Chapter 49

Villain Only Acting 049

The Direction Born of Capitalism (2)

The scandal involving Jeong Seohoon's alleged infidelity continued to burn without pause.

There were those who hoped the movie would fail, and those who hoped it would succeed. Regardless, they all frantically added fuel to the fire, making it burn brighter.

And there were also those who, though unrelated to the movie, joined in the outrage because they were somehow involved in the scandal.

“Hyuntae, this looks like it leaked from inside us.”

“Yes, I think so too. There are vivid details that only someone who was at the wrap party could know.”

The anonymous informant's testimony was mind-blowing.

The content was filled with details that only the production team present at the party could have known.

Song Jeongwoo found this particularly infuriating.

“Thanks to Seohoon, the drama did incredibly well, and everyone got a decent bonus. And...”

“Shooting was very smooth. Seohoon never flubbed a line, so we moved forward like we were on an autobahn.”

“What I mean is, you can't stab someone in the back like this. I’ll definitely find out who did this and kick them out.”

“Of course. Even if we’re on the same team, I can’t work with someone who stabs me in the back like this. We have to root them out.”

The two weren’t worried about the scandal itself.

After all, they were siblings; what did it matter?

“It seems the production company is also trying to keep the controversy going until the end.”

“Any controversy is good controversy. They’re getting free publicity.”

Bad comments are annoying, but no comments are starving.

From the production company’s perspective, they were immune to any kind of backlash, no matter what came their way.

The only thing that could crush the morale of the production company and investors was a cold, empty theater.

Kim Sanghee was worried about something else.

“I’m not sure if Seohoon can handle these kinds of bad comments. It’s like he’s going through a harsh initiation.”

“Seohoon doesn’t seem to be a soft-hearted person. His mental toughness is like titanium.”

“Just because the surface is hard doesn’t mean there’s nothing soft inside. PD, you don’t really know him.”

“Saying that, it doesn’t seem like the kind of thing the writer should be doing.”

“Hmm, yeah. I agree, Writer.”

Kim Sanghee, who had been glaring disapprovingly, changed the subject.

“Suyeon, why are you so quiet?”

“I got a call. They said they’ll handle it on their end, so just stay out of it. They’ll ask for support if things get really bad.”

Kim Hyuntae let out a hollow laugh.

“Come to think of it, the youngest one’s mental toughness isn’t ordinary either.”

“Not ordinary at all. That’s why he decided to become a PD and start from the bottom. Most people can’t do that because of their pride. Anyway, Writer Kim, is the script for the new work ready?”

Kim Sanghee, who was typing away, subtly turned her laptop to block the view when Song Jeongwoo leaned forward.

“I won’t show it.”

“Why? You’ll have to eventually.”

“You don’t know people, PD.”

“Got it, got it. I won’t be sensitive. Show it to me when you’re ready. But the lead will definitely be Seohoon, right?”

“It’s Seohoon as the protagonist.”

“That’s what I thought... Oh.”

Song Jeongwoo, who had been speaking casually, stopped short with a brief exclamation.

“You mean he’s not just the lead, but the sole protagonist?”

“Yes.”

In most dramas, there are several lead-level characters.

While one character’s name might be mentioned first, the others who play alongside them are also treated with significant importance.

However, Kim Sanghee only mentioned that Jeong Seohoon was the sole protagonist.

“Wow, Writer Kim. You really sharpened your knife for Seohoon. I’m looking forward to it.”

“You can look forward to it, but you might also be disappointed.”

Though somewhat ominous, Song Jeongwoo didn’t dwell on it.

Kim Sanghee had often laid the groundwork for something in this manner.

“Huh!”

At that moment, Kim Hyuntae covered his mouth and let out a stifled gasp.

Song Jeongwoo turned his gaze in surprise.

“Hyuntae, what’s wrong? Another article?”

“That... You should see it for yourself. It’s related to Jeong Seohoon’s scandal.”

“What is it?”

Kim Sanghee, who was also curious, stretched her neck to see the article and photos on Kim Hyuntae’s phone.

The photo showed Jeong Seohoon carrying a slumped woman on his back, walking down a night street.

The woman’s face was not visible, but Jeong Seohoon’s was clearly seen.

The three of them recognized it was Jeong Suyeon even without seeing her face.

Song Jeongwoo let out a deflated sigh.

“Is it really necessary to go this far? What’s with these siblings...”

Kim Sanghee responded coldly.

