Hobbyist VTuber-Chapter 324

<Seongterview>.

A talk show-style variety program hosted solo by the famous broadcaster Seong Yoo-seok.

With its unique format that combined studio interviews and on-the-street interviews, it was gaining popularity among viewers who were sick of the same old variety shows.

Seong Yoo-seok’s way with words could turn any encounter into an entertaining talk show.

—Huh... huh?!

—Are they filming something?

—It’s Seong Yoo-seok─!

⟪Yes, yes. Hello~.⟫

This episode was a street-interview edition.

So the very first scene of the broadcast was Seong Yoo-seok walking the streets, looking for someone to interview.

Once again today, the murmurs of people recognizing Seong Yoo-seok were being captured in the broadcast audio.

In response, Seong Yoo-seok offered a light greeting while scanning the street with his eyes.

⟪Is there some kind of event today? A lot of people seem to be taking pictures over there.⟫

But today in particular, a noticeably large number of people were holding their phones high, snapping photos.

It would’ve been one thing if it were just one or two—but the sight of so many people lifting their phones in the same direction caught Seong Yoo-seok’s attention.

Maybe that’s why—

⟪Excuse me~. If it’s not too much trouble, can I ask you something?⟫

⟪Ah, uh. Yes, yes, of course.⟫

After carefully observing the crowd, Seong Yoo-seok approached a petite woman. Looking around at what everyone was photographing, he asked curiously what they were all trying to capture.

⟪May I ask what you were taking pictures of just now?⟫

⟪Ah, um... that billboard over there. My favorite idol’s birthday ad is playing on it.⟫

—Oh

—She’s pretty

—?? Isn’t that Nael?

—Why is Crown Princess over there 🤣

—Why is Nael showing up here...?

—An idol?

—Who’s Nael?

—Her voice alone is a dead giveaway 🙄🙄

Following the woman’s pointing finger, Seong Yoo-seok turned to look—and came face to face with a giant billboard. And the smiling girl displayed there.

⟪You mean that one over there? The one that just flashed ‘Happy Birthday’?⟫

⟪Ah, yes. That’s the one.⟫

—Gasp

—What is that?

—Breaking: Diah appears on national broadcast 😂

—So that was Diah’s birthday

—Junior takes down senior live on public TV 🙄🙄

—Diah is ng?

—Welcome, baby

The VJs surrounding Seong Yoo-seok also pointed their cameras at the giant billboard, broadcasting what he and the woman were looking at to the viewers.

And the conversation between the two continued.

⟪Ah... so when you said idol, you meant a virtual idol.⟫

⟪Oh, you know about them?⟫

⟪Of course. She’s a famous one, right?⟫

—Famous one (true)

—Diah is definitely popular, yep

—The amazing part is that she’s actually famous

—What even is Diah?

—Diah getting a shoutout from Seong Yoo-seok is wild

—Who the hell is that

—She really is pretty damn well-known 😂

—The VTuber GOAT finally breaks into public broadcast

—Nael is loving this 🤣🤣

The familiar voice and illustration spreading across <Seongterview> led to plenty of chatter on community sites. And even after the short interview with the woman ended, the internet got even more chaotic.

There were two reasons. One—news that Seong Yoo-seok had mentioned a virtual idol spread to other communities. Two—someone very closely tied to that virtual idol had caught Seong Yoo-seok’s eye.

⟪Uh, um... isn’t that Ha-eun over there?⟫

—?

—???

—Is that really Lee Ha-eun?

—Gasp

—??

—What’s she doing lol

—Why is she showing up now

Even though she had her face hidden under a white baseball cap and mask, Seong Yoo-seok, who had known Ha-eun since she was a child, recognized her instantly.

Most of all, it was always a big deal when a celebrity appeared in a random on-the-street <Seongterview>.

So Seong Yoo-seok and the VJs started walking quickly toward Ha-eun.

And not long after—tap tap.

Seong Yoo-seok’s index finger gently tapped Ha-eun’s shoulder from behind.

⟪Um, excuse me... are you Ha-eun?⟫

⟪...Uh...⟫

Ha-eun, who had been staring up at the billboard just moments before, was now fully caught on camera. And when she turned around and recognized Seong Yoo-seok, her face flashed surprise and awkward happiness.

Now sure that it was indeed Ha-eun, Seong Yoo-seok grabbed her hand for a firm handshake. No matter how you looked at it, getting Ha-eun on <Seongterview> was a huge catch.

⟪Wow, can’t believe I’m running into you here, Ha-eun. How’ve you been?⟫

⟪Ah, yes, yes. I’ve been... fine.⟫

—It’s really her 😳

—This isn’t fake? Why is Lee Ha-eun just there?

—Wait... don’t they know?

—It’s staged for sure. No way the same person can be in two places at once 🤔

—Was she seriously out here taking pics of her own birthday ad? 😂

—She’s seriously gorgeous 😍

—Diah exposed 🤣🤣🤣

—Ahem—Lee Ha-eun and Diah are different people~ 🙄

⟪We’re filming <Seongterview> right now. Would you mind doing a quick interview, Ha-eun?⟫

⟪Uh, um... I... I think I can.⟫

⟪Ah, that’s great, that’s great.⟫

First, there was the fact that they were acquaintances. Second, there was a lot to talk about when it came to Ha-eun. And third, she was currently one of the hottest rising stars.

