Chapter 84

84. Where Will the War End?

"If you are Hong Gildong, then who are they?"

The tone of Kim Jongmu, the secretary, who had been addressing Jung Hyuk with respect, changed. His voice had also hardened.

"Perhaps they are the fakes."

Jung Hyuk also changed his tone.

"Fakes?"

"Didn't you already know to some extent? That they might not be from the same faction."

Kim Jongmu gave him a sharp look.

"Whether it's one faction or two, they are still a group of rebels that need to be suppressed. What gives you the courage to appear before me so fearlessly?"

"But even in suppressing them, there needs to be a priority."

Jung Hyuk began to talk about the identity of the fake Hong Gildong and the plans they were orchestrating.

The ultimate goal of the fake Hong Gildong, Je Ji-an, was to establish a new country.

He planned to organize a powerful private army, incite a rebellion, overthrow Joseon, and establish a new nation—a revolutionary change of dynasty.

"Let's join forces to stop him. After that, we can discuss the matters between us."

"Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"The reason you want to team up with me."

Kim Jongmu's question made Jung Hyuk smirk.

"By working together, we can reduce the casualties. Let's leave it at that."

"What makes you trust me?"

"I don't. Just as you don't trust me."

"......"

"However, we can use each other for the time being. Just be careful of backstabbing."

Jung Hyuk's words made Kim Jongmu's eyebrows twitch.

"In any case, that's my proposal. I look forward to your response."

With those words, Jung Hyuk's figure disappeared as if flying away.

The scene changed.

At Hong Gildong's hideout.

"Boss, are you sure this is okay? The government troops?"

"For now, this is the best way."

"But, Boss."

Listening to the conversation between Hong Gildong and Jang Buli, Kang Hee Seo-yeon said with a look of suppressed anger.

"This isn't the best way! If you're going to do it this way, at least let us go free!"

"Kang Hee!"

Jang Buli tried to stop Kang Hee, but it was no use.

"Kill them! They treat human lives worse than insects. How long are we going to keep fighting like this! Can't you see our comrades dying in front of you?"

Kang Hee's lips trembled.

"What kind of belief is this? Such things should only be kept when robbing the nobles! How can you say you won't kill people in a war!"

He killed. He killed for justice. But what remained was not justice.

No matter how much he shook his head, the guilt followed him like a ghost. It was a guilt that could never be fully shaken off, no matter how much he tried to atone.

Gildong made a vow. He would never kill in the name of justice again.

Thus, Hong Gildong, who had sealed his 'killing intent,' could no longer be the strongest warrior.

The members of the Halbin Party could no longer freely use their skills, and the sacrifices were growing.

"We will lure them and hand them over to the government troops. That's all."

Jung Hyuk did not respond to Kang Hee Seo-yeon's protest.

Thud.

Kang Hee bit her lip and stormed out.

The scene changed.

At the hideout of the fake Hong Gildong, Je Ji-an.

"Are you sure about that guy?"

"Yes, I'm sure. It was his movements."

Bang!

Je Ji-an, with a burning gaze, slammed the table.

"That fake Hong Gildong!"

Je Ji-an, consumed by madness, had come to believe that he was the only true Hong Gildong. To him, Woo Jin-hyuk was the fake Hong Gildong.

At first, he had only wanted to use the name of Hong Gildong, who was already famous as a righteous bandit.

The reason he had tried to recruit Hong Gildong was solely because of his outstanding abilities and the desire to have his forces under his command.

But the guy who refused him, not only refused but also obstructed his efforts to gather forces.

Anyone who rejected 'justice' was nothing but 'evil' that needed to be eliminated from the world.

For such a person to be called the righteous bandit Hong Gildong was absurd. The name of the righteous bandit Hong Gildong belonged only to him in this era.

There were many things he needed to take from the guy.

The life of the guy who was defiling the name of Hong Gildong.

The subordinates of the Halbin Party who should rightfully obey him.

Most importantly, Lady Yeonju.

"I... I will... that guy..."

Je Ji-an's mad gaze made the man looking at him flinch.

Especially Lady Yeonju was a sore spot for Je Ji-an.

The real name of the fake Hong Gildong Je Ji-an was 'Manseok.' He was originally a slave in the household of Yeonju (played by Nam Su-hyun) before it fell.

A tragic figure with a brilliant mind and the potential to become an unparalleled martial artist, but also the status of a slave.

