The photoshoot took place at a studio in Sangam-dong owned by GJ Media.
The photographer in charge was Jang Eun-ho, a renowned figure in the fashion world whose name alone commanded recognition. The makeup and styling teams were dispatched directly from Vester headquarters.
When Ellie arrived alone at the location and entered the waiting room, makeup artists and hairstylists immediately swarmed around her, their hands moving deftly.
The makeup artist couldn't stop complimenting her.
"Oh my goodness. You're absolutely gorgeous. Your skin is so clear, it looks like all you need is some base makeup, lipstick, and eyeshadow."
"Thank you."
Despite the praise, they proceeded with the full makeup application. Once finished, Ellie, aided by the wardrobe staff, carefully changed into a rash guard, mindful not to disturb her hair and makeup.
After the lengthy preparation, she finally stood before the camera.
"Don't think of this as a photoshoot. Just try to look natural," Jang Eun-ho advised.
With years of experience, a photographer can often tell if someone has modeling potential from a single shot.
As expected, the moment he pressed the shutter, he sensed it.
Jang Eun-ho continuously clicked the shutter while asking the Vester staff in a low voice, "Is she really not a professional model, just a civilian?"
"Yes. They say this is her first-ever photoshoot."
"Where on earth did you find someone with a look like this?"
"Apparently, she's an employee at a client company they met by chance through work. President Hwang Min-ah of Vester personally scouted her."
"An office worker? Hasn't she thought about modeling professionally? She's too much of a waste doing anything else."
Once Ellie seemed to relax a bit, the shoot continued in earnest, switching between different concepts.
"This time, look like you're glaring at me!"
"Give me a big smile! Big smile!"
"Oh! That last expression was great. Hold that look and reach your hands up a little higher!"
Fashion models in photoshoots appear sophisticated and elegant, but the reality of the shoot was chaotic and fast-paced. Out of hundreds of shots, only one or two usable ones might emerge.
Ellie constantly changed outfits—rash guards, leggings, t-shirts, outerwear—and posed for the camera. Each time, her makeup and hairstyle needed slight adjustments to match the clothes.
As stipulated in the contract, the outfits weren't revealing, and fitting for sportswear, the poses were primarily active.
Holding the poses and expressions while the camera flashed was surprisingly taxing. Furthermore, the intense heat from the lights beaming down on her skin was also grueling.
She'd thought her stamina was decent, but after several hours of shooting, she felt completely drained. She was also starving, having skipped several meals.
'Modeling really isn't for everyone,' Ellie thought.
Driven by a desire to uphold Golden Gate's honor and get some beautiful photos out of it, Ellie gave the shoot her all.
The session, which began early in the morning, wrapped up before evening—though not entirely, as they decided to review the photos first before deciding on any reshoots.
Ellie changed into a tracksuit and waited. Sipping on pre-prepared juice instead of a meal, she sent a message to Jin-hoo.
[Looks like we're almost done. I'm starving, let's hurry and get something to eat.]
***
Korean conglomerates, or chaebols, typically grew through manufacturing and construction. GJ Group, however, had uniquely grown through distribution, services, and media.
Especially in media and entertainment, it held an unparalleled position. It owned 13 cable channels alone, and its subsidiaries were too numerous to count.
It possessed film, music, performance, and broadcasting platforms, leveraging these to host large-scale concerts and award ceremonies across Asia annually.
Yoo Jin-wook was the Head of the Variety Programming Team at this very GJ Media.
In this small country, countless people were desperate for a shot on TV, practically lining up for the chance. The position of Head of Variety Programming came with the power to cast whomever he pleased. And he knew how to leverage that power better than anyone.
Despite it being the weekend, Yoo Jin-wook dropped by the studio for a scheduled matter. He delegated his tasks and took a leisurely look around. During his stroll, he spotted a woman sitting in the studio area.
'Wow! Who's that?'
He'd met more than his fill of women, including quite a few foreign women during his time studying abroad. He was currently seeing several lovers.
Mere doll-like beauties were a dime a dozen in the entertainment industry and agencies. However, there was something different about the woman before him.
Beyond her beauty, she exuded a vibrant energy, intelligence, and grace. She possessed an overwhelming charisma, the kind usually reserved for top stars.
He gave an order, and Manager Jung Woo-young, who followed him closely, immediately inquired about the woman, as if this were routine.
"She's a Vester advertising model. Had a photoshoot today, apparently."
"Does she have an agency?"
