Legendary Superstar-Chapter 37: Star Aura
The next morning, Sooyun sat in front of a camera. His complexion looked worn out as if he hadn’t been able to sleep at all yesterday. He was also poorly dressed compared to the lavish outfits he used to have.
His overall complexion was poor that it was evident that he was well prepared for today.
Sooyun’s PR team worked hard late at night and early in the morning just to draft him an apology. They coached Sooyun on what to say and what emotions to show.
They want to emphasize the importance of humility and guilt, hoping that it would ease the public backlash.
"Be ready, Sooyun." The PR team stood behind the camera. They were watching Sooyun closely.
Some of the staff members were carrying big pieces of paper with written words on it. It was a script in case Sooyun forgot his lines in the middle of shooting.
"In 1… 2… 3…"
"Action!"
As if it was a cue, Sooyun took a deep breath, his eyes that were filled with guilt, gazed at the camera. Emotions flooded his eyes as he began.
"Hello everyone, this is Kim Sooyun," Sooyun uttered the words solemnly. Afterward, he bowed his head 90 degrees before continuing.
"I want to address the recent incident involving myself and Nam Minjae. First, I would like to sincerely apologize to Minjae and to all my fans who have supported me throughout my career. My actions during the event were inappropriate, and I take full responsibility for the misunderstanding that occurred."
Sooyun paused for a second as he secretly glanced at the PR team, who nodded in approval.
"As someone who has been in this industry for years, I should have set a better example for my fellow actors, especially my juniors. I deeply regret the way I acted, and I promise to reflect on my actions and do better as I move forward."
The video ended with Sooyun bowing deeply one again, his hands clasped tightly in front of him to show his remorse and guilt over the matter.
Once the video was posted, reactions of the people on the internet were mixed.
@SooyunLover92: People need to stop acting like they’ve never made a mistake before. Sooyun has apologized. Let’s move on!
@MinjaeNation: This ’apology’ only happened because Minjae’s name is trending. Sooyun never cared before. Stay away from Minjae!
@OurStarSooyun: Our dear Sooyun-ssi looked so tired You can tell he’s been reflecting. I still believe in you, Sooyun!
@Lololove: It’s okay Sooyun! We forgive you!
@ToughMama: We still love you, Sooyun! Good thing that you apologized I’m sure that Minjae got what he wanted now
Despite initially losing followers, fans of Sooyun still reacted positively at the apology. Some expressed their willingness to forgive him since it was his first time making a mistake.
However, a new wave of backlash emerged despite Sooyun’s apology.
It was those people who didn’t believe Sooyun’s apology, after witnessing countless of it from other actors.
@Papepi: No way this is sincere. I bet he’s just doing damage control.
@Fruce: You bullied a rookie and now you’re trying to act like the victim? No thanks.
@Jonh_Alexis: Tsk. How convenient for him to apologize only after being exposed.
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@W8_6669: His acting in dramas is better than this apology.
@LoveKdramas: I can’t believe people still believe this. It’s 2025 everyone!
@TallasHell: Nah man, time to drop Sooyun.
@Alcdoc_00: Lololol, what is this apology? It hadn’t even been a day when the video was released and he already looked that tired? Pft.
At Sooyun’s agency, Sooyun’s manager entered his office with a grim expression on his face.
"Sooyun, despite your apologies, we’re still losing some sponsors," Sooyun’s manager said bluntly as he tossed a folder onto the table.
Inside the folder were multiple termination notices from brands that Sooyun had worked with.
The PR team had already done everything in their power to save Sooyun from failing, but the continuous decrease in Sooyun’s social media followers speaks volumes.
Sooyun’s face crumpled as he flipped through the papers. His expression turned more sour with each page.
"This is ridiculous," Sooyun muttered in disbelief. "I’ve worked with some of these brands for years! They’re the ones begging me to accept their offer and now they’re doing this?"
"Brands don’t care about that, Sooyun. They only care about image and the value you’d bring to them." His manager sighed, leaning against the table. "Right now, you don’t have both."
The once-confident actor buried his face in his hands, the weight of his situation finally sinking in.
"Fuck this shit…" Sooyun curse out loud, knowing that he couldn’t do anything.
- - -
Meanwhile, Flex Entertainment continued to ride the wave of public support for Minjae. They needed to use this to their advantage since it wasn’t easy to prepare new artists.
With the PR team’s guidance, Minjae opened his account publicly to everyone. In just a few days, his follower count on social media has increased.
It may be a small increase, but it was better than none.
Minjae’s routine also continued. His training with Yura didn’t stop despite the issue.
That’s why, right now, he was in the common area of the 6th floor, eating some snacks that he got for free.
Minjae scrolled through his phone. His notification was buzzing crazily with the people following his account. He had gained over ten thousand followers in just a few days.
It was an achievement he was happy about.
[Ding!]
As Minjae absentmindedly chewed on a piece of bread, a familiar blue screen appeared right before him.
[Congratulations, Host! You have successfully averted the first crisis of your career. The System salutes you.]
[You have been rewarded 10,000 EXP in <Acting>!]
[Congratulations!]
[50,000/50,000 EXP has been accomplished.]
[Acting: Intermediate (1/3) -> Intermediate (2/3)]
[Current Stats:]
- - - - -
Name: Nam Minjae
Age: 22
Acting: Intermediate (2/3) [9,000 EXP /50,000 EXP ]
Screenwriting: Beginner (1/3)
Directing: Beginner (1/3)
- - - - -
[You have been rewarded a Bonus Reward.]
Do you wish to open the reward now?
[YES] / [NO]
Minjae stared at the notification, his chopsticks frozen in midair.
’Well, I might as well check it out now.’
He tapped [YES], and a smaller window popped up.
[Ding!]
[You have been granted the gift of Star Aura]
Effects: People who would see you act will instinctively find your presence more captivating and memorable than normal.
’Woah...’
"Minjae, are you okay?"
Minjae looked up to the side to see Yura walking towards him. Her arms were crossed as she tilted her head in concern.
"Yup," Minjae replied as he showed a small smile. He was feeling excited on the inside, at the reward he got.
Yura sat on the chair in front of Minjae. She chuckled and also grabbed a snack from the table.
"It has been a week since you started training. Though honestly, you already know all the things I’m teaching you, I’m quite surprised, to be honest," she uttered in a light tone.
Minjae chuckled softly, but he didn’t respond further. All he could think was the Star Aura that the system gave him.
Just then, Minjae’s phone buzzed again, pulling his attention back. He picked up his phone and saw a direct message from Director Yejun. He quickly opened it to see the content of the message.
[Director Choi Yejun: Hi, Minjae. The teaser of the drama will be out tomorrow. A company dinner will be held tomorrow evening to celebrate it. If you want to come, just tell me. I know what happened between you and Sooyun and we deeply apologize for it.]
=====
A/N:
To clear the confusion, I made a small change in chapter 35.
I removed the system’s EXP reward to Minjae because I realized it was too early to give and the crisis hadn’t really been solved yet.
