Chapter 65: Hype and True Nature

"Seen CJ's latest announcement? A rookie director's debut is hitting Lunar New Year?"

"Aish? ssibal, has CJ lost it?"

"But it's got Choi Min-sik. Might be good."

"No way it's good. A rookie made it."

"Look, assistant PD Bong Joon-ho."

"Bong Joon-ho, the Host guy?"

"Who else? Got anything useful?"

"Maybe he's the real director, and this guy's just gilding his resume."

"No way, a chaebol's son?"

"If so, I'm giving it a bad review."

"Me too. Why do chaebols steal chances from real talent?"

"Damn bastards, ssibal~"

Online, speculation about Lee Jin-woo's identity flooded forums.

News outlets raised doubts.

An "insider" "carelessly" leaked Sun Kyung-sik's unprecedented support for New World.

"Someone stirring trouble?" Jin-woo learned this backstage at a promo event.

"Chairman Sun's investigating. It doesn't seem deliberate—more like fan doubts sparking organic buzz…"

No one predicted this.

At its core, the attacks weren't personal.

They stemmed from long-standing social inequities and class oppression, fueling stress and negativity.

This was a vent.

No one cared about truth—just the thrill and satisfaction.

For now, they were satisfied.

"Event's starting."

A staffer knocked, signaling their cue.

"Let's go. Work first."

In the control room, Sun Kyung-sik checked arrangements. "Reporters all briefed?"

"Ne, they know what to focus on."

At the press conference, Jin-woo appeared with the cast and assistant directors.

CJ sent the deputy team leader, Operations Team 1 head, instead of Sun.

"Welcome to the New World press conference… Allow me to introduce the director and screenwriter, Lee Jin-woo PD."

Sparse applause. Eager reporters eyed Jin-woo greedily, like they'd devour him.

Are these guys under orders?

His question was soon answered. After intros, the Q&A targeted him.

"Lee PD, is this film really your work? Wasn't the script ghostwritten?"

"Lee PD, rumors say the film was done by others, and you're just gilding. Your response?"

"Lee PD, with growing backlash against gang films, why choose this now? Are you tied to gangs?"

Each question dripped with malice, baiting him.

His response never wavered. "I wrote the script, verifiable at KCC. I directed the shoot. Next question."

He maintained a polite, restrained smile, neither aggressive nor chaebol-arrogant.

More like a courteous, refined young talent.

After relentless probing, reporters questioned their sources.

This guy didn't match the rumors.

"Everyone, we've got plenty of people here. Let's talk about the film… Don't forget, this is New World's press conference."

His playful jab broke the tense air, sparking laughter.

Attention shifted to others.

A crisis, defused by his calm.

Though doubts about his identity and the film lingered, the buzz far exceeded expectations.

Anyone with media or internet access knew New World.

A 40-billion-won investment and juicy rumors spread like a virus.

South Korea wasn't that big…

Sun's goal was met. New World was a pre-release sensation.

With it came mysteries about Jin-woo's background and wild gossip.

He stayed silent.

In an era before mobile dominance, rumors didn't disrupt his life.

Still, he confronted Sun. "You should've given me a heads-up."

"Sorry, Jin-woo… It was urgent. By the time I knew, you were on-site. Discussing and getting your okay took too long. We didn't have…"

"You were worried I'd say no." Jin-woo cut through the excuses.

Sun frowned. "Yes, Jin-woo, this was a rare chance. Know how much promo cost we saved?"

"10 billion… 20?" Jin-woo smirked.

Sun's lips curled, smile odd, raising his hand. "50 billion."

"50…" Jin-woo was stunned.

No wonder Sun jumped. He'd have done the same.

"That money's mine." Jin-woo, bold as brass, claimed it all.

Sun balked. "Jin-woo, we're partners."

"You didn't act like it when you decided." Jin-woo didn't mince words.

"It was for our good… Fine, you get a bigger cut." Given their good partnership and project prospects, Sun conceded a bit.

Just a bit…

"40 billion."

"28."

"38…"

They haggled, settling on Jin-woo taking 30 billion, CJ keeping 20.

"Big companies have perks, but more rules. I've got boards and councils to convince."

At Zy+, Jin-woo called all shots.

At CJ, even Sun played by rules.

Or he'd be ousted next.

"30 billion, deal."

A rumor for 30 billion—a steal. Jin-woo accepted gladly.

"Next time, clue me in. We might sync better."

"My mistake… Jin-woo, I'm liking you more and more."

"Yeah? Throw in more perks next time. Makes your words sound sincerer."

Leaving the office, he flashed a smile at the pretty secretary. "Khaki suits you… Don't ditch the pencil skirt. Hiding those hips is a crime."

Blushing, she mumbled, "Kamsahamnida, President Lee-ssi, take care…"

His damn charm was irresistible.

Click~

The office door swung open. Sun stopped him. "Almost forgot, during the interview, someone called, wanting to clear your name…"

"Who?" Jin-woo was curious.

"Wonkwang Angel Garden. She said she's the director…" Sun's gaze turned odd. "What've you been up to?"

As a high-profile chaebol, charity was inevitable.

In today's transparent, digital age, it's a trump card.

But charity's targeted, purposeful.

Money doesn't vanish—it flows back through channels.

In short: money laundering.

The goal: tax evasion. Pure charity?

What idiot does that?

Now, Jin-woo seemed that idiot…

Worse, he didn't even want fame.

"For what, inner peace? When'd you buy into Western nonsense?"

Sun couldn't fathom it.

"Don't talk about me. Do what you want, but one thing—leave Angel Garden alone."

Jin-woo didn't mind hype, just not dragging those he cared about into profit schemes.

Anything tied to profit got messy, impure.

Kids' lives should stay simple, clean.

"Of course, your call." Sun nodded.

What he thought, no one knew.

Jin-woo wasn't as noble as he claimed.

If Sun hyped this, Angel Garden would get sucked in, its peace shattered.

But Sun would steer the buzz to Jin-woo, sparing the garden.

Their unspoken understanding—some things didn't need spelling out.

Deep down, they were cut from the same cloth.

Despite Jin-woo's denials, chaebol greed was in his bones.

From the start, Sun knew he hadn't misjudged.

He was born chaebol, destined to be one of them.

(End of Chapter)

soar.

"Ah~ IU, I've heard her songs. Great voice." Rain's smile hid his eyes.

Fake, but earnest. Prep team notes said he's quiet off-stage.

Onstage, he talks and performs too much. Off-camera, he's drained, no energy for banter.

Suppressing his nature to play the warm big brother?

Tough…

"I'd love to invite IU as a concert guest."

"Really?"

Lee Jung-hyun's quick offer surprised Yoon Hye-na.

Did she truly admire that dazed, goofy girl?

"Yes, Representative Yoon should know, I design my stages myself, so I have a say in guests."

"Have a say" was humble. She called all shots—costumes, image, choreography, collabs.

Her fierce autonomy likely led her agency to squeeze her dry during her contract.

Otherwise, fresh off an overseas trip, why no fan meet, but rushed to an unrelated film premiere?

She was being tossed out as cheap "favors."

(End of Chapter)