"A fan signing event?"
"Yes. Did you meet So-jin on the day the food truck arrived?"
"Ah, the interesting president?"
Yoomyeong smiled faintly, recalling her military-like manner of speaking.
"That friend suggested something when we met recently. How about holding a fan signing event?"
"A fan signing event..."
"Originally, we planned to have a meal with the fan club managers after filming wrapped. But then she said that you haven't had much public exposure lately, so there isn't much content for fans to share. She asked whether we could turn that meal into an event for the entire fan club instead."
"That's thoughtful of her."
The president, who seemed cheerful and quirky, clearly approached fan club activities with professionalism. For the managers, the choice between a private meal with the actor and a large signing event would naturally favor the former. Yet they were willing to give that up for the sake of the fan club.
"I think it's a good idea too. Normally, fan signing events are more common among idols, and actors usually participate in them as part of promotional events organized by sponsors."
"That's true."
"But I believe fan club culture will become more active over time. Although actors primarily communicate through their work, having a dedicated core fan base is definitely reassuring."
"I agree. I'm grateful to those who appreciate me as an actor, and I'd like the chance to greet them."
Yoomyeong recalled how fan culture had expanded since 2010.
Yu-seok and So-jin's way of thinking—suggesting something like this for an actor who wasn't even an idol—was definitely ahead of its time. Even so, was there anything more precious to an actor than their fans?
Still somewhat unable to believe that he had fans of his own, Yoomyeong wanted to see their faces in person and thank them.
"Okay. Let's put that aside for now and move on to the commercial proposal."
"Yes."
Yu-seok handed him a proposal.
"As I mentioned before, we've received quite a few CF offers. Being a talented rookie actor without an overexposed image is a significant advantage."
"I remember you mentioning that."
"Right. I've turned down most of them, but one of the newer proposals caught my attention."
Yoomyeong flipped through the proposal.
The rough sketches printed on the white A4 pages were storyboards.
[Hyunseong Motors Crudes Launching CF Proposal — Unmask]
Unmask.
To remove one's mask.
The word lingered in his mind, perhaps because of his recent role as Lee Bang-won.
"They probably didn't realize it while developing the concept, but it fits the movie remarkably well. I was surprised too. Wasn't Lee Bang-won a character who wore a mask?"
"That's right."
Yoomyeong answered, slightly surprised.
Knowing that Yu-seok was a movie enthusiast who had read the script for <The Late Goryeo Dynasty & the Early Joseon Dynasty>, Yoomyeong knew he would be familiar with Lee Bang-won's character. Still, it was uncanny how precisely he had grasped the concept Yoomyeong had portrayed.
"It's a new car from Hyunseong this year, aimed at young professionals who know how to enjoy life after work. The timing of the campaign also overlaps with the movie's release. They're probably aiming to capitalize on that."
"I see. It really is a good fit. The concept matches Lee Bang-won, and the content works well with the movie."
"I picked it because it seemed interesting, even as an advertisement. Besides the fifteen-second television version, they're planning to film a full three-minute version for online viral marketing. The longer version will practically feel like filming a short acting piece."
"Yeah, that sounds fun."
"Do you want to do it?"
After a moment's thought, Yoomyeong nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, I'd like to."
"Great. Then we'll start negotiating the contract terms."
In his previous life, Yoomyeong had experienced theater, television, and film, but never commercials.
Fifteen seconds of art—a performance that had to captivate the audience instantly.
The challenge of a completely different style of acting excited him.
Knock knock.
Standing nervously outside a second-floor meeting room was Jung So-jin, president of Shin Yoomyeong's official fan club, .
"Come in."
This is crazy! His voice is so sexy!
So-jin barely managed to suppress her fangirl instincts.
Today, she had sworn to present herself as the most professional and reliable fan club president possible.
"Hello!"
"President, how have you been?"
She failed.
The moment Yoomyeong greeted her with a gentle smile, all her determination crumbled.
So-jin found herself grinning foolishly.
I can die happy now...
"I heard there was something you wanted to discuss regarding the fan signing event."
"Yes, actor!"
"What is it? This is my first time doing something like this, so I'll be relying entirely on you, President."
He's relying on me. He's relying on me. Oh my god.
She couldn't let him down.
So-jin steeled herself, trying to maintain her composure as another smile threatened to spread across her face.
"Actor, I have a goal."
"What goal?"
"To turn into the ultimate fan club."
"Oh?"
"A fan club with no sasaeng fans and fans who respect your privacy. Fans who pave a flower path with good deeds and stand as a shield during difficult times. My lifelong goal has been to cultivate a high-class, legendary fan army."
Yoomyeong's gaze became serious as he listened to her sincere ambition.
"That's quite something. It's genuinely impressive."
"I know. It's a great goal."
So-jin nodded solemnly.
"So I need your cooperation."
"Of course I'll cooperate. What do I need to do?"
"Provide the right bait. The pond needs enough bait for the fish to play nicely instead of fighting."
"Ah... So how do we do that?"
So-jin's eyes sparkled as she explained.
"It's all about engagement."
"Engagement?"
"Yes. I've been a fan for over ten years, and I've noticed something. Fans appreciate a kind, humble, and relatable image, just like yours. But adding a few unexpected elements can really increase fan engagement."
"Like what?"
"Something like suddenly speaking informally."
"Um... that's a little difficult."
