I Want to Be a VTuber

– These child actors are insane at acting these days.

It was the day after the second episode of The Moon That Hid the Sun aired.

Two newly aired dramas.

KMB’s The Moon That Hid the Sun and MDC’s Action King were dramas that had been meticulously crafted by their broadcasting companies.

As a result, they garnered a lot of attention, especially since they were aired at the same time.

– Our Jung-woo is amazing!ㅠㅠㅠ

ㄴ Just shut up already.

– Park Jung-woo, I know you have a powerful father, but what’s with Yeonhwa?

– All those lucky folks who got through the auditions have vanished! LOL

– Honestly, it was stunning.

– Those kids weren’t just acting; it’s like they were living a second life!

So, the second episode aired.

The flashy direction of Action King and the bold exposure of the lead actress.

Spectacular action, as the title suggests.

In the second episode, brilliant scenes emerged that were almost too extravagant to show.

For a moment, it seemed like Action King would be the victor of the second episode, but…

– Honestly, Yoon Jong-hyuk is carrying it.

ㄴ For sure.

– His villainous role is on fire; it was insane.

– The scene where Yoon Jong-hyuk confronted Yeonhwa was mind-blowing.

– The direction was amazing too.

– My cousin works on set, and he says Yeonhwa’s red eyes weren’t CGI!

ㄴ Come on, that makes no sense.

ㄴ So you’re saying they implanted light bulbs in her eyes?

ㄴ Hmmm…

At the end of the second episode.

The climax of The Moon That Hid the Sun determined the outcome.

The confrontation scene between Jo Young-dae and Yeonhwa.

Yoon Jong-hyuk was a seasoned actor with a solid career.

Moreover, he was known as a master of villain roles.

The presence he exuded was nothing short of immense, making it feel like Jo Young-dae was right there in that moment.

And Yeonhwa’s performance, as she clashed with Jo Young-dae’s acting, captivated the audience.

For a brief moment, her performance was so powerful that it nearly overshadowed Jo Young-dae’s presence.

At that time, people recalled an interview with Yoon Jong-hyuk that had taken place on an online media outlet.

“Ah, you mean the child actors I performed with this time?”

He flashed a bright smile at the journalist’s question.

“Jung-woo is a no-brainer. He’s Park Sun-woong’s son, right? This just proves that you’re born with a silver spoon in acting! Reminds me of when I was young… eh…”

The young Yoon Seoil, played by Park Jung-woo, was already a proven child actor, so everyone nodded in agreement.

But the one everyone was really curious about was Joo Seo-yeon, the actress playing Yeonhwa.

She was a child actress who had received rave reviews from actor Kang Sung-chan during a teaser event.

“Seo-yeon? Hey, has that news already spread? The second episode isn’t even out yet, right?”

The journalist nodded.

However, Yoon Jong-hyuk wiped the smile from his face and spoke in a serious tone.

“Honestly, I don’t like evaluating people just by talent.”

Yoon Jong-hyuk muttered as if looking far away.

“Honestly, that is talent. She definitely feels like she just started acting. But there’s something more… a brilliance.”

Brilliance.

A flash that people often refer to.

“When people refer to entertainers as stars, big stars, I felt that this time. Ah, there really is such a thing as talent.”

Yoon Jong-hyuk thought to himself.

Seo-yeon had a powerful weapon—emotional acting.

Her method acting was so strong it could even stop Jeong Eun-seon, an accomplished actress, in her tracks.

But beyond that, she possessed a quality that shined even brighter.

It was just a gut feeling.

After being in this industry for a long time, Yoon Jong-hyuk felt for the first time, “Ah, this child must have come here in some way.”

“If an entertainer is a star, then that child is a little star. Everyone will see it in this drama. She’s still small and young, but her shining light is unmistakable.”

A genius child actor.

Though Yoon Jong-hyuk didn’t say it outright, everyone present understood.

A little star.

That phrase indicated the qualities of a star.

And what was that little star doing?

“Nice to meet you. I’m Hwang Jung-soo, head of KMB’s Drama Department.”

Along with her parents, Seo-yeon was engaged in a discussion about her future.

*

For those involved in the broadcasting industry, there’s something they all feel.

That instinct that signals “this child is going to soar!”

Head of the Drama Department, Hwang Jung-soo, felt the same.

He had a sense of it when he reviewed the footage.

But seeing the actual aired episode was something else entirely.

The explosive start of the drama The Moon That Hid the Sun.

Especially for KMB, which had faced a dry spell with dramas lately; it was like meeting a savior on the brink.

Just a few days ago, everyone was drinking and having a party.

Hwang Jung-soo couldn’t resist meeting this young star.

“The broadcasting company is going wild. Everyone wants to meet Seo-yeon.”

Some people thought it was just a fleeting moment of fame, but if it was fleeting, they had to seize it even more.

From variety show PDs to drama PDs, everyone was searching for ways to get in touch with Seo-yeon.

Of course, Hwang Jung-soo had a deep connection with PD Ha Tae-oh, so a quick call would suffice.

“They even suggested that we squeeze in an extra episode featuring a child actor or two due to the overwhelming response.”

At those words, Seo-yeon’s parents, Joo Young-bin and Min Suah, sitting across from him, became tense.

Seo-yeon wouldn’t have the stamina to act for a while longer now.

Glancing at her daughter, Suah was sipping her drink absentmindedly.

“Ha ha, you don’t need to worry. PD Ha Tae-oh here is completely against it.”

Hwang Jung-soo glanced at Ha Tae-oh, who was sitting next to him, as he spoke.

