Chapter 1047: In the Name of Mother (2)

"Thanks to Ms. Jung, every child in our class gets to participate. I don't know how to thank you."

Geum Na-Yeon, the homeroom teacher of Class 1-1, came over to greet us. Beside her stood all fifteen children from Class 1-1, including Eun-Byul and Han-Ul.

Behind them were our company's talent agents, who had come to act as the children's guardians. Lee Yung-Jin and Do Ran-Hee had come to watch the movie while giving the new talent agents, Yang Dong-Jin and Choi Pil-Seob, some hands-on training.

Yoo-Jin smiled brightly and returned the bow. "It's nothing. The school is putting on such a wonderful event, so I just wanted to help however I could. It's also part of our new talent agents' field training, so please don't feel too burdened."

None of the parents of the fifteen children accompanying Geum Na-Yeon were able to come to the theater. Some were dual-income couples, some were stay-at-home mothers with two children, while others simply couldn't afford movie tickets, popcorn, and drinks on an already tight budget. So Yoo-Jin and I called each parent, explained that we would take the children to the theater on their behalf, and obtained their permission.

However, after Miso treated the children to tteokbokki, they apparently went home and told their parents that Yoo-Jin was running for first-grade parent association president. As a result, the parents ended up promising first that they would definitely attend Saturday's election.

Watching everything unfold, Ham Hye-Mi's mother's face twisted with frustration.

Yoo-Jin flashed Ham Hye-Mi's mother a triumphant smile before speaking to Geum Na-Yeon. "I also reserved fifteen seats together, from Row 3, Seats A through O. I'll be buying the popcorn and nachos, and I prepared juice for the drinks, just like the mothers requested."

"Ah, thank you so much."

Just then, the children excitedly began chattering.

"I want cola."

"You can never drink cola. It'll rot your teeth."

"No way. That's just a lie adults tell. Juice is even worse. My mom and I saw it on TV."

As the children grew noisy, Geum Na-Yeon quieted them down. "Kids, settle down~ You should thank Miso's mother first."

"Yes!"

The children lined up to bow.

But just then, Ham Hye-Mi's mother confronted Geum Na-Yeon. "Ms. Geum, you do realize this is illegal, don't you?"

"Excuse me? What do you mean? Illegal?"

"This movie is rated for ages twelve and up. Yet you brought a bunch of first-graders here without their parents."

With a husband who worked as a lawyer at a law firm and a law school education herself, she relentlessly pressed Geum Na-Yeon with legal arguments.

Though flustered, Geum Na-Yeon answered, determined to let the children see the movie. "The mothers all sent consent forms through Kk Talk. I'll be with them as well, so as far as I know, there isn't any problem."

Standing to Ham Hye-Mi's mother's right, Lee Joo-Sun's mother let out a derisive snort. "Our teacher really is hopeless. What Hye-Mi's mother means is that the parents themselves have to come, not some worthless consent form."

Yoo Dong-Sik's mother, standing on Ham Hye-Mi's mother's left, glared as she joined in. "That's right. And if you let those children into the auditorium without guardians, I'll report this to the Office of Education immediately."

As the three mothers, led by Ham Hye-Mi's mother, continued to pressure her, Geum Na-Yeon became so flustered that she didn't know what to do.

That was when I stepped in. "Ma'ams, a twelve-and-up rating means children may watch the film when accompanied by a parent or another guardian. The phrase 'or another guardian' means it doesn't have to be the parents themselves."

Ham Hye-Mi's mother glared at me before shouting, "What did you say?"

"According to the Ministry of Culture's guidelines, viewing is permitted as long as the guardian has been adequately informed about the content. That's also why schools are allowed to show twelve-and-up films in class."

Ham Hye-Mi's mother hesitated for a moment, but she quickly bristled again, unwilling to back down. "Fine, let's say guardians are allowed. But did any of them actually familiarize themselves with the content? They didn't, did they?"

"There's no one who's more familiar with the movie than we are. Our talent agents watched it several times during the internal preview screenings."

"Then what about supervising the children? You couldn't possibly have had time to do that."

"Actually, we did. Ms. Geum Na-Yeon thoroughly went over everything with them on the bus ride here. The school had already distributed materials about the Gwacheon Serial Disappearances case beforehand, so I'm sure she explained it all in great detail."

Just then, Lee Song-Jung, standing at the very front, shot her hand into the air. "That's right! Teacher told us never to go with strangers, even if they ask us to."

The other children chimed in one after another in bright, chirping voices.

"She also said not to go even if they offer to buy us yummy food."

"Yeah! She even told me not to go, even if they said they'd give me The Powertuff Girls stickers."

