Face Genius Idol Takes Over the Entertainment Industry – 27

CHAPTER 27. The Poisoned Chalice (2)

“Shin, don’t be nervous.”

“Hmm, I’m not nervous.”

Shin pinched his thigh to suppress his laughter. President Jo Junseong kept telling him not to be nervous, but to Shin, it seemed like Jo was the one more on edge.

‘He was relatively calm during the music broadcast.’

It was evident that Jo was more anxious because this was their first variety show appearance.

“Did you find out about the other cast members?”

“They’re all idols from well-known agencies. There’s even a member from Black, the one we met last time. Do you know Kang Jae?”

“Yes, I know him.”

Through the rearview mirror, Shin noticed the corners of Jo Junseong’s mouth lift. Jo knew that such opportunities didn’t come easily. Moreover, appearing with Black was an excellent start.

So it was completely unexpected that this great opportunity would turn out the way it did.

‘Kang Jae is known as the “Brat with the Big Mouth.”‘

Among idol enthusiasts, Kang Jae was nicknamed “Big Mouth Brat.” He was infamous for using his family’s wealth to cover up any controversies surrounding him.

With just this one cast member, a piece of the puzzle fell into place.

‘Jinwoo must have tried to play along nicely and got blamed.’

It was a plausible deduction, but it wasn’t enough.

‘Even though it’s a pre-interview, there should be another clue.’

Before creating questions that matched the talk show’s theme, the program staff needed to know more about Shin. The pre-interview, usually conducted by the youngest writers, was part of that process.

For well-known celebrities, these interviews could be done over the phone, but for a rookie idol like Shin, the interview was set to take place at the broadcasting station.

“President.”

“Huh?”

“While I’m doing the interview, could you observe the atmosphere among the program staff?”

“The atmosphere?”

“Yes. Since the interview will likely be in a conference room, you can roam around for promotional purposes if not.”

“Sure. I was planning to do that anyway.”

Although Shin’s tone sounded somewhat commanding, Jo Junseong didn’t take it the wrong way. Jo’s good nature was evident, making him a perfect match with Jinwoo.

‘But I’m still worried.’

A small agency is small for a reason. They are inexperienced in many aspects, which makes them a small agency. Social skills and smooth talk, which are essential in such environments, are another matter entirely.

Having been to KBC broadcasting station frequently, Shin quickly signaled to Jo as they entered the lobby. They needed visitor passes to get in.

‘President…’

Though Jo had been there before and should have been familiar with the process, he still fumbled, looking awkward and lost, making Shin sigh.

Due to the small size of Hanul Entertainment, President Jo himself had to act as Shin’s manager.

‘Why am I so worried?’

Jo needed to charm and manage the broadcasting station staff skillfully, and Shin was unsure if he could do it well. Given that Jo had succeeded in boosting Jinwoo’s popularity, it seemed like there was no need to worry.

“Welcome.”

Shin noticed the youngest writer who had come to meet them. With Shin’s unforgettable face, the writer recognized him immediately and couldn’t take her eyes off him.

“Is there something on my face?”

“Oh! No! You look much better in person.”

With a more striking presence added to his handsome face, people’s reactions were different from before. While he had always been good-looking, something about him didn’t linger in people’s memories, but now it was hard to forget him.

Of course, if a top star appeared, Shin would be overshadowed in an instant, but it was definitely different from before.

Since broadcasting station staff often saw many handsome celebrities, their standards were quite high. Even so, Shin caught their attention.

‘This must be what the constellation meant by an F-grade attention seeker with added looks.’

Despite feeling embarrassed by the thought, seeing the broadcasting staff’s reactions made him aware of his enhanced presence.

“This way, please.”

As Shin expected, the youngest writer led them to a small conference room in the variety show department. It was a space conducive to conversation.

The room had a long table with several chairs around it. On the table were snacks, some of which had crumbs left behind, indicating someone had been there before.

President Jo’s face momentarily stiffened, feeling disrespected, but luckily the youngest writer was only focused on Shin and didn’t notice.

“I’ll step out for a moment.”

“Yes, please.”

If it were a large agency, the manager would stay nearby to prevent any slip-ups, but Jo trusted Shin. He believed Shin could handle any inappropriate questions smoothly.

This approach was risky, as the broadcasting staff might see their agency as incompetent.

‘But it’s up to me to change that.’

“Could you please start with a brief self-introduction?”

“Yes. I’m Shin, the leader of the rookie idol group Space.”

Without any sign of nervousness, Shin looked directly at the youngest writer and began the interview. Shin created a comfortable atmosphere, which allowed the writer to proceed with ease.

“So, that’s how you got the nickname ‘Festival Idol’?”

“Yes, it’s a nickname I personally like.”

After covering the essential questions, the conversation naturally drifted into small talk. Shin, answering everything efficiently, left them with some spare time.

He subtly pushed the snacks towards the writer, who was touched by the gesture.

“As the youngest, you must handle all the tough tasks.”

“Yes. I have a friend who briefly worked on an outsourced project for a broadcasting station. They quit after just a week because it was so tough. It must have been really hard.”

Shin nodded sympathetically. He knew that while PDs gained experience and some leverage, writers often didn’t, making it even more relatable.

“And people treat us so harshly. They just yell, ‘Hey! You!’ That’s the basics.”

Tears welled up in the writer’s eyes as she vented her frustrations from the day’s work.

Suddenly acting as a counselor, Shin understood. The industry thrived on exhausting its workers, a system no different in variety or drama departments.

‘The film industry is the same. Only big names get decent treatment.’

“Actually, I interviewed someone else just before this.”

“Oh, I see.”

