Top Star by Luck

Chapter 77

The entertainment and nightlife scandal from a past life.

In other words, a scandal that exploded, mixing drugs, sex, and violence all together.

It was commonly referred to by the media with a name like this:

[Kim Doha Scandal]

The phrase came from the fact that entertainer Kim Doha was at the center of it, with a web of criminal activities spreading out like a spider’s web.

[Kim Doha, moving to Pattaya with entertainer B. Picks up a local contact and enjoys a secret trip for a week.]

[Kim Doha’s chatroom—what conversations took place inside?]

[Hosting parties every day at K Hotel near Gangnam Station. Multiple high-ranking officials invited.]

It caused a huge stir.

The scandal had many details revealed to the media, but as far as Lee Min Ki knew, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

‘So many entertainers were involved that they tried desperately to cover it up.’

Whether a victim or a perpetrator, being entangled in such a disgraceful event alone was enough to ruin one’s image.

One victim was even turned into a perpetrator through the media circus, ruining their entertainment career.

‘I heard there was an intense lobbying war between entertainment companies and media outlets to hide a few names.’

There were many hidden figures behind the scenes.

Who would have guessed that Daon Entertainment was working in the background?

Even Lee Min Ki hadn’t imagined the name Daon coming up.

Kim Doha.

How much does JC Entertainment know about this situation?

Do they know that Kim Doha is one of the pawns?

Probably not.

If they knew, they would have cut this interview offer before it even reached Kim Doha’s ears.

But now that he was already here.

A thought suddenly flashed in Lee Min Ki’s mind.

‘What if I could use Kim Doha to trace back to Daon?’

It was said that Kim Doha had formed a sort of network using the celebrities he was acquainted with.

If he could even touch the tip of that network.

If, by any chance, that was possible.

‘Couldn’t I use this opportunity to grasp Daon’s weakness?’

In the end, it’s a matter of proof.

Lee Min Ki knew there was something wrong with the current entertainment industry.

The important thing was how to prove it.

If he could get any clue through Kim Doha, wouldn’t it be a worthwhile endeavor?

‘Even if it turns out to be impossible…….’

He was really successful during that period.

Lee Min Ki typed Kim Doha’s name into his phone and searched for his face.

And then he thought.

‘He looks like a really nice guy.’

A kind face and a gentle voice left a strong impression.

With such traits, along with his great hosting skills, he was noted as a next-generation star MC in the industry.

‘There’s no need to refuse the interview itself.’

It’s a big opportunity.

That’s probably why JC suggested it so readily.

Take what you can get.

The rest can be dealt with slowly.

Just as Lee Min Ki was about to nod and stand up from his seat.

“Did a casting offer come in?”

Kim Tae Yang, who had already hung up all the laundry in an instant, opened his mouth.

Ah.

He had said he would help with the laundry, but after taking one phone call, he had gotten sidetracked.

“Oh, sorry. It was an urgent call.”

Lee Min Ki quickly tried to explain, but Kim Tae Yang just shrugged and said,

“You can just carry the bags when we go grocery shopping later.”

“Oh, okay.”

“So, what’s going on?”

“Well, it’s…”

Lee Min Ki hesitated for a moment, looking at Kim Tae Yang.

Should he say it?

No, it would be weirder not to say anything.

It’s just an interview, no need to hide it from a housemate from the same company.

“An interview offer came in for Kim Doha.”

As soon as he said it honestly.

“Kim Doha. Kim Doha.”

Kim Tae Yang repeated his name a few times with a puzzled expression.

Then, after staring into empty space and mumbling for a moment, he suddenly spoke.

“He’s someone with a bad reputation, right?”

“What?”

Had he heard something?

Lee Min Ki was slightly surprised by the sudden remark, but Kim Tae Yang continued.

“I majored in theater and film, remember?”

“Right. From Hanye Won.”

Hanye Won wasn’t just any theater and film department.

It was known as the cradle of talent in the Korean entertainment industry.

Being from Hanye Won alone was like a seal of approval for acting skills in the acting world.

‘I forgot since he doesn’t flaunt it.’

Kim Tae Yang was so unpretentious that Lee Min Ki had forgotten about it, but Kim Tae Yang continued talking.

“I have a lot of close female classmates and juniors, and some of them said they received personal contacts from Kim Doha.”

“From Kim Doha?”

Lee Min Ki’s eyes widened in surprise.

Personal contact from Kim Doha, could that be… that?

“Yes, he’d use connections as an excuse. Saying he’d give them work or introduce them to famous celebrities.”

