episode_0017
by fnovelpiaA week was more than enough for articles to pour down like a torrential rain.
[Special Task Force… Finally a Production Green Light]
[“The Audience Should Know About Kim Yu-han’s Role Too”]
[That Role They Have to Hide… Why?]
The weight of the crown of being a highly anticipated project, ‘Special Task Force 808’ kept growing in size with just the news of entering production. And at the eye of the storm, there was Lee Su-a.
Vrrr─ Vrrr─ Vrrr─
Thump─!
“Ah, damn it. Out of ink?”
Completely unaware of the pouring articles and rumors, she was just running the printer all day long. Naturally, it was scripts and scenarios.
“Drama fans, their affection is more immense than I thought…”
In the case of works that enjoyed great popularity, fans would create scripts organized with pure affection, which was welcome for Su-a. Because each and every one becomes valuable material.
The only reason for printing was for acting training.
▶ Experience Complete
▶ Experience Complete
▶ Experience Complete ….
As a result, what unfolded before her eyes was the fruition of her efforts. Su-a experienced countless scripts.
“Acting. To survive, there’s only acting. Really.”
Su-a had actually been repeating these words since dawn.
‘I’m being greatly mistaken for something.’
Regardless of Su-a’s intentions, she herself knew that she was currently being perceived as a ‘promising, skilled rookie.’ To survive, she had no choice but to really become skilled.
…Especially after the company dinner, this feeling became really strong.
“And personality… well, I’ll try to work on it…”
Fixing her timid nature. In fact, this was more difficult than acting practice. But she was still trying. Repeating ‘Su-a, you’ll be a great actress!’ to herself….
Afterward, she repeated systematic training.
“First, I’ll record myself reenacting it… Ah, the angle’s off. I have to do it again. After that, I’ll look up the original video that another actor acted in…”
Comparing what she recreated with the actual drama scene.
Whether the original actors felt similarly to how Su-a felt, whether the interpretation the script gave was consistent with the original work, and if there were differences, which one was better….
Thanks to that, she felt her acting skills were improving rapidly, and she especially felt it strongly when she thought like this.
“I feel like I could do better than that actor?”
Su-a muttered, “Oh, really?” to herself.
“…Or not? Was that too cocky? Am I crazy?”
But after even checking the video she had recreated, she was certain. Su-a, before she knew it, was feeling even the minute shortcomings and emotions of other actors.
“See, see! If you look up things that seem weird at first glance, the ratings are always smashed! If I had acted, it wouldn’t have flopped this much…. Ah, what am I saying. Let’s be humble, Lee Su-a.”
Su-a slapped her own mouth. I must be crazy.
You’re a rookie actress, you fool! You have no experience!
Anyway, since she could feel her skills improving, the process wasn’t just difficult. Su-a was actually able to feel joy and pride.
However….
Su-a tilted her head.
“Still… I still don’t get it…?”
Her small hand touched the scripts.
“…What exactly is the standard for a role that doesn’t become a hit?”
That’s when it happened.
[ Proficiency in Special Ability has Increased! ]
[ Ability to Observe Role Suitability is Now Available! ]
[ The ‘Unsuitable Role Blocking’ Function Has Disappeared. ]
“Huh?”
As she examined the details of her special ability due to the sudden appearance of a notification window, she was able to immediately understand what had changed.
Kim Yu-han ─ 001 (Suitability A)
Lee Kang-cheol ─ 002 (Suitability B)
Ha Yun-jin ─ 003 (Suitability B)
.
.
.
Kim Hyo-jin ─ 004 (Suitability F)
Su-a’s eyes widened.
“Kim Hyo-jin’s suitability is only F? So that’s why it never became a hit? The automatic removal function completely blocked it.”
She could vaguely guess why it was only showing it now that her proficiency had increased. It was as if her special ability was whispering to try experiencing more freely based on her increased skills.
“Ooh…. Special ability, you’re a little touching…?”
In this world where everyone misunderstands Su-a, wasn’t her special ability the only one taking her side? Su-a felt a sense of warmth welling up in a corner of her heart.
