Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 93

The Victor in a Whale Fight (1)

* * *

A kiss scene.

It’s a perennial topic of interest in the entertainment industry and one of the cheat codes to boost viewership ratings.

In broadcasting jargon, it’s known as ‘NoKiBae’ (No Exposure, Kiss, Bed scene) [a term referring to scenes that can boost ratings].

There’s a saying that episodes featuring exposure, kisses, or bed scenes see a viewership increase of even 0.1%.

Moreover, this isn’t just any romance, but the highlight of a carefully built-up blockbuster.

‘Pfft… Hyung [older brother or male friend], look at this. It’s our fan cafe, and there are tons of posts saying they’re supporting the Park Ha-ni duo from today.’

‘Park Ha-ni?’

‘It’s a combination of Hyung’s and Baek Actress’s names. Funny, right?’

According to community posts that Park Seon often shows him, there seemed to be many fans who were looking forward to his romance with Baek Ha-ni.

What was it they said? That if a scandal was going to happen anyway, it was better if it was with someone from the same agency?

‘But it has to be today of all days.’

Geon looked into the box his younger sibling was holding. Breath fresheners, bubble gum, and throat lozenges with different scents were packed tightly inside.

Gifts sent by Baek Ha-ni through her manager, along with news of the kiss scene.

‘How many times are they planning to film this?’

Originally, there wasn’t such a strong romance scene between Lee Cheon-in and Song Yi-seol in the script.

Since it was ultimately going to end in a tragedy, the plan was to tug at viewers’ heartstrings by only confirming their feelings for each other.

The cause of the problem was ‘Hyperion,’ which was churning out one outrageous plot twist after another daily. It seemed that Writer Young Do-eun had also taken a strong stance to counter them, with their affairs, betrayals, and switching partners.

Thirty minutes ago, PD [Production Director] Jeon In-woo had come to him and given him encouragement that felt like a declaration of war.

‘Film it without any pressure. Think about how much time you’ve saved because of Actor Park so far.’

‘I’ll finish it in one take.’

PD Jeon In-woo was startled, as if he was saying, ‘Why are you saying such scary things?’

‘No, don’t necessarily think like that. When you think about it… the kiss scene during the Gray City team was also a hot topic, wasn’t it? Since we have to capture cuts from different angles anyway, you can make a making-of film and make as many NGs [no good takes] as you want. The schedule is wide open until tomorrow morning.’

‘My lips are going to be chapped.’

Considering the emotional connection between Lee Cheon-in and Song Yi-seol, now is actually the right time.

Song Yi-seol suspects that Lee Cheon-in is the Butcher’s Mask, and Lee Cheon-in knows that the girl he met before leaving Joseon [historical Korean dynasty] has grown into an independence fighter.

It’s the moment when the two confirm their feelings for each other amidst the threats of enemies.

The problem lies elsewhere.

While unwrapping a throat lozenge, Geon muttered gloomily.

‘This isn’t going to be easy.’

It’s not because he feels attracted to Baek Ha-ni as a woman. Rather, the problem is that thanks to all the work they’ve done together, he genuinely recognizes her as a ‘colleague.’

—Hero, are you perhaps into the… homosexual side?

—What nonsense are you spouting?

—No, I heard you’re sending away all the women who are sent to your bedchamber every night. The Minister of State is running around with his eyes blazing, trying to match your tastes, Hero.

The Iron Kingdom’s saintess, Aria Riverot’s way of speaking was bold and straightforward.

The words she used were so explicit, unlike someone who worships a god, that at first, he often wondered if this person was really a priest.

—That’s not the case. I barely have enough time to fight against arrogance and discord, so I don’t have the leisure to pay attention to other things. Please convey my intentions to the Minister of State.

—…You should have done that from the beginning, after doing everything you wanted to do.

—What did you say?

—No, I’m saying you’re great, Hero.

Is it because of his memories as a hero? A strange pressure washes over him, even though it’s just a minor scene.

It didn’t matter with the ‘Gray City Team Leader.’ Kwon Eun-bi was temporarily working with him… a one-time party member, so to speak.

However, a colleague is different. Is it because they’ve known each other for quite a while? It strangely reminds him of Aria.

‘It would be better if it was someone I was seeing for the first time. It would be just as uncomfortable even if it was Jin Ji-yu instead of Baek Ha-ni…’

‘You were thinking about the old days again, weren’t you?’

A familiar voice was heard.

Baek Ha-ni, who had finished her makeup as Song Yi-seol, had already approached and was staring intently at him.

‘No, it’s just…’

‘It all shows on your face. Your eyes change in the middle of acting, but it’s a relief that it doesn’t show on the screen.’