I smiled as if to say, See? before turning back to Ham Hye-Mi's mother. "So why don't you let it go already, hmm?"

At that moment, Yoo-Jin quickly jumped in. "Hye-Mi's mom, you're being a little too harsh. You should also think about how the parents who couldn't come and had to send only their children must feel."

'Jung Yoo-Jin. Perfect timing.'

At that moment, some of the other parents who had come with Ham Hye-Mi's mother began reading the room and sided with Yoo-Jin.

"She's right, Hye-Mi's mom. If it isn't illegal, let's just enjoy the day. We didn't come here to argue. We came so the children could watch the movie and learn to be cautious about abduction."

"Exactly. That's enough, Hye-Mi's mom."

As more and more parents took Yoo-Jin's side, Ham Hye-Mi's mother finally surrendered, trembling with frustration. "...All right. I just didn't want to break the law."

Even then, she couldn't resist getting in one last jab. Yoo-Jin, however, simply beamed at the children and drove the point home one final time. She had realized the children would tell their parents everything that happened today once they got home.

"Also, today Miso's friends get unlimited popcorn and nachos, so eat as much as you want. And after you watch the movie, if any bad men tell you to come with them, never follow them. Got it?"

"Yes! And thank you for letting us watch the movie today!"

The children all bowed together before bursting into excited squeals. Ham Hye-Mi's mother, Lee Joo-Sun's mother, and Yoo Dong-Sik's mother looked utterly furious.

At this rate, more than half of the twenty-five mothers in Class 1-1 would end up supporting Yoo-Jin.

***

"We'll now begin admitting everyone."

After the actors had finished greeting the fans at the photo zone, people finally began entering the auditorium.

The LCD monitor outside LT Cinema's Gangdong theater displayed the message: [Missing – The Lost Ones — All Seats Sold Out]

Even as everyone hurried inside for the screening, Ham Hye-Mi's mother and the three women in her inner circle sent their children in first and remained outside.

All four of them had given birth at the same luxury postpartum care center in Cheonho-dong, where a two-week stay cost fifteen million won. They were all wealthy and had naturally become close friends. Needless to say, they were also working together on Ham Hye-Mi's mother's campaign for parent association president.

Unlike her usual self, however, Ham Hye-Mi's mother suddenly rounded on Park Hee-Cheol's mother. "So you just stood there with your mouth shut while they humiliated me?"

Park Hee-Cheol's mother hurriedly waved both hands. "Don't misunderstand, Hye-Mi's mom. I honestly didn't know enough to say anything. If I upset you, I'm sorry."

"If you really mean that, then clear out your place. I want the entire fourth floor empty starting at nine-thirty today."

Park Hee-Cheol's mother owned a four-story building in Cheonho-dong, where she ran a coffee shop. It also happened to be the regular gathering place for the executive members of Cheonho Best Elementary School's first-grade parent association.

"You want me to empty an entire floor? The losses would be enormous..."

"If you don't want to, then forget it. We'll just start meeting somewhere other than your coffee shop from now on."

Startled, Park Hee-Cheol's mother frantically shook her hands. If Ham Hye-Mi's mother, one of Cheonho-dong's most influential residents, decided to make trouble for her, she could easily ruin the business.

"No, no. I'll do it. I'm not very good with words, so at least let me help this way. I'll cover all the coffee and cake, and I'll even prepare gifts for everyone to take home."

Only after Park Hee-Cheol's mother apologized repeatedly did Ham Hye-Mi's mother finally calm down. She then turned to Lee Joo-Sun's mother and gave her instructions.

"I'm sure you saw it too, Joo-Sun's mom. Miso's mother may be young, but she's no ordinary opponent. First, we need to lock down our votes. Tell everyone to gather at Hee-Cheol's mom's coffee shop by nine."

Lee Joo-Sun's mother owned a large jjimjilbang[1] and was known for having connections everywhere.

"Getting people together isn't the problem. But will they even come? It's pretty late. I don't think they will."

"If they don't, warn them they'll lose access to six years' worth of exam archives, teachers' tendencies, and all the best spots at the nearby academies. Tell them someone else's children will be class president and vice president starting in third grade too."

Ham Hye-Mi's mother had successfully guided her eldest daughter, Ham Soo-Jin, to graduate as the top student at Cheonho Best Elementary School. She then ranked first again at nearby Cheonho Best Middle School before entering Seoul Science High School that year.

Along the way, she had built close relationships with teachers at both the local academies and the school itself, and she practically had the school's past exam questions in the palm of her hand.

"Ah, okay. I'll tell them."

"And remember this, all of you. Miso's mother isn't someone you can underestimate. She's the kind of woman who, from high school, raised her older sister's daughter all the way to where she is now. She's ruthless, so don't ever take her lightly. Got it?"

