* * *

It felt like just yesterday they had his first birthday party.

‘No, it’s been a while since then, hasn’t it?’

President Seo quickly checked the calendar, then snapped back to attention.

‘No, that’s not the point right now.’

What should we give?

President Seo hurriedly clicked on the post discussing Kongja’ birthday gift.

[The results of the first vote are in:
1) A forest in China named after Kongja
2) A star named after Kongja
3) Donation and volunteer work at the orphanage where Kongja stayed
4) Delivering coal briquettes in Kongja’ name
5) Building a school in Kongja’ name]

President Seo blinked.

‘This looks like some kind of volunteer organization.’

It was almost on the level of an NGO.

-The only thing we can do is this because Kongja is better off than us 🙂 I’d love to give him designer clothes, but he’s already wearing them. The clothes he usually wears are expensive 🙂
-Well, his mom is Ma Soo-jung 🙂
-His grandmother is from the Seongjin Group 🙂
-I like option 1 the best. I hope it reduces the yellow dust 🙁
-It seems to be getting worse.
-But if we create a forest in Kongja’ name, people might think it’s really for him.
-Option 4 is a one-time thing and doesn’t cost much. I vote for option 5.

These people were serious. President Seo blinked again.

‘It seems like the culture of giving gifts to celebrities is slowly starting…’

Who would have thought he’d see something like this because of Kongja.

‘This is usually for idols, but Kongja is a child, not an idol…’

What should he do?

‘Well, they seem to be supporters of Kongja…’

President Seo checked the café’s member count again.

‘It’s huge. There are too many people.’

Even Ma Soo-jung didn’t seem this popular.

President Seo continued to browse the café and found a particularly eye-catching post.

The results of the vote are in. We will call ourselves Gomja from now on.
1. Gomja
2. Kongjabari
3. Kongja Sect
4. Kongja School
5. Kongja Fans

President Seo sighed quietly.

‘This is serious.’

The vote had already ended.

‘Gomja?’

Is it because Kongja likes bears?

President Seo rested his chin on his hand and clicked on another post.

A child sleeping soundly in Han Woojin’s arms appeared.

“Kongja, you’re in for it now.”

President Seo muttered to the child on the monitor.

“You’ve got bear older sisters now.”

Well, there could be older brothers too.

“I don’t know if this will last, but Gomja…”

The fan club name felt quite strong.

President Seo tilted his head.

‘It feels like I’m witnessing the beginning of a legend…’

Was it just his imagination?

The Kongja in the photo, of course, didn’t answer. President Seo sighed.

‘Well, being popular is a good thing.’

He smiled a little. But that wasn’t the important issue.

‘It’s about the program Kongja is going to be on.’

Ah.

President Seo forced a smile and lowered his head. Yeah, this was also an issue.

‘I’ve contacted every show featuring child actors.’

Even Ma Soo-jung had her limits on turning down requests. So now, he was screening them himself first.

‘Then I suggest the selected ones to Ma Soo-jung.’

There was no stopping calls from special people like Jeong Jangri, though.

Just then, the office phone rang.

“Yes, how can I help you?”

He focused on the call and then rubbed his forehead.

“Yes, yes. I’ll get back to you shortly.”

President Seo hung up and sighed.

‘It seems like everyone wants Kongja to appear on their show…’

But this place was unexpected.

‘It’s not just any place; it’s a government agency.’

President Seo sighed deeply. These were very hard to decline.

‘I need to talk to Ma Soo-jung about this.’

President Seo immediately picked up his smartphone. Because of Kongja, he felt like his responsibilities had grown.

* * *

“What? A promotional video for Korea?”

Ma Soo-jung loosened her shoulders and tilted her head.

“Do they make those?”

“They must be making one now. They asked if both you and Kongja could be in it. You know how hard it is to get picked for these things.”

“I know. We can adjust the schedule. But I get it, what about Kongja? What’s his role?”

“Well, it’s a promotional video for Korea, so he’ll probably wear a hanbok.”

“They won’t make him do anything weird, right?”

“It’s a government promotional video. They wouldn’t make him do anything strange. Plus, they’ll have top athletes and celebrities. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Ma Soo-jung agreed.

“Yeah, it’s usually something dignified.”

“This is a good opportunity. You know that. Not just anyone gets to be in it. Being in it means you’re a representative of Korea.”

“It’s almost an honor. But having Kongja as a representative? He’s still a child.”

Ma Soo-jung muttered to herself.

“He is the cutest representative, though.”

“Well, it’s for promotion. They’re planning to put it up in places like Times Square.”

“Alright, go ahead with it. Let me know once you have the script or storyboard through Mijin.”

“Got it. I’ll let them know you’re in.”

Ma Soo-jung hung up her smartphone.

‘A promotional video for Korea.’

And with Kongja and me together?

Just then, her manager, who had been listening, spoke up.

“Sister, I overheard something. For a Korean promotional video, wouldn’t they probably use those traditional lanterns?”

“Like for the Olympics?”

“Yeah. They might wear hanboks too.”

Ma Soo-jung relaxed her shoulders and said,

“That would be cute for Kongja.”

“Oh, he was so adorable at his first birthday party.”

“There’s no outfit our Kongja doesn’t look good in.”

The manager laughed and said,

“Soo-jung, you’re more worried about Kongja than about what you’ll be filming.”

Ma Soo-jung linked her arm with the manager’s and said,

“That’s because I just wear whatever they give me.”

“I’m guessing the Korean promotional video will start with a kid like Kongja running through a field.”

Ma Soo-jung nodded.

“Our Kongja would be so cute.”

“But even if it’s for a promotional video, what if foreigners think there are a lot of kids as cute as Kongja in Korea?”

Ma Soo-jung laughed, shaking her body.

“Hahaha! Right?”

“But there’s only one kid like Kongja.”

“That’s right. Kongja is one of a kind.”

Ma Soo-jung kept relaxing her body.

“My angel. What could he be doing right now?”

“Filming, right?”

“Yeah. The movie has surpassed five million views.”

“Kongja, isn’t he amazing?”

“Even though he’s my son, I think so too. Hey, Mijin.”

“Yes?”

Ma Soo-jung tilted her head back and said,

“Do you think Kongja’s career will ever surpass mine?”

“Well, I’m not sure?”

“Don’t you think it’ll happen before he becomes an adult?”

The manager blinked. Ma Soo-jung smiled slightly.

“Could it be even sooner?”

“No way.”

“Whenever it happens, I’ll be really happy.”

A staff member called out. Ma Soo-jung immediately ran over.

The manager watched her back and smiled a little.

‘Soo-jung looks happy.’

Since she brought Kongja, Ma Soo-jung had become much more passionate.

‘Her career is getting better and better.’

It was exciting when the actor you manage did well.

The manager turned around, tapping a rhythm with her fingers. She felt good for no particular reason.

* * *