Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 56

"Endless Frontline draws in 490,000 viewers on opening day—Is this the signal for a 10-million-ticket hit?"

"What’s Kim Dong-hoo’s deal? Treats theater staff to snacks and takes commemorative photos before stage greeting!"

"War films: Do they still work if done right? A deep dive into Endless Frontline!"

"Kim Dong-hoo, the Mise-en-scène 4-time award winner, is also making waves in commercial cinema. Chungmuro is buzzing!"

"Kim Dong-hoo’s promise if Endless Frontline hits 10 million? A rice-eating broadcast!"

The media was relentless, with articles pouring in every day, seemingly determined to hammer home Endless Frontline's inevitable success.

Starting with a strong 490,000 opening-day audience, a crucial number for any film targeting the coveted 10-million-viewer milestone, the film was receiving rave reviews, and social media was ablaze with people posting their experiences.

Audiences are always thirsty for fresh faces.

They want actors who guarantee box-office success, yet the more often these stars appear, the more people get tired of them.

But someone who can bring a new flow to the screen, a fresh presence—audiences are always hungry for that.

"And that someone is our Dong-hoo."

Choi Seok-ho chuckled with pride as he looked at the pile of business cards and scripts before him.

"Wow, there’s really a lot."

All of these were from people eager to form a connection with Kim Dong-hoo. The sheer volume made it clear—everyone wanted to work with him.

But there was one downside.

"We can’t take on more projects."

Dong-hoo wasn’t superhuman, and his current schedule was already packed.

The Swordsman Baek Dong-su was still filming, and Il-sik was set to start production soon.

Taking on anything more would be impossible.

"His schedule is pretty much full until the first half of next year."

If they pushed him too hard now, the balance between work and rest would collapse.

To become a lasting symbol, rather than a brief flash in the pan, sufficient rest was essential.

"And this upward trend is insane."

It was like Endless Frontline was following the perfect formula for a 10-million-ticket hit.

Around 500,000 viewers on opening day.

2.3 million by the end of the first week!

With 1.3 million people flocking to theaters over the weekend alone, Endless Frontline was dominating screens nationwide, and every showing was sold out.

A quick internet search would bring up reviews of the film on every corner of the web.

“Han Tae-gun’s acting has seriously improved.”

“Yeah, Han Tae-gun is great, but Kim Dong-hoo is on another level. He’s insane.”

“That’s the feeling of war!”

“How does he know that? He’s never experienced it, LOL. But seriously, the psychological depth was incredible.”

“Right? As soon as I saw the movie, I went straight home and had yukgaejang with white rice, LOL.”

“You too? Same here, haha.”

Endless Frontline was unstoppable, as proven by the word-of-mouth spreading like wildfire.

And at the end of the second week...

"Dong-hoo’s already hit the 5-million-ticket mark."

It had already surpassed 5 million viewers.

+++++

On the final day of filming for The Swordsman Baek Dong-su:

"Can’t believe this is the last day."

I stepped out of the van, feeling a mix of relief and sadness.

Maybe it was because I had gotten into the habit of arriving two hours early since the first shoot, but now it just felt natural to show up ahead of schedule.

"I guess it’s kind of fun to wander around the empty set."

As I adjusted to the crisp morning air, suddenly—

Pop! Pop, pop, pop!

Fireworks exploded, and people poured out from the quiet set.

"Dong-hoo! Congrats on hitting 5 million! Let’s keep it going to 10 million!"

"?!"

A surprise?

I was completely caught off guard. Everyone seemed pleased with my reaction and laughed as they continued.

"Our young star personally helped promote the drama, so we couldn’t just sit back and do nothing."

"I helped promote it?"

"Of course! Anything you’re in right now is bound to be a hit."

And coincidentally, the premiere of our drama was set for around the third week of Endless Frontline’s run.

Hearing that, I quickly put two and two together.

"Oh, so that’s why they’re saying I’m promoting the drama naturally."

While my popularity was soaring, my action scenes in the drama would air back-to-back. The attention would naturally spill over into the drama.

And of course, that attention would translate into viewership.

In short, everything I touched was about to turn to gold.

"You’re a real blessing, Dong-hoo! That’s why we have to celebrate!"

Even though the drama’s success wasn’t directly related to them showing up early to prepare a surprise celebration...

"I appreciate it."

I quickly bowed, trying to hide how moved I felt. If I said anything more, I might end up crying.

"I can’t cry here."

Luckily, all my experience acting made it easy to control my emotions. I quickly composed myself and lifted my head.

When in doubt about what to say—

"Please take care of me for today’s shoot as well."

There’s nothing like a textbook response.

With that, the cheerful atmosphere continued, and we smoothly transitioned into filming.

In the final scene, Baek Dong-su and Ja-un, after honing their skills, were admitted into the royal guard, the Jangyongwe. But they soon faced a deadly ambush from the group known as Geomlim, leaving most of the key figures dead.

Only a handful survived.

"Technically, by debut year, you’re the sunbae. Didn’t you star in Kyarureuk Doctor when you were five? Just call me ‘hyung,’ or it’ll mess up the hierarchy."

The Swordsman Baek Dong-su was officially wrapped.