So it was true.

It was something that had been quietly known.

“I don’t know the full details, but anyway. And there’s something else.”

Kim Tae Yang was about to say something more but hesitated.

As if even he thought it was a bit unbelievable.

“What else is there?”

“…This is just a rumor.”

After hesitating for a moment, as if he had already started, Kim Tae Yang reluctantly opened his mouth again.

“They say there’s a junior who gave up on their acting dream after hanging out with Kim Doha.”

The moment that came out of Kim Tae Yang’s mouth, Lee Min Ki was momentarily speechless.

That rumor, isn’t it?

‘Luring them with promises of a debut, then blackmailing them to use them as slaves.’

It was a famous tactic.

And if it was Kim Doha, it was certainly plausible.

Kim Tae Yang continued in a nonchalant voice.

“Well, it’s just a rumor. There are always people quitting this industry halfway. Kim Doha is known for being a nice guy, and nobody in this industry is without some rumors, right?”

Unfortunately, this particular rumor was accurate.

There’s no smoke without fire.

As Lee Min Ki blinked, Kim Tae Yang spoke again.

“If there really is a problem with him, it’ll come out soon. But since it’s been quiet so far, he’s probably fine.”

Exactly.

That issue will surface soon.

“Once you meet him, you might find out he’s actually a good person. You were the same at the academy.”

“Well, yeah, maybe.”

Lee Min Ki pursed his lips and mumbled.

He didn’t feel the need to continue talking behind someone’s back.

Of course, Kim Doha was indeed a bad person, but at this point, there was no hard evidence.

“You don’t really know someone until you meet them. Words can easily get twisted.”

“You’re right, Min Ki.”

Kim Tae Yang nodded in agreement and added,

“People are like onions.”

“Onions?”

“You have to peel them to know what’s inside. Let’s make onions the focus of dinner tonight.”

That’s a weird connection.

* * *

Kim Doha.

He could be considered the most well-connected actor in recent times in Korea.

No, not just an actor, but the most well-connected person among entertainers.

His defining characteristic?

“Oh, you’re here?”

“Kim Doha, that cheeky bastard, always hogs the good spots.”

“Haha, come on, bro, calm down. I’ll hook you up with a hot one today.”

He liked to party.

That’s how he had been even before his debut, and even more so after.

Since his college days, he was unmatched when it came to creating social events.

After his debut, the participants just changed from regular people to celebrities.

No, even high-ranking people in society started to mix in.

‘The vibe is off today.’

Kim Doha slowly looked around the room after sitting down.

Maybe because he had been at the center of the party scene for so long, his mind was thoroughly numb to stimulation.

No matter how exciting the indulgence, it eventually becomes familiar over time.

Even steak gets boring if you eat it every day.

That’s why Kim Doha was always searching for something new.

‘Let’s keep her for now. I’ll get her number later.’

While he was swiftly organizing today’s scene in his head.

“Oppa.”

A fun phrase slipped into Kim Doha’s ear.

“Do you really know all the celebrities, oppa?”

“Hey, do you think I’d lie? Whether it’s a box-office actor or a Hallyu star or even a company president, they’re all my bros.”

A man was sitting next to a woman, showing off.

The man’s name was Lee Heul.

He was a second-string member of the once-popular idol group [Lava].

Despite being in a group that shone brightly, he had failed to benefit from its success due to his lack of talent.

Like a firefly overshadowed by the sun, Lee Heul had faded into obscurity.

Before long, he had found his place in the nightlife scene rather than with his group and was now trying to fill his ego by showing off to a woman.

‘Pathetic.’

Kim Doha scoffed inwardly.

There were too many like him in this industry.

People who had spent time but never built a career to match.

Lee Heul was a prime example.

“Hmmm, I don’t believe you.”

“You’re underestimating me. I’ve been rolling around in this industry for years.”

While Lee Heul was playing the push-and-pull game in a corner of the room.

“So, oppa.”

Finally, a name came out of her mouth.

“Do you know Lee Min Ki?”

“Lee Min Ki?”

“Yeah, the guy who

got famous recently because of coffee.”

It was Lee Min Ki.

As she said, he was someone who could now be considered the most well-known among new male actors.

At the mention of Lee Min Ki’s name, a deep wrinkle appeared on Lee Heul’s forehead.

“Hey, that guy’s nothing special.”

“Huh? You know Lee Min Ki?”

“Famous, my ass. He’s just a bubble. He got lucky and is getting some attention now, but there are tons like him. People will forget him soon enough.”

