Chapter 39

Fast (1)

Director Kwon Jitak's mutterings were immediately questioned by the production PD next to him.

"Director, what did you just say? A monster?"

"No."

However, Director Kwon Jitak, with his arms crossed, shook his head.

"It was just a mutter."

Director Kwon Jitak, who answered gently, was now staring intently at Kang Ujin in the interrogation room. Ujin was currently shooting a solo cut of the same scene.

'There was no reason to audition with such ridiculous acting. From his perspective, if this drama gets broadcast, he'll be flooded with offers.'

Did Park Eun-mi, that guy, not see this Kang Ujin's acting? If he had, he wouldn't have pushed him into the audition.

'Now, he's in decline, but to reject a master-level PD like Song PD - is he bold or fearless?'

Then, Director Kwon Jitak recalled Kang Ujin's appearance he saw in the morning.

'Wasn't he amazed by the large studio? His image is different now. Is he the type whose acting and everyday appearance are different?'

Soon, Director Kwon Jitak asked the production PD again.

"What do you think of that newcomer?"

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

"He's amazing. There's nothing to criticize in his acting. How can I put it? His details are unbelievable. I want to see him up close."

"His breathing control and restraint. Yet, he has explosive power. Look at how he handles his gaze. It's incredible. Ryu Jeong-min, who saw this up close, must have felt chills."

The casting director (CD) also chimed in.

"Method acting, I guess. It's hard to see this as acting; it feels like he's bringing the character to life. That means his script analysis and understanding are outstanding."

The production PD turned his head.

"Is this the first time you're seeing Mr. Kim, CD? I'm seeing him for the first time."

"Yes, I'm unfamiliar too. Honestly, I've checked every theater, musical, and entertainment company. I'm a bit flustered; an actor of this caliber should have been noticeable... I'm sorry, Director. My search was lacking."

The CD bowed, and Director Kwon Jitak gently shook his head.

"No, he might have suddenly plummeted. PD Song would know the exact situation. But more importantly."

Director Kwon Jitak, who had been alternating his gaze between Ryu Jeong-min and Kang Ujin on the set, stroked his chin.

"It seems the rumor about improving the acting quality was true. Ryu Jeong-min is far beyond my expectations. He's been honed and polished."

"Yes, his form has definitely improved."

"That's not just an improvement in form. It's a significant step forward as an actor."

Director Kwon Jitak, who murmured softly, pointed at Kang Ujin with his index finger.

"And I think the newcomer who fired the shot to elevate the acting quality of the cast is this kid."

"You mean Kang Ujin?"

"Yes. To me, it looks like Ryu Jeong-min is being pulled along by this kid, not the other way around. Normally, the top actors are the pillars of the set. They're the ones who smooth things over."

"Right, the atmosphere, the relationship with the staff, and so on."

"But in this project, Ryu Jeong-min is desperately focused on acting, without any of that. Look at his eyes. Does he look around? He's only focused on the newcomer. He's maintaining his character continuously."

The production PD and the CD nodded. Indeed, Ryu Jeong-min seemed to be entirely focused on acting. The newcomer, Kang Ujin, seemed to be leading the way. Anyway, Director Kwon Jitak was certain.

"Regardless of the circumstances, the actors, including Ryu Jeong-min, must have been spurred on by this Kang Ujin."

"Hmm—"

"Think about it. This is a major project with PD Song and writer Park Eun-mi. If an unknown newcomer outperforms in acting, will the public not notice?"

"The pride of the top actors will be scratched."

"Overall, the quality of the project will improve. This newcomer is serving as the backbone of the drama, whether he knows it or not."

At this moment, the CD, who had been scanning the large set, interjected.

"Director, since you've checked everything, why don't you leave? The staff and the actors' managers are starting to glance over."

It was true. Especially, Ryu Jeong-min's team was whispering. If they stayed longer, it would only get more chaotic. However, the gentle Director Kwon Jitak couldn't bring himself to leave.

"What a pity. If the situation were better, I'd want to watch until the end."

He really wanted to see more. Not only Ryu Jeong-min, but he wanted to keep his eyes on the unbelievable newcomer, Kang Ujin. More precisely, he was drawn to his acting.

"The kid's acting has a powerful pull."

