Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 42

The Former Hero is a Hundred Million Actor – Episode 42 (42/199)

Braving the Storm (1)

* * *

“Huh… What? Is that all that’s left already?”

A member of the filming crew muttered while scanning the schedule, and a colleague next to him responded.

“What do you mean, ‘all that’s left’? Half of it is still there.”

“It’s already more than halfway done. You have to consider our start date.”

The colleague, now understanding, turned on his smartphone.

“It really was fast. Record-breaking.”

In the daily shooting schedule, the completed sections began to overtake the remaining amount.

Of course, there are still major scenes left. Seo Yohan and Lee Yuwon’s encounter, the identity of the demon, the final showdown… Not a single one of these can afford to fail.

We’ve come far, but we have just as far to go.

“Alright, let’s start today!”

Fortunately, Park Geon’s performance shows no signs of faltering. Thanks to the lead actor, who nails dozens of takes a day, the events in the story are gradually heading towards the climax.

Based on clues from the bereaved family, Seo Yohan begins his investigation. He obtains information that a new religion called ‘Salvation Society’ is rapidly expanding its influence in Seoul.

Seo Yohan: A secret gathering with maintained security… And they claim to save humans with human power? These guys reek of something rotten from the very name.

After many twists and turns, he disguises himself and infiltrates the gathering. Seo Yohan observes the leader of the Salvation Society from a distance.

Leader: (With eyes closed) Everyone, now we must be saved from this lake of fire.

Followers: (All prostrate) …We ask for salvation.

Leader: This is a world where false words and absurdities are disguised as the will of God. An era where hatred and violence never cease. Only this fleeting despair is what they call the will of God.

Followers: (Raising a ram-shaped symbol) …We believe that salvation is within us.

Leader: Arise. And realize. Humans are beings who can save themselves.

Even from a distance, it’s palpable. The stinging smell of sulfur, a stench unlike any other demon.

Salvation Society leader Lee Yuwon, within her resides the demon that Seo Yohan has been chasing for years.

Seo Yohan: (Grasping the silver cross in his priest’s robes, he mutters) It’s already inside, possessing her.

Soon the gathering ends, and the leader disappears behind the platform with men wearing ram masks.

While chasing them, men in priest’s robes appear. They are the Vatican’s swords, priests dispatched from the Rose Cross Society’s Korean branch, who have been tracking the traces of the demon.

Peter: …Seo Yohan? Still chasing demons?

Seo Yohan: Who are you? Do I know you?

Matthew: Of course, we know you. The lapsed brother who is listed as a person of interest by the Rosary Society for illegal exorcism.

Seo Yohan: Sorry, but I don’t have time for you guys. If you could just move aside…

At that moment, a terrifying whirlwind sweeps through.

As the priests shield their eyes from the demon’s wind, as sharp as blades, the possessed, with their eyes rolled back, charge forward.

Peter: Our Father, who art in… Keuh!

Seo Yohan: Get behind me, quickly!

The priests recite prayers, but the demon’s whirlwind tears apart even divine power.

Just as they are about to be overwhelmed by the possessed, Seo Yohan takes a step forward, holding out a cross and dispersing the wind.

As the possessed grind their teeth, blocked by the ‘sacred wall,’ the wind subsides, and Lee Yuwon, dressed in white, steps forward.

Seo Yohan: (Snarling) It’s been a while. That sickening smell is still the same.

Lee Yuwon: Oh my, what could the priests be doing in a place like this?

Seo Yohan: Are you going to pretend you don’t know? You know me. The same wind blew back then.

Lee Yuwon: (Looking at Seo Yohan with a smile) I don’t know what you mean… I’m just a messenger delivering the words of salvation to the world.

Seo Yohan: It’s you, isn’t it? The serpent-scaled demon.

In fact, Seo Yohan’s parents both died in an attack by the possessed, and the captured possessed also died a few years later in the mental hospital where they were confined.

Since then, Seo Yohan has awakened his abilities.

Resenting God and fighting demons, he has chased only the demon for twenty years under the name of an exorcist priest.

Seo Yohan: (Furrowing his brow) Saint Michael the Archangel, protect us who are in a terrible battle with the forces of hell. Reveal yourself, unclean god!