At those crude words, Kim Doha almost burst out laughing.

‘Coming from someone who never even experienced a moment of fame.’

But regardless, Lee Heul was in the same group as him and was still useful in some ways, so he couldn’t say anything.

Even if he had become a washed-up idol, he was still a member of the group Kim Doha managed.

Keeping him around would surely come in handy at some point.

Before his true feelings could surface, Kim Doha quickly masked his expression.

Meanwhile, Lee Heul continued his exaggerated boasts.

“Then, can you introduce me to Lee Min Ki?”

“Sure, but why would you want to meet someone like that? You’ve got me.”

“I’m just curious about your skills, oppa.”

“…Haha, cheeky, huh.”

Lee Heul backed down, knowing full well himself.

His words were grand, but he wasn’t capable of introducing someone like Lee Min Ki.

But.

There was someone in the room who could.

“Hey, Doha.”

It was Kim Doha.

Lee Heul winked at him and said,

“Now that I think of it, don’t you have an interview coming up with Lee Min Ki soon?”

“I do.”

“Why don’t you bring him over sometime? She doesn’t believe me.”

This time, Kim Doha couldn’t suppress his laughter.

Was this guy really suggesting bringing an untested rookie into their playroom just to impress a random girl?

“Should I do that, bro?”

However, it was something he had already been considering.

Even before Lee Heul brought it up, the other side had already made a move.

‘There was talk recently.’

CEO Hwang In Goo of Daon had made a request.

He had asked if Kim Doha could get along well with Lee Min Ki.

[Hey, Doha, you’re quick to form close relationships with people, right? Could you do the same with Lee Min Ki?]

[Are you referring to that rookie actor?]

[Yeah, that kid.]

[Is there any particular reason?]

[Doha, since when did we need detailed reasons between us?]

[I’m just curious.]

[You’re really sharp, Doha. Full of curiosity. Handsome, too. No wonder you’re so popular.]

[Thank you.]

[By the way, did you know? People with too much curiosity tend to have short lives.]

[…I’ll do it.]

It was more of an order than a request.

On top of that, the order was just to get friendly, which was laughable.

‘It’s not like we’re children being told to become friends.’

The intention was clear.

They wanted to drag him into the dirt.

Once they had him in their grip, it would be easy to exploit him when needed.

That was CEO Hwang In Goo’s dirty hobby.

He wanted to have leverage over any entertainer, no matter who they were.

Whether through a scandal, a tax issue, or even a woman.

CEO Hwang In Goo believed that once he could control someone through their weakness, that was when they could truly have a relationship built on trust.

Kim Doha was no exception.

‘Disgusting bastard.’

It never felt good to become someone else’s pawn.

Like some subcontractor.

Well, it wasn’t like he had room to talk since he also had leverage on the other side.

Still, Kim Doha had received favors from Daon for quite some time, so he couldn’t completely ignore it.

At least, not this time, as he had decided to play along with CEO Hwang In Goo’s game.

‘It doesn’t seem too difficult either.’

From what he knew, there were few entertainers who disliked women.

It didn’t matter what kind of person Lee Min Ki was.

No matter how much they pretended to be sophisticated on the outside, once they got a taste, it didn’t take long for them to become addicted.

‘Just like him.’

Kim Doha faintly smiled as he looked at Lee Heul, who was casually mixing white powder into his drink.

‘The more earnest they are, the quicker they fall into the game. Because they don’t know stimulation.’

He had seen it happen plenty of times.

Lee Min Ki was even better.

Not only was he diligent, but he also had the talent to back it up.

If you plant someone who’s doing well in the next generation, you could mutually benefit for a long time, making it a solid investment.

A weakness.

Yes, having a leash on a successful rookie actor wouldn’t be a bad move.

“Sure. I’ll bring it up.”

Kim Doha stood up as he said that.

Seeing this, Lee Heul was surprised and asked,

“Hey, you’re leaving already?”

“I have a shoot early in the morning.”

“Tsk, you’re such a straight arrow. Man, if you only focus on work, you’ll get too tired to have fun later. Just saying.”

It’s not like I’m playing because I can’t work, unlike you.

Just because we’re playing together, don’t assume we’re on the same level.

Kim Doha suppressed the rising thoughts, maintaining his usual gentle smile as he said,

“Haha, I could never outdo you, bro. I’m learning from the best today.”

“See? Even Kim Doha’s this dumb.”

“……”

He changed his mind.

That washed-up bastard, he’d be cut off soon.