episode_0025

“Busan International Short Film Festival? With a different project?”

The president of CT Entertainment asked, sounding somewhat puzzled.

However, Yang Ha-rin simply nodded. As if she had no idea why he was asking.

“I told you before. I just don’t want to rest.”

“I remember that. But you could fill your schedule with lucrative dramas and commercials… Ah, perhaps.”

The president reacted as if he had belatedly remembered something.

“…Director Park, you’re going to step on him with another project?”

“Of course. What else would it be?”

Yang Ha-rin simultaneously recalled Kim Seon-il’s words.

─Then why didn’t you try to collide?

─Which one would have shattered?

Kim Seon-il, whom she respected as an actor.

And his words, which had come as quite a shock.

She had dismissed it as absurd delusion and hadn’t responded. To engage in a head-on battle, even yielding the lead role to a complete newcomer? It was absurd from the start.

Wasn’t getting involved itself beneath her dignity?

‘But if we face off with different projects, it’s a different story.’

An opportunity had arisen to prove the difference in class without getting closely involved. A chance to utterly crush her.

‘…I’ll make you realize it with my whole being.’

If she’s thoroughly trampled, Lee Soo-ah will eventually realize it too.

How big of an opportunity it was to be in the same project as Yang Ha-rin, how presumptuous it was to covet Yang Ha-rin’s role…. All of it.

“Hmm, but I don’t know if the environment will allow it.”

The president tilted his head slightly.

“To have a showdown, ‘Sword’ has to finish production first, but the chances of that are too slim, don’t you think? It looks like it’s going to collapse at the production stage, no matter how you look at it.”

“Hmm.”

“There’s a flood of critical articles, so there’s no one to come for auditions, and Park Jun has been completely abandoned among investors. There’s no way to get production costs.”

A very reasonable prediction, even to Yang Ha-rin’s ears.

However.

“No. We still have nothing to lose.”

Her attitude remained unchanged.

“It’s fine if Director Park falls on his own, and if he somehow manages to complete it, then I’ll step on him directly. Either way is fine.”

“Hmm, if that’s what you think….”

Director Park gestured with his chin toward the employees on the other side.

“Guys, spread out all the stuff I told you to get before.”

“Yes!”

Soon, the desk in front of the sofa where Yang Ha-rin was sitting was piled high with papers. All of them were scripts.

“There are so many, it pays to have worked hard on networking. Are these all top-notch? Any other special features?”

“I don’t know if it’s a special feature, but recently, Director Park has also been begging other directors for scripts.”

“Director Park? These scripts?”

“Yes. He was pleading, saying please.”

The president burst out laughing.

“Pitiful, he must have been snooping around wondering how the other projects were going. A guy who can’t even make his own.”

Yang Ha-rin, who was listening, quietly nodded.

“He doesn’t know his place. Not even close.”

From the start, why did CT Entertainment choose ‘Sword’?

Because they thought the project was good?

Because they thought it had a chance of winning awards?

No, simply because it was easy to control.

Directors like Park Jun, who were pushed to the brink, could be manipulated like puppets with just one condition: CT Entertainment would cover all production costs.

So they were using him exactly like a puppet, his only purpose being to find a newcomer to become Yang Ha-rin’s prey.

‘…He got distracted by that newbie. How dare he.’

Now the situation had changed.

Yang Ha-rin, who had simply been trying to participate in a short film out of interest, had now changed her goal to completely crushing her opponent.

“Get rid of any scripts where the director’s reputation is low or the investment amount is not high. We’ll crush them from the capital first.”

“Ha-rin, that’s a great attitude. Tear them apart with your acting, too.”

“There’s no need to say that. It’s a given.”

“Good. Then let’s start by slowly choosing a script.”

The president, who had been looking at Ha-rin with a satisfied expression, turned his face. Towards the woman lying on the opposite sofa.

“Hey. Son Ji-ah.”

“…Huh?”

The woman called Son Ji-ah finally removed the magazine that had been covering her face. Her expression was full of languor, and overall, she was a woman with a lot of leisurely disposition.

“Don’t just play around, go to this audition.”

“What audition?”

“Director Park’s ‘Sword’ audition. A trashy audition that no one is going to. Go see it, you idiot! We need to plant a spy to get information quickly!”

“Alright, alright. Why are you yelling….”

Haaam, Son Ji-ah yawned and got up.

◈◈◈◈◈

After that, time flew by quickly.

Special Task Force 808, having completed all the preparations for production, was moving forward with lightning speed.

