‘Broken Chains of Justice Shatters Records: Highest First-Episode Ratings in 2025!’
‘Breaking Chains, Breaking Records: Crime Drama Hits 18% Peak Real-Time Ratings!’
‘Sigmoid’s #1 Trend! Discover the Drama Everyone’s Talking About.’
‘A New Ratings King? ‘Broken Chains of Justice’ Breaks Man-shik PD’s Own Record!’
As the first episode came to an end, ‘Broken Chains of Justice’ was discussed nearly everywhere.
The group chat for the production team was filled with rejoicing, with members saying their hard work had all paid off. Of course, Man-shik PD had told him not to celebrate too early.
Man-shik PD: It’s only the first episode. There’s still a lot more to do.
Daniel, on the other hand, had already saved the episode and replayed his parts over and over again. After being scouted by MegaStar Entertainment last year, his career had been nothing but a flower path. He felt like nothing could stop him!
He went to Sigmoid to look at the reaction. His smile widened when he saw that the drama was still on the first trending spot. He looked further down and saw Hyunbin Lee’s name on the third spot. Then, he saw his name right under it.
He shrugged, not really minding it. Hyunbin had been in the industry before he was even born, so it was only natural that more people would talk about him.
On the second spot, though, was a strange trend.
‘My Drunk Father’
He frowned. Daniel had never been in the top three trends of all time, so he didn’t like how this one trend blocked his goal. He sighed and clicked on the trend.
What met him, though, was something he didn’t expect. At that moment, he realized he was beaten once again.
And it was by that drunkard whose name he still didn’t even know of!
He read through the comments, his brows furrowing deeper.
– Really, in that scene, I was reminded of my dad. He died of liver cirrhosis due to his alcoholism. I don’t miss him, but I miss what he could have been.
– I suddenly remembered my drunk mother at that moment. It was quite the trauma. This guy channeled it really well.
– I swear! I got goosebumps when he came out.
– Am I the only one who thinks this is hot?
– You may have some unresolved issues.
– It’s the most realistic drunk portrayal I’ve seen on TV!
– I heard it was hard getting cast in this drama. Maybe even their extras went through rigorous auditions!
Rigorous auditions, my ass.
“He just asked me, so I said okay,” Zeno nonchalantly said, shrugging as his three friends stared at him with wide eyes.
A small chuckle escaped Minji’s lips. “THE Director Man-shik just asked you?”
“Yeah,” Zeno nodded.
“What?” Eli said in disbelief. “Like on the streets or something?”
Zeno pursed his lips. “Yeah, that’s what happened.”
Doha stood. “So, when I found you in their set, you had just acted like this drunkard?”
“Hmm,” Zeno nodded once more.
“You found him on their set?” Minji exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I thought he was lost!” Doha said. “In my defense, I didn’t think Zeno was capable of this.”
“Holy crap. Our friend is a superstar!” he quickly added before prancing around the rooftop.
“It’s not a big deal,” Zeno said, capturing their attention once more.
“Not a big deal?” Eli asked. “Are you hearing yourself? This is Man-shik PD’s work we’re talking about.”
“He doesn’t cast just anyone,” Minji quickly added. “The fact that he asked you is a big deal within itself.”
“And you know what’s even bigger?” Doha started off with a weird smirk.
“That you are trending!” he exclaimed. “You are even trending higher than both Hyunbin and Daniel—and they’re the main characters!”
“What?” Zeno asked with a small frown. He skimmed over his system but didn’t find any change.
Then, he sighed. His face was barely visible. He couldn’t be perceived if he wasn’t even known.
Minji then shoved her phone to his face. He squinted to get a better look. The trend was people’s sentiment towards the drunkard. They claimed it was too realistic, so they were brought back to their childhood.
“The trend would die soon,” he said, still looking at the screen.
“And frankly, why do humans have the need to associate themselves with every single thing they consume on media? They see something, and suddenly, it relates to them,” he muttered, shaking his head.
“Instead of perceiving it for what it truly is, they insert their personal emotions, making it a bigger deal.”
Silence greeted him.
“Humans?” Minji muttered. “You sounded like an alien just now.”
Zeno cleared his throat. “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “The scene and character would soon be forgotten.”
Then he sighed. “I shall sleep now, then. Once again, I will have to find a normal, stable job tomorrow.”
“It’s still amazing, though,” Doha chimed. “Man-shik PD is even looking for you.”
Zeno stopped in his tracks. “What?” he asked, slowly turning around to see Doha typing something on his phone.
“Yeah,” Doha said. “He posted on his Sigmoid account that he also doesn’t know your identity, and he wants to keep in touch.”
Zeno pursed his lips. “Well, you guys are the only ones who know, so don’t tell—”
“There!” Doha said, standing from the bed with a dreamy expression. “I just told him to message me because I know you!”
Zeno felt like a vein was about to burst. ‘It’s alright, Zeno. In the thousands of comments, Doha’s wouldn’t be noticed,’ he thought, reassuring himself.
“Oh, goodie!” Doha exclaimed. “He did message me.”
Zeno’s eyes slightly widened, and he brisk-walked to where Doha was. “Don’t talk to him.”
“Sent!”
Zeno froze.
“Zeno Han. 24 years old. One of my best friends. A very lovely person. He wants to meet you, too!”
“That’s what I sent.”