Episode 19

At Director Kim Han-soo’s call for the final cut, the lights in the restaurant went dim, and Yeon-woo appeared, carrying a cake that the staff had prepared in advance. The sound director quickly played music through the connected speakers.

“What is this? When did you prepare this? Everyone!”

Quickly, So-hyeon’s eyes turned slightly red, and her nose twitched.

While the previous historical drama was successful at the box office and even won awards, the atmosphere among the cast wasn’t exactly harmonious. Although ‘Summer Promise’ was a smaller production in scale compared to that historical drama, the filming atmosphere was so good that So-hyeon’s affection for this production was even stronger than the previous one.

As the lights softly came back on, Director Kim Han-soo himself got up and held his phone to speak.

“Hey, all three main leads, gather here. We’re going to take a commemorative photo.”

“Director, with so many good cameras around, why use a phone for the photo?”

In response to Jin-yuk’s comment as she looked around the set, the staff chuckled.

“Normally, we take commemorative photos with our phones. Haha.”

Yeon-woo approached with the cake and stood between them, positioning So-hyeon in the middle, and the three of them stood together.

“Alright, let’s take the photo. One, two, three.”

 

–Click–

 

The director, who found the trio’s picture-perfect pose captivating, made a request once more.

“Let’s take one more shot. One, two, three.”

 

–Click–

 

“Kyaaak!”

With the sound of the camera, So-hyeon let out a small scream. While shooting, Yeon-woo had taken a bit of cake cream on his finger and playfully smeared it on So-hyeon’s cheek.

“Yeon-woo!”

Amidst the lively atmosphere of the main actors, the set was filled with laughter.

“Wow, Director, this photo is so natural and nice. We could even use it for our drama poster. It’s a bit late to say that, though.”

“Indeed. It was a great work. Thank you for your hard work.”

Director Kim Han-soo nodded as he looked at the photo and exchanged words of appreciation with Assistant Director Jo.

“Oh, Director, every time I shoot, I feel it, but I truly respect you.”

Director Kim Han-soo smiled at Assistant Director Jo’s sincere words, which didn’t feel like flattery.

The staff members also exchanged words of appreciation with their colleagues, each with their own smiles. Then, the youngest member, Yeon-woo, shouted out.

“Directors, hyungs, noonas! Let’s take a group photo with the supporting cast members too. Before the dinner gathering, let’s take a proper picture as a group!”

“Hahaha. We can’t refuse our youngest.”

Assistant Director kang In-chang was the first to move, and as the staff members gathered, they began arranging the space by pushing tables aside. Dozens of people stood in a row, creating a large group.

In the center were the writer, Choi Mi-hyu, and the supporting actors who had visited to mark the end of shooting, along with Director Kim Han-soo and the three main leads. They stood in formation, surrounded by the staff and supporting cast members.

The production team set up a tripod and connected a remote control to a field camera. Then, they quickly came over and shouted.

“Alright, look at that monitor and let’s take just one shot. Don’t close your eyes. Even if you wink like a star, I won’t take responsibility.”

“One, two, three.”

 

–Click–

 

And so, ‘Summer Promise’ concluded its filming.

Ironically, it turned out that the one who closed her eyes during the commemorative photo shoot was the staff member who had pressed the remote control for the shot.

 

*********

 

Two weeks had passed since the final shoot, and Yeon-woo had returned to Daejeon.

By now, ‘Summer Promise’ had aired up to the 6th episode. Due to the nature of the genre, ‘Summer Promise’ focused more on spreading through social media rather than relying on TV ratings. Short video clips of the drama circulated everywhere, increasing its popularity.

Of course, along with this surge, the interest in Ryu Yeon-woo, who had appeared like a shooting star, had also grown.

In his previous life, Yeon-woo had been a timid student, living without any close friends due to his shy personality. Even if there were people who knew him, they weren’t many, considering his time from elementary to high school.

Moreover, even if they were aware, they couldn’t recognize him as the transformed Yeon-woo with a slimmed-down appearance. This lack of recognition led journalists to only gather basic information about his school life in Daejeon after transferring schools.

His excellent academic performance and positive evaluations from classmates earned him the title of a model student, and rumors about Yeon-woo continued to spread. YouTubers covering celebrity news eagerly spread these rumors.

Nowadays, Yeon-woo had become a blue-chip star, and just mentioning the name “Ryu Yeon-woo” could secure a significant number of views. Despite not being active on social media, his well-curated star-like profile, managed by Seong-sik, had gained a massive following.

Encouraged by the passionate support of Seong-sik’s fans(?), Seong-sik had taken the role of an exclusive photographer, claiming he was capturing various aspects of Yeon-woo’s daily life.

“Wow, I’m getting into photography. Maybe I should become a photographer myself?”

“Even after looking at your selfies? It’s not that you’re taking pictures of Yeon-woo, it’s that Yeon-woo is being included in your photos.”

Junsoo couldn’t resist responding to Seong-sik’s self-praise.

