Chapter 39: Speed (1)

Chapter 39: Speed (1)

Translator: Dreamscribe

The production PD, standing next to Director Kwon Ki-taek, responded to the director’s muttering.

“Director, what did you just say? A monster?”

“No.”

However, Director Kwon Ki-taek, with his arms crossed, shook his head.

“I was talking to myself.”

He answered smoothly, staring intently at Kang Woojin in the interrogation room. Woojin was filming a solo cut for the same scene.

‘There would have been no reason to audition if the acting was so outrageous. From my point of view, he will receive countless offer calls once this drama airs.’

Did Woo Hyun-goo not see Kang Woojin’s acting? If he had seen it, he would not have pushed for audition.

‘Now he’s on the decline, but to refuse master director woo hyun-goo – does he have that much courage or is he fearless?’

Then, Director Kwon Ki-taek recalled Kang Woojin’s appearance that he saw in the morning.

‘Wasn’t he amazed at the large studio? The image is different from now. Is he the type that has a different look when acting and in normal times?’

Soon, Director Kwon Ki-taek asked the production PD again.

“What do you think of that rookie?”

The production PD, who had also been watching Kang Woojin, quickly responded.

“He’s amazing; his acting is beyond criticism. The detail, it’s unbelievable. I want to watch him up close.”

“Breath control, restraint, yet there’s explosiveness. Look at his gaze. It’s astounding. Ryu Jung-min, who saw him up close, must have been stunned.”

The casting director (CD) who was with them chimed in.

“It must be method acting. It’s hard to see it as acting; it feels like he’s showing us the character itself. His script analysis and comprehension are exceptional.”

The production PD turned his head.

“Is this the first time you’ve seen him, CD Kim? I’m seeing him for the first time.”

“Yes, I’m unfamiliar too. Honestly, there’s no place he hasn’t been in theater, musicals, or entertainment. I’m a bit perplexed, too; an actor like him should have stood out ... Sorry, Director. My search was lacking.”

As CD bowed his head, and Director Kwon Ki-taek calmly shook his head.

“No, maybe he just dropped out of nowhere. PD Song would know the situation best. But more than that.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been alternating his gaze between Ryu Jung-min and Kang Woojin on the set, stroked his chin.

“It seems that the rumor that he raised the quality of acting is true. Ryu Jung-min, he outdid my expectations. He’s put a lot of effort into it.”

“Yes, his form has certainly improved a lot.”

“That’s not just improved form. He’s taken a big step as an actor.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, speaking calmly, pointed at Kang Woojin with his index finger.

“And probably the catalyst that raised the acting form of this work’s actors was that newcomer.”

“Do you mean the rookie named Kang Woojin?”

“Yes. From my perspective, it doesn’t look like Ryu Jung-min is leading him; but it’s like Ryu Jung-min is trying to keep up with him. Usually, the top actors are the pillars of the scene, right? They guide and support the rest.”

“Yes, the atmosphere, relationships with staff, etc.”

“But in this work, the male lead Ryu Jung-minis is solely focused on acting, disregarding everything else. Look at Ryu Jung-min’s eyes. Is he looking around? He’s only looking at the rookie opposite him. He’s constantly maintaining his character.”

The production PD and the CD nodded their heads. They were listening and watching, Ryu Jung-min indeed seemed to be concentrating solely on acting. In the picture, the rookie named Kang Woojin seemed to be at the forefront. Anyway, Director Kwon Ki-taek was certain.

“I don’t know the whole situation, but it seems that the actors, including Ryu Jung-min, were spurred on by that kid Kang Woojin.”

“Hmm-”

“Think about it. We’re talking about a work by writer Park Eun-mi, and it’s on the set of the heavyweight PD Song. If a nameless, unknown newcomer acts better, wouldn’t the public notice?”

“It would scratch the pride of the great tops.”

“Overall, the quality of the work has gone up. That newcomer is playing a major role in this drama, though I don’t know if he realizes it.”

At this time, the CD who had been scanning the large set studio, joined in.

“Director, since you’ve confirmed everything, how about leaving? Staff and actor’s managers are starting to glance over here.”

It was true. Especially, Ryu Jung-min’s side was whispering. If they stayed any longer, it was only a matter of time before it became noisy. However, the gentle Director Kwon Ki-taek was reluctant to leave.

‘It’s a shame, I’d like to watch till the end if the situation allows.’

He had a strong desire to watch a little more. He was drawn not only to Ryu Jung-min but especially to that unbelievable rookie Kang Woojin. More precisely, he was drawn to his acting.

“That kid’s acting has the power to captivate the gaze.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek let out a sigh full of regret, murmuring softly even as he moved on.

“But what have you been doing to show up just now?”

A few hours later, in the afternoon.

The ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team continued filming non-stop. They had gathered early in the morning and now it was afternoon. Except for lunch, they were fully dedicated to filming, and thanks to that, they were able to shoot quite a lot of scenes.

