The protagonist “Ham Yiseo” dreamed of becoming a reporter.

She lost her father at a young age, but with a positive mindset and strong will, the mother and daughter join forces and live on steadfastly.

Undeterred by financial difficulties, she enters the Department of Journalism and Communication at a university boasting the highest admission cut-off in Korea and even lands a job at a major media company with a free pass.

One day, a man staging a one-man protest appears in front of her workplace.

“Condemn Cheonju Group?”

“Is he the only one doing a one-man protest here? Besides, where can you find a company as clean as Cheonju Group?”

A man targeting Cheonju Group—a leading domestic conglomerate and a “people-friendly” company that never loses its number-one brand reputation ranking.

Her colleagues don’t give him a single glance, but for some reason, Ham Yiseo keeps getting bothered by the picket sign the man is holding.

Leaving the office last as usual, Ham Yiseo approaches the man standing motionless with his picket in front of the nearly dark company building.

“Excuse me.”

“.......”

“Even if you protest here, none of the employees will bat an eye. They’re used to seeing protests.”

At her roundabout words, the man silently hands her a crudely designed flyer.

[We expose the truth of the murderous corporation, Cheonju Group.]

After wishing him well, Ham Yiseo returns home.

Later, after getting ready for bed and organizing her things, she finds the flyer she’d shoved carelessly into her bag.

The story of the man’s father, “Gong Jichan,” who passed away without a sound or rumor.

[My father, who showed no warning signs whatsoever, passed away last autumn without leaving any will.]

For some reason, the writing on the paper excessively resembles her own father’s end.

.

.

.

......Up to this point was ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) the synopsis of “Exclusive Report.” It was a rare suspense mystery drama about two bereaved families caught up in a conglomerate’s conspiracy, digging into the cause of their family members’ deaths.

Here, I took on the role of the grandson of the chairman of “Cheonju Group,” a large corporation with excellent image marketing, and the only son of the parent company’s president.

For reference, the introduction of Cheon Yoonsung went like this:

Handsome appearance, impeccable attitude rumored to be flawless, a “picture-perfect” prince who stands out exceptionally among third-generation chaebols busy causing trouble.

Lacking neither in character nor eloquence, an incarnation of noblesse oblige who practices genuine service and sharing, not just for show.

Isn’t it amazing? The vivid character description made me not know what to do with myself.

My first appearance started from episode 2. They asked me to act as the most gentle and mannered man in the world, which was a bit painful. I felt like I was putting on airs in front of So Saeyoung (who said this is her 10th year in the industry), who played Ham Yiseo and filmed with me.

Moreover, the setting was a ceremony for high-value donors. Everyone including me was flashy, and the set was crowded with camera operators and extras playing reporters. On the news, reporters at least got chairs—so why did this place look like a crowded marketplace?

“Iwol doesn’t get nervous at all.”

“I’m trying not to show it!”

“Even when the camera rolls, you don’t seem to stiffen up.”

So Saeyoung praised me highly. It felt like just yesterday we agreed to speak casually and do our best at the script reading, but now she was practically nurturing me with praise like I was a growing onion.

Aside from how generous the set was with compliments, I heard the comment “not intimidated in a place with many elders” really often. At UA, and during “In My Office” too.

Honestly, unless they were in their 40s or 50s or older, I didn’t feel burdened by seeing most older people. Since there was a big age gap with my sister too.

Maybe company life toughened me up, but unless it was someone around Manager Nam’s age, I didn’t feel much pressure. Should I be happy about this?

For this reason, I became the rising strong heart of the set. Since the role itself required shamelessness, you could say the image fit perfectly.

“I saw that too—‘Act on’.”

“Really? How did that clip end up in your algorithm, sunbaenim......!”

“I was surprised because you look so young in person.”

“Act on” Kim Iwol did have the vibe of a parachuted director. Still, I was relieved I didn’t look menacing in real life.

“You do look mature in person though. I’ve never seen a twenty-something who suits a metal wristwatch as well as you.”

The wristwatch, more expensive than my appearance fee per episode, sparkled.

I used to avoid wearing watches because they got in the way when I played bass. So to avoid looking awkward, Manager Daeyeon lent me one he said he didn’t use, and I practiced getting used to it. I even learned “how to take off a wristwatch nonchalantly” from Jeong Seongbin, who often wore a watch.

“Did you maybe learn that from Mr. Jeong Seongjun?”

“Uh... does it look that weird?”

I was surprised that it was Jeong Seongbin’s own technique, but anyway. Thanks to that, I could now remove my watch flawlessly in front of a bathroom mirror—dead-eyed and without a single mistake.

“We’ll start filming the next scene. Cheon Yoonsung, please stand by!”

The small talk ended, and it was my turn. It was a scene revealing what a decent silver spoon Cheon Yoonsung was, exchanging brief words with his secretary in the hallway as he was about to leave after the ceremony ended.

“I might’ve done better as the secretary.”

