episode_0047

Four months ago.

“Everyone… thank you for your hard work. I think I’ll have to give up my current life for a while now, for the sake of editing.”

Han Kyung-jin said as he turned away from everyone.

Usually, movie production is divided into three stages.

Pre-production for staff composition, casting of actors, location scouting, fundraising, etc.

Then the actual production of filming.

And finally, the post-production, such as editing the footage and adding sound, after the filming is done.

From the director’s perspective, the final post-production could be considered the beginning of actual movie production.

Even if not directly involved in editing, the director must closely examine the editing results to ensure the director’s intentions are carried out.

For directors with a perfectionist tendency, they may spend close to a year on just the post-production.

As a rookie director like Han Kyung-jin, he probably wouldn’t take that long…

“While I’m away, I hope everyone will take care. I’ll be leaving this world for now…”

In any case, he was still the director.

The most stubborn race in the movie industry.

Until the desired result is achieved, Han Kyung-jin would cut ties with the world and immerse himself in the editing room.

That’s how Han Kyung-jin disappeared.

As if he had truly left this world and gone somewhere else.

Han Kyung-jin had a belief as a director.

And as a rookie director, he felt a debt towards the talented lead actors who shone too brightly for him.

“I must complete a good film.”

No matter what, he wanted to make the project a success.

After finishing the post-production, Han Kyung-jin suddenly submitted his work to the Busan International Film Festival, the largest film festival in Korea, no, Asia.

He didn’t have high expectations.

Busan International Film Festival, shortened as BusanIFF.

A huge film festival where works from around the world gather, beyond Korea and Asia.

To expect that his work, written and directed by a rookie director like himself, would stand out in such a place was an excessive ambition.

Just…

He wanted to have a decent title to gather more promotional materials.

And sometimes…

Great rewards reveal themselves at the end of selflessness.

“What did you say?”

…

…

“Oh, no! That’s not it… Yes. Of course. No, I don’t have any other plans. Yes! I must go!”

Han Kyung-jin received a call from the BusanIFF organizing committee, inviting his work “Sea Diary” to the New Currents section.

New Currents.

A program that gathers works by new Asian directors and ‘competes’ them.

In other words, awards are given to those who stand out.

But that’s not all.

The committee member spoke with a rather intimate tone.

“Everyone on the judging panel is praising ‘Sea Diary’. They are watching it very carefully. So please attend and shine at the event. Especially, actor Seo Yi-soo. We really hope you can make it.”

“Oh my.”

Han Kyung-jin couldn’t come to his senses at all.

He couldn’t grasp if this was really happening.

One thing was certain.

“Our actors. I wanted to repay them by completing a good film. But now, I’m in debt to them again.”

The committee strongly requested Seo Yi-soo’s attendance.

In other words, Seo Yi-soo’s performance in “Sea Diary” had the biggest impact on the BusanIFF promotion.

“When will I ever repay this debt.”

It seems like…

Han Kyung-jin will need more time to fully repay his actors’ heartfelt debt.

***

And now, it’s happening.

“Long time no see?”

“Unnie! How have you been?”

“Yeah, yeah. Have you all been well? It’s really been a long time.”

Seo Yi-soo met with the “Sea Diary” crew again after a long time.

Han Sun-yul and Oh Kyung-bae.

Seo Yi-soo is naturally affectionate and often feels lonely.

Once he becomes friends with someone, he can’t help but hold warm feelings towards them.

As a result, it wasn’t as heartwarming to reunite with the co-stars of after a few months.

“Actors, it’s been a while, and you guys look great.”

“Manager too. Haha.”

“I was wondering when I’d get to Busan. Thank you for the ride.”

The two of them were still not affiliated with any agency.

In other words, to get to Busan, they had to use their own cars or public transportation.

For these two individuals, Shin Ji-hoo readily suggested carpooling.

The idea of being able to chat with the two actors on the way to Busan made Seo Yi-soo happy and she gladly agreed.

Anyway, that’s how it was.

Busan International Film Festival.

To participate in a place where films from around the world beyond Asia are invited.

The team is heading to Busan.

Shin Ji-hoo, forgetting the gloom of the past few days, chuckled brightly as she watched Seo Yi-soo fastening her seatbelt with excitement.

Of course, her smile wasn’t directed at her.

Those who had been leaving malicious comments about Seo Yi-soo all this time.

The reporter who first sparked controversy around Seo Yi-soo.

It was a mockery aimed at TAS, the agency that Han Min-seok, who tried to pull off a dirty trick, belonged to.

Well, didn’t they call a mediocre work by an unknown director?

I was curious about what expression they would make when they heard this news.

‘Just wait and see. They will definitely regret it.’

For Shin Ji-hoo, this trip to Busan was not just an honorable opportunity to participate in a film festival.

It was the beginning of a counterattack.

That’s right.

It was a declaration.

Of course, that was Shin Ji-hoo’s situation.

“So, Shin Ji-hoo brought mango bingsu… It was so delicious.”

“Really, sis? Is that so?”

“Yes, yes.”

“I see. Oh, it must have been delicious.”

“Haha. If you come near the filming site, just say it. I’ll definitely buy you one.”

“Uh… sis. They sell mango bingsu in Busan too.”

“What, what?!”

Seo Yi-soo was preoccupied with being teased by Oh Kyung-bae.

