Chapter 39: The Masked Interview

I stepped into the studio and slowly took in my surroundings.

The lights set up all around shone so brightly it was almost suffocating, and cameras busily adjusting their angles scanned the stage with precision.

Staff bustled about, cautious footsteps moved here and there, and short commands relayed through headsets swirled chaotically in the air.

I tried to take a calm breath, but the weighty atmosphere of the stage pressed down on me, making it feel as if my lungs were constricting.

"Is that student really Unreal Oppa?"

"I can't believe it. He's so young."

"Not only did he write an economic novel at that age, but he also read the flow of the market, they say."

Voices echoed in my ears, bouncing off the studio walls from every direction.

At first, I thought it was just the sound of the wind passing by, but as time passed, those words seemed to gather around me.

I felt the glances they slyly cast my way.

Like being observed through glass, the people's eyes were full of curiosity and doubt.

The director, who had been preparing for the shoot, tore his gaze away from the camera to look at me, and even the hand of the scriptwriter jotting something down came to a halt.

Their expressions were a mix of confusion and interest.

Some frowned, others tilted their heads as they looked at me.

Their emotions were so strong, they didn't even bother to hide them.

Embarrassment, denial, vigilance—within those, there was also a faint hint of expectation.

Just as I felt myself being swallowed up by the pressure from all sides, I felt a tug on the end of my sleeve.

When I turned my head, Da-hye was looking up at me.

"Oppa, are you okay?"

It seemed my expression had grown dark for a moment.

Da-hye's voice was filled with concern.

I had thought Da-hye would be too distracted, busy looking around the studio, but instead she came to me and comforted me.

"I'm okay. You don't have to worry. Did you enjoy looking around the studio?"

I smiled lightly and nodded, shifting the subject.

"Yeah, but, um, it's weird. It's nothing like what I saw on TV. It's so messy and chaotic."

Da-hye frowned, her brows furrowing as she realized the studio was far from the glamorous image she'd imagined.

"Haha, the place we're in right now is called a set. They dress it up like this to suit each broadcast, and then they film. Every show you see happens in a place like this."

Within the limits of my knowledge, I tried to ease my disappointed little sister's heart.

"They even set it up like this for model shoots and commercials, too."

I gently stroked Da-hye's head, bringing up modeling, which she'd recently shown an interest in.

"Really?"

"Really. Have you ever seen Oppa tell a lie?"

"No."

"See, Oppa never lies. Looks like the recording will start soon. Da-hye, while Oppa is working, stick close to Mom and Dad and watch quietly, okay?"

Thanks to Da-hye, the heavy feeling in my heart melted away.

I gently wrapped my hand around hers, feeling my sister's warmth.

Determined not to waver in front of Da-hye, I steadied myself and headed toward the PD.

"Excuse me, PD-nim, I have something to ask. May I wear this mask?"

"Why that...?"

When the PD saw the Hahoe mask in my hand, he frowned, casting a puzzled look my way.

"I've been thinking, and I'm a little uncomfortable with my face appearing on TV. I want to avoid being recognized by my classmates and teachers. I want to be remembered just as a writer."

I met his gaze directly and clearly stated my opinion.

"Hmm... Covering your face as a concept. That might not be a bad idea."

The PD muttered to himself for a while.

"Alright, let's do that."

After scanning the area, he nodded.

"Thank you. And during the program, please try not to mention my age."

I bowed and made my second request.

"That's also because of your identity, right?"

"Yes. Maybe it'll come out someday, but right now, I'd rather not reveal anything about myself."

"Hmm, alright. I'll let the host know."

I'd worried about what I'd do if the PD refused, but fortunately, he accepted my request.

"Thank you."

Expressing my gratitude again, I carefully fitted the mask to my face.

Through the eye holes of the Hahoe mask, the lights of the studio spread out.

My face was hidden, but because of that, my mind felt much lighter.

I could avoid being the focus as just a kid and stand on stage as a writer.

The red lights slowly came on, and the monitor displayed the ‘REC’ sign.

The lighting was adjusted, and the red ‘ON AIR’ sign lit up.

Once everything was ready, the PD raised his hand and gave the cue signal.

The main host fixed his gaze on the camera.

"Good evening, viewers. I'm your host, Kim Sang-kyun. Today, we're here with a special broadcast. We have a truly remarkable guest joining us."

The middle-aged host in a suit and tidy glasses opened with clear pronunciation.

He smiled warmly at the viewers and naturally introduced the panelists.

"First, we have Senior Researcher Park Joo-hyun from the Korea Economic Research Institute and Team Leader Kim Han-sol from Financial Research. Welcome."

The camera slowly moved to capture the two panelists.

Both bowed their heads in a simple greeting.

The host then turned his attention to the center of the stage.

"And today’s main guest, the writer Unreal Oppa, who has been the center of much attention. It’s my first time meeting the author of such a talked-about novel on television, so this is a special moment for me. Welcome, Author-nim."

"Hello. I’m the author, Unreal Oppa."

