小火星

The production PD, standing next to Director Kwon Ki-taek, responded to the director’s muttering.

“Director, what did you just say? A monster?”

“No.”

However, Director Kwon Ki-taek, with his arms crossed, shook his head.

“I was talking to myself.”

He answered smoothly, staring intently at Kang Woojin in the interrogation room. Woojin was filming a solo cut for the same scene.

‘There would have been no reason to audition if the acting was so outrageous. From my point of view, he will receive countless offer calls once this drama airs.’

Did Woo Hyun-goo not see Kang Woojin’s acting? If he had seen it, he would not have pushed for audition.

‘Now he’s on the decline, but to refuse master director woo hyun-goo – does he have that much courage or is he fearless?’

Then, Director Kwon Ki-taek recalled Kang Woojin’s appearance that he saw in the morning.

‘Wasn’t he amazed at the large studio? The image is different from now. Is he the type that has a different look when acting and in normal times?’

Soon, Director Kwon Ki-taek asked the production PD again.

“What do you think of that rookie?”

The production PD, who had also been watching Kang Woojin, quickly responded.

“He’s amazing; his acting is beyond criticism. The detail, it’s unbelievable. I want to watch him up close.”

“Breath control, restraint, yet there’s explosiveness. Look at his gaze. It’s astounding. Ryu Jung-min, who saw him up close, must have been stunned.”

The casting director (CD) who was with them chimed in.

“It must be method acting. It’s hard to see it as acting; it feels like he’s showing us the character itself. His script analysis and comprehension are exceptional.”

The production PD turned his head.

“Is this the first time you’ve seen him, CD Kim? I’m seeing him for the first time.”

“Yes, I’m unfamiliar too. Honestly, there’s no place he hasn’t been in theater, musicals, or entertainment. I’m a bit perplexed, too; an actor like him should have stood out … Sorry, Director. My search was lacking.”

As CD bowed his head, and Director Kwon Ki-taek calmly shook his head.

“No, maybe he just dropped out of nowhere. PD Song would know the situation best. But more than that.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been alternating his gaze between Ryu Jung-min and Kang Woojin on the set, stroked his chin.

“It seems that the rumor that he raised the quality of acting is true. Ryu Jung-min, he outdid my expectations. He’s put a lot of effort into it.”

“Yes, his form has certainly improved a lot.”

“That’s not just improved form. He’s taken a big step as an actor.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, speaking calmly, pointed at Kang Woojin with his index finger.

“And probably the catalyst that raised the acting form of this work’s actors was that newcomer.”

“Do you mean the rookie named Kang Woojin?”

“Yes. From my perspective, it doesn’t look like Ryu Jung-min is leading him; but it’s like Ryu Jung-min is trying to keep up with him. Usually, the top actors are the pillars of the scene, right? They guide and support the rest.”

“Yes, the atmosphere, relationships with staff, etc.”

“But in this work, the male lead Ryu Jung-minis is solely focused on acting, disregarding everything else. Look at Ryu Jung-min’s eyes. Is he looking around? He’s only looking at the rookie opposite him. He’s constantly maintaining his character.”

The production PD and the CD nodded their heads. They were listening and watching, Ryu Jung-min indeed seemed to be concentrating solely on acting. In the picture, the rookie named Kang Woojin seemed to be at the forefront. Anyway, Director Kwon Ki-taek was certain.

“I don’t know the whole situation, but it seems that the actors, including Ryu Jung-min, were spurred on by that kid Kang Woojin.”

“Hmm-”

“Think about it. We’re talking about a work by writer Park Eun-mi, and it’s on the set of the heavyweight PD Song. If a nameless, unknown newcomer acts better, wouldn’t the public notice?”

“It would scratch the pride of the great tops.”

“Overall, the quality of the work has gone up. That newcomer is playing a major role in this drama, though I don’t know if he realizes it.”

At this time, the CD who had been scanning the large set studio, joined in.

