The campaign studio occupied a corner of the broadcast wing, transformed by three lights, a metallic RISE OF THE IDOLS backdrop, and a screen displaying my finalist portrait at an unnecessarily heroic size.
A camera faced the interview chair. I knew the setup. Every answer would be cut into a final appeal for votes, preferably with enough dramatic pauses to justify the background music.
"Han Jiwon-ssi, please sit here."
The segment producer guided me beneath my enormous photograph. I sat, feeling the lights warm my cheeks.
"We'll begin with your return, then record your message to viewers," she explained, scrolling through her tablet.
"There's significant interest in your reinstatement. We want audiences to understand everything you've overcome."
Overcome. As though I'd won a battle instead of been suspended for an inaccurate application and allowed to return under conditions.