Eyes?

Geon was inwardly surprised. No director he had worked with so far, not even Kim Ryul, had noticed his secret.

Are you saying that she recognized the momentary disconnect when the old illusions overlapped with his memories?

‘Anyway, are you ready? I hate dragging things out, so let’s finish this quickly.’

‘The director seemed like he was going to film it several times.’

‘That’s a given. It’s a drama, so they’ll take it from all sorts of angles.’

‘Does Baek Ha-ni have experience with these kinds of scenes?’

Baek Ha-ni arrogantly raised her chin.

‘Of course. How many works have I filmed so far?’

‘How many times among them?’

‘I’ve probably had it three or four times… What, haven’t you watched any of my movies?’

After returning from Fashion Week, Baek Ha-ni stopped avoiding him.

Instead, she often sent messages to exchange feedback related to acting even when there was no filming, but this was the first time she had come to him directly.

‘I deliberately didn’t watch them. Because I was afraid I’d get jealous.’

‘What are you even saying, seriously.’

A disgruntled reply came back, but she didn’t seem particularly upset compared to usual.

Baek Ha-ni, who was kicking at the dirt under her feet, said with her eyes lowered.

‘Do it properly. Don’t laugh and ruin the atmosphere.’

‘I’ve never caused an NG before.’

‘So, do it right this time too! Who said they were worried about their acting?’

‘You told me not to ruin the atmosphere at one point…’

‘Whatever. Give me one of those too.’

A white palm was extended. Geon handed the colleague the throat lozenge he had unwrapped to eat earlier.

The mint-flavored candy disappeared between her slightly reddish lips, even without any makeup.

‘Well, this scent isn’t bad either.’

*

The smoking area on one side of the set.

Fifteen minutes before standby, Director of Photography Seo Eung-seo and Lighting Director Lee Jin-gyu exhale smoke.

As heads of each team, they have conversations that are on a different level from the casual talk of ordinary staff.

‘Hyung-nim [term of respect], do you think it’ll be filmed well this time?’

‘What do you mean, will it be filmed well? We’ll keep filming until we get something good.’

‘The director seemed very excited? He said today is the day to release all the highlight films. He’s worried because there’s nothing to cut from the footage.’

Lighting is happy when photography praises him. The corners of Director of Photography Seo Eung-seo’s lips also twitch.

‘It’s worth it. It was worth running since dawn.’

This morning, a large-scale action scene involving a whopping 200 extras, supporting actors, and supporting roles was successfully completed.

Even in one take, with perfect tension.

It’s a scene that deserves the word ‘legend’ even if only unedited scenes are included. When the edited episode airs, the rankings of the greatest scenes in historical dramas will be reversed.

‘If we release the making-of film, it’ll be a sensation. Who would believe that this was filmed in one take?’

‘It’s Park Geon, the absolute strongest in live performances. After watching the fashion show video, it seems like he can even do improvisational plays.’

‘It might really be possible. I’ve been a lighting guy for twenty years and seen all kinds of acting, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone in their second year get an all-pass from the director. I would never have believed it if someone else had told me.’

What’s even more anticipated is the romance scene that follows right after.

PD Jeon In-woo deliberately matched the filming order for the emotional acting of Song Yi-seol and Lee Cheon-in, which takes place in the same episode, right after the action scene.

Moreover, isn’t it a script that Writer Young Do-eun painstakingly revised?

On one side of the set, in a shelter prepared by the production team, supporting actors who had finished filming were waiting for hours, saying they would watch this scene before leaving.

The lighting director stood up, patting his back.

‘Okay, let’s go soon. We have to be diligent if we want to do sword dancing in the morning and film romance in the afternoon. The directors have to set an example.’

‘What diligence are you talking about when you make the kids do everything and just suck your fingers? Is it even work to just grab the heads little by little?’

‘That’s the advantage of lighting. How can I live with resentment if I’m still running around with a camera even after eating jjam [Korean-Chinese noodle dish]?’

‘You’re so great, you little punk.’

The sun, which had been in the middle of the sky, had become quite low. Director of Photography Seo Eung-seo, who made a sun visor with his hand, muttered.

‘When they watch the broadcast, they’ll be surprised.’

*

‘Lighting team, please cut off the boom shadow a bit!’

‘As soon as the cut comes out, we’re going to change the angle and go a few more times, so please do it right away so that the breathing doesn’t stop!’

‘Driver, the director is calling you!’

As standby approached, the staff’s checks became even busier.

Movies move on to the next scene when OK is given, but dramas keep filming while changing angles.

In the case of such highlight scenes, especially scenes where the main characters are immersed in emotion, there are three or four reshoots. If NGs occur frequently, you have to be prepared for several times that.

