Chapter 883: You’ve waited a long time, haven’t you? (12)

While Shini was receiving explosive reactions in Korea—

Across the ocean, other countries weren’t much different.

“Hmm?”

Everyone had their own way of discovering Shini.

Some were browsing NetPlus and spotted a handsome face in the [Foreign Content] section. Others saw it suddenly appear under [Trending Now], or it popped up randomly in recommendations.

“...What is this?”

Foreign viewers, encountering it for the first time, grew curious.

The face in the thumbnail looked strangely familiar.

“Isn’t that NewBlack?”

Those who recognized him tilted their heads.

NewBlack was definitely a music group—so why was he wearing a strange hat and traditional robes?

“Should I at least watch the trailer?”

Just as Korean viewers hesitate with unfamiliar cultures like Spain or India, overseas viewers hesitated as well.

Then they clicked the preview.

And—

“Wow......”

They were immediately overwhelmed by the visuals.

In a snow-covered wasteland, the protagonist faced an ancient general with a single sword.

A mounted warrior roared as he charged forward.

“I will make you pay for your sins with your life!”

Just as the general swung his massive spear—

Clang!

The protagonist blocked it in a burst of sparks—and in the same motion, cut down both horse and rider.

The horse collapsed with a shrill cry.

The protagonist flicked his blade and sheathed it—

Crack...

With a chilling BGM, the fallen general twisted his neck back into place.

And then—

Click.

“....”

Viewers who had been watching the preview, as if possessed, started the full episode.

Soon, they reacted just like Korean viewers.

‘This is insane.’

‘This is next level...?’

‘Wow....’

Episode 1 felt like “Oh, this is good,” but by episode 2, the immersion became something else entirely.

“Sniff....”

“Ugh....”

Even without knowing Korean history, foreign viewers found themselves sobbing at the death of the independence fighters.

At the same time, they became deeply immersed in the story.

One reason such a powerful independence arc was placed in episode 2 was precisely for viewers like them.

– If it’s set in the 1920s–30s, foreign viewers unfamiliar with Korean culture can immerse themselves more easily. It’s closer to modern times.

At the same time, they connected strongly with the protagonist’s motivation.

One of the key elements that draws viewers into a drama is motivation.

Why does this character act this way?

In Shini, instead of forced tragedy, the protagonist changes the future by saving people who originally died in history.

– Changing a regretful past.

A universal human desire.

Even foreign viewers, resonating with that motivation, gradually spent more and more time watching Shini.

‘I don’t really get it... but it’s fun.’

Though it was created primarily for Korean audiences, it still drew in global viewers.

Various historical settings—Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, Joseon—appeared without explanation.

For foreigners unfamiliar with Korean history, it was confusing.

But—

‘Even better.’

That confusion became a strength.

Because they didn’t know the history, everything felt unpredictable.

Moments that were obvious to Korean viewers became shocking twists for foreigners.

“This is really fun....”

People started °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° from episode 1 and binge-watched through the night.

Different countries, different cultures—but fun was universal.

“Have you seen this? It’s a Korean drama. That NewBlack guy—Maknae or something?”

“I think his name is Jiho.”

“NewBlack are actors now...?”

Word of mouth spread rapidly.

Shini climbed to #1 in Brazil and Spain, and entered the Top 10 in the US and Canada.

Fans grew explosively.

‘It’s new and exciting.’

A blend of horror, fantasy, and adventure.

Scenes like riding through Gaya’s valley holding onto a dragon’s horn—

Exploring massive ancient tombs filled with strange entities—

Myths reinterpreted into a modern masterpiece.

Reviews flooded social media:

[I love horror, so I couldn’t stop watching. The mix of mystery and Korean history is incredible.]

[There are some time paradox inconsistencies, but overall I loved it.]

[I’m already desperate for season 2.]

Despite its 19+ rating for violence and horror, which limited mass appeal—

It instead created a passionate fanbase.

– Waiting desperately for season 2

– Ten episodes aren’t enough

– Koreans were hiding this from us all this time

Horror fans, starved for good content since the 2010s, were ecstatic.

