episode_0037

The short film ‘Sword’ has begun full-scale filming.

In the cypress forest of Wanju, North Jeolla Province.

Many people gathered at the starting point, a dugout. Actors in costume, staff equipped with gear—finally, the entire production team for ‘Sword’ was assembled.

The change in atmosphere was particularly noticeable.

It was very different from the bleak morning atmosphere. This was especially evident in the faces of the supporting actors, who had initially regarded this filming as just a high-paying part-time job, but were now extremely tense.

There were several reasons, but the two main actors were largely responsible.

The two pillars of Mystic Entertainment: Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Seon-il.

‘Crazy. It’s really Seo Yeon-ju! It’s really Kim Seon-il!’

‘I barely relaxed, and now I’m tense again…’

Everyone had regarded Seo Yeon-ju as bait.

Meaning they thought of her as just a flier to attract supporting actors. Even if that were the case, they assumed Seo Yeon-ju would definitely bail. There was no reason for her to participate.

But the reality was very different.

Unlike the supporting actors who had nothing to lose, despite possessing a golden filmography and being in a position where she had to carefully choose each project, Seo Yeon-ju had even brought Kim Seon-il with her.

They couldn’t help but be astounded.

It was then that Park Joon took out his phone. He displayed something on the screen and showed it to everyone.

[Seo Yeon-ju & Kim Seon-il Join Director Park’s Project!]

[Isn’t this too hasty a decision to make out of loyalty…?]

[‘Golden Filmography.’ Finally a blemish?]

“The articles about them joining have finally been released. There’s no turning back.”

He looked at the actors and staff, one by one. The weight a director has to bear is naturally different. His voice was very serious.

“As you all know, just participating in my project is considered a sin. You’ve probably all seen it. The countless critical articles about me.”

Everyone silently listened to him.

“I know too. I know I’m a director without power, and that I’m only walking downhill. But you all gathered here willingly, even knowing that. Therefore, I want to promise you just one thing.”

He took off his hat and bowed politely.

“I will do my absolute best. With a strong sense of responsibility, I will somehow complete this and submit it to festivals. Thank you all so much.”

Those who were listening applauded, and then the actors took turns introducing themselves, one or two words at a time. It was Sua’s turn, but she shook her head and skipped it, and the last turn was Kim Seon-il.

“There will be no half-assing. I will complete it.”

His short words concluded the introductions.

Park Joon seemed to be feeling various emotions as he looked at the supporting actors who had changed. He spoke with a complex and subtle expression.

“The accommodation is at the best hotel in Wanju. For exactly one week, we’ll be traveling back and forth between the hotel and the forest for a short and impactful shoot. If any unavoidable circumstances arise, please let me know in advance. So we can change the order of the scenes.”

After saying that, Park Joon’s head turned sharply.

“And for the role of Wi Ji-hye, Ms. Sua…”

Director Park, who was about to ask something of Sua, stammered.

It was along with the faces of the supporting actors, which had been filled with tension, suddenly becoming subtle.

The reason was simple.

Lead role, teacher Wi Ji-hye, Lee Sua. Lead role, student Ha-ryeong, Seo Yeon-ju.

The free acting exercise where the two matched each other for one minute, and the image of Lee Sua acting as Wi Ji-hye, was unforgettable.

It was ridiculously trashy acting.

It was just shocking. The shock was so great.

“…Um, Ms. Sua, just be faithful to the role you’re given. Your first scene is with Ms. Son Ji-a, so please get your makeup done together, and we’ll proceed with filming other scenes first.”

Sua quietly nodded, and the anxiety on the faces of the supporting actors grew even larger. It was also largely because Park Joon quickly wrapped up the story as if he was mumbling something.

“Alright! Let’s get started! I look forward to working with you all!”

“Yes! We look forward to working with you!”

Anyway, at Park Joon’s cry, all the staff scattered in all directions. The director had announced the official start, so from now on, they had to move straight ahead without looking back.

But there were some who couldn’t leave their places.

“…”

Namely, about ten extras or supporting actors.

They waited for Lee Sua to enter the makeup room, and as soon as Sua completely disappeared, they ran hastily. The destination was of course right in front of Director Park Joon.

They surrounded Park Joon and shouted.

“Um, Director. What exactly is the identity of the person playing Wi Ji-hye?”

“You saw it earlier, right? Her acting was a bit strange, wasn’t it?”

“Are we really going to go with this?”

“As far as I know, Wi Ji-hye is the most important role…”

“I thought she was an expert! I was completely fooled by her face!”

Each of their shouts was urgent.

In fact, until this morning, the supporting actors didn’t care about the success or failure of the project, but now the situation has changed dramatically. Now they were all desperately hoping that the project would do well.

The reason for the change of heart? Of course, the trickle-down effect.

In the first place, they had nothing to lose, so they didn’t care about critical articles, but Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Seon-il had joined the game. If the film did well, they would surely benefit as well.

