In This Life, I Want an Oscar, Not a Husband - Chapter 77

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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This life, I choose The Oscars over a husband.
Chapter 77

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Producer Kang Ji-wook.
The first scandal involving Loving.

—He became the subject of controversy over staff abuse allegations. On the very day the final episode aired, a staff member claimed that the Producer had habitually used abusive language and physical violence, releasing audio recordings and video evidence. However, in court, the recordings and videos were not admitted as evidence, leading the industry to suspect that the materials submitted by the staff had been fabricated. Yet, given how much the scandal had already spread, the Producer became an unfortunate case of public disfavor, despite the questionable circumstances.

I observed Kang Ji-wook sitting across from me.
“Hello, Eun-rae. I’m sure you were surprised when I asked to meet on such short notice.”
His tone was cautious.
There was that distinctive measured politeness characteristic of elite terrestrial broadcasting producers.
It bore no resemblance whatsoever to someone prone to abusive language or violence.
If anything, he gave off the impression of an intellectual wearing glasses.
And when I had searched for information on Kang Ji-wook, there had been no mention of poor character at all.

[Would you like to search for ‘Kang Ji-wook’?]

I had already used one of my search tickets on Kang Ji-wook.

[Kang Ji-wook]
Birth: XXXX年 XX月 XX日

I skipped over the basic information.

Nicknames: “One More Take” Kang, “The Hand of God”
1)
, Drama The Hand of God
2)

1) Reportedly a nickname given to him by actors because he constantly says, “That was wonderful. Let’s do one more take,” and lives by those words.
2) A nickname earned after three consecutive works—The Lingering Afterglow of Love, For Elise, and Press Enter—became major hits. His work on OTT platforms was also anticipated, but….(See the controversy section for details)

However, there were many assessments that he was rather meticulous.
‘Naturally, stories about staff mistreatment could come up in the process.’
Since drama filming was grueling work, whenever the Producer kept calling for cuts, the staff would inevitably grow exhausted.
‘He caught artistic pretension from doing dramas.’ It was easy to be criticized with that kind of talk.
But being exposed for staff mistreatment to this degree seemed excessive.

2. Directorial Characteristics
He invested considerable effort in casting. He never engaged in the industry’s customary practice of “pushing actors from the same talent agency,” and approached every character casting with genuine care. In particular, once casting was decided, he would sometimes even request that the script’s character be modified to match the actor.
This strength meant that every character fit the actor perfectly, which is why Kang Ji-wook earned the nickname “Star Maker.”
Additionally, he maintained strong relationships with his staff and consistently brought the same teams from previous projects along with him.

3. Kang Ji-wook’s Team
Actors – XXX, XXX, XXX, XX, XXXX
Music Director – Seo Woo-min
3)

3) A renowned music director who consistently produced outstanding quality OSTs for every project he participated in. He was also famous for not relying solely on famous singers’ OSTs, but for creating atmospheric soundscapes through his own composed piano pieces.
Later revealed to be the staff member who made the mistreatment allegations. In reality, he habitually verbally abused and physically assaulted his own studio employees, exemplifying the worst kind of hypocrisy.

