Return of the Genius Photographer

The latest trend sweeping the entertainment industry was audition survival programs.

Starting a few years back, audition shows originating overseas became global hits and sparked widespread discussion.

America’s Got Talent.

Project Runway.

American Idol.

The X Factor.

So You Think You Can Dance.

What began with simple talent and singing auditions quickly grew in popularity, diversifying into various genres and formats. These shows’ consistent success had cemented audition programs as a surefire formula to attract viewers. Korea, keenly aware of these global broadcasting trends, was eager to launch its own version.

One of these programs was Challenge! Supermodel Korea on Gnet, or Doshuko for short.

“The contestants have completed the first mission and are now working on the second.”

“Wow, time really flies…”

PD Jung Yoon-cheol, the producer in charge of Doshuko, glanced over the remaining contestants’ files with a sense of admiration.

Doshuko was a survival-style audition program for aspiring fashion models. Every two weeks, contestants faced new missions where they showcased their skills, and eliminations took place after each round. With the second mission underway, it was already time for the production team to prepare the third one. That’s why the team, led by PD Jung, gathered in the conference room to discuss the next mission.

“The theme for the next mission is ‘harmony with photography.’”

“I think we should test how well contestants understand the photographs in which they appear as models.”

“Not just the mission itself; we should also consider the evaluation method. Should we bring in photography experts as guest judges?”

“Yes, for this mission, we plan to invite photographers as additional panelists to help judge the contestants.”

The conversation flowed smoothly. The team had already held several idea meetings, and among the suggested themes, the writers had selected harmony with photography.

The aim was to assess how well fashion models, who are constantly photographed, understand the art of photography. Teams would be formed, encouraging competition between groups while also allowing individual rivalries to surface.

To ensure accurate evaluations, the production team planned to recruit photographers as guest judges in addition to the current panelists.

Naturally, the discussion shifted to which photographers should be invited.

“How about photographer Kim Myung-ho?”

“No, he’s unavailable due to scheduling conflicts.”

“What about Lee Jung-soo?”

“Isn’t he more distant from the fashion industry?”

Since the guest photographers would serve as judges, they couldn’t bring in just anyone. The judges needed both talent and experience. After considering a few names briefly, one stood out.

“What about photographer Kang San?”

Kang San—a prominent photographer. Not only was he famous in Korea, but he also received offers from renowned international celebrities and worked globally. This level of fame made him one of the most successful photographers, so if they could secure him, the show would benefit from both quality judging and increased buzz.

“But doesn’t he live abroad?”

“Have you been reading the news? He recently returned to Korea.”

“Really? Then he should be our top choice.”

“He enjoys the media spotlight, so he’d probably agree if the timing’s right.”

Moreover, Kang San had a unique enthusiasm for media exposure, making him an ideal fit for Doshuko, a show already gaining traction. If his schedule allowed, he’d likely agree to participate.

“If Kang San agrees to join, do you think we could bring in Jung Woong as well? They’re good friends, right?”

“That might be tough; I’ve never seen Jung Woong on a show before…”

With one strong candidate secured, the team’s discussion gained momentum.

“Who else should we invite…?”

“How about photographer Kim Jin-goo?”

“Oh! He’s perfect. Everyone in fashion knows him.”

Another photographer joined the list: Kim Jin-goo, known for his provocative and primal style. His bold work had firmly established his name in the fashion industry. Although his photos often sparked criticism for being overly edgy, his skill was undeniable.

“I heard Kim Jin-goo has a difficult personality, though…”

“So what? He’s talented and famous, and a strong personality will make for good TV, right?”

Whether the public’s interest was positive or negative, recognition brought viewership. Although his temperament might pose challenges, the production team wasn’t overly concerned unless it caused serious issues for the show.

“Alright, with Kim Jin-goo confirmed, that leaves us with one more spot, right?”

“The final photographer should be someone of similar caliber…”

With Kang San, a top-tier photographer, and Kim Jin-goo, an industry provocateur, already on board, they needed just one more judge. However, to balance the panel, the last judge had to have comparable experience and renown. The problem was that few photographers met these criteria, and many were tied up with prior commitments or other engagements.

The team fell into deep contemplation, weighing their remaining options.

“Should we just bring in someone suitable for the remaining spot?”

“Yeah. With those two already on board, we should have more than enough attention…”

Just as the team seemed ready to settle for a compromise, someone spoke up.

“Wait a moment, I have someone in mind who would be perfect.”

It was PD Jung Yoon-cheol, who had been quietly listening to the others.

“Really? Who?”

“Is there actually a photographer available who has the right experience and popularity?”

The production team turned to him with curiosity. As the lead producer, his opinion carried weight, so everyone was keen to hear his suggestion. Meeting their gazes with confidence, Jung Yoon-cheol seemed to relish the attention before he finally spoke.

“Photographer Nam Woojin.”

This was met with a collective groan of concern.

“Oh… that might be difficult…”

“Isn’t Nam Woojin a high school student?”

“Wouldn’t this cause a bit of controversy?”

Everyone voiced their concerns, but PD Jung seemed undeterred.

