I Want to Be a VTuber

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To put it simply, the news was like a bolt from the blue for Narumi Sora.

Originally unaffiliated.

But since [Hyper Action Star], Sora had been able to secure a proper agency, and life was going well. She was part of ‘Lime Actors’, a management firm that could be considered a second-tier player, prioritizing actors.

This meant there were many different actors, and plenty to learn.

“Sora, your pronunciation is great. Honestly, I wouldn’t have guessed you were Japanese before I heard your name.”

“R-really?”

Sora was quite adept at Korean from the beginning.

She had worked hard to study it even while in Japan, and she came to Korea right after graduating high school.

Now at nineteen, she felt she had been living quite diligently.

‘In fact, most should be fine.’

There weren’t many Japanese actors active in Korea.

There was one from the past, but she didn’t recall that they had a long career.

Most Japanese people working in Korea were idols.

So it was understandable to think their pronunciation might be lacking.

‘Most of them have set their concepts like that.’

There’s a certain image that the public desires everywhere.

This is the same for Japanese idols; a foreign idol with a slightly accentuated speech often feels cuter.

Or maybe more admirable.

If one speaks too fluently, it’s ironically considered a disadvantage.

It’s like throwing away an easily presentable image.

‘But that’s the case for idols.’

The situation is different for actors.

If an actor has poor pronunciation, it would surely be problematic, given that delivering lines is crucial.

They wouldn’t be able to appear in films or dramas.

“If this goes on, I think it would be good to learn about other works in addition to Mine. I’ll let the director know.”

“Th-thank you!”

At the words of the senior actor, Sora bowed her head.

‘Works, works.’

Sora smiled subtly.

At least when it came to acting, even if there were differences among agencies, the pay for actors was significantly higher in Korea than in Japan.

On average, it was almost four times greater.

So, it was no wonder Sora’s mood improved.

Since she would also have a leading role in [Mine], there wouldn’t be any shortage in terms of recognition.

‘No, that’s not it.’

She hadn’t really achieved anything yet.

She needed to work hard, especially because [Mine] had to succeed for her to have a proper start.

For that reason, [Mine] was incredibly important to Sora.

A movie that must succeed, without fail.

That recognition made her ready to do anything.

However.

“…J-Japan? Me?”

“Yes.”

The voice on the phone belonged to someone Sora would never forget.

Joo Seo-yeon.

The actress who had faced off against her at the climax of [Hyper Action Star].

Her physical abilities were astonishing, but her acting skills were on a different level compared to Sora.

Though younger than her, she was far more senior as an actress.

Even considering Sora’s experience in theater, the gap was vast.

After [Hyper Action Star] ended, they exchanged numbers, and since then they occasionally kept in touch.

“You should definitely try to get close to Joo Seo-yeon.”

“Really?”

“She’s definitely an actress who will grow even more. Honestly, there aren’t many who can exert this kind of presence in just one year. Age aside, this year was truly Joo Seo-yeon’s year.”

How many actors can claim to have completely dominated their debut year?

Joo Seo-yeon was one such talented actress.

Naturally, both the agency’s representative and the senior actors urged Sora to get to know Seo-yeon well.

Connections are important in any field, and if Seo-yeon became a big star, she could help with various opportunities.

“W-wait, Japan…?”

Narumi Sora hesitated.

Seo-yeon’s suggestion was undoubtedly generous.

It seemed she had been offered to appear in a Japanese variety show.

They probably thought it would be fitting to have the Japanese Sora join since that would enhance the show’s appeal.

While it was a good suggestion, Sora certainly did not want to appear on a Japanese variety show!

‘There are bound to be people who recognize my face!’

Sora had never actually appeared in any significant works in Japan.

At most, she had done a small theater production.

However, it wasn’t as if there weren’t opportunities to advance.

“The acting environment in Japan doesn’t suit me. It’s too much like child’s play.”

In her rebellious years,

Whether in Korea or China, she had decided to leave.

As a high school student, Sora was full of ambition.

After all, with her notably beautiful looks, she had received offers left and right, but at that time, she had long been disappointed with Japan for not recognizing her ‘action acting’.

And what they truly wanted was a pretty actress Sora, not an action star.

Thus, she declined in that manner.

‘Someone will definitely say something online.’

A past version of herself that spread such words in the industry.

Sora couldn’t even muster the courage to return to Japan.

“Do you not want to?”

Seo-yeon’s voice came through calmly.

Just three words.

In that calm voice, Sora swallowed hard.

“Of course, I’m absolutely thrilled! Hehe.”

And thus, Sora’s trip to Japan was decided.

There was no real persuasion necessary; it was Seo-yeon’s unilateral notification.

*

‘With this, communication shouldn’t be a problem.’

The most important factor when going abroad is whether there’s someone who speaks the language of that country.

Having this or not can greatly affect the quality of the trip.

Of course, if asked, the broadcasting station or agency would easily provide a guide.

