Episode 18: Jiwoo Ping’s Compliments Make Everyone Dance

A quiet night.

The flash of a camera lens glimmered through the rolled-down car window.

“Filming complete.”

A man checked the videos and photos captured on the camera.

The footage included scenes of Gan Shina, Yoo Hangcheol, and members of Kang Jiwoo’s campaign staff.

The most significant piece was, without a doubt, the video of Gan Shina pulling Kang Jiwoo.

“She looks almost like a child abuser. This will sell for a high price.”

Due to the angle, Gan Shina appeared more violent than she actually was.

With growing public interest in Kang Jiwoo and the formation of a fanbase, a controversial video of campaign staff would fetch a good price.

“It’s a shame Yoo Hangseol came out a bit dull, but the fact that they were in private discussion is still valuable.”

In Yoo Hangseol’s case, it was merely confirmed that he had visited.

Under normal circumstances, it would barely make for a brief article.

But what kind of era are we living in?

An age where conspiracy theories, like vaccines allowing Bill Gates to control people, are seriously debated.

Though it was just a private conversation, YouTubers could easily create sensational thumbnails from it.

The man quickly transferred the files and contacted political YouTubers.

“Alright. Sales complete.”

In a day or two, the videos and photos would be fully leaked.

Of course, since the controversy didn’t involve the candidate directly, it wouldn’t drastically affect approval ratings.

However, given the narrow gap between the current first and second-place candidates, it could have significant repercussions.

The man muttered to himself while looking at a photo of Kang Jiwoo.

“You’re a goldmine. Let’s keep this up. Heh heh.”

As a politician, my most prominent stage was the debate floor.

Debate Gladiator Kang Jiwoo.

Why was I nicknamed a gladiator?

Because debates are a life-or-death battle.

Like stabbing and slashing with a sword, debates are about verbally dismantling your opponent.

You say debates aren’t like that?

That they’re supposed to be constructive forums for coordinating opinions?

Sure, in theory, that’s true.

But in politics, debates are battles.

There’s no such thing as a mutually beneficial debate.

At least not in this rotten political arena, where high-level discussions are impossible.

Seizing advantageous issues and having airtight logic are like wielding powerful swords or spears.

However, not having weapons doesn’t mean you can’t win.

Some monsters can tear their opponents apart barehanded.

And sometimes, rookie gladiators end up stabbing themselves and self-destructing.

One thing is clear:

If you lose your momentum, you can’t win a debate.

Dominating issues? Logical facts?

Even with all that, if you lack momentum, you’ll end up being defeated.

A menacing aura, like you’re about to devour your opponent, or a teasing, mocking attitude—

If you show the momentum of a winner, you’ll be the winner.

But if you stutter, evade answers, or fail to stay on topic—

If you show the momentum of a loser, you’ll lose.

That’s the deciding factor in political debates.

Which is why I was at an extreme disadvantage in debates.

“As cute as our candidate is, cuteness doesn’t win debates!”

A day had passed since Yoo Hangseol stormed into the office.

Han Seoyoung called an emergency meeting early in the morning, and party members were continuing the unresolved arguments from last night.

“Using complicated terms and statistics to explain policies, attacking the opponent’s statements, and logically refuting their counterattacks—this is what debates are about! It’s what viewers expect to see!”

“Exactly. Honestly, I’m worried our candidate might even cry during the debate.”

“If you cry, your approval ratings will drop significantly.”

I couldn’t disagree.

It was unrealistic to leave a good impression in the debate in this state.

“Still, they wouldn’t go too hard on a kid, would they?”

“Oh, come on, lawyer. Don’t you remember the first debate, when our candidate completely crushed both Jo and Yoo? Both of them were figuratively left with broken bones.”

“Oh, right… They must be holding grudges by now.”

I was the star of the first debate.

Cho Seyoung earned the public’s ridicule for giving absurd answers to my questions, and Yoo Hangseol lost his temper in the debate hall because he couldn’t handle my teasing.

