Ch.115Huuuuuugh!

Going back in time to two months ago.

“Hmm….”

Kiryu Sota is a giant in the Japanese film industry, a man with a stronger desire than anyone for Japanese live-action films to break into the global market.

With a thin frame that looks like it might collapse at the slightest touch, but in stark contrast, his piercing eyes make people shrink back involuntarily.

It’s no wonder he’s called Eigaoni in the film industry, literally the “Film Demon.”

“Hmm.”

This Kiryu Sota had recently fallen into deep thought.

‘Japanese live-action films are collapsing miserably.’

At first, he thought it was the limitation of Asian cinema. But after watching the relatively recent “Snowpiercer,” his thinking changed.

‘Ah, this is a problem with our film industry.’

Of course, in the broader sense, one couldn’t say cinema was collapsing. The continuous home runs in animation were dazzling. But for Kiryu Sota, film wasn’t about that.

‘How can animation be considered film?’

How could something drawn rather than filmed be considered cinema? For Kiryu Sota, film was about capturing the soul of the subject.

It was about capturing the energy that only humans can produce, framing it within a rectangular screen, processing it, and expressing it.

That was cinema.

‘It’s not just films either.’

The same applied to dramas. While animation continued to grow, there weren’t any notable dramas coming out.

Of course, there was one monstrous work that exceeded 40% viewership ratings, but in terms of overall popularity and global appeal, there were areas where it fell short.

“Pay back double… is it?”

What was the way to show the world the charm of Japanese films that had yet to be revealed, and to do so twofold?

‘It’s about solving the fundamental problem.’

It meant fixing a structure that was not just conservative but rotten, abandoning the focus solely on the domestic market, and filming with a hefty budget.

But this wasn’t as easy as it sounded. If it were, they would have done it already.

‘When I talk about new attempts, people immediately think of failure.’

That wasn’t necessarily wrong. But if they didn’t even try, that made them cowards.

‘New wine must be put into new wineskins, as they say.’

What needed to be done to show a completely different approach from the existing one? Kiryu Sota decided to first look at films from the closest country.

Korea, a country with an insatiable desire for global expansion. The latest work by its master director, Kang Sang-hoon, “Endless Frontline.” A film that attracted an impressive ten million viewers.

But.

‘Less interesting than I expected.’

Contrary to expectations, the beginning was a series of tedious content. Predictable developments that everyone knew, obvious content. A clearly visible ending.

He wondered why this had reached ten million viewers.

‘Even if it’s a film from a few years ago… hmm.’

Was this just another film targeting the domestic audience? But from what he knew, it had also been submitted overseas.

Then.

-Sister, is there really rice in the south?

Kiryu Sota’s gaze fixed on the boy who suddenly appeared. His first impression was of an impossible appearance.

A handsomeness that couldn’t be matched even if you brought together all the renowned faces representing Japan’s past.

As he wondered how someone could be so handsome, he involuntarily gasped at the natural acting that followed.

“Huh.”

It was shocking.

-Is there really rice and meat soup there?

A child who had never experienced war was perfectly portraying the image of a child soldier.

The most shocking aspect was his eyes and expressions. Beyond simply delivering gestures and lines well, there was an emotional line that made it seem like he had actually lived through that time.

It was enough to leave him speechless with surprise. That’s when it started.

‘What’s this actor’s name?’

That’s when he began searching for all works related to Kim Donghu, and started using all his connections to establish a link with Kim Donghu.

‘Where’s Director Kang Sang-hoon’s contact information?’

Fortunately, the years of being called a master didn’t betray him, so establishing a connection with Kim Donghu wasn’t a major issue.

But an unexpected obstacle arose.

‘What do I say when I meet him? Can he even speak Japanese? And is it right to say I want to see his acting?’

He belatedly realized that just showing up wouldn’t yield any answers. The connection chain from Guan Yu-bearded Kang Sang-hoon to Director Yoon Sung-bin was perfect, but…

‘I never knew it would be this hard for a director to meet an actor.’

It would be unnatural to suddenly go from Yoon Sung-bin to actor Kim Donghu. If it were about a meeting for an upcoming project, it would have been natural, but his purpose was simply to see the actor’s vibrant performance.

‘Of course, I also have a future project in mind, but that’s for later.’

While he was pacing back and forth wondering what to do, Director Yoon Sung-bin suggested watching in disguise, and Kiryu Sota said he would do it if possible.

