Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 84

Underdog’s Rebellion (4)

* * *

Accident.

An unexpected, unfortunate event.

Accidents on set are not uncommon when filming dramas, movies, or even documentaries.

Usually, the actors and staff work together to prevent such accidents from leaking to the outside. The mere occurrence of an accident suggests inadequate on-site control, and accident news doesn’t boost viewership ratings.

But what if an actor throws themselves into harm’s way to prevent an accident,

and those involved are all leading actors?

[‘Baekjeong General’ Filming Site Fire Accident… Another Lead Saves the Leads]

[A Hair-Raising Scene, ‘Park Geon’ at the Center]

[Lax Safety Management Surfaces Again… Accident Caused by Premature Water Spray]

[5 Minutes More Dramatic Than the Actual Drama, How Did Park Geon Save His Colleagues?]

[Roman’s ‘Relief Pitcher’ Performance… PD [Production Director] Jeon In-woo “Just Grateful to the Actors”]

This is how comprehensive coverage spreads.

An S-class actress could have been seriously injured… or even worse.

Although the full version of the accident video taken on-site wasn’t released, the urgency of the situation was easily imaginable with just the information leaked by the staff.

An actor who saved a colleague from under falling lumber.

The story, more like a movie than reality, drew in even those who didn’t know ‘Baekjeong General,’ and the comment sections were flooded.

-The level of drama on sets these days ㄷㄷ [Korean slang indicating amazement]

└(FACT) They say the production cost is even 50 billion won [Approximately $37 million USD]

└└Not 50 billion, but 40 billion [Approximately $30 million USD]

-No, that’s almost a near-death experience; how can this happen on a large-scale drama?

└Broadcasting people are always like that ㅋㅋ [Korean slang for ‘lol’] They cause accidents while pushing actors to the limit to get good visuals

└└Are you just accepting setting fire to the set without any safety measures?

└└└Baek Ha-ni is originally unstoppable

-Park Geon in the meantime ㅋㅋㅋㅋ [Korean slang for ‘lol’] Now he’s even saving people

└A good deed is not enough… He’s just [Legend]…

└I heard from an insider that what fell was a rafter; a whole piece of lumber

└If hit, it would have been at least a fracture

└└That’s just talking about arms and legs; if it fell on the body or head….

└└└Roman, CVN, and even Baek Ha-ni should do three bows to Park Geon [A sign of deep respect in Korean culture]

-Hyperion actors at this hour: Confused

*

That week, ‘Baekjeong General’ broadcast day.

Choi Phillip visited the PR team, which was bustling even on the weekend, after a long time.

“Oh, Phillip!”

“It’s been a while. I came knowing Team Leader Gong would be here.”

Team Leader Gong, who is friendly with him, greets him warmly, but the other employees only bow their heads hesitantly.

Choi Phillip himself is a character who is difficult to approach casually, and there is a high wall between top actors and staff.

The Park Geon brothers, who visit almost every day, and Jin Ji-yu, who is responsible for the PR team’s snacks, are exceptions.

“Hello.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

After exchanging awkward greetings with the PR team, Choi Phillip smiled at Team Leader Gong.

“You must have been very busy? It was noisy outside.”

“Don’t even mention it. I was dying from the reporters’ calls and the broadcasting station officials’ calls.”

“But thanks to that, we had a sweet week of buzz. No one was hurt, Park Geon became an honorary firefighter, and all that’s left is to crush the Hyperion scraps, so it’s a good thing.”

Team Leader Gong, who was listening, raised one eyebrow.

“No one was hurt······.”

“Why, don’t tell me Baek Ha-ni is lying down? Saying she can’t work with people like this?”

It’s a natural suspicion for anyone who knows Baek Ha-ni. In fact, just a few years ago, she even went on a boycott due to a conflict with the director.

“No, it seems like she’s filming just fine. The atmosphere on set is fine since Park is there.”

Choi Phillip nodded as if he agreed.

“Well, that person is a cheat key. When I called after seeing the article, he said he was okay without any fuss… He’s really like Superman.”

“By the way, what brings you here, Phillip?”

“I came to meet the CEO, but I have some time left. I came to monitor while I’m here.”

“Hmm? Phillip’s movie edit?”

“That’s for the editor and director there to do. I’m going to watch Baekjeong General now.”

This time, Team Leader Gong makes an unexpected expression. Isn’t Choi Phillip known for not being interested in other people’s work, whether they are agency actors or close celebrities?

Even if the timing is right, it’s amazing that he’s watching ‘Baekjeong General’ himself.

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work! Have some coffee and snacks!”

At that time, Choi Phillip’s road manager [Personal assistant/driver] appeared through the open door with a large bag.

Wasn’t this someone else’s character? Amidst the bewildered gazes, Choi Phillip shrugged his shoulders.

“This is the trend in the company these days.”

*

The flower of art is said to be diversity.

Even if it’s the same hundreds of billions-dollar blockbuster, the selling points are very different.

The pace and strategy differ depending on the writer’s scenario and the director’s characteristics.

