# Chapter 54
It was a resolute answer, as if there was no room for further thought.
“If I must point out what’s changed, I’d have to mention the CEO’s recent behavior. Usually, the CEO doesn’t stay at home much.”
“But…”
Seowoo had his own experiences. He’d grown accustomed to eating together and chatting, and had somehow adapted to being with Dohyun rather than staying alone at home.
If that was the case, was it all not really Dohyun’s true self?
Seowoo opened his mouth to object but ended up closing it without saying anything.
Well, it had only been a few months. The time Seowoo had spent with Dohyun, clashing and being together, was just that much. In terms of shared years, Manager Gu, who counted his time with Dohyun in years rather than months, would naturally know Dohyun better than Seowoo did.
Manager Gu didn’t break the silence by asking anything further. He just focused on driving quietly. Though they had never been the type to exchange small talk or jokes, the silence felt especially heavy.
At some point, the car stopped and the door opened. Manager Gu guided Seowoo and helped him get out.
Looking up, blue glass windows stretched high above. It wasn’t his first visit to WBS headquarters. He had been here several times for filming and radio shows.
“This way.”
Seowoo followed Manager Gu’s guidance and walked inside.
He already knew who PD Park was, but this was the first time meeting him in person. After exchanging greetings and saying “pleased to meet you,” PD Park quickly began demonstrating his fan enthusiasm to Seowoo in a friendly tone.
“I’m a real fan. My son grew up watching your work with me, and I watched your drama as prenatal education when I was pregnant with my second child. Maybe that’s why the kid wants to be a celebrity.”
While there seemed to be some exaggeration mixed in—hard to believe it was 100% sincere—Seowoo didn’t mind.
Whether he was deliberately trying to lighten the mood or showing genuine feelings, it certainly had the effect of instantly softening the rigid atmosphere. For Seowoo, who struggled with tense atmospheres, this was appreciated.
Noticing that Seowoo’s expression was gradually relaxing, PD Park subtly brought up the main topic.
“So, I’ve already briefed your manager somewhat… but have you seen our program?”
“Of course. I don’t watch many variety shows, but I’ve been following yours diligently.”
To be honest, Seowoo felt guilty claiming he had watched every episode. But compared to other variety shows, he had made an effort to follow this one, so it wasn’t a lie.
Seemingly satisfied with the answer, PD Park smiled and handed Seowoo several stapled papers. They were prepared materials.
“That makes this much easier to explain. The format will change slightly with the new season.”
“How so… won’t the basics remain the same?”
“Have you heard of ‘Hansangcharim,’ a recently launched cable variety show?”
Seowoo let out a short exclamation. Even though he didn’t actively seek out TV variety shows, he couldn’t be completely unaware of such a famous program.
In terms of focusing on healing and cooking, it was very similar to “Sipsiilbak.” Although it was a latecomer that began broadcasting after “Sipsiilbak,” it had established its own uniqueness and built a solid fan base.
“Yes. It’s quite popular. Is there some issue with that?”
“With ‘Sipsiilbak’s’ popularity, there have been many similar programs, but among them, ‘Hansangcharim’ is definitely leading. We also share the same viewer demographic.”
The reason was simple. “Hansangcharim” incorporated the light and reactive editing style unique to cable programs, which offset the unavoidable boredom that had been considered “Sipsiilbak’s” weakness.
“…Is that a big problem? Though they have a similar atmosphere, they’re clearly different programs, and ‘Sipsiilbak’ is the pioneer.”
“It’s a ratings issue.”
PD Park sighed while rubbing the back of his neck.
“It’s great if people like this style of variety show and watch both, but it becomes problematic if they think ‘Hansangcharim’ is ‘the better show’ and only watch that one. Our broadcast schedules overlapped before Season 2 ended, and the ratings graphs showed a clear inverse relationship.”
In other words, the issue wasn’t simply that the shows had similar atmospheres, but that “Sipsiilbak’s” viewers were leaving.
Certainly, while it was currently the most popular variety show by name and reputation, like all programs, its position could be overturned at any time. The anxiety was completely understandable.
“…So you’re keeping only the original keywords and completely changing the concept? Even with ratings issues, isn’t that quite a bold plan?”
“There’s another reason. Because I’ve taken over as PD.”
That was more of a declaration than a reason. What was this sudden statement? Seowoo looked at PD Park with a question mark in his eyes.
“As you may already know… Season 2 wrapped up rather abruptly. There were issues.”
PD Park didn’t elaborate further, but Seowoo immediately remembered. From real-time search terms to news articles and social media—it had been chaotic. One of the members had caused problems, left the show, and the program had ended suddenly.