Director Kwon Jitak, who sighed with a hint of regret, murmured softly as he moved his feet.

"But what has he been doing all this time to suddenly appear now?"

Several hours later, in the afternoon.

The 'Profiler Hanrang' team was frantically shooting. They had gathered early in the morning and were now in the afternoon. Except for lunch, they had been fully focused on shooting, and thanks to this, they managed to complete a significant number of shots.

However.

"Lighting team! The lights are flickering here?!!"

"Ah- We'll check it right away!"

"Boom mic!! PD is regaining consciousness!! Don't let it slide down and get caught in the camera like last time!"

"Yes, yes!"

"Coffee, coffee! Fill up the coffee here!"

The large set was still bustling. The sun had already set, but the energy of dozens of staff members was no different from the morning.

Running, running, setting up, shouting, checking.

The scene was rolling without a break. Of course, all the staff were tired, but no one showed it. Instead, they were energized.

"Didn't we nail the scenes just now??"

"Right, right. Jeong-min and Ujin are really in the zone... Wow."

"Is this really going to be a ratings hit?"

"Definitely! Haha, it's been a while since we've had a reward vacation!"

The acting from the first shoot was incredibly good. This meant the quality of the visuals would be high, and it would inevitably affect the ratings.

In short, the numerous staff members were filled with anticipation.

In the midst of this.

'I'm going to die. I might really die.'

Kang Ujin, sitting in the interrogation room set, was in a state where his soul might leave his body. Of course, he maintained a composed expression due to his habitual concept, but inside, he was groaning.

'This is really... more intense than I thought. What did I do here today? Ah, right, acting. It's okay, I think I did a good job.'

The rhythm was completely different from 'Detective Agency.' He clearly heard 'Cut' from PD Song, but immediately heard 'Action.' Then 'Cut' again, followed by 'Action.'

What is this speed?

He was prepared, but the volume and pace far exceeded his expectations. For Kang Ujin, who had been an actor for only two months, it was overwhelming, and the tense atmosphere of the set was impossible to adapt to. Ujin felt like he was floating in this vast space.

But there's no going back now. He can't retreat. So, he had to grit his teeth.

'Ah, I don't know. If I keep going, it'll work out somehow. I won't fail, really.'

Fortunately, the 'Park Daeri' in Kang Ujin's possession had become even more solid compared to before, and the time it took to activate it was almost negligible. The lines were vividly imprinted. Kang Ujin was grateful for the ability of the subspace.

At this moment.

-Swoosh.

Ryu Jeong-min, who had finished his hair check, entered the set. Holding a script in one hand, he sat opposite Kang Ujin, and with his entrance, Ujin made his poker face even more solid.

"......"

"......"

The two had not talked much since this morning. Ryu Jeong-min was maintaining the tone of his character, Min Jihyung, while Kang Ujin simply had nothing to say. It was awkward with a top actor.

The staff, watching this, were impressed.

"They're not even in the scene, but they look so serious?"

"I've heard that actors engage in a battle of energy when shooting sensitive scenes."

"Ah, so the two of them are still psychologically battling as Min Jihyung and Park Daeri?"

"That's probably it. That's why their scenes are so intense."

On the other hand, Kang Ujin was only battling with himself. Should I pretend to read the script since Ryu Jeong-min is reading it? Thanks to this, Ujin calmly picked up his script.

'But it's a bit cold here.'

It was spring, but the night was still chilly. The studio itself was filled with cold air. As a result, Kang Ujin felt a slight chill. His fingertips were trembling slightly. However, Ryu Jeong-min, who was sitting opposite and glancing at Ujin, did not miss this.

"Park Daeri, it's not easy to recover your emotions, is it? Like feeling choked up. I also had cramps in my hands just now."

Indeed, the keen eye of a top actor. However, Kang Ujin was confused. What sudden emotional recovery? Although he couldn't understand, Ujin decided to look at Ryu Jeong-min seriously. It was better to tell the truth here.

So, a touch of humanity.

"No, I'm just a bit cold."

"......It's okay. An actor can't be perfect in everything. Emotional recovery is a natural process. There's no need to hide it. I know you couldn't come to the script reading dinner because you were recovering your emotions."

