Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 199

[After Story] The Story After That – (4) (End)

* * *

[Form is Temporary, But Class is Eternal… The Resurrected ‘Choi Seung’ Leads the Revival of the Cha Family]

[Choi Seung Returns… Analysis of 12 Differences from His Time in ‘Dog of Seoul’]

[“Why is Choi Seung in ‘Three Young Ladies’?” JNBC Weekend Drama ‘Crushes’ Competition Thanks to the Resurrected Park Gun]

The final episode of ‘Three Young Ladies,’ featuring Park Gun, maintained an average viewership of over 26%, peaking at 28.8%, marking a splendid conclusion.

And the next day, without a moment to spare, Wellflix’s new entertainment show was released.

Physicality.

Last winter, rumors circulated that Wellflix had been working on a large-scale project for two weeks.

The genre was a survival entertainment show. As the title suggests, it was a deathmatch-style survival show where participants competed in their physical abilities to determine the ultimate winner.

Nick Hogan, who had produced numerous mega-hits overseas such as and , directed the show, and the cast was revealed the day before the premiere, maximizing fans’ anticipation.

-From now on, you will begin a fierce competition of bodies, regardless of nationality, gender, or race.

-Please stand in front of your respective busts.

-If elimination is decided, the participant must break their bust with their own hands and withdraw from the competition.

Following this, muscular men and women appear with tense music.

The lineup of participants is spectacular. Navy SEALs, Spetsnaz [Russian special forces], SAS [British special forces] officers, firefighters, bodybuilders, and gold medal-winning athletes…

Amidst the dazzling careers, the only Asian, Park Gun, walks out as the 111th and final participant.

-Korea, Park Gun.

The camera alternates between short, simple subtitles and the participants whispering about Park Gun.

Park Gun, walking out alone, glances at the people and stands next to his bust. The screen changes, overlapping with a pre-recorded personal interview.

-I heard you’re an actor, and there are many threatening participants. Weren’t you nervous?

-Not really. I’ve had worse experiences.

-What is your resolution for the survival show?

-Not to survive for too long.

Park Gun, who gave a seemingly joking, enigmatic answer, looked past the camera and smiled slightly.

Soon, the main game begins. Rolling rocks based on the punishment of Sisyphus [a figure from Greek mythology], snatching boxes while running, hand-to-hand combat in muddy trenches, and so on.

From one-on-one individual matches to ten-on-ten team battles… In every fiercely contested event, Park Gun accumulates consecutive wins without a single defeat.

-Goddamn it, this can’t be happening!

-What is that crazy Asian? Is he some kind of secret weapon raised in Asia?

-I heard he was recently discharged. I’ll bet my right arm and half my fortune that he was an incredible soldier.

Overwhelming superiority of force.

Explosive agility, strong endurance, and strength like facing a rock—he lacks nothing.

From episode 1 to episode 3, 4, 5… Participants who faced Park Gun were defeated helplessly, swept away like waves, and had to break their own busts.

Soon, the final two face each other on a platform with a long rope.

The last contestant to face him was Enes Proitska, a retired soldier from Russia, who seemed to have trained in Systema [Russian martial art] and Sambo [Soviet-era martial art] for a long time.

The tattooed, muscular giant, standing at 6 feet 3 inches (190CM), smirked.

-Hey, kid. Tug-of-war isn’t a joke. If you don’t want to be thrown down there, you should give up.

-How old are you?

-Thirty-six, got a problem with that?

-You’re quite young.

-······?

The match, which started with light trash talk, ended with Enes falling disgracefully off the platform.

Exactly 2.8 seconds. The final match, which ended like twisting a child’s wrist, left only silence among the participants watching on monitors in the waiting room.

“······.”

The ‘Park Gun Crew’ members, who had been binge-watching the released episodes from 1 to 4, were also speechless.

“…Uh, hmm. Is it over?”

“Of course, it’s over, as expected of Mr. God! Okay, everyone, let’s commemorate this moment. I’m going to post it on Instagram, so everyone look here…”

Seo Hee-do, who had been watching with bated breath, let out a sigh, and PD [Production Director] Na Jong-mo, from behind the sofa, seized the opportunity to raise his selfie stick.

Aria, who had seemed relaxed throughout the program, commented in one line.

“He completely crushed them.”

Aria’s somewhat lacking vocabulary is now so proficient that it’s no exaggeration to say she’s a native Korean.

