Chapter 18

The actor Yoon Jong-hyuk, who played the main antagonist role of Jo Young-dae in *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, glanced subtly around. His uneasiness was because of Jeong Eun-seon, who played Queen Dowager Eun-hye.

Yoon Jong-hyuk was also a veteran actor, having appeared in various dramas for a long time, yet compared to Jeong Eun-seon, his career was brief.

Still, considering they had already acted together in a few dramas and shared a long-standing bond, he could sense her current discomfort.

“I’ve never seen her this anxious before.”

This was his attempt to lighten the mood, but Jeong Eun-seon’s piercing gaze made Yoon Jong-hyuk flinch momentarily.

“Hey, can we tone it down this time? She’s still a child actor, you know… honestly, you, saying the same thing, makes me worry—these days, this kind of thing ends up directly on the news.”

“…I know that.”

Though Yoon Jong-hyuk murmured, intending to say more with a restless movement of his lips, he eventually didn’t continue.

After all, even if he spoke, it wouldn’t make much of a difference to someone like her.

‘What a stubborn person.’

Yoon Jong-hyuk thought Jeong Eun-seon was an arrogant individual. He even slapped his forehead in exasperation after hearing about a previous incident.

He didn’t need to have seen it to understand the atmosphere of the set during that time.

Being an experienced actor, he knew the impact of a senior actor’s words in a filming environment.

Yet, making such remarks towards a six-year-old child actor in front of everybody…

‘Perhaps she frets this much because she cares, or maybe she just does it.’

It was the stubbornness of age.

This used to be fairly common in the older days of filming sets.

Speaking in front of others certainly added more pressure.

While concern is understandable, the method was unnecessarily harsh.

“That temper of hers needs fixing, tch.”

Though he muttered to himself, Jeong Eun-seon clearly heard him and glared ominously.

Yoon Jong-hyuk was rather thankful his wife wasn’t as such.

“Alright then, we’ll start filming soon.”

Director Gong Jung-tae’s voice rang out. The scene they were about to shoot was S#24.

In this scene, Jo Young-dae leads a coup, deposes the current king, and ascends the throne. The dethroned king gets exiled, and his daughter, Princess Yeonhwa, departs to a distant land.

Princess Yeonhwa appeals to Queen Dowager Eun-hye about her father’s innocence and angrily protests against Jo Young-dae’s rebellion. However, during her conversation, Jo Young-dae enters the queen’s chambers and forcibly drags Princess Yeonhwa away.

Subsequently, Princess Yeonhwa leaves the palace along with a few retinues.

“Queen Dowager Eun-hye’s chambers might be somewhat dark, so the position of the reflector is crucial. Please move it a bit more!”

The scene of Jo Young-dae leading his troops into Queen Dowager Eun-hye’s chambers was scheduled to be filmed in a long take.

This was to emphasize the main antagonist’s character in *The Moon That Hid the Sun.*

Given the dramatic entrance into the chambers, special attention must be paid to the light source.

“Actor Yoon Jong-huk, like we discussed earlier, you must glare fiercely and menacingly at Princess Yeonhwa.”

“That’s possible, but are you sure? My face is already quite intimidating and might scare the kid…”

Yoon Jong-huk’s joking tone provoked giggles among some of the crew.

Indeed, Yoon Jong-huk’s appearance was quite terrifying. His eyes were sharp, his face lined with a strong jaw that radiated authority, but once in character, his expressions and intense gaze revealed his extraordinary presence.

He was a seasoned actor who had excelled in playing villains in many dramas and films, and even seasoned actors felt the pressure with his performances.

“Everything’s fine. Instead, you must give us your best. Jo Young-dae’s character must be clearly shown this episode. Otherwise…”

“Otherwise…”

“Should you by any chance think it’s trivial because of the child, his role might become lackluster.”

Upon Director Gong Jung-tae’s words, Yoon Jong-huk’s gaze shifted. It was an almost challenging, “Let’s see about that,” expression.

Of course, that was not his intent, but his face carried an imposing vibe.

“Director, no matter what, Seoyeon is still just six years old…”

“She’s about to turn seven.”

“Oh, is that so?”

A few members of the crew gave Director Gong Jung-tae a subtle disapproving glance, thinking he was pushing matters too hard.

To explain Director Gong Jung-tae’s meaning simply:

“If you don’t perform well, the part will overshadow you.”

This concept of overshadowing was a humiliating situation for any actor since it acknowledged being outperformed.

And against a mere six-year-old?

This seemed more like a provocation to ensure Yoon Jong-huk gave his full performance, since the actor would probably act properly given that the opposing actor was just a six-year-old child.

Considering Jeong Eun-sun’s previous incident, he probably expected ‘consideration’ from the experienced actor.

Besides…

“Director Gong Jung-tae isn’t one to use empty words.”

Still a young director in his mid-thirties, Gong Jung-tae’s inexperience might have been seen as a drawback for directing such a large-scale historical drama.

That said, *The Moon That Hid The Sun* might have been conceived as an imagined historical piece designed to appeal to younger audiences, increasing the likelihood of selecting him for the project.

Nevertheless, his career proved his capabilities, and his positive reputation in the acting community was well-known. He was a director who cared deeply for those around him.

“Seems like it’s something close to his heart.”

Yoon Jong-huk had more or less deduced this. Thinking of Jeong Eun-sun, he mused, “So what?”

“Alright then, just know I won’t take responsibility if the child cries.”

After all, actors speak through their performances.

***

Scene Number S#24.

This was the scene that marked the turning point of the second episode.

