novel-bin Chapter 448: Hwangryong Film Association (2)
Chapter 448: Hwangryong Film Association (2)
Chapter 448: Hwangryong Film Association (2)
"Mr. Jason has security camera footage of Oh Ji-Seok's assault. I'll let him know you're on your way, so go see him right now."
Yesterday, Oh Ji-Seok had caused a scene at JJ Studio and grabbed Jason Cho by the collar. I had stepped in to rescue Jason from Oh Ji-Seok.
When I left the studio with Lee Tae-Poong, Jason Cho promised to provide the security camera footage whenever needed.
-Really? Then I'll head there immediately.
I also gave Han Yeon-Hong the contact information of former talent agents who had worked with Oh Ji-Seok. If their testimonies about his assaults were added, Oh Ji-Seok wouldn't be able to hold out any longer.
Han Yeon-Hong sounded distressed earlier, but now seemed excited.
-Thank you, Mr. Jung.
Han Yeon-Hong had been an adversary, but now she was becoming a steadfast ally. After hanging up with her, I called Jason Cho to explain the situation.
-Don't worry. I'll hand over the edited security camera footage when the reporter arrives.
Jason Cho readily agreed and also added that he would only edit the footage to include the moments where he was assaulted.
However, a concern suddenly crossed my mind. If the footage were leaked, not only would Oh Ji-Seok face consequences but actors from Ace Entertainment might stop visiting JJ Studio, causing its revenue to drop.
I couldn't let Jason Cho, who had stepped up to help me, suffer any losses.
I suggested, "Jason, I don't think Ace Entertainment's actors will continue to go to JJ Studio, so I would like to compensate you, if you don't mind."
-Compensate? What do you mean?
"I could assign JJ Studio to handle formalwear for all my actors under Team Jung during award ceremonies and events. That would include Tae-Poong, Haru, Go Jae-Soo, Sung Ji-Hwan, and Deok-Bae."
Jason Cho's voice lit up with excitement.
-R-really? Are you serious?
"It may not compare to Ace Entertainment's requests, but..."
-Not at all! This is more than enough!
Then Jason Cho paused for a moment before continuing.
-Actually, Mr. Jung, I think I should be the one offering compensation. If you'll allow it, I'd like to sponsor outfits for your actors.
JJ Studio was known for not sponsoring celebrities as they believed selling their outfits at full price was key to maintaining their brand's value. But Jason Cho was willing to break that rule to show his gratitude. Although I initially declined his offer, Jason Cho remained adamant.
In the end, I accepted his proposal.
"Alright. In return, I'll make sure to promote your studio beyond expectations."
-Thank you, Mr. Jung.
After ending the call, I contacted Han Yeon-Hong again to tell her it was time to completely expose Oh Ji-Seok.
***
A day passed and it was finally the day of Hwangryong Film Association.
The moment I woke up, I saw an article by Han Yeon-Hong.
[Oh Ji-Seok's Studio Staff Assault Incident!]
(Video) Another scene of Oh Ji-Seok committing assault!
-According to the studio president, Oh Ji-Seok is known for habitual assaults, not only on talent agents but also on staff.
-The footage shows Oh Ji-Seok hitting staff members and even other talent agents from Ace Entertainment.
(Comments)
-What a complete trash bag, Oh Ji-Seok!
-How is someone like him even nominated for the Best Actor award at Hwangryong Film Association?"
-He shouldn't even be a candidate.
-Ace Entertainment, as usual! They should only defend what's defensible!
-To all those who said yesterday that Oh Ji-Seok would never cause trouble and threatened to screenshot my comments—where are you all now?
Even Ace Entertainment couldn't control the situation anymore. Especially since today was the day of the Hwangryong Film Association, Oh Ji-Seok's name remained the top trending search term all day.
I set my phone down and stretched with a refreshed mind. "Goodbye, Oh Ji-Seok."
Oh Ji-Seok didn't need to worry about winning an award. What he needed to worry about was getting arrested.
I quickly finished my shower, sat at my desk, turned on my tablet, and reviewed today's schedule carefully.
The day of the festival wasn't only busy for nominees. Yoo-Jin, Miso, and the actors from Team Jung, who would be seated in the audience, also needed to be fully prepared.
Just then, I heard Haru coming out of the bathroom.
"Haru, are you done?"
"Yes, hyung."
Hearing Haru's response, I walked into the living room. Haru was drying his wet bobbed hair with a towel.
Excited about attending Hwangryong Film Association, Haru hurried me along."The rest can be done at the salon. Let's go quickly, hyung."
He seemed thrilled even though he wasn't winning an award but just sitting in the audience.
I asked, "Haru, do you want to act in movies someday?"
The car in front of us pulled away and Lee Dae-Ho slowly advanced our vehicle. The Binz Springer stopped at the red carpet.
I instructed, "Mr. Dae-Ho, open the door."
On my signal, the side door of the Springer slid open.
The moment the door opened, Lee Tae-Poong stepped out of the car with a smile.
