Chapter 82: A Love Letter from a Magnificent Ensemble (Part One)

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Entertainment by Your Side (No Pop-ups)
Story Timeline: March 2006

Recommended Song: Bigbang—This Love (G-Dragon Solo)

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons is purely coincidental!

Choosing a script is a troublesome affair, but it’s the kind of trouble many people can’t even dream of having. Jiang Yihan, having risen to fame thanks to “I Can Love You,” no longer needed to attend auditions; instead, scripts were delivered directly to him. Speaking of luck, it was indeed remarkable—just a year ago, at this time, Li Ran was still taking Jiang Yihan to auditions all over town, facing rejection at every turn, and landing a single role was a struggle. Now, scripts arrived at his door unsolicited. There was a certain irony to it, but that’s just how this industry works: it’s simple—if you have popularity, you gain the right to choose.

Back in Korea, amid his hectic schedule, Jiang Yihan was about to participate in the most important episode of “Love Letter” yet—a star-studded lineup that left him both anxious and excited. He worried about who the other guests would be, how he’d perform, and yet looked forward to what interesting things might happen during the recording.

Arriving in the SBS waiting room, Jiang Yihan found it already packed. As he greeted everyone, he observed the day’s guest list: Han Chae-young, Lee Hyori, Chae Yeon, Lee Da-hae, Yoon Eun-hye, Kim Sun-ah, Shin Jung-hwan, Kim Jong-min, Jang Woo-hyuk, and the newly arrived Kim Jaejoong and Han Geng—plus Jiang Yihan himself. This lineup could only be described as stellar.

Han Chae-young was an old acquaintance, her popularity unwavering over the past year. Lee Hyori and Chae Yeon needed no introduction—they were the top female singers in Korea. Yoon Eun-hye, thanks to “Princess Hours,” which aired in January, and her previous popularity as a singer, had quickly risen to new heights. Lee Da-hae’s “My Girl” was a massive hit at the end of last year, making her the darling of advertisers. Kim Sun-ah had starred in “My Lovely Sam Soon,” a drama that broke 50% viewership, and had swept numerous awards, gaining official recognition.

The female guest lineup was astonishing, and the male lineup was equally impressive. Shin Jung-hwan and Kim Jong-min had become guarantees of great comedy and ratings, their talents displayed on countless programs. Jang Woo-hyuk, once of H.O.T. and JTL, had gone solo and achieved remarkable success with his first album. Han Geng, the new idol from Super Junior and their Chinese member, stood out both for his unique status and the group’s popularity—this was also his first appearance on a Korean variety show. Kim Jaejoong, member of Korea’s top group TVXQ, had seen his popularity dip in Korea after a company change and a move to Japan, but he remained among the elite. As for Jiang Yihan, no explanation was needed—he was among the top three most popular male singers and actors present.

“Wow, so many big stars today!” Even Jiang Ziyi, upon seeing the lineup, couldn’t help but exclaim.

Jiang Yihan had just received the script and hadn’t started reading when the writer entered. “Hello, everyone. Today’s show really is a gathering of the stars!” The writer’s flattery made everyone quickly stand to greet him. In variety shows, the writer plays a crucial role: determining the program’s direction, controlling its flow, and shaping each guest’s image. In a sense, variety shows are a kind of performance—playing an exaggerated version of oneself, magnifying certain traits until they become a character. The writer grinned and continued, “Because everyone here is outstanding, please take a look at the script. Let me know whom you’d like to pair up with, and we’ll discuss and arrange today’s couples and love lines. Okay?”

With that, the writer left with a smile.

On “Love Letter,” the love lines and pairings are usually based on the celebrities’ preferences, with the writer making adjustments for drama. Today was no exception.

“So, whom do you think I should choose?” Jiang Yihan asked. The choice of a partner was a delicate matter, influencing both performance and the show’s narrative as well as the image presented.

“Han Chae-young or Yoon Eun-hye would suit you best,” Li Ran replied after some thought. “For Jaejoong, it’s best to go with Lee Hyori or Chae Yeon. What do you two think?”

