Chapter 80: Chapter 79

When it comes to movies or dramas, the most important thing is to make people want to watch them.

Regardless of the story or direction, a production only has value as a video work if people actually tune in.

The key lies in how much buzz the content generates among viewers.

Especially for dramas, whose success hinges on public reception, how much attention they attract determines whether they succeed or fail.

In the end, the primary reason people choose to watch a drama is the actors.

Promotions for dramas often focus less on their plots and more on their cast.@@novelbin@@

Thus, the unprecedented situation of a faceless singer with a uniquely clear voice being revealed to be a famous actress—during the live finale of a hip-hop survival program—was nothing short of extraordinary.

“Faceless Singer’s Shocking Twist: Captivating the Public During the SIT ON THE MONEY Finals”

“A Record-Breaking Vote Count Brought by an Unexpected Twist. Hwang Ji-hyuk Clinches Victory by a Landslide”

“The True Identity of Singer Pinocchio Is Actress Lee Ha-eun: A Decade-Long Connection with Double Lee Revealed?”

“Thirty Minutes After the SIT ON THE MONEY Finals: KBC’s The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds Dominates MBS’s Lovers Under the Full Moon Right From the Start”

This not only heightened the fame of the actress herself but also brought significant attention to the drama she starred in.

By the day after the SIT ON THE MONEY finale, articles about Ha-eun, initially trickling in slowly, had completely flooded the entertainment sections of major portal sites.

It was only natural that The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds, Ha-eun’s first leading drama, would also draw public interest.

From the perspective of KBC’s drama division, this was a cause for celebration.

In the history of KBC dramas, no newly launched series had ever garnered this level of attention right out of the gate.

“Director, did you know Ha-eun would appear in the SIT ON THE MONEY finals?”

“I knew she was appearing, but… I didn’t expect it to blow up like this. I thought it was just some music show.”

‘…Is this what they call a generational gap?’

In any case, they had achieved a complete victory over MBS’s Lovers Under the Full Moon in their first head-to-head competition.

Not only was the buzz incomparable, but the ratings for The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds were over three times higher than its competitor’s.

The stark contrast between The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds and Lovers Under the Full Moon couldn’t have been clearer.

For MBS’s drama division, it was nothing short of a disaster.

Perhaps that’s why…

“This is just a short-term buzz. It’ll completely die down in less than a week.”

During a meeting on Saturday morning, Ko Jae-wan, the chief producer of Lovers Under the Full Moon, tried to reassure his staff with a calm expression.

After all, it had only been the first episode.

It was too early to judge the future success or failure of the show based on one minor setback.

At least, that’s what he wanted to believe.

“Think about our cast lineup. Once their dedicated fans start tuning in, the numbers will be overwhelming.”

It was undeniable that the cast lineup for Lovers Under the Full Moon outshone that of The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds.

Every single actor in the cast had proven themselves, and their performances during the filming had been outstanding.

So, while one of The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds’ lead actors becoming a viral sensation overnight was concerning, Ko Jae-wan didn’t want to overreact.

He believed that the star power of Lovers Under the Full Moon’s cast could still turn the tide in their favor.

However, he couldn’t shake his unease about the preview for last Saturday’s episode of Two Days, Three Nights.

He hoped that this week’s episode, which featured the two leads of The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds as guests, wouldn’t attract too much attention.

In truth, he secretly hoped some controversy might arise from the episode.

The grueling filming conditions of Two Days, Three Nights were infamous, and he thought it possible that Ha-eun, being only 18 years old, might show signs of struggling.

“Controversy doesn’t spare anyone, not even kids.”

It wasn’t uncommon for guests on Two Days, Three Nights to be nitpicked over the smallest issues.

Ko Jae-wan believed that if Ha-eun displayed any reluctance during the tough filming, she might face criticism despite being a minor.

However, as time passed, and the evening sky began to darken, the episode of Two Days, Three Nights started to air.

“You went to the traditional market first, but why are you the last one back?”

“Ah, um, well… I couldn’t find the bakery that sold chrysanthemum bread…”

Unfortunately for Ko Jae-wan, even from the very beginning, the episode was more than enough to crush his hopes completely.

***

Two Days, Three Nights.

A variety show once known as a "national favorite."

To be honest, the current ratings for Two Days, Three Nights couldn’t even compare to its glory days.

Back in its prime, the show boasted an absurdly high viewership rating of over 50%, a number practically unheard of today.

