Chapter 58

Villain Only Acting 058

Producer and Subordinate Rebellion (1)

There's no place where rumors spread as quickly as in this industry.

It probably won't take more than half a day for the news to reach Song Jeong-woo's ears.

Kim Sang-hee, who had briefly considered turning off her phone, chuckled to herself.

“What can I do? This time, Producer Jang might be even better.”

As a close duo in the drama world, she is also good friends with Song Jeong-woo's wife. However, to create a better work, it's inevitable.

After all, the reason Song Jeong-woo and she matched so well was because he directed her script as if he had written it himself.

“Let's treat everyone to a big drink, and then I'll give you a better script next time.”

The deputy director confidently gave the okay, so getting the director's approval should be smooth sailing, right?

Now that the scheduling is confirmed, it's time to move on to the next step.

Yang Joon-gyu, the deputy director, went up to get the approval, and Jang Seung-won, the producer, started a one-on-one meeting with Kim Sang-hee.

“Writer, you know our director's style, right? He'll probably want more than 30 episodes. It would be a relief if he doesn't ask for 50.”

“I don't think this story can be stretched to 30 or 50 episodes. You'll see that when you read it, Producer Jang.”

“I know. I'm not asking you to force it. I'm just warning you in advance not to take it too hard if that comes up.”

Jang Seung-won maintained a gentle smile as he continued.

“Still, how about trying to stretch it to 20 episodes...? This is just a personal question, so feel free to think about it.”

Kim Sang-hee wasn't angry at all.

She had anticipated such a proposal when she brought this script to KBC from the beginning.

Asking to stretch it to 20 episodes is relatively reasonable.

“I'll consider it. And I'm going to cast actor Jeong Seo-hoon as the lead.”

“Sure, sure. You've emphasized that several times. I thought of Jeong Seo-hoon right away when I read the script. I can't think of any other actor who would fit.”

It might not be a complete lie, but it's probably not 100% sincere.

The obligation to support the writer's push for an actor is likely stronger.

“His slightly youthful appearance might be a bit of a concern, but it can also be a charm. We can cover it with makeup. Yes, there's no problem.”

“I hope to get 1.5 billion won per episode.”

“That's not a problem. With your reputation, it should have been more than a billion from the start. You were underpaid for *Illigal*.”

“I mean, Jeong Seo-hoon's acting fee.”

“...”

“If the sequel to *Storage* is contracted at an S-level, shouldn't we match that treatment to avoid any complaints?”

“Eh, um... That's...”

Jang Seung-won was momentarily at a loss, fumbling for words and quickly regaining his composure.

Kim Sang-hee's point was valid.

Despite only two appearances, Jeong Seo-hoon had proven his worth and was recognized in the film industry.

It would be impossible to offer a B-level or A-level contract to an actor already contracted at an S-level.

‘Director, with his conservative nature, will probably throw a fit first and say he can't do it...’

But if he says no here, Kim Sang-hee might really go to another broadcasting station.

It would be like sprinkling ashes on a cooked meal.

“I'll take responsibility for the acting contract.”

“Thanks. It was a matter of pride since I had already mentioned it.”

Jang Seung-won thought of dozens of ways to persuade the director.

***

When the lieutenant opened his eyes, he was not in Jeong Seo-hoon's room.

The air was filled with the smell of alcohol and the sound of snoring, and men and women were sprawled out everywhere.

Surveying the remnants of the wild drinking party that had taken place all night, the lieutenant slapped the prone private next to him.

“Private Kohak, get up!”

But none of the sprawled-out subordinates showed any intention of getting up.

The lieutenant, staggering to his feet, found a relatively less messy spot and drank a large gulp of cold water.

“Lieutenant Rashid. Here's your order.”

A stranger's voice suddenly approached, handing him a sealed document.

Checking the rank, he saw it was a messenger from the resort control unit.

“It's an order from the higher-ups to return to the front lines now that your leave is over.”

“...So my leave is over.”

The lieutenant, confirming the seal of the higher command, trailed off.