‘Finally something good....’

And while fans celebrated—

Casual viewers focused on something else entirely:

The actors.

‘Isn’t Wooju a singer?’

To Americans, it was baffling.

The same person topping music charts was acting—and acting well.

‘...What?’

Even with only five minutes of screen time, he left a lasting impression.

A character anyone could love.

A figure fighting without losing hope in a harsh era—reminiscent of resistance fighters.

[Wooju as a resistance fighter. He’s my man now.]

[Souffle, sorry. He belongs to us now.]

Meanwhile, Jiho’s recognition skyrocketed.

“Jiho. Okay. Jiho.”

“He’s really handsome. Are all Koreans like that?”

“Uh... no....”

With one hit drama, even general audiences began recognizing NewBlack members by face.

Not just “five handsome guys,” but individually.

Jiho’s name climbed global search rankings.

Shini reached #4 on US NetPlus.

It was even mentioned on TV.

“I’ve been watching Korean dramas lately. You know Shini, right?”

Hollywood figures and rising actors talked about it.

“I’m obsessed with Jiho lately.”

Even talk shows discussed Jiho and Wooju.

Their recognition had jumped to another level.

But not everyone reacted positively.

In Japan—

Shini ranked #1 on NetPlus.

Media outlets criticized it heavily.

“This is clearly an anti-Japanese drama.”

But the public didn’t care.

– It’s anti-Japanese

– Don’t care, it’s fun

Some were simply confused.

“Wait... were we the villains?”

Meanwhile in China—

Angry reactions flooded online.

– Goguryeo is Chinese history

– Korea stole it

Koreans found it baffling.

‘You don’t even have NetPlus?’

Rumors spread anyway.

But—

In the end, none of it mattered.

A single drama had more impact than a hundred arguments.

‘Season 2 will end it.’

After the first week, achieving record-breaking success—

“Wow. Wang Jiho is amazing.”

Jiho admired himself in third person.

“Global-level acting! Incredible visuals! A perfect all-rounder!”

“....”

“Even I think I’m amazing. Hahaha!”

At first, we were proud too.

But after endless self-praise—

We just ignored him.

“Ha.”

The CEO poured tea.

“Jiho really did something big this time.”

“Right?”

“He really did.”

We were having tea with executives in the rooftop garden.

Biju spoke.

“I heard Studio LM is getting tons of investment offers.”

“That’s right.”

“NetPlus even wants rights to future dramas.”

“Jiho, am I pretty?”

“You’re always pretty!”

“Hahaha!”

We silently sipped tea.

Director Jo added:

“Thanks to this, we don’t have to worry about funding anymore.”

Even film distributors increased their investment.

“This is huge.”

“It is.”

“This could easily make NetPlus Top 10 this year.”

“Wow......”

“Jackpot.”

Jiho puffed his chest again.

Then—

Director Jo pulled out scripts.

“These are for Jiho and Wooju.”

“...Me too?”

“Of course.”

Jiho smirked.

“You should thank me properly.”

“Thank you, Jiho.”

“More respectfully.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wang Jiho.”

“Nooo!”

Laughter broke out.

Then Jiho glanced at my scripts.

“...Why do you have more than me?”

I cleared my throat.

Director Jo scratched his head.

“Well... Wooju is cheaper.”

“....”

Jiho clapped, satisfied.

We asked:

“So what’s next? Season 2?”

Jiho thought seriously.

“I want to choose roles that won’t interfere with group activities... but Shini ends here.”

“Not disappointed?”

“I’m not acting for success. I just like acting.”

We nodded.

Then—

“There’s an offer from NetPlus.”

“Really?”

“They’ll meet any condition.”

Jiho shook his head.

“I’m not influenced by money—”

“They’re offering ten times season 1.”

“...I’m influenced.”

Everyone froze.

“150... times 10...?”

“....”

“....”

I turned to Ri Hyuk.

“Calculator.”

He whispered the number.

I turned immediately.

“Jiho.”

“Yes?”

We nodded firmly.

“Do it.”

“Yes.”

Boom.

Wang Jiho confirmed for Season 2.