episode_0206
by adminJapan.
A spacious conference room. Director Yusaku sat alone, organizing a stack of papers. He’s been incredibly busy lately.
It’s because Minami Sawako has finally finished the script after countless revisions. There was no reason to delay.
Then.
*BANG!*
The conference room door burst open, and a man entered.
“監督、お久しぶりです.” (Director, it’s been a while.)
He wore his long hair tied back like a ponytail, and his oriental beard was neatly trimmed. It was Tama Yuki, a famous Japanese actor.
Yusaku greeted him with a smile.
“Tama Yuki, thank you for coming to see me right away.” “Of course I had to come, it’s at Director Yusaku’s call.” “Do you remember everything I warned you about beforehand? This is a work written by Sawako-yang, who is a middle school student. It failed spectacularly in the Japanese Noir contest.” “Yes. It doesn’t matter.”
Tama Yuki simply nodded.
‘If Director Yusaku decided to do it, there must be a reason. I just have to follow along. Let’s keep the faith.’
There are those who call themselves the ‘persona,’ like a director’s alter ego, and Tama Yuki was one of them. His loyalty to Director Yusaku was quite deep.
Because he was able to escape being a rookie thanks to Yusaku.
*Whoosh-*
Yusaku handed over the script.
“First, read the script.” “Understood.”
Tama Yuki first checked the title.
[ Weed ]
Weed, Weed, huh.
He couldn’t help but tilt his head.
‘Weed?’
It didn’t feel like a suitable title for a Yakuza noir piece. Usually, keywords like anger, blood and bones, or revenge are included.
Tama Yuki quietly examined the script.
‘The content is completely different from what I expected.’
He thought it would be full of Yakuza bloodshed, but it wasn’t at all. Rather, it dealt with the realistic life a Yakuza faces in society after being released from prison after 10 years.
So, did he hate it? Was it boring?
…Surprisingly, it wasn’t.
“… .”
Tama Yuki became engrossed without even realizing it.
‘I keep reading it. I thought it would be utterly bleak, but it’s not. The dark parts are resolved very cheerfully.’
It’s not just a dark atmosphere.
The scenes of a rough Yakuza failing to adapt to society are presented comically, and several heartwarming human relationships are planted in between.
Tama Yuki soon came to a conclusion.
‘Let’s admit it. I actually like this better.’
He was drawn to something new.
‘It’s always been the same. I wanted to try a new adventure.’
In fact, Japanese Yakuza movies only differ in the actors’ performances and production costs. A bad guy kills a bad guy, and if it doesn’t end there, he finds a worse guy and kills him…
But ‘Weed’ is different.
He felt that participating in this work would finally allow him to break free from his mannerisms. Now it’s not just about loyalty. He wanted to do it.
Tama Yuki soon smiled brightly.
“It’s an honor. So I’ll be playing this Yakuza role. It’s a completely different feel from the existing Yakuza, so it’s amazing.”
He was even excited, like embarking on a journey to an unknown place.
What would it be like to play a Yakuza who breaks away from the existing framework? And how would it be received?
However.
Director Yusaku shook his head.
“No. Mr. Tama Yuki will be playing a different role.” “…?”
Tama Yuki’s eyes widened.
‘What? I’m playing a different role?’
Tama Yuki naturally thought he would be the main character.
He had built up his position over the years, and he was proud of his skills. The confidence that there was no mask as suitable for the Yakuza role as his also played a part.
The hair tied up like a ponytail and the trimmed beard. He always had a Yakuza-like feel.
Yusaku said calmly.
“I hope you don’t feel too disappointed. The role Mr. Tama Yuki will play is also incredibly important.” “More than that, who will be playing this Yakuza?”
“Lee Soo-ah. A rookie actress from Korea will be playing it.” “Yes…?”
Tama Yuki ultimately failed to manage his expression.
He could somehow understand using Minami Sawako, who was only a middle school student, as the main writer, but casting a rookie actress from Korea as the lead? Seriously?
‘Is the director going a little crazy?’
He even thought that without realizing it.
“…What kind of actress is she to give her the lead role?”
“That’s not something I can explain in words. ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ will soon land in Japan. Watch it once through Netflix. You’ll understand right away.”
“No…”
Yusaku continued, facing Tama Yuki, who had a bewildered expression. His eyes were more serious than ever.
