Chapter 50: Villain Only

Part 1: Fire into a Bigger Fire

Watching the journalist from the entertainment department set up the camera, Song Jung-woo recalled Jeong Su-ryeon's request.

"It's boiling over now. It's time for the PD to step in. I'm counting on you."

"But wouldn't it be better for Seo Hoon himself or Director Hwang to do it?"

"Then they'd get criticized for not clarifying it immediately and for deliberately letting the situation fester. It's more natural if it comes from a third party. Besides, it's well-known among fans that Seo Hoon doesn't check internet reactions."

"Su-ryeon, you're definitely talented as a PD..."

"Are you saying I have talent?"

"I'm not sure about talent, but you have a good character. Very full of it."

"That sounds like an insult. It is, right?"

"Your perceptiveness is also full. You're going to be a great PD."

"PD, we're ready."

"Ah, let me change the angle. My left side looks better."

"......Sure."

The journalist muttered to himself, "Whether it's this side or that side, they're both squids. Why is he doing this?" Of course, only in his head.

"Okay, the camera is rolling. Three, two, one."

"Ahem. Hello, I'm PD Song Jung-woo, the director of the drama 'Illegitimate.'"

"Yes, hello. Today, we're going to talk about the behind-the-scenes of 'Illegitimate'..."

The interview covered several interesting production stories that didn't make it into the making-of video.

Of course, this was just a cover, and the real purpose was hidden.

"By the way, there was a scandal involving Jeong Seo Hoon and Yoo Jeong-a that didn't die down smoothly."

"Was there?"

"And recently, there was another scandal with one of the female staff members of 'Illegitimate.' Some people think that the Yoo Jeong-a scandal was buried because of this person. What do you think?"

The pre-planned question was thrown, and Song Jung-woo scratched his head with the most natural expression possible.

"Ah, I heard about that incident and found it hilarious."

"You called it an incident? There were even claims that they were living together. Can this be dismissed as just an incident?"

The journalist skillfully mixed surprise and emotion, staying true to the script.

"Living together. That's correct. They've been living together for over twenty years."

"Wait, what? You mean..."

"They're siblings. The female staff member has been working as my assistant director for almost two years."

"Wow. Why wasn't this known?"

Song Jung-woo, satisfied with his acting, stayed true to the script.

"I met Seo Hoon through this assistant director and managed to cast him after chasing him around. I didn't want to say anything because I was afraid people would think I was using my connections to get my sister a role."

"That's incredible. But why doesn't Jeong Seo Hoon clarify this?"

"He probably doesn't know. He doesn't check internet reactions or use social media. The production company is keeping it quiet because they're worried about his mental state during important filming."

"Speaking of which, Jeong Seo Hoon doesn't communicate with his fans at all. Is this a strategy of mystery?"

"Not really. He's always been focused on his studies and never cared about it. It's no wonder, considering he entered Korea University as the top student at 17."

The journalist, surprised by the unexpected information, showed genuine shock.

"17 years old, top student at Korea University?"

"Yes. He received a full scholarship to the engineering department. Isn't that impressive? With his looks, acting skills, and intelligence, he's a complete package."

The camera director felt that Song Jung-woo looked like a proud parent boasting about his child.

"Only one semester left in university, and he's already done a short military service. There's no worry about his military service. So, fans, enjoy following Jeong Seo Hoon."

"Wait. How old is Jeong Seo Hoon, then? The official profile only lists his height and name, and fans are in an uproar. Please clarify."

"It wasn't intentional. It just happened that way. Jeong Seo Hoon is 21. He's very fresh, and it will be fun to watch him build his career step by step."

The staged interview ended, and the camera was turned off.

The journalist, visibly excited, asked several questions.

"Really 21?"

"Yes. His acting skills are on par with someone much older, right?"

"Actually, even older. His acting skills are more like someone in their thirties, but his face is so young... How did that baby face turn into someone like Jin Wook?"

"Please be careful. Don't make it too obvious."

