Chapter 44

Cheong-seok Sim. The reason I knew him was, in a way, similar to Ji-woo Pyo.

It was an accident that had been widely reported in the news.

I couldn’t immediately recall him since his face only appeared on a small inset screen in the corner of the news.

“Perhaps the incident happened about a year from now.”

The accident occurred during a drama filming.

A falling accident.

So they said it happened when he lost his footing on the filming set and tumbled down into a ravine.

At first, it was reported as just a simple accident, but later it came to light that it was due to the tyranny of a senior actor.

Apparently, they had proceeded with the scene despite the stuntman not having arrived yet.

“Tyranny from an actor, huh.”

Actually, this was quite an issue on many fronts.

I, fortunately, never experienced such tyranny during my days as a child actor.

Still, surprisingly, child actors are reportedly more prone to facing such tyranny from either other actors or the crew.

“Guess I was lucky.”

Anyways, unlike me, Cheong-seok Sim wasn’t so fortunate.

Perhaps he didn’t like being overlooked in the acting world or maybe he felt inferior about his quick transition from theater straight into a major OTT drama; I don’t know.

Thanks to this, there was a time when talk of ‘Sim Cheong-seok Laws’ to address actor tyranny popped up in the National Assembly.

“…Why are you looking at me with that expression? Or should I say, ‘that look’?”

“Huh?”

“Feels like you’re looking at someone who’s about to die, you know.”

Cheong-seok Sim expressed this in a rather uncomfortable manner.

Oh, I hadn’t realized I was looking at him that way.

‘Why does his tone sound like that?’

Is he feeling awkward respecting me since I’m so young?

I felt like this kind of speech pattern was going to make our conversation difficult.

“You can speak casually if you like. It’s okay.”

“Ah, really?”

As soon as I suggested speaking casually, Cheong-seok switched instantly, causing me to roll my eyes.

Personally, I didn’t mind but… how should I react?

‘Does he know I’m his senior?’

He didn’t come across as someone senior actors would appreciate; that much was certain.

Not that I’m the type to throw around seniority or anything.

…Really.

“Anyway, there wasn’t any special intention behind what I just said.”

“Hmm.”

He had a sharp impression in general, but his tone was not.

His speech was slow, and his movements weren’t overly brisk either.

Definitely someone that would suffer if they got bullied.

“Let’s go ahead if you’re ready.”

With that, Cheong-seok Sim, seeming to lose interest in me, looked around.

Currently, we were in a room where actors from this play were seated in a circle at a table.

Script reading.

It’s a basic step whether it’s a drama or a play; you read through the script.

It’s not merely about reciting lines and building the act, but also checking the pronunciation and sentences for compatibility with each of your own characteristics.

‘This seemed to pass lightly during my previous drama, though.’

Being a child actor, that might have been the reason.

While pondering that, I noticed the style of the scripts everyone held were all different.

They had customized their scripts according to their own styles.

For reference, mine was standard.

Not feeling the need to alter much, I carried the original script I had received.

“Seoyeon, this is your first theater script reading, right?”

“Yes.”

Sitting quietly while looking over the script, Song Min-seo’s ‘Lee Hye-jin’ cautiously asked.

“First readings tend to take quite a bit of time. We might end late, but that’s alright, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I’ve already informed my home about that.”

And even if it’s not alright, it’s something I have to do, anyway.

If I left now just because it was getting late, it was obvious my role would go away with me.

“Let’s start with Seoyeon and Cheong-sek then, as mentioned before.”

Why the two of us? Thinking about it, it made sense.

The rest of the two cast members had already worked together in the premiere.

Our segment features entirely new actors, meaning Seoyeon and I are the only ones doing a ‘real’ first reading.

‘Shouldn’t I start with Lee Hye-jin, then, who plays Song Min-seo?’

This thought crossed my mind, but presumably there was something they wanted to check.

Without much more thought, I opened my script.

To the scene that introduces the first meeting of Bae Sung-hak and Hong Jeong-hee.

***

“Let’s begin.”

