episode_0023
by adminThe next day.
CT Entertainment’s CEO’s office.
Tap, tap.
Pitter-patter.
Vibrations rang out each time Yang Ha-rin tapped her phone with her fingertips. Her fingers moved non-stop, making it seem like she was busily contacting someone, but the actual situation was a little different.
[Yang Ha-rin Gallery]
[Title: Yang Ha-rin’s Schedule Poster for this Month]
[Yang Ha-rin: Yang Ha-rin High-Resolution Photoshoot!]
[Yang Ha-rin: Yang Ha-rin Story Capture]
Ego surfing bordering on obsession.
There are many people who enjoy the community itself, but in Yang Ha-rin’s case, the depth of attachment was different. Her compulsion to repeatedly check her reputation online was especially so.
[Title: Yang Ha-rin]
[Writer: Yang Soong-ing]
[I was looking forward to it, but I’m curious as to why it fell through. Wasn’t Yang Ha-rin already splitting her busy schedule to decide to join? Why did it get wrecked?]
Yes, it’s to see posts like these.
If she spots a post she doesn’t like, she feels endlessly unpleasant, but the satisfaction, thrill, and self-esteem when she sees a post she likes… she can’t quit this taste. In the end, her sharp feelings are somewhat relieved.
“Ha-rin-ah.”
Ha-rin snapped out of her reverie at the CEO’s words.
“I’m listening.”
“You’re answering now. I’ve called you three times already.”
“…You called me three times?”
I didn’t know at all.
Am I that concerned about this matter? Yang Ha-rin frowned without realizing it. Her pride was quite hurt.
“We’ve recovered all the investment money and put out articles everywhere, so there’s nothing to worry about. You just need to think about what you’re going to do next.”
“I saw the articles too.”
Yang Ha-rin finally took her eyes off her phone.
“But, CEO-nim.”
It was the same moment her lowered eyes turned towards the CEO.
“I still don’t want to rest. I want to do another project, even if it’s something else.”
“You do? Should I look into some projects for you? To be honest, that Park Joon guy was appealing because we could control him, but if we look around, there are still plenty of good ones.”
“Yes. Let’s do something. I don’t want a hiatus, and if I win an award, it’ll fill a big line in my filmography.”
Yang Ha-rin answered like that and thought of one man.
A handsome piece of trash, Kim Sun-il.
His words and actions still remained a great shock in Yang Ha-rin’s mind. Yes, maybe that’s why she couldn’t sleep and kept rummaging through communities.
She was desperately trying to soothe herself by finding posts that praised her. You’re the best. You’re the best. You’re the best…
‘If I do better, they’ll acknowledge me, right? Maybe even apologize.’
For that moment, her filmography must become even more perfect. She absolutely had to win the Best New Actress Award.
If so…
Yang Ha-rin, who seemed to have finished some calculation, opened her mouth.
“CEO-nim.”
“Hmm?”
“What if Director Park hasn’t let go of this project? If he survives like a cockroach and finds investors again, finds actors too… I think I’d really be upset.”
Since CT Entertainment has completely pulled out, the most ideal picture for Yang Ha-rin is for ‘Sword’ to be completely destroyed.
If not, it feels like Yang Ha-rin is also responsible. For her, who has ego-surfing compulsions, this is inevitably sensitive.
The CEO, who immediately understood her meaning, grinned.
“Okay. Should I do something? Mess with Director Park’s articles and darken the atmosphere around him so no one can participate.”
“Of course, you have to do that.”
Yang Ha-rin nodded.
[Title: Yang Ha-rin]
[Writer: Yang Soong-ing]
[I was looking forward to it, but I’m curious as to why it fell through. Wasn’t Yang Ha-rin already splitting her busy schedule to decide to join? Why did it get wrecked?]
– I heard there’s a problem with that director.
– I heard he’s failed with every project he’s released recently.
– Honestly, the actress is too good for him.
Adding comments with her own hands too. Three of them.
◈◈◈◈◈
Meanwhile, Park Joon was sitting alone in a cafe, talking on the phone with someone.
“Sun-il-ah. I’ve finally decided to hold on to it. Your words that it doesn’t seem too late yet gave me courage.”
The other person was none other than Kim Sun-il. He was also the one who instilled courage in Park Joon.
“You’ve made a good decision. It was a project too good to let go of.”
“Thank you.”
Park Joon wore a pleased smile.
