From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

Chapter 988: Bad Apple Approved Or Disapproved?

The theater was filled with muffled sobs, audible even as the movie's closing music blasted through the speakers.

Jian's death scene had struck deeper than anyone had anticipated, transforming him from a character despised in the book to one mourned in the film.

It was in his final act of sacrifice that Jian had become human-a figure people could root for. And though fans knew how the story would end, watching it unfold unexpectedly made everyone feel they were reading the book for the first time.

In the audience, the DAWN members Jisung and Jaeyong clung to each other, wiping their tear-streaked faces. "My bro," Jisung sniffled. "Why did he have to die?"

Jaeyong, similarly affected, nodded, choking back more tears. "June really killed it," he mumbled.

Akira, though moved himself, glanced at them and shook his head, offering a small, knowing smile. "Nah, he got killed," he snickered.

The movie continued, its final scenes portraying an uneasy peace as the rival factions-the shadows and the light, the kindness and anger-found equilibrium.

They were flawed, complex, and forced to coexist despite their differences, and it was in that unity of contrasts that their true strength emerged.

The screen went dark, and a moment of heavy silence settled over the audience.

Then, slowly, people began to clap.

The applause grew louder, and the theater lights came up, revealing a standing ovation.

The cast and director, along with Writer Risa, made their way onto the stage, their faces shining with pride, tears, and exhaustion.

Hana and Taehyun, visibly moved, wiped away tears as they took in the applause and cheers. Everyone could tell it was June's performance that had pulled at the heartstrings most, and it was the same for them.

"Who allowed him to have such a sad backstory?" Hana muttered as she wiped another lone tear from her eyes.

Director Jam stepped forward, feeling giddy all of a sudden.

"Thank you all," he said into the microphone. "None of this would have been possible without every single person here, especially our amazing cast, who brought this story to life in ways I hadn't even imagined. And our Writer Risa, who gave us a story worth telling."

As the applause continued, Risa waved shyly, mouthing her thanks to the crowd.

But the loudest cheers were unmistakably for June.

The audience couldn't help it.

They flocked toward him after the ovation, trying to take a photo with him.

"June, please take a photo with me."

"You smell really good."

"Oh, wow! You really don't have pores.

Near the back of the theater, Director Jam spotted a familiar face in the crowd.

He grimaced, shaking his head as he recognized him.

"Oh, no... not him."

"Who?" Risa asked.

Director Jam subtly nodded in his direction. "I hate that guy."

Hana, who was standing beside him, followed his gaze and sighed. "Ugh, it's Bad Apple. He's never given me a good review, not even for my best performances. It's always 'mediocre,' at best."

She wrinkled her nose, crossing her arms.

Taehyun laughed. "That is Bad Apple, right? The guy hates everything except blockbuster thrillers and international action movies. The only movies he's ever reviewed positively are the ones he thinks are too big to fail. Fun fact he hates adaptations the most! He thinks they've never done justice to the book."

Then, he shrugged, managing a slightly nervous grin. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see. He's probably going to tear us apart in the review."

But just as he said that one crew member gasped.

"Bad Apple has posted!" she exclaimed. The word got around the theater, and the cast members found themselves huddled in one corner while June was still busy with his fans.

Hana, Taehyun, and the others all pressed closer, preparing to dissect what they feared would be a harsh critique.

But as they read, their expressions changed from apprehension to shock and then something close to disbelief.

Bad Apple's Review: Untouched Souls

'In a world oversaturated with high-budget, high-stakes films, few manage to reach the soul of the audience. Yet, Untouched Souls managed to surprise me. From the moment the opening credits rolled, I was skeptical. The plot followed familiar ground: a power struggle, factions locked in endless rivalry, a cast of characters whose choices seal their fates in predictable ways.'

'But it was in the film's second half where something unexpected happened. The character Jian, previously written as one-dimensional in the original story, emerged as a figure whose actions and inner turmoil left even this critic astonished.'

'Let's get something straight-this is not your typical character arc. Jian's transformation conveyed depth and humanity that I rarely see, creating a twist that deviates from the book's limitations. Director Jam and Writer Risa took a risk in allowing their protagonist to be overshadowed by his own brother's complex, conflicted journey. And it was a risk that paid

off.'

'Then, there's the matter of the actor who brought Jian to life: June. Now, this might be his first major film, but it won't be his last. His portrayal of Jian held such restraint that every scene he appeared in made me lose my breath. He understood his character to the bone.'

'The climax scene-the one that left the entire theater breathless-might just go down as one of this year's most memorable cinematic moments. I found myself invested in Jian's story in a way I hadn't anticipated. And if you've read my reviews before, you'll know that this rarely

happens.'

"He's praising us, right?" Taehyun asked, his jaw slightly unhinged.

Hana clicked her tongue with a small smile. "Can't you read?"

"I can," Taehyun gulped. "I just can't believe it. Not a single criticism has arisen just yet."

"Shh! I'm not finished reading yet," Hana said, elbowing his side.

'To put it bluntly, this film is more than the sum of its parts. Untouched Souls brings new life

to well-worn themes, turning them into an emotional rollercoaster. I urge anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to experience it for themselves.'

'Thus, this is Bad Apple Approved.'

'4.5 good apples over 5'