It was rumored that she memorized not only common abbreviations but also the latest memes, as well as English and Chinese, at a native speaker level, surprising those around her.

“It’s not that much… I did use some strength.”

“What do you mean it’s not that much? You didn’t even break a sweat. I can tell by your expression.”

“The previous opponent was more difficult. I struggled a bit because I wasn’t familiar with the game.”

“That’s because you were trying to end it without getting hurt. If it were your prime, there wouldn’t have been any footage to edit, let alone a survival show, right?”

When Park Gun retorted, Aria didn’t back down and started debating whose posture was better, and who had poor balance due to injuries.

Chief Manager Yoo Joon-il, who was watching the two, shook his head.

“Our company’s actors are truly amazing.”

* * *

The life of a star is busy.

One week after the broadcast of ‘Physicality’.

A day flies by like an arrow, and a fervent welcome from his parents poured out at his family home late at night.

“You both worked hard. Have you had dinner?”

“Yeah, I grabbed something quick at the meeting. What about Mom and Dad?”

“Is now the time for us to be eating! You did well, really well!”

Behind his mother, Han Young-joo, Park Yeol-ho suddenly appeared and hugged both of his sons at once.

“Gun and Seon were both incredibly cool. Now people all over the world will know the power of Korean firefighters. You won overwhelmingly among those big guys, so even the Commissioner will give you a commendation…”

“Honey, Gun went out as a soldier-turned-actor.”

“If he’s a firefighter’s son, he’s half a firefighter!”

A father’s job is to brag about his sons. Barely escaping from his father, who was happy that he had enhanced the honor of firefighting, the brothers sat facing each other in the study and workspace with a cup of tea each.

Park Seon, who had spread out a pile of scenarios on the table, took out his glasses and put them on.

“This is the previous contract, and these are the parts that change when adapting the direction and formalizing the script. It’s still in the planning stage, and there’s plenty of room for changes depending on your intentions, so just check it.”

“Okay, I understand.”

“And here… these are all the scenarios I received from the company. The ones marked are the head of the department’s picks.”

Among the files that had been sorted, several were marked in yellow. Gun, who was turning the first page, raised his head.

“The head of the department recommended a work?”

“Yeah. There are also a lot of directors and PDs who contact me personally.”

“If it’s personal…”

“They’ve roughly decided on the cast and the filming date is just around the corner, and they want you to take on the role. They can match the desired actor, background, and direction of the work, so they just want me to arrange a meeting.”

Gun lowered his chin diagonally.

“That would be a bit of a nuisance. There’s no telling when my current schedule will end.”

Park Seon also cautiously agreed.

“Actually, I think so too. Our work that we’re preparing this time, no one knows about it yet, right?”

“Yeah. That’s right.”

“Okay, I need to discuss officially announcing it with the company, so… I’ll meet with the CEO and the head of the department tomorrow and bring it up. Then maybe the second meeting date will be next week…”

“Seon-ah.”

Park Seon, who had been buried in his tablet, checking his schedule, took his eyes off the screen.

“Uh, yeah?”

“Don’t you remember the old days? After filming the first work, we chose them together like this back then.”

“That’s right! Thanks to you, I ended up looking like a manager with an eye for talent, which is a problem. Other team leaders also bring me scenarios asking what I think… Last week, Ah-hee asked me to look at a work for her.”

He pretends to give the credit to his brother, but now no one treats Park Seon as ‘Park Gun’s parachute’ [someone who gets a job or position because of their connections, not their skills].

It’s not because of the halo effect of the works that his brother personally chose and won consecutively.

His diligence, which has already become famous in the company, as well as his surprisingly good management skills despite his soft appearance, have earned him quite a few actors who follow him.

In particular, his ability to spot promising talents, whether they are idols or actors, is so outstanding that he is also called ‘Cha In-hyuk in angel version’ [referencing a character known for talent scouting, but with a kinder approach].

“As expected, the next candidate for chief of staff.”

“Don’t call me that! There are so many team leaders who do a good job, and I’ve only just gotten used to it.”

Park Seon, who was horrified, soon smiled awkwardly.

“…Still, it’s rewarding. I got to see Young-ho hyung [older brother/male friend] and Seung-ah noona [older sister/female friend] after a long time too.”

A few days ago, he invited his friends Bae Young-ho and Seo Seung-ah, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, to a ‘Physicality’ broadcast party.

At first, he was going to keep it quiet, but acquaintances who heard the news flocked in, and it ended up becoming a celebrity social gathering.

