Holy Idol [EN]: Chapter 83

< 83. Attempting an Image Makeover >

1. Im Yu-han did not attempt suicide.

2. Woo Yeon-woo saved Im Yu-han.

3. Fortunately, Woo Yeon-woo sustained only a minor arm injury and was not seriously hurt.

4. Whether Im Yu-han slipped or was pushed is under investigation.

5. Woo Yeon-woo went to Im Yu-han’s house to retrieve his phone and noticed someone leaving, whom he then followed.

The next morning, LLL Entertainment and Im Yu-han’s agency coordinated and released an official statement.

The internet erupted even more.

Im Yu-han was ridiculed for being unable to definitively say whether he was pushed or simply lost his footing. People speculated that the ambiguous announcement suggested a suicide attempt.

Various theories emerged regarding Woo Yeon-woo’s seemingly uninjured arm. Notably, a prominent surgeon on YouTube analyzed news photos and videos, confidently asserting, “Woo Yeon-woo was not injured,” further fueling the controversy.

Woo Yeon-woo’s detractors mocked the situation, suggesting that if his actions weren’t fabricated, he must be a superhero and should pursue heroism instead of an idol career.

Conversely, his supporters hailed Woo Yeon-woo as a hero and portrayed Im Yu-han as a victim of stalking, expressing their sympathy.

When the police investigation revealed that the CCTV footage from Im Yu-han’s apartment hallway contained only black screens, public opinion became even more divided and confused.

After three days of unrelenting uproar, CEO Im made a decision after careful consideration.

“Jong-woo, Yeon-woo has inadvertently cultivated a rather mysterious image.”

“Yes. While some believe the incident was staged, others are genuinely impressed that Yeon-woo saved someone twice.”

“Let’s scale back his public appearances for the time being.”

Jong-woo, seated across from CEO Im, was taken aback and exclaimed, “What?”

“Instead of capitalizing on his current popularity?”

Given Woo Yeon-woo’s soaring popularity, the sudden reduction in activities surprised Jong-woo.

Everyone in the entertainment industry understood that even the most sensational news stories eventually lose their impact.

When a child actor, once beloved nationwide and known as ‘Korea’s Darling,’ was arrested for allegedly hiring someone to murder a rival, the country was in an uproar.

The incident dominated headlines, and countless people protested, refusing to believe the accusations.

People struggled to reconcile the angelic image of the child with wide eyes and a bright smile with the alleged crime.

However, even that shocking event eventually faded from public memory.

Today’s children are unfamiliar with that child actor’s name. Even those who followed the incident in real-time only remember him vaguely as ‘that kid, you know.’

Jong-woo anticipated a similar trajectory for Woo Yeon-woo. He was currently generating immense buzz, but Jong-woo was certain that the public’s attention would eventually wane. He believed Yeon-woo should solidify his position before that happened.

However, CEO Im shook his head.

“I’m not suggesting we halt his activities entirely. I’m proposing we leverage this opportunity to reshape his image.”

“Do you think that’s feasible?”

“He’s unintentionally acquired a mysterious aura. Overexposing him now would risk dispelling it. Besides, is premiering in two weeks, followed by Yeon-woo’s solo song release.”

Jong-woo quickly consulted his phone’s calendar and responded, “Yes, that’s right.”

The first episode of was indeed scheduled to air in fifteen days, but that wasn’t his primary concern at the moment.

“Yeon-woo has several CFs [Commercial Films, i.e., advertisements] lined up and is continuing to film the drama. He’ll also be performing on music shows with the title track, ensuring continued visibility, correct? Let’s withdraw him from variety shows like and . Reducing his exposure will enhance the mysterious image.”

Two weeks should suffice, Jong-woo thought, considering it might be a beneficial strategy.

Wasn’t it variety shows that both boosted Woo Yeon-woo’s popularity and simultaneously damaged his image, almost as if he was sabotaging himself?

“But Yeon-woo’s popularity has skyrocketed. Do you believe the producers will allow us to withdraw him?”