However.

“Lighting team! The light is flickering here?!”

“I’ll check it right away!”

“Boom mic!! PD, be alert!! It can’t come down and get caught in the camera like before!”

“Yes, yes!”

“Coffee, coffee! Please refill the coffee here!”

The large set studio was still bustling. The sun had already set, but the energy of dozens of staff members wasn’t much different from the morning.

People were running, setting up, shouting, checking.

The set was rolling non-stop. Of course, all the staff must have been tired, but no one showed it. They seemed invigorated instead.

“We nailed those scenes just now, right??”

“Absolutely, it was amazing watching Jung-min and Woojin act... Ahh.”

His mind was telling him to, but Woojin’s body wouldn’t move. The tension and pressure from the large-scale scene he experienced for the first time still lingered in his body. He couldn’t even remember what he did. It was just filming, filming, filming.

He didn’t care anymore. Kang Woojin closed his eyes.

At that time.

-Brrrr, Brrrrrr.

The cellphone tucked in the back pocket of his jeans vibrated long. Barely checking the caller, it was none other than.

-Hong Hye-yeon.

It was top actress Hong Hye-yeon. She probably wanted to encourage him as the first filming had ended.

“······”

For some reason, Kang Woojin just stared at his phone screen. Normally, he would have been curious and answered it right away. Soon, Kang Woojin closed his eyes and put down his phone.

“I’m sorry, Hong Hye-yeon.”

Sleep was his priority now.

The next day, early in the morning.

In front of a huge set complex in Ilsan. Of course, it was the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ set, and PD Song man-woo was sitting alone in the minivan parked in the parking lot. He was stroking his goatee and looking down at his phone.

Then.

-Slide.

Suddenly the back door of the minivan opened and a man got in. It was Master director Kwon Ki-taek, who had also come to the set yesterday. Interestingly, even with his unexpected appearance, PD Song Man-woo was quite relaxed.

“Hello, Director.”

“Nice to see you. I didn’t get to greet you yesterday, PD.”

The reason was simple. They had already agreed to meet. Thanks to PD Song man-woo’s busy schedule, director Kwon Ki-taek had visited again.

“Haha, that’s okay. We both had things to do.”

“Thank you for taking the time today even though you’re busy.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who shook hands with PD Song man-woo while speaking smoothly. Anyway, in the minivan, the big shots of the movie and drama world sat face to face. PD Song man-woo started the conversation quickly.

“Did you get a good look at Ryu Jung-min yesterday?”

“Yeah, his acting form has improved a lot.”

“That’s fortunate. Did you see him for the casting of your next work?”

“That’s right. It’s still confidential though.”

“I see. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was nodding his head slowly, smiled faintly.

“But there was that newcomer yesterday, what’s his name, Kang Woojin.”

As if PD Song man-woo was waiting, he replied.

“Yes, Woojin. You must have been surprised.”

“Surprised? No. I couldn’t sleep last night, thinking about that kid. The reason I wanted to meet today is partly because of Kang Woojin. Where did you find him? Theatre? Even our casting department had no idea.”

“I didn’t find him so much as he suddenly fell from the sky.”

“···Suddenly fell? Really? So you mean you didn’t find him?”

“Yes. It would be accurate to say he appeared at the right time.”

“Um, if it’s okay, can you give me some information about that kid?”

I don’t know much myself. Woojin is a friend shrouded in a veil.”

“At least that’s fine.”

Soon, PD Song man-woo looked at Director Kwon-taek’s face for a moment and then opened his mouth. His eyes were full of excitement.

“First of all, Woojin has been acting alone. Without anyone’s help, alone.”

“···Hmm? What do you mean? alone?”

The drama mogul infected the film mogul with his misunderstanding.

“You’ll see if you investigate, but Woojin has no connections in the domestic acting scene. It’s almost certain that he is self-taught.”

“···?”

PD Song man-woo was the origin1.

Meanwhile, in Kang Woojin’s van.

The van carrying Kang Woojin and his team, including Choi Sung-gun, is driving down the road. Naturally, their destination was the large set of ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

In the van, Kang Woojin was.

“........”

Although he was cynically looking out the window, but inside he was dispirited. He was sleep-deprived. Regardless, Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat and stylist Han Yejung had high combat power. They had a deep conversation about today’s shooting.

Then.

“Ah, that’s right. Woojin.”

Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat turned around and called Kang Woojin.

“I’m sorry to disturb you while you’re thinking about the script, but I got this.”

He handed Woojin a bundle of papers, and Kang Woojin received the bundle and asked in a low voice.

“Thank you. But what is this?”

Choi Sung-gun, who had been grinning, gave a simple answer.

“You asked me to get it, right? A Japanese scenario.”

*****

TL Notes:

1) Origin here means that he is the origin of the misunderstanding

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