Chapter 84: Became the Older Brother of a Top Star

Thursday and Friday at 10 PM is known as the golden time slot in the broadcasting industry.

Except for the daily dramas that air on weekends at 8 PM, this time slot generally records the highest average viewership.

Therefore, it was customary for broadcasting stations to select their main dramas to air during this time.

However, this time slot was also the most nerve-wracking.

"Alright, everyone, open your eyes and check."

Since the Thursday and Friday dramas were a matter of pride for the broadcasting stations, this was a serious competition.

Additionally, the juicy bonuses were an added incentive.

"Should we just check the terrestrial channel ratings?"

"Of course, we should only check the terrestrial channels. What are you trying to check?"

"That cable channel..."

"What? Cable? You're talking nonsense. When have they ever surpassed us?"

Although cable TV has been steadily developing, it still couldn't compete with terrestrial channels.

Occasionally, a hit would come out, but its viewership was less than half of a terrestrial hit.

That was the current position of cable channels.

Of course, things could change in the future, but for now, it wasn't time to worry about them.

"Keep checking the ratings continuously. And spread the word on community forums that the competing channel's drama is boring and not worth watching. We need to draw viewers to our side."

Unbeknownst to many, it had become a routine to criticize competing dramas on community forums and NewTube.

The most important thing was whether the drama content was interesting or not, but establishing a strong initial viewership was also crucial.

"PD Kim, shouldn't we pay attention to the cable channel this time?"

"What?"

PD Kim frowned at PD Park's words.

"Come on. Isn't it a disgrace to even compete with those rootless guys?"

"Well, didn't one of the variety shows on cable TV recently challenge our terrestrial station?"

PD Kim briefly pursed his lips.

"That's a variety show, and it only lost in the same time slot. Compared to the ratings of our blockbuster variety shows, it's nothing."

"Still, if they had operated it for the long term, they might have caught up. That's why all the stations are now producing similar variety shows."

"What? What are you trying to say? Why are you suddenly picking a fight?"

"My point is, the drama that's airing on Thursday and Friday, 'Day by Day,' is getting a lot of attention. Thanks to the cute brother and sister who starred in it."

Day by Day.

Jung Yun-seong and Jung Yun-a.

The emergence of 'Day by Day' was due to these two people.

Without them, 'Day by Day' would have disappeared quickly.

Now, these two are in the drama.

One is playing the lead role, and the other is in charge of composing.

"I know. There was a lot of talk about it on community forums. Even the genius composer, Jung Yun-seong, is handling all the songs for this drama. But we're fundamentally different. We didn't make a drama for kids; we cast star actors for our drama."

Good time slots and good actors determine the initial ratings of a drama.

Before the first episode, it's impossible to know if the drama is interesting or not, so people decide based on the cast.

"Besides, the theme is good, right? We made a melodrama, which people love so much."

Following the current trend, the broadcasting stations were continuously producing melodramas.

"I don't know. Isn't it about time people are getting tired of melodramas?"

"Ha ha. I don't think so. People always want something stimulating. Melodramas are a great stimulant. What about a high school drama? Even a musical drama? Such a ridiculous sitcom-like show will do well in Korea, right?"

After delivering such a harsh criticism, PD Kim refocused on the monitor to check the ratings with his subordinates.

Meanwhile, PD Park kept his attention on the drama airing at the same time.

The appearance of fresh-faced students.

Conversations in modern language.

School life that evokes deep nostalgia.

And,

"!?"

Suddenly, the music burst out, and the dynamic choreography of the actors caught his eye, making PD Park forget about checking the ratings and get absorbed in the drama.

'What? Who's the director? Is he a veteran?'

He thought there might be an entry barrier due to the unfamiliar genre of a musical drama, but he was amazed by the continuous camera work and composition from the very beginning.

The following musical numbers and the passionate performances of the actors, who acted in sync with the music, made his heart race and his blood boil.

It had been a long time since he felt the urge to get up and move his body.

'The camera composition is good, and the acting of the actors caught in it is also excellent.'

Among them, the best performance was from Jung Yun-a, who led the story as the main character.

'Wasn't this her first time acting?'

Her cheerful and lively demeanor suited her perfectly.

Watching her, it felt like happiness energy was naturally emanating from her.

'Maybe it's not acting, but just showing her true self.'

Such a bright and lively performance is actually difficult.

Even a slight mistake can make it seem awkward and fake.

But Jung Yun-a showed no such signs.

She was so natural that it was hard to tell if this was a drama or a live broadcast of Jung Yun-a.

'And of course, the best part is—'

The music that continuously played in the background.

Yes, this music further draws people in.

It's a funny thing.

Usually, people get absorbed in the drama because of the actors' performances, but in this drama, the music draws people in as much as the acting.

The background music following the appropriate composition adds tension and enhances immersion.

'This is Jung Yun-seong's music, right?'

