Chapter 2 of 100
Chapter 2
20 min read4,878 words
Li Chong, born on February 24, 1982, in Seoul, South Korea, is the son of Li Changyu, who runs a tea house, and Xu Meiyang, a professor at Dongguk University. He was a naturally gifted child from a young age. In 1998, he went abroad to study, enrolling in the directing program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, becoming an alumnus of Oliver Stone and Martin Scorsese. During his time at school, he won multiple scholarships and interned in Hollywood, participating in the production of several Hollywood films. Many Hollywood film companies wanted to sign him upon graduation, but he returned to Korea. He did so to keep a promise in his heart, a promise made with his childhood sweetheart, a promise of innocent love.
Kim Hyun-ju, born on February 25, 1982, in Seoul, South Korea, lived next door to the Li family. Their mothers were hospitalized at the same time for childbirth, and the two were born just one day apart. From a young age, Kim Hyun-ju followed Li Chong around like a little tail. As she grew older, she became increasingly beautiful. For her education, she was sent to an all-girls school starting from middle school. Despite this, their relationship remained strong. When Li Chong graduated from high school and went to the United States to fulfill his promise, Kim Hyun-ju pursued her own goals, enrolling in Paejae Girls' High School and later entering Kyung Hee University.
Sitting on the bus to Busan, as they crossed the 740-meter-long Geoje Bridge, everyone was amazed by the human achievement. The beautiful sea, the blue sky, and the white clouds hanging on the horizon, with a few sailboats floating on the sea, brought joy to anyone who wasn't too pessimistic. Li Chong was no exception. Looking at the cotton-candy-like clouds on the horizon, his thoughts drifted far away. Although he had tried to avoid thinking about the past and not recall it over the past two years, certain memories still flashed through his mind.
At the age of eight, a beautiful and small figure once said to him, "Oppa, the sisters in the movies are so pretty. When I grow up, I want to be in movies too. Will you help me make movies?"
A figure not much taller than the little girl firmly replied, "Hyun-ju, yes, Oppa will definitely do it."
At the age of fourteen, the girl, who had grown into a graceful young woman, said brightly, "Oppa, Chow Yun-fat in 'God of Gamblers' is so handsome, and Joey Wong is so beautiful. When I grow up, I want to be that beautiful and act with big stars."
A guy who was half a head taller than her proudly said, "That's no problem. Don't you trust Oppa? When have I ever failed to keep a promise to you?"
This promise drove Li Chong to work hard, especially after watching Oliver Stone's Vietnam War trilogy—'Platoon,' 'Born on the Fourth of July,' 'Heaven & Earth,' and 'Natural Born Killers.' He became even more drawn to the world of film, a world of recording and creation. So, in college, he chose to become an alumnus of Oliver Stone.
He kept his promise and fulfilled his vow. After returning from the United States, in the hierarchical society of Korea, he had to start from the bottom. Despite the initial hardships, he progressed from a production assistant to an assistant PD, then to an executive PD, and finally to a main PD, advancing rapidly toward his goal. At this time, Kim Hyun-ju also entered the entertainment industry, first appearing in commercials directed by Li Chong. Her outstanding and pure appearance made her a new favorite in the advertising industry, leading to opportunities in television dramas.
By 2003, a major star's success gave Li Chong a chance to rise to fame. That star was Lee Hyori, who, after the dissolution of FIN.K.L, faced immense pressure to release the album '10 Minutes.' Li Chong, then an advertising PD, had worked with Lee Hyori before, and she found him to be a very thoughtful PD. She invited him to direct the MV for '10 Minutes.' With the album's success, Li Chong's reputation also soared.
In 2004, directing the second album 'Evolution' for Kim Jong-kook further elevated Li Chong's status as an MV director. He was known for his intricate and eerie storytelling, often with surprising endings that both surprised and enhanced the theme, making him a favorite among big-name artists. However, Li Chong was very proud and believed he would soon direct films, so he only worked with artists he valued, which, while offending many, also raised his value to 10 million won per MV. He often earned over 100 million won per album, and within just two years, he had his own studio and bought a 60-pyeong apartment in Gangnam.
Just as Li Chong was at the height of his success, a devastating piece of news struck him—his childhood sweetheart, his lifelong friend, had agreed to someone else's proposal. Li Chong felt as if the world was spinning.
He immediately called Kim Hyun-ju, "Hyun-ju, why? This can't be true. Why did you agree to marry that guy?" Li Chong was speaking without restraint.
"Oppa, I'm sorry, I don't think we're a good match," a calm female voice replied.
"Where are we not a good match? I can change, can't I?" Li Chong felt there was still hope and spoke urgently.
"Change? How can you change? Do you see each other once a month? Or do you start talking about how great you are and how close you are to making a film every time we meet? Since you became a PD, you haven't even celebrated my birthday with me..." The female voice remained calm.
"Is it just because of that?" Li Chong felt his belief crumbling.
"Yes, it's because of that. When I'm tired, he can put work aside to be with me. When I'm sick, he can be there for me immediately. When I'm lonely, he finds ways to make me happy. What about you?" The female voice was still very calm.
"Am I not working hard for our dreams? Am I not about to succeed? Can't you wait a little longer for me?" Li Chong said in despair.
"I'm sorry, Oppa, I can't. I have to go to work now. Goodbye..."
Li Chong slumped in his newly bought apartment, his eyes vacant, staring at the ceiling. He felt lost, as if the belief he had been fighting for had collapsed. He rejected all invitations, including a film director's offer, and locked himself in the empty house.
The entertainment industry in Korea moves quickly. If someone disappears, they might be mentioned for a month, but after two months, people start to forget, and after three months, most people won't remember them at all.
Whether an artist or a behind-the-scenes worker, three months later, when Li Chong reappeared, no one recognized him, the once-famous MV director. He rented out his apartment, invested his savings in stocks, and bought a movie DVD, a Hong Kong film called 'Autumn Tale,' a movie filled with sweet memories. Five days before Kim Hyun-ju's wedding, the forgotten famous MV director, the once-talented PD, officially entered military service.
On April 26, 2005, famous actor Yeon Jung-hoon and Han Ga-in held their wedding at the Shilla Hotel. Over 2,000 guests, including well-known Korean artists like Shin Dong-yup, Kwon Sang-woo, Lee Dong-gun, Lee Wan, Lee Da-hae, Song Il-gook, Ha Ji-won, Park Eun-hye, Yoo Ji-tae, Yoo Jae-suk, and Choi Shi-ra, attended the ceremony.
Apart from a few close friends and family, no one knew where Li Chong had gone. Now, Li Chong has returned to Seoul, standing in front of the café where they used to meet.
Looking back on the past, is it worth it or not?
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