Fixing my gaze on the camera, I lowered my voice slightly and bowed my head.

My voice rang out through the studio via the microphone.

"Your pen name is quite unique. Is there a special reason you chose ‘Unreal Oppa’?"

"I have a beloved younger sister. I wanted to make her happier than anyone else, so I put that wish into my pen name—Unreal Oppa."

I glanced over at Da-hye sitting in the audience, watching me.

Seeing her innocent expression made me smile automatically.

"Haha, that’s a very meaningful pen name. What made you start writing novels?"

"Hmm..."

In my previous life, I started writing to overcome my circumstances and succeed.

But saying that outright would be too much.

I thought about the reason I began writing in this life.

"It’s what I’m most confident in, and it’s the path I have to take."

To not lose the memories of my sister.

To protect happiness, I write.

That’s the true reason I began writing in this life.

I hid the real reason and answered each of the host’s prepared questions without delay.

"Today’s broadcast is meant to discuss the future direction of the economy. Author-nim, could you share your thoughts on the current economic market?"

The host immediately followed up with the next question.

"Hmm..."

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, then raised the microphone to my mouth.

"Rather than predicting something, I try to see what kind of story is unfolding. I think we’re in a time when technology and information are changing people’s behavior. That means the market is changing, too. People want things faster, and they choose more convenient ways. Within that, they’re trading time and emotions. So I’d define it as a market of speed and emotion."

I answered the question from the perspective of a writer.

I steadied my breath for a moment and continued.

"Also, I think the current economic market is at a point where old structures are shaking. Technology is advancing quickly, but what’s more important is that people’s ways of choosing are changing. People will look for things that are easier, fairer, and more human. I think this trend is changing the direction of the market."

Finishing my words, I glanced around at the others.

"......"
"......"

The panelists paused, looking at each other's faces.

Surprise and a bit of confusion lingered on their expressions.

The atmosphere in the air changed.

Even without words, just by looking at their faces, I could guess what they were thinking.

My answer, so clear and precise for someone my age, was what had left them taken aback.

"Senior Researcher Park Joo-hyun, what are your thoughts?"

The host's voice broke the silence.

Host Kim Sang-kyun turned to Park Joo-hyun with a question.

"The author’s perspective is very impressive. I agree with him. The essence of the current market change lies in the restructuring of technology-based industries. Especially the digitization of manufacturing and finance is rapidly breaking down the existing order. But that trend isn’t entirely positive."

Senior Researcher Park Joo-hyun spoke into the microphone, his brow furrowed slightly.

He paused briefly, then continued.

"As of 1999, after the IMF crisis, our country is still undergoing restructuring. Telecommunications, semiconductors, and the automotive industry are all at a technological turning point. This change isn’t just about new products or services. I believe it’s time to reconfigure the ecosystem of the entire industry."

Senior Researcher Park Joo-hyun finished speaking.

It was the answer of a true economic expert.

"Team Leader Kim Han-sol, how do you analyze the current economic market from a research perspective?"

Team Leader Kim Han-sol, who had been organizing his notes, now sat up straight and spoke into the microphone.

"According to our analysis, while the Korean market appears to be rebounding statistically, there are still underlying structural imbalances. Since the foreign exchange crisis, the restructuring around large conglomerates has accelerated, which has weakened the small and medium-sized business ecosystem. Exports are increasing, but domestic demand remains weak. And the greatest risk, in my opinion, is the delay in restoring trust. If consumer and investor confidence don't recover together, any growth curve will just be a flash in the pan, easily snuffed out."

The microphone returned to the host.

"Author-nim, Team Leader Kim just mentioned the restoration of trust. What do you think is the most important thing to be wary of in today’s market?"

I took a quiet breath and opened my mouth.

"I think it’s certainty. Excessive belief that something is right can cloud your judgment. The market is always moving, and fixed thinking is dangerous. As a writer, I believe it’s more important to leave room for people to interpret and find their own direction, rather than suggesting the correct answer. It’s not the companies that set the direction of the market, but all of us."

Each of us answered according to our own perspectives.

I approached as a writer, Kim Han-sol as a financial researcher, and Park Joo-hyun from the viewpoint of the Korea Economic Research Institute.

Every time I spoke, exclamations of admiration followed, and the faces of those watching me showed surprise.

Whenever I saw their expressions, instead of straightening my back with pride, I felt my face burn with embarrassment.

"Thank you to all three of our guests for joining us today. That concludes our discussion of the future economy. Viewers, please look forward to more great topics in our next broadcast. Thank you."

As I silently recited prayers for the broadcast to end, about an hour and a half passed.

The host finally signaled the end of the recording.

"Whew. Ah. It's over."

I hit "Delete" in my mind and dumped all the economic knowledge from my head into the trash bin.

I stepped down from the tall chair in the audience and headed toward the camera, where my family was waiting for me.

"Excuse me, Author-nim."

The Team Leader from Financial Research, who had been discussing with me until now, was approaching.

I stopped in my tracks and looked at the Financial Research Team Leader, my eyes full of questions.