Seo Yi-soo’s struggles were well known to Han Sun-yul and Oh Kyung-bae.

So Oh Kyung-bae reacted more enthusiastically to Seo Yi-soo’s nonsense than usual.

Han Sun-yul, unlike usual, did not throw a jab at Oh Kyung-bae.

In the car heading to Busan.

Seo Yi-soo was very surprised.

Because of Oh Kyung-bae’s words.

Oh my.

This earth was truly an amazing place.

The mango bingsu was so delicious.

So naturally, she thought it was a great local specialty near the filming site.

But to think they sold the same thing in Busan…

Indeed, coming to earth was a great decision.

Seo Yi-soo’s eyes sparkled.

“Shin Ji-hoo!”

Seo Yi-soo roared courageously.

And Shin Ji-hoo let out a deep sigh and nodded.

“Got it. I’ll buy it if you go.”

He was a manager who understood perfectly without needing detailed explanations.

***

The journey to Busan was delayed several times.

Because Seo Yi-soo indulged in eating at every rest area they stopped at.

At first, Oh Kyung-bae enjoyed indulging with Seo Yi-soo, but later on, his face turned pale with nausea.

“Sis… Can all that fit in your stomach?”

Oh Kyung-bae was truly flustered.

Even though he weighed 1.5 times more than Seo Yi-soo, he was in agony from being so full.

Seo Yi-soo, still with a happy face, continued to enjoy skewered grilled meat with a lot of sauce around her mouth.

She proudly said, “Of course. A while ago, a staff member told me a huge secret. Tasty food has 0 calories. In other words, people can eat unlimited amounts as long as it tastes good. Got it?”

“That staff member… will receive divine punishment for what they did.”

To say such a joke to Seo Yi-soo of all people.

Look at this. He believed it for real instead of just taking it as a joke.

Karma is a bitch, they said.

Whoever it was, that staff.

It was clear that the heavens would not stay silent.

Well…

Anyway, that’s how it was.

The three of them arrived in Busan amidst pain and joy.

The opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival would be starting soon.

“More than anything, let’s stop by the shop first. I’ve already made reservations for two, including you.”

Shin Ji-hoo spoke with a serious tone.

The shop.

A salon where artists work.

For celebrities, it’s a place more familiar than any other.

Shin Ji-hoo had reserved the most famous and expensive shop in Busan, with the most popular artist.

Even though the person was fully booked…

Shin Ji-hoo, with the power of money from KS Entertainment, managed to secure the reservation.

It was for Seo Yi-soo.

To show those who spoke ill of her.

To show the journalists who wrote sensational articles targeting Seo Yi-soo just because of the attention she was getting.

“Watch and see. Today, I’ll crush them all.”

Shin Ji-hoo’s eyes burned with determination.

And so.

The time came.

The opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival began.

Numerous stars walked the red carpet.

Journalists eagerly snapped photos of them.

The shutters clicked loudly as the beautiful actresses walked the red carpet, followed by cheers from the audience.

“But…”

In the midst of the busyness, a journalist whispered to a colleague.

“This year’s festival. The film that actress is in has been invited too, right?”

“Who? Oh… Seo Yi-soo?”

“Yeah. The film she starred in. The director is a rookie. At first, I thought she took the role to build her lead acting career. But if it’s invited to the festival, it must not be a complete failure, right?”

“I don’t know. Just because it’s invited to the festival doesn’t mean it’s a great film or a box office hit.”

“That’s true, but…”

They chatted freely.

“And look here. The stars are everywhere.”

The journalist pointed to the red carpet with a sarcastic tone.

The stars walking the carpet.

Each one shining.

“Imagine her, Seo Yi-soo, walking there. Do you think she’ll stand out among those stars?”

“Hmm…”

“Can’t imagine it? Me neither. She’s just that mediocre.”

Speaking without knowing anything.

Casually spitting out words.

“Because they keep pushing and promoting untalented rookies like her, controversies like this arise. I expected this controversy to happen.”

And so.

Amidst the chaotic and messy words.

It was time for the team to make their appearance.

Seo Yi-soo, along with her co-stars and director Han Kyung-jin, revealed themselves.

Everyone who had their cameras up to capture her…

“…”

“…Oh.”

For a moment, they were speechless.

It was because of Seo Yi-soo.

Only Seo Yi-soo was visible.

Not even Han Sun-yul, Oh Kyung-bae, or Han Kyung-jin who appeared with her.

No one’s gaze reached anyone else who appeared with her.

Seo Yi-soo, with a pretty face but no distinctive features.

And flawless skin, without a single flaw.

It meant she was very skilled at makeup and styling.

For anyone, there is a makeup style that suits their unique features.

There is also a limit to how much makeup can enhance one’s appearance.

Beyond a certain point, it can start to have the opposite effect.

Seo Yi-soo had no such limits.

In any direction.

The more she adorned herself.

The more her beauty shone.

“Hey.”

“…”

“If you think you won’t catch anyone’s eye.”

And now, at this moment.

Seo Yi-soo walking the red carpet.

She shone so brightly that she made everyone who had passed before her completely forget.

“To think she would shine like this.”

Shin Ji-hoo’s carefully planned stage was a success.

However, Seo Eui-soo’s shining appearance was just the beginning.

At today’s national competition, there is still much more to show.

This is just the beginning of the counterattack.