And so, the impromptu interview with Ha-eun began. The portable chairs for Ha-eun and Seong Yoo-seok were set up in a flash, and the two of them were captured in the same frame.

⟪We’ve been out here filming since this morning, and I never thought we’d run into you like this, Ha-eun.⟫

⟪Ah, ahaha...⟫

⟪Alright, then. Seoul citizen Lee Ha-eun—could you briefly introduce yourself to the viewers?⟫

⟪Hello. I’m Seoul citizen Lee Ha-eun. I’m a celebrity as a hobby.⟫

—Bumping into Lee Ha-eun on the street 😳

—Wait the background 😳

—World’s first on-air crossover of main and alt identities 🤯

—There’s someone very familiar in the background 👀

—Lee Ha-eun: being a celebrity is my hobby 😎

—VTuber obliterates her avatar with the red pill 🧠💥

—She’s seriously gorgeous 😍

—Do not look behind Lee Ha-eun 🚫👀

—Our Ha-eun is a goddess 💗💗💗💗💗

Her baseball cap and mask had both come off, so her face was now clearly visible on camera. Thanks to just finishing a shoot for The Youngest Son of the Chairman, her makeup was fully done.

So it made sense that her appearance was the talk of every community online. In that drama, Yoon Seo-ah was a chaebol heiress—so Ha-eun’s current look gave off rich-girl vibes too.

—Lee Ha-eun Seongterview gif

ㄴ Is that her bare face? She’s gorgeous ✨

ㄴ They said she came straight from drama filming 🎬

ㄴ Looks like full makeup 💄

—Today’s Lee Ha-eun outfit info 🧥👗

ㄴ How do people even find this stuff 🤯

—Ha-eun’s face is glowing 😭✨

ㄴ 😭😭😭😭

ㄴ 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

ㄴ She’s insanely pretty 😭 It’s crazy

ㄴ Now that she’s a college student, she’s got this serene beauty fr ✨

—So that selfie with Seong Yoo-seok on Ha-eun’s Insta was from this 📸

So, while posts about <Seongterview – Lee Ha-eun Edition> kept going up, on TV, Seong Yoo-seok continued a nonstop conversation about Ha-eun’s recent activities—literally without pause.

There were just too many things to talk about. From <God and Goblin> breaking 40% viewership, to her admission into the prestigious Yeryeo University, to her ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) new song “Cotton Candy” topping the charts.

⟪Congratulations again. You’re excelling in acting, academics, and music. There’s nothing you’re missing, Ha-eun.⟫

⟪Ahaha... Thank you. I guess working hard brought good results.⟫

Each topic was a whole story in itself, so her segment ended up getting plenty of airtime. Despite Seong Yoo-seok’s constant praise, Ha-eun kept a composed poker face, nodding diligently.

But around the midpoint of the interview with Ha-eun—

More precisely, while they were talking about the currently airing <The Youngest Son of the Chairman>—

⟪So, were you filming today as well?⟫

⟪Ah, yes. I was filming all afternoon today.⟫

Right after Ha-eun answered, Seong Yoo-seok asked again. He admitted it was a bit late to ask, but—did she have other plans after filming? Could she share why she happened to be at Samseong Station?

⟪Ah, just... I had something to do nearby...⟫

⟪Hold on. Let me try guessing.⟫

Then, with a mischievous smile, Seong Yoo-seok turned and pointed to the digital billboard behind her. He then smoothly took a guess at why Ha-eun was really there.

⟪I saw you taking pictures earlier. Are you also a fan of that virtual idol?⟫

⟪Ah, um... uh... y-yeah. I-I’m a fan.⟫

⟪Thought so. A lot of people were taking pictures earlier too. Oh, come to think of it—you two know each other well, don’t you?⟫

— 😂😂😂😂😂

— 😂😂😂😂

— She’s so busted 🤣

— 😂😂😂😂😂

— RED PILL ALERT 🚨

— ???: “Diah? I don’t know who that is.”

— Lee Ha-eun: “I’m a fan~” Diah: “Thanks~”

— I’m Diah and I’ve never heard of Lee Ha-eun 😶

Seong Yoo-seok was the same guy who, in a past phone interview, already knew Ha-eun had adopted Baekseol. Even though she’d never told him, he kept up with her Insta posts and knew her updates inside out.

[ Your voice sounds cheerful. Mind if I ask what you’re doing right now? ]

‘I-I was just at home relaxing... with my puppy.’

[ Ah right, right. Didn’t you say you adopted a puppy recently? ]

There was no way someone like Seong Yoo-seok, who had such a grip on pop culture, wouldn’t know about the online buzz Ha-eun caused months ago. Sure, there was a bit of a generation gap, so he didn’t know exactly what the relationship between Ha-eun and Diah was—

But he knew enough to tread that line.