‘Hey, Gun-ah… take care of Ji-yoo a little more these days. That strange foreigner, uh? Make sure she doesn’t get her role stolen by that woman, Arian or Arirang or whatever…’ While Bae Young-ho, completely drunk, held onto Gun and rambled, Seo Seung-ah was having a champagne battle with Byun Hwi-seung on one side.

In the end, even the members of Four Queens arrived, and the home party continued until noon the next day.

“Seung-ah said we should all get together soon. It seems like she likes Byun hyung.”

“That’s also amazing. I didn’t think that noona would like Byun Hwi-seung’s style… but they seem to get along strangely well.”

As the story blossomed with unexpected romance, the cell phone in his back pocket rang. The name on the screen was a colleague who had not attended the party.

What’s up with Jin Ji-yoo? Gun, tilting his head, gestured to his brother and pressed the call button.

“This is Park Gun.”

As soon as he answered, a refreshing voice came from the other side.

-Oppa [term used by a female to address an older brother or male friend]! Where are you?

“I’m at my family home now. I’m with Seon.”

-Ah, then can you come out for a bit? I just happened to be passing by.”

At this point, it’s practically a direct visit. Gun glanced at his watch and asked again.

“Right now?”

-Yes, actually, I’m already here.”

*

Jin Ji-yoo was waiting in the underground parking lot. As Gun got into the passenger seat, a bouquet of flowers was suddenly handed over.

“What are these flowers for?”

“For Physicality! Oppa won. I happened to have an overseas schedule at that time… but I cheered you on hard in Paris.”

On the day she watched ‘Physicality’ with the company people, Jin Ji-yoo was not in Korea because of a brand show she was working on as an ambassador.

Only congratulatory messages rang a lot, but it seemed like she had binge-watched it as soon as it was released, even from afar.

Gun accepted the bouquet from his colleague.

“Thank you. I’ll keep them safe.”

“I appreciate the thought, at least. Everyone at the company knows that you’re not close to flowers, Oppa.”

“I still like the ones someone gives me.”

It’s been a while since he’s met Jin Ji-yoo after appearing in .

After small talk about how good Paris was and how she’s been doing, an awkward silence came.

Jin Ji-yoo, who was looking down at her nails with nail tips, suddenly called him.

“Um, Oppa.”

“Yes.”

“I have a question.”

“Yes.”

This time, there was a brief silence. Jin Ji-yoo moved her lips a few times before asking.

“You know I like you, right, Oppa?”

“Yes.”

Jin Ji-yoo made a sound like air escaping from her cheeks.

“…Really, Oppa, you’re so consistent. Is that how someone who knows reacts?”

“I only realized it recently. It’s never been like this before.”

“Really? What about the people who contact you?”

Gun paused to recall.

“We don’t talk much in the first place. Seon manages the SNS, and personal interactions are only with acquaintances.”

“…That’s just like you, Oppa.”

Jin Ji-yoo shook her head and chuckled.

“I’ve been thinking about it. I think I liked you because of that consistency. Who would have thought that a character never seen in the entertainment industry wouldn’t change even after several years?”

Gun looked at the actress in front of him with a fresh perspective. He knew about the expressions of favor from his colleagues when he was busy trying to find the memories of the Iron Kingdom…

At the time, he was too preoccupied, and after Aria returned, he put it off with the excuse of being busy.

‘I also thought there was an age difference. I spent decades in the Iron Kingdom.’

Gun tried to say something, but Jin Ji-yoo waved her hand.

“You don’t have to say it. That’s enough of an answer.”

“Ji-yoo.”

“Just, while I’m at it, let’s like you a little more. I don’t think I’ll get an answer right away… but half of the actresses in Korea probably have experience with a one-sided love for Park Gun.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“…I hope you don’t know in the future either.”

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter at the same time. Jin Ji-yoo, who had been laughing for a while, said as if she suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, right. Hani Unnie [older sister or female friend] asked me to pass on a message since I was going to see you, Oppa.”

“What is it?”

“If Aria and you, like, get into a dating scandal and the company’s stock price drops, she won’t let you off the hook…”

Although they were comrades reunited across dimensions, he still had no intention of becoming romantically involved with her.

Gun explained casually.

“I’m not sure about that. I need to get some help with the next project.”

“Huh? Next project?”

“Yes. It’s the first project I’m in charge of the script, and I have a lot to ask of you as one of the main characters.”

With ten years of experience in this industry since her trainee days, she has far more than the average person’s sense.