“Alright, let’s stop practicing here for now…. Next!”
Su-a quickly picked up a script.
It was a short historical film, ‘Sword.’
◈◈◈◈◈
[ Short Historical Film ‘Sword’ ]
▶ Sufficient Implementation Elements
▶ Experience Complete / Grade 2.
In the current situation where the production of ‘Special Task Force 808’ was confirmed, Su-a continued to be interested in other works.
That’s because it would be foolish to throw away all the Grade 2 projects just because she landed one Grade 1 project, right? That’s what Su-a thought.
‘A filmography isn’t completed with just one line.’
Just searching for Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il, who are currently enjoying great popularity among the public, was enough for her to deeply realize it. The major works lined up by year were enviable and amazing.
Moreover, one more thing.
─I’ll send you the scripts as soon as they’re completed.
That’s what the casting director said, and writer Lee Geum-suk also predicted that she would rewrite Kim Yu-han’s role from the beginning. All these factors indicate one thing.
Time.
Su-a was given time.
‘There’s quite a bit of time left until I receive the Kim Yu-han script, and I don’t want to just do nothing while waiting.’
Other actors would be anxious about whether they could receive the Kim Yu-han script even a little earlier. Because receiving a script that they haven’t even mastered right before filming is like a bolt from the blue.
But at least Su-a didn’t have such worries. What does it matter when I receive it? I have my special ability.
[ Short Historical Film ‘Sword’ ]
Therefore, Su-a embarked on a full-fledged script exploration. Starting by opening the phone book in the special ability hotel’s phone booth.
Ha-ryeong (Lead Role) ─ Suitability B
Wi Ji-hye (Lead Role) ─ Suitability A
Hwa-cheon (Supporting Role) ─ Suitability D ….
“Wow, even the names scream historical drama.”
Now it became possible to experience all the roles, but the supporting roles and extras all had low suitability.
Therefore, the goal was Wi Ji-hye. From Su-a’s perspective, it was best to land the lead role with the highest suitability.
Now, all that was left was to experience Wi Ji-hye right away.
“….”
Her outstretched hand froze.
Then she reached out again, but stopped once more.
“Hmm….”
She kept hesitating. There was something that bothered her.
“…But, why is the production team here so quiet?”
The production team of the short historical film ‘Sword’ was suspiciously quiet. The difference was especially large when compared to the beverage CF.
Su-a turned on her cell phone and looked at the text messages she had received.
[ Energy Drink ‘Fever’ Interview Information ]
Hello, Lee Su-a-nim. This is the Energy Drink CF team. First of all, thank you for applying 🙂
If you have any questions regarding the interview, please feel free to contact us at the number above. Thank you.
While the beverage CF side was periodically announcing the schedule with a friendly attitude, the short film side had no contact whatsoever.
‘Is it usually like this? Or is there a problem?’
No matter how much she racked her brain alone, she couldn’t come up with an answer. Because Su-a was a rookie. Because she was inexperienced.
“….”
Help me, friends. She finally opened the group chat room.
[ Saengji: Guys, I think I’ll be busy for a while ]
[ Saengji: I’ll work hard and come back…. ]
“Oh? Saengji’s busy of all people?”
Actually, she was going to ask Saengji, but it was difficult. She had no choice. Su-a typed with the feeling of grabbing at straws.
[ Su-a: Is there anyone who’s interested in movies? ]
[ Su-a: It’s a short film called Sword ]
[ Monkeying: Sword? I know about it. ]
[ Monkeying: How do you know about that? ]
[ Su-a: …That’s what I want to say? ]
Su-a sincerely wrote and replied like that.
Monkeying, he’s not a monkey for nothing. A monkey that clings to the tree called computer all day long. A cyber talent who diligently plays games and rummages through galleries every day.
…Such a guy knows about movies? Why?
