Chapter 29

The renowned actor Park Sun-woong.

He has brought in ten million viewers with three films alone.

And starred in a daily TV series that dominated an entire era.

Among those, two dramas that reached up to 40% ratings. In short, he was a master of box office success.

To the extent that “trustworthy actors” became a term, he was a man who knew no failure.

Beyond just acting skills,

his eye for works,

especially his talent for seeing people, stood out.

Enough to personally recommend actors for fitting roles to the director during drama or movie productions.

“That child is Sooyeon Joo.”

To Park Sun-woong, Sooyeon Joo, whom he observed, was a unique child.

Age seven.

While most children her age are quietly attending kindergarten, she exhibited a strangely composed demeanor.

Typically, child actors tend to be more mature than their peers.

Primarily because they have to handle lines and performances, and also because they are introduced to adult society much earlier in life.

His son, Park Jung-woo, was not different.

He was more adult-like compared to his peers and possessed exceptional abilities.

“Which is why I was inwardly worried.”

Perhaps with approaching adolescence,

his son seemed to develop a consciousness that he is different from the average child.

A prime example of someone who perfectly matches the often-used term “arrogant.”

Only the lack of talkativeness kept it under wraps.

Even just from the recent behind-the-scenes making of *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, such an attitude was revealed.

He would mention it every so often, but with his busy schedule, it was hard to say it frequently.

His wife, who adored her son, also rarely scolded him.

“But.”

An unexpected rival appeared who broke his overconfident son’s pride.

Thus, despite his packed schedule, Sun-woong accepted Yoon Jong-hyuk’s invitation today without hesitation.

“Jung-woo seems quite annoyed.”

“Hmm.”

Sun-woong nodded lightly in agreement with Yoon Jong-hyuk’s words.

Even now, if you look, Jung-woo is circling around Seoyeon, clearly bothered by her presence.

As for Seoyeon herself,

she seems quite uncomfortable.

Even though it’s not clearly visible on her expression.

“From Jung-woo’s point of view, it must feel like winning and then running away.”

There were no direct scenes in episodes one and two where Seoyeon confronted Jung-woo head-on through acting abilities.

The part when they did face off in the audition, performing dual roles.

Except for that one scene,

which would later be included in episode three.

The scene where young Hye-wol bids her final farewell to Seoil Yoon before leaving.

“Right? Ah, let’s go. It’s about time.”

Saying this, Yoon Jong-hyuk moved towards where Sooa and Seoyeon were.

Today’s airing of *The Moon That Hid the Sun* episode three held a great deal of anticipation for Jong-hyuk as well.

***

“Start!”

In KMB’s Drama Department.

Everyone tensed up at PD Ha Tae-oh’s words.

*The Moon That Hid the Sun*, episode three.

It was the episode they were most confident in.

Therefore, the episode that absolutely couldn’t fail.

As it was the episode hinting at young Lee Hye-wol’s growth.

If they didn’t get a proper response here, episode four had a high chance of a significant drop in ratings.

“Shortened child actor scenes are due to these reasons.”

This applies to all media.

When there’s a sudden change in environment or when the protagonist switches.

Suddenly raising the age of characters typically results in inevitable viewers dropping off.

To retain them, episode three had to give viewers a proper expectation for episode four.

If not, episode four was bound to have poor results.

“There’s no room here for safe or decent performances.”

It had to be a massive hit.

Fortunately, MDC’s *Action King*, their rival, had a weaker episode today.

Thus, *The Moon That Hid the Sun* absolutely needed a certain level of ratings.

“Reactions have been pretty good so far.”

The real-time ratings were still stable, in fact, quite excellent.

That alone indicated how Episode Two had significantly impacted the audience.

Some staff members were not only monitoring the ratings but also checking online community reactions.

Nowadays, internet reactions mattered too.

At a time when SNS and drama communities were starting to gain prominence,

they needed word of mouth from these platforms for better overall results.

And just as the staff anticipated, as soon as episode three started, posts began appearing on SNS platforms.

– Episode three has started.

– I think Episode Two could be the peak.

– Is this the last episode featuring the child actors?

– I’ve heard the atmosphere has been pretty good since the previous episode.

– Jo Young-dae really saved it.

So far, reactions were positive.

In the forum set up by the broadcasting station, the mood was still favorable.

– Wow, frustrating!

– What is Yoon Seoil even doing?

– What’s a child doing here anyway?

– But, come on—the guards protecting Princess Yeonhwa are really cool. Wouldn’t he make a good male lead?

– Isn’t there too much of an age gap between Princess Yeonhwa and him?

– Well, that’s the point.

– Exactly.

Reactions were mixed. Princess Yeonhwa escapes the palace, crossing paths with young Yoon Seoil.

Yoon Seoil just wandered about in confusion. Being a child, there wasn’t much Yoon Seoil could do.

The palace was already within the control of Jo Young-dae,

and Yoon Seoil’s father had even advised him to stay quiet this time.

“Don’t go out.”

With this warning in mind, Yoon Seoil mulled over different decisions.

Should he bid farewell to Princess Yeonhwa?

Or should he quietly heed his father’s words and remain silent?

The one who spurred Yoon Seoil into action was his ever-present attendant.

“Master, are you really going to leave it at this?”

Serious words from the attendant, usually seen as a foil to Yoon Seoil’s antics. This caused Young Seoil to disobey his father’s words for the first time.