Thanks to that, both of their approval ratings dropped slightly.

Those were good times.

I had no idea things would turn out like this.

“Anyway, Director Bong, what’s this so-called sure-win strategy of yours?”

“Yeah, just tell us already!”

Last night, Bong Soohee had left work without giving an answer.

She had only mentioned coming up with a surefire strategy.

Now, Bong Soohee was lazily scratching her back with a back scratcher as she replied.

“A lovable attitude.”

“A lovable attitude?”

“That’s supposed to be a debate strategy?”

Everyone looked baffled.

This time, she scratched the top of her head with the back scratcher.

“I’ll show you with a mock debate.”

Fine. A mock debate might actually explain better than a hundred words.

Current district representative: Kim Shinbae.

He had founded the Ginkgo Tree Party but was now part of the Future Marriage Ginkgo Korea Party following a merger.

Kim Shinbae was deeply concerned about the fate of the party.

The representative and candidate, Kang Jiwoo, had suddenly turned into a child overnight.

Although the approval ratings were rising, he couldn’t afford to be complacent.

“It might be better to merge the candidacy now. If we lose like this, what else will we have left besides debt?”

From the start, he had intended to press Kang Jiwoo to unify their candidacy.

He wanted to secure a position for himself, after all.

But if they abandoned the election by merging, what would happen to the debts the party had incurred?

“Our comrades can figure that out themselves.”

What did it matter to him?

Kim Shinbae had no intention of staying with this party for long.

Since he considered it someone else’s party, his thoughts were naturally different from those of Han Seoyoung or Bong Soohee.

That was why he had volunteered for the mock debate.

“I’ll play the role of Representative Yoo Hangseol.”

Bong Soohee—

He acknowledged her brilliance, but he also thought she was far too naïve.

“Win the debate with a charming attitude? What kind of nonsense is that?”

That wasn’t a debate strategy.

He needed to firmly wake everyone up and push through the candidacy merger.

He planned to escalate his remarks, even if it meant bringing tears to the eyes of that adorable Kang Jiwoo.

“I feel a little sorry, but it can’t be helped.”

With this resolve, Kim Shinbae took his seat.

Fixing a sharp gaze on Kang Jiwoo, he asked a question.

“Candidate Kang Jiwoo, may I ask you something? You said you would strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises. What specific plans do you have for this?”

“Ah, um, th-that…”

The cheerful smile on Kang Jiwoo’s face quickly turned into an expression of confusion.

Staring down at the desk, she broke into a cold sweat as she fumbled through her documents.

“See? Who would vote for someone like this? Sympathy doesn’t work in debates!”

Kang Jiwoo struggled to form a coherent answer.

Since this was only a mock debate, Han Seoyoung and Bong Soohee helped her from the side.

“To, to prevent the exploitation by large corporations, we plan to implement regulations and provide technology-focused support…”

“If you can’t even read properly from your documents, how do you intend to be president? Will you be able to perform presidential duties if elected?!”

“I—I’m working very hard. I even made a daily plan…?”

Kang Jiwoo hastily held up a sheet of paper.

It was a schedule she had drawn up, resembling an elementary school summer vacation plan.

The circles and letters were scribbled unevenly.

But the schedule itself appeared quite busy—befitting a presidential candidate.

“Pfft!”

Kim Shinbae quickly covered his mouth.

He had nearly burst out laughing on the spot.

“Damn it! I absolutely must not laugh!”

Forcing the corners of his mouth down, he clenched his teeth.

“Hard work alone won’t cut it! Do you think being president is a joke?!”

Bong Soohee whispered into Kang Jiwoo’s ear.

Kang Jiwoo stood up and bowed deeply to Kim Shinbae.

“I—I’m sorry…”

“…”

“I have so much to learn. Thank you for teaching me today. I’ll work harder.”

At that point, the other party members caved completely.

