Chapter 45 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 45 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Min-young holds her face in her hands, sighing.

"It's because of the virus situation, you know."

COVID-19.

This global pandemic, which has been annoying to even mention due to its long-lasting torment, has dealt a tremendous blow to the economic structure of society as a whole, including the film and theater industries.

Min-young glances at me and says, "It's almost over, but the past three years have been tough on the movie, theater, and exhibition businesses. The government enforced social distancing measures like spaced seating. For theaters, following these orders was a bitter pill to swallow, as any viral incidents requiring closure for disinfection meant no operation costs could be covered."

Hmm, Yeongju mentioned this a year ago.

I couldn't afford cultural activities, so it didn't concern me, but Yeongju had a theater performance she had eagerly pre-booked as an early bird canceled the day before due to a virus issue at the venue. While ticket refunds are easy for the audience, it must have been a huge loss for the theater.

Min-young continues, "With no audience, investors and distributors kept delaying performances and investments. Production companies struggled without funds for new shows, and theaters had no new releases, just gathering dust. Meanwhile, the paradigm shifted to watching movies on OTT sites, pushing the theater industry into a dire crisis."

I wouldn't invest in theater businesses in this climate either.

Monica interjects, "Jung-hoon."

"Yes?"

"How much do you think theater business revenue decreased compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 situation?"

Would I know that?

Still, since she asked, let's think about it. We often say stock investments halve when they fail. I shared a similar thought, "Maybe it decreased by about 50%?"

Monica laughs bitterly, "Industry size shrank by 60%, and theater revenues by 70%."

Wow, isn't that basically bankruptcy?

Even if large companies like movie distributors or famous theaters can survive, how do smaller theaters manage? Even in normal times, there were frequent stories of starving theater actors. How are they coping?

Min-young rests her chin on her hand, clicking her tongue, "One of the board members submitted a report showing that last year, the CJ Towol Theater at the Seoul Arts Center suffered a 50% loss compared to its production costs. The board used this to oppose the construction of a large theater in W Tree Hannam."

I suddenly become curious, "When did they start building the theater?"

"Four years ago."

Of course, it's regrettable that I can't show my diligently painted ceiling to anyone, but at least I can make some money. It would be terrible if things went wrong after even making Young-joo resign.

Min-young fills my glass and waves her hand.

"Come on, let's stop talking about this. Let's just enjoy our drinks today."

The glasses go around again, and various conversations ensue. Not wanting to think about the board, Min-young, who had been talking about paintings and exhibitions, smiles and says as the mood improves again.

"Has Secretary Kim not contacted you yet?"

"About what?"

"The portrait payment."

"Oh."

How much will I receive?

I hope it's at least five hundred. I would have no wishes left if it was ten million won.

"It hasn't come yet."

"My father has given specific instructions, so it's a bit delayed. He'll probably contact you tomorrow."

Can't you wait one more day? There are so many people who drag it out for months without paying.

"Yes, I'll wait."

"Hehe, look forward to it."

"Really?"

Min-young winks and downs her soju.

Look forward to it? Could it be that she's matching it to ten million won? Is that really happening?

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