“No, I’m certain. Nam Woojin is the perfect choice.”

He continued in a resolute tone.

“Among the remaining candidates, is there anyone with a track record as impressive as Nam Woojin’s?”

“No…”

“Then, is there anyone more famous?”

“Not really…”

“Then what’s the problem? What could be more important than a stellar career and high public interest?”

Woojin’s reputation had already reached the broadcasting industry. Not only was he a high school student, but he had also built an impressive portfolio in less than a year. He wasn’t just the most famous among his peers—his career was remarkable enough to make even veteran photographers take notice.

Despite being a rookie, his rapid ascent had made waves in the industry, and news of it naturally spread to the ever-attentive media. So, it was no surprise that his name came to mind for PD Jung.

However, this was for a judging position, not just any appearance. Although it was only for a single mission panel, a judge was still a judge. Despite his skill and reputation, Woojin was still a high school student and a newcomer. These were the reasons for the team’s hesitations.

“Is it really okay, considering he’s in high school?”

“There are rumors that his portfolio might be fabricated…”

“Wouldn’t the other judges dislike having him on the panel?”

Their concerns were valid, but PD Jung sighed in response.

“Which is exactly why we should bring him in. Come on, when have I ever been wrong?”

The room fell silent.

Jung Yoon-cheol was a star producer, known for his keen eye and for consistently delivering high ratings. He was practically a guarantee for a successful show and had been the first in Korea to recognize the value of audition programs.

Who would dare question his judgment?

“Think about it differently. He’s a high school student with a career that rivals, no, surpasses, that of established professionals. Do you realize how incredible that is?”

PD Jung continued, almost lecturing the team.

“And honestly, who cares if the judges don’t get along? If there’s tension, it’ll only make for good TV. With that level of buzz, dominating the news portals would be a breeze.”

Realizing his intention, the team murmured in admiration.

“That makes sense, actually.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

With a quick dismissal of the previous concerns, PD Jung glanced over the list of potential photographers that the writers had compiled. At the bottom was Woojin’s information, written in small print. Imagining the impact of having a high school prodigy as a guest judge, PD Jung smiled faintly.

“Then reach out to him as soon as possible. If he turns us down, do whatever it takes to convince him.”

It would undoubtedly be the best choice.

*****

― Hello, Photographer Nam Woojin! This is the writer for Gnet’s Challenge! Supermodel Korea. We’re reaching out to invite you to join our judging panel…

Seeing the sudden message, I found myself deep in thought.

‘A judge?’

The polite text asked me to let them know when I’d be available to discuss their proposal to have me as a judge. Though it didn’t contain many details, I recognized the show Challenge! Supermodel Korea.

Doshuko was an audition survival program where aspiring or unknown models competed for fame.

‘Being on TV…’

The idea was a bit surprising, but honestly, it was a good offer. There’s no better way to gain exposure quickly than through the media.

And it wasn’t just any show—it was Challenge! Supermodel Korea. Although it hadn’t gained much traction yet with only a few episodes aired, I knew it would soon start breaking viewership records and, true to its name, would launch many supermodels.

I hadn’t actually watched it myself, but I remembered back in my past life when the show became incredibly popular, and my high school friends would get all worked up talking about it. Later on, similar programs like Fashion King started popping up.

Plus, it was a prime opportunity to meet people in the fashion industry—an area closely tied to photography.

‘If they’re inviting me as a judge, it doesn’t seem like it’d be too demanding…’

As long as it didn’t conflict with my schedule, I saw no reason to decline.

‘Alright, I’ll think it over when I get back to the studio.’

But instead of replying right away, I decided to head to the studio, wanting to consider it carefully. Today, I had plans with Photographer Jung Woong.

‘I promised to show him the photo I submitted for the exhibition.’

Back when I was figuring out what kind of photos to take, he had helped a lot by sharing information about the exhibition. He had been so busy lately that we hadn’t seen each other much.

I had plenty of news to share with him—the stories behind my recent photos, the fact that one of them sold for 300 million, and even the text message I received today. I was already looking forward to seeing his reaction to all of this.

“Woojin, working again today?”

“Yes, good morning, Mi-seon.”

I reached the studio quickly, walking at a brisk pace. After greeting the now-familiar receptionist, I headed straight to Photographer Jung Woong’s workspace.

“Photographer Jung Woong, may I come in?”

“Yes, come on in.”

Unlike usual, the studio door was closed. But as I opened it, I realized there was another man in the room with him—a man I didn’t recognize.

“Oh… Hello.”

The man stared at me as I entered, his gaze intense. Feeling awkward, I greeted him first, but he didn’t respond.

‘Who is he?’

Just as the silence and the man’s stare began to make me uncomfortable, Photographer Jung Woong, sensing the atmosphere, introduced him.

“Sorry for the sudden guest. This is Photographer Kang San.”

As soon as I heard that name, I was even more taken aback.

***

(T/N: It’s Do-jeon! Supermodel Korea, so Doshuko. There’s also another name, Korea’s Next Top Model. Idk which to use, but I’ll stick with the first one. This show is real btw.)