It was like being given a no-risk, high-return gambling opportunity.

Who would want to end their acting career as a supporting actor? Of course, they wanted a good opportunity. They wanted a chance to turn their lives around.

Unexpectedly, that opportunity came. It did come, but…

They soon witnessed a huge obstacle.

…Namely, Lee Sua. Wi Ji-hye.

Even they could see that her free acting was hopeless.

“Director. If you could just say something…”

“That’s right. I decided to work hard, but I’m worried.”

Wi Ji-hye. A lead role with importance that can’t even be compared to that of a supporting actor. No matter how hard they row, it’s meaningless. The boat will capsize the moment she falters.

But Park Joon only slowly shook his head.

“…Let’s all do our best in our respective roles.”

“No matter how well we all do, if Wi Ji-hye messes up…”

“Wi Ji-hye. I saw her myself and cast her.”

He said firmly.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know anything until we see the footage captured by the camera. Besides, acting is up to the actor. What will change even if I discuss it?”

At Director Park’s words, the supporting actors couldn’t ask any more questions. But even as they scattered, they mumbled to themselves, and they couldn’t erase the suspicious expressions on their faces.

After everyone had left.

The director of photography, who had been by his side, said.

“Director Park, you said you saw Ms. Sua yourself and cast her. But wasn’t all you saw the role of Ha-ryeong?”

“…That’s right. I only saw a little bit of Wi Ji-hye’s acting that was recorded.”

When Sua and Park Joon met at the cafe, Park Joon had seen Wi Ji-hye’s acting recorded on Sua’s phone once.

In fact, that was all Park Joon had confirmed.

“You brought her here after only checking the video…Hmm…”

The director of photography trailed off.

“…It was a time bomb. The waiting room and the actual set are too different, and rookies have little practical experience. They often hesitate in front of other actors or the camera.”

Looking like a sparkling gemstone but losing its luster the moment it arrives on set. It was a very common occurrence in the ‘movie’ industry. Just like the sun always rises in the morning.

Usually, this is especially true for actors from idol backgrounds.

In their own way, they think they have a lot of camera experience and have perfected their acting, but the moment they step onto the set, they can’t hide the sense of incongruity. They wander around like an isolated island.

Even more so, Lee Sua is a newbie and a complete civilian.

Idols at least have stage experience, but a complete civilian…

The director of photography scratched his cheek.

“I think we needed a little more cross-verification.”

“Hmm…”

But Director Park Joon was deeply concerned.

It was true that he had only seen Sua’s Wi Ji-hye acting on a small screen, but it was acting that gave him an unusually strong sense of conviction. Something that declared she could devour everything, regardless of practical experience.

Therefore, Park Joon was the most confused right now.

What was the emotion I felt then? Did I just overestimate Lee Sua? Was she just a good rookie? A rookie who is bound to show signs of wavering on set?

“…”

But he soon shook his head.

In fact, what was most important to him at the time was something else entirely.

“I know too. The role of Wi Ji-hye is the most important role in this film, and that I should have been more thorough in choosing who to bring in. But I didn’t really feel like doing that at the time.”

“Why is that?”

“Ms. Sua was the only one who recognized my work.”

“Ah.”

The director of photography opened his mouth belatedly.

“My work that everyone had neglected. This work that everyone was trying to shake. Sua was the only one who approached it with pure affection. She even brought Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Seon-il, and secured production costs. What can I possibly question?”

“That’s true…”

“Even if Ms. Sua wavers on set, I can’t possibly bring myself to cut her. In the first place, this is Ms. Sua’s movie.”

Park Joon’s tone gradually became firmer. As if, at the same time as he spat out the words, he was further solidifying his own determination.

“Hmm…”

The director of photography had something to say, but he just closed his mouth.

In fact, he was going to say, ‘Shouldn’t we drop it now that Lee Sua has revealed her limitations?’, but when he saw Director Park Joon’s face, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He had already become indifferent to the evaluations of the world. However, he had finished preparing to run for the person who believed in his work, which even he had given up on. His attitude, full of responsibility, was proof.

The director of photography shook his head.

“…It’s difficult. It’s a really difficult problem.”

If they push on like this, it’s true that he would have fulfilled his responsibilities as a director, but they can’t guarantee the film’s performance. The filmographies of Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Seon-il, who had bothered to participate, would be greatly tarnished.

But stopping here is also a problem.

It would be a safe choice, but Director Park would live with a debt of gratitude in his heart for the rest of his life. The guilt of not completing it, of betraying the trust of the person who believed in his work.

It was then.

“Are you two free?”

A voice suddenly cutting in. It was Kim Seon-il.

The director of photography asked in disbelief.

“…Free? My head feels like it’s about to explode.”

“I don’t know.”

Kim Seon-il quietly crossed his arms.

“It sounds like a waste of time to me.”

He pointed with his chin towards somewhere over there.

Towards Sua, who was walking out of the makeup team’s tent, looking somehow different.