Episode 29

Time flew by, and before he knew it, it was already late May, having completed the 4-week variety show filming that Yeon-woo initially thought he would never get used to. The variety show’s third episode aired yesterday, and with reruns almost every day, Yeon-woo could easily spot himself on TV while flipping through channels at home. Surprisingly, he felt more people recognized him from the variety show than from his drama series. The enthusiasm among students at school was also higher than before. As a result, he was recognized more frequently on the streets, making it difficult to use public transportation to get to his acting academy in the bustling district.

However, today he arrived at academy in his father’s car, visiting for the first time in almost three months.

“Wow, it’s Yeon-woo.”

“Amazing, he really is an alumnus from this academy.”

From the entrance, students peeked out to catch a glimpse of Yeon-woo’s arrival.

“Hello,” Yeon-woo greeted simply as he entered the academy.

“Hey, hurry, come out. Yeon-woo is here at the entrance.”

“Could you take a photo with me, please?”

Before he knew it, he was surrounded by students clamouring for photos.

“Guys, let’s not bother Yeon-woo. We can take pictures later.”

Hearing the commotion outside, the academy’s director, Jung Cheol-min, came out to protect Yeon-woo.

“Let’s go inside for now, Yeon-woo.”

“Yes, sure.”

Cheol-min led Yeon-woo into his office and patted him on the shoulder with a broad smile. He was a proud mentor, thrilled by his pupil’s recent achievements.

“I’ve been watching your variety show; it seems quite different from when you were only doing dramas.”

“Haha, I guess that’s the power of variety shows.”

Yeon-woo sat on the sofa in the office and pulled a script out of his bag.

“Teacher, this is the new script from Director Kim Han-soo.”

“Ah, the cameo role in ‘Spring lovers’ that you mentioned before. So, it’s Spring after Summer, huh.”

Just as Cheol-min had mentioned, Director Kim Han-soo liked to show a strong sense of seasons in his works. Consequently, after completing ‘Summer Promise’, Yeon-woo was slated to film ‘Spring lovers’.

Cheol-min took the script and skimmed through it before speaking.

“Hmm, so the role you’ve been offered is to play the younger version of Jiwoo Hyuk.”

“Yes, this would be my first time playing a child role and also my first time on the big screen.”

Yeon-woo visited the academy to seek advice on the high school-aged role of the male lead in the upcoming movie by Director Kim Han-soo. The director had asked him to play the first love of the female lead, but the script revealed he was to play the younger version of the male lead.

“Ah, you’ll do fine. You’re good at what you do.”

Cheol-min said, but he was already seriously taking several notes.

 

 

“Hmm, who’s cast as Jiwoo Hyuk ‘s adult role?”

“Yes, Senior Kang Joo-woon has taken on the role of Jiwoo Hyuk.”

Hearing Yeon-woo’s words, Cheol-min seemed to understand immediately.

“So they asked you because you have a somewhat similar vibe.”

“Do you think so?”

Kang Joo-woon is universally recognized as Korea’s most handsome actor. He debuted as a youth star around Yeon-woo’s age and is now in his late 30s. He is not just a good-looking actor but has also been thoroughly validated for his acting skills across various genres.

Thinking about Kang Joo-woon made Cheol-min understand why Director Kim Han-soo asked Yeon-woo for the role.

“Indeed, although it’s a cameo, it’s a pretty significant role. It’s essentially your screen debut.”

“The release is planned for the end of this year or early next year. Shooting has already begun last month.”

Cheol-min took notes as he explained to Yeon-woo.

“Movies are different from dramas. They have a shorter running time, so you need to reveal everything within that timeframe. The audience needs to deeply immerse in the character.”

“The continuity from the child to the adult role would be important.”

Yeon-woo’s reply made Cheol-min nod.

“So, you should analyze the adult Jiwoo Hyuk character in the play and understand why he became that way.”

“There’s no additional background provided for the child role. What should I do in this case?”

“Then you need to creatively fill in the gaps yourself.”

Yeon-woo nodded at Cheol-min’s answer.

“Creative interpretation, huh?”

 

Cheol-min, looking pleased, added,

“The most important thing is, actors like Kang Joo-woon, who have a strong filmography, find it hard to change their unique acting tone and atmosphere.”

“Ah! So, I should also analyze Kang Joo-woon himself and act accordingly?”

Cheol-min stroked Yeon-woo’s head, impressed by how quickly he understood.

“You’re smart, you catch on fast.”

“Thanks to your teachings.”

Yeon-woo said goodbye to Cheol-min and took a selfie with each step from the office to the parking lot. His father handed him a thermos filled with plum tea, saying it’s important for the throat.

“How was it? Did you find a clear solution?”

“Yes, Teacher Cheol-min is different.”

Hearing Cheol-min’s advice made Yeon-woo know exactly how to prepare.