Indeed, his skills were worthy of the title of a legendary genius.

He was reminded once again of how important the drama's OST is.

"Everyone, are you checking the ratings properly?"

"Yes!"

"But why is this happening? The ratings for our station and the competing station are strange. It looks like something is wrong."

PD Kim, who was checking the real-time ratings, was shouting.

He had a habit of shouting when he was flustered.

When they went to see what was happening,

"Hmm? Something really is off?"

PD Park also found himself tilting his head in confusion.

Usually, when checking real-time ratings during this time slot, each station would get a certain share of the pie.

But the ratings for all stations were low.

Compared to usual, they were only at half the level, causing confusion.

"What? Is something really wrong?"

If this were the case, it would mean that the other station had taken all the ratings, but the ratings for the other station were also strange.

"Could it be...?"

At that moment, PD Park had a thought and checked the community forums.

After reading the posts, he quickly shouted,

"Check the cable channel ratings too, starting with the station airing 'Day by Day'!"

"Huh? Oh, yes."

Following PD Park's instructions, the subordinate quickly brought up the ratings for the relevant station on the screen.

And everyone's eyes widened as they saw the numbers.

"What, what is this?"

PD Kim's mouth opened the widest.

* * *

"Huh? It's already over?"

"Why is this drama so short?"

As the drama ended and the screen switched to commercials, the parents were complaining.

But the drama wasn't actually short.

"It was an hour. The first episode's running time is 65 minutes, as far as I know."

"Huh? Really? Wow, is that so? It really was an hour. Check the time, dear."

"No, I thought it ended in less than 30 minutes because it felt so quick."

Their reactions were not forced for Yuna or me.

They were genuinely absorbed in the drama and didn't even notice how much time had passed.

"Hehe, how was it? I think I did well?"

"Phew, I only saw our daughter. How could she be so cute and adorable?"

Father pinched Yuna's cheeks and shook her.

But this reaction wasn't just because Yuna was his daughter.

A drama is more interesting when it focuses on the main character.

Both I and the director knew this, so we focused on Yuna in the camera work.

"There were no boring parts, and it was really interesting. It's been a while since I watched an interesting drama."

As Mother, who could be called a drama expert, said, the result of focusing on Yuna and continuously driving the story forward was that there were no boring or dragging parts.

"It was really hard to shoot, though. Remember the scene in the classroom where we moved the desks and sang with friends? In that scene, ... ."

Yuna chatted excitedly with her parents, and I checked the community forums.

- I couldn't watch it because I was watching another drama. How was it?

- Hahaha, you didn't watch this and watched something else?

- It was really fun.

- It's been a long time since I watched a drama without noticing the time.

- It was just really good.

The comment section quickly filled up.

- Yuna is so beautiful... Just seeing Yuna is worth it.

- The songs were amazing. When will the music be released?

- I want to watch it again.

Everyone's reactions were very positive.

It was a stark contrast to the high school drama I had seen in my previous life, where the comments were mostly curses.

Here, all the comments were praising the drama and Yuna.

"So, Yuna, what happens next?"

"You and the others form a band and go somewhere, right?"

Shaking her head proudly, Yuna replied to her parents' questions.

"No. Leaking the story could lead to a lawsuit, which is a serious matter."

Even when asked if she could give a hint, Yuna firmly refused.

"Brother, are you checking the community forums? What are people saying?"

"Hmm~ They all say it's good. I think the first episode of this drama was really well made. The songs in it were also great. You composed all those songs, so of course they're good."

"Wow, Brother, you're getting more and more shameless?"

"I'm just stating the facts."

At my playful comment, Yuna burst into laughter and took out her phone.

"Hmm~ Should I check it too?"

"Huh? You're going to check it too?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Well, it's not that you can't—"

No matter how well a drama is made and how good the reactions are, there are always negative comments, like a law of the universe.

There will always be people who don't like to see the drama or Yuna doing well.

I wanted to advise her not to look, out of concern.

"It's okay, Brother. Don't I know? How solid is my mental strength?"

Hmm, I'm not sure how solid her mental strength really is.

But Yuna insisted and eventually checked the community forums.

Seeing a particularly noticeable comment among the all-praise comments, Yuna said in a lowered voice.

"Sure enough, there are negative comments, as Brother said."

"What? Who dared to—!"

I immediately rushed to Yuna and looked at the screen she was watching.

"Isn't it that serious?"

"Of course, it is. They're insulting you. How can I not be angry?"

Yuna then smiled calmly.

"I feel more confident knowing you're there for me. You'll come to my defense when someone insults me."

Yuna laughed off the negative comment.

Her stiffened face quickly turned into a bright smile.

"..."

Seeing this, many thoughts crossed my mind.

Perhaps in her previous life, Yuna wanted an older brother because she needed someone like this.

If so, I could do it a hundred times, a thousand times, or even for a lifetime.