“No matter what I asked, they answered curtly. It’s my job to make it sound good.”

Though she didn’t name anyone, Shin could guess. There was a certain disagreeable idol among the cast members.

Just as Shin continued chatting, someone knocked on the door, signaling the end of the interview.

“Well, I’ll see you next time.”

“Yes, thank you.”

The writer, having vented her frustrations, seemed much brighter. In contrast, Jo Junseong’s face, having toured the variety department, looked noticeably darker, making Shin smile wryly.

‘Something’s up.’

It was time to combine all the information and devise a solution.

* * *                             * * *                             * * *

Shin stopped by the salon to get his broadcast makeup done by Yeon Haram, and then briefly visited the practice room. The members, seemingly waiting for him, greeted him like puppies welcoming their owner.

“Our Shin can do it! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

“I’ll do my best.”

When Shin spoke to Seunghyun, Seunghyun shrugged his shoulders. Even though he had given Shin the leader’s position, Seunghyun still played the role of the eldest brother.

“Do well.”

“Do your best!”

Seeing Jinwoo smile brightly without a trace of jealousy gave Shin strength. Quickly passing by Dongju, Shin saw Minho clenching his fist and quietly cheering. It made Shin feel like a father.

‘How am I feeling like a father when I don’t even have a wife yet?’

Looking back, he hadn’t had time to date even ten years later, always busy with work. It wasn’t that he felt sorry for himself, because anyone he dated would likely have suffered due to his circumstances.

He would rather endure the hardships alone than share the pain he experienced with someone he loved.

‘But I wonder if the constellation could at least give me lottery numbers.’

While becoming a top star would earn him more money than winning the lottery, the lottery seemed more tangible at the moment.

“Hyung! You can do it!”

Shin smiled at Jinwoo’s loud encouragement just before he left. He couldn’t help it. He decided to embrace the fatherly role for a while.

“Okay. I’ll be back.”

Looking to his side, President Jo Junseong also smiled warmly. With the members’ support behind him, Shin headed to the broadcasting station.

* * *

“Remember to smile well.”

“Don’t worry.”

Once inside the set, Shin was entirely on his own, beyond the reach of President Jo Junseong. Based on his observations, the atmosphere was not as bad as he had anticipated.

There was no specific news yet about the new program being set up at SBC.

The timing of the recording and the broadcast for Talk Like were similar, with Talk Like’s recording being just one day earlier. Shin saw this as a turning point. As if confirming his thoughts, his phone buzzed.

[Mission: Survive the malicious editing.]

This mission seemed more challenging to Shin than saving someone drowning.

‘I’ve prepared as best as I can, so I’ll leave the results to fate.’

Hoping that Jinwoo’s lucky constellation would be with him this time, Shin’s eyes gleamed with determination.

* * *

The variety show Talk Like, on which Shin was appearing, was a popular talk show on KBC at the time. Although it would later be overtaken by a new program on SBC and eventually canceled, it performed well in its early days.

-Provocative variety shows: How far will they go in the name of ratings?

-Are we okay with variety shows that are only provocative?

-Value of the license fee: Is it worth it? The license fee is wasted!

Talk Like generated a lot of buzz due to its provocative content. Later, the producer Lee Jinsang expressed frustration, stating that he had no choice but to focus on ratings due to pressure from above.

The beginning of that history was right in front of them.

“It must be tough just going from festival to festival.”

“Of course it’s tough. We spend all day in the car, and the stages are so small. Sometimes people even jump on stage to dance with us, and the smell of alcohol is overwhelming. That’s why I don’t like going to festivals.”

“It seems it’s hard to make a living anywhere.”

The program’s MC glanced cautiously at the main PD, Lee Jinsang. The look asked if it was okay to let this harsh commentary continue beyond the script. This was especially concerning since the idol in question was a rising member of Black.

‘He’s from a wealthy family.’

Lee Jinsang subtly gestured for the MC to keep the atmosphere of agreement going. So, the MC turned the question to Shin, known for his ability to react well.

“Shin, you’re here because of your ‘Festival idol’ keyword. Do you agree with this?”

In an atmosphere that urged him to agree, Shin firmly shook his head. It was clear he didn’t want to give any statements that could be misused.

“I personally like this quote from the Analects: ‘When three people walk together, one of them is my teacher.’ For me, all my audience members are my teachers.”

A small sigh escaped Lee Jinsang’s lips. Shin’s statement shifted all the negativity solely onto Black’s member, making it impossible to edit out.

‘Why is he quoting Confucius like it’s Joseon?’

The MC, following Lee Jinsang’s gesture, moved on to the next segment: a singing session titled ‘Life Song’ in line with the ‘keyword’ theme.

Although the theme was ‘Life Song,’ each participant brought a song they were good at. Shin, however, was different.

“Why is he the only one bringing a trot song?”

Contrary to Lee Jinsang’s annoyed comment, Jang Mingyu, who had recommended Shin, found it intriguing. He thought it was not just smart but the right choice.

As Shin’s clear voice carried the song’s emotion, Jang Mingyu was taken aback by his sudden tears and looked around. He noticed others subtly wiping their eyes and found himself unable to stop crying.

There was a deep sorrow in Shin’s voice.

Jang Mingyu felt chills seeing even the usually stoic Lee Jinsang sniffling.

It was the first time trot music had made him cry.

‘The song is called “Worker of Love”?’

It was Jinsuk’s first album, “Worker of Love.”

Although it was his first time hearing the song, the tears wouldn’t stop. This scene could never be cut. His instinct as a PD told him so.

Talk Like usually had a rating of 5%.

That day, the rating was 8%.

It was the highest rating in a long time.