“This must be what they mean by a lovable attitude…!”

“After seeing constant bickering, this is just heartwarming!”

“Jiwoo-ping is so adorable I want to take her home!”

They were utterly mesmerized by Kang Jiwoo.

Even the party members who had been advocating for a unified candidacy alongside Kim Shinbae were no exception.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Do you think debates are that easy?”

Kim Shinbae launched another attack.

But his efforts didn’t work well.

“I’ll think more about that…!”

“Thank you for your valuable opinion…!”

“I’m sorry… I’ll study harder…!”

Thank you. I’m sorry.

She repeated those two phrases like a parrot.

With Kang Jiwoo responding like this, nothing he said made a difference.

Finally, it was time for closing remarks.

Bong Soohee handed her the prepared script.

Kang Jiwoo stammered as she read the lines.

“The candidate seems to have a very kind heart. They said they wanted to help everyone afford toys. And they promised to make it easier for sick people to visit hospitals… If I become president… I’ll work hard to become someone as great as the candidate…”

Constant apologies and expressions of gratitude.

And a finishing punch of praise.

“Hmph…”

In the end, he laughed!

He had vowed not to laugh, but before he knew it, the corners of his mouth were stretched to his ears!

What kind of sorcery was this?!

Regaining his composure, Kim Shinbae stiffened his expression.

He turned his gaze to Bong Soohee.

“Is this supposed to be a winning strategy?”

“Yes.”

“It doesn’t seem like it at all. Voters will still doubt the candidate’s abilities.”

“But you laughed.”

Feeling frustrated, Kim Shinbae looked at Han Seoyoung.

“I think this might work quite well.”

“Sure, it’s funny because it’s cute! But appealing solely to emotions could backfire!”

“No, this is a bit different from simply appealing to emotions. We’ve made sure to properly establish a ‘positive image.’”

Usually, the only positive image a candidate can gain from a debate is one of being sharp and logical.

But Kang Jiwoo was different.

“The embrace of a child. That’s an image only our candidate can show. No one else can pull it off.”

Even the same action had a different impact depending on who performed it.

If an adult proposed inclusion?

People might think, This old man is smiling now but probably planning something sneaky behind the scenes.

However, Kang Jiwoo’s inclusion was different.

It was pure, in its truest sense.

A strategy impossible for adults to imitate.

“On top of that, our candidate is showing a desire to improve. We could use that to our advantage. How about uploading the entire debate practice process on YouTube?”

“Oh, I think that’s a great idea! It’s like lowering expectations for our candidate’s debate skills in advance, right?”

“Exactly. It creates the impression of a ‘candidate who is growing’!”

The party members reacted positively.

A disgruntled Kim Shinbae shouted, “How much can you grow in just seven days anyway!”

Park Seokji responded even louder, “Why not?! Seven days is enough time to create heaven and earth!!”

In the end, Kim Shinbae backed down, tail tucked.

Han Seoyoung chimed in, as if to console him.

“That’s exactly why Director Bong’s strategy is effective. In seven days, debate skills might not improve significantly, but we can make our candidate even more impactful.”

The ‘adorable demeanor’ displayed in the recent mock debate was just a prototype.

With Bong Suhee’s meticulous directing, it could become a far more effective strategy.

As the atmosphere improved, Kang Jiwoo, who had been watching cautiously, chirped up.

“I like it!”

“I’m glad you approve!” the candidate exclaimed.

When it was called a ‘fight,’ Kang Jiwoo hesitated a bit.

But when it was called a ‘compliment,’ it felt less intimidating.

Even Kang Jiwoo’s young body seemed to feel less burdened.

“Let’s quickly plan the practice schedule. Oh, but before that, should we give Director Bong a round of applause? She always comes up with such great ideas.”

There seemed to be no objections as everyone began clapping.

Kang Jiwoo clapped eagerly with her small hands.

Bong Suhee, expressionless, formed a ‘V’ with her fingers and shared her thoughts.

