyu-han somehow felt wronged. “No, what are you talking about! When have I ever done that? I always scheduled work hours based on the Labor Standards Act because of your nagging! Except during filming, though.” “That’s a given. Do you not know how fragile Yeon-woo is? Hyung. You have to look at the long term. Yeon-woo isn’t a star that’ll shine briefly and then fade away.” Lee Gyu-han agreed with that. There was definitely something in Yeon-woo that couldn’t be found in other actors. It was what they call ‘aura’ in this industry. Even if the acting is a little lacking, even if the appearance is a little less, there has to be something that strongly attracts people to survive in this industry. ‘If you look at it that way, Kang Yeon-woo is top-notch.’ He has the looks, the unique atmosphere, and even the acting skills. Not only that, there was something about Yeon-woo that captivated people. It was a presence that was hard to believe he was a rookie who had just debuted. “Yeon-woo will last a long time. I’m going to help him do that. But to do that, you have to build a good career from now on. Why do you keep holding Yeon-woo like a chick in your arms? Looking at him, he’s already finished his military service.” He had become a bit more mysterious because he had lost weight while filming. Still, according to the personal PT [Personal Training] trainer, he may look a bit like that, but he’s naturally healthy and his muscles have actually increased…? “If I don’t take care of my own lifeline, who will?” “Why is Yeon-woo’s career your lifeline? Uh… Don’t tell me you’re going to go that way?” “That way?” “Are you going to start an agency? No, but this company is yours anyway. Why start another one? Ah… Are you trying to expand the company? Do you need a success story? People will come if you just have your name, so why are you so worried?” Only a handsome smile returns instead of an answer. Lee Gyu-han, who received the smile directly, coughed. “In my opinion, Ki Han-hyang… I think we need to go out of our way to get him. The timing is also right. He said he’d purposely schedule it first, so it’ll open right after the movie is released, so it’ll ride the flow properly.” “…What about adjusting the filming schedule over there?” “Huh? Uh-oh! Maybe it’s possible if we tell them. If he comes out there, they’ll definitely change it because they’d be happy to have him…” Kwon Seong-hyun’s eyes wandered somewhere in the air for a long time. Then he sighed deeply, his eyes full of conflict. He stroked his chin with his smooth fingers and didn’t say anything as if he was worried. ‘What’s over there that’s making him like that?’ Lee Gyu-han also glanced over, but there was nothing that caught his eye. Another sigh flowed out. And after a moment of silence, Kwon Seong-hyun opened his mouth. “I can’t help it. I’m grateful that you let me meet him sometimes… But sometimes I wish he wasn’t there.” “Huh? What?” Lee Gyu-han asked back at the low voice muttering. Kwon Seong-hyun shook his head and looked up again. “Hyung. Don’t forget to double-check and adjust the filming time.” “Uh-huh. Of course. I don’t want to overwork Yeon-woo either.” And this was why Yeon-woo ended up with a sensitive and neurotic-looking man in front of him.

*

“Yeon-woo, you don’t have to force yourself to do anything difficult.” “I’m not having a hard time.” “…You really don’t have to do it.” “I’m really not having a hard time, so you don’t have to worry.” The schedule Kwon Seong-hyun gave him was tight just by looking at it. It would be understandable if most of it was full. But Yeon-woo, who received the schedule, didn’t think much of it. ‘Well, I can handle this much?’ He remembers when he was crazily put through the wringer by Madam Kang under the guise of training. ‘Hmm. I used to hike every day back then.’ Have you ever meditated under a waterfall? It’s hard just to sit still. If you’re not careful, your neck will snap from the water pressure. Just sitting there is excellent physical labor. Imagine hiking every day on top of that. Then you’ll think, ‘Compared to that, well…’ He had never thought that he lacked physical strength until now. Of course, it was a little different when dealing with a thought entity that was no different from a god. “You might be okay right now, but you have to look far ahead. There’s a reason why actors collapse from overwork during their schedules.” “Kwon Seong-hyun.” “…Yes.” “I’m okay, so don’t worry.” What’s with the illusion that I can see a drooping tail and ears? It must be because Kwon Seong-hyun was sitting in a chair, so his fluffy brown hair was very visible. That must be why. Yeon-woo unknowingly put his hand on his head. “Yeon-woo…?” “Ah, my mistake.” What’s with looking so much like a dog? “I’m okay.” “I’m okay too.” I don’t have a hobby of petting grown men’s heads. Of course, dogs are an exception… ‘Kwon Seong-hyun isn’t a dog, though.’ The texture was so soft and fluffy… Before his thoughts flowed to a stranger place, Yeon-woo quickly turned off his interest. Knock knock! Someone knocked on the waiting room door with good timing. ‘Is it a staff member?’ Since he was waiting to record, they might have come to pick him up. Thinking so, he opened the door, and there was someone he didn’t expect at all.