Perhaps that’s why, even when KBC’s drama department decided to have Ha-eun and Yoo Sung-jae guest on Two Days, Three Nights, they didn’t expect much promotional impact.

At best, they assumed the appearance would simply make the names and faces of the two lead actors better known, providing a modest boost to the success of The Moonlight That Parts the Clouds.

KBC’s expectations for Two Days, Three Nights ended there.

Anything beyond that was considered unrealistic and not worth hoping for.

The unexpected variable was the live finale of SIT ON THE MONEY that aired the day before.

The wave of public attention that began pouring onto Ha-eun after the finale inadvertently extended to the programs she appeared in as well.

“Writer Im.”

“Yes?”

“What were our ratings last week?”

“7.3%.”

“And now?”

“…Thirteen percent…”

As a result, Two Days, Three Nights saw a shocking surge in ratings, starting in double digits from the very beginning.

Considering that recent ratings for the show hovered around 6-8% at best, this was nothing short of extraordinary.

Unsurprisingly, online communities dedicated to Two Days, Three Nights were also in an uproar.

Wait, is that the Lee Ha-eun?

She looks different in casual clothes, not like in the drama.

Seeing her full-body shot... she really has a great figure.

ㄴ She’s a high schooler, you creep.

ㄴ Screenshot taken. Goodbye, see you in jail lol.

ㄴ Alright, Thor, come catch me!

I saw in the preview that she goes in the water.

But when does she play ping pong? That was in the preview too.

ㄴ Why would she play ping pong if she’s not on the national team?

ㄴ What are you even saying right now?

ㄴ Are you shading that person with this post?

ㄴ How many ankles do you have left?

Unlike the quiet atmosphere of previous episodes, this one had stirred things up considerably.

But as the trademark high-energy opening of Two Days, Three Nights ended,

or more precisely...

“The fastest one to return with the item will get the highest points... So, everyone, off you go!”

“?! Wait, what do you mean ‘off you go’ without any warning?!”

-Tap, tap, tap!-

“W-Who’s that?!”

The chaos began when Ha-eun, who had been calmly listening to the PD’s instructions, suddenly sprinted toward the traditional market at full speed.

What was that just now?

Why is she so fast at running lol.

She’s like a ninja; what is this?

ㄴ Excuse me, how old are you?

ㄴ You understood that reference, so what about you?

ㄴ What’s with you boomers clinging to each other?

The frequency and speed of community posts providing live commentary began to rise.

No one had expected Ha-eun, a high school actress, to be so proactive from the start of filming.

After all, her previous roles were all serious, heavy characters, which had led to the perception that she might be somewhat rigid in real life.

At that point, viewers were still thinking, “Well, it happens.”

There had been other enthusiastic guests on Two Days, Three Nights in the past, after all.

But then...

“Chrysanthemum bread is still bread… So, let’s check out the bakeries first.”

When Ha-eun said something that wasn’t in the “it happens” category, things escalated.

Chrysanthemum bread is bread, so she’s looking for a bakery?

Do Gen Z kids not know what chrysanthemum bread is these days?

ㄴ But they know walnut cookies.

ㄴ Walnut cookies are technically chrysanthemum bread, nationally balanced.

ㄴ Why do I need to know that?

What is she, a chaebol’s youngest daughter? Has she never seen a street vendor?

Meanwhile, she eats food from the market stalls just fine lol.

Even seasoned cucumber salad—something I wouldn’t touch—is eaten with such relish.

The commotion on the forums grew louder.

As Ha-eun continued wandering aimlessly from bakery to bakery in the traditional market...

“If you want chrysanthemum bread, you have to go to a street vendor. What’s this talk about bakeries?”

“Huh? A street vendor?”

After receiving this not-so-subtle scolding from a jokbal shop owner...

“That guy with the red cap over there is making chrysanthemum bread right now.”

“Uh, sir, that’s fish-shaped bread… isn’t it?”

“Fish-shaped bread is chrysanthemum bread. Didn’t you know that?”

When it became clear that Ha-eun’s actions weren’t some calculated “concept” but genuine cluelessness...

Wait, she really didn’t know?

This is already a mess lol.

Oh, now I understand why she had to dive into the water in the preview.

She’s motivated, but it’s all motivation with no plan.

ㄴ Got it. Understood.

Even Ha-eun’s smallest mutterings and gestures started drawing reactions from viewers.