To the place where Princess Yeonhwa, going into exile, was about to depart along with her protectors and the nanny who had cared for her since childhood, Yoon Seoil ran.

– Is it finally happening?

– Seriously, the pace was frustrating.

– But, he’s really acting well.

– This episode is more centered on Yoon Seoil.

– Where’s Princess Yeonhwa?

– Where is she?

The speed of posts on SNS started to increase.

Young Yoon Seoil’s movements initiated the show’s climax.

As the music grew tense and the camera closely followed the running Yoon Seoil’s face, emotions ran high.

Even for a child, this emotional acting was on point.

Park Jung-woo had shown exceptional skill usually, but he was extraordinary even beyond his usual capabilities now.

Running and falling, rolling but never faltering, this young boy’s actions deeply captured the audience’s attention.

“Wow, Seoyeon is amazing, but…”

“Clearly, this is what a properly trained child actor is capable of.”

Even the staff who had seen this scene several times were stunned.

Not just emotional acting but the natural movements, physical techniques.

It was almost like it wasn’t acting at all.

Watching felt akin to viewing seasoned adult actors work.

While the desperate Yoon Seoil ran, the ratings also began to respond.

PD Ha Tae-oh asked quickly.

“What’s the current rating?”

“30%, it hasn’t been updated yet.”

30% was an impressive number.

Even to the point where it could be called a runaway success.

However, recalling that the previous episode reached up to 29%, it felt somewhat ambiguous.

At the very least, it had to surpass the momentary high of Episode Two.

PD Ha Tae-oh hoped earnestly.

This episode three was the last appearance for the young Lee Hye-wol.

Tae-oh had already observed this scene multiple times, and he was confident.

But how the public would respond was uncertain.

While everyone watched closely,

*The Moon That Hid the Sun*, episode three, was entering its climax.

***

“Your Highness.”

Panting heavily, Yoon Seoil spoke.

He was informed that Princess Yeonhwa had already left.

Everyone said that chasing after her would be futile.

Yoon Seoil regretted it.

Only if he could have made the decision just a little faster.

Despair welled up within him for his foolishness.

Why had he been so afraid?

Why had he held his breath, covered his mouth, and hidden?

“Your Princess!!”

Running, and running some more.

Even though no one could tell where Princess Yeonhwa had gone,

Yoon Seoil ran blindly.

Hoping vaguely.

Only with thoughts of this, he ran.

A towering hill.

A place where the entire palace could be seen at a glance.

And there was Princess Yeonhwa.

Facing the palace at the foot of the hill, she stood in the sunlight.

“Woah.”

Viewers were awed by this scene of Princess Yeonhwa.

Like a painting.

Even though only her back was visible, it felt as though her complex emotions were evident.

Among these viewers was Han Sun-ah, who watched with bated breath.

Already deeply moved, she rapidly tapped her phone.

– Princess Yeonhwa T_T So pitiful T_T

Echoing Han Sun-ah’s sentiments, similar reactions quickly appeared on SNS.

And,

“Yong-bin, finally, Seoyeon is on-screen.”

Gathering with friends, Joo Young-bin watched his daughter act.

While Sooa and Seoyeon were familiar with viewing the recorded material, this was the first time for Young-bin.

But he recognized that back from before when he discussed future plans with her.

“Just moments ago.”

With the increasing popularity of *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, Joo Sooyeon quickly made a decision.

CF deals were already coming in,

and offers were arriving through Gong Jung-tae and PD Ha Tae-oh for new dramas.

Even variety shows.

If Sooyeon followed through with this wave, she could ride it to even greater heights.

“No. This is my decision.”

Seoyeon thought.

She pondered deeply.

Truthfully, there was a strong desire to continue.

She could always improve while learning the parts she found lacking.

She believed so in her heart.

“This feels right.”

Seoyeon looked at her own hands.

Injuries from the previous shoot had healed nicely, leaving not a single scar.

However, that wound reminded her of a much-needed lesson.

To her, emotions were strange and intimidating.

And yet her greatest strength, emotional acting, was tied to this unfamiliarity.

Especially method acting.

But, method acting was only one branch of the acting craft.

It couldn’t be all-encompassing.

She wasn’t complete yet.

Technically, emotionally.

Undoubtedly, her young body and mind would grow.

These emotions might also grow with time.

To be honest, Sooyeon doubted her own ability to fully control them.

Perhaps due to the disjointed memories and body from her past life,

Sooyeon needed time to fully process these remnants.

“I’m fine.”

With that, Sooyeon smiled, not only at her father Young-bin but at Sooa as well.

“Really.”

There were so many things she wanted to learn.

She wanted to learn acting.

She wanted to attend voice acting school and learn vocal exercises.

If time permitted, maybe even singing.

Everything she missed in her past life due to an emotional void, she wanted to try now.

As an actor.

And as a VTuber.

“Because I’m coming back anyway.”

Ultimately, it was a greedy dream, but thus, Sooyeon looked ahead.

In between actors, embraced by Sooa’s arms,

She saw her image on the large TV screen, completely different from her own home.

Princess Yeonhwa, her back turned, immersed in emotion.

Drenched in the sea of feelings,

The emotion-filled Joo Seoyeon sees her own reflection.

“… You’ve arrived.”

Seoyeon, and Lee Hye-wol’s water-filled voice echoed together.

“Seoil.”

Princess Yeonhwa slowly turned around.

Her face adorned with a melancholy smile.

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