"Got it."

"But more than anyone else, Chief Jung is the real problem. We need to come up with something..."

Just then, Yoo Dong-Sik's mother hesitantly raised her hand. "Um... Hye-Mi's mom. I overheard my husband talking about Chief Jung..."

Ham Hye-Mi's mother's eyes lit up, because Choi Ye-Ji's husband worked as a television producer.

"What is it?"

"You know how actresses have been saying Chief Jung is the number one man they want to marry these days, right?"

"Yeah. I saw it in a magazine. He was ranked first in Womans, wasn't he?"

"Yes. They say Ju Yung-In reacted more strongly than anyone. Miso's mother was second."

"So? What's your point?"

After glancing around to make sure no one was listening, Choi Ye-Ji lowered her voice. "I heard Ju Yung-In thinks of Chief Jung as someone very special. And so does Miso's mother, since they live in the same house."

"What? That's a love triangle. But is that information reliable?"

"Yeah. According to my husband, Ju Yung-In, who's famous for having an awful personality, turns into a lamb whenever she's around Chief Jung. And apparently Ju Yung-In and Jung Yoo-Jin have gotten into several big fights because of him."

"Reeeally~?"

"Yeah. Do you think we could use that somehow?"

A broad smile spread across Ham Hye-Mi's mother's face. "What do you mean, 'could'? I just thought of the perfect plan. By the way, Dong-Sik's mom, you said you've met Ju Yung-In before, right?"

"Yeah. She and her talent agent have even come over to my house."

"Perfect. Then help me out later. I've got a great idea."

"All right."

A satisfied smile slowly spread across Ham Hye-Mi's mother's face.

***

Just before the first screening of Missing – The Lost Ones, Director Ahn Jung-Hae walked onto the stage in front of the screen and greeted the audience.

"Missing is a film based on a true story from twenty years ago. I hope you'll enjoy it, and I sincerely pray that a tragedy like this never happens again."

The actors followed him onto the stage one by one, each sharing a few words. Ju Yung-In and Miso each took a microphone, talking about behind-the-scenes stories from filming and amusing anecdotes from their everyday lives together, bringing the first stage greeting to a smooth close.

A short while later, Missing – The Lost Ones was finally shown to the public for the very first time.

The story followed Lee Tae-Gil, the man who had abducted children twenty years earlier, and Oh Jung-Hyun's desperate struggle to survive as she searched for her daughter.

The film alternated between rookie police officer Park Dong-Joon searching for Oh Jung-Hyun—the owner of the snack shop who used to give him side dishes—and her daughter, Lee Soo-Yeon, and scenes of Oh Jung-Hyun and young Lee Soo-Yeon trapped in an underground chamber deep in the mountains, desperately trying to escape through the pouring rain.

The constant back-and-forth heightened the tension to its breaking point. Adults and children alike sat on the edge of their seats, completely absorbed in the thrilling battle of wits between Oh Jung-Hyun and her captor as she fought for a chance to escape with her daughter.

Then came the scene where Ju Yung-In's character was stabbed, yet continued risking everything to save her daughter as Oh Jung-Hyun. Covered head to toe in mud and drenched in blood, Ju Yung-In delivered a performance so raw that audience members watched with tears streaming down their faces, unable to look away. It was the most authentic performance she had ever given.

Before anyone realized it, the film's two-hour-and-ten-minute runtime had come to an end. The credits rolled against a black screen as the dim lights slowly brightened.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Still deeply moved by the performances of Ju Yung-In and Miso, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation while murmuring their praise.

"Wow, wasn't Ju Yung-In's acting incredible?"

"I know, right? I think it's the best role she's ever played. It felt like she poured everything she could into portraying a mother."

"I've never seen Ju Yung-In throw herself into a role like that before."

The audience applauded enthusiastically, shouting their praise with voices full of emotion. Even the children, whose attention spans were usually short, excitedly chimed in.

"They caught the bad guy!"

"Miso won!"

"I was a little scared."

"Yeah! Even if a bad man offers to buy me ice cream now, I won't go with him!"

Watching both the adults and children react so passionately, I could practically see Missing – The Lost Ones becoming a huge success.

Then I noticed something. Ham Hye-Mi's mother exchanged looks with the three women in her group before turning their attention toward Ju Yung-In.

'What are they up to?'

I couldn't tell why they were watching Ju Yung-In instead of Yoo-Jin, but I wasn't especially worried. Top stars who survived the entertainment industry—a jungle in its own right—would see the schemes of ordinary people as little more than childish pranks.

Then an idea suddenly flashed through my mind.

