The Road to Glory Chapter 218 - [Side Story] Chapter 20. Welcome to My Earth

The world is vast, yet small.

Even though there are still many uncharted territories in the world, the human world is clearly not that wide.

Like the ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ theory, where you can connect with most people on Earth through just six steps.

In fact, on some social media platforms, they say you can connect with any of their 1.59 billion users through an average of just 3.57 people.

Why bring up this social theory out of nowhere?

Well. Writer Do Minhee felt how small the world truly was. It hadn’t been long since Halo’s visit.

[HALO in MNC, The Reason Behind His Sudden Broadcasting Station Visit?]

[Halo, Becoming the Sun of a New Program?]

[Who’s the Lucky One Who Caught The Sun?]

[Complete Review of ‘His’ Previous Programs (feat. Ratings)]

[A New Wave Approaches the Entertainment Industry]

The hot-off-the-press articles posted in front of the broadcasting station are OK. That’s them doing their job.

But along with those articles and photos taken at the broadcasting station:

[???? Writer Do, what’s going on? Are you doing something with Halo? How did you convince him?]

[This is Daily News Immortal reporter requesting Writer Do Minhee for information about the new program-]

[This is Santa Entertainment. Our actors are showing positive interest in your program-]

[##Investment Agency here]

From PDs she used to work with, to reporters, and even entertainment companies.

The world is small, but this industry is even smaller and more bitter.

Going from their PD to our PD in less than a second, while understanding the broadcasting station’s business decisions about scheduling, it still feels strange when entertainment companies that previously showed no interest are now reaching out first.

Even the caliber of celebrities they’re discussing has changed.

With the same format.

Just because of one cast member’s presence.

Even without an official announcement, the atmosphere suggested Halo’s visit to the broadcasting station was confirmed. Well, it was confirmed.

No, it had to be confirmed.

If the contract falls through here, the director might grab them by the collar.

If this was how it was for her as a writer, PD Na Hyejoo must be getting bombarded with proposals, though fortunately or not, PD Na Hyejoo was too busy discussing contract terms to check her phone.

“While the standard contract conditions will need proper discussion later, the reason our label is here first is to notify you of the following rights in advance.”

Usually, artists don’t visit broadcasting stations before signing contracts. However, when Halo said he would visit, the label held an emergency meeting and listed essential clauses for program appearances.

Not just profit distribution, but rights that the label and artist absolutely cannot compromise on.

Artist protection is a given,

Immediate contract termination and compensation for unfair treatment or excessive demands.

Prior consultation regarding artist activities

And-.

“Most importantly, during the program, all works by our artist must belong exclusively to H Label.”

Artist’s work ownership rights.

Even if created during the program, no one but the artist’s name can exist as the copyright holder of the music.

Of course, the terms would be different for collaborations with other artists, but the broadcasting station and PD, as third parties, cannot claim even 0.01% ownership rights – that’s what H Label wanted.

“We’re not that kind of frauds.”

PD Na Hyejoo exclaimed in surprise.

It wasn’t about wanting or not wanting – why would a broadcasting station even demand ownership rights to music? While it might have been possible in the past, it was absolutely impossible these days.

The representative nodded.

A contract is written about things that shouldn’t happen in the future.

They weren’t trying to interrogate the PD, they just needed the clause included.

“And additionally, we’d like filming permission.”

“Filming permission?”

“Recently, Halo-ssi has been doing YouTube content-“

“Welcome to my world?”

“You know it.”

“I enjoy watching Welcome to my world. It’s the only NuTube content I regularly follow.”

PD Na Hyejoo’s eyes sparkled.

However, even with a favorite variety show, there are things to compromise on and things not to. For example, spoiling content before broadcast or-.

“Ah, in Welcome to my world, we want to show making videos, or behind-the-scenes cuts? We plan to focus more on the artist rather than the program itself.”

“That’s fine.”

Of course, they’d need to properly discuss this with the legal team, but they would probably judge that airing behind-the-scenes or reaction content on Welcome to my world would be a win-win.

Especially for NuTube content like Welcome to my world with a large international viewership, it would greatly help with overseas rights.

“Then I have something to say as well. This isn’t about contract conditions-“

Now it was PD Na Hyejoo’s turn.

While PD Na Hyejoo was truly grateful for Halo’s interest in appearing, and had already received much help just from his willingness to appear, and would likely have many more things to be grateful for, there was just one thing she hoped would be maintained.

“I want to treat all cast members equally within the program.”