“Mr. Tama Yuki, I thought about it many times. But this is how to use each person in the right place.” “Yes. I do trust the director, but…” “Of course, I’m not forcing Mr. Tama Yuki. If you’re uncomfortable, you can refuse. Take your time to think it over and tell me comfortably.” “Rather than thinking about it… I have one question.”
Tama Yuki scratched the area near his temple with his index finger.
“Is she really that great of a rookie? What if I can’t accept it even after seeing it with my own eyes?”
Then Yusaku smiled.
“That will not happen.”
◈◈◈◈◈
Two days later. Director Go Tae-min’s studio.
The “Crescendo From Tomorrow” conference room, with a grand piano, was packed with people. With Lee Joo-hyun and Kang Hak-man both dropping out at the same time, an emergency meeting was necessary.
Everyone was constantly talking.
“So, Kang Hak-man actually sexually assaulted Soo-ah? It gave me chills all over my body.” “Me too. Was he intentionally managing his reputation all along? To be doing such a thing behind the scenes…” “Lee Joo-hyun, who hooked up with that Kang Hak-man, is also ridiculous. She pretended to be so clean, but, as expected.”
“It’s a relief the affair broke out early. Imagine if it had broken out after the work was completed. Several people would have starved for sure?”
The topic of discussion was consistent.
Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo-hyun were being treated as less than human, no different from beasts. And the reaction was that it was fortunate that the affair was discovered before filming for “Crescendo From Tomorrow” began.
“They were fighting like crazy? They were revealing really sensitive things to each other on social media.” “It’s like a dog covered in poop and a dog covered in chaff fighting each other. They’re even revealing their sexual preferences, it’s disgusting to watch.” “Did you know that Director Go Tae-min changed his mind and decided to reveal Lee Gyu-bin first right before Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo-hyun were exposed? If it wasn’t for that whim, this place would be a funeral home right now?”
Mystic and Go Tae-min did not bother to reveal the fact that Soo-ah was the one who created all the stages.
After all, there’s no benefit to shocking the people involved, and it only creates a lot of trouble. Furthermore, since the situation is already chaotic, it’s best to move on quickly.
“Let’s stop now.”
Director Go Tae-min soon took direct action to manage the situation.
“Let’s stop mentioning the two controversial people now.” “Gasp.”
“Officially, Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo-hyun are not actors who were cast in ‘Crescendo From Tomorrow.’ So, everyone, consider them strangers.”
He draws the line clearly.
Everyone followed, as bad stories leaking out would be detrimental to everyone. The conference room quickly became quiet, and Director Go said to an employee.
“So, have all the things I instructed been handled?” “Yes. Everything is fine. It will be over once you complete the casting you’re directly in charge of, Director.” “No. The casting is already over.” “Huh?”
Everyone nearby stirred at Director Go Tae-min’s statement.
He already filled the vacancies of Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo-hyun? How? And with what actors?
Director Go Tae-min picked up his phone instead of answering.
He seemed to be making a call to someone right away.
“You’re in front of the building? Uh-huh, come in now.”
Less than a minute later, the conference room door opened.
*BANG!*
The man who appeared through the door didn’t say anything, but there was no need to say anything. The people involved recognized him in an instant.
“Oh… oh…?” “It’s David Park…!”
Yes, it was David Park. Astonishment spread around. The unexpected actor had appeared before their eyes.
Go Tae-min said, patting David Park on the shoulder.
“I believe that the people involved know better than anyone else the position David Park has in Korea. How is it? You feel really reassured that you’ll be working with us on our project, right?”
Then someone couldn’t help but shout.
“O-of course! It’s David Park!”
A voice filled with emotion.
Even though David Park felt frustrated in Hollywood, that was only a feeling David Park personally felt. Korea still proudly regards him.
The mouths of the excited people involved became busy.
“There’s a lot of articles to write. If we shoot with the theme that David Park’s Korean comeback work is ‘Crescendo From Tomorrow’…”
“It would be amazing. It’s three times better than Kang Hak-man.”
The scene instantly turned into a festive atmosphere. It was the change that David Park brought. But at that moment.
“Excuse me, Director!”
Someone raised their hand.
“Who will fill Lee Joo-hyun’s vacancy? I’m looking forward to it!”
“Ah, that’s right! I’m so curious!”
