Chapter 91: "Sketch" - First Day of Filming

In front of Yeonwoo, there was not a lavish and expensive dish but a simple bowl of well-prepared samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).

Of course, the ingredients inside the samgyetang didn't seem ordinary.

"I just acted, but I'm grateful for such a warm reception."

"The old man was moved even though it was just acting. It's been years since I watched a drama with my granddaughter. Or perhaps, it was the first time I watched TV with Hye-a."

Seo Seon-hye, the granddaughter of Seo Tae-gwang, who had always felt distant from her grandfather, became much closer to him while watching the hot romantic comedy period drama.

Seo Tae-gwang was also pleased that his relationship with his granddaughter, who was soon to be married, had become more affectionate.

While eating the samgyetang, Yeonwoo deduced the intentions of Chairman Seo Tae-gwang.

In his past life, he had investigated and managed some of the country's leading companies, and the people running those companies were not easy to handle.

Of course, there was a possibility that Seo Tae-gwang had approached Yeonwoo out of goodwill, but it certainly wasn't just that.

He was already a seasoned star in the business world.

There must be another reason.

"Chairman Seo Tae-gwang's Lee Han Group has many subsidiaries. Why Lee Han Technology?"

If the reasons mentioned earlier were the only reasons for the CF offer, he could have approached another subsidiary.

The Lee Han Group is a conglomerate that has expanded its fields in a tentacle-like manner, from construction to oil refining, contributing to economic development.

'Hero who saved the country in a precarious situation, the descendant of the hero, a defense company, recent National Assembly audit...'

Yeonwoo organized his thoughts, recalling numerous keywords and the domestic situation.

Just then, Chairman Seo spoke.

"Do you know why I paid you such a high fee?"

"Perhaps you want to embed an image of the Lee Han Group through me."

"Hmm?"

Chairman Seo Tae-gwang, who had been picking at the chicken with his chopsticks, opened his eyes wide at Yeonwoo's words.

"An image?"

"I apologize if it's presumptuous. I'm just a new actor, but I'm grateful for the high regard you have for me, and I'm also curious."

Chairman Seo put down his chopsticks, clasped his hands, and looked at Yeonwoo with interest.

"Go on."

"So, I racked my brain, and after seeing Mr. Seo Hee's portrait today, I realized that with the recent National Assembly audit and the pressure from the Ministry of National Defense, you might want to use me to embed an image of national salvation in the defense industry."

Chairman Seo Tae-gwang stared at Yeonwoo for a few seconds, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha. I've really brought home a good one today."

After laughing for a while, he stopped and his eyes sparkled.

"You're not just a simple actor, are you?"

"I'm satisfied with being an actor."

Chairman Seo chuckled and stroked his chin.

"Well, in both works and reality, characters move the narrative."

Yeonwoo listened to Chairman Seo and silently picked at the chicken.

The Lee Han Group is currently under intense scrutiny due to a corruption scandal involving the military leadership, though it's not directly related to the case.

At this point, if the popular image of Yeonwoo as "Seo Hee" from the recently concluded drama is actively used to associate with Chairman Seo's roots and embed an image of national salvation, it could lead to a group image makeover that garners public support.

"The Lee Han Group plans to actively use your image in connection with our ancestors. If we can embed an image of national salvation, a little money is not a problem."

"Thank you for the offer."

Chairman Seo looked at Yeonwoo with interest.

"At first, I just wanted to see you act as our ancestor, but now you're quite intriguing."

Chairman Seo, who was looking at Yeonwoo with renewed interest, continued.

"I don't know if you'll be offended, but I did some background checks on you. You don't have any vices like alcohol or smoking, and your private life is clean. Your image has also improved thanks to the recent incident where you saved a young woman."

He was referring to the incident with Seo Ji-eun and the stalker.

In fact, with his clean private life, outstanding acting skills, and the image of a male lead who saved the female lead in real life from a recently concluded drama, Yeonwoo was the perfect model for Chairman Seo.

"Thank you for your kind words."

The subsequent meal felt like a conversation between a curious old grandfather and a young person, without any talk of contracts.

After finishing the meal, Chairman Seo called an employee and handed Yeonwoo a business card.

"If you ever encounter a problem you can't solve, feel free to contact me. I'll do my best to help you a couple of times."

"I'll keep it in mind. Thank you."

"You're a straightforward and honest person, which I like."

After the formalities, Yeonwoo followed the security guard out, and Min-soo, who had been waiting, stood up.

"Min-soo, did you finish eating?"

"Yes. It was delicious. I had samgyetang."

"I had the same."

Min-soo tilted his head at Yeonwoo's words.

"I thought you would have had a more luxurious meal with the chairman."

"Maybe it's because guests are usually served a hen when they visit?"

"Really?"

Yeonwoo smiled and walked ahead.

"It was delicious. Samgyetang."

***

"Ah, it's been a while since I've been to a recording studio."

"Didn't you used to be an idol trainee?"

