Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 122

Former Hero is a Billion-Dollar Actor – Episode 122 (122/199)

Rising Rockets (4)

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It’s a triumphant return for a comrade.

What was Kim Ryul like around this time last year? A failure in Chungmuro [Korean Hollywood], a jinx… After suffering all sorts of derogatory terms, he couldn’t find actors to film with and was being swayed by the investment company’s casting choices.

A gaunt-eyed artist barely chasing his dreams with the help of CEO Tae of ‘Big Beom Studio.’

Now, his status is completely different.

“It’s an honor, Director Kim Ryul!”

“I, I’m also a fan! I’ve watched ‘Outside Destiny’ and ‘Forest of Thorns’ several times since they were re-released.”

“We’re also from Seoye Arts University. We’ve only heard legends about you, Director, so it’s an honor to meet you like this. Could you possibly sign something…?”

Kim Ryul became the most popular star on set as soon as he appeared. Perhaps it’s because there are so many staff members. His fame is almost on par with a popular actor.

Pushing through the crowd, even PD [Production Director] Na Jong-mo squeezes in to shake his hand.

“Oh my, there are so many local broadcasts here! Director Kim, I’m Na Jong-mo. I think it was late last year, I stopped by Big Beom on the way, but you weren’t there.”

“Yes, I haven’t been in Seoul much lately. This location shoot has been in Jinhae.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Let’s have a drink sometime. Aren’t we both outcasts of Chungmuro, hahaha!”

“Hey, PD. Our director isn’t an outcast, he’s a blue chip, you know?”

After the success of ‘Black Priest,’ Kim Ryul has emerged as an icon of complete re-evaluation.

His past films… even the ill-fated unreleased films that couldn’t even be screened after filming, have been critically acclaimed and are sweeping the box office.

[‘Outside Destiny,’ ‘Forest of Thorns’… Exceeds 2 million views, an unusual feat for re-released films]

[Chungmuro without a hit, ‘Kim Ryul Magic’ is revitalizing the stagnant Korean film industry]

[Film critic Seo Jun-yong, “Kim Ryul will set foot in the Academy within 5 years”]

I heard he was filming a new movie, and yesterday afternoon I suddenly got a call.

-I have something to tell you. Would it be okay to visit you soon?

It’s a member of ‘Black Priest,’ no less. I gladly agreed, but I didn’t expect him to come over the very next day.

After taking dozens of photos, the crowd dispersed. Geon smiled faintly.

“You’re incredibly popular.”

Kim Ryul also gave an awkward smile.

“I didn’t know there would be so many juniors on a drama set. I can’t even remember when I graduated from school…”

Is he still traveling around the country for location shoots? His complexion is much better than before, but his skin is still tanned like a sea person.

“The place where you had your name registered remains for a long time.”

“I guess so. Thanks to you, Mr. Park, I feel like I’m still riding a tiger [experiencing great success].”

“It’s your movie, Director. I’m just riding on your coattails.”

The sound of laughter flows like water. Perhaps it’s because we went through a war-like crank-in [start of filming], but even though it’s been a while, it feels comfortable as if we met just the other day.

“I’m sorry for coming so suddenly. I was going to tell you over the phone, but I thought I should visit you in person…”

As Kim Ryul spoke, one side of the set became noisy and a large truck entered.

A catering food truck, commonly called a ‘meal truck.’ On the side, there’s a phrase written in huge font that makes people embarrassed.

[The troublemaker of Chungmuro is back! A meal truck from the director is a first, right?]

I can guess as soon as I see it. It wouldn’t be Kim Ryul’s phrase, and there’s only one person who would use this kind of tone.

Sure enough. As the side of the truck opens, CEO Tae Jong-beom, wearing a white chef’s hat with his staff, broadcasts wide-area distribution with a megaphone.

“Here it is, it’s finally here. Kim Ryul’s meal truck, which makes you want to run to the movie theater after eating together, a movie without re-takes is not a movie! Everyone from ‘Manghoetol,’ check out ‘Black Priest’ on LPTV right now!”

“Wow, a meal truck!”

“Director, thank you for the meal!”

“Getting a meal truck from a Seoye Arts University legend… Seriously, I feel so proud.”

We’ve been skipping lunch and working because of that damn road permit. The starving staff flock to the meal truck, and the actors also get up one by one.

Just as our eyes meet, CEO Tae Jong-beom waves his hand as if telling us to have important conversations.

“…I felt bad coming empty-handed, so I asked the CEO. If I had known it would be like this, I would have done it alone.”

“CEO Tae looks healthy too.”