It was Yeonju who recognized his brilliant mind and gave 'Manseok' the opportunity to study secretly.

Manseok deeply loved Yeonju.

"Having the audacity to keep my Yeonju... and now..."

Now that he had learned that Lady Yeonju, who had been separated due to the family's downfall, was living by Hong Gildong's side.

Manseok dreamed of making Yeonju his own.

He would change the world. Who is born a king from the start? The founder of this country, Joseon, was not a king from the beginning.

On the throne, the queen who should stand by his side was 'Yeonju.'

But Hong Gildong was an obstacle to becoming king and to possessing Yeonju.

"Interfering with my plans again?"

Upon hearing the report that Hong Gildong had thwarted the plan to assassinate Kim Jongmu, Je Ji-an's anger exploded.

"I will kill him. I will tear him limb from limb!"

Je Ji-an's roar, like that of a wild beast, echoed through the hideout.

***

"Hey, in that situation, not killing anyone is just not realistic, right? With comrades dying?"

"Considering there are people who commit to non-violent resistance and even risk their lives, it's possible. From Hong Gildong's perspective, it might be right to stick to that belief."

As the story of "Hong Gildong" approached its climax, discussions about the drama bloomed everywhere the day after each episode aired.

A working man sipping a mixed coffee said,

"So, what do you think Hong Gildong will ultimately do?"

"Hard to say. Given the situation, he might have to use his full strength eventually."

The fake Halbin Party was becoming more brutal and gaining more power, and Hong Gildong's base was no longer safe.

Despite this, Hong Gildong's restraint could potentially frustrate the audience.

However, the intricate battles of wits between the factions were thrilling.

Perhaps because he had sealed his power, the possibility of intense sword fights still made Hong Gildong's action scenes spectacular.

And the romantic subplot was growing more tender.

Instead of feeling frustrated, the audience's curiosity was growing.

How long will Hong Gildong hide his true strength?

How will he ultimately win? What will happen to Gildong and Yeonju's love?

This curiosity led to a continuous rise in ratings.

By episode 13, the ratings had finally surpassed the magical 50% mark, reaching 50.3%.

"Wow!"

A cheer echoed through the KBC Drama Department.

"Who would have thought we'd see the day when the ratings surpass 50%."

"Indeed."

"Thank you for all your hard work, Director."

"It's nothing. Park Section Chief worked the hardest."

While the celebration was underway, a war was already brewing beneath the surface.

KBC, trying to secure Woo Jin-hyuk's next project, and MBS, which had lost 200 billion won on "Great Nation" due to "Hong Gildong" and was determined to bring Woo Jin-hyuk on board.

However, the places targeting Jin-hyuk were not limited to these two.

One of the three major terrestrial networks, SBC.

SBC had already played its losing card in the same time slot as "Hong Gildong."

While the main intention was to avoid "Great Nation," it had inadvertently avoided a major landmine.

Their drama had never surpassed double-digit ratings, but this gave them a sense of relief.

Even the 200 billion won "Great Nation" had plummeted to the low teens, making them feel they had gained an advantage.

However,

"Let's secure Woo Jin-hyuk's next project."

They were not willing to give up on the next drama.

While the two Halbin Parties and the government troops were engaged in a fierce battle in "Hong Gildong," a covert war for Woo Jin-hyuk's next project was already underway among the three terrestrial networks.

But there was a difference from "Hong Gildong." In reality, there were other challengers besides the three major terrestrial networks.

The Korean broadcasting industry was at the end of an era dominated by the three major terrestrial networks.

New forces that would challenge terrestrial networks were emerging within the next ten years.

Cable channels, which had already surpassed a 90% penetration rate with the inclusion of IPTV, had the minimum infrastructure to challenge terrestrial networks.

2012 was the inaugural year of comprehensive cable channels and the first year to show the potential of cable dramas.

The pie of drama ratings would no longer be the exclusive domain of the three major terrestrial networks.

"Let's make a proper drama once."

The CEO of cable channel TVC said seriously to his employees.

"Last year, 'Star Birth K Season 2' surpassed 20% in ratings. If it can happen with a variety show, why not with a drama?"

It was a bit of a sudden mutation to call it a variety show, as cable channel variety shows were considered a hit if they reached 3%.

But what's done is done.

"I guarantee that the era of cable dramas will come within the next five years. The lack of restrictions compared to terrestrial networks is a huge advantage in making dramas."

Last year, a thriller about vampires nearly hit 5% in ratings, a difficult subject for terrestrial networks.