Not only had they completed the casting of actors, but they had also secured all filming locations, prepared various promotions, and successfully concluded shooting meetings for posters and teasers.

In addition, there was support from several reporters.

[Lee Geum-sook Writer’s Masterpiece? Returns with ‘Detective Drama’]

[Will Special Task Force 808 Brightly Awaken the Trend?]

[(Park Jeong-wook Column)’Special Task Force 808′ and Drama Identity]

Staff, writers, actors, directing, situation…. All the cogs meshed together and began to turn like a sophisticated machine.

A smooth start, without parallel. Though it was smooth in reality too.

One.

Just one.

There was one cog that was uniquely stopped.

Even though all the actors had already received the script and started practicing, there was one lead actor who had not received the script.

Lee Geum-sook Writer’s studio.

Tap tap tap tap─!

It was filled with the sound of typing on a laptop keyboard.

Writer Lee and her assistant writers were huddled around a monitor, sitting close together.

Wearing sleep pants and a headband for washing her face. Quite disheveled. They looked like high school seniors preparing for the college entrance exam, or public officials preparing for the exam.

However, they were all immersed in the video on the monitor, forgetting even their own appearances. Because the videos of Lee Soo-ah’s performances were currently being played there.

“Here, here, stop at this part.”

“Looking at her expression, a scene like this would be good for the office scene.”

“Doesn’t this line suit that face?”

“Arrest in this way. Like Kim Yu-han.”

It looked like a conversation, but it was actually a collective monologue.

Everyone was writing down whatever came to mind while watching the video, without adding or subtracting anything. Lee Soo-ah’s acting had become the driving force behind their work.

Buzz─! Buzz─!

They wrote down everything that came to mind, and printed out everything they wrote down. As a result of Lee Geum-sook’s team working together for several days.

“…A lot.”

Someone said with a look full of surprise.

That was not wrong.

Truly, an overwhelming thick script was born. As if there was a drama called Kim Yu-han.

Assistant writers said one word each with bewildered expressions.

“Why did the amount increase so much?”

“It’s because Soo-ah’s acting is so excellent. When I’m watching, inspiration keeps coming to me, so I keep writing without realizing it….”

“We have to cut this down. There’s too much. It’s almost three or four times more than the scripts of other actors.”

“But what do we cut? There’s really nothing to cut!”

Right then.

Choi Hee-won PD, who had been watching while rubbing his chin, said.

“How about giving this to Soo-ah as is?”

“…?”

Immediately, all eyes turned to Choi Hee-won, but the person in question calmly accepted the gazes.

“I mean, what if we deliver all the things we wrote down and then let Soo-ah freely express herself as she sees fit?”

“Hmm….”

The gazes were generally bewildered, and for good reason. Didn’t it seem too much to deliver such a thick script now, when the period was already short?

It would be a miracle just to master it.

“It seems like it would take ages just to read it?”

“I wonder if we’re doing something too harsh….”

However.

“It’s good?”

Writer Lee Geum-sook interjected.

“I think Soo-ah would like it even more. Finding her own answers among the scribbled lines.”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I thought too. And….”

Choi Hee-won PD smiled.

“For some reason, I think Soo-ah can do it.”

A short word. But no one objected.

Rather, they agreed.

Because they thought that Lee Soo-ah, whom they knew, would do it well.

“…If she even manages to do this, she’s really crazy.”

One of the assistant writers muttered.

◈◈◈◈◈

After finally finishing the script work to be delivered to Soo-ah, Writer Lee Geum-sook and Choi Hee-won PD immediately moved the location.

This time, it was a high-end Japanese restaurant.

Elegantly trimmed foods were placed on the antique wooden table one by one. However, the two had not yet picked up their chopsticks.

Because the main character had not yet appeared.

A moment later.

“Ah, CEO Kim Yi-seo! This way!”

Lee Geum-sook Writer welcomes the person with a smile. The main character of this day’s meeting.

It was Kim Yi-seo, the CEO of Mystic Entertainment.

“Nice to meet you.”

Kim Yi-seo waved her hand slightly and approached.

Pitter-patter.

Because her build was so small, her movements were also small, but her attire was more maturely equipped. Like a professor giving a liberal arts class on an autumn day.

At least, that’s how it looked to Choi Hee-won PD and Lee Geum-sook Writer.

“The sushi just came out. Let’s eat.”

“It would have been okay if you had eaten first. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to worry about it at all.”

Soon, the meal began.

The purpose of today’s meeting was simple. A time for the two to treat Kim Yi-seo, the CEO of Mystic Entertainment.