At the question of who would fill Lee Joo-hyun’s vacancy, people’s eyes sparkled like crazy. It’s because David Park just appeared. The anticipation can’t help but soar.
Director Go Tae-min fiddled with his phone.
“Ah, that person should be arriving soon…”
Soon a smile appeared on his face.
“This casting is a secret externally, but I have to reveal it to you managers. Keep your mouths shut.”
*BANG!*
Before long, the conference room door opened once again.
“Gasp.” “Gasp.”
And everyone gasped.
This was surprising in a different sense. There was no one who didn’t recognize the newly arrived actor, but at the same time, they weren’t exactly happy.
Just, someone no one expected had appeared.
“Haaaa…”
The actress who appeared let out a long sigh.
It was a completely contrasting appearance to David Park, who appeared with ease. Perhaps because she hadn’t been able to sleep lately, there was considerable fatigue visible on her face. You could tell just by the shadows under her eyes.
Yang Ha-rin.
The people involved were certain of just one thing.
“…Hello.”
The venom in Yang Ha-rin’s eyes was no joke.
◈◈◈◈◈
That night.
Something else intervened in the media, which had become a muddy battlefield due to the mud fight between Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo-hyun.
Promotions for “Crescendo From Tomorrow” began to pour out.
[ Announcing Korea to the World… Korean-American Actor David Park from Hollywood Joins Director Go Tae-min’s “Crescendo From Tomorrow” ]
[ “Crescendo From Tomorrow” From Lee Soo-ah and Ham Ah-yoon to David Park? Ultra-Luxury Casting ]
Thanks to David Park’s name value, “Crescendo From Tomorrow” began to absorb interest like a sponge.
There were only news pushing someone entirely to rock bottom, and then suddenly bright promotion, so the contrasting image played a role. People willingly paid attention.
─But is this official? ─David Park is doing a Korean project? Why bother? ─The timing is like this and there’s too much of a rumor
Of course, many people were also skeptical.
[ David Park’s Agency Actor Planet “Official Certification” ]
The agency immediately made an official ruling.
From the agency’s perspective, there was no reason to oppose David Park’s move. Right? He was just going to be playing around in Korea, but he’s going to be working on a project by the master Go Tae-min.
They were actually happy that they could make good use of the actor.
And whatever the heat of the internet, there was someone burning a hot flame on their own at home…
Yang Ha-rin’s house. That was Yang Ha-rin.
『…What? You want to play the piano?』
Yang Ha-rin (Kim Yoon-kyung), who plays the role of Lee Soo-ah (Kim So-hee)’s stepsister, is still absorbed in studying the script.
She even has a headband tightly tied on her forehead.
“Hooo…”
Of course, there were moments when her concentration was disrupted.
Yang Ha-rin took out her phone every time that happened.
[ Sender: Lee Soo-ah ] ▶ I’ll give you 3 days, so study the script properly. I’ll contact you again. By then, a decision will be made and it’s important.
She looked at the contact she had with Soo-ah.
Now that she looks back on it, it seemed to have a different meaning.
The fact that a decision would be made by then, wasn’t that ultimately predicting that Yang Ha-rin would break through the audition with her own strength? It was really hard, but she managed to do it.
‘Damn it…’
It’s like this again.
Yang Ha-rin is risking her life, but Soo-ah is already way ahead. Yang Ha-rin is in the palm of her hand.
“…I’ll catch up soon. We’re rivals, after all.”
Yang Ha-rin tightened the string on her forehead even more. “Just you wait.”
The girl no longer had the former sinister energy. What was burning deep in her heart was pure passion.
. . .
The movie “Lies, Lies, Lies,” which is about to be released.
Bald Director Park Moo-ryong was also currently racking his brains. “I’m going crazy. I understand now.”
Park Moo-ryong patted his bald head. It looked like an octopus was touching his head. Even his expression was crumpled up, so he really looked like an octopus monster from a pirate movie.
“The “Special Mobile Unit 808” editing team and the “Sword” editing team had a really hard time, so we’re in the same boat after all. Which scene should I throw away? No matter how much I think about it, it’s hard.”
Yes, he was racking his brains with the editing team.
Because editing was too difficult.
Looking back now, filming was really easy. All he had to do was pick up everything when Soo-ah gave a great performance. But cutting it out was a completely different problem.
