I Want to Be a VTuber

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Seo-yeon had watched all sorts of genres in her past life.

To provoke her own emotions.

To understand what emotions are.

Which works, which genres.

Which mediums could possibly help understand emotions, she had no clue.

Among them, the work Yeo-hee mentioned was one that had briefly crossed her mind.

The reason it was only a fleeting thought was that, while Seo-yeon had watched just about everything, this was a work she simply couldn’t ‘watch.’

“I was looking forward to the drama adaptation of a web novel I enjoyed…”

That was her mother’s sentiment.

Of course, it wasn’t said to Seo-yeon at a time when she couldn’t grasp the joy or emotion of the work.

Seo-yeon was fundamentally lacking something to empathize with such remarks.

She could only pretend to empathize.

Naturally, her mother was aware of this, and hence, they never had such conversations.

Fundamentally, Seo-yeon’s mother wasn’t the type to enjoy TV or movies.

She was always busy, having to work hard to raise herself alone.

Since she had no time for dramas or films, what she primarily consumed were web novels that she could read for leisure.

So, her web novels, which were almost her sole hobby.

That the drama adaptation of her most enjoyable novel failed must have been quite a shock.

Judging by her friend who visited her home and voiced such opinions.

“First of all, the heroine’s character has changed.”

“The acting is a total mess, and the adaptation is a disaster.”

“Most importantly, this novel is a medical story, yet those elements were hardly showcased.”

The beginning was indeed content that didn’t appear in the original drama.

The legendary American surgeon Neil Russell happens to attend a Korean hospital, and while heading to a conference, he loses consciousness in a van accident.

When he wakes up, he realizes that his consciousness has entered the body of a young resident doctor who was in the van with him.

– Where am I? What happened to me?

Confused, Neil Russell sees on the news that his original body, which was in the van, has fallen into a coma, plunging him into further bewilderment.

– Was it an accident by chance? Or…

It felt like a very odd situation.

In that contemplative moment, Neil realizes he is not the only conscious entity in this body.

Indeed, the man he has entered, Choi Yeon-woo.

This man, whose body he has taken over, was indeed fully aware.

A strange coexistence begins, where two minds exist within one body, and the overworked Choi Yeon-woo returns to his job at the hospital.

At the hospital, Neil Russell finds himself taken aback by the unusual treatment Choi Yeon-woo receives.

What he sees in Choi Yeon-woo is a diligent young man with excellent medical knowledge.

Above all, he possesses remarkable dexterity.

Having good dexterity as a surgeon indicates outstanding talent, and to Neil Russell, the world-renowned surgeon, Choi Yeon-woo’s dexterity seemed exceptionally exceptional.

But he was being overlooked and bullied in various ways at the hospital.

– I’ll help you out.

However, Neil Russell is a legendary surgeon.

With his knowledge and skills, Choi Yeon-woo gradually grows and thrives in his career as a doctor.

That’s the story of the popular web novel “Change Doctor.”

‘The problem is the adaptation.’

From the start, being a medical story, it was a work with good accessibility.

The main intrigue was that Neil Russell, who had entered the body of the normally overlooked resident Choi Yeon-woo, solves various incidents using his medical knowledge.

Yet, as romance got more entwined in the narrative, things got weird.

In the original work, the heroine was Choi Yoo-bin’s childhood friend nurse, but it was adapted to be a female physician working at the hospital instead.

‘Why did they have to change it to a childhood friend setup?’

That raised a question, but it didn’t really matter.

‘They said the actress playing the heroine had disastrous acting skills.’

Honestly, Seo-yeon hadn’t felt much at the time.

It was just a feeling that the work based on the original had been ruined.

The emotions her mother must have felt, and what the original author must have felt when their work was defaced.

She had no clue what feelings those might have invoked.

“…So, the person who wrote that web novel is a friend of my dad’s?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, that’s right?”

Yeo-hee was taken aback by Seo-yeon’s strangely heavy reaction.

Well, upon reflection, wasn’t that a perfectly reasonable statement?

If Suah had heard what their relationship was back in high school, it would have caused quite a chaos.

‘They don’t know about my feelings, do they?’

Nervously, she swallowed hard.

But I haven’t done anything or have plans to do anything; it’s quite excessive.

It’s okay to hold on to my feelings.

“Maybe if filming starts, it will be next year, specifically the second half of next year… in terms of duration…”

Right after Jo Bang-woo’s “<Seoul Escape>.”

It could easily be said there was at least a year left.

So, it wasn’t something to think about immediately.

‘…Is this just an obsession with my past life?’

With that thought, Seo-yeon shook her head.

Hey, I might care a little.

After all, it’s about my parents’ friend.

I can’t just turn a blind eye to it.