Because the two lead actors of Special Task Force 808 are Kim Seon-il and Seo Yeon-ju. All of them are the CEO of Mystic Entertainment.

From Kim Yi-seo’s point of view, it was good that they were using her actors, and from the point of view of the two, it was good that they were getting two actors of high caliber. It was natural for the atmosphere to be warm.

…But awkwardness is a separate matter.

A silent meal continued for a while, and eventually, Kim Yi-seo broke the silence first.

“Actually, I feel sorry to the two of you.”

“Yes? What could CEO Kim Yi-seo possibly be sorry about? You gave us two good actors, no less.”

“Seon-il and Yeon-ju should be focusing only on Special Task Force 808, but they keep asking to make short films.”

“Short film?”

Kim Seon-il and Seo Yeon-ju are interested in short films? This was the first time Lee Geum-sook Writer and Choi Hee-won PD had heard this story.

Kim Yi-seo nodded.

“It’s a short film called ‘Sword,’ do you perhaps know about it?”

“Of course, I know. I’m quite close to Director Park. But that project should have completely fallen apart?”

“At this time, why are they interested in that movie? The public opinion is not good, and the two actors will be very busy soon.”

Lee Geum-sook Writer and Choi Hee-won PD each asked a question, but Kim Yi-seo could only tilt her head.

“…What is this reaction now?”

“Yes?”

“Seon-il and Yeon-ju were also fascinated by the person who played the role of Kim Yu-han. So I thought that Writer Lee and PD Choi would definitely know about it, but….”

“…?”

Choi Hee-won and Lee Geum-sook exchanged glances.

That gaze exchange was full of bewilderment. Because they didn’t know.

Soon, the two simultaneously shook their heads.

“No. We didn’t know at all either?”

Kim Yi-seo was flustered by the unexpected situation, but this was just the beginning.

Soon, an even rarer sight unfolded.

“Soo-ah showed interest in the ‘Sword’ script, did she like it? Was it really a pretty good script?”

“That’s what I’m saying. If I had known this, I would have looked into it a little earlier. It’s amazing.”

“…?”

Kim Yi-seo was very embarrassed.

‘What is this reaction? Far from considering it unpleasant, they’re just full of interest at the fact that Lee Soo-ah participated?’

The fact that an actor participating in her own work is also snooping around other works. It can’t help but be a very unpleasant element for writers and PDs.

Isn’t it only natural for actors to want to focus only on their own works?

Kim Yi-seo’s aim was there.

‘I thought the PD and writer would naturally object and step forward. After that, I was going to gently persuade them to cancel their participation in the short film….’

If Writer Lee and PD Choi objected, she was going to make both Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Seon-il unable to participate in ‘Sword,’ pretending to be unable to win against them.

However.

“Should I call Director Park right now?”

“I’m hesitating. Suddenly, I’m very interested.”

Choi Hee-won and Lee Geum-sook were just showing endless interest.

As if there was a premise that the works that Lee Soo-ah chooses must have value.

‘Lee Soo-ah, what kind of newbie is she?’

Even Kim Yi-seo couldn’t help but wonder.

How amazing do you have to be to create this kind of reaction?

As she was worrying, a few words came to Kim Yi-seo’s mind.

The stories that Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Seon-il had discussed about Lee Soo-ah. Praises and explanations that seemed absurd at first glance.

‘…Could it be that all of that was real?’

Eventually, Kim Yi-seo asked.

“Excuse me, I’m curious about that newbie, Lee Soo-ah.”

“Actually, we don’t know much about her either.”

Lee Geum-sook Writer shrugged her shoulders, and Kim Yi-seo narrowed her brows. What kind of answer is that anyway?

“About that she’s unpredictable and as sensitive as her excellent acting skills, so it’s not easy to approach her?”

“How well does she act anyway?”

“There’s a video, would you like to see it?”

“Yes. I’d like to ask you to.”

After that, Lee Geum-sook Writer played the video on her phone.

A moment later.

Kim Yi-seo no longer used her chopsticks.

◈◈◈◈◈

The next day.

Soo-ah and Park Jun were together at the audition venue.

The place for the audition was actually just a temporarily rented office. It was also a pretty shabby facility.

Park Jun smiled awkwardly at Soo-ah.

“It’s kind of shabby, isn’t it? I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to worry about it.”

Soo-ah was actually more uncomfortable with Park Jun constantly looking at her. I wonder if he’ll even put my shoes on for me later.

While sitting in such an awkward atmosphere.

“Soo-ah-ssi. The current situation, um, well….”

Park Jun carefully opened his mouth.

“Investors have not been found yet. I’m trying my best to find out, but it’s still hard.”