“Yeah, it was really tough. While the child actor aspect was indeed impressive, adding an extra episode would definitely mess things up. It’s not in the original story, after all.”

“True, true. I thought it would be okay to add it, but…”

Hwang Jung-soo cleared his throat softly.

“Anyhow, you probably have a rough idea of why I set up this meeting today.”

At that, Suah jabbed Joo Young-bin in the side with her elbow.

The awkward smile suggested he should speak up properly.

“Ah, yes. Of course.”

Having been in the work environment for a long time, Young-bin could guess why Hwang Jung-soo had organized the meeting.

“It must be about our Seo-yeon’s activities, right?”

“Correct. As I mentioned, there’s been a lot of interest in various aspects.”

Hwang Jung-soo took a sip of water that was on the table and continued.

“I believe you don’t have an agency yet, but if you’re not planning any special activities afterward, I’d recommend several of our KMB variety shows and some dramas to consider.”

In truth, the variety shows were not something Hwang Jung-soo was directly involved with.

However, the variety director had specifically requested him to bring it up, so he did.

For a child actor, it could be considered a golden road.

She had drawn the attention of the broadcasting company and showcased her talent brilliantly.

Seo-yeon, who came here without an agency, could be likened to a Cinderella.

“Hmm.”

However, the expressions of Joo Young-bin and Min Suah were strange.

They seemed both pleased and oddly uncomfortable at the same time.

Seeing the couple share awkward glances, Hwang Jung-soo and Ha Tae-oh felt confused.

“To be honest, we’ve had many discussions with our daughter about this.”

Seo-yeon’s recognition skyrocketed with The Moon That Hid the Sun.

It became clear that continuing without an agency would be challenging.

Young-bin briefly held his tongue.

Then he looked at his daughter.

“Seo-yeon, is it okay if I speak on your behalf?”

“Yes.”

Seo-yeon responded without a care in the world.

Whatever she was thinking, she believed this was the right path.

And honestly, her parents felt the same—that this was the right thing.

“Then let me share about Seo-yeon’s future activities.”

As Young-bin began to speak, Hwang Jung-soo and Ha Tae-oh could only stare in shock.

*

“Ah, that’s too bad.”

After the meeting, Hwang Jung-soo muttered as he took a sip of bitter coffee.

At that sight, Ha Tae-oh PD next to him couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I think it’s perfectly fine.”

“Well, it’s a common occurrence in the child actor world.”

Still, it was a bold decision.

Ha Tae-oh sighed.

Though he found it regrettable, considering the talent he saw… he realized this might be for the best.

He had witnessed too many child actors crumble under excessive attention at a young age.

A little star.

Those who believed too deeply in that brilliance often burned out and extinguished that light.

“Hmmm, it’s a bit long, but in retrospect, it could be short.”

“Still, didn’t you promise? That the next project would definitely be a KMB one?”

“That would be great, but I probably won’t be here when that happens.”

How long would it take for her to return?

It probably wouldn’t take too long.

But it certainly wouldn’t be short either. Hwang Jung-soo felt a sense of regret over that.

“By the time she returns, you might be in my position, who knows?”

“Don’t kid around.”

“Seriously, where else can you find someone like you?”

Especially after The Moon That Hid the Sun, Ha Tae-oh’s stock had risen yet again.

Hwang Jung-soo genuinely thought it was quite likely.

“Well, anyhow.”

Hwang Jung-soo said that with a faint smile.

“When this news breaks out, it will cause quite a stir.”

And thus, with Hwang Jung-soo’s muttering, the airing of the third episode of The Moon That Hid the Sun was just one day away.

—

“Joo Seo-yeon.”

The child actress of The Moon That Hid the Sun.

Park Jung-woo called out to Seo-yeon, who was sitting alone in a daze.

“They’re about to start. Aren’t you going to be here?”

Seo-yeon’s face turned slightly awkward at Jung-woo’s blunt words.

‘How did it come to this?’

Today was the airing day of the third episode of The Moon That Hid the Sun.

Originally, she had planned to watch it at home with her parents after coming back from kindergarten.

The third episode was expected to showcase her acting, possibly even better than the second episode.

But then, she received a call from Yoon Jong-hyuk that morning.

“I heard from PD Ha Tae-oh. It’s somewhat regrettable, but how about meeting with Seo-yeon?”

After Suah answered the phone, she unknowingly responded with an enthusiastic “yes”!

Unexpectedly, they found themselves gathered at actor Park Sun-woong’s penthouse.

Suah thought this was a nice gesture from Yoon Jong-hyuk, but from her perspective, it was anything but convenient.

“Oh wow, Seo-yeon’s mom! You’re really pretty! You should be a celebrity!”

“Yes, yes.”

Suah, frozen, noticed Park Jung-woo’s mother, Shin Jeong-hwa, chattering animatedly to her.

The so-called celebs were individuals too difficult for Suah to approach.

Inwardly, she cursed her husband for disappearing at such a moment.

‘Must be tough for you.’

Seo-yeon nodded slightly at Suah.

“…I’ll go.”

“You… no, forget it.”

After replying to Jung-woo, Seo-yeon took a sip of her drink.

Jung-woo seemed to have a lot on his mind but nodded and walked away.

As she watched his retreating figure, Seo-yeon let out a small sigh.

‘The issue of what to call him is still unresolved.’

In truth, she found Park Jung-woo to be one of the most challenging people to approach.

After all, Jung-woo was ten years old.

He was three years older than her, so the options for what to call him were extremely limited.

For instance, “oppa” or…

“Ugh.”

That was definitely a difficult title for Seo-yeon to navigate.

---