“I feel relieved that the leash CT Entertainment had on me is gone, but the actor and investment money haven’t been secured, so I feel really lost. My mind is really complicated and stuff.”
“Just grab that guy well. I’ll look into the rest.”
“Ehey, ya! How can I receive more help from you! That’s not why I called. I just wanted to say thank you.”
“It’s not a burden for me either. I’m just someone who hates seeing a project I’m fond of ruined more than anything else in the world.”
A pleasantly concluded call.
However, the smile that lingered on Park Joon’s face didn’t last long. It was right after he checked the articles that had just been posted.
“What, what is this…?”
The content was so shocking that his hands were shaking. However, Park Joon had to hide that tremor first. It was because a familiar face appeared beyond the cafe window.
Lee Soo-ah.
“….”
Park Joon swallowed hard without realizing it.
‘She’s really something.’
I wondered if a born actress even existed.
A woman carefully opening the cafe door and entering.
Her slim face seemed like it could be covered with a fist, and her jet-black eyes were so mysterious that their depth couldn’t be fathomed.
A face created using only sharp lines overall. She was someone who was difficult to even look at, let alone strike up a conversation with.
“Soo-ah-ssi, over here!”
Immediately after Soo-ah sat down opposite him, Park Joon pushed the coffee he had ordered in advance in front of her. Quite timidly.
He wondered what to say first for a moment.
“Please state your business.”
Soo-ah’s cold voice was one step faster. If I add any unnecessary words, it’ll be a big problem, Park Joon hurriedly opened his mouth.
“Soo-ah-ssi, you said you liked the role of Wi Ji-hye.”
“Yes.”
“May I ask for the detailed reason?”
A moment of silence. Park Joon added a few words.
“I hope you’ll tell me as honestly as possible. It’s okay to say that you just needed a leading role to fill your filmography.”
“Um…”
Soo-ah hesitated for a moment.
“It’s a long story to explain, but anyway, I wanted to participate in this project as Wi Ji-hye. My heart hasn’t changed even now.”
“That heart, hasn’t changed even now…?”
Park Joon’s eyes widened.
“Are you aware that CT Entertainment has recovered all of its investment and pulled out? That Yang Ha-rin has left too?”
“Of course, I know.”
“But still… unchanged…?”
“Yes. I want to do it.”
Unbelievable. Park Joon swallowed his surprise.
Park Joon’s intention in questioning Soo-ah was simple.
He was curious as to whether she had simply approached his project ‘Sword’ or whether she really had affection for it.
And he got the answer now.
She definitely didn’t just apply out of interest. It was certain.
Park Joon smiled with a touched face. As the director who created the work, this fact alone warmed his heart.
“…I’m really grateful. It warms my heart.”
“Is that all for today?”
“Ah, originally I would have asked you to take on the role of Wi Ji-hye. But now the situation has gotten too bad.”
Park Joon weakly turned on his phone and handed it over.
[‘Park Joon’ Walking Downhill Despite Several Rechallenges]
[In the end, this project too…. The fall of a one-time master]
[Park Joon’s Next Project, Virtually Irrecoverable.]
All articles that criticized him, or articles that predicted a worse future. It was the reason why Park Joon frowned after cutting off the call with Kim Sun-il.
It was also the bitter reality of a falling director.
“These are the articles that just poured out. I think CT Entertainment used their hands to confirm the kill. My reputation is okay, but it’s a problem because the actors who participate will also be said to lack discernment.”
“Isn’t that practically a threat to completely let go of the work?”
“Exactly. Well, that’s how this industry is.”
Park Joon said that and took something out of his bag.
Something piled up on the table.
All of it was scripts.
“What’s this?”
“These are other short film scripts that I had gotten in advance.”
“…Why are you showing them to me?”
“You liked my work, so I have to express my gratitude. But my movie is already ruined, so if there’s a script you like, I’ll look into auditions for that side.”
Then Soo-ah looked at the scripts one by one.
No, to be exact, she only pretended to look closely. What would she know? She was just checking the ratings…
But when she looked, there was no script with a higher rating than ‘Sword’. Some of them were even marked as landmines with a rating of 5.
“….”
The conclusion was simple. ‘Sword’ and Wi Ji-hye are the best.
Soo-ah pushed the scripts aside and said.
“Um, I still want to do ‘Sword’, the role of Wi Ji-hye.”
“…Yes?”
Park Joon’s eyes widened.
Shock. It was something he absolutely couldn’t understand.