“He’s not just healthy, he’s bursting with energy. He’s been like that ever since he got the call yesterday.”

“The call?”

Kim Ryul spoke as if he had received a call from an old friend.

“I got an invitation from Cannes.”

He says something that would make others jump for joy, with an indifferent tone as usual. Rather, the actor’s eyes widened slightly.

“Cannes? You mean the film festival?”

“Yes. I was the first to receive the call. The articles will probably be out around this evening.”

The Cannes Film Festival.

It is the mecca of the international film industry, along with Berlin and Venice, which are considered the three major film festivals.

Korean films used to be invited a lot, but recently, it has been suffering from a ‘work drought’ for several years without making the list.

A domestic commercial film, and a film by a director who is almost a newcomer, has been invited there.

“You’ll probably find out soon, but I wanted to tell you in person. If it weren’t for Actor Park, there would be no Cannes or Grand Bell Awards… No, all of this would have been impossible. I still remember the story I heard on that hill.”

“Director.”

“A human who does not pursue their aspirations is no different from a corpse.”

Even though he has gained popularity and risen in status, this young director is not tainted at all. He’s the kind of guy who would be humble even in his last breath.

-Finally… I’ve killed the third one. I’ll leave Berial and Asmeraus to you.

Kim Ryul’s face overlapped with his old colleague, and Geon changed the subject.

“Is it possible to win an award?”

Kim Ryul nodded.

“Cannes is divided into competition and non-competition. We were invited to the competition section, so even if the probability is low, there is a possibility.”

“Is that so.”

Answering nonchalantly, Geon rubbed his knuckles. It feels like an unexpected gift popped out before his birthday.

At the end of last year, when he received the Best New Actor and Best Picture awards, old memories returned in the form of auditory hallucinations.

If the awards he received domestically were that significant… what about that famous international film festival?

“I’m more curious about this. You seem more excited than I’ve ever seen you.”

Kim Ryul, who was looking at him, smiled slyly.

“It’s not excitement…”

“I’m only talking about it now, but I thought about it during ‘Black Priest’ too. I wondered if Actor Park started acting because of some reason… a desperate wish to reach the top. Just like I was blindly obsessed with my own wishes.”

The famous director’s insight is sharp. He hasn’t said anything about his inner thoughts, but he accurately pinpoints the core.

Geon didn’t deny it any further and affirmed.

“There is something I’m looking for.”

“Do you need viewership ratings or audience numbers?”

“Yes, and awards too.”

“And if you reach even higher goals, you think you might be able to find it.”

“That’s right. It’s been like that so far.”

One night, he organized the roadmap after returning to Earth.

What memories did he find in ‘The Dog of Seoul,’ and what returned in ‘Black Priest’ and ‘Team Leader of Gray City.’ Passing through ‘Butcher General’ of Gyeongseong, to ‘Manghoetol’ where he finally played the role of a returnee.

When he lined them up, an interesting fact was revealed. Although it was a bit of a mess, the memories were slowly returning from the early days when he was transferred to the Iron Kingdom.

Just like he defeated the remnants of the Demon Army and challenged the Great Demons one by one with the rise in rank.

‘There was no conditional release.’

The memories of Balmon of Wrath and Berial of Sin, the strongest third and fourth, are still faint.

However, he is also very different from last year. If the works he entered this year are even more successful….

He will hear auditory hallucinations again. Along with the old powers returning in front of the camera.

“Actor Park, aren’t you going to eat?”

“I’ll eat with the director.”

“If you miss meals, you’ll ruin your stomach. Both of you, make sure to eat even when you’re busy!”

The staff holding food plates pass by them and say a word each.

Kim Ryul’s lips curved up as he watched the scene.

“Actor Park’s greatest strength is not his acting skills or his physique, but this. It is said that gentlemen and heroes attract people.”

“I’m neither.”

“Ah, you prefer the title of hero. I’m also enjoying reading your writing. I guess it’s because you’ve done so many works, it was really interesting like a script.”

This time, he was hit with a counterattack. Geon looked around and lowered his voice.

“How did you find out about that…?”

He didn’t expect the ‘Iron Kingdom Story’ that he recently started serializing in the fan cafe to come up here.

Kim Ryul shrugged his shoulders proudly.

“I’m also a ‘Fervent Geon’ [Park Geon’s ardent fan]. I joined as soon as ‘Black Priest’ wrapped up.”

“…You’ve changed a lot since I last saw you. You’ve become serious about teasing actors.”

“Actor Park has also become brighter. I’m not the one to talk, since I always get scolded by the CEO.”