With Cheong-seok’s statement, all eyes turned on us.

Cheong-seok Sim and Joo Soo-yoen.

Perhaps, the pair that will garner the most attention during this script reading.

“The rising star of the theater troupe, and the prodigy child actor.”

Both have firm, distinct characters.

When Kim Cheong-woon glanced at Sim Cheong-sek, he had sincerely thought Jo Do-yul was out of his mind for recommending this young man.

Certainly skilled, but essentially, he was a wild horse.

A strong-willed actor with a pronounced character.

For Seoyeon, this was quite overwhelming, being new to theater.

Most notably during script readings, if Seoyeon struggled to sync her delivery, Sim Cheong-sek was the first to criticize.

Indeed, many actors avoided him due to his personality.

“Ah! Ms. Hong Jeong-hee! Nice to meet you! You’ve been coming to every show, it’s quite familiar.”

This is part of a fan meeting scene featuring Bae Sung-hak, an idol.

The exchange is the first for Bae Sung-hak and Hong Jeong-hee in the play.

His sharp demeanor vanished, leaving only the fresh look of a handsome man.

A clear vocalization even without any facial acting, showcasing a distinct character.

“Ah, hello. Umm, I’m Hong Jeong-hee.”

Seoyeon’s response was no less impressive.

As expected of someone who beat Ji-woo Pyo in the audition, her voice acting was clear with distinct emotion.

Also commendable was her pronunciation.

A brief exclamation of admiration escaped everyone gathered there.

“Hmmph.”

However, Sim Cheong-sek frowned, seemingly dissatisfied with the performance.

“Isn’t the stuttering a bit overdone?”

His comment, while possibly not intended maliciously, sounded like a direct jab.

To a simple actor, it was a chilling remark.

Though, the intention wasn’t meant to discourage.

“Just the tone, pure curiosity.”

“Wouldn’t someone who spoke well have gossiped less with Song Min-seo?”

“That’s different.”

“No, this is correct. The script says ‘looks and speaks’. It’d be better if it included shaking while not making eye contact.”

But Seoyeon didn’t back down one bit.

She had a strong resolve in her own way.

Since her childhood acting days, she’d freely altered scripts according to her character’s interpretation.

Though… the reasons for those changes may have been somewhat trivial.

Anyhow, Seoyeon was prepared to return the favor of Sim Cheong-sek’s critique.

“Your performance is too chipper.”

“…”

“It doesn’t suit the character.”

Cheong-sek’s eyebrows twitched, likely unprepared for a critique towards his performance.

This tone should resonate well with the audience. You might not understand since you have less experience.”

“Hmph, experience.”

Seoyeon’s expression remained neutral, though her lips curled slightly.

“Mr. Sim Cheong-sek, when did you debut?”

“…When did I debut?”

“Referencing my case – 10 years ago.”

“…”

“Among us, who lacks experience?”

During any breaks…

Or maybe the first theater acting experience…

Such significant counterpoints were not accepted.

‘My acting career is 10 years.’

Seoyeon proudly puffed out her chest.

“Let’s continue.”

“…Alright.”

His eyes narrowed briefly on Seoyeon, giving the impression of wanting to see a proper act.

And that’s exactly what Seoyeon also wanted.

After that, the script reading was quite intense.

Not the semi-joking power struggle from before.

Going over each scene, discussing and revising the script as we proceeded.

Regular script reading sessions last twice to thrice the length of the play, so roughly three to five hours.

However, this particular script reading ended at midnight.

An amazing eight hours had passed.

“Sorry for being too passionate.”

“No, don’t worry about it, Seoyeon.”

Of course, the script reading wasn’t just for Seoyeon and Sim Cheong-sek; other actors were involved, which is why it took so long.

Though, Seoyeon and Sim Cheong-sek certainly consumed the most time.

‘This one’s the real deal.’

Kim Cheong-woon was secretly amazed as he watched Seoyeon subtly observing everyone.

Despite being her first script reading, she appeared completely at ease.

