I Want to Be a VTuber-Chapter 279: A Flame That Couldn’t Become a Star (2)

The premiere of Kyungsung Lady received mixed reactions.

Though the film had recently generated buzz, Director Baek Min's works were known to be divisive.

Artistic merit, creative direction—while these were valuable aspects, his films often lacked mainstream appeal.

That was the general perception of Baek Min's films.

Some actors sought out roles in his projects due to their artistic value, but most commercially driven actors tended to avoid them.

"This time, it's different. I'm telling you."

"You said that last time, too."

"But this time, an American actor took interest! Japan even proposed a simultaneous release!"

"Yeah, yeah, which is exactly why we're here."

Film critic Kang Yuseok responded indifferently to his colleague, Lee Seokhoon's passionate words.

It wasn’t that he undervalued Baek Min’s work.

If anything, he held it in high regard.

His indifference stemmed from a different reason.

"Did he try to force commercial appeal into it?"

Baek Min wasn’t the type to direct commercial films.

Of that, Kang Yuseok was certain.

"It looks like he managed to balance things well at the request of investors... but."

The idea that Japan had genuinely shown such keen interest in the film?

He found that hard to believe.

All because of one actor?

That made no sense.

Even more absurd was the claim that a Hollywood legend had made a cameo appearance.

"Just how much money did they pour into this?"

"And even Lee Sangsoo?"

He had heard that Kyungsung Lady initially struggled to secure investors, leading to delays in production.

But now, it didn’t seem like that was the case at all.

Had a major investor swooped in at the last minute?

"I have my suspicions about Jo Sehee’s connections."

There had been recent industry rumors.

Whispers that Jo Sehee was the daughter of a conglomerate family.

And the conglomerate in question?

New Like Group—one of the most powerful forces in Korea’s cultural industry.

If that were true, the unusually high level of interest in Kyungsung Lady suddenly made a lot more sense.

"Oh, look over there. Are those students?"

"Huh?"

He widened his eyes at the sight of students standing at the back of the line for the premiere.

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.

Students, lining up for a Baek Min film?

"Is it because of the cast?"

Jo Sehee and Ju Seoyeon were both popular among younger audiences.

Especially Seoyeon—her appearances on gaming streams and variety shows had made her a hot topic in online communities.

"Ju Seoyeon's rise in just one year is honestly incredible."

"What? No, Yuseok. If anything, Ju Seoyeon was more famous ten years ago."

"Back when she did Taesumdal?"

"Exactly. She’s still got a long way to go before reaching that level again."

Though, to be fair, it wasn’t that far off.

She had come a long way.

But back when young Ju Seoyeon dominated TV screens, her impact had been immeasurable.

At the time, television was the dominant media platform, and no matter where you looked, people were talking about her.

"...Princess Yeonhwa, huh."

"See? You remember. I like the cheerful version of her that we see on variety shows now, but recently... oh, yeah. That Viol commercial—now that was perfect. So elegant."

"That kind ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ of character feels outdated nowadays."

"Oh, come on. What does that even mean?"

As they continued chatting, the line for the premiere gradually grew shorter.

The screening was about to begin.

"We’d like to thank everyone for attending today’s premiere."

Once everyone took their assigned seats, the event’s host took the stage, signaling the arrival of the film’s cast.

First, the three central figures of Kyungsung Lady.

"Wow, they're stunning."

"The one in front is Ju Seoyeon, right? And next to her is Jo Sehee..."

Most people instantly recognized Seoyeon and Jo Sehee.

But the woman standing beside them?

Many in the audience found her unfamiliar.

Understandable, given that Lee Jiyeon's previous roles had mostly been as a supporting actress in cable dramas.

"Wait, wasn’t she on that Japanese variety show recently? The one who kept nagging Ju Seoyeon when she rode the bear?"

"Oh, yeah! That was her! Now that you mention it!"

Thanks to the Bear Rider incident, Jiyeon's recognition had increased somewhat.

During that variety show, she had been the only person scolding Seoyeon while everyone else was too busy running away.

Alongside Stella Baldwin, she had been highlighted as one of the few who remained relatively composed.

Though, of course, she had fainted upon first seeing the bear.

Which was only natural.