“Tell them he’s been deeply affected by the recent incident and requires time to recover.”

Jong-woo recalled Woo Yeon-woo’s behavior just a few hours prior. Upon seeing a pizza commercial on television, he had whined, “I’ve been wanting to try that. Jong-woo, get me pizza.” Far from appearing traumatized, he seemed quite enthusiastic.

“Well, the public won’t have direct access to Yeon-woo anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, never mind.”

“Right. Then, approximately two weeks from now, once the situation has calmed down, we can proceed with airing and promoting his solo song. Perhaps we can subtly alter his image.”

CEO Im’s eyes gleamed with hope as he muttered, “I sincerely hope so.”

“Yes…”

“Then, once his image has significantly improved, we can reveal that he’s experiencing amnesia. This would effectively dispel all the negative rumors.”

***

After concluding his conversation with CEO Im, Jong-woo visited the dorm that evening and gathered Rembrandt and the other members to inform them of the decision.

Rembrandt reluctantly concurred.

Having just received Yama’s advice to avoid conspicuous displays of his powers, he was immediately inundated with media attention. For the past few days, Rembrandt had been virtually confined to the dorm due to the intense press coverage. Even his trips to the police station for questioning were carefully orchestrated to minimize exposure.

Given the circumstances, adhering to CEO Im’s suggestion to remain low-profile and allow the attention to subside seemed prudent. Drama filming and music show appearances would continue regardless.

“Oh, and.”

After finishing the explanation, Jong-woo addressed Keshi.

“You’ll be replacing Yeon-woo in the Snow White summer special play. The PD [Production Director] requested you specifically, as Yeon-woo is currently involved in a police investigation and needs to rest.”

“Why Keshi, Jong-woo? I don’t want Keshi to have the role.”

“Yeon-woo, please keep those thoughts to yourself. Or express them privately.”

While Rembrandt sulked and fell silent after Jong-woo’s reprimand, Keshi giggled with delight.

Jung Seo, who had read the script penned by Rembrandt, muttered, “You shouldn’t be happy about that,” but his comment went unnoticed.

Because Jong-woo proceeded with another announcement.

Rembrandt drifted off to sleep while listening to Jong-woo’s continued explanation, finally succumbing to slumber after Jong-woo’s final admonition to be more cautious in his actions and to project a cooler demeanor in the future.

***

In the following days, Rembrandt diligently put Jong-woo’s and Yama’s advice into practice.

“So, Mr. Woo Yeon-woo is stating that he observed something at Mr. Im Yu-han’s residence, followed it out of curiosity, which led him to the hallway, and then he jumped over the hallway window, implying he jumped down… is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“But that’s the 6th floor?”

“Yes.”

“And Mr. Woo Yeon-woo’s legs are unharmed?”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe that’s plausible?”

“Ah. Then should we say it was the 3rd floor?”

“…Mr. Woo Yeon-woo. Are you being facetious? This isn’t a matter of choice. Why are you asking me how to formulate your statement?”

“Jong-woo instructed me to consult the police if I was unsure about anything.”

“You still shouldn’t solicit their advice on your statement!”

He calmly cooperated with the police investigation and diligently waved to his fans at the music show, conveying ‘I’m fine, don’t worry.’

“Oppa [term used by younger women to address older brothers or male friends]! Oppa, you’re a hero! Oppa, you’re the best!”

“Oppa, I’m so proud of you!”

“Yeon-woo, I purchased nutritional supplements specifically for bone health! I’ll send them to your agency, please ensure you take them all!”

Jong-woo had been apprehensive about how Rembrandt’s fans would react to the situation, but fortunately, they remained steadfast in their support.

In fact, Rembrandt’s fans seemed genuinely thrilled that he was receiving attention for something other than his eccentric personality.

“Yeon-woo, let’s start a religion!”

“Our leader! Our leader!”

While some of the slogans seemed slightly alarming, Rembrandt, the individual in question, was thoroughly enjoying the attention.

