Chapter 27

Chapter 27

The Wrap-up Party

Theres a saying that the success of a drama can be determined by its wrap-up party. If a drama ends quietly, there might not be a wrap-up party at all, and rumors of discord between the production team and actors might circulate. On the other hand, if the drama continuously breaks viewership records, the wrap-up party would be like a festival. That was the case with the drama Men of August. It was already unusual for it to be a 16-episode miniseries. It defeated all the other high-quality dramas at the same timeslot and achieved a continuous soaring viewership. As a result, the drama was extended by four episodes.

Hey, kiddo, try this on!

The expression on a husbands face, who went shopping at a department store with his wife, would probably look like this.

I dont like this one. Lets go and try on the clothes over there one more time.

Noona, Im really fine with any clothes.

Well, Im not!

Park Suyeong was busily browsing through the luxury brand section at a department store in Seoul. It wasnt just the production team and actors attending the wrap-up party; many reporters would be there too.

Do we really have to do this much? In a few years, I wont be able to wear any of these clothes anyway.

Im doing you a favor by buying you these clothes. You cant even say thank you but keep nagging me about it. Just hurry up and try them on. We dont have much time!

It was a headache. In my previous life, I had attended countless wrap-up parties. That was only possible because I had worked on so many projects. But I had never been so concerned about my outfit before. Of course, some actors paid so much attention to their outfits at the wrap-up parties that it seemed like a fashion show, but that wasnt me. I would rather spend that time reading one more page of the script or memorizing one more line of dialogue. Anyway

Noona, do child actors usually attend the wrap-up parties?

Wrap-up parties are a place to comfort those who have worked hard.

Usually, child actors dont attend. But your case is different!

Really?

You must not know how popular Men of August is because youve been stuck in Yeongdo.

I did know. Men of August is famous even in Yeongdo. The proof is that the number of female students who gave me chocolate and coffee milk during school breaks increased as time passed. But it seems that the popularity in Seoul has far exceeded my expectations.

Anyway, I cant let you go like this, so if you want to finish quickly, just hurry up and follow my instructions, okay?

But why do you

Why am I doing this? Im not called Park Suyeong but Kim Hajins mom these days! So, stop nagging and just do as I say! There will be so many people at the wrap-up party. Do you want to go looking like you just got off work at the market? Theres a proper outfit for every occasion. At least have the right attitude, okay?

How popular had Men of August become in Seoul to cause such a fuss? Anyway, I could feel the eyes on me as I walked around the department store. Thanks to the agency staff escorting me, I wasnt bothered.

That question would soon be answered. After arriving at the venue of the wrap-up party.

A hotel?

Considering that wrap-up parties usually take place in high-end restaurants, renting a hotel convention hall signifies the dramas huge success. Even though the last episode had not yet been aired, the hotels entrance was already swarmed with reporters. As soon as I got off the van with Park Suyeong, the reporters shouted simultaneously.

Its Jang Yeongguk!

* * *

37.8%

That was the viewership rating record for the drama Men of August. With two more episodes left, it was almost certain it would surpass 40%. Perhaps thats why the KBC drama director also attended the wrap-up party. It could be considered an unusual record for a miniseries.

The CEO must be extremely busy.

CEO Kim Seonghwan looked preoccupied with exchanging greetings with broadcasting station officials. I couldnt find anyone my age at the convention hall. Even Yeon Su, who played the female leads child role, couldnt attend the wrap-up party because she was filming for another drama.

* * *

It was noisy. After the reporters left, the party returned to its original atmosphere. The venue had even been moved from the hotel to a high-end barbecue restaurant. There was no need to be formal anymore. The crew and actors, who had been working hard on the filming, enjoyed their drinks without reservation, and laughter never ceased. It was a sight I had encountered many times in my past life.

Back then, I only used to show my face and leave.

In my past life, I wasnt very sociable. Even if I attended the wrap-up party, I often just showed my face and went straight home, so it had been a while since I felt this atmosphere. Thats when the camera director, Kim Deukhyeong attracted everyones attention by tapping on the table.

Come on! On a day like today, we cannot not hear from PD Yoo!

The floor had been set, and the PD Yoo stood up. He had been at the forefront of the Men of August team. Despite this being his first work, he clearly demonstrated his potential as a director. After all, he had climbed to the position of drama head in his past life, so his start was bound to be exceptional.

Well, I cant believe its already our wrap-up party. When we first planned the drama, there was a lot of talk. Our competitors at the same time slot were very strong. Many people in the drama department thought that it would be impossible to beat the so-called masterpiece dramas being prepared by other terrestrial broadcasters with just a miniseries. However, Im glad and relieved that we were able to complete the drama safely, regardless of the results. Of course, I can say this because we had good ratings. I wont say much more. I want to express my infinite gratitude to our production team, actors, and Writer Choi Eunsuk, who wrote Men of August, the masterpiece of my life.

Director Yoo! Save that clichd speech for the end-of-year awards ceremony! Cant you just sing a song and be done with it?

Kim Deukhyeong, you know I cant sing, so why say that! Wouldnt it be better for Yeongguk to do it since he sings so well?

PD Yoos gaze naturally headed in one direction. Everyones attention was immediately focused on me, and I almost spat out the soda I was drinking. I mean, come on, asking me to sing at a place like this?

Alright, thats better. Everyone, clap! Yeongguk, do a great rendition of the song you sang at the Yeongdo fish market! Ji Yong, what are you doing? Hurry up and make a microphone for Yeongguk!

Ji Yong, the FD, handed me a spoon in a bottle as if he had agreed with the camera director. At times like this, there was no choice but to comply. I had to sing a song and then slip away. As the lively melody flowed out of my mouth, the faces of the adult actors showed surprise. The camera director, who had heard my singing before, danced and muttered,

As expected, hes great!

* * *

Everyone was intoxicated by the boys singing, creating a noisy atmosphere.

Whats so great about that stinky kids singing?

Yang Minjeong walked out of the bathroom with a disgusted expression. Just then, she stumbled over something and nearly fell. Park Suyeong was standing nearby with her arms crossed.

Minjeong, do you want me to help you?

No, Im fine.

Why did you drink so much that you cant even move by yourself? You shouldnt drink so much that you lose control. And dont you have any respect for others when youre drunk? Im offering to help you, and youre refusing?

Park Suyeong grabbed Yang Minjeongs shoulder and straightened her up. On the surface, it looked like a grumpy sunbae helping her hoobae. But no one would know that Park Suyeong had intentionally tripped Yang Minjeong as she came out of the bathroom and subtly kicked her inner thigh during the process.

Minjeong, do you not want to have a long career in the entertainment industry?

Huh?

Those who rise quickly also fade quickly. Especially when their personalities are problematic. So, dont say anything you cant take responsibility for.

Yang Minjeong was terrified. She wouldnt have stayed quiet if it had been an ordinary sunbae. But Park Suyeong was already one of the most infamous fighters in the entertainment industry. How could a pet dog beat a fighting dog? Park Suyeong scolded Yang Minjeong, whose eyes were wide with fear.

I will scold my child, not you.

This damn girl.



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