Chapter 656: Han So-Won (2)

Kim Soo-Myung was frowning as he said something unbelievable. "She's suffering from malnutrition."

"Malnutrition...?"

"Yes. She's so cheerful that I didn't notice at first, but I was shocked during the examination."

I had asked him to check for anemia, but I couldn't believe Han So-Won was suffering from malnutrition.

"Is it caused by anemia?" I asked.

Kim Soo-Myung shook his head. "No. It's worse than something that could be explained by anemia alone."

"Then what is it?"

Kim Soo-Myung hesitated, then asked, "Was she affiliated with an agency by chance? Maybe she was forced to follow a strict diet while training?"

"No. She said she went to an academy for two months and afterward only practiced alone at a coin karaoke."

Kim Soo-Myung scratched his head. "Huh... then why is she like this? There were no signs of an eating disorder..."

I asked, just in case, "Did you conduct a full interview?"

"When we began the exam, her condition was worse than expected, so I started with an IV drip. But as soon as she lay down, she fell asleep."

'

Malnutrition and sleep deprivation...

'

This might happen to trainees pushing themselves too hard while dieting, but for someone unaffiliated with a company, it was very rare. Even trainees under strict management tended to sneak snacks, so dieting wasn't easy.

I considered asking Han So-Won directly, but Kim Soo-Myung said it would be best to let her sleep for at least two hours.

"Honestly, the fact that she made it here in this condition without showing signs is incredible."

I replied with a bitter look, remembering how patient Han So-Won was before the regression. "She's... extremely resilient."

Since she was currently staying at her aunt's house in Seoul, she likely didn't feel free to voice any complaints. Even before the regression, she never told anyone she was struggling. It wasn't obvious because she was always smiling, but she was fiercely strong-willed.

"I've already drawn her blood, so I'll let you know as soon as the test results are available.

Ah

, before I forget, are her parents coming?"

"Her mom is alone in Daejeon. She's living with her aunt in Seoul."

"Then would you consider calling the aunt?"

"No. Since she passed the audition, it's my responsibility to manage her. Please proceed with treatment without worry. I'll speak with her mother after calling her."

"Understood. I'll contact you as soon as the full results are in."

Kim Soo-Myung returned to the exam room. I sat down for a moment, trying to recall anything from before the regression. However, all I could remember was that Han So-Won had anemia. After all, I hadn't met her until after she graduated high school.

At that time, she was living alone, and all I knew was that she trained with the living expenses her mother sent. In the end, I figured I would have to speak with her mother directly.

After taking a deep breath, I started a video call to Han So-Won's mom. The phone rang a few times before it connected.

"Hello, ma'am. This is Jung Yoon-Ho, the chief who called earlier."

On the screen, a tired-looking woman in her forties, who resembled Han So-Won, picked up.

-Ah, hello, Mr. Jung. You look just like you do on TV.

Since I was known as the talent agent for Lee Tae-Poong and Yoo-Jin, my face had become my business card.

"The doctor said So-Won's been sleep-deprived lately, so we're giving her an IV for now. She must've been tired because she fell asleep right away. I'll make sure she calls you by video once she wakes up."

Han So-Won's mother, Jung Hye-Soo, looked worried.

-So-Won... Is she okay?

Since I didn't yet fully understand the situation and couldn't mention the malnutrition, I answered somewhat vaguely.

"There are some signs of mild anemia, but we'll only know for sure once the blood test results come out. If there's any issue, I'll contact you right away."

-Please, I'm counting on you. So-Won is all I have.

Since her only daughter was living far away, her mother was understandably anxious. I lowered my voice as much as possible to reassure her.

"You don't need to worry. The director here has experience taking care of Cherry Blossom and our company's actors. Also, do you remember sending the parental consent form for the audition? Because of that form, I was able to handle the hospital visit immediately... You're aware of that, right?"

When minors lived in dorms, companies often took over responsibilities from their parents—things like school attendance or hospital visits. That was the reason we required parents to submit signed consent forms when submitting their child's second audition video.