It was an idol with such high recognition that Seowoo couldn’t avoid seeing their face while coming and going. Being featured on the social pages of the news made it difficult to cover up, let alone manage damage control.
“As you know, that member had been a central figure throughout Seasons 1 and 2… and was extremely popular. Considering the overall format through Season 2, it was an essential role that couldn’t be eliminated.”
PD Park pointed to the Season 2 logo.
“This too. Did you watch Season 1? That member suggested this idea in the final episode, which is how the Season 2 logo came to be this shape.”
“…That’s a position that would be awkward to replace with someone else.”
“Yes. There were internal opinions suggesting we quietly keep them involved, but that’s nonsense. Considering public opinion, I put my foot down and said it was out of the question.”
There was nothing wrong with incorporating a member’s idea. The one who caused trouble was at fault.
While the contract with that member had naturally ended, it was difficult to say they took responsibility for everything, as many issues remained.
‘This is why people should live properly and not do bad things…’
The image of Dohyun smiling brightly while casually offering a contract suddenly came to Seowoo’s mind. Considering the words that had come out of his mouth, he should have been featured on the social pages dozens of times already.
There’s nothing good about living a life of wrongdoing. Isn’t it like a tower that looks solid but is actually precarious? What would happen if it really collapsed someday?
While mentally cursing, Seowoo carefully read the text on the paper. Certainly, with the program’s continued popularity, there was no need to cancel it altogether.
But maintaining the format would require a new member powerful enough to erase that problematic member from public memory, which wasn’t easy to find either.
“So we decided to change the format this time. We’ll maintain the existing keywords, but make it natural even if we replace some members.”
PD Park nodded while tapping the bottom of the paper with his fingertips.
“We’ll keep the basic format of staying overnight and cooking together, but we’ll add a concept to ingredient and recipe selection each episode, aiming for something more fun.”
The explanation of the new format continued. Seowoo silently nodded.
He understood. What PD Park wanted, as Dohyun had said, was Seowoo’s popularity and buzzworthiness. With the most popular member now in an irrecoverable state, finding another card to attract attention was most important.
‘If the format has a clear theme, an actor would certainly handle it better than a singer… I can understand why they’re specifically trying to cast me.’
However, compared to “Sipsiilbak” that Seowoo used to watch, the changed format had an overall lighter atmosphere. They mentioned competing with “Hansangcharim,” so it seemed they were actively addressing weaknesses and emphasizing entertainment value to differentiate from previous seasons.
This made Seowoo’s confidence drop sharply. If he didn’t even know how to interact with people in an entertaining way, how could he be entertaining on a variety show?
After hesitating briefly, Seowoo put down the paper.
“…But this would be my first time participating in a variety entertainment show.”
“Ah, that’s right. You’ve mainly appeared on talk shows.”
Rather than surprise, his reaction suggested this was expected. He even seemed pleased. Come to think of it, he’d said he was a fan. He wouldn’t be reacting this way out of ignorance…
Seowoo’s eyes narrowed further. Regardless, PD Park groaned thoughtfully while stroking his chin.
“Well, among variety shows, ours requires at least two days of filming, so the schedule might be tight, but the other members are mostly in their inactive periods, so it’s easier for us to accommodate your schedule.”
Lowering his voice to a whisper, he said, “The other members are all confirmed. It’s still a secret, but…” In front of PD Park’s earnestness, Seowoo couldn’t bring himself to outright refuse.
After hesitating briefly, Seowoo circled around the issue about five times, trying to express his refusal as gently as possible.
“…Even setting aside the time issue, I’m not sure how well I’d adapt. It’s not a guest appearance but a fixed role. I’m worried about becoming a burden to a major variety show.”
“What?”
As if he hadn’t anticipated this response at all, PD Park’s eyes widened behind his glasses. Then, as if it were nothing, he broke into a wide smile and waved his hand dismissively.
“Come on, in Season 1, there was someone who said exactly the same thing as Han Seowoo-ssi, and do you know how they are now? At every company dinner, they collect everyone’s bags, saying they won’t let anyone leave early.”
“…”
Wait, hearing that actually made it worse. His enthusiasm had been dampened much more than before.
Whether PD Park noticed Seowoo’s sour expression or not, he was too busy laughing cheerfully.
“And we’re talking about Han Seowoo, not just anyone. Everyone would love you, so why worry about that? Seowoo-ssi, you’re the best.”
With a thumbs-up and an excited smile, PD Park couldn’t be dismissed as merely offering empty flattery.
Seowoo recognized that look. It was the same one he always encountered from fans, family, Woojae, and colleagues. Perhaps it was the expression that had guided him to where he was today.
If someone who was always called “the best” said they didn’t want to take on this challenge, what response would they receive? Seowoo knew it wouldn’t be consolation, at the very least.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
