After filming the first part, there was a bit of waiting time before filming began again for the second part.
Since the recording of part 1 had taken several hours, the cast needed time to rest, and the production team also needed time to prepare for the shooting of part 2, so it seemed inevitable that there would be a waiting period.
And I was walking around during that waiting period, looking around.
Specifically, to have a conversation with the sexual harasser.
‘Found him.’
After nearly a few minutes of searching, I found him in a corner aisle.
Perhaps because he felt betrayed by his colleagues, who had done nothing to help him, or perhaps because he felt vulnerable after getting defeated in front of everyone, he didn’t enter the waiting room, but stayed out here in this deserted place.
“….What do you want?”
The sexual harasser noticed my presence and asked bluntly.
“I came to say hello, just in case you were upset about what happened in the segment earlier.”
As soon as I said that, he seemed to think I was belatedly backing off, and with a look that said “
I knew it
“, he began to relentlessly attack me.
“Are you out of your mind? Why would you act like that to your senior?”
But would
Seo Yutae
have come here to apologize?
Seeing him react so seriously to words I threw out as a build-up just made me want to laugh.
“I was told that not being concerned about seniority was the concept of the program, so I tried to stick to it as much as possible. It seems that you were really upset.”
When I responded in a flat tone, the sexual harasser suddenly looked at me with a “
Has this guy lost his mind?
” expression and began to criticize me with typical remarks.
“Hey, when your senior points something out, who the hell defends themselves like that? Don’t you know how scary rumors can be? I should’ve noticed from the moment you started talking without even thinking about getting cursed at. You’re popular, but you lack basic common sense.”
“…….”
‘Not thinking about getting cursed at? I knew it all, and I still did it.’
The production team, who had been hit with the mace of the Korea Communications Commission once, would probably edit out quite a bit of the excessive parts due to the extreme content. They would gave their all to create a (forced) cheerful atmosphere by keeping the focus on the reactions of the other panelists.
But even considering that, I would still be criticized for being rude. This damn Confucian country expected that even if seniors threw unreasonable insults, juniors should keep quiet and endure without saying a word.
I knew that, but I still chose to do it.
‘I’ve developed such a high tolerance for being cursed at that it doesn’t even tickle me.’
Go ahead and curse at me a hundred times.
I was the kind of person who found it more painful to see the people around me fall apart than when I get cursed at. Rather than letting them get attacked, I’d rather become the target myself.
All that mattered to me were my kids and my fans.
‘And our fans will definitely prefer me saying what needs to be said, rather than just staying silent and letting the situation pass.’
The way I presented myself on this show was no different from the image of me that fans had come to know through
Survive IDOL
. What they loved was
Han Seungbeom
, someone who cherished the people around him and would do anything to protect them.
As the leader of this team, it was my duty to reassure our fans and the members.
Rest assured, the leader of Pantheion will protect the group by any means necessary.
It was just that my expression was a bit extreme, but well … didn’t this sexual harasser constantly use that excuse? “
Broadcast is just broadcast
”
1
. I was simply immersing myself in the program’s concept.
And considering all the things this bastard has done so far, would people really take his side and criticize me?
I could guarantee that most people would be popping popcorn, saying things like ‘
This is cider
2
‘ or whatever. Besides, he was the one who crossed the line first, and I only spoke the truth, not baseless rumors. Once what he said to Lee Danbi, Lee Danbi’s rebuttal, and my words air on the show, public opinion would likely turn in our favor.
As I remained calm with this thought, the sexual harasser who was looking at my face sneered and said sarcastically.
“You just don’t know yet. It’s easy to ruin someone’s life with editing. You’re way too fearless.”
“Is that so? I’ll take that to heart.”
I bowed my head docilely to that advice.
I heard these days, kids would see something like this and say, “
I didn’t ask,
not curious
“
3
.
Then, the sexual harasser let out a bitter laugh, looking even more enraged for some reason. I opened my mouth again, pretending to change the subject.
“Oh, now that I think about it … the other members, except for Lee Hwayoung, are good at using chopsticks. Just in case you’re curious.”
It wasn’t just random talk. It was something I said because I couldn’t help but wonder how he dared to worry about Pantheion’s editing direction when he was too scared of Lee Hwayoung’s family to even properly attack him. At that, he seemed to belatedly remember Lee Hwayoung’s family and took a deep breath.