"Doesn't seem like it."
At that, Yoo Jin-wook smiled, thinking this was perfect.
"Really? Well then, I'll have to introduce her to a great opportunity."
Large agencies managed their talent strictly, and complications could arise later. But problems involving smaller, less powerful agencies or individuals could be easily swept under the rug.
He casually approached the foreign model, who was sitting and resting.
"Hello, good to see you."
The foreign model... Ellie looked up at him.
He looked to be in his early thirties, tall with a reasonably handsome face. His hairstyle was neat, and he wore silver-rimmed glasses. It was obvious at a glance that his suit, shoes, and watch were all luxury brands.
"Yes. What do you want?"
"Do you have a moment to talk?"
He sat down beside her without waiting for an answer.
Ellie switched to Korean. "Who are you?"
Yoo Jin-wook visibly brightened. "Ah! You speak Korean."
'Good, she speaks Korean. Makes things easier for me,' he thought. Though he had studied abroad, his English wasn't actually very good.
"Are you a professional fashion model, by any chance?"
"No. This was my first shoot."
"A newcomer, I see. Ah! I'm not anyone strange; here's who I am."
He took a card case from his inner suit pocket and presented a business card. Ellie took it and read it.
It displayed the name Yoo Jin-wook, along with the title: Head of Variety Programming, GJ Media.
"Head of Variety Programming?"
"Yes. I oversee all variety shows on GJ Media channels, primarily handling programming and casting."
In reality, it was more of an honorary title with few real duties, but it was a position from which he could easily arrange minor drama roles or guest appearances.
"That's impressive. Handling such important work at your age."
"Haha, actually, my father is Chairman Yoo Byung-moon of GJ Group. Thanks to him, I grew up learning the ropes of this business from a young age."
Ellie mentally recalled the GJ Group family tree.
'They said Chairman Yoo Byung-moon had a much younger son born later in his life. This must be him.'
"I see. So, what can I do for you?"
"I'm currently looking for a foreigner for one of our variety shows, and I'd like to cast you. Have you perhaps heard of a program called 'Street Truck'?"
"I've heard of it."
'Street Truck' was a variety show where the cast traveled around foreign countries in a food truck, selling Korean food to locals. It might not sound like much, but its popularity was explosive. Season 1 had concluded successfully, and preparations for Season 2 were underway.
"You might not know this, but 'Street Truck' boasts an average viewership rating of over 15% and is exported to 12 countries. If you appeared on it, you'd become known nationwide."
While the production schedule for Season 2 was indeed set, even he couldn't arbitrarily insert someone into the main cast.
'Whether it works out or not doesn't matter. If not, I can just get her a guest spot on some other show,' he mused.
"These days, it's common for models to transition into entertainment. And since you speak Korean so well, I believe if you debuted, you could be very successful as an entertainer. What do you think?"
As he spoke, he leaned closer, subtly placing one hand on her thigh while his other hand brushed her shoulder and back.
At this point, anyone not completely oblivious would understand his intentions.
Ellie's expression froze, and she spoke coldly. "That's enough. Take your hands off me. If you touch my body one more time, I won't stand for it."
'Feisty, I like it. It's no fun if they give in too easily,' Yoo Jin-wook thought with a smarmy smile.
"Haha, good. That kind of attitude is actually good for variety shows. You know, when viewers look at models, what they notice most is their waistline..."
Saying this, he deliberately wrapped his arm around Ellie's waist.
For an unknown model or aspiring celebrity, this was a golden opportunity. Having made an offer she couldn't refuse, he assumed she'd have no choice but to comply, like it or not.
However, that was entirely his assumption.
In that instant, something flashed before his eyes, followed by a sharp, intense pain in his face.
Yoo Jin-wook clutched his nose and screamed. "Aaargh! My nose! My nose is broken!"
Blood gushed from both nostrils. Manager Jung Woo-young, watching from behind, rushed over and tried to stanch the bleeding.
"S-sir, are you alright?"
"Fuck! Do I look alright!? That crazy bitch hit me!"
"P-please calm down, sir."
Manager Jung Woo-young barely restrained him as he clenched his fists, ready to lunge at the woman. The commotion erupted, drawing the attention of the shooting team, the Vester staff, and security guards who hurried over.
As if the blow had blinded him to reason, Yoo Jin-wook spewed a torrent of foul language and insults.
"Do you really think you can get away with doing this to me?"
Ellie asked, arms crossed, "And what happens if I don't?"