“I will take multiple shots and release them slowly, using only the ones Yeon-woo approves.”

Ignoring Junsoo’s slight jab, Seong-sik was fully immersed in his photography. After spending a considerable time at Yeon-woo’s house, Seong-sik and Junsoo eventually returned home.

The next day, they visited LN Entertainment with Yeon-woo’s father. After concluding the drama shoot and attending a wrap-up gathering, Jung Cheol-min and Son Jin-yuk had a private conversation and then engaged in a discussion with LN Media representatives over drinks. After some discussions, they had decided to lean towards signing with LN Entertainment. Jung Cheol-min, who had received authority from Yeon-woo’s father, was going to provide assistance for Yeon-woo’s first contract.

Of course, Yeon-woo trusted Jung Cheol-min’s character, his acting mentor, which made this possible. Jin-yuk provided guidance to his younger brother, who had been tied to his contract through the work, and checked the terms to ensure there were no unfavorable clauses. Through this process, they compared the conditions with other agencies that had received offers and found that LN Entertainment offered quite favorable terms. Today, they were going to sign the contract.

Traveling together in Jung Cheol-min’s car, the three arrived at LN Entertainment’s headquarters. There, they met Kim Joo-seong, the CEO of LN Entertainment.

“It’s an honor to meet such a hot actor like you. It’s also a pleasure to meet Yeon-woo’s father and Actor Jung Cheol-min for the first time.”

A neatly groomed middle-aged gentleman with pomade-coated hair stood up and shook hands, offering a courteous greeting.

Satisfied with the positive impression, they exchanged pleasantries and smoothly reached an agreement for the contract.

“We are honored to have such a talented actor join our agency. Won’t Ryu Yeon-woo continue to grow as he’s still young?”

Ryu Cheol-yung responded to CEO Kim Juseong’s words.

“Even during the first drama shoot, you took care of us in various ways, and the contract’s favorable terms are greatly appreciated, as it’s the first contract for my son entering the entertainment industry.”

“Haha. Our management company, being directly operated by LN Media, one of the nation’s leading production companies, doesn’t seek excessive profits from managing actors. It’s like showing the way for the goose that lays the golden eggs.”

Although not an absolute requirement upon joining LN Entertainment, Yeon-woo would probably end up frequently appearing in works produced by the parent company. From LN Media’s perspective, it was a give-and-take relationship considering their influence in the industry.

For Yeon-woo, a newcomer, this arrangement offered the advantage of accessing projects whenever he desired.

“So, as stated in the contract, you’ll take a break from your acting activities and focus on your studies until you reach adulthood.”

“Yes, thank you for accommodating that.”

Yeon-woo replied to the CEO’s statement.

“With your excellent academic performance, the agency welcomes you from an actor’s image perspective as well.”

The recently started drama ‘Summer Promise’ will conclude on March 1st, including a break during the Lunar New Year holiday. Even if Yeon-woo takes a break from acting until the college entrance exams (CSAT), it’s just about eight months left. In any case, whether he takes a break similar to other actors and starts his next project, the difference in the length of the break won’t be significant.

“In that case, if there’s anything you need during the break, you can request it through Manager Jeong, who was originally in charge.”

Everyone stood up and shook hands with the CEO, and the three men once again rode in Cheol-min’s car and returned to Daejeon.

Starting from the next day, Yeon-woo immediately resumed his routine of exercising and studying, balancing it with his daily life. Of course, the internet had gone wild, particularly among the younger generation, and people became more observant when they saw Yeon-woo’s house in front of the store or when he visited a mart without a cap and mask.

However, the diligent and disciplined lifestyle that had continued from his past life had not disappeared. Just like before his debut, he continued his routine of bodyweight exercises and regular study habits. He occasionally met with school friends and, above all, dedicated time and effort to consistent acting practice.

The only difference from his previous life seemed to be that he watched more dramas as part of his acting practice.

 

Now, ‘Summer Promise’, which had just started airing, was already up to its 10th episode, and its ratings continued to rise, reaching a record of 13.7%. Even when compared to last year’s JNBC dramas, it was already achieving the highest ratings.

Each week, the drama team brought positive news to the drama set’s bulletin board, setting new records with every episode’s airing.

Despite this upbeat atmosphere, Yeon-woo continued his disciplined life. On this Saturday afternoon, he planned to go to Jung Cheol-min’s acting academy for practice, just like he usually did.

While his parents were out for a gathering, and So-hyeon was out with friends due to a commitment, Yeon-woo was home alone, waiting for a gas inspection appointment.

 

–Ding-dong–

 

Preparing to leave his room, Yeon-woo heard a sound from the front door. Thinking it might be the gas inspector, he headed towards the entrance. However, it wasn’t the doorbell but the sound of the door unlocking that caught his attention. He went into the living room to investigate.

“Oh? So-hyeon is here already?”

His younger sister entered the entrance, followed by two of her friends.