‘That said, I’m still not planning to do anything right away.’

Most importantly, it’s not like I currently have any power.

‘But a year later…’

By then, things might be a little different.

‘Why is she silent?’

Yeo-hee looked at Seo-yeon with a tense expression.

The already cool girl’s look, with her red eyes sparkling, inevitably heightened the tension.

Add to that the aura unique to an actress.

Yeo-hee had seen plenty of celebrities by now.

Of all those, Seo-yeon stood out as distinctly special.

‘Suah seemed to be just ordinary.’

No doubt, she had a beautiful chest and was quite pretty.

Young-bin had charisma, but it felt different from that aura.

“So, exactly what brings you here today… if I may ask?”

I gathered some information, but today, Seo-yeon felt different than when they had met previously.

Hearing that, Seo-yeon paused her thoughts and nodded.

It wasn’t time to be getting up yet.

“I wanted to hear a bit about the old days.”

“The old days?”

“I’d like to refrain from asking my parents.”

Above all.

Their perspectives would not be relevant.

“Ah, of course, if you don’t feel like sharing, please don’t feel obliged.”

Seo-yeon genuinely needed to hear Yeo-hee’s story.

The emotions she had woven into that song back then.

“…But somehow, listening to that song made me think a lot.”

The complicated emotions Seo-yeon couldn’t grasp.

Yeo-hee was conveying something to someone with the song back then.

It surely was not meant for her.

However, that song without a doubt brought her great strength.

“Would it be okay, maybe?”

At Seo-yeon’s words, Yeo-hee scratched her head.

Yeo-hee wasn’t inherently a complex person.

Just someone who happened to be a bit nostalgic.

But she could tell that Seo-yeon was not inquiring for mere curiosity.

It felt evident that she needed something.

A seriousness that could not be taken lightly was sensed.

A reminder of her past self who had almost given up.

“You owe me big time, Joo Young-bin.”

Yeo-hee let out a sigh.

Well, she had always been soft towards that side.

Naturally, she was bound to become soft towards that daughter too.

***

“We’ve received a request from Japan.”

Park Hoon, the director of Best Cultural Industries, was slightly taken aback by the sudden information.

He was already aware of Japan’s interest in and involvement with the ongoing filming of “<Gyeongseong Young Lady>.”

However, this was entirely unexpected.

“A showcase before the film release in Japan?”

“Yes, they especially seem to hope for Joo Seo-yeon to attend.”

Director of the cultural industry department, Hwang Tae-sang, recalled what was said by the Japanese side at that time.

“They referred to her as the Butterfly Young Lady.”

“Excuse me?”

“They seemed quite impressed by her on set.”

The outfit Seo-yeon had worn then must have left quite an impression.

It wasn’t just about Japan, as later Yuna’s character had butterflies added prominently to her settings.

Butterflies were incorporated in her attire and accessories.

Thus, it wasn’t surprising that the Japanese referred to her as “Butterfly Young Lady.”

“That’s not a bad thing. It seems Director Baek Min has given the green light?”

“Yes, it appears they are thinking positively and hoping the message reaches the investors well.”

“Hmm.”

Japan was showing quite an active stance.

‘Can a simultaneous release between Korea and Japan really be feasible?’

If so, it would be an unusual case indeed.

Considering this would be due to the influence of a single actress, it was incomprehensible.

If news of this reached the public, no one would believe it.

‘No, even the individual might find it hard to believe.’

Park Hoon nodded.

“Let’s just give it a chance. A simultaneous release.”

There’s no harm in actively pursuing anything.

Especially if it’s something they desire earnestly.

If they’re in a position of strength, then being proactive is a chance to secure profit.

He was a businessman.

‘Maybe it’s better to aim for overseas markets from the start.’

He contemplated.

“<Gyeongseong Young Lady> is undoubtedly profitable.

***

Seoul Yeonhwa High School.

It had always had a decent reputation in physical arts.

Of course, when I say decent, it’s not astronomically high either.

Just reasonably good.

If I had to say, it might be the pretty school uniforms.

That much was Yeonhwa High School’s pride, but recently, the vibe felt different.

“I’ve heard the drama club at Yeonhwa High School is that good?”

“Joo Seo-yeon goes to that high school.”

“Is that the one from Sky Garden?”

“Yeah.”

That’s right, the star who rose to fame this year, Joo Seo-yeon, is a student at Yeonhwa High School.

Moreover, being a first-year student means she could spend practically two years of high school life together with them next year.

Additionally, since she was a member of the drama club, rumors were that Seo-yeon frequently visits the theater group.

‘Is the Yeonhwa High School drama club really that excellent?’

‘Now that I think about it, there were other actors besides Joo Seo-yeon.’