But I gave up because I wasn’t confident I could do as well as the actor. This wasn’t the time to covet someone else’s role. Wanting someone else’s rice cake when you can’t even handle what’s in front of you—that’s not right.

“Cheon Yoonsung is ready!”

I shouted energetically. Everyone around held their breath.

All right, all right—let’s do this. Let’s become the best possible bad guy! Second life, fighting!

S#9. Hallway (Day)

Cheon Yoonsung (Walking while looking ahead) What did you say the next schedule is?

Go Sugyeol (Following Cheon Yoonsung, matching his stride) A dinner appointment with the Chairman is set for 6 o’clock.

Cheon Yoonsung Sounds like we’ll be eating well. Would you like to join us, Director? The Chairman’s choices never miss.

Go Sugyeol Just hearing the offer alone is enough for me, sir.

A running child bumps into Cheon Yoonsung’s leg.

The startled child, and the mother who rushes over late.

Cheon Yoonsung motions Go Sugyeol back as he tries to pull the child away.

Cheon Yoonsung Are you okay?

Child (Flustered)

Child’s Mother Hyunkyo, I told you not to run around in crowded places! I’m sorry.

Cheon Yoonsung So your name is Hyunkyo. (Bends his knees to make eye contact with the child) You should listen to your mom, okay?

Child ......I’m sorry.

Child runs to his mom. Cheon Yoonsung gestures that it’s fine to the repeatedly bowing mother.

Go Sugyeol Are you alright?

Cheon Yoonsung Why wouldn’t I be? More importantly, I saw a lot of reporters at the ceremony today.

Go Sugyeol I heard a recently popular model became a new member. It seems they flocked here thinking it would be news material.

Cheon Yoonsung Aha.

S#10. Hall Entrance (Day)

Cheon Yoonsung coming out of the hall.

Ham Yiseo, spotting Cheon Yoonsung, pulls Gong Jichan toward her.

Gong Jichan gets flustered.

Ham Yiseo (Mouthing) Cheon Yoonsung......!

Gong Jichan......!

Ham Yiseo hiding behind Gong Jichan, waiting for Cheon Yoonsung to pass.

She gets the illusion that she met eyes with Cheon Yoonsung, who was looking around.

Go Sugyeol Is there something you’re looking for?

Cheon Yoonsung No, just. Thinking that it’s spring.

Ham Yiseo, confirming Cheon Yoonsung getting into the car, comes out of Gong Jichan’s arms.

Ham Yiseo ......Surely he didn’t see me, right?

Gong Jichan Did you make eye contact?

Ham Yiseo Not sure but...... maybe it was just my imagination.

Gong Jichan How was he? Cheon Yoonsung in person.

Ham Yiseo He seemed kind. Even where there were no cameras.

Gong Jichan Is that so.......

Gong Jichan looking complicated.

Ham Yiseo gazes at Gong Jichan blankly.

Though these scenes were connected in the script, filming them required a major relocation. Cameras, lighting, directing staff, and sound directors all had to move from indoors to outdoors and reset the environment.

They inevitably had the actors wait, but PD Jeon didn’t like this kind of gap.

From an actor’s perspective, having your flow interrupted was tough. Carrying the same atmosphere before and after a scene change was not an easy task. There was a reason why it was common for flyaway hairs that weren’t there before the scene change to pop up, being called a flaw.

It was also true that there were concerns about entrusting such a scene to Kim Iwol, who was young and not even a professional actor.

“Isn’t the connection really natural?”

The assistant director admired. PD Jeon was just thinking the same thing.

“He keeps the same tone and expression almost perfectly. Even if we splice the scenes together, it won’t feel jarring.”

“Right?”

PD Jeon admired inwardly.

“Is his personality naturally consistent?”

It wasn’t just being easygoing. Treating anyone without awkwardness, staying unaffected by surroundings, and maintaining a chosen portrayal until the end—those weren’t things just anyone could do.

The same went for creating an unapproachable aura despite being such a good person.

Sophisticated three-piece suit, metallic wristwatch, and dignified shoes. The Kim Iwol in front of his eyes was a young silver spoon in his early 30s to anyone looking. Someone who grew up receiving good education, magnanimous enough not to care about trivial things, and possessing wit to lightly loosen an atmosphere that could easily become heavy.

In a suspense genre inevitably filled with supporting roles, Kim Iwol became another lifeline. A potentially risky casting choice turned into a smart one that delivered better results than expected.

“I’m looking forward to the reaction when the middle part is released.”

Even though they just started filming the early episodes, PD Jeon was full of anticipation.

“By the way, Iwol, do you know how to drive? You won’t have to drive yourself on set, but I’m curious.”

“No, I don’t even have a license. If Chief Go isn’t around, I have to take the bus home.”

And on top of that, as rumored, his personality really was good.

“It was the right call to contact him.”

Even after getting chewed out by higher-ups, it had been worth taking the risk. Passion welled up in the main PD’s heart.