"The cast, aside from those three, doesn’t seem particularly remarkable."

"To put it nicely, it's full of strong character actors."

Kang Yuseok and Lee Seokhoon exchanged quick remarks.

The stage was filled with actors.

And then—

"I’m sure many of you have been curious."

Just as it seemed that all the actors had taken their places, the host spoke again.

"The person revealed at the end of the trailer! The voice narrating throughout! Who could it be?"

There was one more person.

A final actor who had yet to step onto the stage.

Dressed in a black suit and a long coat.

The same outfit seen in the trailer.

A refined fedora, the kind worn by true gentlemen, rested atop his head.

His face was hidden in the shadows, but that jawline—

It was unmistakably the one from the trailer.

"Th-that...!"

One man nearly blurted out the name but quickly shut his mouth.

And he wasn’t the only one.

All around, people stared, wide-eyed, at the approaching figure.

"It’s real. It’s actually him!!"

One man clamped both hands over his mouth.

That man was Han Bongshik—

A YouTuber whose popularity had skyrocketed thanks to Ju Seoyeon.

Tonight, he had barely managed to secure a seat at the premiere.

And now, he could barely contain his excitement.

"Ju Seoyeon really is a goddess."

Even just following her had brought him such good fortune.

This was a massive scoop.

Since it was a general screening, there were no strict confidentiality clauses.

He would double-check with the organizers, just in case—

But if he got permission, he could have a viral video ready within a day.

His fingers itched to start typing.

"Hm."

Stepping onto the stage, the man briefly glanced at the younger actors.

He felt like he was stealing the spotlight from them.

After all, they were the leads, not him.

"Good evening. I’m Lee Sangsoo."

He removed his fedora, finally revealing his face to the audience.

The moment his face was fully visible, the crowd erupted.

"It is Lee Sangsoo!"

"I told you it was him!"

"Wow, this cast is insane."

"I thought he retired!"

Excited murmurs filled the theater.

All eyes were locked onto Lee Sangsoo.

He could feel their gaze, their energy—

His hands trembled slightly.

For years, he had avoided these crowds.

After his failure in Hollywood, after seeing the looks people gave him—

He had feared these eyes.

And yet—

There was something nostalgic about this.

A strange, indescribable ache filled his chest.

It left him speechless.

What was he supposed to say?

In the past, he would have cracked a joke.

Told everyone to enjoy the movie and lightened the mood.

But today, no words came.

Like a rookie actor standing on stage for the first time,

He simply adjusted the brim of his hat.

"I played Gotou Isamu in Kyungsung Lady."

That was all he could manage.

Perhaps sensing the weight of the moment, some in the audience even teared up.

After Hollywood rejected him, after he convinced himself that his acting career was over—

He had refused every film offer, believing he had reached his limit.

"But you want to act, don’t you?"

Seoyeon had once said that to him, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

Funny.

Because whenever they went fishing, he was the one who always said that to her.

After Golden Fisherman, Seoyeon occasionally went fishing with Lee Sangsoo.

Of course, it wasn’t just Seoyeon—Lee Jiyeon would tag along as well, trying to persuade him, worried he might change his mind.

Back then, he had still been debating whether or not to join Kyungsung Lady.

"Honestly, I don’t fully understand your feelings, Lee Sangsoo."

At times, Seoyeon would say things that were strangely profound.

As if she were reading someone's emotions.

She claimed she didn’t know, but it always felt like she did.

"I don’t think you really want to give up."

Yes, that was exactly it.

He didn’t want to give up.

A part of him wished someone would forcefully grab his hand and pull him forward.

Maybe, deep down, there was a childish longing like that.

How had this audacious young actress seen through him?

"I’d be grateful if you all enjoy the film."

With those final words, Lee Sangsoo took his seat among the other actors.

Thunderous applause erupted.

The cast of Kyungsung Lady, along with Seoyeon, clapped for him.

Seoyeon couldn’t fully grasp what he was feeling,

But for some reason, she felt a lump form in her throat.

"Empathy is kind of terrifying."

People often said that Seoyeon's acting evoked strong empathy in others.

Maybe this was what they meant.

She had never thought much about it before,

But now she realized she might have experienced this sensation while watching movies as well.