In the midst of the exchange of compliments, the actor and director briefly return to the moment when they were filming the movie together.

At this moment, it’s as if they are on a movie set, not a large drama set, united and fighting against the harsh conditions.

“But Director, I’m sorry, but can I take care of one urgent matter and then talk…?”

At Geon’s words, Director Kim Ryul readily stood up with him.

“I’ve taken up too much of your time. There are many directors here, is there a planning meeting?”

“No. I’m going to get some food.”

“Yes? …Ah, the meal truck.”

Perhaps time cannot be helped, Kim Ryul, who was momentarily stunned, burst into laughter.

“I’ll see a food tower again after a long time. You still don’t eat chicken?”

“Yes. Anything with wings.”

“…Actor Park, you’re really consistent.”

-Now, take a deep breath. Meditation will turn our body into the universe….

“Ugh, so distracting.”

Beep, the instructor’s video that was playing turns off. Han Ji-young, who is holding the remote control, changes the channel again.

Soon, the re-broadcast of all episodes of ‘Manghoetol’ begins to play in full HD quality.

“Sorry, teacher. My universe is here.”

Over the past few weeks, her mind and body have become peaceful.

She goes to work with peace of mind, buys a set of four beers for 10,000 won [a cheap deal] and goes home from work. And when she comes home and turns on her favorite actor’s work?

A paradise that rivals celebrities unfolds, like the air conditioner breeze blowing away sweat.

“Ah… this is life. Isn’t it, Cream?”

“Meow!”

The calico cat, which is currently under temporary protection, meows as if it understands her.

Come to think of it, it’s been too hard lately. Actually, it’s been like that often since she started ‘deokjil’ [being an obsessive fan] of Park Geon.

She worries about the actor who always chooses a rough path, and when bad guys slander him or adversity strikes, she fights back like Zhang Fei of Changbanpo [a brave warrior].

“But there’s a taste of overcoming that too.”

The actor is constantly challenging himself, and the fans support such an actor generously.

Moreover, it’s been nice lately because he’s been writing articles on the fan cafe often.

[The Actor’s Scenario]

EP.0: I was a soldier

EP.1: The Iron Kingdom

EP.2: The Reason for Dimensional Transfer

When the bulletin board was created and the first article was posted, she wondered what kind of content this was.

Turns out it was a scenario serialization about another world and a hero… yeah, just like a web novel. Like the actor writing his own fanfic.

“God, hero, great demon… It’s even funnier because he puts everything he likes in it. As if he’s not someone who’s always serious about everything.”

And the fans who read the serialized work were surprised, without anyone saying it first.

The world view, composition, and characters of the protagonists were more elaborate than most novels.

Eventually, Han Ji-young turned on a group video call on her laptop and held a fiery debate.

“This is what he prepared to submit as a drama script. Attach a PD who’s good at it to Park Geon’s original work, and go straight into the next work.”

“No way. It’s obvious that God is a side character. Don’t you know if you look at the interviews and concepts he’s done so far?”

“Oh… that makes sense. What was it, metaverse? Our oppa’s [term of endearment for older brother/male celebrity] quality is much higher than the world view that DG was so busy setting up.”

The writer debut theory, the entertainment side character theory, and the metaverse new business theory were fiercely opposed, but the conclusion was that ‘Park Geon is whatever [can do anything].’

What does it matter if it’s a side character or a metaverse? It’s definitely different from DG, which repeatedly ruined the images of well-known idols by repeating the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd verses with ambiguous concepts.

‘I can feel that the actor… no, the writer is serious about this world.’

It was also strange that Park Geon vaguely overlapped when reading the protagonist God’s monologue in the article.

It’s like a story he’s experienced himself, like a hero who has really returned is reminiscing about the aftermath.

Thanks to that, the over-immersion story that Park Geon is really a returnee has been popular among fans these days.

“Although… the hero’s body is on Earth… his heart is still in the demonic realm of the Iron Kingdom….”

As a diligent cafe staff, it is human nature to constantly activate the bait [generate hype].

Han Ji-young’s gaze, who was tapping on the mechanical keyboard, turns to the side. Ring, buzzing, alarms were pouring out of her smartphone.

The other messengers are all muted, so this alarm is the ‘Fervent Geon’ management team group chat.

“…What? I’m in the middle of working.”

After a moment of annoying grumbling, Han Ji-young’s phone flew into the air.

“Oh my god, Cannes? And ‘Manghoetol’ is extended by 2 episodes? What is going on!”

Good things come together with good things.