“It’s necessary. To recover the potential losses from the infidelity scandal, we need to capitalize on this.”

“I don’t know... I wouldn’t do it even if my neck was on the line.”

“Seohoon is also very serious about the movie’s success. This is his first film, so he’s determined to make it a hit. How frustrating it must have been when *Illegible* stalled at 29.9%.”

Kim Sanghee looked at the photo of ‘The Direction Born of Capitalism’ with a mix of pity and admiration.

“To achieve success, a brother willing to carry his sister, and a sister willing to be carried. In the modern media landscape, where capitalism reigns, this is a truly commendable actor’s mindset...”

“Still! I could never do it. I wouldn’t.”

Song Jeongwoo shook his head as if repulsed.

“I’d rather clear it up early than drag it out and be misunderstood with my sister.”

“Actually, I feel the same way.”

“Right?”

“Maybe that’s why both PD and I are behind the camera and the pen.”

“...”

“Listen, standing in front of the camera isn’t something just anyone can do.”

***

Rewinding to the previous night.

The paparazzi, who had tracked Jeong Seohoon’s movements, were hiding like undercover cops, waiting with their cameras.

Finally, the target appeared.

“Black Volvo 7777, that’s it.”

The car model and number plate were unmistakable.

The car stopped by the roadside, and Jeong Seohoon quickly got out.

Next, a woman, presumed to be Jeong Suyeon, stumbled out of the passenger seat and seemed to be about to vomit in a corner, presumably due to intoxication.

The paparazzi snapped photos non-stop, capturing every moment.

Finally, they got a clear shot of Jeong Seohoon carrying the woman into a luxurious single-family home, leaving the car parked by the roadside.

“Good, good. Very good.”

The paparazzi checked the photos on the display, feeling very satisfied.

He never even considered that the two were siblings, as they had completely different looks.

Meanwhile, after the paparazzi finished their difficult stakeout and left, on Jeong Seohoon’s side...

“Let go. Put me down.”

As soon as Jeong Seohoon released his arms, Jeong Suyeon, who had been pretending to be drunk, lost her balance and fell on her butt.

“Hey! You should at least say something before putting me down! I was putting on a show of being drunk, and you just throw me like this!”

“Sorry. I couldn’t hold on for another second.”

“Do you think I’m not suffering too?”

Jeong Suyeon, frowning and rubbing her bottom, grumbled.

“But do we really need to go this far?”

“Hey, I’m suffering too. But you need to take a page from the Devil Musicians.”

“Who are they?”

“A brother-sister music group. They lay opposite each other and rub cheeks in their music videos. It’s not a joke.”

“Wow. I could never do that. I can’t even carry you.”

“That’s why they succeeded at such a young age. Anyway, capitalism is the best. For the movie’s success, carrying my sister...”

While saying this, Jeong Suyeon was biting her nails and trembling.

“If the movie is a hit, I’ll benefit too, right? You won’t get anything, will you?”

“I’m also getting a bonus. If you do well in this movie, I’ll take good care of you.”

“Mom? Dad?”

“It’s a secret. You don’t need to know.”

“You’re getting a car, right? Are you giving this one to me now?”

“None of your business. Just make it a hit. I’ve sold my last bit of dignity for this.”

“I’ve sold mine too. I’m not the only one.”

***

The photo of Jeong Seohoon carrying a woman, presumed to be Jeong Suyeun, was released by the paparazzi, reigniting the already burning scandal.

The anonymous informant testified that the woman in the photo was definitely Jeong Suyeun, and the Yoo Jeonga fandom tore into Jeong Seohoon as if they wanted to kill him.

Jeong Seohoon’s young fans fought a tough battle on the front lines every day.

The movie *Sujanggo* and Jeong Seohoon became a constant topic in the entertainment industry, whether positive or negative.

*Sujanggo* was definitely etched into the public’s mind.

Meanwhile, the *Sujanggo* set, seemingly oblivious to the scandal, was proceeding smoothly with reshoots, and the final shooting day was approaching.

Despite the constant noise from the outside, the atmosphere on set was always bright.

In particular, the actors who were working with Jeong Seohoon for the first time expressed their admiration.

“Working with Actor Jeong Seohoon makes me feel more focused. Is it just me?”

“Yeah, Se-yoon? I feel the same. It’s easier to get into character.”

“Every time the cut sign goes down, it feels like I’m being forcibly ejected. It’s like waking up from a dream. It’s hard to describe.”