An employee took off their headset and sighed. “We have to cut it. To match the running time…” “Do you think I don’t know that? I know it better than anyone.”
Park Moo-ryong said that and snapped. “Then are you confident that you can cut it if I tell you to?” “Umm, I’m sorry. I don’t have any. But we have to pick up the speed soon, right? There hasn’t been any progress for days.”
Then another person snapped their fingers. “Ah! Director!” “Yes?” “Why don’t we just cut it all off and use the thrown-away scenes later? Then it’ll work, right?”
Park Moo-ryong narrowed his brows.
“…Did you drink something? How can you use the thrown-away scenes?” “What I mean is, let’s use it somewhere other than the movie. Don’t you know that Soo-ah’s nickname in the industry is tuna?” “Tuna?” “Yes. Soo-ah tuna.”
The employee nodded. “Tuna is said to be a fish given by God because there is no part to throw away when you dissect it, right? Soo-ah’s scenes are the same. Let’s use it for YouTube promotions and variety shows later!” “…Ah, like that? Not bad?”
Park Moo-ryong soon raised his voice. “Okay! Let’s go with that!”
They were able to work properly only after they abandoned the fear of throwing away Soo-ah’s scenes in vain. Everything went smoothly.
. . .
At the same time. Living quarters.
The living quarters that use beds are used by about 6 people. A 3-month cohort system is being adopted, so the internal atmosphere was not on thin ice. It’s like a polite friend atmosphere.
“Who’s coming for the troop visit in a month?” “There’s no news yet.” “What’s going on? Last year they announced it early.” “I hope it’s a girl group.”
Amidst that, there was someone quietly guarding the bed.
“…”
It was Black Bear. He’s only looking at the coin chart.
Is it because he’s crazy about coins?
That’s not it. However, the surrounding gaze was not favorable.
…Why wouldn’t it be?
“But, he said he’s close to Lee Soo-ah, but there’s nothing special.” “If you look at how she didn’t even keep her promise for a video call in the first place, you can see what’s up. They’re not close like he said they were. Maybe they just saw each other once.”
“Sigh, that’s right.”
The cause was that he flaunted his friendship with Soo-ah, but nothing happened. But Black Bear also had something to say.
‘It’s unfair. I really am close to Soo-ah!’
But because Soo-ah got too busy, he couldn’t contact her well, so things got twisted. He guaranteed a video call, but he couldn’t even have a voice call, let alone a video call.
Other soldiers said jokingly. “Isn’t Lee Soo-ah calling for the troop visit this time?” “That’s what I’m saying. Someone said they were close.”
Black Bear sighed silently.
[ Black Bear: Soo-ah ] [ Black Bear: Are you still busy these days? ] [ Black Bear: If it’s okay, can we talk just once…? ] [ Soo-ah: Wait, there’s something big coming up soon ]
The only contact Black Bear had with Soo-ah was this from a long time ago. There was no contact after that, and Black Bear didn’t say anything because he thought it would look like he was urging her for no reason.
It’s obvious, but he doesn’t hate Soo-ah.
If you hate her for not doing this, it’s not friendship. But he felt a little sad. He couldn’t ask her to take a little time for me, who is suffering in the military…!
‘No. Soo-ah is busy, too. It can’t be helped.’
It was then. “Sergeant! Sergeant! Sergeant-niim!” “What!” “No, that, ah! Visit! Visit!” “I know your father’s name is Troop Visit.” “Why are you suddenly dropping a parental slur? Not that! Troop Visit! What I was trying to say is Troop Visit!”
He was jumping up and down. “…Troop Visit! Lee Soo-ah! Lee Soo-ah is coming!” “…!”
Black Bear, who was lying on the bed, widened his eyes.
Is something big really coming? Can I look forward to it?
◈◈◈◈◈
Two days later.
The mud fight between Kang Hak-man and Lee Joo-hyun, and David Park’s joining “Crescendo From Tomorrow,” another bait to make this a three-way battle was thrown on the internet.
It was none other than Special Mobile Unit 808.
It’s already a finished drama, but there was a reason why the article was coming out now. It’s finally advancing into Japan.
[ “Special Mobile Unit 808” Finally Lands in Japan on the OTT Wave. Everyone is Paying Attention While Predicting the Performance on the First Day… How Will It Be? ]
This was a very exciting fact for those who were waiting for Special Mobile Unit 2. ‘Will the drama I enjoyed so much work overseas?’