⟪Someone told me earlier today’s her birthday. Would you like to leave a short video message to say happy birthday?⟫

⟪Ah, oh. A video message...⟫

⟪Yes. I’m sure she’d love it if you congratulated her. You two are close, right?⟫

He knew Diah being Ha-eun was basically an open secret. Being Korea’s smoothest MC, Seong Yoo-seok walked the line of revealing it without crossing it.

Eventually, hum-hum.

Cornered by his relentless questions, Ha-eun gave in with a zen-like expression, cleared her throat, and delivered a birthday message.

⟪Happy... birthday. I hope you’ll keep being happy. F-fighting...⟫

⟪Yes, congratulations once again~! Diah, I hope you have a great day too~!⟫

Ha-eun was smiling like a soulless shell as she raised her trembling fist in a “fighting” pose. Right next to her, Seong Yoo-seok clapped with full enthusiasm, cheering for Diah’s birthday.

Korea’s top MC had just congratulated Diah on her birthday—but Ha-eun couldn’t exactly express how she felt. The cherry-red ears that made her look like a tomato were a bonus. As for places like the Fantasy Cafe or other internet communities? Yeah, she didn’t even need to check.

Maybe that’s why—

Even the next day, during Diah’s 2nd anniversary stream, she seemed slightly spiritually detached.

“Wow... I can’t believe it’s already been two years... Thank you all so, so much...”

— 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

— 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

— (Cheering SD Noeul emoji) x7

— Is it just me, or is Diah’s voice kinda shaky? 😢

— Happy 2nd anniversary 🎉🎉🎉

— Can’t believe it’s been two years already 😳

At least it wasn’t obvious enough that the Noeuls in chat noticed. Soon enough, Ha-eun regained her usual broadcast energy and went full Diah mode.

— Ding

[ orue1001 donated ₩10,000! ]

: It’s been three years since you started streaming, but how are you still one year old?

“Diah will be one forever─☆ ...What, you want me to age or something?”

— 🙅🙅🙅🙅🙅

— Staying one is perfect

— You people are sick 😵‍💫

— 🙅🙅🙅🙅🙅🙅

— The younger the better 🙃

— Diah must never age, fr

— Nothing beats kids... except younger kids... and even younger kids... and even younger kids

— Officer! Right over here! 🚨

So with her usual tone and energy, Diah powered through her second anniversary stream. Then she proudly declared that she would “return to her roots” for her 2nd debut anniversary.

“Today... I’m going back to the beginning...! Hiya!”

And a few seconds later—poof. A cloud of smoke puffed up, and Diah’s outfit completely changed.

Dark sunglasses perched on her nose. A drawn-on scar on her cheek like from a marker. A white stick—not a cigarette, but a lollipop. A black leather jacket, like the kind bikers wear.

“Oi. Someone bring me a cotton candy—now!”

— 🤨

— 😳

— What’s happening

— Baby turned into a gangster 😭😭😭😭

— ❓ 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

— She’s gone full delinquent

— We’re doomed. Diah’s hit puberty 😵

“What the hell! Move it, move it! One second late, and you get ten whacks—ten!”

Chat exploded at the sight of Diah acting like a total delinquent. But there was a reason she didn’t drop the act right away.

If you really think back, Diah was talking rudely and ditching manners even in her debut stream. So maybe going even more unfiltered was just another way to “return to her roots.”

— Ding

[ username님 donated ₩10,000! ]

: H-here... I brought you the cotton candy... p-please don’t hit me...

“Ugh! This is banana flavor! Did I say banana?! I said strawberry! Bend over!”

— Wait what

— Gasp

— Heeuuung

— (Perverted SD Noeul emoji) x9

— Did she just say what I think she said

— Breaking: Diah spanks you for wrong cotton candy flavor

— (Shocked SD Noeul emoji) x7

— Ehehehe

— Diah, what did you just say?! 😳

More than anything, Diah had prepared a bunch of new stuff for her 2nd anniversary. So trying a new “gangster” concept didn’t seem like a bad idea.

That’s when she summoned Noeul’s SD avatar into her arms. She picked one random Noeul from the chat and trapped them in her embrace.

[owawawa318] – Gasp

[owawawa318] – Please hug me

“Open your eyes wide... You’re gonna want to see this real clearly...”

Click click.

She turned on her stream camera and showed off merch on the desk. First, she grabbed her close-up face cushion with both hands and, in a more threatening tone, started pushing sales.

“You see this close-up face cushion? You gonna buy it or not? You’ve got three seconds to answer...”

[owawawa318] – Oh

[owawawa318] – I wanna punch that face so bad

“Wh-what did you say?! You got a death wish?!”

[owawawa318] – But like

[owawawa318] – What happens

[owawawa318] – if I don’t buy it

“Hah. There’s no such thing as not buying. You buy it. No matter what.”

— She’s a full-on gangster now 😮

— No seriously, I wanna punch that face so bad lol

— The face cushion is adorable tho 😂

— This might spark controversy 🤔

— Wow, celebrity hands 😳

— Her hands are too babyish to be a thug’s lol

— Raise the cam a little plz raise the cam a little plz x5

— Her fingers are baby white 🥺

— Do a finger heart pls, 11th request

— Those hands aren’t gangster hands 😂