Chapter 50

50

"Seo Hoyun."

I arrived at the PD's editing room, which I occasionally visited. Kim Hee-young was unusually fine, or rather, she was sparkling more than ever. I approached her, who was waving and smiling widely.

"PD, you wanted to see me?"

"Yeah, yeah. Come and sit down. I'm sorry to call you to such a shabby, hidden, and terrible place while you're in the middle of practice."

"That's okay. PD, would you like this?"

I extended the Americano I had bought in advance. Kim Hee-young looked at it with a slightly awkward expression. She hated plain Americano the most. I quickly added,

"It's a triple shot."

"…Now I'm starting to get scared. Are you a shaman?"

"Ha ha."

The Americano with a triple shot was Kim Hee-young's taste.

"Thank you. I'll enjoy it."

After handing it to her, I sipped my caramel frappuccino. Kim Hee-young looked at me strangely.

"Why?"

"Looking at you, I thought you'd drink espresso."

"But I like sweet things."

"…That's true."

Sitting there, I saw PD Kim Hee-young editing the final episode's VCR. Even though she could have delegated this to someone else, this revealed her character.

"Ah, really. I'm dying while editing and cutting out Today."

"Still, the program continues."

"Yeah, well. Today's agency can't even pay attention to us now. And since Shining Star is doing so well, Today's agency isn't asking us to quit but is begging us with a wad of cash. The director would just sneer."

Kim Hee-young shook her head in disappointment.

If it were the TVK director, I had seen him a few times. He was practical, or to put it negatively, a money-grubber.

"Good for you. I didn't expect you to ruin it so thoroughly. There was a paparazzi attached, they said."

"Yeah…."

I had done it. I didn't particularly want to correct her, so I remained silent. It didn't matter if Kim Hee-young didn't know.

Kim Hee-young, with a blank expression, focused on the video and clicked the mouse.

"Well, let's leave the small talk there. To get to the point… I have a question."

"Yes, what is it?"

She asked without any change in her demeanor, not even turning to look at me.

"Did you do it?"

'Wow…'

"What do you mean?"

"Don't pretend. Did Seo Hoyun leak Today?"

I looked at Kim Hee-young steadily. Her expression was calm but a bit tense.

'Is she recording?'

It was possible. If this conversation were to leak, I wouldn't survive easily either.

After blinking once, I said,

"Yes."

I answered without looking for a recorder or ignoring the question.

"I did it."

Because it's Kim Hee-young.

It wasn't because I trusted her goodwill towards me. It was just that she was… that kind of person. Very different from me, someone who couldn't tolerate injustice.

She might think she's been worn down by the storms, but to me, she's always been the same.

With such a Kim Hee-young, it was fine.

"Ha, ha…."

Kim Hee-young let out a laugh of disbelief. She finally took her eyes off the video, sighed, and rubbed her face with both hands.

I kept drinking my frappuccino until her thoughts were organized. The sweet taste filled my mouth.

"…PD, how did you know?"

It was possible to deduce, but I wanted to confirm if there was anything I had missed.

She fumbled for a cigarette.

"From the beginning, you looked too relaxed. I thought you had something to rely on, like a golden spoon."

"I wish."

"Ha ha… Really."

If I had to be precise, I was a dirt spoon.

"When you said the candidate was already decided and that there was no need to feel sorry, it was strange. The most decisive factor was that request."

"…."

"Devil's editing."

I asked Kim Hee-young to do the devil's editing for Kim Sung-hyun, especially when Today appeared.

"At first, I thought you were maintaining the confrontation to get some crumbs. And to clear the PD pick stigma. I owed you, so I did it. But… now that it's come to this, the pieces suddenly fit together."

Hearing this, it became clear. Kim Hee-young couldn't help but notice.

"If Today's reputation drops, you, who have been restraining them, will be re-evaluated. With the manipulation controversy and the sympathy wave, you'll be halfway to the top."

"Accurate."

That was my real intention.

"How could you… think like that?"

"Can't others think like that?"

"…."

"Maybe they can't because they have a conscience."

"…What about you?"

"I don't have a conscience."

Originally, I would have proceeded without even getting Kim Sung-hyun's permission. But I decided to be a bit whimsical.

I sipped my caramel frappuccino with a brazen face, and Kim Hee-young sighed in exasperation.

"…Hoyun. I'll be honest."

"Yes."

"You have a devilish talent."

"Thank you."

"Shouldn't you have gone into politics instead of being an idol?"

"I thought about it a lot."

Kim Hee-young stroked the cigarette pack, scratched her head, and pursed her lips while clicking the mouse again.

"…To be honest, I hope you win first place. But even if you're popular, there's one thing that hasn't been resolved."

"Yes?"

"What are you going to do about Kim Sung-hyun's school violence?"

Kim Hee-young turned her gaze to meet mine.

"I'm really sorry to you. I feel like I owe you. But in this final episode, there's not much more I can do with editing."

"…."

"To win first place, you need at least 5,000 points. Live voting will be the biggest factor. But with the school violence controversy, you can't get such an overwhelming score."

