Free Web Novel“But even if Japanese tourists are coming to Korea a lot right now... Han Yeoreum is the one who brought in entirely new countries. If something else hits in Taiwan or Singapore, wouldn’t that basically seal it?”
At that sharp analysis, someone immediately cut in.
“Come on. It’s a stretch to say Han Yeoreum pulled everyone to Jinhae. Eun Baekhap was in that too. And Han Yeoreum only appears in four episodes. Wouldn’t this be Eun Baekhap’s power?”
“Then why are people going to Jinhae? Huijae’s wall scene doesn’t even appear when she’s an adult.”
“Still, you can’t treat <We Rund> as Han Yeoreum’s alone. If we’re being fair, Myeong Jeha and Ji Haebeom should be included too.”
With an unprecedented time crunch forcing the meeting, voices quickly grew louder.
“If we go with Han Yeoreum, it loses legitimacy!”
“What legitimacy?”
“She wore fusion hanbok in 〈Strange Tales〉!”
That was true.
Once a hanbok ambassador was selected, they would inevitably try to reuse existing materials without spending much additional money—and in that regard, Do Gyeoul had an overwhelming advantage.
“The hanbok in 〈The Fuse〉 was authentic!”
That was the key.
〈The Fuse〉—Do Gyeoul’s drama that had been a massive hit in Japan.
If they appointed her as the hanbok ambassador, they could subtly reuse all the outfits she wore in that drama.
Present versus future. Stability versus challenge.
As they hesitated between the two, someone cautiously spoke up.
“...What if we just pick both?”
* * *
“Thank you for reaching out.”
Holding his phone, Jegal Rok raised his wrist and checked the time.
“I apologize for contacting {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} you so suddenly, Director...”
The person on the other end rambled on with polite but empty words. The conclusion, however, was simple.
“We would like to propose Han Yeoreum as a hanbok ambassador. Would that be acceptable?”
As expected, Jegal Rok responded calmly.
“It doesn’t seem to be a solo proposal.”
On the other side, the Hanbok Promotion Institute faltered at his reply. Even without seeing them, he could imagine their expression.
“Yes... due to previous arrangements, it will likely proceed in a dual format with Do Gyeoul.”
If they had truly decided on Han Yeoreum alone, the meeting wouldn’t have ended so quickly.
There was no way they could overturn all prior discussions in such a short time.
Jegal Rok already knew.
Han Yeoreum would have to share the spotlight—either with Do Gyeoul or Eun Baekhap.
“I see. That’s fine.”
But it wasn’t a bad outcome.
Why did agencies, broadcasters, and every media outlet constantly compare newcomers to established stars?
Because countless rookies desperately tried to have their names mentioned alongside the top.
Even receiving a fraction of that spotlight was immeasurably valuable in this industry. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
“Please send the contract. We’ll proceed immediately.”
This was a moment to step back.
Through this, attention would naturally shift toward Han Yeoreum—even among audiences where she was weaker, such as Japan.
Standing next to Do Gyeoul’s name, she would gain recognition without doing anything at all.
The dual ambassador contract would last three years and ten months.
After that—
He could take everything.
Jegal Rok moved straight on to his next schedule.
* * *
The news spread rapidly. So urgent that Sansung immediately requested contact.
Jegal Rok agreed to meet personally. It could have been handled by a subordinate, but he intended to escalate the stakes.
“Thank you so much for coming in person, Director...”
“Please, order comfortably.”
Sansung hadn’t sent low-level staff either. Their Strategy Director and Head of Marketing had both shown up.
In front of Jegal Rok, the two men unconsciously lowered themselves.
“Watch sales are going well, I assume?”
After checking the time again, Jegal Rok went straight to the point. The two men, who had just placed their order, began sweating.
“Thankfully, thanks to Han Yeoreum, our GLX Watch sales have increased. Hahaha...”
“And congratulations on the Best New Actress award. You must be very proud of your actress.”
