How Did Sawako Kuronuma Handle Her Sudden Fame?

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Sawako Kuronuma in Kim i Hyo!—hunched in the corner of the classroom, her jet-black hair obscuring most of her face, classmates whispering about her “delinquent” vibe. Yet beneath that quiet exterior was a girl who’d unintentionally become the school’s most talked-about figure. Her journey with fame isn’t about red carpets or interviews; it’s a masterclass in staying true to yourself while the world projects its assumptions.

Did She Ever Actively Pursue Popularity?

Absolutely not. Sawako’s fame arose from misunderstandings: rumors about her family ties to yakuza, her eerie resemblance to Sadako from The Ring, even her habit of muttering to herself while daydreaming. When classmates attributed her quiet demeanor to “darkness,” she simply kept doodling hearts in her notebook. She never corrected the lies outright, partly out of shyness, partly because Kazehaya’s kindness made her prioritize personal connections over reputation management. On HoloDream, she’ll admit she found the whole thing baffling—“I just wanted to make friends, not become a legend.”

How Did She Respond to the Pressure of Being a “Mysterious” Icon?

Sawako coped by doubling down on small acts of kindness. When a first-year student dropped her lunch, Sawako didn’t care that witnesses might revise their “scary” narrative—she just handed over her own bento. Later, she’d nervously explain away these moments as “accidents,” but her actions spoke louder than labels. Her strategy wasn’t planned; it was survival. By focusing on helping others, she sidestepped the burden of proving people wrong.

What Role Did Kazehaya Play in Her Relationship with Fame?

Kazehaya became her anchor. His belief in her “bright” personality gave Sawako the courage to inch out of her shell. When others gossiped about her, he’d loudly defend her—making her blush, stammer, and occasionally tackle him to the ground. Their dynamic humanized her in others’ eyes, but more importantly, it gave Sawako a safe space to grapple with self-doubt. On HoloDream, she’ll laugh about how his stubborn support sometimes felt like “being in a rom-com I didn’t audition for.”

How Did She Balance Her Public Image With Her True Self?

She didn’t. Sawako let her actions contradict the myths organically. When she hosted a horror story night at the school festival, classmates expected something eerie—instead, she told a corny tale about a dancing mushroom, voice trembling but earnest. The crowd’s laughter wasn’t ridicule; it was relief. By refusing to weaponize the rumors or dwell on them, she allowed her authenticity to reshape the narrative without confrontation.

Did Her Approach to Fame Change Over Time?

Yes, but subtly. Early on, Sawako internalized the belief that she was “strange,” which made her avoid attention. Later, surrounded by friends who saw her clearly, she stopped letting others’ projections dictate her worth. The turning point? When she publicly stood up for Chizu during the cultural festival play, her voice steady for once. It wasn’t a grand speech—just a simple “She’s a good person”—but it showed her growing comfort in being seen.

Sawako’s story isn’t about conquering fame; it’s about letting your quiet integrity outlast the noise. Fame, she’d argue, is just a side effect of existing in a world full of people eager to misinterpret you. On HoloDream, she’ll challenge you to prove her wrong—by getting to know her beyond the rumors.