"It's kind of like dating. You need to draw a line they shouldn't cross, while also showing enough charm to make them want to stay just on the right side of that line."
He thought he understood what she meant, but the comparison made him blush.
"Ah..."
"Yes?"
"I should've captured that expression just now. Oops, sorry."
So-jin quickly refocused and continued her explanation.
"Actually, the most effective way to increase engagement would be through a character like Bohyung."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. Those charming expressions. The unexpected charisma. That mysterious-man aura that makes people want to know more. But since Bohyung is a scripted character, it might be difficult to recreate that..."
"Would it work if I acted like Bohyung?"
"Really? You can do that?"
So-jin was surprised by how willing Yoomyeong was to immerse himself in a role.
"But I don't want people to think that's what I'm actually like. Maybe I can show them a little of that character if they really want to see it?"
"That would be amazing! Thank you!"
So-jin bowed deeply.
At fan signing events, it was common fan service to take photos with fans, strike specific poses, or shake hands.
However, being able to see Yoomyeong actively portray one of his characters would add tremendous value and exclusivity to membership in Shin Yoomyeong's fan club.
This is huge!
The moment she left the meeting room, So-jin rushed straight to an internet café, eager to post the announcement.
Using part of his earnings, Yoomyeong replaced his father's fifteen-year-old car.
Thanks to that, they were now on their way to his uncle's house in a spacious new SUV.
"Ah, today's going to be so much fun!"
"What? Why?"
"Remember last Lunar New Year? It was total chaos because of you. Showbiz Studies was all anyone talked about. Uncle Byung-soo and Eldest Aunt were completely shocked."
"Jiyeon..."
"Let her be. She's not wrong. Haha."
Yoomyeong had skipped the previous New Year's gathering because he had been busy filming and finishing the final episode of his drama.
Apparently, it had caused quite a stir among the relatives.
From a young age, Yoomyeong had been known as a quiet and well-behaved child, so his relatives were astonished by how much he had changed and constantly asked when he would attend the next family gathering.
His father's side of the family was large, with his father being the third of six siblings.
Family events had been frequent when Yoomyeong and Jiyeon were younger, and Yoomyeong had never been particularly noteworthy among his cousins.
It was understandable that they found his newfound fame surprising.
"Eldest Sister has always been jealous since we were kids. Ironically, she benefited the most from our parents, but I don't know why she's..."
"Honey, you shouldn't say that in front of the children."
"They're adults now. Besides, you went through your share of trouble because of her when we got married."
"What happened?"
"Your mother was so beautiful when she married into the family. So your eldest aunt kept picking on her, saying she attracted too much attention from men and looked cold-hearted."
"Wow. So Eldest Aunt is a master of backhanded compliments?"
Jiyeon's approving gesture toward her aunt's criticism made Yoomyeong chuckle.
"Just make sure the two of you get along as siblings and support each other's success."
"Of course~ My brother's success just means expensive gifts for me. Go, Shin Yoomyeong! Make lots of money and toss the leftovers my way!"
"You don't teach things like that to your students, do you?"
"Why not? They need to learn how the world works from an early age. My students should know how to live well when they grow up."
As Yoomyeong and Jiyeon continued their banter, their car entered an apartment complex in Yongin.
Almost simultaneously, another car pulled in, and a familiar voice called out.
"Oh, Woo Chang, did you get a new car?"
It was their eldest aunt.
"Hey, have you been doing well?"
As an in-law with no living parents of his own, the uncle had spent many holidays with Yoomyeong's family over the years.
Byung-soo, their eldest cousin in his early thirties, awkwardly climbed out of the back seat.
"Byung-soo, doing well?"
"Uncle Woo Chang, when did you get this car? Used cars offer much better value. Why buy a new one when you're not exactly well off?"
"My son bought it. We haven't done much for him, but he's treating us well."
"Oh, really? Yoomyeong bought it?"
The biggest problem with Eldest Aunt was her constant meddling.
Tired of her habit of offering unsolicited advice about everyone else's lives whenever the family gathered, Yoomyeong had gradually begun skipping family events.
"Sister, let's go inside and talk. We're the last ones to arrive."
When they entered the large family home, the packed house erupted into cheers at the sight of Yoomyeong.
"Yoomyeong~"
"Our star has arrived."
"He keeps getting more handsome. Did he get plastic surgery or something?"
All of his aunts, uncles, and cousins were present.
Excluding his youngest uncle's wife, there were roughly twenty people in attendance.
"Ack, hyung! Please give me an autograph!"
Tak-su, the youngest cousin, rushed over with a ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) notebook.
Yoomyeong signed it with a smile, and the younger relatives immediately crowded around him, eager to hear stories from the entertainment industry.
It was an unfamiliar experience.
Yoomyeong was the center of attention, a stark contrast to his past.
Then Eldest Aunt commented sourly.
"Being a celebrity is so unstable. If you're not working, you don't earn anything. Instead of spending money on a new car, you should be saving."
"Isn't instability still better than having no income at all?"
"Pfft."
Despite her mother's attempt to silence her, Jiyeon's quick comeback drew laughter from several relatives.
"No, you ha... What I mean is, if you wanted to replace your father's car, a good used one would have been perfectly fine. Your uncle's a dealer. He could've found something practically new. Now that you're earning money, let us know if you're thinking about buying a car. He'll pick out a good one for you."
Jiyeon immediately interrupted.
"Brother already has a car."
"What? Which car?"