Naturally, we had received Han So-Won's form as well.

-Yes, I know, Mr. Jung.

"So please don't worry. If anything happens, I'll handle it and contact you immediately. And I'm reachable 24/7, so feel free to call any time you're concerned."

Only then did a hint of relief appear on Jung Hye-Soo's face.

-Thank you, Mr. Jung.

Now that she was reassured, I decided to ask the real question. I figured her mother might know why Han So-Won was in such poor condition.

"By the way, is there anything I should know about So-Won? Allergies, school life, anything you'd like us to be aware of?"

-Oh, well...

Jung Hye-Soo began sharing stories like how Han So-Won got a small scar on her scalp from playing with a plastic sword as a child, or how she used to be the bossy kid in the neighborhood. I got to hear many stories that only the two of them would know, but she didn't know much about what had happened since Han So-Won moved to Seoul.

That was because Jung Hye-Soo worked night shifts at a restaurant and also did cleaning jobs to support her daughter.

'

So it's not that her mom wasn't sending money.

'

I learned a lot about Han So-Won, but at the same time, I was overwhelmed with regret. Before the regression, I had been too busy to know every detail about the families of the celebrities I managed.

To be honest, I had neglected them as I was swamped with managing relationships not just with the stars but also with reporters, producers, and broadcast executives.

However, I quickly shook off those thoughts.

'

What's done is done.

'

Regret belonged in the past. What mattered now was living this second life right.

"Understood. I'll ask So-Won for more details once she wakes up."

Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out the reason behind her malnutrition from the conversation with her mom.

At that moment, she suddenly said something unexpected.

-Oh, right. If there's ever a shortage of money for extra lessons at the academy, please let me know. I'll find a way to send it.

'

Extra lessons at the academy? Han So-Won is attending an academy?

'

She had told me she only went for two months as a trial. A bad feeling crept over me. Knowing Han So-Won's character, there was no way she would lie to her mother and pocket the money.

'

Is she being extorted by school bullies or something?

'

With suspicion growing, I asked her another question.

"Ma'am, if you don't mind, could you tell me again about how much you've spent on her since she came to Seoul?"

-Oh, well...

Jung Hye-Soo said she had been sending three million won a month to her younger daughter to cover living expenses and academy fees. But after two months, her health declined and she had to stop working, so she started sending two million won instead.

Vocals and dance lessons typically cost around six hundred thousand won to one million won a month depending on the number of sessions.

Even excluding the tuition, she was sending a significant amount of money, and yet Han So-Won was still working part-time.

It didn't make sense, so I asked her again.

"Excuse me, ma'am. When did you find out that So-Won was working a part-time job?"

-

Oh

, yes. She mentioned working at a coin karaoke a while ago. She said she only does about two hours a day, just to be able to practice singing freely. She also said the owner is very nice.

She knew about the job, but the hours didn't match.

Lee Ho-Jae, who was filling in at 88 Coin Karaoke, was going to work for five hours, not two. It didn't make sense for such a close mother-daughter duo to have such a mismatch. There was clearly more to this story.

"Understood. I'll take everything into account and do my best to help So-Won achieve her dream."

I smiled into the video call, and Jung Hye-Soo responded with a relieved smile of her own.

-Thank you for taking such good care of her, Mr. Jung.

Oh

, and I'll send the money for the hospital bill now. If you could just give me the account number...

"Please don't worry about the money. Now that she's passed the audition, the company will take responsibility."

-Still, it doesn't feel right if I don't.

"Really, it's fine."

Just then, Jung Hye-Soo slowly bowed her head—to someone who was practically a stranger and much younger than her.

-Thank you. Please take good care of my daughter, Mr. Jung.

Her sincere words moved me, and I replied with equal formality.

"I'll take the utmost care of your daughter."

Jung Hye-Soo lifted her head and gave a small smile, then said hesitantly.

-Well then... I need to get back to work.