"You seem really sorry. You're even worrying about us."

"You… really…."

She chuckled, and her phone beeped with a message. It was from Sung-joon.

[Hoyun!! Hoyun, where are you?]

I checked it and smiled slightly.

"PD. It's okay."

"Huh?"

"Look."

I showed the message to Kim Hee-young, who frowned. On the screen was Sung-joon's message.

[The school violence victim's testimony is up!!]

As if to prove that good deeds are rewarded, the truth was revealed like a fairy tale.

*** [Title: Hello, I am a victim of the school violence controversy involving Kim Sung-hyun.

Hello.

I am a victim of the school violence controversy mentioned in the case of The Dun's Kim Sung-hyun.

To cut to the chase, all the posts are lies.

Sung-hyun was my friend and a benefactor I will be grateful to for life.

…]

The post started with a clear conclusion and then detailed the events that had occurred.

The sudden bullying was extremely painful, and even when I told the teacher, they didn't help. The content continued, stating that Sung-hyun supported and helped me for a whole year.

[…I committed an irreversible act.

While being assaulted, Sung-hyun called the police and came to my aid.

However, the moment the police arrived, the bullies told me to point to Sung-hyun as the perpetrator. They also said they would torment me for the rest of my school life, or even until I died.

At that moment, I was so afraid of them, so terrified that they seemed enormous, that I lied and said Sung-hyun was the perpetrator.

I have attached the audio file recorded at the time of the incident.…]

The crackling audio file included the sound of Sung-hyun coming to my aid.

[…After that incident, Sung-hyun dropped out, and I fled to study abroad. For years, I suffered and cut off all contact with Korea. That's how I found out about this incident later.

I also learned that Sung-hyun was an idol and that the bullies were tormenting him again.

To reiterate, Sung-hyun is not that kind of person.

Sung-hyun is my benefactor.

(Excerpt)

I want to see Sung-hyun's face and apologize. I'm rushing back to the country. I won't be reachable for a few hours, but I want to convey this message as quickly as possible.

Sung-hyun, I want to use this opportunity to always say how sorry and grateful I am.

I was too cowardly. Even though you were scared too, I'm grateful that you stepped up. I'm really sorry.]

Despite being just a series of sentences, the trembling within them was palpable. The truth revealed by the victim, despite their fear, was honest and ended with one more sentence.

[At that time, you were my hero.]

The post spread rapidly on the community. Amidst the news of Today being referred to the prosecution, this post became a spark that ignited the public's fury.

[Title: Kim Sung-hyun is not a school bully (Link)

1. The person who posted the school violence controversy is the perpetrator.

2. Kim Sung-hyun helped the victim instead.

3. Kim Sung-hyun dropped out due to false testimony.

Summary: Kim Sung-hyun was not a perpetrator but a victim. └Is this a fake? └Watch the video]

[Title: Kim Sung-hyun is a light. Have you heard the audio file? Wow... How did Kim Sung-hyun endure this?

If I were in his shoes, I would have lost it and posted a rebuttal immediately. └The bullies really have no conscience. └Even Satan would say, "That's a bit much." └Kim Sung-hyun must have gathered evidence at the time.]

[A!!!!!!!!!!!! Sung-hyun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

[The video is real... I can't watch it to the end because my heart hurts so much. I'm crying so much, my head hurts. Just...]

[Sung-hyun, I'm so sorry. I'm really, really sorry. I should have protected you more. How hard must you have been?..]

[Why aren't these bastards working? Post a statement and sue them quickly!!!!]

[Sue all the trolls to hell!!!]

In response to the backlash, entertainment reporters, who had been waiting for a big scoop, quickly posted articles.

[The Dun's Kim Sung-hyun School Violence Controversy: He Was Actually the Victim]

[Kim Sung-hyun School Violence Victim Says, 'Kim Sung-hyun is a Hero']

[The Truth Revealed! Excessive Cyberbullying Against a Hero]

The reports were filled with all kinds of sensational keywords.

As if they couldn't bear to watch any longer, exactly two hours later, Daepa Sung finally posted Kim Sung-hyun's statement.

[Hello, I am Kim Sung-hyun from The Dun.]

The statement, which began calmly, remained composed throughout.

[First, I apologize for causing a disturbance for several weeks with bad news. I was cautious about commenting on this incident, which is why it took so long.

Two weeks ago, rumors started spreading that 'The Dun's Kim Sung-hyun committed school violence.' To be clear, the school violence incidents circulating on the internet are not true.

I have never used violence or said anything equivalent to it. It is true that I dropped out of high school, but it was not due to a recommendation for school violence. It was my decision to start my life as a singer. I ask you not to spread false information.

I will take legal action without mercy against those who spread false information and those who post excessive hate comments.

I also ask you to refrain from speculating about school violence victims and excessively invading my private life.

Lastly, I want to carefully speak to those who have experienced school violence.

Nothing is your fault.

Though it may seem presumptuous, I speak from the