The sound of camera shutters clicking and flashes bursting filled the air. Lee Tae-Poong straightened his shoulders and confidently walked down the red carpet, showcasing the stunning tuxedo tailored by JJ Studio.
My chest swelled with emotion. Before my regression, Lee Tae-Poong had been gossiped about as someone who relied on sponsorships. Now, he was standing tall on his own and walking the red carpet with pride.
"Mr. Dae-Ho, close the door and let's move."
"Yes, Mr. Jung."
As much as I wanted to linger and watch, we had to leave since the car behind us was waiting. Watching Lee Tae-Poong greet his fans, we left the red carpet.
After parking the van in the SBC lot, we used the staff entrance to reach the audience area.
At that moment, a young female staff member suddenly grabbed my arm. She had a short bob haircut and a familiar face.
It was Jo Ah-Yeon who would be an AD in the entertainment department at SBC and handle music shows about five years from now.
"Hello, Ms. Jo Ah-Yeon."
"Huh? You know me?"
"Of course. You've been working here as an AD for a year already, haven't you?"
"Wow, this is amazing! You really do remember all the broadcast staff names, even the first years."
PDs and ADs directly employed by broadcasting stations were rarely fired. As a result, I often ran into familiar staff from my past but all with younger faces.
I asked, "But what's the matter?"
"Oh, right! I almost forgot!"
Jo Ah-Yeon hurriedly called a PD on her wireless intercom.
"Mr. Yang, I found Mr. Jung. Yes. Okay, I'll bring him to the control room. Yes, understood!"
Finishing her conversation, Jo Ah-Yeon grabbed my hand firmly. "Please come with me."
"Huh? What's this about...?"
"Let's talk on the way since it's urgent. Our PD is in a rush."
When PD Yang Doo-Soo, the general director of Hwangryong Film Association, called for me, there was no choice but to follow.
"Mr. Dae-Ho, please go to Yoo-Jin and update her on the situation. Take care of things there."
Lee Dae-Ho answered, "Understood, Mr. Jung."
Leaving things in Lee Dae-Ho's hands, I headed to the control room with Jo Ah-Yeon.
As we ran to the control room, I asked why they were looking for me. "What's going on?"
Jo Ah-Yeon panted heavily and answered, "It looks like the first segment's special stage might fall through."
The first segment of Hwangryong Film Association was scheduled to feature a duet performance of Kang Ha-Na's 'New Beginning' by Oh Ji-Seok, the lead actor of Mist Horde, and Ju Yung-In, who had returned to Korea specifically for the event.
However, it seemed Oh Ji-Seok had decided not to attend the festival after all.
Jo Ah-Yeon explained, "Up until lunchtime today, he was claiming the allegations were false and said he'd definitely attend. But he's gone off the grid after his police questioning earlier, he's gone off the grid."
"What about a replacement? Don't you usually have someone lined up for situations like this?"
Since Hwangryong Film Association was being broadcast live, they typically prepared backup performers for the special stage. But apparently, no preparations had been made this time.
"We didn't have one ready this time. So Mr. Yang begged Oh Ji-Seok to show up, but things ended up like this."
They had tried to find other actors but concluded that asking Kang Ha-Na, the original singer, would be the best option.
I checked the time; it was 8 p.m. The first segment's special stage was scheduled for 9:30 p.m. While there was still an hour and a half left, Kang Ha-Na wasn't supposed to arrive until 10:30 p.m. for the second segment.
This meant she hadn't even left Seoul yet.
Cherry Blossom, who was scheduled to open the second segment, hadn't departed either. Since we were at the Pyramid Hotel in Incheon's Yeongjongdo area, it was impossible to make it in time by car.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, we arrived at the control room. The place was in chaos with the live broadcast set to start at 8:55 p.m.
Yang Doo-Soo, a fifteen year veteran PD, was cornering Lee Chan-Dong. "Chief Lee! What the heck is this? Yesterday, you swore up and down that Oh Ji-Seok's assault claims were baseless. Were you lying to me? Huh?"
"No, that's not it, Mr. Yang..."
Yang Doo-Soo bellowed and his voice boomed through the room. "If that's not it, then what? Do you intend to sabotage my stage? Even if he's in a detention center, you should've gotten him out! How does him disappearing make any sense?"
All Lee Chan-Dong could do was only apologize repeatedly.
At that moment, Jo Ah-Yeon shouted, "Mr. Yang! Mr. Jung is here!"
Yang Doo-Soo turned his head with his unkempt hair. He left Lee Chan-Dong behind and strode toward me.
Grabbing my arm firmly, Yang Doo-Soo immediately began pleading. "Team Lead Jung, please save me!"
I asked, "How can I help?"
"There's no one to perform the duet with Ju Yung-In for the first segment's special stage! Can you find someone to do it? Is it possible?"
A sly smile began to creep across my face upon hearing Yang Doo-Soo's desperate plea.
He had the look of someone willing to do anything to get what he needed.