Many industries block new entrants. The fewer the competitors, the better, and monopolies are profitable.
But the literary world is the opposite.
You can see this just by looking at how the Annual Spring Literary Contest revolves around new writers.
The established elites in the literary ‘industry’ put their own interests aside to shine the spotlight on newcomers. At least in this aspect, the opinions of the publishing industry, literary magazines (critics), and writers all align.
But why is this? Is it because of the ancient Eastern traditions of rites and music, showing the virtuous conduct of ancient sages who are cautious and careful first? Or it to uphold the nearly century-old tradition of Annual Spring Literary Contest without being swayed by capital?
The answer is, ‘If we don’t do this, we’ll all starve to death’.
EP 8 – Dark Adaptation
When aliens invade, the world usually unites. A terrifying crisis even brings a dysfunctional family together. The literary world faced with an apocalypse was no exception.
Is it true that experts recognize each other? We both realized that neither of us had any intention of backing down.
Eventually, like gunslingers in the wilderness sensing the timing of a duel, the fierce battle began.
“You bastard! How can someone who says they’re not good at talking go on TV and say that stupid shit about prostitute?!”
“That was because you made me say it. About being cool and chic…”
“When did I ever say cool and chic! I said cool, chic, and cutely cute!”
“Tsk. I still don’t know what cutely cute means.”
“Yeah, I figured. I don’t expect you to be cutely cute. But can’t you just attend the drama premiere once? I’m begging you here. Please?”
“You always say you’re begging on your knees but never actually do it.”
“You’re a scary bastard. Do you really want to see a man in his late 30s on his knees?”
“No, I’m just saying it doesn’t feel sincere…”
“Please just attend the premiere for the drama based on your novel. Please? It’s my lifelong wish.”
“Okay, okay. If it’s your lifelong wish, I guess I have no choice…”
Lim Yang-wook, who finally got my agreement, slumped into his chair as if he was exhausted.
He mumbled weakly, as if his soul had left his body.
“Why is it so hard to fix one schedule… It’s like giving a cat a bath, every day is a war…”
“Well, you could just not schedule it in the first place?”
“Oh, that’s an option?!”
Here, Lim Yang-wook’s “Oh, that’s an option” means “Are you fucking kidding me?”
Anyway, after handling the most important task, Lim Yang-wook seemed more relaxed and started some small talk.
“By the way, writer Gu Yubin is doing really well these days.”
“Because she writes well.”
I replied while munching on a Kukudas cookie in the office.
Crumbs fell on my knees, so I brushed them off onto the floor.
“She even has a fan club now?”
“Because she’s pretty too.”
“Oh… I didn’t expect you to admit that so easily.”
It’s not about admitting or not, Gu Yubin has always been popular. That was true even before I came back in time.
Gu Yubin had a fan club back then too. The only difference now is that there’s one more zero in the number of members.
However, the reason for that fan club’s existence has always leaned more towards her looks than her literary talent.
I still wonder if appearance is more important than artistic talent in determining a person’s popularity, or if it’s just because Gu Yubin frequently appears in the entertainment industry activities.
Lim Yang-wook suddenly exclaimed as he remembered something.
“You have to go to America soon.”
“Another schedule? This is a bit…”
“It’s literature-related.”
Lim Yang-wook glared at me with a look that seemed to say, “What kind of outrageous person is this?” but hurriedly continued as if he had no time to waste.
“We decided to translate all your novels and release them in the U.S. But we can’t sell them directly; we have to go through an American publisher.”
“But the American publisher has arranged an event. It’s not just a signing at a local bookstore; you’ll be interviewed in a fairly major literary magazine in the U.S.”
“Booker International.”
“Since you’re a nominee for the Booker International Prize, your name is already somewhat known. Some of your books have been released too. But this time, we’re partnering with a major publisher to publish all your books in the U.S., so they’re doing a big promotion by getting you an interview in a major literary magazine. Understand?”
“You mean I can’t miss this because the American major publisher used their company’s influence to secure a spot in the magazine?”
Lim Yang-wook nodded with a satisfied smile, like a teacher pleased with an exemplary student.
Then he immediately changed that smile to one of ‘apology’.
“Sorry, but I don’t think I can go to the U.S. with you. My schedule is just too tight…”
“Oh, really? Then should I go with Editor Baek Seol like last time?”
“No, no. Even the department head’s schedule is full now.”
“Then how about Ki-hoon hyung?”
“Do you think he can handle things on his own there? You’ve seen Deputy Manager Kim Ga-ryung a few times, right? You know? She may lack a bit in trust, but she’s very competent and diligent…”
While I was listening to the fact that I would have to go to the U.S. with Deputy Manager Kim Ga-ryung in a few weeks, I suddenly noticed a call coming in on Lim Yang-wook’s phone.
As soon as he saw the call, he was startled and hid his phone, just like before.
But what could he do? I had already seen it.
“You just got a call. Why didn’t you answer? Who is it?”
“Oh, it’s just a business contact. Don’t worry about it.”
I saw the name on Lim Yang-wook’s phone.
Then, everything that had been confusing suddenly made sense. Why Lim Yang-wook couldn’t go on the U.S. trip with me…
“It’s because of her, isn’t it…”
Lim Yang-wook hung his head in guilt and, after a long silence, muttered in a bitter voice.
We averted our eyes, creating an awkward atmosphere like that between a wife who discovered an affair and a husband who got caught.
Then, Baek Seol, who looked like her dark circles had dropped to her chin, spoke irritably.
“Stop messing around and schedule the U.S. trip quickly. I need to leave as soon as this is done…”
Popularity is indeed a fleeting thing. Popularity depends on people’s hearts, and the heart is ever-changing.
An obscure idol who had a remarkably good photo could become internationally famous, and a singer could top the Billboard charts with a song criticizing a politician uploaded on YouTube.
So, it wasn’t all that surprising that Gu Yubin suddenly became a superstar in the literary world.
Thus, it wasn’t strange that Lim Yang-wook, the influential figure in the Publishing Management Division, temporarily took charge of Gu Yubin, taking advantage of the situation.
I had no particular grievance about this.
Because the emptiness of popularity had been a constant theme in my thoughts since I returned from the past.