His gaze naturally turned to the stage where he had performed an impressive play the night before.

The empty stage, flooded with sunlight instead of stage lights, seemed to say that last night's play was just a dream, filled with a lonely silence.

“At least we have four more days before departure.”

“You're going to the front lines, so you should detox from the alcohol. You're ordered to abstain from drinking from this moment on.”

“Understood.”

It wasn't until the sun was setting that the subordinates began to wake up one by one.

Despite the order to return to the front lines, none of the subordinates were shaken. Instead, they cheered as if they had been waiting for it.

They said the long vacation was rather boring and that they were eager to crush the enemy.

Four days later, Lieutenant Rashid's squad returned to the front lines.

The life of the battlefield, where death and killing were repeated, continued.

And Jeong Seo-hoon's life was no longer a vague memory.

A vivid and real world, now a mirror opposite that felt no longer special but rather ordinary.

Even as he was promoted to captain and then major, Rashid was not anxious.

He had already established himself as a young and seasoned warrior on the battlefield, widely known as a war hero whom his subordinates trusted and followed.

Despite being worn down by many deaths, a part of his heart cherished Jeong Seo-hoon's life.

“What will you do after the war, sir?”

A subordinate, who had to be forcibly discharged due to the amputation of one leg, asked this question during his final report.

Now a war hero and a lieutenant colonel, he thought for a moment before answering.

“Hmm. Maybe I'll try being a theater actor...”

“An actor, sir?”

The subordinate, who had trusted his back for a long time, laughed quietly.

Before he could ask if it was a mocking laugh or an encouraging one, the lieutenant colonel felt himself being flung back to his original world.

***

As soon as he woke up in his house in Nonhyeon-dong, Jeong Seo-hoon was greeted by a text from Kim Sang-hee.

[Writer] The scheduling has been approved, and the acting fee is confirmed. With the lead set, we'll start selecting the other actors.

[Me] So when can we start filming?

[Writer] Haha, you seem eager. Even if we hurry, it will take a few months at least.

[Me] That long?

[Writer] Producing a drama isn't easy. It's common for projects to be scrapped after 1-2 years of preparation. It's worse than a housing cooperative.

[Me] I hope we can start production as soon as possible.

[Writer] Oh, right. I need to meet with the producer. Do you have time today? If not today, then another time.

[Me] I'm available today. Please send me the location and time.

[Writer] Got it.

Jeong Seo-hoon, who had paused to look at the mirror, searched for the eyes of a commander who had spent two years on the front lines after his vacation.

‘Maybe I'll try being a theater actor.’

‘An actor, sir?’

I need to ask what my subordinate meant by that laugh when I return.

Although there was a two-year gap in reality, his mind was now clear without any major confusion.

***

Producer Jang Seung-won was a middle-aged man with sharper eyes and a more defined physique than Song Jeong-woo.

While Song Jeong-woo had a laid-back image, Jang Seung-won gave off a slightly nervous vibe.

“I'm Jang Seung-won, a producer at KBC.”

“I'm Jeong Seo-hoon.”

Handing over his business card, Jang Seung-won started by praising Jeong Seo-hoon's career.

“I've seen both *Illigal* and *Storage*. I was really impressed by your acting, Jeong Seo-hoon. I believe you can portray the lead role in this drama not just adequately, but in a way that no one else can.”

“Thank you.”

During the ice-breaking time, Jang Seung-won chatted mainly about light, casual topics.

Unlike Song Jeong-woo and Hwang In-joon, who talked non-stop, Jang Seung-won's conversation wasn't thick, but he skillfully led the atmosphere.

“With Jeong Seo-hoon as the lead, casting the other roles will go smoothly.”

“Producer, I bet Mr. Lee Min-soo will definitely do it, right?”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. I casually asked him, and he said he'd like a suitable role if Jeong Seo-hoon is in it.”

“Mr. Lee Min-soo's participation will make the director very happy.”

“By the way, what role will I be playing?”

Jeong Seo-hoon asked, and Jang Seung-won looked at Kim Sang-hee in surprise.