Of course, it’s a topic you can’t help but be curious about.
Of course, not only positive articles were overflowing.
[ Lee Soo-ah at a Crossroads? Preview of Japanese Reaction? ]
[ Lee Soo-ah, Possible Failure to Advance into Japan If “Special Mobile Unit 808” Performance is Terrible? A Face that Only Works in Korea? ]
[ Some Experts also Reveal Negative Prospects… ]
The media slowly began to create a connection between “Soo-ah’s advance into Japan” and “Special Mobile Unit 808’s performance in Japan.”
If Special 8 fails terribly in Japan, Lee Soo-ah is not a character that works in Japan─that’s the logic. If you look at it in detail, it’s absurd, but it was good for igniting a fire.
Anyway, it was certain that Soo-ah was at a crossroads.
Huh? So what is Soo-ah doing?
. . . . .
The next day.
*Vroom Vroom*
Inside the van. Soo-ah was moving to the script reading site for Hong Ye-ji’s “Untitled” from the morning. Her heart was pounding. The content was very chaotic, so can I handle it well?
‘It’s even Netflix’s flagship work, right? I’m nervous…’
Nervous. Nervous.
The reasons to be nervous kept coming out the more she thought about it.
‘This means that overseas viewers will also see it when it’s completed, right? Even rankings are assigned with works from all over the world gathered.’
What kind of drama does Soo-ah know?
Just film in Korea, watch in Korea, get ratings, react, and end. But now the stage is changing, so her heart was about to split.
‘Ah, this is not the time for this. Let’s practice. Practice.’
*Rustle- Rustle- Rustle-*
Soo-ah repeatedly read the guiltless “Untitled” script. It was slowly becoming possible to experience and train with the script. It’s because the scars from the overload have healed quite a bit now.
*Throb!*
‘Eek! My head!’
But now the headache was severe. Like a hangover.
─Sunbae, do you have any memories of the last few days?
‘No. It’s very faint.’
─You really overdid it. In terms of machines, it’s overclocking. You forcibly brought out intelligence that Soo-ah sunbae’s brain couldn’t produce. The damage is bound to be severe.
─It’s similar to forcibly opening blood vessels. They often experience a relapse afterward.
‘…Umm, but even though it hurts, my head has cleared up a lot. Do I feel like I’m thinking a little clearer than before?’
─Don’t they say the ground hardens after the rain? It’s the same principle that muscles get bigger as the wound heals. It’s like that.
Ah, is it growing pains?
Soo-ah growing! Soo-ah smart! Soo-ah growing!
‘Gasp.’
But the satisfaction was short-lived, and Soo-ah was soon surprised.
‘That’s right! I forgot!’
Now that her mind has returned to its original state, there were many things that came to mind late. For example, Yang Ha-rin.
[ Recipient: Yang Ha-rin ] ▶ I’ll give you 3 days, so study the script properly. I’ll contact you again. By then, a decision will be made and it’s important.
What to do. She never contacted her after this.
Soo-ah opened her mouth with sweat dripping down.
“Excuse me, CEO-nim.” “Yes. Soo-ah.” “About Lee Joo-hyun’s vacancy…? There’s an actress that comes to mind. Ahem, I really recommend Yang Ha-rin…” “Oh?”
Then Kim Yi-seo brightened up.
“Wow, as expected, Soo-ah’s intuition is close to foresight.” “Yes?” “I heard that Yang Ha-rin passed the closed audition. To even match that in an instant…” “…”
What’s going on? Well, anyway, is it done?
Soo-ah scratched her cheek and stopped thinking. Good is good! There are no suicide warning messages popping up, either.
‘Then the next thing to do is… Soo-mi’s husband…’
But it was then.
“By the way, Soo-ah, this is not the time to talk about this.”
Kim Yi-seo poked Soo-ah with her elbow. “What is this called in Japanese? Omedeto?” “Congratulations? Suddenly?” “Yes. Congratulations.”
Kim Yi-seo shrugged her shoulders as if she was very excited. “Right now, “Special Mobile Unit 808″ is the number one trending drama in Japan. The start is so great.”
Soo-ah thought. CEO-nim, you’re like a squirrel picking up acorns.
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