“I didn’t understand why the actors in *Illegible* said such things, but now that I’ve worked with him, I get it. It’s hard to pinpoint, but it’s something.”

Jeong Seohoon, who had a sensitive ear, heard their conversation but pretended not to.

Thanks to the lens that illuminated Rashid’s world and influenced the characters he worked with, the actors were unaware of the impact.

There was one thing he was curious about, though.

‘The difference when the lens affects and when it doesn’t must be significant. I wonder how the other actors feel about it.’

However, he couldn’t just ask Cha Dojin, Yoo Jeonga, and Lee Minsoo.

He couldn’t ask if they felt more immersed when acting with him.

Two particularly significant people appeared on set for the final shooting day.

They were the investor, Park Si-hong, and Jeong Seohoon’s father, Jeong Tae-hyun.

‘Since it’s a rare opportunity, you must want to see Seohoon in action, even for a moment.’

Jeong Seohoon had no reason to refuse, so his father came to the set in the van.

However, when he glanced over, he noticed that his father and Park Si-hong were sitting quite close to each other, arranged by the staff.

‘What are they talking about?’

Today was the first time they met, and they were people who would never have been involved otherwise.

Their awkward conversation strangely caught his attention.

He wanted to eavesdrop, but even with a PD’s superior intuition, they were too far away.

***

In the awkward silence, Park Si-hong was the first to speak.

“You’re Actor Jeong Seohoon’s father?”

His tone was extremely polite, to the point where Hwang In-joon would have been shocked.

“Yes.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Park Si-hong, the investor for this movie.”

“Yes.”

“Your son takes after you; he’s very handsome.”

“You look very young too. You get that a lot, right?”

The tone was gentle but deliberate, unlike his son’s.

Park Si-hong laughed heartily.

“Do you know how old I am and still call me young? How old do I look?”

“From the outside, you look in your mid-forties.”

“Hahaha, I’ll be sixty next year.”

Thanks to his good management, his youthful appearance was one of Park Si-hong’s few boasts.

“So that’s why I called you young.”

“...Yes?”

For a moment, Park Si-hong’s brain cells got tangled.

You said I look young, but you also said I look in my mid-forties.

So...

‘You must be thinking I’m much older than my forties, right?’

After carefully considering the context, there was a more important point than the compliment.

“How did you know my age?”

“I just assumed you were younger than me.”

“So how did you assume?”

“Let’s move on. I often get misunderstood because I’m not good with words.”

“It’s fine. Just tell me. I won’t be offended even if you insult me.”

“Hmm, you’ll regret it.”

“I really don’t mind.”

“Then I’ll tell you. Look at your outfit.”

Jeong Tae-hyun smiled innocently and spoke softly and clearly.

“You’re trying desperately to look ten years younger. It’s too artificial and lacks the natural charm of your age. But your watch is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Snowflake Limited Edition. Over 70% of the buyers are in their sixties, you know.”

“...”

“By the way, Seohoon told me about it. You gave him a Lamborghini to get a good shot. Seohoon really met a benefactor. Thank you for taking care of him.”

“...Ah, yes.”

Park Si-hong was a bit taken aback by this unfamiliar character.

On the surface, he seemed like a harmless, ordinary person, but there was an invisible mass, like the current of a river, that could be felt.

Jeong Tae-hyun, who was watching the set with a proud expression, sighed.

“I thought Seohoon was just good at studying, but I didn’t know he had talent for acting too.”

“It must be nice to have such a wonderful son. By the way, how is your family...?”

“I have one more daughter. We’re a family of four.”

“I see.”

Jeong Tae-hyun then fell silent again.

Park Si-hong, feeling a bit uncomfortable, asked again.

“What about... Do you have any questions for me? After all, I’m the biggest investor in this movie...”

“Should I have questions?”

“At least for a first meeting, we could get to know each other and build a relationship. I might invest in Seohoon’s next project, and as a father, you might be curious.”

“Do you ask about other actors’ families?”

“Usually, yes. Especially for newcomers, investors are curious about who they are. Some even want to know about their family relationships.”

“Really? That’s strange. That would be an invasion of privacy.”

Park Si-hong thought Jeong Tae-hyun was the type who valued etiquette in personal matters.

If he had reconsidered the fact that Jeong Tae-hyun answered the family question without hesitation, he might have thought differently.

‘He looks like he has no family. Why ask an investor such a thing? Do they not want the investment?’

Jeong Tae-hyun quietly thought to himself how strange the entertainment industry was.