Ji-yeon, who was seen on general cable broadcasting, made it so that it couldn’t help but become a topic.

Most importantly.

“Did you know? Sometimes Jo Seo-hee frequently appears at Yeonhwa High School.”

“Pfft! Appears? What do you mean by that?”

“But that’s what a friend said. She suddenly pedaled her bike and showed up.”

“What? That’s nonsense.”

It seems both Joo Seo-yeon and Jo Seo-hee have been consistently spotted.

Whether that was true or not, recently popular actresses seemed to be flocking to Yeonhwa High School.

“Speaking of which, that was the school featured in <Past, Remembering Memories>, right?”

“Right.”

It was the show where Park Jung-woo made a huge splash.

The reunion of Princess Yeonhwa and Seo-il became a hot topic.

Their appearance back then was so impactful that the clips were still circulating online.

“Isn’t that Joo Seo-yeon?”

A group of male students at Yeonhwa High School pointed to somewhere, their voices rising.

From a distance, she looked like a painting.

With her slender figure.

Jet black hair contrasting against her fair skin.

While her eyes were a hazel tinged with red, there were rumors that they turn red when she acts.

No one was sure if that’s true or not.

But she definitely exudes an aura of a different world.

There seemed to be a large wall separating her from them.

“But Joo Seo-yeon plays games with the eSports club during lunch break, right?”

“Oh, come on, that’s just nonsense.”

“Do they really think she lives like everyone else?”

“No, it’s true.”

“Shut it.”

Of course, there were such rumors of defamation, but generally, it was cut off among the students.

Even if it were true, it didn’t matter.

‘I’m late because I got caught up gaming. Ji-yeon is going to scold me.’

The truth was, even she wasn’t aware of the mystical image of herself.

“Seo-yeon!!”

As lunch hour neared its end, Seo-yeon arrived at the drama club upon hearing Ji-yeon’s call.

Seeing Teacher Song Da-yeon’s reaction, it seemed Ji-yeon had called her based on what Song Da-yeon had said.

“It’s good to see you again after such a long time. Everything well?”

“Yes.”

At Seo-yeon’s nonchalant response, Teacher Song Da-yeon flinched.

The aura of an actress, so to speak. There was always something about Seo-yeon that made interpersonal interactions challenging.

“Um, the thing is… the drama club is planning a small event at the end of the year.”

“The drama club is holding an event?”

“Yes, yes. With our club’s reputation rising recently, we’re thinking of doing a small play as a promotion for the new students at the end of the year.”

Of course, it wouldn’t solely be for promotion.

It would be a chance for the students to perform for an audience outside their school.

Such small experiences provide remarkably valuable learning opportunities.

Ji-yeon narrowed her eyes at that statement.

She had heard those talks floating around but still felt it might be a bit demanding.

‘I mean, I am fine with it.’

To be honest, she was okay.

She only had “<Gyeongseong Young Lady>” to shoot.

But Seo-yeon was different.

With her packed schedule and countless commitments, how could she manage to take on drama club duties with everything else she had going on?

She’d have to participate in the play in between all that, after all.

As Ji-yeon glanced back at Seo-yeon while considering all this, she let out a sigh.

Looking at her expression.

‘Looks like she’s interested in this.’

She even had that odd look on her face.

As Ji-yeon had guessed.

‘Drama Club!!’

Seo-yeon was genuinely excited about this opportunity.

Lately, she’d been rather neglectful of her high school life.

Well, given her circumstances, that was inevitable.

Between movies, dramas, and variety shows.

She was so busy, she had often skipped school.

Thus, there wasn’t much opportunity to make friends either.

However, she had made quite a few fellow actors, so she hadn’t thought much about it.

‘Listening to Yeo-hee’s words, though…’

From aunt to sister status.

It wasn’t like Seo-yeon intended it. Yeo-hee had continually instructed her to call her sister instead.

Aunt sounded far too old, apparently.

Of course, Seo-yeon had received plenty of help from Yeo-hee, so she wouldn’t complain.

She simply thought it was a bit silly.

‘Having learned how precious high school days can be.’

Of course, Yeo-hee hadn’t advised Seo-yeon to immerse herself in high school life.

But upon reflection, it felt too precious to let it slip away while just working.

Just by listening to Yeo-hee’s stories, it was clear how meaningful those experiences had become for her.

…Separate from her failed love stories.

‘I want to have such memories too.’

She may have already finished her first year, but the second and third remained.

So, that motivation welling up was uninhibited.

‘…I feel a bit uneasy.’

Naturally, Ji-yeon worried at Seo-yeon’s passionate demeanor.

When full of ambition, Seo-yeon tended to display unbelievable levels of determination.