Yoo Jin-wook, pressing a handkerchief to his bleeding nose, glared around and shouted, "You're finished! You'll never set foot in this industry again, understand?!"
Crossing GJ Media meant career suicide in the entertainment industry. However, for her, this wasn't her main job, nor even a side gig. Even if she never worked in this field again, it wouldn't affect her livelihood one bit.
Ellie nodded. "Good. I have no intention of setting foot in this industry anyway."
When his threat had zero effect, Yoo Jin-wook grew even more furious. "What are you morons just standing there for? Call the police, now!"
Manager Jung Woo-young looked uneasy. 'Calling the police will blow this out of proportion,' he thought.
While the others hesitated, Ellie pulled out her phone. "No need to shout. I'll make the call myself."
She dialed 112 immediately. "Hello, police? I'd like to report a sexual harassment that just occurred."
***
The police arrived within 15 minutes.
Yoo Jin-wook continued to yell, clutching his swollen nose, while Jung Woo-young explained the situation. He made sure to first mention that Yoo Jin-wook was the son of GJ Group's Chairman Yoo Byung-moon. Instantly, the officers' demeanor shifted.
"That woman hit me! What are you doing? Arrest the criminal!" Yoo Jin-wook bellowed.
On one side, a female model; on the other, the son of a powerful conglomerate. It was obvious whose side they should take.
The police officers approached Ellie. "We're arresting you on suspicion of assault."
Years ago, she might have been shocked. But after several years in Korea, this kind of situation was hardly surprising anymore.
Ellie replied, incredulous, "I'm the one who called you."
"Are you denying the assault?"
"It was self-defense against sexual harassment."
Yoo Jin-wook shouted again, "Sexual harassment? I just went up and talked to her!"
Ellie pointed towards a ceiling-mounted CCTV camera. "There's a camera right there. Check the footage, it'll be clear."
Manager Jung Woo-young stated nonchalantly, "The CCTV is currently undergoing maintenance, so it wasn't recording."
'I need to contact security immediately and tell them to delete the footage,' he thought quickly.
An officer said to Ellie, "If you have anything further to say, you can say it at the station."
"That's fine," Ellie replied, "but why are you only arresting me? Shouldn't he be arrested too?"
"Do you have any proof of harassment?" the officer countered. "Be aware that making false accusations is a crime."
"That's odd," Ellie retorted. "The victim is reporting a crime. Why are you talking about false accusations? Shouldn't the police investigate fairly?"
"This gentleman," the officer gestured towards Yoo Jin-wook, "has clear injuries, and there's a witness."
"That witness is his employee," Ellie pointed out.
"If you continue to resist, we'll have no choice but to handcuff you," the officer warned.
Another officer stepped forward. "You're a foreigner? Can we see your Alien Registration Card for identification?"
Ellie produced her Alien Registration Card and a business card. The officer's eyes widened as he looked at them.
"Huh? A l-lawyer? From Golden Gate Korea?"
Yoo Jin-wook stared, dumbfounded. "What? She's a lawyer? That's bullshit!" He snatched the business card from the officer's hand.
It clearly stated: Team Leader, Legal Team 1, Golden Gate.
"Th-this can't be real..."
'Someone who looks that is a lawyer at Golden Gate? She looks like a model! How is that possible?' he thought, bewildered.
"If you don't believe it, call my office," Ellie stated calmly.
The officer, who had been reaching for his handcuffs, paused. Arresting a foreign model was one thing, but a lawyer from Golden Gate? That was entirely different.
Ellie turned back to the officer. "By the way, don't the police in Korea read Miranda rights upon arrest?"
"Ah, yes, well... You have the right to remain silent..." the officer stammered.
"I know the drill, consider them read," Ellie cut him off. "More importantly, I am formally accusing that man of sexual harassment. Arrest him as the perpetrator. Surely you're not only arresting me?"
The officer, looking resigned, turned to Yoo Jin-wook. "It looks like you'll both need to come down to the station."
"What?" Yoo Jin-wook exploded. "She's the one who hit me! Why do I have to go to the station?"
"Well, you need to give your statement as the victim..." the officer began.
"Don't you know who I am, you idiot?" Yoo Jin-wook snarled.
Ellie addressed the officer again. "Can I make a quick phone call? I need to let someone know what's happening."
"To whom?" the officer asked.
Ellie glanced at Yoo Jin-wook, still fuming and clutching his broken nose, and replied coolly, "My boyfriend."