"Now, let’s officially begin the screening. After the film, there will be a short autograph session, so those interested may stay behind."

At the mention of an autograph session, the audience buzzed with excitement.

"This is amazing! Just the stage greeting alone was already great!"

"Seriously, I’m so glad I came."

It was rare for actors to personally attend general preview screenings like this.

But a stage greeting and an autograph session?

This was a level of generosity unheard of.

"Smart move."

Film critic Kang Yuseok simply shook his head.

Lee Sangsoo's appearance had been a surprise,

But this whole event felt like a carefully orchestrated show.

Not that there was anything wrong with that.

However, it was noticeably different from Baek Min’s usual style.

"Promotions this aggressive usually mean the film’s quality won’t live up to expectations."

Maybe it was just bias, but that had always been Kang Yuseok’s experience.

Skipping a blind test screening and going straight for a public preview—

This was clearly a strategy to bring in influencers and maximize publicity.

"Alright, let’s begin the screening. Please enjoy Kyungsung Lady."

With that, the host turned off the mic and stepped down.

One by one, the theater lights dimmed, and silence settled over the audience.

In the darkness, Seoyeon glanced at Jiyeon.

A stiff expression.

Ever since the host mentioned the autograph session, Jiyeon’s face had been unusually rigid.

She must have known about it in advance,

Yet she still seemed uncomfortable with the idea.

"It’ll be fine."

Without saying anything, Seoyeon turned her gaze toward the screen.

The sound of rain filled the theater.

A long-past Seoul.

A glimpse of Kyungsung appeared on screen.

"Seonwoo, I’ll be back after work, okay?"

A girl in tattered clothing stepped into the marketplace.

Lee Jiyeon’s face filled the screen.

And just like that, Kyungsung Lady began.

*****

Meanwhile.

"Ah, The Purple Love Letter director?"

"I fell asleep watching that one."

"My mom watched it and got into a fight with my dad afterward."

Dahyun chuckled as she listened to her friends.

For high school students who mostly preferred entertainment-driven films, Baek Min's works were often a turn-off.

The difference this time?

Kyungsung Lady featured a star-studded cast.

Still, aside from Dahyun, her friends didn’t seem particularly excited.

"But it's actually good."

Dahyun liked Baek Min's films.

They made her think.

So when Seoyeon gave her a ticket, she had been thrilled.

If the movie turned out great, she even considered bringing her younger siblings to watch it later.

More than anything, this was her first time attending a premiere, so her anticipation was high.

"Lee Sangsoo?"

She widened her eyes as he appeared for the stage greeting.

And when she heard about the post-screening autograph session,

She was already thinking about getting Baek Min’s signature.

"Wait... Jiyeon is the protagonist?"

As the film started, Dahyun was surprised.

She had assumed Seoyeon was the main character.

Since she hadn’t looked up anything about the movie beforehand, she had just assumed.

The title was Kyungsung Lady, after all.

And during the introductions, Seoyeon’s character, Yuina, had been introduced as the "Lady of the Kasugayama family."

So early in the film—

"Oh, so this is how it’s unfolding. Lee Sangsoo’s acting is fantastic."

His performance as Gotou Isamu was commanding.

There was no trace of rust from his long absence.

With Gotou Isamu’s proposal, the protagonist, Yeon Seonye, infiltrated the Amanabi household as a maid.

Dahyun quickly became engrossed.

Something about this film felt different from Baek Min’s usual works.

Yeon Seonye, now a maid, began serving Michiko, the daughter of the Amanabi family.

As the story picked up—

"Huh?"

Halfway through, she tilted her head.

Her friends started reacting strangely too.

And by the latter half—

"Wait. What?!"

Dahyun was practically glued to the screen.

It was... strangely embarrassing, but she couldn’t look away.

More than anything—

Dahyun had zero resistance to this kind of content.

"Wait. Are they actually—? No. They really did?!"

"Hold on, isn’t this a 15+ rating?!"

"I mean, the scenes themselves aren’t explicit, but the atmosphere—"

"Oh god."

Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions.

Dahyun rubbed her suddenly very dry eyes.

She had been so focused on the screen that she had forgotten to blink properly.

"...I can’t watch this with my siblings."

That much was certain.