For example, ‘Hyperion’ constantly throws a winning move from the beginning of the first episode.

As soon as it starts, a 21st-century harem kingdom wearing swimsuits appears, followed by provocative bed scenes and third-generation chaebols [Conglomerate heirs] assaulting cleaners.

Byeong Seo-han is a despicable but capable director. He sucks viewers in by stirring up clear emotions such as abuse, contempt, desire, and anger.

On the other hand, ‘Baekjeong General’ is basically a long-winded work in which the build-up of characters increases the impact.

Of course, viewership ratings also start to rise from the moment Lee Cheon-in… the protagonist wearing the Baekjeong mask runs wild.

―Have you heard that rumor?

―What rumor?

―···The Baekjeong Mask!

Rumors spread in Gyeongseong [Old name for Seoul].

Not only the Japanese and high-ranking officials who are the direct targets of ‘chokgyeol’ [assassination].

Even Joseon [Former Korean dynasty] people who do odd jobs and sell straw shoes are talking about one topic in the streets.

In this decaying street,

The nightmare of the Waein (倭人) [Derogatory term for Japanese people] has appeared.

―No, I saw it for the first time. They say he sliced two Japanese policemen like chunks of meat in the back streets of the general store at night!

The first person to see the ‘Baekjeong Mask’ was Mr. Jo of the tailor shop. The talkative man explains the impression of the 괴한 [Strange person/attacker] with his mole on his cheek turning red.

―And··· that mask! He was wearing a mask that the 탈놀이패 [Traditional Korean mask dance troupe] used to wear. The appearance revealed in the light was so grotesque that it is still vivid in my eyes.

―What did it look like?

―His eyes were wide open like turning on 화등잔 [Traditional oil lamp], and his cheeks and mouth were distorted like a fierce god. He was wearing a white durumagi [Traditional Korean overcoat] on a bamboo hat.

―Baekjeong Mask! Isn’t that Baekjeong Mask!

―He is definitely Joseon. A Joseon independence activist is imitating a 탈놀이패 and killing the Wae놈 [Derogatory term for Japanese people]!

When the listeners clapped their hands, Mr. Jo hurriedly put his finger to his lips.

―Shh, if anyone hears, you will be caught too. They say that 순사 [Japanese colonial police] with 총검 [Bayonets] from the Jongno Police Station are pouring out every day.

―To catch the Baekjeong Mask?

―Of course! I heard that the order has been given to shoot them without arrest or anything.

―Wicked guys··· Wait, then wouldn’t the Wae놈 make more fuss? I have to lie down flatter.

The scenario of writer Youngdo Eun, which was originally 16 episodes and revised to 20 episodes, was praised by the production team for its increased completeness.

In addition, the leading and supporting actors and extras who perfectly speak Japanese, and the combination of a popular writer and a blockbuster PD, present thrilling visuals in every scene.

―Are you okay? You’ll fall if you only look down like that.

―Ah, you are the one who returned after making a big success in business in the West······.

―Lee Cheon-in. A man whose name everyone in Gyeongseong will know soon.

Lee Cheon-in’s double life, who went to the West to avenge himself and returned as a successful 화포상 [Gunpowder merchant], is also an element that enriches the play.

Originally, historical dramas are not just stories about revengeful swordsmen.

The enthusiastic performances of the actors who appear together with the lines and costumes that are reinterpreted in a modern way while following the grammar of the enlightenment period are enough to impress the viewers.

“What, Jo Hyun-ah was the daughter of the Governor-General?”

Since she is not in front of him, the title of senior is naturally omitted. Team Leader Gong answers Choi Phillip’s words.

“Phillip wouldn’t know. That’s why we spread a lot of articles. Jo Hyun-ah vs. Baek Ha-ni, the new and old showdown between the original Ice Princess and the Winter Queen.”

Choi Phillip rubbed the goosebumps on his arm.

“Ew, it’s cringe-worthy. You’d need a truckload of daepae [Pork belly] to promote something like that.”

Apart from the harsh reviews, the two actresses engage in a fierce battle in the play.

‘Gyeongseong Modern,’ the most popular salon of the time.

There, Song Yi-seol, the granddaughter of Song Byeol-hak, Haruka, the third daughter of the Chief of Political Affairs, and ‘Baekjeong Mask’ Lee Cheon-in are intertwined and led by different desires.

―Have we··· met somewhere before?

―Well. I tend to forget quickly unless it’s a grudge.

―Wait a minute, this 공(公) [Formal title, like ‘Sir’]!

―Don’t call me that. I’ve never had such a high status.

Song Yi-seol realizes something and grabs him, but Lee Cheon-in leaves only mysterious words and disappears.

In that way, the play ended the episode by fully burning the flames of youth in a roughly pulsating era.

“The 본방 [Original broadcast] is much more fun. I only watched episodes 1 and 2 on YouTube, so I was a little disappointed.”

“Right, hyung [Older brother or male friend]? This is much more fun.”

Choi Phillip, who finished monitoring with his manager, occupying one side of the PR office, muttered.

