I Want to Be a VTuber

"Uh..."

Gilda-hyeon was genuinely at a loss for words. Not because she had nothing to say, but because she had too much to say.

Frankly, she was curious—everyone in the room was.

"That’s a real bear, isn’t it? It says it’s a wild bear on screen."

"...Well..."

「Originally, this bear is a Japanese black bear, and its natural habitat is quite far from here. Some say it was found in Shizuoka, so it might have come from there.」

Seoyeon had been about to come up with an excuse, but the live interview of another actor or the director left her with no room to maneuver.

And on screen, there she was, riding the bear as if it were a casual stroll through the park.

When she checked the internet:

This was just her fan community; it wouldn’t be long before she became known across countless humor forums as the actress who slaps bears on the head.

Discussions ranged from how fortunate it was that the bear was tame to speculations about what could have happened off-camera.

「The bear sustained facial bruises and broken ribs, possibly from losing a territorial fight.」

「Do bears normally act so calm?」

「No. Unless their stomachs are full, it’s unusual for them to be this docile. In fact, this bear was likely hungry, making it very dangerous... but it’s acting as if it isn’t dangerous at all.」

A wildlife researcher who had come to the filming site also appeared baffled by the bear’s behavior.

Despite the ominous warnings, the footage remained lighthearted, with Seoyeon casually riding the bear and the other actresses reacting in shock.

Reika, ever the daring one, spoke up.

"Can I ride it too?"

"Get on behind me."

"Really? Thank you!!"

It was a surreal exchange, with Reika speaking Japanese and Seoyeon responding in Korean, neither understanding the other, but somehow managing through body language.

While Seoyeon and Reika wandered around on the bear, the two other actresses were left stunned, unable to believe the absurdity of the situation.

As for food and shelter? Neither had been prepared.

"So, we’re just sleeping like this tonight?"

"Looks like it."

It was practically a refugee camp. Whatever scraps the actresses managed to prepare ended up as snacks for the bear.

The next day, their savior arrived: Stella Baldwin.

"Wait, Stella Baldwin?!"

The room erupted in surprise. While they had been treating the bear like a Disney prop, Stella’s sudden appearance felt like being jolted back to reality.

Seeing the bear lick Stella’s face while she froze like a mannequin was a bizarre, almost otherworldly sight.

"Don’t Americans sue over stuff like this?"

"They said the bear was safe, though..."

"Didn’t they say earlier that it was dangerous?"

Seoyeon found herself at a loss for words. She couldn’t exactly say, It’s fine because I was riding it. That would sound ridiculous.

Is my image ruined?

The thought made her sweat. Her carefully cultivated cute magical girl persona was being devoured by the viral fame of Bear Rider Ju Seoyeon.

This was bad.

"Wait, Seoyeon, you know Stella Baldwin?!"

"...Sort of."

While the bear snored in the background, Stella took charge, building tents and preparing meals. Meanwhile, the four actresses sat around aimlessly.

Stella’s public image had always been polarizing. While she had a loyal fanbase, her interviews and actions often carried an air of I’m different from you, which alienated others. However, no one could deny her acting talent.

What stood out in the broadcast was how Stella seemed unusually friendly toward Seoyeon.

"What are you doing, Seoyeon?"

"Playing with the bear."

"Play with me too~."

"No."

"Ahaha, you’re so mean!"

Whenever Seoyeon focused on the bear, Stella would casually approach and strike up a conversation. Looking back, it was clear Stella had made a conscious effort to engage with her.

Naturally, speculation arose about their relationship, fueled further by Stella’s mid-show interview.

"Did we look close? That makes me happy."

Stella smiled brightly at the camera.

"I was surprised at first when I saw the bear, but it was fun. It’s not something you’d experience in America."

The interview was unremarkable until she dropped a bombshell.

"Have I met Ju Seoyeon before? Hmm, yes. I was so curious about her that I went to Korea to meet her. My father spoke highly of her acting, and I wanted to see for myself."

The father in question? None other than Asher Baldwin, a world-renowned director.

The studio panel erupted in astonishment. What kind of praise had Asher Baldwin given for Stella to personally visit Korea to meet Seoyeon?

"At first, it was curiosity. But when I met her in Korea, I was surprised. She reminded me of myself."

This wasn’t about physical resemblance—it was about acting.

Initially, the internet was flooded with skeptical comments:

However, these remarks faded with Stella’s next words.

"Her acting conveys emotions so clearly. I love that. It’s the kind of acting that lets you share emotions with others."

Her tone seemed directed at someone, as if she couldn’t say everything she wanted directly.

Wait a second.

Watching the interview, Seoyeon began to worry.

When was this recorded?

Fortunately, the mystery was soon resolved.

"I’m flying back to the U.S. in three hours. I didn’t expect to do an extra interview after coming all the way to Korea."

Three hours before her flight—an hour before she’d meet Seoyeon at the airport.

Seoyeon’s forehead was now drenched in sweat.

"Seoyeon, are you hot?"