‘Well, actually, the real problem isn’t Lee Hwayoung, but Choi Jeokhyeon.’
That bastard Choi Jeokhyeon.
Thinking back on the actions of that guy who even ripped off the
Survive IDOL
‘s production team, I let out a sigh. His hobby was secretly stealing the unedited footage of the programs I appeared on and watching it before it aired. What was that behavior, some helicopter parent?
4
‘Ah, so creepy.’
I trembled faintly, so subtly that the sexual harasser couldn’t notice, then I slowly opened my mouth to achieve the purpose I came here for.
“You used to visit **dong frequently until a few months ago, right?”
“…What?”
‘It’s correct.’
Seeing his face instantly harden at my probing words, I was certain that my guess was correct.
What I mentioned was the name of the district where one of the many businesses run by Kang Hyukwoo was located. Judging from the things he had said to his fellow female celebrities, it was easy to deduce what he would usually do in his daily life. Based on that deduction, I mentioned the place that seemed most likely, and it seemed to be spot on.
He must have felt his heart drop when someone who was in a hostile relationship with him suddenly mentioned a place where he would often visit for specific purposes with his face hidden, a place where he would never go for ordinary purposes.
“A journalist I’m close with mentioned seeing you there often, sunbaenim.”
‘Of course, that’s nonsense.’
It was an excuse I’d used before, but I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to gradually spread the rumor that “
Han Seungbeom has someone who provides him with information and helps him get it out to the press
“.
“…That person must be mistaken.”
When a pathetic lie came out of the mouth that had been spouting nonsense all along, I burst into laughter and answered.
“Ah, I didn’t ask that question earlier because I wasn’t sure. I already know where you’ve been going, how you’re being threatened, and why you’re being controlled by that person.”
And then, I offered a piece of advice to that bastard, who was now pale and unable to maintain his composure.
“Since you gave me advice, shall I give you a piece of advice too?”
“…….”
“You should be careful when choosing whom to follow. The things you did to protect your weaknesses, by complying with his orders, might eventually become new weaknesses. That’s his tactic.”
I came here to control the sexual harasser.
Using the same methods that Kang Hyukwoo used on him.
‘I absolutely hate the idea of this bastard spreading weird rumors or badmouthing me for no reason. It will just causing annoying situations.’
Kang Hyukwoo’s weakness was that if the establishment got exposed, he would be in danger himself.
But what about me? I was in the position where it didn’t matter if that place collapsed or not.
Although I was at a slight disadvantage in not having materials like CCTV footage, the sexual harasser had previously been blackmailed by Kang Hyukwoo with evidence, and since I had mentioned knowing a reporter, this bastard was probably imagining that I had evidence of my own.
“Fortunately, I’m not the kind of person who would do such things, but as you saw today, I am someone with boundaries, and when those boundaries are crossed, I can do whatever it takes. So, I hope you make a wise decision about which side to choose from now on.”
So, from now on, it wouldn’t be Kang Hyukwoo who held the thread of his life, but me.
“Well then, please take good care of the filming for the second part.”
It meant that if he showed even the slightest hint of displeasure during the remaining filming, I wouldn’t let it slide.
Seeing his pale face nod, I bowed my head and turned around to leave.
***
When I entered the waiting room after finishing my conversation with the sexual harasser, I immediately looked for Lee Danbi. Since he had experienced such an incident during the recording, I was concerned that his condition might have worsened later on.
“Lee Danbi.”
When I called his name briefly, Lee Danbi, who had been sitting in the makeup chair, instinctively lifted his head and looked at me. I gestured for him to come over, and Lee Danbi got up from his seat and quickly ran toward me.
“…….”
When I saw his face up close, his hair was a mess. It looked like a Bichon Frisé that had just woken up, or maybe like someone who had been hit by a bomb. As I fixed my gaze on his hair, Lee Danbi hesitated a bit, looking slightly embarrassed, and then explained.
“…I think the hyungs were really worried because of what they heard during the filming earlier. As soon as I came into the waiting room, they all hugged me, patted me, and told me I was adorable. Especially Kangwon-hyung.”
“Ah.”
I could roughly imagine it. Those tall, bulky guys surrounding Lee Danbi, messing with his hair and ruffling it.