Team leader Gong Gi-hyung, who was working like an octopus, holding a desktop, smartphone, and office phone throughout the broadcast, smiled brightly and said.

“It seems like not only the two of you felt that way, looking at today’s viewership ratings.”

“That’s right. What percentage is it?”

“Our highest viewership rating is 19.2%. We even caught Hyperion with simultaneous viewership for a while.”

Choi Phillip whistled.

“Oh, the potential of KBC [Korean Broadcasting Company]. I didn’t think we wouldn’t be able to overtake them this week either.”

The road manager, who was listening, chimed in and asked.

“Then what about them? What’s the highest viewership rating for Hyperion?”

“21.5%, Byeong Seo-han’s skill in exploding in the late part of the play is not easy either.”

It’s a figure that seems difficult to catch up with at first glance, but… Team Leader Gong’s expression is not dark.

This is because this side is superior when looking at the overall viewer attrition index since the beginning.

“Our team leader is exaggerating again. It looks like we’ll be beheading Moon Han-bin around the week after next.”

“Uh-huh, you can’t say such things in the PR office. It’s bad luck even if things are going well.”

“I know, so take good care of my movie. If I end up like Baek Ha-ni, I’m really going to quit the company.”

The war starts now.

*

Jamsil Han River,

The most luxurious complex apartment with a river view.

In the excessively large living room of a high-rise apartment where she lives alone, ‘Baekjeong General’ is being replayed.

―I am Baekjeong Mask.

―Go. Go and tell them.

―The nightmare of the Japanese Empire has returned to Gyeongseong.

The 85-inch wall-mounted TV and the Bluetooth speakers on the left and right of the living room provide a realistic viewing experience.

When she pressed the remote control, the Baekjeong Mask, who was giving a stern order to the Japanese 순사, turned off.

Baek Ha-ni put her feet on the massage chair, replaying the latter part of episode 1 that she had saved again.

―Nice to meet you, I am Lee Cheon-in, who has just returned from the West······.

Lee Cheon-in—Park Geon’s voice bounces around the spacious house.

As befits the home of a successful actress, the home appliances and furniture are all covered with luxury goods.

The home theater built in the living room, the beam projectors installed in each room, and even the built-in washing machine and refrigerator are the most expensive on the market.

Weeeing―

A unique point is that there are several robot vacuum cleaners sliding on the rug and the latest catbots (robot cats) equipped with AI.

When one of the catbots climbed onto the armrest of the massage chair, Baek Ha-ni reached out and stroked its head.

···There are no real pets in this house. The aquarium in the far corner of the living room is also just an LED wall that projects holograms of tropical fish.

“Set the alarm for tomorrow at 6 o’clock.”

-Yes, I will.

The artificial intelligence of the smartphone responds to the casually thrown words. Baek Ha-ni thinks, pulling her raised knees toward her chest.

The filming site a few days ago,

The brief moment when a colleague embraced her.

‘···It’s not some old-fashioned 로코 [Romantic comedy].’

Props fall during filming, and the co-star who is acting with you saves you······.

It’s a romance story that’s so obvious that it makes you laugh. If she had received a scenario with such a scene, she would have thrown it in the trash the moment she read it.

However, now she felt like she had been forcibly dragged into that ridiculous movie.

As one of the heroines, of which she doesn’t know how many there are.

―Are you hurt?

The dry and indifferent voice that keeps lingering in her ears is also the culprit that makes her lose her composure.

She is quick-witted. There is always a purpose in human behavior, and people in this industry are masters of words and actions that hide their purpose.

That’s why she becomes more confused.

Because she cannot interpret the blind altruism of rushing to others, setting aside her own safety.

“Jin Ji-yu, I was wondering what that fox was trying to pick off, but she keeps sticking around······.”

This was also a mistake. Her white teeth bite her lower lip slightly.

The rice bowl [livelihood] of the agency’s rival is also more than ten years old. There is no way she would have supported the drama special appearance, awards ceremony attendance, and SNS live broadcast for no reason.

“Reset the alarm for tomorrow at 5 o’clock.”

In a few hours, she will go to the filming site again and match her actions while looking at each other’s faces.

She is used to playing herself. She is also used to hiding herself by putting forward fake emotions.

However, playing a false ‘Baek Ha-ni’ in front of someone she doesn’t have to deceive,

It’s not an easy task.

The crisis she is facing is not the only one. When she thinks about the scenes in the latter part of ‘Baekjeong General,’ the end of the play, her head is already throbbing.

There is at least one kiss scene··· and there was a possibility that it would be added depending on the flow of the play?

In the meantime, the person who created this situation asks about her safety without any fuss.

눈치없는놈 [Mr. Clueless]: [Are you feeling better?]

눈치없는놈 [Mr. Clueless]: [The staff are very worried.]

눈치없는놈 [Mr. Clueless]: [Rest if you’re tired, see you tomorrow.]

Still hugging her knees, the actress tilted her head back. Is it because of the mood light hanging down in the living room? Today, her cheeks, which received the light, are red.

“···It’s annoying for no reason, really.”

*