And finally, the first filming schedule for was set after the incident.

Originally, filming was scheduled to commence two days prior, but it was postponed due to the involvement of the lead actor, Im Yu-han, and a supporting actor with a significant role, Rembrandt, in a bizarre incident.

Rembrandt, who hadn’t seen Im Yu-han since the incident, checked Im Yu-han’s waiting room as soon as he arrived at the filming location.

The staff exchanged glances and whispered, but he paid them no mind.

‘Ah. It’s here.’

But he couldn’t proceed directly to Im Yu-han’s waiting room.

“Don’t linger around him. It’ll be better for your focus if you keep your distance.”

Jong-woo intervened.

When Rembrandt protested, Jong-woo clarified his reasoning.

“Don’t visit his waiting room; speak to him briefly on set later. You’re already facing suspicions regarding your arm and potential photo manipulation, but Im Yu-han is also dealing with suicide rumors. Too much attention will be overwhelming.”

“Okay.”

Rembrandt nodded.

In the meantime, the FD [Floor Director] summoned Rembrandt to the set.

Rembrandt proceeded to the set.

On set, Im Yu-han was filming a scene with a middle-aged couple playing the villains.

– You look remarkably like someone I know.

– Oh, really? Who? It’s rare for someone to resemble me, that’s quite surprising.

– I know. It’s uncommon for two people to be this attractive. Amazing.

– Teacher [term of address for professionals]. What’s your last name?

This scene depicted a middle-aged couple visiting the dentist for treatment, recognizing the dentist’s face as that of the woman they had murdered, and engaging in a loaded conversation.

Rembrandt observed Im Yu-han’s acting and felt a sense of relief.

Im Yu-han, seemingly oblivious to the middle-aged couple’s strange gazes, effectively conveyed the eerie feeling he experienced from their eyes.

Despite likely suffering even more than Rembrandt from the suicide and stalker rumors, he showed no outward signs of distress.

‘That’s a relief.’

Rembrandt felt reassured and scrutinized Im Yu-han’s back.

Just in case there was another trace of that cow-headed sheep horn.

‘Come to think of it, why was that demonic energy attached to Im Yu-han?’

Fortunately, there was nothing on his back today.

According to Im Yu-han’s text message, he had been residing with his manager in the same house since the incident.

‘I need to pressure Sa Gam-jae further about the cow-headed sheep horn.’

Rembrandt resolved, recalling Sa Gam-jae, who had been reassigned to another department on a business trip after disappearing when Rembrandt went missing.

It was at that moment.

“Do you like Yu-han?”

Meng Woo-shin approached Rembrandt and asked sullenly.

“Are you jealous?”

When Rembrandt retorted with the same sullen tone, Meng Woo-shin frowned.

“What do I lack that would make me jealous of you?”

“No, I’m asking if you’re jealous of Yu-han sunbae [term used by younger people to address older colleagues or friends], who’s receiving my attention.”

“You really have a mouth… Haa.”

“You told me not to approach you before, but now you’re initiating contact, so that’s why I’m asking.”

“Hey, that’s”

“Actually, I recently learned something, sunbae.”

“?”

“They say this is called push and pull?”

“!”

“Sunbae, are you playing push and pull with me?”

“Damn it!”

Meng Woo-shin momentarily lost his composure and nearly struck Rembrandt’s mouth with the script.

Was this crazy bastard using a different dictionary? His word choices were consistently peculiar, which was infuriating.

The intention to be understanding as a senior, given the recent stress, vanished completely.

“Damn it, I seriously need to print a large picture of your face and attach it to a sandbag. Haa.”

“I feel bad. Please don’t do that.”

In the end, Meng Woo-shin flicked Rembrandt’s mouth with the script.

As the surprised Rembrandt stared blankly, Meng Woo-shin cleared his throat and got straight to the point.

“You mentioned wanting to join our group before, correct? I informed the Grand Master about you, and he instructed me to bring you over.”

< 83. Attempting an Image Makeover > End