[ Su-a: You’re interested in movies? ]
[ Monkeying: More accurately, Yang Ha-rin is in it ]
[ Su-a: Who’s Yang Ha-rin again ]
[ Monkeying: Seriously, how do you not know Yang Ha-rin? ]
[ Deer: Su-a originally knows even less ]
-Chat room administrator has kicked Deer out-
-Deer has entered.-
[ Deer: Stop it. ]
[ Su-a: So who is Yang Ha-rin. ]
[ Blackbear: A strong candidate for the Rookie Award this year ]
[ Monkeying: She’s pretty because she used to be an idol ]
A former idol, a candidate for the Rookie Award….
Su-a thought. Amazing.
[ Su-a: Okay, I understand for now. Thanks everyone ]
Afterward, she searched the portal site and found that her friends’ answers were correct.
She was pretty even to Su-a, and a production factory that was working on filming without a break with the goal of winning the Rookie Award this year. Yang Ha-rin was like that.
‘The production team didn’t have to send kind messages to the participants one by one. Because they had already caught Yang Ha-rin.’
We even have Yang Ha-rin!
You still won’t participate? Huh, we won’t miss you even if you don’t come!
Maybe that was their mindset? Su-a turned off her interest, presuming only that for now. It was information she looked up because she was worried that it might have been canceled, but other than that, it was fine.
That’s when it happened.
─♩♪♬
Suddenly, a phone call came, and Su-a reflexively freaked out immediately after checking the caller’s name.
“Oh my god.”
Seo Yeon-ju.
That was the caller’s name. With every hair on her body standing on end, Su-a answered the phone while trembling. Why did she suddenly call? Did she perhaps know that Su-a had bought the doll?
Or did she really report it to the police…?
“Su-a-ssi. How have you been lately? No. It’s okay if I speak informally, right? We’re not strangers, and it’s about time we spoke comfortably.”
First, Seo Yeon-ju was the one to break the silence.
Su-a tried to answer as calmly as possible, but a chilly voice, surprising even herself, leaked out due to her sharp wariness.
“What’s the matter?”
“…Ugh, your reaction is so cold?”
Seo Yeon-ju chuckled and muttered.
“I was just wondering if you were keeping up with the articles pouring out these days.”
Su-a thought. Articles? What articles?
“No.”
“I recommend you take a look. You’re already a hot topic, Su-a.”
…What am I a hot topic for? Because I haven’t given up on my hobby of collecting rabbit dolls even at this age? And I even bought it with someone else’s card?
Su-a first shook her head vigorously.
“…Please tell me the reason for your call.”
“I was thinking of calling you every now and then to ask how you’re doing. But, after hearing Su-a’s voice, I think I need to get permission first? Is it still too early for us to be that close?”
She’s going to call like this every now and then?
Sweat trickled down Su-a’s forehead.
‘Why is she doing this? Did she catch my weakness or something?’
Or is she trying to monitor me or something?
“Ah, you do you. It’s up to you anyway, Yeon-ju-ssi.”
Su-a squeezed her eyes shut and hung up the phone.
Meanwhile.
“….”
Seo Yeon-ju, who had finished preparing to go out, was somewhat flustered. She was holding a cell phone in her hand that had had its call terminated on its own.
“…What is this?”
She narrowed her brow and slowly retraced the situation.
“So, I got rejected? When I tried to be friends?”
Even one phrase remained in her mind.
─You do you. It’s up to you anyway, Yeon-ju-ssi.
Doesn’t that mean she’ll consider it after seeing Seo Yeon-ju’s actions? Amazing. What rookie would treat Seo Yeon-ju herself like this?
However, there was no displeasure on her face at all. Rather, it was full of smiles.
This kind of experience was new to her. Very much so.
“Geez, she keeps making me curious.”
◈◈◈◈◈
“President, please, just once, just once more, reconsider.”
In the office. A man kneeled and begged.
The secretary and bodyguards stood at regular intervals, fixing their gaze on the front. However, a man with a fierce impression leaned back on a leather sofa and stared at the kneeling man.
A script was placed on the office desk.