No, to begin with, the Japanese broadcasting station would likely arrange an interpreter.

However, Seo-yeon felt quite uncomfortable.

‘I have to go to Akihabara.’

There’s no way she could bring an interpreter along to Akihabara.

How would they view Seo-yeon gathering various goods there?

‘No, that would be downright annoying.’

How people perceive it is secondary; dragging around an interpreter or guide for personal travel is not ideal.

It’s better to go with a close friend! Or maybe an actor of her age.

In that sense, Narumi Sora was a perfect choice.

She speaks Japanese well.

Moreover, with the filming of [Mine] coming up, there was a need to build rapport ahead of time.

She thought she should add another actor friend.

Seo-yeon thought so.

She was still in contact with Sora occasionally through messaging or calls.

However, personally, Seo-yeon wanted to get closer.

She thought it would also be nice as a workout buddy.

“The Sky Garden has just ended, and Gyeongseong Young Lady still has some time until filming, right? Relax and come back.”

Manager Park Eun-ha said that.

Thanks to Seo-yeon’s diligent school attendance, she had sufficient days of presence.

Even taking a two-week break wouldn’t be a problem.

The drama [Sky Garden], which had consistently been breaking records, aired its final episode yesterday.

It ended with a remarkable 34 percent rating, which could be considered a record-breaking viewership.

[Grand Game] also managed to rebound with a 15 percent rating for its finale, but it was comical in comparison to the 34 percent of [Sky Garden].

It was practically a level of encountering a natural disaster.

“Honestly, it might be better to stay in Japan for a while.”

With shopping bags in hand, Jo Seo-hee said that.

Today, Seo-yeon, Ji-yeon,

and Jo Seo-hee had come out shopping together.

As they had promised earlier, they set out for a shopping day.

“It’s quite chaotic right now. It’s too noisy. Honestly, if you’re in a hurry, it would be better to take advantage of times like this… but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case, does it?”

Advertisements had been pouring in since before.

However, now it felt like brands that had been heard of at least once were all sending advertising offers.

The impact of a drama with a 34 percent rating was truly fearsome.

Among them, the brands that benefited the most were two.

[Aids sales breaking records daily with [Sky Garden] effect]

[Joo Seo-yeon’s chair stocks completely sold out! Currently securing more inventory!!]

The chairs that Lee Yoo-joo used in the drama had become impossible to find for sale.

So, there was a substantial increase in customers looking for other chairs as well.

For Aids, which had seen a drop in brand value for a while, it was truly a lifesaver.

No, it shot up like a rocket into the sky.

So much so that the representative personally contacted Seo-yeon.

“Oh dear, Miss Joo Seo-yeon. Please continue to support our advertisements. Ah, if necessary… maybe even the chairs from Raywill Games….”

Through [Golden Duckling], it had become known that Seo-yeon’s father, Joo Young-bin, was the team leader at Raywill Games.

Thanks to that, all of Raywill Games’ old chairs were replaced with Aids chairs.

Of course, it was natural for Young-bin to feel quite proud.

After Aids, the second brand to benefit greatly was certainly ‘Éclat Étoile’.

No need to say more about it.

As [Sky Garden] started airing, they quickly increased their advertisement frequency and prominently featured Seo-yeon, their brand model.

However.

“Ah, my skin? Thanks to the cosmetics, there’s no way I would get rough.”

“Remember the time I fell in the valley? Of course, I was fine. Huh? Why was I fine? …Maybe it’s because of the cosmetics?”

At first, it seemed like simple lip service.

But later, it strongly felt like an excuse that kept being worn out.

The former might be disregarded, but what about the latter?

Falling into a valley wouldn’t leave you unscathed because of cosmetics.

Although Baek Min-chan, the director of Éclat Étoile, felt that way, he couldn’t dare say it to Seo-yeon.

However, it was a bit problematic that complaints were continuously coming in.

‘…Maybe later I should find a way to strengthen that.’

Of course, it was impossible for cosmetics to do such a thing.

If it were possible, they would be using them for military purposes instead.

In any case, as those two companies were shouting with joy, other advertisers couldn’t just sit idly by.

“Aren’t actor images just seasonal business?”

“How many times will you get a hit like this again?”

While some held that attitude, actors could earn a lifetime’s worth of income in that season.

From the corporate perspective, it’s even better to jump on that season if they could.

So, before it was too late, they were scrambling to create connections with Seo-yeon.

However, Seo-yeon’s reaction was somewhat lukewarm.

“I’ve been appearing in a lot of broadcasts and films already. If I do ads too, it’ll be way too much of an image consumption.”

Jo Seo-hee advised her.

Her image had already taken a considerable hit.

Ultimately, seeing the same face repeatedly would only lead to fatigue.

This past year had been fine due to the combination of recognition and her appearances, but it wouldn’t be something she could keep doing.

“Honestly, I want to go too.”