'If I play this right... I can crush them completely.'

I immediately got to my feet and headed toward Ju Yung-In.

***

"Your acting was amazing, Yung-In unnie! I've been your fan ever since your debut!"

After greeting fans as they left the theater, Ju Yung-In made her way alone toward the LT Cinema staff restroom.

Just then, several LT Cinema employees came out, spotted her, and greeted her. "Ms. Yung-In, you were incredible today."

Ju Yung-In returned their bows with a bright smile. "Thank you. I'll keep working even harder. Oh, would you like an autograph?"

"Yes, please!"

Even though she urgently needed to use the restroom, Ju Yung-In patiently took photos with them and signed autographs.

"Thank you so much."

The employees walked away, beaming with excitement.

Watching them leave, Ju Yung-In let out a quiet laugh. "Heh. Even I can't believe I could change this much."

In the past, she had always kept everyone at arm's length, making sure ordinary people didn't dare approach a star like her. The more she acted that way, however, the more everything fell apart... and the more distant she became from Jung Yoon-Ho, the man she cared about.

In the end, Ju Yung-In had begun pretending to be someone she had never been before—someone kind. And that was when everything around her began to change. Without forcing anyone, people naturally began respecting and admiring her. Advertising offers also started pouring in one after another. Before long, she found herself genuinely liking the person she had become.

Just then, she heard a voice.

"Um, Ms. Yung-In."

Although Ju Yung-In desperately needed the restroom, the familiar voice made her turn around with a smile. She knew who it was.

The voice belonged to none other than Choi Ye-Ji. As the wife of KBC producer Yoo Tae-Yoon, she lived nearby, so the two of them had become close enough to think of each other as older and younger sisters.

Standing beside her, however, was a heavily built woman draped head to toe in luxury brands. The greed in the woman's eyes was impossible to miss.

Ju Yung-In immediately realized she wanted something from her. Even so, she acted as though she hadn't noticed and warmly greeted Choi Ye-Ji.

"Yes, Ye-Ji unnie. What's the matter?"

Choi Ye-Ji, Yoo Dong-Sik's mother, hesitated before speaking. "Well... I'm not quite sure how to bring this up... My husband mentioned something, and I wanted to ask you about it."

"Oh, come on, unnie. Just ask. We're close enough that you don't have to be so formal with me."

"The truth is... I heard a rumor about you that's been going around the entertainment industry..."

"A rumor? What kind of rumor?"

Choi Ye-Ji hesitated, stumbling over her words.

That was when the woman dressed head to toe in designer brands stepped forward. "If it's hard for Dong-Sik's mom to say it, I'll tell you instead."

"Please."

Ham Hye-Mi's mother smiled warmly at Ju Yung-In. "It's nice to meet you. My name is Kwak Ji-Hyun. I'm very close to Dong-Sik's mom here."

"Oh, I see."

"The thing is, Dong-Sik's mom absolutely adores you and really wanted to help you. That's why we came together today. And I feel the same way."

"I understand why Ye-Ji unnie would, since we're close. But why you?"

"I'm a huge fan of yours, Ms. Ju Yung-In."

Ju Yung-In answered with a radiant smile. "Really? Thank you very much. But how exactly are you planning to help me?"

As Ju Yung-In responded to everything with an easy smile, Ham Hye-Mi's mother grew more confident.

"From what I've heard, Jung Yoo-Jin is a real thorn in your side. Well... we happen to know a way to put Jung Yoo-Jin in a very difficult position. So, would you be interested in joining forces with us?" Ham Hye-Mi's mother's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Ju Yung-In paused for a brief moment before slowly curling her lips into a smile. "Now that's an interesting offer. Could you tell me a little more?"

Ham Hye-Mi's mother smiled back. "Not here. I was thinking we could talk somewhere else afterward. What do you think?"

"Hmm... All right. Then let's meet after I'm done with the audience greetings."

"We'll be waiting. Just call Dong-Sik's mom."

"I will."

Ju Yung-In flashed them a sweet smile before heading into the restroom.

Click.

The restroom door closed behind her. The instant it did, the fake smile disappeared from Ju Yung-In's face, replaced by a look of open ridicule. Jung Yoon-Ho had already warned her that something like this might happen.

"They're so happy, and they don't even realize they've walked straight into Yoon-Ho oppa's trap..."

Clicking her tongue, Ju Yung-In took care of her urgent business first. Feeling much refreshed afterward, she pulled out her phone and called Jung Yoon-Ho, muttering to herself with a bright smile.

"Our dear ladies... you're about to find out why people in our industry are so afraid of Yoon-Ho oppa."

1. Jjimjilbang is a Korean bathhouse ☜