The possessed scream grotesquely and writhe, but Lee Yuwon’s face remains calm. Does the difference in power mean so much? Or…

Lee Yuwon: Mom, Mom, someone help me, you’re still just crying like a child. (A soft chuckle) Up there, have those winged hypocrites ever answered that call?

Seo Yohan: Lord, protect us from the pursuit of the devil. We ask that you grant safety and freedom to the church so that we may serve you…

Lee Yuwon: (Turning away leisurely) How pitiful, turning away from the truth. I’ll be watching to see if that God you seek so much… no, if you can protect anyone.

Soon, a black van drives up and disappears with Lee Yuwon and the possessed.

Seo Yohan, with a sweat-soaked face, looks down at the silver cross he is holding.

On the bodies of the fallen Rosary Society priests, and on Yohan’s arm, are scars that look like they were cut by long blades.

*

“Director! Where are you, Director!”

“Over there, over there! Bring him quickly, they’re almost here!”

The set became noisy.

Today is the day that the president and executives of ‘Million Venture Partners’ are visiting the set.

The people from Keunbeom were more anxious than Director Kim Ryul, bustling around since morning.

They are the top of the top, investing a whopping 4 billion won [approximately $3 million USD], 80% of the total production cost. Even if they can’t be given confidence that the movie will be a success, they need to be given the impression that there are no problems.

In the midst of being busy without a moment to spare, CEO Tae also heard the news and rushed over.

“Oh my, President Wang! You look even better. How are you getting younger and younger!”

“How can a businessman get younger? I guess it’s because I started exercising these days.”

Even if it’s just empty words, praise is always welcome. President Wang Jong-gil smiled contentedly.

“Anyway, it’s nice to get out to the suburbs after a long time. Don’t you think so, Executive Director Kang?”

“Yes, it might be nice to hold the next workshop around Gapyeong [a popular resort area near Seoul].”

The location where filming is scheduled is also on the outskirts of the city.

Wang Jong-gil and a few others next to him walked along the riverbank. Director Kim Ryul, who came out to greet them, bowed his head.

“Hello, President.”

“Oh, why has the director lost so much weight? Is filming a movie that hard?”

“It’s okay. I just haven’t been able to sleep much trying to meet the schedule.”

“Take a break while you work… No, since I’m an investor, I can’t tell you to rest easy. Just close your eyes and suffer a little.”

President Wang Jong-gil’s eyes suddenly widened as he shook hands with Kim Ryul.

“…Actor Park?”

As Park Geon, who came with his manager, stood in front of them, not only President Wang but also the executives were abuzz.

“A celebrity, a celebrity.”

“If all the church priests were like that, we wouldn’t be able to attend Mass. It would be packed every day.”

“My son has been acting strange lately and asked me to send him to an acting academy… I’ll have to cut him off.”

It’s normal for everyone, regardless of age or gender, to be impressed when they see Park Geon in his priest’s robes.

While Park Geon was taking pictures, President Wang Jong-gil toured the set and greeted the actors.

“Here, this is my personal card. I’ll leave it here today, so order whatever you want without worrying about the production cost, whether you eat here or go out to eat. It’s cold, so you’re all working hard.”

For the production PD [Production Director] who is managing the budget with insufficient funds, it is a blessing in itself.

Han Sang-yoon PD, a jack-of-all-trades at Keunbeom who handles production, line producing, and assistant directing, received the card with an almost tearful face.

“Thank you! I’ll work hard!”

“We’re complete amateurs in this field. We’re fully trusting you, so please take good care of us.”

This time, not only Han Sang-yoon but also all the members of the set are moved to tears.

This is truly an angel investor.

The fact that the atmosphere on set has been good so far is largely due to the influence of the investment company. The moment they interfere because it’s their money, the movie is doomed, but this investment company is as relaxed as if they had deposited money in a savings account.

President Wang Jong-gil, who was looking around the set with a curious expression, asked Director Kim Ryul.

“Can I watch the filming today? I’ve never seen anything like this before… And my kids like Actor Park Geon so much. I want to tell them about it, even if I can’t take pictures.”

The expected words fell. It’s not someone else’s party, and you can’t come to my birthday party and not blow out the candles [a Korean expression meaning ‘you can’t miss the main event’].

As Director Kim Ryul was about to say okay, Han Sang-yoon PD came over and added some spice.