“Director, since you’ve confirmed everything, how about leaving? Staff and actor’s managers are starting to glance over here.”

It was true. Especially, Ryu Jung-min’s side was whispering. If they stayed any longer, it was only a matter of time before it became noisy. However, the gentle Director Kwon Ki-taek was reluctant to leave.

‘It’s a shame, I’d like to watch till the end if the situation allows.’

He had a strong desire to watch a little more. He was drawn not only to Ryu Jung-min but especially to that unbelievable rookie Kang Woojin. More precisely, he was drawn to his acting.

“That kid’s acting has the power to captivate the gaze.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek let out a sigh full of regret, murmuring softly even as he moved on.

“But what have you been doing to show up just now?”

A few hours later, in the afternoon.

The ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team continued filming non-stop. They had gathered early in the morning and now it was afternoon. Except for lunch, they were fully dedicated to filming, and thanks to that, they were able to shoot quite a lot of scenes.

However.

“Lighting team! The light is flickering here?!”

“I’ll check it right away!”

“Boom mic!! PD, be alert!! It can’t come down and get caught in the camera like before!”

“Yes, yes!”

“Coffee, coffee! Please refill the coffee here!”

The large set studio was still bustling. The sun had already set, but the energy of dozens of staff members wasn’t much different from the morning.

People were running, setting up, shouting, checking.

The set was rolling non-stop. Of course, all the staff must have been tired, but no one showed it. They seemed invigorated instead.

“We nailed those scenes just now, right??”

“Absolutely, it was amazing watching Jung-min and Woojin act… Ahh.”

“Isn’t this really going to be a huge hit?”

“Definitely! Haha, we might get a reward vacation after a long time!”

From the very first shoot, the acting of the actors was extraordinarily good. That meant the quality of the visuals captured would be high. This would inevitably impact viewer ratings.

So, the numerous staff members were filled with anticipation.

Meanwhile.

‘I’m dying. I might really die.’

Sitting on the set of the investigation room, Kang Woojin felt almost soulless. Of course, he kept a stern face out of habit, but he was screaming internally.

‘This is more… much more intense than I thought? What did I do here today? Ah- right, acting. It’s okay; I think I acted properly.’

The pace at which things moved was different from during ‘Exorcism’. PD Song man-woo called ‘cut’, then immediately ‘action’ followed. Then ‘cut’ again, followed by ‘action’ again.

What on earth is this speed?

He had prepared for it, but the volume and speed far exceeded his expectations. It was tough for Kang Woojin, who had only been an actor for two months, and he couldn’t adapt to the urgent atmosphere on set. He felt like he was floating in this vast space.

But there was no turning back now. He had to grit his teeth and endure.

‘Ah- I don’t know. It’ll work out somehow as I keep doing it. I won’t really die.’

What was fortunate was that the character ‘Park Dae-ri’, which Kang Woojin portrayed, had become clearer compared to before, and the time it took to bring it out was almost non-existent. The lines were, of course, ingrained clearly. Kang Woojin was once again grateful for the ability of Void space.

At that moment,

-Swoosh.

Ryu Jung-min, who had just finished checking his hair, entered the set. He sat on the opposite side of Kang Woojin with a script in her hand, and with his appearance, Woojin further hardened his poker face.

“······”

“······”

They hadn’t talked much since this morning. Ryu Jung-min was maintaining his character, while Woojin simply had nothing to say. He felt awkward around such a handsome top actor.

The staff watching this were impressed.

“They both look so serious even when they’re not filming?”

“I’ve heard that actors often have psychological battles with each other, especially when filming sensitive scene.”

“Oh, so are they both still engaged in a psychological battle as Yu Ji-hyeong and Park Dae-ri?”

“I suppose so. It must be why their acting look so amazing.”

On the other hand, Kang Woojin was just having a psychological battle with himself. Should I pretend to read the script as well since Ryu Jung-min is reading his? Thanks to this, Woojin calmly picked up and opened the script.