[ Short Historical Film ‘Sword’ ]
“Director Park, what did you do wrong to be kneeling? Today is a good day. Didn’t you get production costs from me? You should be happy that the money problem has been solved, right?”
“President, I really appreciate your investment. However….”
“However?”
“Yang Ha-rin…. Ha-rin is….”
“Yes, why Ha-rin.”
“….”
The man couldn’t continue and bit his lip hard.
The identity of the kneeling man was Director Park Jun.
At one time, he was called a master. It was a story from the days when he held and shook South Korea with a super hit historical drama.
But you can’t know even an inch ahead in life.
One big success does not guarantee all subsequent successes. The life of a human being who only walks downhill afterward was truly miserable, and Park Jun was the main character.
The president raised his chin.
“In exchange for me providing production costs, I asked you to use our Ha-rin as the lead. Is this a condition you can’t welcome? Or is there a problem with Ha-rin’s acting skills?”
“That can’t be. There’s absolutely none.”
“Is that so?”
The president grinned.
“That’s the right answer. There’s no rookie like Ha-rin. She’s going to win the Rookie Award this year.”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Then it’s something to be happy about. I’m providing the investment and even telling you to take Ha-rin and use her, so shouldn’t Director Park be so happy that he cries? What is this situation?”
“To make this work as co-leads. To find another lead role to be a rookie actor. I’m asking you to change only this part.”
There was desperation in Director Park’s voice.
“President, I will use Ha-rin as the sole lead. Isn’t it enough to focus on Ha-rin? There’s no need to pick one more person as a co-lead.”
There was a reason why Park Jun was so desperately clinging to it. Just listing the titles of the articles that came to his mind like water droplets would be enough.
[ Is Yang Ha-rin’s ‘Jinx’…. Real? ]
[ Rumors in the Entertainment Industry That Are Scary Even If They Are Jokes ]
[ Yang Ha-rin, a Monster Rookie Who Grows Up by Eating Her Opponents. ]
Yang Ha-rin.
She was famous for rookies who took on co-lead roles with her retiring one after another. The public might not know the reason, but Director Park knew the reason too well.
‘Yang Ha-rin, you want me to handle that crazy personality?’
Disrespect was basic, and bullying and territorialism were also very severe. How many peer actors had been ground down, unable to withstand that weight?
In Park Jun’s eyes, Yang Ha-rin looked like a man-eating flower. Such a monster flower that completely devours its opposing actor.
That’s when it happened.
“That won’t work.”
A very decisive word that cuts in.
Park Jun’s gaze naturally turned to the source of the voice.
A fair-skinned woman was biting into a peach.
Sitting in a leather chair, it suited her very well to maintain an arrogant attitude with one leg crossed.
Black hair that seemed to have been woven by cutting out the darkest time of dawn, and eyes filled with languor. She was Yang Ha-rin.
She said, chewing on the pulp.
“You’re pouring money into it, and you’re even adding my appearance…. We’re not a donation organization. I should also have something to gain, right?”
Then, she raised the corners of her lips as if mocking, and there was dignity in it.
Park Jun was very embarrassed.
“If it’s appearance fees or conditions, they’re already top-notch….”
“I don’t need that. Things like that.”
Ha-rin abruptly cut off Park Jun’s words.
“Bring me a rookie who can give me inspiration, a rookie who can become the foundation of my acting. My interest isn’t in money. It’s in improving my acting skills.”
The president, who was listening from the side, nodded.
“That’s what Ha-rin means. Isn’t that the best attitude a performer can have? You’re also a very blessed director.”
“It’s difficult. I don’t think it’ll be easy to find.”
Park Jun desperately raised his voice.
“President, the rookie actors will be scared and won’t do it. But you can’t bring in veteran actors…. It’s just a short film, so who would step forward? It’s difficult.”
“Quiet, Director Park only has to remember one thing.”
The president’s voice was very resolute.
“If you don’t fulfill the above conditions, I’ll pull the investment and Ha-rin won’t participate. The one who should be worrying isn’t me, it’s Director Park.”