“This is Seo Woo-min, our music director. He said he really enjoyed listening to Eun-rae’s singing at the Celebrity Karaoke Competition.”
Got him.
The staff member with the false mistreatment allegations.
‘So it’s you.’
I smiled knowingly as I looked at Seo Woo-min standing before me.
“Hello. Thank you so much.”
Seo Woo-min had the typical air of an “artist.”
His permed hair was tied back, he wore red-tinted horn-rimmed glasses, and his arms were covered in tattoos.
So this was the renowned music director who had earned Kang Ji-wook’s trust.
And the man who had thoroughly betrayed him.
“I truly believe that sincerity in a song is incredibly important, and I could hear that sincerity in Eun-rae’s singing. That’s why I immediately called the director about it.”
Such a self-aggrandizing tone.
I immediately recognized what kind of person Seo Woo-min was.
‘I have considerable experience in the entertainment industry, after all.’
Among music directors and cinematographers who had made a name for themselves in the industry, there were those types who tried to manipulate the Producer.
They would gaslight him into doing things their way—either to make their own work easier or to make themselves look better—thereby expanding their influence.
“Wow, really? I was actually contacted first by writer Seo Eun-sul, so I had no idea.”
I caught onto that and shifted my gaze toward writer Seo Eun-sul.
At my words, Seo Eun-sul spoke innocently.
“Oh, that’s right. I was the one who first mentioned it to the director. I said Eun-rae was quite talented at singing.”
“Ah… Is that so?”
Seo Woo-min’s expression grew slightly flustered.
“Haha, you certainly have an eye for talent, Writer Seo.”
Kang Ji-wook praised Seo Eun-sul.
With that, it was confirmed—I’d secured the Seo Eun-sul connection.
‘I need to keep my distance from Seo Woo-min as much as possible.’
Since I couldn’t predict what might happen, I had to establish boundaries early.
“Actually, Writer Seo mentioned from the start that Eun-rae would be perfect for the role of Ian. But as you’ve seen from the script, the Ian role places heavy emphasis on singing. We’d certainly consider understudies, but we wanted someone with solid fundamentals.”
“Ah, I see.”
Here came the main point.
I looked at Kang Ji-wook with growing tension in my eyes.
“But after watching the Celebrity Karaoke Competition, I became certain. Yes, it has to be Eun-rae. I really want to see your portrayal of Ian. Would you possibly be willing to join us?”
My first appearance in a Terrestrial Broadcasting Drama.
And in a lead role, no less—it had just fallen into my lap.
My first appearance in a Terrestrial Broadcasting Drama.
And in a lead role, no less—it had just fallen into my lap.
Without thinking, I clenched and unclenched my fists.
Meanwhile, when I couldn’t find words, Kang Ji-wook, misinterpreting my silence, spoke apologetically.
“Ah, I jumped straight to business the moment we met, didn’t I? I’m sorry. Please take your time to think it over….”
“Oh, no.”
I hastily waved my hand in denial and knocked over the soy sauce dish beside me.
“Ugh…!”
Seeing this, Seo Eun-sul let out a snort of laughter.
“Our Eun-rae’s malfunctioning again.”
“Huh? Ah… Yes. Um….”
I squeezed my eyes shut and spoke to Kang Ji-wook.
“I’ll… work hard! I promise!”
Ugh.
After years in this industry, and I still can’t get this right.
“Puhahahaha!”
All three of them burst into laughter simultaneously.
Fortunately, my foolishness had warmed the atmosphere considerably.
Especially Seo Eun-sul, who laughed like a child and said,
“That’s why I like you, Eun-rae.”
“I don’t like myself….”
“I want to reference it when writing the Ian character. We’re heading to Osaka for a short trip and making some revisions to the opening anyway, so I’ll definitely use this. It’s fine if some of your personality seeps in, right?”
They’re going to reference my malfunctioning personality for the character?
Is that… good?
I tilted my head in confusion.
But… Osaka, you said….
“Of course. I’m honored. Osaka sounds like it’ll be fun. When are you going?”
“Yes, I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.”

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Two days later.
Go Heung-jae sat at the boarding gate of Incheon Airport.
Dressed in clothes that screamed top star to anyone who looked, he drew the attention of everyone around him.
Though he wasn’t quite at top star level, his strikingly handsome features commanded all eyes in his direction.
Several people had even approached him requesting photos and autographs.
For Go Heung-jae, it was an uncomfortable situation—yet he had his reasons.

Soo-hyun
Senior. I’d like to give you a gift. Would you accept it?

Ha Eun-rae, the actress playing Soo-hyun in The Apartment, had sent him this K-talk message.

Oh, what is it?
[GIF]

In response to his GIF file, Ha Eun-rae seemed to type something, then deleted it.
‘Haha, she really is fun to tease~’
Just as he was thinking that, Ha Eun-rae struck at his heart.

Soo-hyun
It’s the next project from writer Seo Eun-sul.

It was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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