Well, maybe because she had previous drama experience, it might be limited to ‘theater.’

‘This is definitely something the production team should care about.’

In fact, even if Seoyeon’s acting was slightly inferior to Ji-woo Pyo’s, Seoyeon would have been chosen.

The child actor from The Moon That Hid the Sun.

If her comeback after ten years was in a play, there wouldn’t be a better promotional point.

A ‘comeback work’ title is a one-time premium, and while the reach might not match a public broadcast due to it being a play, compared to other plays, this was surely like a tiger with wings.

‘Since she didn’t lose to Sim Cheong-sek at all.’

The impending genuine acting was already anticipated.

After all, Sim Cheong-sek was also an outstandingly talented actor.

***

There’s a variety show called [Recall the Past!], which reenacts old, popular entertainment.

Whether it was past variety shows or dramas, the show reenacts them.

The target audience is usually teenagers who didn’t know that “past.”

Some went to schools to have students reenact the famous scenes of old dramas.

Sometimes they would showcase students reenacting previously famous variety shows directly.

“For the previous season, it was variety. This time, it’s drama. Or should we do both?”

“…”

“Why isn’t there a response?”

The overall PD of the variety show, Jung Min-jae, spoke to the junior PD, Park Geon.

“Ah, I was wondering how much time we have left before our season ends.”

“…Uh.”

The previous ratings were around 6%.

A very precarious hold on the airwaves.

We’re barely surviving. A slight drop now would likely mean immediate cancellation.

Even enduring beyond this season is highly unlikely.

“Didn’t we say that variety shows with public participation were popular…?”

“Appears that’s due to the students being the target audience.”

“Mm…”

PD Jung Min-jae sighed.

Originally, the idea was to recreate past popular entertainment, and using the energetic performances of students to present it would be entertaining.

When they had tried it as a trial program, the feedback had been quite positive.

But reality?

A measly 6% rating.

“Well, a proper reenactment is probably unrealistic.”

High schools with a drama club would be ideal.

If not, it just turns into a 20-minute exhibition of atrocious acting.

Still, strangely enough, that’s what’s keeping the ratings at a meager 6%.

“We can use one guest.”

“Guest?”

“Wouldn’t adding an actor participating in the acting give the kids motivation? And maybe make it more enjoyable for the viewer as well?”

Not bad for an off-the-cuff suggestion.

How about inviting an actor from the drama they’re recreating?

PD Jung Min-jae thought quickly.

“This time, instead of deciding the drama first, let’s decide the actor first? Do you know any actors who might want to appear on our variety show?”

“I do.”

A staff member raised their hand.

The one who always ordered rice bowl meals alone during the lunch meat dishes ordered by the team.

“Hm, if you know someone, who…?”

“Actor Park Jung-woo.”

“Excuse me?”

When the rice bowl meal staff member mentioned Park Jung-woo, PD Jung Min-jae wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly.

Who?

“Through a friend’s son of my father’s distant relative, I learned he previously worked with Actor Park Jung-woo.”

“Is that someone we can contact? Or just an acquaintance?”

“Of course. We were even chatting through KakaoTalk until recently.”

He showed his actual KakaoTalk conversation with Park Jung-woo as proof.

“My goodness, can this actually work?”

Park Jung-woo, the actor rising rapidly recently.

Age twenty.

An independent actor standing proudly on his own feet, free from his father’s shadow.

That tall, handsome face had produced many older female fans or so they say.

“Park Jung-woo, Park Jung-woo… if this works out, the drama is set.”

“The most successful drama Park Jung-woo starred in was ‘The Moon That Hid the Sun,’ right?”

Perfect picture.

If it succeeds, this could be the reviving opportunity the show needs.

“Does the high school we’re visiting this time have a drama club?”

“Oh, yes. It’s quite famous, too.”

“Got it.”

With that, Jung Min-jae smiled broadly and searched for the high school they were supposed to visit.

Yeonghwa High School.

It was the same school where both Seoyeon and Jiyeon currently attended.

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