"Understood, ma'am. I'll call you once So-Won wakes up."

-Okay. I should be able to talk in about two hours.

"Got it."

After setting the time for our next call, I ended the conversation.

Click.

As soon as the call ended, countless thoughts rushed through my head. But instead of getting lost in thought, I figured it was better to investigate.

I immediately called Lee Ho-Jae, who was filling in at 88 Coin Karaoke.

-Yes, hyung-nim! What's up?

I could hear loud music from the karaoke in the background as Lee Ho-Jae picked up.

"Hey, Ho-Jae. Can you ask the owner there about Han So-Won?"

-Why? Did something happen?

I told Lee Ho-Jae what I had just learned—that despite her mother sending her hundreds of thousands of won for living and academy expenses, Han So-Won had developed malnutrition and hadn't even been attending an academy.

-Huh? What did you say?

"That's why I want to know. Could she be getting extorted by bullies? She's not the type to spend money irresponsibly."

-Got it. I'll find out and call you back!

Lee Ho-Jae hung up, saying he would look into it right away.

It was now 6:30 p.m. The minutes started to pass, filled with growing unease.

***

The current time was 7:00 p.m.

Just as I was about to call him again after thirty minutes of silence, Lee Ho-Jae called back.

And immediately, he swore.

-Hyung-nim. Han So-Won's aunt and uncle are the culprits. Wow~ those people are total trash.

"What do you mean?"

Lee Ho-Jae explained that he had talked to the karaoke owner and also to some of Han So-Won's school friends who happened to be there.

-They said when she first came to Seoul, her aunt and uncle sent her to an academy for a month or two. But as soon as the money from her mom started decreasing, they pulled her out. And they haven't given her a single won since.

"They don't even give her an allowance?"

-No, and that's not all. When she gets home in the evening, they don't even feed her. They don't buy her toiletries or school supplies. She pays for her school lunch and any other needs with the money she earns from her part-time job. Hyung-nim, we can't just let this slide!

"Her own family's treating her like this over money?"

-Apparently, the aunt has two daughters who are also idol trainees. Word is, they're jealous because Han So-Won's better than them.

I was furious to the core, but I forced myself to stay calm. I needed a clear head to handle this properly.

Taking a deep breath to steady my anger, I asked.

"Then why didn't she tell her mom about any of this?"

-She said she was afraid they'd kick her out and she'd have to go back to Daejeon. Since she's still a minor, she can't live alone in Seoul. And it's hard to become a celebrity if she's not in Seoul, so she endured it.

Han So-Won's aunt and uncle apparently threatened to kick her out if she talked back. It would have been a better choice for her to audition and join an agency, but she hadn't even been able to go to auditions because of her part-time job.

-At least the owner of 88 Coin Karaoke gave her bread and milk sometimes. That's what she was surviving on.

Now I understood why she had been so grateful to the karaoke owner. As soon as I heard all of this, I knew exactly what I had to do—get Han So-Won out of that house. I also had to deal with the aunt and uncle who had made her life miserable.

"Thanks for your help, Ho-Jae."

-Hyung-nim... What are you going to do?

"I'm going to get her out."

-Then I'll go.

"What do you mean?"

-I'm going to have Dong-Jin take over for me here. I'm the only one who knows the full situation anyway, right?

As Lee Ho-Jae said, having someone who knew the details would definitely help.

"Alright, I'll see you at Life Clinic."

-Okay! I'll be there soon.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

I ended the call and wasted no time calling the company and Lee Dong-Min. To rescue Han So-Won, I needed the help of our staff.

***

Two hours later, Lee Dong-Min got back to me with the results of a meeting with the

Project I.O.A

team.

-There may be others like Han So-Won, so we decided to place them at DH Villa near the company. We won't provide individual training, though doing so could stir up controversy.

"As long as we provide a guardian and housing, that should be enough."

-Legal matters will be handled by the company, so that's covered. And if things still go south, let me know. We can always feature it in the

Project I.O.A

broadcast.

