AAE -- Twists of Fate

Part 1 -- Chapter 25

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Bright morning sun filters through a shade tree canopy tinged with yellow and orange, casting a lattice of light across the MBS outdoor patio. A slight breeze tempers the heat radiating off the concrete pavers where the first fallen leaves of October lie scattered. The hum of traffic drifts from Gukjegeumyung-ro over the masonry wall enclosing the MBS Yeouido compound. Overhead, the purple tile and mirrored glass façade of the studio buildings rises. A giant banner for the MBS News at Nine stretches across one wall.

 

Staff on break gather at the white plastic tables under blue, teal, and tangerine umbrellas, voices muted as they sip coffee from waxed paper cups. Others cluster in a line near the row of vending machines, their attention fixed on the far table where a reporter in a gray pantsuit, a pastel floral scarf knotted loosely at her neck, is conducting an interview. Nearby a photographer hovers, snapping candid frames with his Nikon SLR.

 

Young-Mi sits erect, hands folded loosely in her lap. Her crisp white Prada skirt suit is buttoned over a silk champagne-colored blouse. A single strand of pearls graces her neck.

 

"...our success reflects the News team's absolute dedication to bringing the best news coverage to viewers," she says, leaning in closer to the portable micro-cassette recorder on the table. "The ratings have steadily improved over the past several seasons. It's not just due to the recent change in anchors."

 

The reporter, Yang Ji-Sun, nods as she listens. She flips a page in her notebook, scans the notes printed there, then looks up at her interviewee.

 

"Announcer Huh, your official bio states that you are fluent in four languages besides Korean -- English, Russian, French, and Japanese -- and that your interests include European classical music, literature of the Late Joseon Dynasty, social economics, American folk guitar, and... baseball?"

 

"Yes. When I was young, the neighborhood boys let me play pickup games in the empty lot behind our house," Young-Mi recalls. "I threw a killer curveball, and a pretty good slow ball, too."

 

A ripple of laughter moves through the audience.

 

Ji-Sun smiles. "With such a diverse background, how do you view being labeled as the latest 'pretty flower' on the News at Nine desk?"

 

Young-Mi's expression turns serious. "I believe that women have more to offer today's modern audiences than just a feminine presence on screen. Both men and women can bring their unique perspectives toward presenting fair, balanced perspectives on the events of the day and changes in our society."

 

Murmurs of approval rise among the onlookers.

 

"You were voted the 'best dressed' news announcer in a recent popularity poll, and are ranked among Korea's top twenty most attractive women," Ji-Sun continues. "Do you think your appearance and fashion sense influence the ratings?"

 

Young-Mi glances at her Gucci 1500L wristwatch. "Of course, some viewers may have that interest," she acknowledges, "but most people don't watch the news to be entertained with the latest fashion styles. They want to be kept informed with up-to-date, unbiased information."

 

"As the youngest woman ever to anchor a nine o'clock newscast and top the national ratings in her first season, where do you go from here?"

 

"I'm humbled and grateful to my colleagues and our viewers for placing their trust in me. As for the future, I haven't planned that far ahead. My focus is on working hard to re-earn that trust every day."

 

Ji-Sun flips to another page.

 

"Announcer Jin Sun-Mi was MBS' first choice to succeed Announcer Yoo Joo-Hee. At the time, some people viewed your move into the position -- after such tragic circumstances -- as opportunistic on your part. What do you have to say to that?"

 

Young-Mi's back stiffens, her eyes flashing. "Nothing! It doesn't deserve a response," she snaps.

 

The line of onlookers goes silent. Heads at the tables swivel to look.

 

She takes a breath to restore her composure. When she looks at Ji-Sun again, her expression has softened. "Announcer Jin Sun-Mi wasn't just a colleague," she reflects. "She was my friend. I miss her like the sister I always wished I'd had."

 

She brushes a tear from her cheek.

 

"I could never compare to her -- the way she touched an audience with her voice and her smile. When I accepted this position, I only wanted to carry on her dream of bringing encouragement and hope to people. It's been my privilege to do that these past weeks."

 

"I can see you must have been close," Ji-Sun says, her tone softening. "One last question before we break for photographs -- as a baseball enthusiast, which team do you support?"

 

Young-Mi chuckles. "I'm not going to risk upsetting a single viewer by answering that. I'll just say that with my responsibilities in bringing the most accurate news to our audience, I'm not able to attend as many games as I'd like."

 

"A very diplomatic answer," Ji-Sun remarks. "Do you have a favorite player?"

 

"That would be Kim Byung-Hyun, ever since his performance in the 1998 Olympics."

 

"Isn't he currently pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks?"

 

Young-Mi nods. "Yes, so I watch rebroadcasts of his games on ESPN Star Sports."

 

 

Ji-Sun switches off her recorder and signals to the photographer.

 

"Hold that angle, Announcer Huh," he requests, adjusting his position. "Keep your focus just left of the lens." His camera fires in rapid clicks as the motor drive whirs. "Now we'll take some standing by the wall."

 

Young-Mi rises, smoothing the narrow lapels of her fitted jacket. The black lacquer of her Prada pumps gleams as she strides toward the purple-tiled wall, the 120mm stiletto heels striking sharply on the pavement.

 

"Stop there. Turn. Face me... excellent," the photographer directs, shooting continuously as she moves. "Adjust your left foot forward a little."

 

She shifts her stance to a more aggressive posture.

 

"Good. Smile." The camera clicks again. "Now, fold your arms."

 

Lightly crossing her arms, Young-Mi tilts her head back, lifting her eyes to the banner high on the wall overhead -- her own image rendered larger than life -- hair coiffed, makeup flawless, smile confident.

 

Public verification of the first step toward her ultimate goal.

 

"That's perfect. Now, hold it..."