“Hmm.”

“The reason why I’m honestly giving you even the bad reports is so that you can leave at any time if your heart changes.”

“Ah, ha.”

He could have hidden all of his shortcomings and tried to pull her in by saying let’s do it together no matter what, but Park Jun didn’t do that.

“My heart won’t change. Director Park, cheer up.”

Soo-ah only answered briefly.

Yeah, my heart won’t change as long as it’s labeled as grade 1.

“…Thank you so much. Since you believe in me like this, I’ll continue to run hard. First, let’s audition today.”

“Yes. Today, first is the audition.”

Today is the day to cast the people who will fill the short film ‘Sword’ other than Soo-ah.

Honestly, Soo-ah had some anxiety too.

‘This is a pretty high-quality script, but what happens if they can’t even produce it? Is the opportunity going to fly away completely? Or is it grade 1 because it will be resolved in some way…?’

Currently, the situation of ‘Sword’ was very bad.

The fact that Soo-ah, who is still a fresh newbie, is sitting in the position of an interviewer….

“Director, how many people are coming to the audition today?”

“Only about 5 people. Actually, considering the number of people who will appear in the movie, we have to pick them all.”

“…That’s a big problem.”

“Yes. That’s why it’s good to have a famous actor in the movie. Seeing that actor’s name value, a lot of applicants flock to it.”

5 people. Only 5 applicants….

Soo-ah became anxious and began to drink water.

“Yes, yes. Just come in all at once.”

With Park Jun’s words, the audition finally began.

.

.

.

.

.

CT Entertainment’s spy, Son Ji-ah, looked around.

‘…This short film is just hopeless?’

That was the first thought she had after the audition started. Oh, and the thought that the time it took to get here was a waste too.

‘How can an audition be so sloppy?’

The space itself is unpleasant because it’s shabby, and there are only about five interviewees, including herself.

Because there were so few people, the audition was held in one space. One person would start acting first, and the rest of the waiting people would watch from behind.

Thanks to this, Son Ji-ah was able to observe the entire process.

Are there any famous people here? There was none.

Then, are there any people who are good at acting? There was none of that either.

However, what made Son Ji-ah most curious was none other than the woman seated next to the director.

‘…She looks disgustingly scary. Why is the atmosphere so sharp? They kicked out Yang Ha-rin because of her?’

A sharp impression like an awl made of ice.

The heavy and sharp image was so strong that it seemed far from acting.

‘I just wasted my time. I should just go back.’

Just as Son Ji-ah was about to get up.

Thump─!

The closed audition room door suddenly opened wide. The sound was so loud that everyone couldn’t help but be surprised.

But.

Immediately after, they had to be surprised again.

“I’m late.”

A low voice that seemed to echo from a cave.

A man wearing only black clothes from head to toe entered.

With a proportion that was close to perfection, even though he was wearing a hat, everyone didn’t have difficulty in figuring out the other person’s identity.

“…!”

Son Ji-ah’s eyes widened.

The others were the same.

‘Kim Seon-il? Isn’t that Kim Seon-il?’

Actor Kim Seon-il, whose face is familiar from commercials. He suddenly appeared at the audition site.

“I’m actor Kim Seon-il. I will participate.”

Everyone was stunned and couldn’t say anything.

‘Crazy, Kim Seon-il? Why is Kim Seon-il here?’

Son Ji-ah’s mind was racing even while she was surprised.

‘Ah, right. Special appearance. Kim Seon-il had already promised a special appearance. At best, it’s that kind of role.’

Thinking that, she tried to calm her surprise.

Just as she thought she was about to regain her peace.

Thump!

The door opened once again.

“Hey, you crazy? You left the parking to me?”

The audition room door opened once again, and Son Ji-ah doubted her eyes.

A woman as pure as if she was made with dew appeared.

“Seo Yeon-ju? Seo Yeon-ju-ssi…?”

Park Jun’s voice, full of bewilderment.

It represented Son Ji-ah’s feelings.

She can’t believe it.

Following Kim Seon-il, this time it was no less than Seo Yeon-ju.

What surprised Son Ji-ah even more was that even Park Jun didn’t know all of this situation.

As evidence of that, Park Jun is currently unable to close his gaping mouth.

“Seo, Seon-il-ssi? Yeon-ju-ssi? What are you doing here….”

Park Jun muttered, completely broken.

And a word from Seo Yeon-ju, who fixed her hairband.

“Have you already picked the Ha-ryeong role? I was going to do it.”

Son Ji-ah dropped the cell phone she was holding.