Once he returned home with his father, Yeon-woo started to binge-watch all of Kang Joo-woon’s works. He analyzed Kang Joo-woon’s voice, expressions, and actions, a task he felt confident in, similar to when he had to mimic someone’s behavior to establish rapport during undercover operations.

He also pondered about Jiwoo Hyuk’s character. Why did Jiwoo Hyuk decide to become a firefighter? What kind of student would he have been at that time?

Yeon-woo built his version of Jiwoo Hyuk’s story by adding imagination to the script.

As he analyzed both the character and the actor, the shooting date came closer.

“Long time no see, Yeon-woo.”

“Min-soo hyung, it’s been a month. I missed you.”

Yeon-woo greets brightly, and Min-soo grins.

They used to see each other weekly for the variety show shoot, but it has been a month since the filming for the show ended. The last episode will air next week.

“We’ll do the makeup on site. It’ll probably take about an hour and a half to get there.”

“Alright, I guess I should read the script one last time then.”

Min-soo’s car, carrying Yeon-woo, headed for an abandoned school in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province.

Although it’s called an abandoned school, it’s more well-maintained than when it was functioning, as it’s used as a set.

Yeon-woo, who arrived earlier than the planned time of 11 o’clock, got out of the car and headed for the set with Min-soo.

They saw Director Kim Han-soo, who was filming by a faucet in a corner.

Yeon-woo waited quietly so as not to disturb the filming, and approached when he heard the director call “Okay, cut.”

“Director!”

“Oh, who do we have here? Yeon-woo, you’ve come a long way.”

Director Kim Han-soo warmly welcomed Yeon-woo with open arms.

“Everyone, today’s rising star is here to help with our shoot.”

Cheers and applause erupted on set.

Yeon-woo was familiar with many of the staff.

“The shining Ryu Yeon-woo!”

Someone among the staff called out Yeon-woo’s name, bringing laughter to the set.

Since it was a school scene, most of the extras and child actors were young actors or aspiring actors, and there was a lot of interest in Yeon-woo.

Yeon-woo wasn’t swarmed like he would be at Cheol-min’s academy, but groups of extras gathered to look at him.

“Yesul, please guide Yeon-woo.”

“Yes, Director. Yeon-woo, follow me.”

Yeon-woo followed Yesul, the field manager he had worked with since last summer, to get his makeup done.

“It’s really been a long time since Hawaii, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, it has. How have you been, noona?”

As they chatted, they entered the makeup room set up in the school building and found Joo-hee’s team, who had taken care of Yeon-woo during a previous shoot.

“Oh my God, it’s Ryu Yeon-woo.”

“Ah, hello. You’re Joo-hee noona, right?”

Yeon-woo surprised Joo-hee by remembering her name.

“It’s an honor that you remember my name! I’m a Woo’s.”

“Oh, really? Then I should continue to remember.”

Yeon-woo smiled at Joo-hee, who revealed that she’s a member of his fan club, Woo’s.

Joo-hee praised herself for dragging her sick body to work that day.

“I couldn’t ask you last time because you were doing a personal interview, but can I take a selfie after the makeup?”

“Of course. Take a million pictures.”

 

“Yesss!”

Yeon-woo kindly told Joo-hee that they could take a million photos, in response to her cautious question.

It was Yeon-woo’s first time meeting a real member of his fan club Woo’s, so he was especially grateful.

As Joo-hee applied the base makeup to Yeon-woo’s face, she chatted away.

“I came here without much expectation since it’s a school shoot, but I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

“Yes, I came here for a cameo appearance at the director’s request.”

“Wow!”

Even if it wasn’t a big deal, Joo-hee was happy every time Yeon-woo spoke.

Yeon-woo felt grateful that she was so happy just because of what he said.

“So what role are you playing today?”

“I’m playing the role of Jiwoo Hyuk.”

“Ah.”

Since they didn’t know the film’s plot, Joo-hee and her team didn’t know what role that was.

“Um, it’s the high school days of actor Kang Joo-won.”

“Ah! Wow, amazing.”

“Come to think of it, you do look like the actor. The vibe is similar.”

Finally, everyone started chatting and applauding.

“Okay, all done! Actor Ryu.”

“Thank you, Joo-hee noona.”

Yeon-woo took selfies with a delighted Joo-hee and her team, changed into the school uniform provided by the staff, and headed to the set.

“Wow, look at Ryu Yeon-woo’s in school uniform.”

“Ah, I’d probably get in trouble if I take photos with my phone, right? I want to show it off online.”

“Take it after the shoot is done. You don’t want to get scolded. There will probably be an opportunity.”

Yeon-woo passed through the crowd of extras and arrived at the film crew.

“Ah, indeed, you perfectly match the image I had in my head.”

Director Kim Han-soo was pleased as he looked at Yeon-woo.

“Yeon-woo, this is Jeong Soo-yeon who will be your counterpart for today.”

“Ah, hello. I’m Jeong Soo-yeon.”