Jin Ji-yoo’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth.

“Could it be, that one you serialized in the fan cafe…?”

Gun nodded.

“The talks have been going on for a while, but the official announcement was delayed because there were many parts to coordinate. There were also production cost issues.”

“Wow… I knew it was too good to end as just a novel. This time, you’re participating in everything from the script to the lead role, so something really amazing will come out!”

Before being a colleague, she is a fan. Jin Ji-yoo was excited as if it were her own business, then she looked like she remembered the most important thing.

“Oh, then what’s the title? Are you going to keep it the same?”

Gun smiled slightly. It was because he remembered the conversation with another guest who had visited him just last night.

-It’s the Iron Kingdom story.

-Yes?

Yoonbal25 opened his mouth wide.

-Oh, oh, is that the one? The story that the actor serialized in the fan cafe. I often went to see it when I got stuck writing my own serial!

-That’s right.

After returning to Earth, ‘The Iron Kingdom Story,’ which he had serialized in the fan cafe as a hobby, was finally starting to move. The major platforms made offers, but the final decision was made with C-Ving of C&J, which recently attracted a huge investment.

With the full support of Jin Gyu-il, the former head of C&J, who is now the new CEO, the work was scheduled to be produced in a total of 24 episodes.

-I’ve had a relationship with C&J, CEO Jin Gyu-il of Changjin Group, for a long time. Thanks to that, I was able to sign a contract under good conditions.

was also a fantasy with a huge amount of capital invested, but this is an original story. Yoonbal25 expressed his expectations, spitting out saliva.

-Wow, congratulations! As a web novel writer, I thought it would be amazing if this was made into a drama on some OTT [Over-The-Top, a streaming service]. Especially that demon king… what’s his name, Balrog or something?

-Are you talking about Balmon of Wrath?

-Ah, Balmon! I liked that boss. Just a glance and your existence is disintegrated, there’s no final boss like that.

-It wasn’t easy.

-Yes, well. Such CG implementation wouldn’t be easy no matter how much technology has advanced…

Yoonbal25, who was talking excitedly, snapped his fingers as if he had thought of something.

-That’s right, you said you were going to keep the title as it is. The Iron Kingdom Story?

-I think so.

-Actually, I thought of another title as soon as I saw it. In the style of popular web novels these days, like ‘The Hero is a Ten Million Actor’…

Gun shrugged.

-I’m not sure. The opinions of the production company and investors are also important.

-Ha, I can’t help it. Please consider such a title for the working title later. That kind of title is a real hit.

Yoonbal25, who seemed regretful, smacked his lips and asked with sparkling eyes.

-So, when is the first filming?

*

Time flows.

Autumn to winter… winter to spring again.

As the prevailing cold receded and even the last cold snap disappeared.

At a site in Jirisan [mountain in South Korea] where flower buds were bursting and about to bloom in full bloom, the filming crew set up camp.

“This way! It’s here, Kim Senior!”

Jirisan National Park is often chosen as a filming location because of its magnificent scenery and majesty.

At first glance, it looks like a documentary filming crew, but the races of the people getting off are all different.

“Hello, nice to meet you.”

“Uh… yes, thank you. Nice to meet you.”

While the staff awkwardly greeted each other, vehicles larger than Starex slowly came in.

A flexible Sprinter van. It’s now a fairly common ‘celebrity car’ in Korea, but the people getting off are not ordinary.

“Ah, Ms. Jangmi.”

“Senior Song, hello!”

“Hello, hello. It’s okay, don’t do that.”

The politeness of those from the theater scene is famous. Song Hyun-ah, a veteran actress who stopped Lee Jang-mi from bending over to her waist, looks at her wristwatch.

“What about the others? I’m not late, am I?”

“No. Actor Park Gun was the fastest… but now he’s gone up there with actor Choi Phillip. He said he needs to check the angle before standby.”

“Oh, he’s diligent as always. Then Ms. Jangmi, come with me. People who are here for the first time will probably have a hard time coming here.”

“Yes, Senior!”

.

.

.

Down there, the door of the arriving van opens, and someone presumed to be a celebrity gets off.

Looking down at the parking lot, which is now densely packed without a gap to set foot, Choi Phillip whistled.

“He’s a world star after all. Even those heavy-assed people are coming out early.”

“It’s because it’s the first filming.”

Gun, who answered, also looked down. The newly arrived actress, Song Hyun-ah, was greeting the filming directors with Lee Jang-mi.