Lee Danbi’s condition was much better than I had expected, and it seemed to be thanks to the members taking good care of him while I was away. It was truly a relief.
“Everyone came over to watch us. What if the rumors sp broadcasting station?”
It was clear that Lee Danbi was quite unfamiliar with being showered with affection in front of others, but from my perspective, it wasn’t a bad thing. If the rumor spread that the members really cared for Lee Danbi, it would encourage the fans to be more protective of him.
I answered briefly with, “
What’s wrong with that?
” and immediately asked Lee Danbi.
“Are you okay?”
“…….”
Even after hearing such a tactless question, Lee Danbi didn’t show any sign of dislike. He quietly lowered his gaze for a moment, as if reflecting on his feelings. After a short while, he spoke again with a calm expression.
“Until now, I thought of myself as a stronger person compared to others, someone who wouldn’t be affected by what people say. But today, I realized that’s not entirely true. There’s no point in denying it when it’s been confirmed by such tangible numbers.”
“…….”
“And the words on the internet don’t feel real because they’re not spoken directly to my face. But hearing the same thing directly from someone who’s actually in the industry, someone who’s more experienced, felt different.”
“…I see.”
I felt a rush of relief as I watched Lee Danbi open up so honestly about his feelings, realizing that, at least for now, he was still dealing with his negative emotions in a healthy way.
“If it gets too hard, make sure to tell me. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you want, I can help you as much as you need.”
I placed my hand on Lee Danbi’s head, hesitated for a moment, and then gave him a word of advice.
I spoke the words that the young and inexperienced Seo Yutae had failed to say to Jo Inchan back when
he
was in Prism. The unsaid words that had come back to haunt me hundreds and thousands of times since then.
Then, a sparkle appeared in Lee Danbi’s eyes, and his gaze softened. The gleam of happiness was so clear on his face that it was almost tangible.
“Yes.”
I recognized the look on his face as soon as I saw it.
Lee Danbi had endless trust in me, so even though nothing had changed in reality, he found a great sense of security in the brief words I had offered.
“Ah, I had something to thank you for, hyung. At that time, I was really at a loss because I didn’t know what kind of expression I should make. But when I saw Seungbeom-hyung looked so angry, I instantly felt all the tension just melt away. Did you know, hyung?”
“No, I didn’t know that.”
I ruffled Lee Danbi’s hair as he chattered away happily, his mood clearly improved, but for some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of breath.
“I trust you, hyung.”
He trusted me, but so did Jo Inchan.
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Translator’s Corner:
This is 방방봐, short
방
송은
방
송으로
봐
라. It means that a broadcast is just a broadcast and you shouldn’t take it too seriously. ↩︎
Cider
(사이다)
basically means
refreshing
. 사이다 is a word for ‘Lemon lime’ in Korea, like soda, sprite. You know, when your stomach feels heavy, soda helps you to be relieved and feel refreshing. In this case, when viewers saw the scene that makes them uncomfortable, when they saw someone else came forward to deal with it, they will call that people action ‘cider’ since it was really satisfying to watch.
Honesly this and sweet potato are basic combo people know when reading knovels, so I guess I don’t really need to explain… ↩︎
안물안궁
, this is internet slang short for
안 물
어봤어 (I didn’t ask) +
안 궁
금해 (I’m not curious). ↩︎
The word used here is
극성 학부모
(basically extremely obsessive parent). Helicopter parent is a term for a parent who is overattentive and overly fearful of a child’s experiences and problems. Helicopter parents are so named because, like helicopters, they “hover overhead”, overseeing every aspect of their child’s life.
Actually in this context, rather than “helicopter parent”, the more accurate would be more closer to “몬스터 부모” (monster parent) because the case is, the
parent
is not
obssesed
with the child. They’re not putting expectations on the child like your usual helicopter parent, but they’re obssesed at controlling their surrounding area due to excessive care for the child. Like you know, that one classmate whose mother are terrorising the teachers. Etc. I used helicopter parent because it sounds more common, but idk. You get the idea. ↩︎
I mean, someone needs to express their negative emotions in a healthy way and that’s not Lee Danbi
Anyway, I saw someone binge read this nonstop from the first chapter until almost reaching the most recent … it keeps showing up in my notification that I shocked … please sleep properly too …..