“That’s right! All our actors are saying they want to join your label. Are you considering new signings? If it’s a call from you, Director Jegal Rok, they’d come running without hesitation. Hahaha...”
Jegal Rok ignored the pointless chatter.
“You’ve had enough time to think. Have you reached a decision?”
His tone made it clear—no more testing the waters.
“We’re planning to put a watch on Han Yeoreum’s wrist in 〈Seoul Metropolitan City〉, which begins filming soon.”
Bringing his glass to his lips, he continued calmly.
“Which brand should it be? I don’t tend to deliberate long, so I may decide quickly.”
It was a question disguised as a threat.
If they didn’t secure her as their model here and now, he would go to AP instead.
If a rival brand appeared in NetHolics’ first original production, it would trigger backlash from the top.
Whether the show succeeded or failed, it would be a problem.
Because this was NetHolics’ first Korean original—a “global company’s” first move.
“I... I see. That wasn’t in the script we reviewed. We truly didn’t know.”
“Yes. The versions circulating outside only include the early part of the script.”
Sansung had reached out immediately upon hearing that 〈Seoul Metropolitan City〉 would be produced by a JC ENM studio.
What they wanted, as always, was PPL.
But Jegal Rok cut it off cleanly.
This wasn’t like 〈Unfair Trade〉.
Unlike public broadcast dramas where PPL could be inserted within limits, this was different.
He had secured this production with difficulty. He had no intention of letting Sansung interfere.
Script adjustments, advertising negotiations—NetHolics would not tolerate delays like that.
Especially when many production companies were waiting for JC ENM to stumble.
His plan was simple:
Block them before production. Then, once everything was finalized, hand them a small piece.
“That said, the Hanbok Promotion Institute sent the contract an hour ago...”
Meaning—approval from the Ministry had already come through immediately after meeting Jegal Rok.
Sansung’s faces turned pale.
Han Yeoreum might still be a rising actress—but she was JC ENM’s flagship, part of NetHolics’ first original cast, and now a national hanbok ambassador.
“And Sansung is still deciding?”
No more time.
They had to choose now.
“Han Yeoreum isn’t a bad option...”
“Right... we did have her as one of our candidates...”
The conditions were overwhelmingly unfavorable.
No script details. No further adjustments allowed.
It felt like being caught in a web Jegal Rok had meticulously spun from the start.
“I understand your position.”
Jegal Rok picked up his jacket.
“Since this meeting was arranged so suddenly, I’m afraid I can’t spare any more time.”
He stood up.
“W-w-wait! Director!”
“Please, Director, just a moment!”
The Sansung executives grabbed his arms in panic, drenched in sweat.
If they signed this contract—
They’d be punished from above.
But if they lost it—
They’d be fired.
High risk, high return.
“...We’ll proceed.”
Within fifteen minutes, Jegal Rok secured Han Yeoreum’s exclusive model contract with Sansung Electronics.
“Then I’ll see you next time.”
His steps were steady as he left the bar.
In truth, Jegal Rok had never intended to use AP’s smartwatch.
There were too many complications in negotiating with them. He had no intention of lowering himself to their level.
“Director Ma. It’s me.”
After all, who was Jegal Rok?
The man leading the most aggressive, ruthless powerhouse in the broadcasting jungle—JC ENM.
“Release the prepared article.”
He was the king of manipulation.
* * *
I slipped on a pale-colored hanbok jacket. Coordinator Hwang tied the ribbon with a serious expression.
“Unni, how do I look today?”
“Pretty.”
“How pretty?”
“Very pretty.”
After tying the ribbon perfectly, she studied my hair, carefully choosing a decorative hairpin.
I turned to Manager Choi as well.
“Unni, how do I look today?”
“Pretty, pretty. The prettiest one here.”
That was exactly the answer I wanted.
We were in Jongno District.
Today, I would be appearing as a hanbok ambassador—together with Do Gyeoul.
Which meant—
In the waiting room next door,
Do Gyeoul was there.