"A-a little."

She continued watching the interview with a nervous expression. Most of Stella’s answers revolved around Seoyeon. When asked about the other actresses, Stella gave brief, generic replies. But when it came to Seoyeon—

"Honestly, I’m thinking of trying to recruit her."

"!!"

Seoyeon’s eyes widened. No way. She couldn’t mean that, could she?

"Oh, as an actress, of course," Stella added with a mischievous smile.

Her words, her tone, and her playful expression felt almost as if she knew Seoyeon would be watching.

"I’m going to invite her to Hollywood."

Stella’s final words were dead serious.

"I want to make a movie with Seoyeon. Not just a small role, but a proper film together."

The Japanese interviewer, intrigued, asked further. Did this imply that Stella had already acted with Seoyeon in some capacity?

"Oh, yes. We shot a film together in Japan—a Korean movie, Kyungsung Lady."

Stella openly mentioned the movie title, explaining that while her role was brief, it had been a delightful experience.

Naturally, the internet buzzed with excitement once again. The idea of none other than Stella Baldwin appearing in a Korean movie was shocking enough.

"Of course, it wasn’t just Seoyeon. There was also an incredible Korean male actor, but that’s a secret," Stella added with a coy smile, signaling the end of her interview.

"Well, that’s all for now. I need to go convince Seoyeon."

"To come to Hollywood, you mean?"

"Yes?"

The Japanese interviewer, refusing to be fooled, pressed further. Stella narrowed her eyes and smiled softly.

"Yes, something like that."

She turned back to the camera and added, "I’ll be looking forward to our next meeting."

The way she spoke made it sound like she was addressing the audience, but Seoyeon knew better. It was clear the message was meant for her.

"Truly," Stella finished, bringing the interview to a close.

"Seoyeon, what’s your relationship with Stella?"

Gilda-hyeon’s question was probably a simple inquiry about whether they were friends. The tone might have been casual, but Stella’s words carried an unmistakable weight.

Seoyeon hesitated.

It’s hard to call her a friend, she thought. The atmosphere made such an answer seem unbelievable.

The Japanese variety show quickly became a hot topic across Korean social media. Two major points of interest stood out:

The buzz around Stella’s interview helped overshadow the Bear Rider meme, which was a huge relief for Seoyeon.

Not that Stella’s segment was any less remarkable, of course.

"So, what happened to the bear afterward?"

"People came and took it away."

"It wasn’t a trained bear? For real?"

"It... it must have been trained."

"Right? They must’ve lied on the Japanese broadcast about it being wild."

Even students who normally didn’t talk to Seoyeon crowded around to ask about the bear. This unexpected turn of events elevated her popularity even further—she was already a star, but now, she was the star everyone wanted to talk to.

As the news spread, articles began popping up everywhere:

It wasn’t often that a Japanese variety show became such a big deal in Korea, but since this one was tied to promoting Kyungsung Lady, a Korean film, the buzz wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Stella’s warm comments about Seoyeon had even prompted Nova Entertainment to call her in for a conversation.

"Seoyeon, are you really that close with Stella Baldwin?"

"Uh, yes... I guess?"

"Wow. Where are you heading next? Overseas stardom? What are we going to do if you go international?"

Kang Chanyul, the head of Nova Entertainment, beamed as he spoke. Seoyeon’s recent achievements had brought significant attention to their agency, and he couldn’t have been prouder.

Meanwhile, the movie Kyungsung Lady wasn’t just benefiting Seoyeon—Lee Jiyeon, who had also appeared briefly on the variety show, was gaining traction as well.

"Jo Seohui, and now Stella Baldwin?"

Chanyul looked at Seoyeon, impressed by how composed she remained despite all the attention.

It’s a relief, Seoyeon thought. She felt reassured that Stella’s interview had balanced out the overwhelming Bear Rider image.

Though it’s still lingering... time will sort it out, right?

"By the way," Chanyul began, "GH Group contacted us."

"GH Group?"

"Yes. I’m not sure if it’s because of the variety show or Stella Baldwin, but they wanted me to pass on their thanks to you."

Seoyeon blinked, confused.

"They wanted to thank me? Why?"

"It seems the filming for Majin is finally about to start."

"The casting is complete now?"

"Yes. As you know, Majin is an OTT drama targeting the international market."

"Right."

"The male lead role was originally meant for a famous Hollywood actor, but they’d been refusing all offers... until yesterday."

Chanyul stroked his chin thoughtfully. GH Group had been prepared to change course and cast a less renowned actor, but suddenly, they’d received a call from the Hollywood star they had initially pursued.

"He decided to accept the role."

"That actor did?"

"Yes."

The idea of a Hollywood actor joining a Korean OTT drama was unprecedented—especially before the boom created by hits like Squid Game.

"What does that have to do with me?" Seoyeon asked.

"Well..." Chanyul hesitated, then said, "Apparently, he decided to take the role because of you."

"...Excuse me?"

Seoyeon was completely caught off guard.