“Park Gun doesn’t know his influence yet. A global star who is the first to come to the set, the son of Cannes who sets an example, how exemplary would that be.”

“Would you like to join us, Phillip?”

Choi Phillip scoffed as if to say don’t expect it.

“I have no intention. I’m not that kind of character, so try to seduce Shin Seung-hyung later.”

“Actor Gu is not a regular.”

“Would that person not come out because he’s not a regular? He said he has nothing to do these days, so he’ll follow you around until the end of filming and bother you.”

While they were giggling, the actors and extras appearing in the work arrived one after another.

It’s a work in which the son of Cannes, who is none other than, is in charge of everything from the script to the lead role.

After the official announcement that this would be produced, the broadcasting industry was swept up in a frenzy.

Some prepared for auditions, some used their connections, and some even came directly to Roman.

After the large-scale selection, only rumors spread that the number of actors and staff who joined was enormous.

“Anyway, there are definitely a lot of people. Even if we weeded out the reporters, if it’s that much… it’s going to be bigger than most blockbuster movies.”

Choi Phillip’s role is the direct subordinate who served in the same unit as the main character.

In this work that follows the original story serialized in the fan cafe, the main character’s name is never revealed until the end.

On Earth, he is only called ‘Sergeant Park’, and after being transferred to another world, he is only called an unnamed hero and engages in fierce battles with those great demons.

“People who have worked with me before have even come. I’m grateful.”

“What is there for Park Gun to be grateful for? It’s an opportunity to add his name to the greatest career, so you have to fly in from the other side of the world to join.”

As Choi Phillip said, not only the actors but also the production crew were luxuriously organized for this work.

In addition to the veteran filming directors who had a relationship with , director Peter Sean, who directed , also joined.

In addition, the best art and sound directors are all out to perfectly recreate the atmosphere of the Iron Kingdom, burning their determination.

“Phillip! Gun Oppa!”

“You two leads over there! Come down slowly, everyone’s tired of waiting!”

Whether people had gathered, voices calling them were heard from below.

Lee Jang-mi, Jin Ji-yoo, other veteran actors, and rookies selected through auditions…

Among the faces full of expectations, the platinum-blonde saint walked out with a playful smile.

“Are you ready, Hero?”

Choi Phillip, who was standing with him, tapped him on the shoulder. Gun glanced at his new colleague and said the answer he had always said.

“Of course.”

.

.

.

Midway up the mountain where the first scene of the work will be filmed.

Numerous cameras overlook the actor in military uniform. Wearing familiar clothes after a long time, Gun closed his eyes for a moment.

‘The first scene, returning from another world to Earth.’

The first time he sensed the air of the Iron Kingdom in front of the camera flashed through his mind.

Although the Hapki [Korean martial art] is gone, he can feel the expectations and hopes pouring in this way. In addition, the work that a human being who has shed the karma of a hero must do.

If I can give another power to someone else with my power…

“Whether it’s a hero or an actor, the name doesn’t matter.”

“Yes?”

“No. It reminds me of the old days.”

As the general producer who will be with us on the long journey to the Iron Kingdom, an old colleague who conquered the Berlin Film Festival has returned.

Director Kim Ryul, who held the megaphone before pressing down on his baseball cap, gave a short wink.

“Okay, get ready…”

Brilliant lights turn on one after another. The moment the lighting panel, reflector, and super-large LED emit heat, the reality that the lens is aiming at is transformed into another world.

‘Now, I’m really back.’

The returned hero smiled brightly in the light.

“Standby, cue!”

* * *

*Author’s words

Hello, this is Yajincheol.

Despite being my first web novel serialization, I was able to succeed in monetization thanks to the excessive love of the readers.

Although I disappointed you by dropping the serialization cycle in the second half due to health problems ^_ㅠ, I think I was able to run to the end because of all of you readers, everyone who has seen this article even once.

I tried to draw protagonist Park Gun, Roman’s family, old comrades of the Iron Kingdom, all with affection, even if there was a difference in the amount.

I know very well that I am a writer with many shortcomings. In my next work, I will prepare a more elaborate composition, a lot of stockpiles, and a solid storyline to the end to show you a more interesting article.

There are many articles I have written and will write in the future, but I think the readers of this work will be remembered forever. Thank you to those who read and supported me, no matter how many thousands of times I repeat it.

It was fun to be with you.

I will become a Yajincheol who repays with writing.

Thank you for loving ‘Former Hero is a Ten Million Actor’ so far.