"Yes. If worst comes to worst, I'll go with that."

-Okay. But what if So-Won doesn't make it to the final round? Then what?

From Lee Dong-Min's standpoint, it made sense to consider the possibility that Han So-Won might not make the cut. But with her skills, I was confident she could succeed as a solo artist, so I answered calmly.

"If that happens, I'll manage her myself. With her visuals and ability, even if she doesn't make the final cut, it won't be hard for her to join another debut group. She'll need some training time, but if needed, I can develop her as a solo artist."

-True. Got it. And if things get tough, talk to me. I know other agencies too. Or Singer Division 2 could take her in.

"Yes, sir."

We wrapped up our contingency plans and ended the call.

At that moment, Kim Soo-Myung approached after finishing the examination. "Fortunately, the malnutrition isn't too severe. But the anemia is worse than expected, so make sure she takes her meds regularly."

Thanks to the bread and milk from the karaoke owner, things hadn't reached a critical point.

"Okay, thank you," I answered.

Kim Soo-Myung asked, "By the way, did you find out what happened?"

When I explained the situation to him, Kim Soo-Myung's face contorted in anger.

"That's unbelievable. In this day and age? Are you really going to let those people off the hook?"

"I'm handling it now."

"If you ever need my help, don't hesitate to ask. I'll testify in court if necessary."

"Thank you."

Just then, I heard a sigh from inside the exam room.

-

Sigh

... What is this...

'

What is what?

'

I wasn't sure why Han So-Won said that, but I turned to Kim Soo-Myung. "Looks like So-Won's awake."

"Yes. Let's go in."

I followed Kim Soo-Myung into the exam room.

Click.

Han So-Won was rubbing her eyes and looking at her phone. But when we walked in, she jumped in surprise.

"I'm sorry! I must've fallen asleep because I was so tired."

"It's okay. It's only natural to sleep when you're tired."

I took a deep breath and sat on the low chair beside her hospital bed. Then I calmly explained what I had found out.

"So-Won. While you were sleeping, I did some digging... Your aunt and uncle have been using the money meant for you. Is that true?"

Han So-Won's eyes shook rapidly. "D-Did you tell my mom?"

"No."

For the first time, Han So-Won, always so cheerful, looked at me with eyes full of worry and pleaded.

"Mr. Jung, please don't tell my mom. If I get kicked out of that house, I won't be able to go to school. If I don't make it in

Project I.O.A

, I'll need to attend school again and audition elsewhere. If I get kicked out of my aunt's house, I'll have nowhere to stay in Seoul."

I thought she would ask for help, but instead, she was worried about what might happen if she didn't pass

Project I.O.A.

I didn't understand, so I asked, "Why do you think you'll fail? Didn't you hear the judges praising you earlier?"

"I heard them."

"Then why think like that?"

At that moment, Han So-Won turned her phone screen toward me.

[@ENT_jjirasi]

[Post 1,237 | 510K followers | 0 following]

-

Project I.O.A

Seoul preliminary top candidates list.

These kids are no joke.

Looks like without connections, making the final cut will be tough.

1. Go Eun-Seo (visual, freshman at Hanil Arts High)

2. Sung Na-Ra (former FIVE Angels visual member)

3. Ye Sung-Yeon (youngest daughter of mid-sized Company A, sophomore at Sungji Arts High)

...

The well-known ENT_jjirasi Instargem account that shares entertainment gossip had already posted a list of top candidates. And in that post, they said connections were essential to making the final cut.

Han So-Won gave a bitter smile, saying she would endure it a little longer. "No matter how hard someone like me tries, without backing, it's hard to get through the final round. So if I fail, I need to stay at my aunt's house to try other auditions. Please...Don't tell my mom. I'll tell her myself once I pass the audition."

I was left speechless to hear that she can't be successful without backing. Just as I was about to shout that such things meant nothing in

Project I.O.A

, a better answer crossed my mind.

I took a deep breath and looked Han So-Won straight in the eye.

"I'll be your backer."