“Thank you, NaMu Korea Party~”

A uniform question appeared on the party members’ faces.

What’s with that ridiculous phrase?

“Director, what did you just say?”

“It’s a trending phrase these days. Don’t you know?”

“That’s a trend?!”

Our ridiculous party name has become a trend?

Since when?

The pink whirlwind continued.

Clothing brands were hastily launching dresses similar to Kang Jiwoo’s signature outfit, and

Newly formed fans of Kang Jiwoo were tracking her activities online.

Meanwhile, the pink whirlwind was quietly sweeping through another field: the world of Shorts.

Title: Speed Talking Challenge! #Celebrity #Challenge #Singer #NaMuKoreaParty

The Speed Talking Challenge.

What had become a craze among elementary school students was now reaching mainstream popularity.

Even some celebrities, unaware it originated from a political party meme, uploaded the challenge on their accounts.

Naturally, the comments were chaotic.

“Lemon Heejung supports Kang Jiwoo?”

“What is this?”

“Suddenly this has political vibes.”

“Proof lol. Impressive~”

“Oh? I also support Kang Jiwoo. This is great~~~”

Lemon Heejung didn’t even know who Kang Jiwoo was.

She had seen her on TV but swore she didn’t know her name.

Notice: Sorry, I didn’t realize this was political; I just thought the kid was cute and saw many kids doing it, so I joined in. I’ll be more cautious next time.

“Didn’t realize”? Yeah, right.

The party name is literally in the challenge. How could you not know?

“Hey, are we embarrassing you, sis? Why can’t you even say it’s Jiudan?

Why are Jiudan fans so eager to hide it?”

“I was such a fan, but this is disappointing… Mon Heejung, Future Marriage Ginkgo Tree Korea Party. I never thought such a ridiculous name could be a party name!”

In any case, it was just a brief incident and was quickly resolved.

However, since Lemon Heejung was a fairly well-known celebrity:

Lemon Hee-jung uploads shorts supporting a presidential candidate, causing controversy!

Shocking! Lemon Heejung reveals her political leanings!

The presidential candidate chosen by Lemon Heejung – Kang Jiwoo’s shorts go viral!

Thanks to the reporters’ fervent clickbait, the ad effect was beyond what even a viral marketing agency could achieve.

Subsequently, the “Quick Talk Shorts” turned into a meme and evolved into a popular challenge taken on by other celebrities.

Without a doubt, it was one of the most successful cases of political shorts.

The opposing candidate, Cho Seoyoung’s camp, also caught wind of this.

“What? How does Kang Jiwoo’s video get over 3 million views, while mine only has 30,000?!”

Cho Seoyoung was in her 40s, while Hanseol was in his 60s.

Compared to Hanseol, Cho Seyoung had a younger image.

As a result, she was more interested in new trends like shorts.

But this—how could this happen?

“A kid’s video has 100 times the views of mine?!”

“PR Director, what do they call this? A wordplay thing?”

“Yes, yes, that’s right, Representative. I was just about to suggest we make one as well.”

“You want me to do something like that? Do you think it suits me? That kid is cute, but I’m not cute, am I?”

“Not at all! These days, you—”

“‘Cutie Forty’…?”

“Yes! Absolutely! It’ll work perfectly! Isn’t Cutie Forty a great fit for you?”

That wasn’t a lie.

Cho Seoyoung’s hardcore fans actually called her cute.

“Hmph. If that’s the case, let’s give it a shot. Come up with something clever. And don’t just shoot it casually on a phone; hire a professional to make my face look, well, cute. Okay?”

“Leave it to me!”

And so, Cho Seoyoung’s wordplay challenge was uploaded.

The reaction was explosive.

A bit different from what they had expected, though.

“Did this lady’s frontal lobe move to the back, and her occipital lobe to the front? Why did she upload such a cursed image of herself?”

The shorts were deleted three hours after being uploaded.