Encouraged by this success, TVC ambitiously planned a 12-episode drama with a 4.5 billion won investment.

"Hong Gildong" cost 30 billion won, but it was 16 episodes, so the per-episode cost was incomparable.

The CEO's repetition of this point reflected his mindset.

"PD, writer, we have them. What's next?"

And everyone in the meeting knew the last thing to be said.

"Bring in Woo Jin-hyuk. No matter what. Offer him the highest level of guarantee. Let's make history in the drama world."

***

"Jin-hyuk, what were you thinking when you said 53.3%?"

Manager Kim Yong-soo asked in amazement.

"Just, you know. A friend said that."

"Friend?"

"Brother, you saw him. Do Min-woo."

"Oh, that handsome guy you call your best friend."

"His nickname is Do Muneo."

Kim Yong-soo tilted his head.

"Muneo?"

"Ah, you know, the octopus that predicted the 2010 World Cup."

"Oh!"

"Min-woo is strangely good at predicting successful dramas. He even accurately predicts the ratings sometimes."

Of course, Do Muneo didn't get everything right. Some predictions were wildly off.

The hit rate was probably around 70%. But that was too high to be mere coincidence.

Moreover, Do Muneo had a nearly 90% accuracy rate in predicting the ratings of dramas Jin-hyuk starred in.

"Hey, that guy. He seems to have a talent for this industry. One of the greatest talents in this industry is 'intuition.' Hahaha."

Knock. Knock.

Someone tapped on the car window. It was Min Seo-yeon. Manager Kim Yong-soo quickly opened the door.

"Seo-yeon! What brings you here?"

"I was bored waiting."

"Oh, right, right, come in."

Seo-yeon hopped into Jin-hyuk's car.

"Studying today?"

"I need breaks too."

"......"

Just as the silence was about to settle, Seo-yeon asked,

"When is Se-ri coming?"

"She'll come up after finishing her schedule. She should be here soon."

Today was the last shooting day for "2012 Hong Gildong." An additional unplanned shooting session was scheduled.

A special cameo by the first Hong Gildong, actor Won Sang-ki.

It was a request from KBC's Director Lee Sang-soo, but the actor who received the request was more moved.

Even though it was a cameo, it could be his swan song as a veteran actor.

Considering his love for "Hong Gildong," it was no surprise that he shed tears upon receiving the request.

Hearing about his illness, Jin-hyuk's schedule included a hospital visit after the final episode.

But meeting him at the shooting location first would make it a meaningful encounter.

Moreover,

"Director."

"Ah, Jin-hyuk."

"Since actor Won Sang-ki is making a cameo appearance... can Se-ri also make a cameo?"

"Se-ri?"

A familiar name to Director Jung Doo-il, who had worked on "High School 2" with them.

"Se-ri is willing to do it?"

Director Jung Doo-il was surprised. After all, Se-ri was soaring as a singer.

"Yes."

"Wow, that would be great! Haha."

Director Jung Doo-il even clapped in joy. Thus, Se-ri's cameo was set.

"Have you roughly decided on your next project?"

Seo-yeon asked, and Jin-hyuk shook his head. Manager Kim Yong-soo, who had been listening, said,

"Seo-yeon, don't even ask. The whole company is in a headache over this. How many synopses have come in for dramas and movies... Seo-yeon, you're also in a bind, right?"

While not to the same extent as Jin-hyuk, Seo-yeon had also hit a home run after "High School 2," a solid double.

Offers for her next project were already coming in from various sources.

"I don't have many, but I am struggling a bit."

"Of course. Sigh, it's great that things are going well, but..."

Manager Kim Yong-soo shook his head. Seo-yeon asked Jin-hyuk,

"Have you thought about any genre or anything?"

"Maybe anything but a romance."

"Ha! Why? You'd look great in a romance."

Jin-hyuk chuckled.

"Really?"

"Of course, I'm joking."

Not really. With his looks and acting skills, he would fit perfectly.

But it was obviously embarrassing for Seo-yeon to say everything she thought.

"Hey, if you're having trouble choosing, you have that friend, Do Muneo. Ask him. He's good at it. Haha."

Manager Kim Yong-soo, looking at his smartphone, threw out the suggestion jokingly.

Jin-hyuk and Seo-yeon's gazes simultaneously turned to Manager Kim Yong-soo.

Realizing the two were staring at him, Kim Yong-soo blinked.

"Why?"