Chapter 89

Villain Only Acting 089

Thirst in the Throat (2)

The so-called rival production of Taizong's Wish was thoroughly overturned, and other programs on different channels during the same time slot had given up on competing altogether.

Rather than waste energy by opposing the hit, they thought it better to save even a penny of production costs and invest it elsewhere.

Among the broadcasting stations, there was a consensus to air reruns and other cost-free programs from 9 PM to 10:30 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Hageuk-sang, which had quietly and steadily gained solid support, finally surpassed a 30% viewership rating, and Jang Seung-won invited all the cast members to a small party.

"Jin-won, you're really hot these days. Everyone is making a fuss over seeing a new side of Yang Jin-won, the perennial supporting actor."

"Oh, no, it's all thanks to the PD's excellent direction."

"What do you mean, all thanks to me? It's all because Jin-won analyzed the character so well. Some people even say watching Han's shaman is more interesting than watching the crown prince."

"Speaking of the main character leading the story, what are you saying? I'm like a cicada clinging to an old tree. Without a big tree, I'd be squashed on the ground."

Yang Jin-won, who had been a perennial supporting actor, was recently receiving new attention.

He was receiving praise such as, "I didn't know he was such a charismatic actor," "I only thought he was a comedian for a long time," and "He's good at serious acting too."

A fellow actor in his mid-30s chimed in from the side.

"That's right, senior. I was also impressed by your performance as Park Su-mudang this time. What's your secret?"

"What secret? I just studied the script thoroughly and followed the PD's direction faithfully, and then... "

While speaking, Yang Jin-won's gaze subtly shifted to the side.

Jang Seung-won let out a slight, incredulous laugh.

"What, Jin-won, are you also a Jeong Seo-hoon fan?"

"Strangely, when I act with Jeong Seo-hoon, I get really immersed. I don't have any other thoughts. Sometimes I even forget I'm acting."

"Everyone who acts with him says the same thing. I'm even thinking of putting down the megaphone and standing in front of the camera with him."

"Ah, that would be great. PD, you should try it. Jeong Seo-hoon has something that really draws people in..."

"That's a very harmonious atmosphere over there."

Jeong Su-yeon said to her brother in a low voice, looking at the PD.

"Having never received attention for a long time, that person must be pretty excited now that he's finally getting the spotlight."

"I thought his acting was good too. He did well."

"He's been in the acting industry for years; he should at least do that much."

"Why are you like that? Don't you like that person?"

"It's because he's taking away the attention that our Jeong family should rightfully enjoy. It's a problem when he's too good. Now, even doing well is considered normal."

In Hageuk-sang, Jeong Seo-hoon's recognition and acting were as solid as a rock.

No matter what anyone said, he was the protagonist, the center and pillar of the drama, receiving the highest pay.

Perhaps because of this, viewers, who had been looking around for something interesting among the fish outside the net, were now focusing on the well-behaved tuna in the pond.

It was Yang Jin-won who received the most attention.

"Still, it's good that he's not arrogant. Honestly, you've probably benefited the most from being with him."

Han's shaman hardly appeared without the crown prince.

Jeong Su-yeon looked around again and said in a low voice.

"But the writer seems quieter than expected. It doesn't feel like a celebration for a 30% viewership rating."

"Maybe this was already an expected result."

The six-seat table was empty except for the two siblings.

Han Seo-hee and Lee Seo-hyun appeared late and joined the table.

"Why is this table so empty? I guess I'll have to fill the seats."

"Brother, how have you been? Congratulations on the 30% viewership rating."

"Don't put any glasses of alcohol near Han Seo-hee. She's a minor, and if she's photographed, it could cause trouble."

The two actresses sat on either side, competing for attention, while Jeong Su-yeon sat alone across from them, feeling lonely.

***

A few days after the 30% breakthrough celebration, Jeong Seo-hoon quietly approached Jang Seung-won and made a request.

"A rehearsal? No problem. Let's do it with just the director of photography and the three of us."

Jang Seung-won readily agreed, and the director of photography joined the rehearsal upon receiving the call.

"Since today's schedule is done, let's do a full rehearsal with Seo-hoon. But why is there a cat?"

"I asked a staff member to bring it for just one day."

Jeong Seo-hoon carefully placed the transparent cage containing the cat on the ground.

Jang Seung-won, puzzled for a moment, suddenly realized.

"Is the cat a stand-in for the baby?"

"Yes. I'm trying to imagine and capture the emotions of a newborn baby. I can't actually bring a real baby on set."

"The size is about right, and it's cute, so it's fine. Let's give it a try."

The scene in the drama was simple.

[The crown prince glimpses the baby prince held by a court lady through an open door and steps back. His eyes show no welcome for the new obstacle.]

Kim Sang-hee described this scene simply without detailed elaboration.

To Jeong Seo-hoon, who aspired to be king, the baby prince was an unwelcome presence.

A perfectly legitimate nephew and uncle could not be compared in terms of succession to the throne.

The crown prince's gaze, which accidentally spies the well-protected young prince, is inevitably filled with complex emotions.

"That was very good."

After the rehearsal, Jang Seung-won watched the video and praised it.

He pointed to the screen as he evaluated.

"This gaze, it's full of genuine malice. On a big TV screen, it would be even more intense."

"Isn't this too much like Lee Jin-wook?"

"While it does remind me of Lee Jin-wook, the identity of the crown prince is stronger. I hope you can do this in the actual filming. Ah, I hope we can quickly find a baby for the role."

The director of photography, stroking his chin, added,

"The hatred for a future rival is very well portrayed. PD Jang is right. It's a flawless expression."

"......"

"Seo-hoon, what's not satisfying?"

"Actually, it's because of the final scene 32."

"You mean the scene where the demoted nephew is being considered for execution? That's still a long way off. Why is it suddenly here?"

"The birth and death of the nephew, the beginning and the end, are scenes where the crown prince looks at them."

"Oh, right."

Jang Seung-won's expression changed, and he listened intently. The director of photography also became more serious.

"I want to maintain a sense of unity in the emotions the crown prince shows towards his nephew at the beginning and the end. I think it's an important theme that runs through the drama."

"Right, I agree. You want the emotional framework to be the same when the crown prince looks at the newborn nephew and the deposed nephew?"

"Yes."

"But wouldn't it be fine to act it out like this later? It's really flawless."

"Something is missing."

"It's more than enough... Well, if the actor feels that way. Okay, Seo-hoon, what do you think is missing? We need to know that to give advice."

"I'm not sure. That's why I'm frustrated."

Actually, he knows.

The emotion of killing is as comfortable and familiar as an old slipper.

The emotions of a major, built through countless trials on the battlefield, easily shaped the unrestrained violence of the serial killer Lee Jin-wook and the action leader Kim Chan.

However, all three had in common that they had never dealt with an innocent and harmless existence like a baby with pure hatred.

"PD, if I have to explain it forcefully... "

If it were a scene in Illegals where a baby is killed like a doll, he could have acted it out calmly.

But if it were a scene where he had to deal with a baby with pure hatred, he would have stumbled countless times.

"Hmm, that's a valid point. I didn't think that far."

Jang Seung-won nodded at the well-edited explanation. The director of photography, who had listened attentively, looked at him with admiration.

"But this seems like perfectionism. I don't think I can help much more. I'm already very satisfied with what you showed today."

"......"

"The scene of the crown prince secretly looking at the baby... it's in four days, right? I'll try to delay it as much as possible. We can just edit the scene into the episode. Take your time to study the emotions. Let me know if you need help. I feel a bit sorry."

"No, just delaying it is a big help."

"Let's go home now, then. Oh, it's already this late."