85 Reality Television

Early morning, I'm dragged out of bed by a very aggressive Yuri noona and manhandled into the companies van as we set off.

Still barely awake, I yawn uncontrollably while I make myself snug into the leather seat.

I struggle until I finally find the perfect position, unlike Baechu who is able to fall asleep in any pose, I finally find myself comfortable, as I am turned on my side with my right hand under me clasping my left hand that's come from the opposite side supporting my head.

Just as I am drifting back off to sleep, the driver announces unceremoniously \"We are here\"

I'm once again forcefully handled and dragged inside a traditional Korean themed restaurant.

Led into a private booth. Inside I am pleasantly surprised by how modern the furnishings are as in contrast to the outside.

As I enter I am greeted by two 30 year old female faces and a couple of bigger built men behind the cameras.

The females are professionally dressed signalling their status as office workers.

They look to be about similar in age, around their early 30's.

The one to my left seems like the less senior one, her hair is tied neatly as to not interfere in her work, while the other's hair is much shorter and loose in a bob styled. While neither are what you would call traditional beauties, both are above average in looks and have this working girl charm about them.

Setting my wallet and scarf down on the table I greet.

\"Morning I'm Dylan Park nice to meet you.\"

\"Hi Dylan, I am Suri An and this is Im Jeong-ah the executive director of the show\"

\"We couldn't have made this meeting a little later in the day?\" I laugh

\"(hahaha) It's pretty late in the day ... for us\" One of the two says

\"7:30 ? Geez you producers have it tough. I need my beauty sleep\"

\"Oh so you are saying we aren't pretty enough to require beauty sleep?\" Jeong-ah asks

\"I take it you are the main writer?\"

\"Why do you say so?\" She tilts her head quizzically

\"Well seeing how you were able to spin my words, makes me think you worked for a tabloid\" I answer

\"Daebak! I used to work for Chosun\"

\"I knew it! You just have the face for a newspaper! I kid, I kid. So since we have gotten the pleasantries out of the way, mind getting to the real questions? I got an audition later\"

\"Oh quite the confident young man we've got here\" Jeong-ah says

\"Some take it as arrogance\" I respond

\" 'It's only arrogance, if you're wrong' Did I get the saying right? \" Jeong-ah asks Suri for confirmation

\" If you are quoting Simone de Beauvoi, then you are correct\" I interrupt

\"Wow not only good looking but smart too. Trying to match a girl for you, that the audience is going to think is suitable is tough\" She says

\"I haven't yet said that I'll join. You seem pretty confident yourself\"

\"Well you coming to the meeting was 9/10ths of the work\"

\" You got me there. So let's start with my questions, what story do you plan on portraying to the world with me?\" I ask

She takes a second to think before she breaks into a smile, \" The nations love\"

\"Interesting, elaborate\"

\"In short. Due to the call I had with your agent and since I had you in mind. I have had an idea.... The greatest noona romance in history\"

Taking a deep breath, she prepares herself to begin an expose.

Suri turns to me and has a look on her face as if to say, 'here were go again'

Jeong-ah then begins to speak, \"Age serves an important role in the way we relate to each other, in romances especially so. Being able to break down the age gap, whether male or female is particularly interesting not only to me but to all viewers.

Noona romances have something very interesting to say about the power of choice. Unlike the more tropey romances which this show has and often portrays.

Love and embarking on a relationship is a choice. What we usually try to portray is love as magical, bigger than ourselves, and being able to plow through any obstacles in its way — and while all of this is true, noona romances often linger over the heroines' decision-making.

If love is presented as a choice for our noonas, what sort of things get in the way of what seems like a perfectly acceptable and delightful proposition? Our first reaction would be to say the age of the hero. It's therefore up to the hero, to prove his maturity and loyalty.

Seeing you portray the hero who slowly breaks down, the older woman's walls will prove challenging and fun.

Remember the show is semi-scripted. All we do is provide a location, i.e. date, location, theme and time. It's therefore up to you to decide if you can win her heart or not. And if you do whether the heroine be able to put her baggage aside and fully commit to the relationship?

This has the opportunity to be a rich story that explores the imperfections of human nature. After all, behind the noona romance, there's just a story about people.

So what do you say Dylan, will you join me?\"

What's up with that crazed look in her face? Is she trying to get me to join a cult? I can't say she didn't speak right to my soul though.

\"Who will be playing the Heroine in this story\"

She takes a moment, before flashing me a knowing smirk, \"That I can't tell you. But I assure you it will be Korea's biggest story ever. That I promise you.\"

\"And If I say no?\"

\"You will forever regret not taking this opportunity\"

\"What are you willing to bet on this?\"

\"My career and eye for talent\"

At this time in my previous life, I really can't recall if any big names joined the Got Married Production, but neither did Brilliant legacy reach 30% in ratings.

This is a decision which for the first time since living this new life, I have no confidence in.

If this causes my wings to burn, I will just piece it together.

Thinking back to something Choo once said, \"Life is not meant to be stable, its supposed to have ups and down like a heart monitor. That's how we know that we are alive\"

Moments like those make me certain that no matter how much lives I live, I will always fall for her.

Resolution fills my eyes as I flash her my pearly whites, stand up from the seat and reach out with my right hand toward the Pd-nim.

\"LET'S SHOOT SOME REALITY TV!\"