Jo Seo-hee said and casually glanced at Seo-yeon.

Hearing that, Seo-yeon didn’t show any particular reaction as she fitted clothes to her body.

It didn’t look like she was against it.

“U-um, if you’re okay with it, would you like to go together next time? Incidentally, there’s a person my dad is friends with in Japan who runs a hotel.”

“Really?”

Seo-yeon was surprised at Jo Seo-hee’s words.

Since Midaira Land, Jo Seo-hee had become more open in saying such things to Seo-yeon.

Perhaps it was because Seo-yeon hadn’t shown much reaction to those financially beneficial things.

More than that, Jo Seo-hee herself wasn’t particularly fond of her parents’ social standing.

“Yeah, it would be great to go to Okinawa or Hokkaido.”

“…Ah, Okinawa, Hokkaido. Hmm.”

However, as soon as the travel destinations were mentioned, Seo-yeon’s expression instantly clouded.

Naturally, Jo Seo-hee was taken aback.

Okinawa and Hokkaido are representative tourist destinations in Japan, right?

Those places would have exorbitant accommodation costs right from the start.

Ah, does she want a ryokan instead of a hotel?

Thinking along those lines, she tried to say something, but Seo-yeon’s disinterest remained unchanged.

Uh, why?

Seeing Jo Seo-hee’s reaction, Lee Ji-yeon clicked her tongue.

‘She probably isn’t interested unless it’s just Tokyo or Osaka.’

If she had to put it an outright, places like Akihabara or Denden Town are absent.

Seo-yeon’s thoughts were pretty easy to read.

What she liked was power play, but she didn’t have much interest in other areas.

If she had to say, she wasn’t particularly fond of calm trips like healing travel.

Seo-yeon loved anything fun!

Honestly, it would have been better if they had suggested going to Disneyland or Universal Studios.

With such thoughts in mind,

Lee Ji-yeon picked out clothes for Seo-yeon.

In any case, today’s shopping was quite enjoyable.

In reality, today was practically a preparation for Joo Seo-yeon’s trip to Japan.

They had come to buy clothes or materials that would be needed there.

‘First of all, that girl won’t be taking enough cosmetics or clothes.’

If they went together, it would likely be with Manager Park Eun-ha or someone like Narumi Sora.

Or possibly even that manager too? Four? Five?

Seo-yeon herself likes to keep her group small, so she figured she would know to bring the minimum number.

‘I just hope nothing goes wrong.’

Honestly, Ji-yeon felt a little worried.

Seo-yeon, chatting with Jo Seo-hee, looked as normal as ever, but there was a strange excitement in her eyes.

And she knew that Seo-yeon’s attitude towards Jo Seo-hee had noticeably warmed.

She seemed to have become much friendlier, except for the use of casual language.

That drew up mixed feelings for Ji-yeon.

Seo-yeon, who previously had no friends,

but now it seemed she was making friends with Jo Seo-hee and others.

That point made her a bit sulky yet somewhat happy.

Such strange feelings arose.

*

At YHJ Broadcasting Station, they were recently discussing an actress coming from Korea.

They already informed the other party about which variety show she would appear on, but that alone felt a bit dull.

“How about a hidden camera segment?”

“Oh, that sounds good.”

For entertainers visiting Japan for the first time, nothing could be better than this.

However, the key issue was what concept to adopt.

“What about horror?”

At that moment, a quiet Amaya Hiroki PD spoke up.

“Horror, you say?”

“Oh, come to think of it, I did ask that. Have you ever seen any Japanese horror films?”

The one responding to PD Hiroki was Nanjou Katsuo PD, who had met Seo-yeon in Korea.

Japan was renowned for its horror films.

Being an actor, he asked about that, and Seo-yeon shook her head.

She had never particularly watched any horror films.

But that answer was quite astonishing.

“I have never felt fear in real life.”

She probably wouldn’t even grasp what horror films are.

So Seo-yeon responded.

“Wow, if that’s the case, I want to do it even more.”

“Still, we should communicate with the manager about this, right?”

“That sounds good. First, let’s talk it over and then progress.”

Since she was a foreign actress, it wasn’t easy to set up a hidden camera without consultation.

Honestly, they weren’t quite familiar with the actress Joo Seo-yeon.

From their perspective, Nanjou Katsuo PD’s interest in a Korean actress was the main takeaway.

But still, with [The Chaser] set to premiere in Japan,

and Seo-yeon gaining popularity with [Dream Future], the reviews weren’t so bad.

Lately, it had been rare for Korean actors to visit Japan.

“But it’s going to be a bit awkward if there’s really no reaction. From what I’ve seen, she seems rather cool.”

“Right? So we should prepare even more diligently. Thankfully, the setting seems perfect.”

While discussions on YHJ were taking place and they were busy preparing the broadcast,

‘I’m looking forward to the trip to Japan.’

Seo-yeon was currently heading to the airport, with bags dangling from her arms.