It might seem strange, but PD Na Hyejoo wanted to treat all cast members fairly within the program. Outside the program, things like appearance fees, popularity, even editing might be unfair, but within the program, she wanted to treat everyone the same.

She had no intention of giving special treatment because someone was older, or giving benefits to someone she liked more that weren’t given to others.

“To be specific, it might be difficult to give Halo-ssi better accommodations, better food, or more entertaining content than others.

Unless someone is sick or has a special reason, not participating in content could be troublesome for not just me, but all the cast and staff.”

She wasn’t trying to intimidate the performer.

How could PD Na Hyejoo threaten a top star?

This was more of a request for cooperation rather than something to put in the contract.

“This is more of a personal request as a PD”

How many unfortunate incidents had she seen?

PD Na Hyejoo, who once almost got gastritis because one celebrity refused to do PPL, hoped that Halo would cooperate as much as possible during filming.

If Halo doesn’t cooperate, other cast members might say ‘Why should I do it if they’re not?’ ‘Why don’t I get what they get?’

But if Halo cooperates, it’s different.

If Halo is doing it, what cast member could refuse?

At the PD’s words, the manager looked at Halo in surprise, then suddenly realized.

Usually, top stars were more demanding than their artists.

Compared to that, Halo’s occasional spontaneous activities were nothing.

To put it bluntly, their artist wasn’t picky about many things – if anything, the problem was that he might actually do something if it looked too fun.

PD Na Hyejoo asked for understanding because she didn’t know much about Halo yet. She’d find out after filming begins.

While the representative was wondering whether to say it would be fine or point out other concerns, Halo smiled and asked.

“What kind of content are you planning?”

“Hm? Ah.”

They had only sent the proposal, not the specific details.

Because it wasn’t complete yet.

They still needed to survey Baegun Island again to decide some things.

But she did have some ideas in mind.

“For now, we’re focusing on two main things in the program. Living together with villagers in the countryside, and becoming teachers to teach children one subject each.

Halo-ssi, I hope you’ll become a music teacher and teach both the children and Gyeowool well.

And for the first content, I have quite a few ideas, like painting on old walls, fishing, playing together at the beach, cooking activities, etc. And there’s a cliff there where-“

“Will we do cliff diving?”

“What? Ah, that cliff has land at the bottom so we can’t dive there. I was just thinking of watching stars there, since I heard it’s a prime spot. And I have no intention of making anyone do anything dangerous.”

Halo nodded at those words.

“That’s too bad. I wanted to try it.”

“!”

“! Please stop our artist immediately if he tries to do anything dangerous.”

The manager hurriedly added.

PD Na, who obviously thought it was a joke, laughed along.

While there wasn’t explicit agreement, seeing him joke like this seemed to indicate willingness to cooperate.

The actual signing would probably happen after the contract is completed with representatives from both sides. However, they had made a temporary agreement, and the artist showed positive interest. Now they just needed to avoid the artist changing his mind or other disasters happening. Please.

“Thank you for coming, Halo-ssi. And thank you again for deciding to appear.”

“See you next time.”

“Next time… we will see each other again, right?”

Halo playfully answered PD Na Hyejoo’s question.

“Maybe not. You never know with people’s hearts.”

“! I-I’ll prepare as quickly as possible.”

A great wave had passed through.

PD Na Hyejoo collapsed in her seat, completely drained.

Writer Do Minhee patted her back approvingly.

But she didn’t say everything was done now.

Because this was just the real beginning.

Though the current was better than before, any sea will make you wet and heavy if you fall in.

Still, better is better, right?

While the warm sun shines on them, they won’t catch a cold.

She could understand why people become Halo fanatics.

Writer Do Minhee clapped her hands.

“Alright, let’s work.”

“Can’t we rest a bit?”

“We have good news and you want to rest?”

“What is it?”

“We got an S-class cast member.”

“!”

“The world is scary, isn’t it? The big agency that scoffed when we sent our proposal is now rushing in first. We’ve already got sponsors lined up too.”

“So who is it?”

#

“Jeongmin, good work on the movie. And congratulations.”

“Hmm, what’s this about, hyung?”

“What do you mean? I’m congratulating you. It’s your first lead role in a movie.”

In a large penthouse.

Wearing a bathrobe and drying his hair, the man was a trending actor in his 30s at his peak. Rising to fame through a youth drama, he had steadily built his filmography through romantic comedies and various roles, and now he had landed his first movie lead role.