Yeonwoo and Seo Ji-eun had gathered to practice the songs and instrumental pieces for "Sketch."

Seo Ji-eun smiled widely and replied.

"Yes! From age twelve to eighteen."

"Then you must have had a hard time going to school, right?"

"Not really. I finished school and then went to the practice room until middle school."

Yeonwoo nodded and looked at the guitar and violin in the corner of the practice room while chatting with Seo Ji-eun. The door opened, and a blonde middle-aged woman entered.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Chrissy Monroe."

"Hello. I'm Ryu Yeonwoo. Just call me Jay."

"Hi. I'm Seo Ji-eun. You can call me Nari!"

Yeonwoo and Seo Ji-eun bowed in a Korean style as they greeted the music director.

Since the film was planned for international film festivals, the main characters' names were chosen to be easy for foreigners to pronounce.

Yeonwoo nodded slightly, impressed by Seo Ji-eun's better-than-expected English skills.

"Got it. Jay, Nari. It's an honor to work with you on this film."

"The honor is ours."

Music director Chrissy smiled and took out a USB drive.

"Shall we listen to the music I've composed so far? I haven't finished all of it, but I've completed three pieces for the beginning."

Yeonwoo took the USB drive and handed it to the engineer in the corner of the practice room.

"There are three pieces. Please play them in order."

"Sure. Got it."

The engineer plugged in the USB drive and started playing. A sweet melody filled the room.

"I tried to highlight the guitar as much as possible, as requested."

Yeonwoo nodded as he listened to Chrissy's explanation.

"Wow, the songs are great. Yeonwoo."

"Agreed."

As the music played, Yeonwoo and Seo Ji-eun listened to all three pieces. When they were done, Chrissy spoke.

"I'm not sure about Jay's playing skills, but we can edit it in the film. Do you know what a loop station is?"

"Um, I know what it is, but I've never seen one in person."

A loop station is a device that repeats a certain section, allowing one person to layer harmonies using multiple instruments.

Chrissy nodded and continued.

"Director Park was interested when we discussed it in the pre-meeting. We're considering using it in the later scenes. As long as you can handle the instruments, we can edit it. Before I write the other pieces, I'd like to hear Nari's song."

Chrissy pointed to the recording booth and smiled at Seo Ji-eun.

"Sure! I'll give it a try. Ah, I'm nervous."

***

Jeong Cheol-min slapped his cheeks with both hands.

"Ah, I'm nervous."

"Even after more than 20 years of acting, you still get nervous?"

Today, they were heading to Incheon Airport early in the morning to shoot the first airport scene with Jeong Cheol-min.

Time had passed, and they had smoothly shot several concept CFs, and the pre-rehearsals with Chrissy and Seo Ji-eun had progressed well.

Yeonwoo was finally about to start the first shoot for "Sketch."

Yeonwoo laughed and asked, and Jeong Cheol-min patted his back.

"Kid, it's Director Park Chan-hong. How can you not be nervous?"

"Hahaha, have you memorized the script?"

"I struggled to memorize the English lines. I've got them down."

"At least that's a relief. We're lucky to have the cooperation..."

Most of the other scenes were shot in the suburbs, but the airport scene was a concern due to the lack of staff and the difficulty of control.

Actors usually wouldn't worry about such things, but as both an actor and a producer, Yeonwoo found himself paying attention to these details.

"Seems like we have some help. They're doing expansion work."

"Exactly."

Incheon Airport was partially closed for expansion work, and they had received permission to shoot a controlled scene early in the morning without any civilians.

Yeonwoo and Cheol-min arrived in Min-soo's car.

"It's a small setup."

They could see the team preparing for the shoot with only the necessary staff.

"Let's go. Teacher."

"Sure. Thanks to my student, I'm living the high life."

Yeonwoo smiled and led Jeong Cheol-min to where the staff were gathered.

"Wow, it's really Ryu Yeonwoo."

"He looks even better in person."

The extras hired for the airport scene were whispering about Yeonwoo.

Director Park Chan-hong, who had been giving instructions, heard the whispers and approached Yeonwoo.

"So, the partner is here."

"Director, hello. This is Mr. Jeong Cheol-min."

Yeonwoo introduced Jeong Cheol-min, who was nervously bowing deeply.

"An honor! I'm Jeong Cheol-min."

"I've seen you perform once with my family."

"Really?"

Jeong Cheol-min was surprised and shook hands with Director Park.

"I think it was 'Blues' in Huwha."

"Wow! That's right. What an honor."

It was a performance he had done in Daehak-ro about five years ago, his last time in a theater troupe.

Jeong Cheol-min was deeply moved to think that Director Park Chan-hong had bought a ticket to see his play.

"Your acting was good even then. To think you've raised such an excellent student."

Feeling as if he could fly, Jeong Cheol-min's eyes welled up, and he bowed deeply.

Meanwhile, Yeonwoo was greeting the other staff members.