“I think any option is fine. It’s just a show, after all,” said Kim Jaejoong, who was already sitting beside Jiang Yihan. His hectic schedule showed in the dark circles under his eyes.

Li Ran glanced at Jiang Yihan once more before heading off to find the writer.

Another half hour passed as they looked through the script, and the writer returned. “We’ve discussed the love lines for today and have no objections—just go with your preferences. The show will be a lot of fun!”

Everyone had expected the writer to announce the pairings, but this result left them all even more excited for the episode.

“Ah, ah, ah!” Kang Ho-dong’s signature over-the-top opening performance began. “So nervous, so nervous! Today’s guests are the strongest lineup in Love Letter’s history—a special episode with a star-studded cast. Ah, so nervous!”

Kang Ho-dong bounced and jumped at center stage, full of energy.

“Who can tell me who the most popular entertainers in Korea are?” Kang Ho-dong shouted at the camera, repeating the question.

Suddenly, Shin Jung-hwan walked out, ruffled his curly hair, and winked playfully. “Me!”

Then Kim Jong-min ran out from the other side, eyes wide and looking half-asleep. “And me!”

Kang Ho-dong burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. “You two, stop messing around!” He pushed their faces out of the shot and leaned in, filling the frame with his own. “Let’s welcome our star-studded guests!”

“First, let’s introduce our most charming male guests.”

“Forever narrow-shouldered Shin Jung-hwan.”

“Perpetually confused Kim Jong-min.”

“The Unsetting Sun, Jang Woo-hyuk.” (Jang Woo-hyuk’s album is titled “The Unsetting Sun.”)

“The Rising Sun, Kim Jaejoong.” (TVXQ’s new song is “Rising Sun.”)

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“The handsome and kind Chinese youth, Han Geng.”

“And finally, everyone’s favorite young master, Jiang Yihan.”

The six men clapped as they walked onstage, lining up to Kang Ho-dong’s right.

“Barbie Doll, Han Chae-young.”

“Sexy Queen, Lee Hyori.”

“The Stage Pixie, Chae Yeon.”

“Our Princess, Yoon Eun-hye.” (Yoon Eun-hye’s title in “Princess Hours.”)

“The Adorable Little Trickster, Lee Da-hae.” (Her role in “My Girl” is that of a con artist.)

“Korea’s beloved chubby Sam-soon, Kim Sun-ah.”

Six top female stars lined up, dazzling the audience. As each woman came out, the male guests cheered and whooped. Shin Jung-hwan and Kim Jong-min even staged a fake brawl for attention, making everyone burst out laughing.

“Let’s start with our first segment. Ladies, please give your favorite male guest a pet name,” Kang Ho-dong smoothly guided the show along. “First up, Han Chae-young.”

In this segment, each female guest gives a pet name, and any male guest who thinks he fits the description steps forward. It’s a way to test the women’s popularity and the men’s choices.

Han Chae-young stepped forward. “My sweet and gentle little kitten, please come out.”

She immediately covered her face, embarrassed, while Kang Ho-dong grinned and counted, “One, two, three!” At the count, the chosen males stepped forward.

Jiang Yihan pretended to ponder deeply, then leapt out. To his surprise, three others joined him: Shin Jung-hwan, Kim Jong-min, and Jang Woo-hyuk.

“Shin Jung-hwan, why do you think you’re Han Chae-young’s little kitten? What about you resembles a cat?” Kang Ho-dong teased.

“Of course I do!” Shin Jung-hwan rolled his eyes upward, made his hands into claws, and meowed.

“You look more like you’re having a cramp,” Kang Ho-dong replied, prompting the whole crowd to erupt in laughter. Shin Jung-hwan, unfazed, retorted, “Haven’t you ever seen a cramping cat?” and shook his head for extra comic effect.

Next, Jang Woo-hyuk played a dignified cat, startling the “cramping cat” beside him, while Kim Jong-min acted a silly, clueless cat, sending the room into another fit of laughter. Finally, it was Jiang Yihan’s turn.

“What kind of cat are you, Jiang Yihan?” Kang Ho-dong asked with a mischievous smile.