Though the results weren’t out yet, being the “lead” was different. Especially for this man who had gone through a long period of being unknown and working as an extra.

Lee Jeongmin, in his 30s but with a college student’s looks, eyes him suspiciously. Now every look and movement carried the aura of an actor. The manager felt like crying.

“What’s going on? Did you get a good script?”

Like the workaholic he was, straight to work talk.

The manager cleared his throat briefly.

“Not a script, but how do you feel about doing a variety show? The CEO gave it to you first.”

“Variety? I’d rather focus more on acting.”

“Hey, you just finished filming a movie. You still want to do more?”

“Yeah, I’m still thirsty. I’m surprised at how greedy I am. Maybe it’s strange, but it still feels like I’m dreaming. I want to do more before I wake up. More and more.”

“Wake up? Isn’t it time to accept reality, top star?”

“Haha.”

Sometimes the manager felt sorry for that guy.

He knew how ridiculous it was to feel sorry for a top star.

It was sad to see him still unable to accept his popularity, struggling as if he might return to the old days.

Fans love even his smile, saying it triggers maternal instincts, but having known him for a long time…

Anyway, Lee Jeongmin seemed uninterested and started looking at his tablet.

Listening to music while replying to messages was his daily routine.

“Well, then I’ll decline. I was hesitant too. It’s by an MNC Cultural Division PD, and it seems to be their debut work. They might be fine as an assistant director, but as a main PD, they’re unproven.”

“…”

“What was the name again, Na-?”

“PD Na Hyejoo?”

“Oh! That’s right. PD Na Hyejoo and Writer Do Minhee! Wait, how did you know? Don’t tell me you remember all broadcasting station PD names-“

The manager closed his mouth upon seeing Lee Jeongmin’s face.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”

“I’ll do it.”

“Huh?”

He wanted to ask ‘suddenly?’ but couldn’t.

Lee Jeongmin’s face had suddenly become very flushed.

“Tell them I’ll do it.”

“Huh?”

“Should I tell them myself?”

“Ah, no, I’ll tell them.”

“Tell them I definitely want to do it.”

“Huh?”

“Tell them I don’t need an appearance fee.”

“No, what’s a top star doing not needing an appearance fee. Of course you should be paid well. Before that, you’ll do it? This is quite unusual. It’s weird enough that the Cultural Division is doing it, and they say you’ll be doing manual labor in the countryside.”

“You know I’ve done lots of part-time jobs. I’ve done hard labor before.”

“That was the old you. You really want to do this?”

“Yes. Tell them right now that I definitely want to do it. Before other people join.”

On Lee Jeongmin’s tablet was a KakaoTalk message from a close director.

[Jeongmin-ssi, didn’t you say you wanted to do a program with Halo before?]

[It’s hot news that Halo’s joining a program, made me think of you]

[Halo’s almost confirmed]

[Wise Island Life (working title) / PD Na Hyejoo]

And similar situations were happening elsewhere.

“Wow, this is interesting.”

“What?”

“Noona, it’s about Halo. Halo.”

“Yeah, what about the pretty one? Did he release another album?”

“No, what old pretty one? He probably doesn’t even remember giving you that lip service.”

“Lip service? He was telling the truth, how is that lip service? Is it lip service that I look young? Kyungho, why don’t you try some of that lip service too?”

“Ah, anyway. Did you know there’s a rumor about Halo joining a variety show? It’s almost confirmed too. They say he went to MNC today.”

“Variety show? What kind?”

“I think it was about going to the countryside? Something unique.”

“The pretty one, no, our baby Sun is going to the countryside?”

Lee Sora’s lips curved up softly at some point.

“Kyungho.”

“What?”

“Bring that.”

“Noona, you don’t do variety shows.”

“Bring it.”

This time she kicked him. Kim Kyungho, actress Lee Sora’s cousin and manager who knew her true nature, looked at her with disbelief. Looking at her behavior, she wasn’t an actress but just like some guy. Kim Kyungho couldn’t understand why she was popular.

“Aren’t you going?”

“Yes, yes.”

However, Kim Kyungho had no choice today either. He could only belatedly follow Lee Sora’s orders.

“Hyungnim, want to do a variety show?”

“Yeah.”

“…Don’t you want to hear what it is?”

“Yeah.”

There are all kinds of people.

As the cast members were being decided one by one and meeting dates were being announced, that day arrived.

Welcome to my world Episode 4. Welcome to my earth

It was also the day before [The sound of world] sound exhibition (special exhibition).