Life is Easier If You’re Handsome

Early December.
With True Hero set to remain in theaters for about three more weeks—

『A Historic Achievement: True Hero Hits 18 Million Viewers!』
『A Successor Too Soon? The Highest-Grossing Korean Film Changes Hands After Just Three Years!』
『Can It Reach 19 Million? A Deep Dive into True Hero’s Box Office Trajectory!』
『The Youngest Triple-Ten-Million Actor Ever—A First in Korean Film History! Exclusive Interview with Kim Donghu!』
『Not a Franchise, But a Phenomenon—Kim Donghu’s Success Across Three Distinct Films!』
『Could True Hero Inspire Copycats? Experts Say: "Absolutely Not. No One Can Be Kim Donghu."』
『The First Requirement to Becoming a Hero? Heavyweight Boxing Gold Medalist—A Feat Only One Man in Korea Can Claim.』
『A New Possibility? Kim Donghu’s Pitching Precision Draws Rave Reviews—Pro Baseball Teams Eyeing Him for Ceremonial First Pitch!』

Having surpassed 18 million admissions, True Hero officially claimed the highest audience record in Korean cinema history.
With its current pace, projections estimated a final tally of around 19 million by the end of December.

"We won’t hit 20 million, which is a bit of a shame! But honestly, even saying that feels greedy—this doesn’t even feel real."
"But it is real."

Director Lee Seong-deok couldn’t stop staring at the numbers, practically bouncing in his seat like a fish in water.

"I still can’t believe we made this."
"Haha, come on. You can puff your chest out a little more."

Clink.

Choi Seokho handed him a cup of coffee, trying to rein him in.

"But why did he come here instead of the production company’s office?"

Choi Seokho discreetly studied the director’s expression.
It made sense for him to be thrilled, given the film’s explosive success.
But why was the final stop of that excitement Veritas’s office instead of his own studio?

And on top of that, without even setting up an appointment.

The silence stretched for a moment.

Realizing the unspoken question, Lee Seong-deok hastily spoke up.

"Oh, the reason I dropped by—it's about a short film proposal."
"A short film?"
"Yes."

A short film?
Right after directing the highest-grossing commercial film in history?
And while the movie was still actively screening?

"I work in entertainment too, but I’ll never fully understand the minds of creators."

Choi Seokho gave him a puzzled look.

"You came to discuss this because you want Kim Donghu as the lead?"
"Yes, exactly. More like… I wanted to take a number and get in line."
"...I feel like I’m missing something. Can you explain in detail?"
"Ah, I’ve been rambling too much—sorry about that."
"No worries. Want sugar in your coffee?"
"Oh… five sugar cubes, please."
"Got it."

As the sugar cubes dropped in one by one,
Choi Seokho waited patiently for Lee Seong-deok to gather his thoughts.