“Haven't you told him the role yet?”

“Actually, I didn't even tell him the title.”

“Why not?”

“Well, there's always the possibility. This is a new genre for both of us, and what if they don't accept it?”

“Surely that won't happen.”

“Even if they do, they might try to cut the budget or limit casting authority. In that case, it would be the same as not accepting it.”

Jang Seung-won stroked his chin in understanding.

“Yes, that could happen.”

“If that happens, it would be really disappointing, but I was planning to do another script. I thought I'd rather shelve it than make a half-hearted *Subordinate Rebellion*.”

“Is the drama titled *Subordinate Rebellion*?”

Jeong Seo-hoon leaned forward, asking.

Kim Sang-hee smiled contentedly at the intense acting desire in his eyes.

Jang Seung-won, seeing Jeong Seo-hoon suddenly become enthusiastic just by hearing the title, thought to himself, ‘Look at that?’

“Yes, the title is *Subordinate Rebellion*. I didn't tell you because I was worried the station might not accept it. I can be a bit timid.”

For a moment, both Jeong Seo-hoon and Jang Seung-won had the same expression as they looked at each other.

“*Subordinate Rebellion*... The title has a certain feel to it. What's the content?”

“Want to guess? It's a historical drama.”

“Historical drama...”

The title *Subordinate Rebellion* and the genre of historical drama.

Jeong Seo-hoon reviewed various events that came to mind simultaneously.

There are many events that fit both.

But if it's something that can be made into a drama, is likely to draw good ratings, and is a role prepared by Kim Sang-hee for him...

As one name took hold in his mind, his eyes sharpened, and he looked at Kim Sang-hee.

“Is it the Gyeu Jeongnan Rebellion?”

“I knew you would.”

Kim Sang-hee chuckled and placed the thick first draft of the script, which had already reached 16 episodes, on the table.

*Subordinate Rebellion: The King's Uncle*

“It's Prince Suyang, my role.”

“Yes.”

He felt a great warmth in his chest.

Prince Suyang, Sejo.

A mere collection of characters in Korean history that he had only skimmed over while studying.

But through Kim Sang-hee's script, those characters were given new life for Jeong Seo-hoon.

Jang Seung-won asked.

“What does Prince Suyang look like in your mind?”

Perhaps this was the producer's first test of the actor.

Jeong Seo-hoon traced the subtitle *The King's Uncle* on the cover of the script several times with his eyes.

A name that had only existed in his mind as a record of studies.

It was now shuttling back and forth between his mind and heart, gaining its own life.

Absorbing all his experiences and feelings, it was forming a new image of Prince Suyang, unique to Jeong Seo-hoon.

“The subtitle *The King's Uncle*... It seems to emphasize that Prince Suyang in your drama is not the real king but merely the true king's uncle.”

“Yes. And?”

“The flow of the drama will depend on how well you bring out the ruthless and cruel aspects of a power-grabber. That's what I think you intended.”

“It seems there's more to it.”

“If I know you, you probably set up a fictional reason for Prince Suyang to covet the crown, but in a realistic way.”

“That's a good way to put it. It's a compliment.”

“And I think that reason won't justify Prince Suyang but will make his identity as a villain even more distinct. Or, I hope it does.”

Jang Seung-won let out a small sigh, and Kim Sang-hee looked at him proudly.

“What do you think of my choice?”

“It's perfect.”

***

Kim Sang-hee felt refreshed, as if her heart had been cleansed.

She wanted to show the producer this side of her.

The ability to interpret and imagine, reading her intentions deeply from just the title and subtitle of the script she had just seen.

She wanted to leave a strong impression on the producer about who she was as an actor, not just a character on screen.

Now, Jang Seung-won wouldn't even think of another actor for the lead role of *Subordinate Rebellion*.

Even when shooting other historical dramas in the future, Jeong Seo-hoon would be the first person to come to mind.

She felt very good.

It seemed they could make good progress today.

“Producer, writer, lead actor. We have everything we need. How about a temporary production meeting now?”

“Sure, great! I have plenty of time today!”