Interestingly, in Seoyeon’s previous life, this scene had occurred in the early part of the second episode due to a reduction from three parts to two, mainly due to Jo Seo-hee’s unsatisfactory performance.

In other words, it was likely Jo Seo-hee’s acting didn’t meet Director Gong’s expectations.

“Thus, the acting I know from the original work… I won’t be able to replicate.”

Jo Seo-hee’s performance wouldn’t be referenced in this version.

In actuality, Seoyeon hadn’t considered this scene, S#24, particularly pivotal. It wasn’t bad when she saw it as part of the second episode in her previous life, but it certainly lacked impact.

What stuck in her mind was the powerful impression that Jo Young-dae made in this long take.

Therefore, she regarded it as relatively unimportant.

At least for Princess Yeon-hwa.

“But this is the scene where Princess Yeon-hwa undergoes a transformation.”

In episode one, Princess Yeon-hwa was portrayed as a mischievous character who often wandered the town to mingle with commoners.

However, in episode two, Princess Yeon-hwa needed to embody her princely dignity due to the coup which dismantled her family.

Her resentment must be evident.

It had to show an event shocking enough to change a child’s life.

In a way, it was a more crucial scene than the end of the child actor’s part in episode three.

“Seoyeon.”

Just before filming began, Sua gently held Seoyeon’s hand. She was aware that Seoyeon had been practicing tirelessly for her role.

Two scenes Seoyeon had been rehearsing came to her mind. One was this.

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Yes.”

Sua, unsure of what else to say, hugged Seoyeon tightly. Regardless of her worries, this was her daughter’s aspiration.

Thus, as a mother, her only role was to support.

“Fight hard!”

Sua patted her back with encouragement, and Seoyeon smiled, rare for being so confident. Afterward, gazing at her cheerful daughter, Sua reciprocated with a fond smile.

“I believe everyone recognizes the importance of this scene.”

As Gong Jung-tae spoke, he stayed close to the camera, glancing around the crew whose faces appeared more serious than usual.

“The lighting is key. Once I give the signal, adjust accordingly.”

Before proceeding, he outlined the situation.

“Camera director, please capture the emotional depth instead of the broader scenario, adjusting based on the case.”

“Of course.”

Directing his gaze to the actors,

“Jeong Eun-seon, the complexity of emotion must be evident. The emotions toward your son Jo Young-dae and your granddaughter Princess Yeon-hwa must be clear.”

“I understand.”

“And… no, never mind. I trust you’ll do well, given your talent.”

“?…”

Though curious, Gong Jung-tae didn’t elaborate further. Despite past conflicts, she was an actor.

A capable one at that.

Thus, upon witnessing her performance, he trusted it would not replicate the previous incident.

“Alright, let’s begin.”

The camera started moving, as everyone’s attention centered on Yoon Jung-huk and Seoyeon.

The two most vital actors for this scene.

They received no additional directions.

It implied they had already discussed everything beforehand.

“Action!!”

With Director Gong Jung-tae’s shout, the act began.

***

==

Late at night.

The usually tranquil palace was in turmoil.

Flames blazed.

Men, holding torches, moved roughly and yelled in harsh voices.

The clanging of swords resonated with heavy footsteps.

Screams echoed through the night, unclear whether they belonged to maids or others.

Princess Yeon-hwa, Lee Hye-wol, ran trying to evade their sight. Should she be captured, she would be dragged helplessly away from the palace—her sanctuary. So, she sought help from someone who could prevent this fate.

The only one the young Hye-wol thought of.

With small hurried steps, she managed to reach the destination.

“Grandmother!!”

The piercing call from Hye-wol startled the tranquil figure sitting quietly under the small lantern into action.

Her eyes carried mixed emotions.

She was both the mother of the current king and the mother of Jo Young-dae, who led this rebellion. She learned about the event too late to affect change and was now left to merely observe.

“This is betrayal. They are traitors! How dare they! How can those who have benefited from His Majesty’s grace behave this way!!”

As Hye-wol cried out in anguish, Queen Dowager Eun-hye could only remain silent, watching her. Hye-wol had always been affectionately known as ‘grandchild’ to Queen Dowager Eun-hye, but now she was Princess Yeon-hwa, brimming with anger and resentment.

Clearly, something was amiss. Please answer me, Grandmother!!”

But Queen Dowager Eun-hye couldn’t bear to look upon such Hye-wol any longer and closed her eyes.

==

Everyone watched the scene with bated breath.

The camera moved, adjusting the reflectors carefully to keep the faces of Queen Dowager Eun-hye and Princess Hye-wol illuminated out of the shadows. The camera pulled back briefly to capture both characters fully.

To show their shared emotions.

‘Something…’

As they observed, the staff could feel a presence—a something different from usual emanating from both actresses.

‘Something… more than usual…’

Young Hye-wol, played by Seoyeon, had long had a way of drawing others into the depth of her performances.

Yet, this time, it was different.

An intense tension radiated, filled with an impending burst of emotions spreading throughout the set.

Queen Dowager Eun-hye’s eyes closed firmly.

Followed by Princess Hye-wol, hers were also tightly shut.

A denial.

Queen Dowager Eun-hye was not intent on stopping the coup, nor—

She could not stop it.

And then…

KANG!

The door burst open as a man stormed in with troops into Queen Dowager Eun-hye’s chambers. His hawk-like eyes, tight lips, and shadowy gaze sent a chill through the air. His twisted smirk sent a shiver through the room.

It was Jo Young-dae making his entrance.

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