“These works all have better conditions than mine. The directors have solid names and the financial resources are thick, but you’re still interested in my work? Still?”
“Yes.”
“Even though bad articles are pouring out towards me…?”
“Yes. I like Director Park’s work the most.”
“…!”
An answer that was impossible to believe.
At the same time, a memory popped into Park Joon’s head.
The words Kim Sun-il had said.
─There are sometimes actors like that. Actors who don’t consider money or relationships at all, and just jump into works they think are right.
Honestly, he thought they were fantasy creatures.
Isn’t being an actor just one of the jobs you go through for self-realization, recognition, and money?
However, Park Joon thought he had encountered a fantasy creature now.
He, who pushed for artistry rather than popularity…. And Lee Soo-ah, who pushed for his tastes like that…. They were definitely similar.
Of course, it’s actually just a big misunderstanding, but that’s what Park Joon thought.
Soon, something began to burn in Park Joon’s heart.
The name of that spark was passion.
Soo-ah was just awkward at this silence. Park Joon’s appearance, even with tears welling up in his eyes, was so embarrassing.
“…Why are you doing this?”
“No, it’s nothing… I’m just really grateful… Soo-ah-ssi, then will you take on the lead role in my lacking work?”
“Yes. I will.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much. Um, I already confirmed Soo-ah-ssi’s acting skills during the audition. I don’t really need to see you act Wi Ji-hye…”
“Ah.”
Soo-ah took out her phone first.
“I have something I recorded alone while practicing.”
“Ah, if it’s okay, can I see that…?”
“Of course. Please watch. I’ll go to the restroom for a bit.”
Practicing while even recording, Soo-ah-ssi’s passion for Wi Ji-hye must be deep, Park Joon once again felt moved and played the video.
“…Crazy!”
Soon he was so surprised that he jumped up from his seat.
‘…This is a video of her acting alone in her room? It’s like she’s acting as if there’s a virtual set!’
Soo-ah’s acting was amazing. She doesn’t just focus on the character’s actions and lines. She seems to have even planned the surrounding scenery in her head.
‘When I watch, I get answers instead. Like, this part should be filmed this way. How much research did she do? How much affection must she have…’
Like that.
Finally, when Soo-ah returned, shaking the water off her washed hands.
“Soo-ah-ssi.”
“Yes?”
Park Joon said with a very determined expression.
“This project. I’ll stick with it until the end.”
Some kind of holy fire burns in his eyes.
He was practically a soldier going to the battlefield.
“This project only needs Soo-ah-ssi. I’ll do whatever it takes for the rest. Even if I have to sell my organs.”
“Why are you selling your organs…”
◈◈◈◈◈
A luxury apartment.
A completely sophisticated space, from the tiles on the floor to the subtly arranged furniture. Seo Yeon-joo was lying down with a facial mask on.
It was then. That Kim Sun-il entered the space.
“You’re here.”
Seo Yeon-joo muttered without even opening her eyes.
“Yeah.”
“Why are you here. Go back out.”
“You should go out.”
Are they living together? There’s no way. They were both confident that they wouldn’t like each other even if they suddenly fell onto a deserted island.
However, this luxury apartment was just a space used as a studio by their agency. Even the residence that someone dreams of was just a studio for them.
That’s how the world of high-ranking actors was.
Suddenly, Seo Yeon-joo muttered.
“Kim Sun-il, I envy you.”
“There must be more than one or two things you’re envious of about me.”
As usual, an arrogant answer, Seo Yeon-joo clicked her tongue.
“What are you talking about, I’m only envious of one thing?”
“What.”
“Competing as the lead with Lee Soo-ah. That monster.”
“…Is it that story again.”
Seo Yeon-joo was completely absorbed in Lee Soo-ah these days.
To be exact, she was completely absorbed in Lee Soo-ah’s acting.
That was the case even now as Kim Sun-il stared at Seo Yeon-joo.
Before, she was a kid who used to discuss her next schedule or plans when she had free time, but now she only watches Lee Soo-ah’s acting videos from time to time. It’s severe.
“You’re also a lead in your own way. You’re filming together.”
“Still, standing together as rival leads is different! Huh, I almost spilled the mask. Don’t make me scream.”
Seo Yeon-joo carefully fixed the mask and said.
“Being a lead together is a very romantic thing. While cooperating to match each other, you also fiercely compete with each other so you don’t get eaten up…”
“Compete?”
“When filming is over, you greet a beautiful end. Wow, it’s so rosy just hearing about it. Don’t you think?”
