Peninsula: I created the golden age of girl groups

The charcoal fire was almost extinguished, with only a few dark red embers remaining.

The three sat facing each other, remaining silent for a moment.

"Drink less."

Yoo Jae-suk stood up and poured a cup of tea for Lee Hyori, saying, "Have some hot tea to warm your stomach."

"Thank you, Jae-suk oppa," Lee Hyori whispered her thanks, taking a small sip.

Yoo Jae-suk shook his head, then carefully asked, "Hyori, what's the situation with that matter? What's the official statement from above?"

Lee Hyori paused, a weary smile playing on her lips. "What else can we do... just wait for the final decision from above. It's just bad luck; we just happened to run into the line of fire."

She sighed, her expression darkening. "At worst... it'll just be the same as last year."

The "same as last year" she mentioned refers to the plagiarism controversy surrounding the song "Get Ya" in 2006.

Although it was ultimately determined to be a coincidence, it still forced her to suspend her activities for a period of time, and her career was greatly affected.

Yoo Jae-suk also fell silent.

Seeing his usually confident younger sister reveal such a vulnerable side, he felt a mix of emotions.

After a moment, he cautiously asked, "So... about the invitation I mentioned to you before, to be a regular member of SBS's new variety show, 'Family Outing,' have you... considered it recently?"

"I know you might not be thinking about this right now, but this show is really innovative, and I think it might be able to..."

"Jae-seok oppa".

Lee Hyori interrupted him softly, her voice a little hoarse, "I know you mean well, thinking you can help me change my mood and maintain my exposure at the same time."

"But I'm really not in the mood right now. Besides, I'm already carrying this controversy on my shoulders. Aren't you afraid I'll drag the show down? What if the show is affected because of me... I can't bear that responsibility, and I don't want to... drag you down with me."

Her concerns were realistic and clearly well-considered.

At this moment, Jiang Yuhe, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.

"Senior Hyori, I think quite the opposite. Your joining will not only not drag down 'Family Outing,' but may actually be a win-win situation for both you personally and the show itself."

Lee Hyori looked up at the sound and gazed at the young man in front of her.

During the dinner just now, Yoo Jae-suk had already given her a brief introduction to Kang Woo-hyuk.

She also learned that this young man was the one who came up with the idea for the new show, and that it was his idea to invite her to join.

Most importantly... Yoo Jae-suk seems to value him highly.

Therefore, despite her bad mood, Lee Hyori did not show any impatience, but nodded, signaling him to continue.

"The predicament you're currently facing isn't actually caused by you personally. It's just that your status has drawn all attention to you..."

Kang Woo-hyuk then repeated what he had said on SBS.

Lee Hyori listened very attentively.

Unlike the image she portrays on screen.

In private, Lee Hyori is actually very clear-headed and has sharp judgment.

After all, no one who can reach the top in this complex industry is stupid.

She had encountered some trouble earlier and was momentarily flustered, but after hearing what Jiang Yuhe said, she gradually came to her senses and her expression became more focused.

Seeing Lee Hyori's reaction, Kang Woo-hyuk knew that his words had worked, and he struck while the iron was hot.

"So I think you need an opportunity to show the public a more authentic version of yourself. She may be a little reckless, carefree, or even rude, but she is incredibly real."

"Instead of being the national fairy who is only high above and dazzling on stage."

Lee Hyori's eyes visibly lit up.

Looking up at Jiang Yuhe, she was somewhat moved.

Jiang Yuhe met her gaze and continued, "And our 'Family Outing' is just such a program."

"Everyone goes to the countryside, lives in a simple house, does farm work, and does housework... Through this program, everyone can see another side of the invincible Lee Hyori."

"For example... your hard work, your sincerity, or even your clumsiness can naturally bridge the gap between you and the average viewer, thereby mitigating any negative impact on you."

Upon hearing this, Lee Hyori's expression finally changed.

For the first time, she began to take this young man seriously.

Because what he said was completely different from what those people who came to persuade her to participate in the show had said in general terms.

All they talked about were empty words like exposure and program influence.

It seems that only he is truly thinking of himself, especially since Yoo Jae-suk is also on the show...

At this moment, the scales in her heart finally began to tip!

Perhaps... it really is possible?

Changing your environment, escaping temporarily, and doing something completely different might actually bring about a turning point.

Seeing this, Yoo Jae-suk quickly pressed his advantage, "Hyori, what Woo-hyuk said is exactly what I wanted to say. I know you're very tired and upset right now. But sometimes, stepping out of that oppressive environment and throwing yourself into something completely new can help you clear your head and temporarily forget about those awful things."

As he spoke, he patted his chest and assured, "Just think of it as a trip to relax and experience a different kind of life."

"If it really doesn't work, I'll talk to the production team and treat it as a trial recording. If we feel it's not suitable, or we really don't feel it, we will never force it."

Looking at the genuine concern in Yoo Jae-suk's eyes.

The barrier in Lee Hyori's heart finally loosened a little and began to crumble.

If I were to team up with them for a show, it would probably be a lot of fun, right? At the very least, I'd be in a great mood!

She paused for a moment, then suddenly asked a question: "Will Yuhe Xi... also be a regular member of this show?"

"certainly!"

Yoo Jae-suk said smugly, "You have no idea, Minister Jo Hyung-gi tried to snatch Woo-hyuk away from me back then, but how could he possibly beat me?"

Lee Hyori had a thoughtful expression on her face.

After a moment, he said, "Let me think about it carefully and give you an answer as soon as possible."

Yoo Jae-suk and Kang Woo-hyuk exchanged a glance, both secretly relieved.

They could tell that Lee Hyori had probably been persuaded, but out of her usual caution, she hadn't made a decision on the spot.

But achieving this is already the best possible outcome; the rest is up to Lee Hyori herself.

After this conversation, the atmosphere in the private room became noticeably more relaxed.

The three of them sat down again and chatted for a long time.

The impromptu gathering came to an end when Yoo Jae-suk stood up and apologized slightly, saying that he had a radio program recording early the next morning.

I thought things would just drag on like this again.

Unexpectedly, Yoo Jae-suk called the next afternoon to say that Lee Hyori had agreed.

Yes, I agreed.

He didn't say anything on the spot, but gave a reply immediately after returning home, which shows that he had thought it through very well.

SBS, on the other hand, demonstrated remarkable efficiency upon hearing the news that Lee Hyori had confirmed her participation.

After quickly confirming the schedules of several guests, they actually finalized the recording time for the first episode of "Family Outing".

It will happen next Thursday.

The matter has finally been settled, which has put Jiang Yuhe's mind at ease a little.

Then, just as he was sorting out the details that needed to be confirmed before the show started filming, Bae Jong-han sent him a message.

He returned from Uijeongbu City.