*

“Kang, Kang Yeon-woo?”

“Yes. Should I go out now?”

“No. No. That’s not it.”

“…?” It seems like it wasn’t the staff member who came to call him. Before Yeon-woo could give him a suspicious look, the other person hurriedly took out a business card and handed it to him. [Ki Han-hyang [email protected]] A name written in dark ink on luxurious paper with a subtle pearl finish. “I’m not a peddler, I’m this kind of person.” ‘Ki Han-hyang…? I’ve heard that name a lot somewhere.’ It’s a name that’s been lingering in my ears a lot recently. The thought wasn’t long. That’s because one person immediately came to mind. The reason why he couldn’t match it right away was… ‘He’s cynical? And neurotic…?’ The person in front of him didn’t look like that at all. He’s thin, which is what I heard, but nowhere in his attitude or face could I find any signs of being neurotic. His eyes seemed to be slightly raised, but because he was smiling so brightly, the atmosphere was far from cynical and rather round.

‘The names are the same… It can’t be not him, right?’ Just in case, I asked to confirm, “Are you Ki Han-hyang, who will be hosting the program with me today?”

“Yes! That’s right!” The answer came right back. The other person smiled even more brightly as if he was very pleased that Yeon-woo recognized him. “Nice to meet you. But Yeon Do-hee hasn’t arrived yet, so the rehearsal isn’t…”

“I didn’t come because of the rehearsal, Kang Yeon-woo.”

“Yes?” Ki Han-hyang, who had been smiling brightly, suddenly had a determined expression. Yeon-woo also became nervous. He didn’t come because of the rehearsal. Could it be… Did he come to curse at me? ‘He looks fine, but you never know.’ Come to think of it, the script for today’s broadcast was very briefly summarized.

-Detailed scripts are more of a hindrance for Ki Han-hyang.

-This is different from what we talked about before. This is difficult for us too. Lee Gyu-han, who checked the cue sheet first, rubbed his forehead as if he was in trouble. The PD [Production Director] explained to Lee Gyu-han with all his heart and soul.

-Ki Han-hyang has promised not to say anything negative.

-How can we believe that?

-It’s a pre-recorded broadcast. If he does, we’ll edit it all out. We’ll cut everything out so that it doesn’t look negative at all. You can come to the editing room and watch it yourself if you want!

The rehearsal was important because it was embarrassing to even call it a script because there were so many holes in it. But that’s not it. Then what did he come for? Just as Yeon-woo’s eyes hardened with suspicion, suddenly, a hand was extended in front of him. “Can I ask for a handshake?”

“Yes?”

“Please, just one handshake.”

“…?” Um? He wasn’t here to fight? He was smiling brightly for someone who was here to fight, but I was nervous because of the sudden change in atmosphere. But something’s strange. “Ah, yes. I’m the one who should be asking to work well together today.” Anyway, he’s the person who’s going to be broadcasting with me today. It wouldn’t hurt to say hello. The moment he shook hands, a status window appeared in front of him. And.

-Name: Ki Han-hyang (34) (Nickname Han-hyang) (Instagram ID onefragrance)

-Occupation: Famous movie critic

-Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

-Skills: Pithy Remarks [A], The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword [A+], Cynical Gaze [A], Movie Analysis [A+]

-Affection: Highest

-Current Physical Condition: Malnutrition

-Current Emotional State: Joy

*Some items cannot be opened at this time.

*Detailed information about this person is hidden.

**Lifespan cannot be harvested from this person at this time.

‘Huh…? Highest affection?’