“President, President…!”
The president only quietly called the secretary.
“Secretary Kim.”
“Yes, President. I’m listening.”
“Send Director Park back appropriately. Everyone knows, I don’t have a hobby of repeating the same story to me.”
“Understood.”
“President, Ha-rin, please…! Just once…!”
But no matter how many times he appealed, the result did not change, and Park Jun was helplessly pushed out. No, in fact, he was kicked out.
“Ah….”
Park Jun eventually slumped down with empty eyes.
Only clutching his head was the best he could do.
“What in the world…. What should I do….”
.
.
.
.
.
Park Jun wandered the streets with a blank expression. He was taking deep breaths every second, and constantly making phone calls somewhere.
“Ah, it’s been a while. Um, by any chance….”
He was rejected.
“It’s not that, but….”
He was rejected.
“Hello? Ah, you’re busy? Aha….”
Rejection. Rejection. Only rejection.
The personal connections he had built during his successful period were like a mirage, and as soon as he repeatedly failed, they immediately disappeared. No matter how much he walked around, he couldn’t find a corner to get help.
He was grateful just if they answered the phone. Park Jun, he had more calls rejected today than he had accepted.
Then, at one point.
─♩♪♬
Park Jun’s phone rang. The call came again. Even the person was quite well-known, so his eyes widened.
“He, hello?”
“Yup, yup, Director. What brings you to call?”
From the other side, a very clear woman’s tone was conveyed.
“…I thought you were ignoring my call.”
“If you say that, I’ll be sad. Even if I don’t know anything else, I take good care of people who finished filming with me well. You know that.”
“Yeah, how have you been lately?”
“I’ve been doing well, but I’ve been busy as much. But why is Director Park’s voice so dark? Is something the matter?”
Then Park Jun sighed deeply.
“Well, it’s always the same. I was rejected fiercely.”
“Oh, that’s the same as me. I was also rejected once earlier.”
“…What? Are you meeting any guys these days?”
“No. It’s not something like that. Anyway.”
The other party burst into a bright laugh and asked.
“So, what did you call for?”
“Originally, I had something to ask….”
“Director’s movie appearance? Unfortunately, I’m really busy these days. Let’s work together on the next project.”
“Yeah, I thought so. I’ll just complain a little.”
“Do you need a drink? It just so happens that we’re done practicing and eating, so how about the director comes and has a drink? It’s probably only faces you know anyway?”
Park Jun shook his head.
“I have some shame. How can I go there?”
“It’s really only people Director Park knows. I’ll send you the address, so please come! It’d be nice to say hello, even if it’s just that?”
After hanging up, an address was sent via message. It wasn’t far. A place he could go to in 15 minutes if he caught a taxi.
“….”
Director Park pondered several times. Really several times.
And 30 minutes later.
In the end, Director Park set foot in the entrance of a renowned Western restaurant. A restaurant that only treated steak and wine of the highest quality, where ordinary people had to eat at after making up their mind to enter.
‘I’m crazy. How could I really come here without being sensitive.’
But even knowing that, he came. Because if he couldn’t tell someone this feeling, he felt like it would fester for life.
Yeah, let’s just complain a little.
Finally, when Park Jun went up the stairs and entered the restaurant.
“Director, it’s this way.”
A woman waved flirtatiously. A headband placed on her hair as smooth as ripples. She was a woman with a pure impression.
“Director Park…? It’s been a long time indeed.”
“Oh my, isn’t that Director Park? How long has it been?”
A muscular man reminiscent of a rock and a woman who fiddled with a laptop placed next to her wine glass as if it were a habit.
“…Director Park Jun?”
And a man who was so obsessed with cleanliness that he washed the dishes with detergent, as if he was doing the work that the store owner should do instead.
“Hello everyone….”
Park Jun politely bowed his head.
What he had before his eyes.
Seo Yeon-ju, Choi Hee-won PD, Lee Geum-suk, and Kim Sun-il.
They were executives of the Special Task Force 808 production team.
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