“…Could that be because you’re addicted to romance fantasy.”
“Anyway, that’s what my acting world means. It’s good if the opponent is a monster rookie like Lee Soo-ah, right? It’s also a chance for me to develop.”
“Childish.”
But even while muttering like that, Kim Sun-il was inwardly acknowledging Seo Yeon-joo. That’s why they’re in the same agency in the first place.
If Yang Ha-rin is a kid who steps on others to climb up, Seo Yeon-joo is a kid who knows how to hold hands and climb up together. A kid who knows how to take steps forward with a positive process.
‘…Wait.’
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Kim Sun-il’s head.
‘Even if Lee Soo-ah takes on the role of Wi Ji-hye in Director Park’s short film, there’s one lead role empty. Because Yang Ha-rin left.’
It seemed like Seo Yeon-joo was eager to act with a comet like Lee Soo-ah, and Kim Sun-il’s head spun even faster.
‘It’s a difficult situation in many ways, but if Seo Yeon-joo joins as the lead, the story will change a little. No, it’ll change completely.’
Kim Sun-il, who had finished thinking, said just one word.
“Seo Yeon-joo. Don’t leave here.”
“…Why is he like that?”
About 30 minutes later.
Kim Sun-il appeared again.
“Did you bring something to clean again? That cleanliness freak.”
“It’s different today.”
Kim Sun-il put something at Seo Yeon-joo’s bedside. When Seo Yeon-joo quickly picked it up with her hand, it was a script.
“…A script? What script?”
“It’s a script you know too. Director Park’s work.”
“Ah, the short film? I saw the article. I heard it eventually got screwed. I don’t feel good about it.”
Seo Yeon-joo belatedly raised her upper body as if she was angry.
“No, but the more I think about it, isn’t it too much?”
“What is.”
“The articles pouring out, I mean. It’s obvious that everything went wrong because of Yang Ha-rin’s personality, but why are they blaming Director Park? They have no business ethics.”
Kim Sun-il nodded briefly.
“Read this script.”
“What? Why all of a sudden?”
“Read it. Or you can do the cleaning today.”
“…That’s so cheap.”
Seo Yeon-joo opened the script.
.
.
.
.
.
It was an hour later that she put the script down again.
“What, the script is better than I thought?”
“It’s already been an hour.”
“Huh? Really? I thought I read it for about 10 minutes.”
Seo Yeon-joo blinked her eyes as if she was surprised, but Kim Sun-il immediately spat out the main point he had been holding back.
“Don’t you want to try being the lead for this?”
“Um…”
Bang!
Seo Yeon-joo threw the script at Kim Sun-il’s forehead.
Trickling down….
The script trickled down Kim Sun-il’s expressionless face.
“…Are you out of your mind? How can I do it when I’m so busy?”
“Are you scared.”
“I don’t know if I’m scared, but it seems like it would be bothersome. It’s a work where neither capital nor actors have been secured, and the moment it’s known that I’m leaving, a lot of articles will pour out.”
Seo Yeon-joo already put her hand on her forehead as if she was troubled.
“Ugh, I get a headache just thinking about what happens after that. I can’t even withdraw from the performance because articles have already been released, and if it fails, people will say that Seo Yeon-joo has no discernment…”
“Seo Yeon-joo.”
“Ah, stop calling me. I’m not doing it. I know you like this, but it’s already a ruined work. Give up.”
Then Kim Sun-il folded his arms without saying a word.
Soon, he tilted his head slightly to the side.
“You said you envied me.”
“What?”
“That is, you said you wanted to be rival leads with Lee Soo-ah.”
Tap tap.
Kim Sun-il tapped the script with the tip of his index finger.
“Lee Soo-ah has already taken one spot. You’re the only one who needs to come.”
“….”
Silence.
“….”
It was a long silence.
“Ah, I still won’t do it.”
Soon Seo Yeon-joo shook her head.
“I might join as a rival if the timing is right, but she’s a new rookie and I have a lot of experience. It looks like I’m chasing after her if I do this, so it’s not a good look.”
“Then I’ll take it back.”
Kim Sun-il turned around quickly.
Thud.
“….”
Seo Yeon-joo grabbed his ankle.
Quite hard.
“You can leave the script behind, right…?”
◈◈◈◈◈
[Short Film ‘Sword’]
▶ Experience Completed / Grade 1.5
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[Short Film ‘Sword’]
▶ Experience Completed / Grade 1
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