“I’m a gentle little kitten.” Jiang Yihan almost laughed at himself, but the show must go on. He walked to Han Chae-young’s side, nuzzled her shoulder gently with his head, and softly meowed. Both of them blushed.

“Next, let’s welcome Lee Hyori!” Kang Ho-dong announced the second female guest.

“A gentle young man who can cook and help clean the house, please come out,” Lee Hyori said with a smile.

“Oh, cooking and cleaning? Clearly not my specialty,” Kang Ho-dong remarked.

This time, Kim Jaejoong, Jang Woo-hyuk, Shin Jung-hwan, and Kim Jong-min all stepped forward.

“Hey, Shin Jung-hwan, Kim Jong-min, you two again?” Kang Ho-dong chided, “You can cook? You can clean?”

“I can eat,” Shin Jung-hwan replied nonchalantly, then, pretending to be timid, backed away, making everyone laugh.

“I can watch her cook,” Kim Jong-min said cheerfully, and Lee Hyori bent over with laughter.

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“You fool, what’s the point of just watching her cook?” Kang Ho-dong doubled over laughing.

“Watching her cook is keeping her company—isn’t that good enough?” Kim Jong-min continued to play the clown.

Next up was Chae Yeon.

“A gentleman who’s only good to me, please come out.”

At her words, everyone except Jiang Yihan stepped forward.

“You guys, what are you doing? Why are you all coming out?” Kang Ho-dong exclaimed. “Kim Jaejoong, you’ve come out twice, both times for Korea’s sexy queens. Be honest: do you like sexy women?”

Kim Jaejoong snickered, “Yeah, I do.”

Kang Ho-dong, satisfied with the answer, turned to Han Geng. “Han Geng, this is your first time stepping out. Why did you choose Chae Yeon instead of Lee Hyori? Do you think she’s too old?”

“No, no!” Han Geng waved his hands in panic. “I just think Lee Hyori is a goddess—too hard to approach. Chae Yeon feels more like a friendly big sister, so I chose her.”

“Oh, so you’re saying Lee Hyori’s older. I see, I see,” Kang Ho-dong concluded, sending Han Geng into a fluster and making everyone laugh again.

“My handsome prince, please come out.” This was Yoon Eun-hye’s pet name.

Jiang Yihan was the first to step forward, joined by Han Geng and Kim Jong-min.

“Jiang Yihan, why do you think this pet name is for you?” Kang Ho-dong asked, striking a detective pose.

“Aren’t I a prince?” Jiang Yihan slipped his hands into his pockets, lifted his chin, and struck a proud pose.

Kang Ho-dong hurriedly bowed, “Yes, yes, Your Highness.”

“Han Geng, what kind of prince are you?” Kang Ho-dong asked, giving special attention to the newcomer.

“I’m the kind prince,” Han Geng replied, prompting another round of laughter. Kindness is hard to demonstrate, but Han Geng persisted. “I really am kind, honestly!” The laughter continued.

When it was Lee Da-hae’s turn, her pet name was “the bad boy with unique charm.”

Jang Woo-hyuk immediately dashed forward, dragged Kim Jong-min along, and staged a playful “beat down,” then struck a cool pose. “How about it? I’m very charming, right?”

His quick thinking set the audience roaring with laughter once more.

Finally, for Kim Sun-ah’s beloved “Sweet Little Cake,” Shin Jung-hwan, Kim Jong-min, Jang Woo-hyuk, and Han Geng (pushed forward by Jiang Yihan) all stepped up. As it was Han Geng’s first time on the show, Jiang Yihan wanted to give him more screen time.

Yet Han Geng was still shy, unsure how to express “sweetness.” Meanwhile, the seasoned Shin Jung-hwan pulled a series of greasy, over-the-top faces, making everyone laugh at the sugar overload, while Jang Woo-hyuk chose to sit on the floor and act cute, winning applause for his adorable performance.

“Now, it’s time for our tense segment—Yes or No,” Kang Ho-dong announced.

In this segment, a guest calls out the person of their choice and asks a question, which can only be answered with “yes” or “no,” testing the sincerity of their feelings.

First up was Han Chae-young. With all eyes on her, she shyly called out, “Jiang Yihan.”