No, I'm cold, senior? Why don't you believe me? Besides, Kang Ujin had a good sleep during the script reading. Ujin felt a bit frustrated inside, but Ryu Jeong-min, unaware of this, smiled pleasantly.

"I know, so you can relax."

"......Thank you, senior."

At this moment, PD Song, who was talking with the key grip and the lighting director, called out.

"Okay! Jeong-min, Ujin! Let's do a rehearsal for the next scene's lines!"

Kang Ujin, who handed his script to the script supervisor, felt something from the recent situation.

'This... If I reveal my concept, people won't believe me, right?'

Afterward.

The first shoot of 'Profiler Hanrang,' in which Kang Ujin participated, wrapped up late at night. And during this shoot, one record was set.

PD Song, who was returning in the minivan, proudly announced the record.

"Hey, do you know how many NGs there were today? 15, 15. Among them, five were due to lighting issues or other on-set mistakes, and the remaining ten were actor NGs."

The number of NGs was extremely low. Ryu Jeong-min had about seven, and Kang Ujin had three. However, Ujin's NGs were not due to mistakes but because his expressions were too intense.

In fact, Kang Ujin had no mistakes at all.

Well, given that he was receiving a boost from the subspace, it was natural. The male lead, Ryu Jeong-min, was not unaware of this. As a result, in the van, Ryu Jeong-min harbored a new sense of determination.

"Seven...... Among them, five were due to line mistakes."

"Jeong-min, seven is still incredibly low."

"Kang Ujin didn't make any line mistakes. I felt embarrassed watching him today."

"That's...... Kang Ujin is a bit abnormal."

"It's abnormal for a top actor to make more line mistakes than a newcomer. Brother, help me with my lines today. I'll stay at your place."

"Huh? Ah...... Yeah, sure."

On the other hand, as soon as Kang Ujin parted ways with the pigtails, Choi Sung-geun.

"Ujin! You were the best today, the best! Do you know that? PD Song and the staff all praised you!"

"Ah, yes. Praise. Yes."

"I know you won't get much sleep, but rest well! We have a 7 AM standby tomorrow, so I'll pick you up at 5 AM!"

"Thank you for your hard work."

Upon arriving at his studio apartment, Kang Ujin barely released his concept and collapsed onto the bed in his clothes. He was too tired to shower. His whole body felt heavy. He wanted to sleep for 24 hours straight.

"Ah, it's really intense."

He had to go out again in 5 hours and 30 minutes. It would be fine to sleep and go out like this.

"Ah, but I should brush my teeth, right?"

His mind told him to, but his body wouldn't move. The large set and the tension and urgency he maintained all day were still affecting him. He couldn't even remember what he did. It was just shooting, shooting, shooting.

Whatever. Kang Ujin closed his eyes.

At this moment.

-Vroom, vroom.

The phone in his back pocket vibrated. Kang Ujin, with great effort, checked the caller. It was none other than Hong Hye-yeon.

The top actress, Hong Hye-yeon. She must be calling to encourage him after the first shoot.

"......"

For some reason, Kang Ujin just stared at the phone screen. Normally, he would be amazed and answer immediately. Soon, Kang Ujin closed his eyes and put the phone down.

"I'm sorry, Hong Hye-yeon."

Sleep was a priority right now.

The next early morning.

In front of the super-large set in Ilsan. Of course, it was the 'Profiler Hanrang' set, and PD Song was alone in the minivan parked in the parking lot. He was stroking his chin while looking at his phone.

At this moment.

-Creak.

The back door of the car opened, and a gentle man got in. It was the master director, Kwon Jitak, who had been at the set yesterday. Interestingly, PD Song was very relaxed despite the unexpected appearance.

"Hello, Director."

"Nice to see you. I didn't get to greet you yesterday, PD."

The reason was simple. They had already made plans. Due to PD Song's busy schedule, Director Kwon Jitak had come back.

"Haha, it's fine. We both had things to do."

"Thank you for making time today despite your busy schedule."

Director Kwon Jitak, who spoke gently, shook hands with PD Song. In the minivan, two giants of the film and drama industries were facing each other. PD Song was quick to start the conversation.

"Did you see Ryu Jeong-min well yesterday?"

"Yes, his acting form has improved significantly."

"That's a relief. Did you consider him for your next project?"

"Yes, but it's still confidential."

"I see. I'll keep it