"Of course. But you and Yoo Jeong-a really have no relationship, right?"

"As I said in the interview, we were drinking with Kim Sang-hee and got caught outside. It's not a lie."

The journalist silently cheered, and Song Jung-woo chuckled.

"Journalist, you're a fan of Seo Hoon, aren't you?"

"Of course! That's why I insisted on taking this interview!"

"Good. Since we've cleared the air, I'm counting on you."

***

- Those who called him a two-timer, come here and sit down.

- Haha, all silenced? Why are you all quiet?

- They deleted their posts and comments and ran away.

- Tsk, tsk, tsk. They only know how to talk.

- These days, people lack the spirit. Once they spit it out, they go all the way, even if it's just noise.

- ^| Deleting posts and running away is useless. Everything is archived.

- Wow, top student at Korea University's engineering department at 17. He's perfect, even in his brain. 😭

The behind-the-scenes interview of 'Illegitimate' put an end to the chaotic war. The information Song Jung-woo casually revealed had a destructive power greater than a nuclear weapon.

Journalists hurried to modify or delete their articles, and the young fans of Jeong Seo Hoon celebrated their victory and the sweet taste of triumph.

- See, he has no relationship with Yoo Jeong-a. They were with Kim Sang-hee.

- The paparazzi maliciously focused only on them.

- How can a movie be so good that it needs such a big cover-up?

- Just by the size of the fire, it's clear it will be a box office hit. 😂

Later, some people tried to protest, "But why didn't he clarify it earlier? Is this suspicious?"

However, they were silenced by the ruthless boots of the occupying army.

The controversy was completely resolved, including the Yoo Jeong-a scandal, leaving only a surge of intense interest in the movie.

The production company achieved the ideal atmosphere, and the reshoots were nearing their final stages.

***

"Alright, this is the last scene. I have a feeling it will take several NGs. But let's try to have fun while shooting."

As the director, Hwang In-joon, announced this over the megaphone, laughter erupted from various directions.

"Director, you're at it again with the NGs."

"Jeong Seo Hoon didn't have a single NG in 'Illegitimate.' This record might be broken here."

"Of course. A rookie actor can't avoid the director's initiation."

The atmosphere was bright because it was a kissing scene.

When shooting kissing scenes between attractive actors, the director often deliberately calls multiple NGs to get the best, most passionate scenes.

However, announcing this before the cameras start rolling makes such explanations useless.

For a rookie actor, shooting a kissing scene with a parent watching can be a bit embarrassing, but Jeong Seo Hoon appeared calm.

On the other hand, the veteran actress, Chae Ji-hyun, was visibly embarrassed and kept checking his reaction.

The cinematographer, Jang Jin-woo, playfully asked Hwang In-joon.

"Director, how many takes today?"

"At least ten. Single digits are too heartless."

"Then you'll give the actors a little extra direction?"

"You need to give them plenty of kisses to build chemistry."

The kissing scene between Kim Chan and Kim Su-jin was not in the original script.

Hwang In-joon had no intention of making the seasoned actor, Yoon Hyung-sik, kiss Chae Ji-hyun.

Kissing scenes are usually assigned to the main characters.

"Chae Ji-hyun was hard to convince. She usually avoids kissing scenes. But with Jeong Seo Hoon, she agreed easily."

"I asked her to add some excitement to the movie, and she immediately agreed. If I hadn't, she would have held a grudge against me."

"Really? What about Seo Hoon?"

"Jeong Seo Hoon said he was all in for this movie. He agreed to anything I asked."

"Since he's willing to go all out, even for a sibling scandal, how about having his sister make a cameo?"

"It's a bit too late for a cameo. There's no suitable scene. I'll consider it for his next lead role."

"The lead for the next movie is already decided?"

"Yes. Jeong Seo Hoon will be the lead in my next movie. I won't accept any investment that doesn't include him."

The two actors were ready for the rehearsal.

"Even in rehearsal, no actual kissing. We'll do it for real."

Laughter erupted among the staff again.