“President, are there any people among those who came who have heart problems?”

“Heart problems? We’re not old enough for that yet, but why the heart…?”

“Well, the scene we’re shooting today is, how should I put it, a bit shocking. You might be surprised when you see it.”

President Wang and the executives looked at each other and burst into hearty laughter.

“Haha, we’re not kids. People in this industry are more afraid of their money going out than a hundred ghosts. Don’t worry about that and just show us.”

“If you insist, then I’ll get you all a cup of instant coffee.”

“Sounds good. Let’s all go.”

A few steps behind, CEO Tae Jong-beom, who had been watching the situation, ready to leave if necessary, clicked his tongue.

“Han Sang-yoon, that guy… He’s all grown up, all grown up.”

.

.

.

As it got dark, people came out of the set.

President Wang Jong-gil, who looked somewhat more haggard than before, exchanged perfunctory greetings with the executives.

Among the older executives, there were some whose complexions had turned pale, almost earthy.

“Drive safely.”

The production company’s CEO and assistant director, who had followed them down to the riverbank, bowed deeply.

“Yes? Ah, yes. Please both work hard.”

Getting into his Mercedes-Benz, Wang Jong-gil tried to start the engine but stopped. He regretted not bringing his driver for such a short trip.

“…As expected, CEO Noh’s eyes don’t miss a thing.”

*

The next day, on set.

Today and tomorrow are relaxed filming days. The director of photography, lighting director, and Kim Ryul were in the middle of a meeting.

“Director, Director!”

The face that came running in was as white as if he had seen a ghost. Barely catching his breath, the directing team staff member shook the smartphone he was holding.

“Something terrible has happened, Lee Jang-mi…!”

*

[‘Black Priest’ Lead Actor Involved in Past Prostitution Controversy… Who is the ‘Unknown Theater Actress’?]

[Kim Ryul’s Crew, Unable to Overcome the Jinx After All?]

[Roman’s Crisis Theory… If ‘Large Rookie’ Park Geon Falls After Wow Kids [a popular Korean talent show]?]

“Wow, look at this? Until a few days ago, they were hyping up DG’s drug idol so much, but what’s with the crisis theory for us?”

Roman Entertainment Conference Room 1.

Team Leader Gong Hyeong exploded with anger, and Manager Yoo Joon-il, who was with him, added a word.

“It’s obvious they were keeping an eye on us. The paparazzi on set, the guys who dig up behind-the-scenes information, gave them the source… Sports Daily, Entertainment Today, they took the lead again.”

The article broke last night. An actress who retired from N Entertainment due to prostitution allegations is now starring in an occult movie.

They used consonants like N Entertainment and Ms. I, but it was obvious who it was. In the first place, there’s only one occult movie that’s currently in production while receiving attention.

Black Priest, and Lee Jang-mi.

“Team Leader Gong, shouldn’t we take action on our side too? If we mess up, there might be some damage.”

“I’m trying to get in touch with that actress by finding her contact information, but she keeps not answering. I can only imagine what the atmosphere on set is like…”

Section Chief Lee Sang-cheol, who had been listening to the PR team leader and the actor team manager, smiled.

“Do you two know who brought Park Geon?”

Manager Yoo replied immediately.

“It’s the CEO, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. So, if Lee Jang-mi… no, if that movie falls apart, our noses will be flattened [a Korean idiom meaning ‘to be humiliated’], right? Park Geon will become an actor whose career was ruined because he met the wrong agency.”

“…I guess so?”

“But where did the CEO go, and why am I the only one here looking at you two?”

“…….”

The two looked at each other. The section chief turned on the tablet next to him and pushed it forward.

“Take a look.”

Team Leader Gong’s eyes widened as he hurriedly flipped through the photos that appeared on the screen. Manager Yoo nodded as if he knew it would happen.

“As expected, I believed in you.”

“Go and fight. Just bring back the goods later [a Korean expression meaning ‘fix the situation’].”

Team Leader Gong, taking the tablet, quickly ran out, but Manager Yoo, who came from the road [meaning he’s more experienced], asked worriedly.

“With that, we can cover up the public opinion… But is there anyone there who can take care of the actor’s mental state? They’re unknown directors and inexperienced actors.”

Section Chief Lee Sang-cheol smirked.

“He’s already there. The person who gave us a blow.”