‘But it’s a bit cold here.’

Although it was spring, the nights were still chilly. Furthermore, the studio itself was full of cold air. Therefore, Kang Woojin felt slightly chilly. His fingertips were slightly trembling. But Ryu Jung-min, who was sitting across from him and glancing at Woojin, did not miss this.

“Park Dae-ri, it’s not easy to recover from emotions, right? Trembling with emotion and all. My hand cramped up earlier too.”

Indeed, the keen eye of a top actor. But Woojin wondered what he was talking about. Suddenly, what’s this about emotional recovery? Though he didn’t understand, Woojin decided to give Ryu Jung-min a heavy stare. He thought it was best to tell the truth here.

“No, I’m just a bit cold.”

“It’s okay. An actor can’t be perfect in everything. Emotional recovery is a natural process. I know you couldn’t make it last time at the script reading party because you were recovering.”

No, it’s cold, senior. Why don’t you believe me? During the script reading, Kang Woojin was sound asleep. Woojin was a bit frustrated internally, but Ryu Jung-min, who didn’t know this, showed a pleasant smile.

“I know very well, so feel at ease.”

“···Thank you for your consideration, senior.”

At this moment, PD Song man-woo, who was talking with the lighting director and other key staff, shouted out.

“Okay! Jung-min, Woojin! Let’s rehearse from the next scene’s lines!”

Kang Woojin, who handed the script to the Road manager Jang Su-hwan, felt something vaguely in the situation just now.

‘Isn’t this… even if I expose the act, people won’t believe it, right?’

Afterward.

The first shoot of ‘Profiler Hanryang’, which Kang Woojin participated in, ended late at night. And one record was set during this shoot.

The record was boldly announced by PD Song Man-woo in the returning van.

“Do you know how many NGs (No Goods) happened today? 15, 15 times. Among them, there were five that came out due to lighting problems or such on-site mistakes, and the actor’s NG were all ten?”

There were very few NGs. Ryu Jung-min had 7 and Kang Woojin had 3. However, Woojin’s NGs were not from mistakes, but because the expression was too intense.

Strictly speaking, Kang Woojin made no mistakes at all.

Well, he was the one who received the buff of the void space, so it was natural that there were none.

Even male lead Ryu Jung-min knew this. Thanks to that, Ryu Jung-min was seething in the van on the way back.

“7 times… 5 of them were line mistakes.”

“Jung-min, 7 is a very small number, right?”

“Kang Woojin didn’t make any line mistakes today. I was embarrassed today because he was acting like a senior.”

“That’s… Kang Woojin is a bit abnormal.”

“It’s abnormal for a top actor to make more line mistakes than a newcomer. Brother, please get my lines right today. Sleep at our house and go.”

“Eh? Ah…yes, yes.”

Meanwhile, as Kang Woojin parted with Choi Sung-gun,

Choi Sung-gun exclaimed.

“Woojin! You were the best today, the best! You know that, right?! Both Song PD and the staff all praised you!”

“Ah, yes. High praise. Yes.”

“You won’t get much sleep, but rest well! You have a standby tomorrow morning at 7am, So I’ll pick you up at 5 am!”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

As soon as Kang Woojin arrived in his one-room apartment, he collapsed onto his bed without even changing his clothes. Washing was a hassle. His whole body was exhausted. Being an actor or not, he wanted to sleep for a full 24 hours just like this.

“Ugh- It’s really, really hard.”

Anyway, he had to go out again in 5 hours and 30 minutes. It would be fine if he went out like this after sleeping.

“Ah, I still have to brush my teeth at least?”

His mind was telling him to, but Woojin’s body wouldn’t move. The tension and pressure from the large-scale scene he experienced for the first time still lingered in his body. He couldn’t even remember what he did. It was just filming, filming, filming.

He didn’t care anymore. Kang Woojin closed his eyes.