And when he was told that he would even get to see the sword dance he so desired, it was perfect, leaving nothing more to wish for.

And so time returns to the present. Kiryu Sota, thoroughly disguised, hid among the staff and captured Kim Donghu in his eyes.

‘He’s even more handsome in person.’

That impossible appearance wasn’t just screen presence. If anything, the screen couldn’t fully capture it.

‘White robe with a blue blade, like watching a noble crane.’

Kiryu Sota’s eyes sparkle. Even though the acting hasn’t started yet, just seeing the costume makes images form in his head.

He sees the image of a samurai born in a foreign land, whom no one can approach.

“Ready… Action!”

While Kiryu Sota is filled with admiration, the filming begins.

And at that moment.

Swoosh.

As if it had been waiting for this moment, snow slowly begins to fall. Since there was no instruction to stop filming, it continued, and in the snow, Kim Donghu, or rather Lee Tae-sung, comes to life.

“Hoo….”

From the first breath, as if announcing the weather, breath slowly escapes from his mouth.

‘Sword dance requires an extremely high level of skill.’

Kiryu Sota watched the scene with concern.

A style where one has to lead the play by performing a sword dance alone, not matching rhythm with someone else. If done poorly, it could look like a clown’s act.

But as if mocking this old man’s worry.

Whoosh!

Everyone’s eyes widened at Lee Tae-sung’s first sword movement, unfolding gracefully. It far exceeded the level where one could casually mention, “I’m confident in my swordsmanship, so it’s fine.”

As they say, if someone makes something look easy, it’s because they’re good at it. Lee Tae-sung was handling the sword too easily.

As if they had always been one, the white robe and white snow meet and flutter, and he inflicts the only wound on the world that is gradually turning white.

Slash!

A continuous series of clean swordsmanship that can only be admired. And finally followed by,

Click.

The sheathing of the sword, and,

Swoosh!

The drawing of the sword.

The elegant blade cuts through the snow, reflecting intense madness on the blade.

Seeing this, Kiryu Sota unconsciously muttered.

“Ito… Ittosai….”

No, it’s an early thought. He’s only seen the handling of one sword so far.

If, if actor Kim Donghu is also perfect with two swords.

‘Could he… portray the young Musashi?’

Setting aside what the reality might be, what if he tried to create a fantasy-like story?

‘No, no, that’s absurd.’

Of course, this was nonsense. There must have been tremendous effort to act at that level. Mastering two-sword style as well would be impossible.

‘Still… even that level is amazing.’

How many diverse performances could he deliver? The sense of facing unlimited potential sends a thrill through Kiryu Sota’s body.

‘I, I want to write a screenplay right away.’

He might not know where to put the new wineskin, but he knew what new wine to brew. That was the moment it was decided in Kiryu Sota’s soul.

++++++

Though I haven’t been acting for long, I’ve consistently learned one thing.

‘People called masters have different eyes.’

Whether it’s Guan Yu-bearded Director Kang Sang-hoon, or Director Kiryu Sota hiding in disguise.

I don’t know if it’s experience reflected in their eyes, but there was something unmistakable.

It’s like being pierced by their gaze. Director Yoon Sung-bin didn’t invite him secretly for nothing.

‘If he’s like that while watching secretly, he must be completely intimidating when watching properly.’

Imagine facing those demon-like piercing eyes. I thought anyone without considerable guts would flinch at least once.

“Wow, filming while it’s snowing looks amazing! Good job!”

Fortunately, I didn’t have to face that and received praise, but if I had unknowingly met his gaze, I might have made a mistake.

“If the snow piles up a bit more later, could we film the same scene again?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Then, perhaps… is other swordsmanship possible?”

“Other swordsmanship?”

“Yes, perhaps two-sword style….”

Director Yoon Sung-bin looked at me with an expression that said, “Is that even possible?” A face that seemed to say, “I’d be asking too much if I expected that.” As if he was asking something he knew wasn’t possible.

But.

“Yes. I can do two-sword style.”

It wasn’t a problem for me at all.

So, to create a different presentation in a similar scene, I took a short break and then immediately demonstrated the two-sword style.

“Woooow!”

Just as I received the OK sign with praise close to perfection.

“Huuuuuugh!”

I heard what sounded like the death cry of an old man filled with astonishment from among the staff.