At that time.

-Brrrr, Brrrrrr.

The cellphone tucked in the back pocket of his jeans vibrated long. Barely checking the caller, it was none other than.

-Hong Hye-yeon.

It was top actress Hong Hye-yeon. She probably wanted to encourage him as the first filming had ended.

“······”

For some reason, Kang Woojin just stared at his phone screen. Normally, he would have been curious and answered it right away. Soon, Kang Woojin closed his eyes and put down his phone.

“I’m sorry, Hong Hye-yeon.”

Sleep was his priority now.

The next day, early in the morning.

In front of a huge set complex in Ilsan. Of course, it was the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ set, and PD Song man-woo was sitting alone in the minivan parked in the parking lot. He was stroking his goatee and looking down at his phone.

Then.

-Slide.

Suddenly the back door of the minivan opened and a man got in. It was Master director Kwon Ki-taek, who had also come to the set yesterday. Interestingly, even with his unexpected appearance, PD Song Man-woo was quite relaxed.

“Hello, Director.”

“Nice to see you. I didn’t get to greet you yesterday, PD.”

The reason was simple. They had already agreed to meet. Thanks to PD Song man-woo’s busy schedule, director Kwon Ki-taek had visited again.

“Haha, that’s okay. We both had things to do.”

“Thank you for taking the time today even though you’re busy.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who shook hands with PD Song man-woo while speaking smoothly. Anyway, in the minivan, the big shots of the movie and drama world sat face to face. PD Song man-woo started the conversation quickly.

“Did you get a good look at Ryu Jung-min yesterday?”

“Yeah, his acting form has improved a lot.”

“That’s fortunate. Did you see him for the casting of your next work?”

“That’s right. It’s still confidential though.”

“I see. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was nodding his head slowly, smiled faintly.

“But there was that newcomer yesterday, what’s his name, Kang Woojin.”

As if PD Song man-woo was waiting, he replied.

“Yes, Woojin. You must have been surprised.”

“Surprised? No. I couldn’t sleep last night, thinking about that kid. The reason I wanted to meet today is partly because of Kang Woojin. Where did you find him? Theatre? Even our casting department had no idea.”

“I didn’t find him so much as he suddenly fell from the sky.”

“···Suddenly fell? Really? So you mean you didn’t find him?”

“Yes. It would be accurate to say he appeared at the right time.”

“Um, if it’s okay, can you give me some information about that kid?”

I don’t know much myself. Woojin is a friend shrouded in a veil.”

“At least that’s fine.”

Soon, PD Song man-woo looked at Director Kwon-taek’s face for a moment and then opened his mouth. His eyes were full of excitement.

“First of all, Woojin has been acting alone. Without anyone’s help, alone.”

“···Hmm? What do you mean? alone?”

The drama mogul infected the film mogul with his misunderstanding.

“You’ll see if you investigate, but Woojin has no connections in the domestic acting scene. It’s almost certain that he is self-taught.”

“···?”

PD Song man-woo was the origin¹.

Meanwhile, in Kang Woojin’s van.

The van carrying Kang Woojin and his team, including Choi Sung-gun, is driving down the road. Naturally, their destination was the large set of ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

In the van, Kang Woojin was.

“……..”

Although he was cynically looking out the window, but inside he was dispirited. He was sleep-deprived. Regardless, Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat and stylist Han Yejung had high combat power. They had a deep conversation about today’s shooting.

Then.

“Ah, that’s right. Woojin.”

Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat turned around and called Kang Woojin.

“I’m sorry to disturb you while you’re thinking about the script, but I got this.”

He handed Woojin a bundle of papers, and Kang Woojin received the bundle and asked in a low voice.

“Thank you. But what is this?”

Choi Sung-gun, who had been grinning, gave a simple answer.

“You asked me to get it, right? A Japanese scenario.”

*****

TL Notes:

1) Origin here means that he is the origin of the misunderstanding

*****