While waiting for the cue sign, Manager Moon Seong-hoon, standing side by side with Park Seon, muttered anxiously.

‘There won’t be any problems, right?’

‘Of course. They’re both pros.’

‘Actually, this is my first time as a road manager for an actor, so I don’t know what to do in these situations. Chief Yoo Joon-il said that artist care is also a skill.’

Park Seon scratched the back of his neck.

‘It’s my first time too… I guess you just have to manage them so that they don’t have any inconveniences as much as possible?’

‘Actress Baek Ha-ni always seems uncomfortable…’

‘That’s true.’

Park Geon and Baek Ha-ni, who had finished their makeup and transformed into their respective roles, took their places.

Perhaps they are both pros after all. Even though it was right before the cue went in, there was no tension to be found on their faces.

Rather, the managers were more anxious, watching with bated breath.

‘Okay, standby—’

In the meantime, the setting was finished and the boom microphone position was adjusted. PD Jeon In-woo, who put the rolled-up script to his mouth like a megaphone, shouted.

‘Cue!’

*

The bloody battle in front of the Governor-General’s Office, later called the ‘Riot of the Taegeukgi [Korean flag],’ was over.

Numerous Japanese police officers died, and the Gyeongseong [old name for Seoul] Independence Army’s suicide squad also suffered great damage.

While the Butcher’s Mask, who came down riding the Taegeukgi, was rampaging, the Independence Army led by Lee Jeong-nyeong rescued those who had been captured, but there was a fact they had overlooked.

The black-clad men who suddenly appeared began to massacre the Independence Army with their swords drawn.

—Kill them all, receive the blood of the lowly Joseon [Korean dynasty] people!

The Hwangwoo Association led by Shuhei.

The samurai, whose resentment towards the Butcher’s Mask had seeped into their bones, roamed the battlefield like angry hyena packs.

With the already lacking number of troops, and the addition of the Hwangwoo Association, whose individual strength was powerful, the Independence Army was soon on the verge of annihilation.

—Run away, you idiots!

Lee Cheon-in blocks the Hwangwoo Association and Shuhei, but at that moment, Lee Gyun, the Jongno Police Chief, fires a pistol.

‘…’

Back to the present.

Song Yi-seol is nursing the Butcher’s Mask, who was shot, in a shabby villa on the outskirts of Gyeongseong.

‘You have to live, you… you can’t die.’

The bullet fired by Lee Gyun broke his collarbone and was deeply embedded in his right shoulder blade.

Moreover, he was repeatedly wounded by swords while fighting with the samurai of the Hwangwoo Association.

After removing the bullet and suturing the cut wounds, Song Yi-seol bites her lower lip and looks down at the Butcher’s Mask, who is suffering from a high fever.

Lee Jeong-nyeong, the young leader of the Gyeongseong Independence Army, had brought up his story several times in secret talks.

‘I don’t know the identity of the Butcher’s Mask either. I can only guess that he has deep-rooted resentment not only towards those Japanese bastards but also towards Joseon people, our people.’

‘Will he become an enemy of the Independence Army?’

‘I don’t think so. Judging from the mask he wears and the words he speaks, he’s probably from a fallen noble family or of cheonmin (賤人) [lowest class in Joseon society] origin. If he helps us with all his might, it will be a great help, but…’

Like a wavering love, the oil lamp lit in the dark room flickers.

The actress has already perfectly assimilated into the role. Baek Ha-ni’s ego disappears, and Song Yi-seol, a modern woman of the Enlightenment period, exudes a presence that dominates the space.

‘If only I could see the face behind that mask, even once.’

How much discrimination and disregard has she experienced in this land just because she is a woman?

Even among the Independence Army, there were many who were unhappy with her learning gunnery and fighting for the liberation of the nation.

‘What’s the use of that? Whether it’s a man or a woman, an old man or a child, the moment they hold a knife, they are fighters. Instead of worrying about stupid things, think about how to kill even one more Japanese police officer.’

However, that Butcher’s Mask didn’t even care about her status or gender. He just treats her as one Independence Army fighter.

It’s already been several years since she had shooting skills sharper than men. If only she could fight back-to-back with him…

‘Where… where am I?’

When Song Yi-seol turned around, the Butcher’s Mask, who had already gotten up, was holding a dagger.

‘This is where we first met. I brought you up here after you collapsed.’

‘You did something unnecessary. The Hwangwoo Association bastards will chase after you, get out of here right now if you don’t want to die.’

She tries to act as if nothing is wrong, but her hoarse voice is clearly trembling.

Large drops of sweat fall from under the Butcher’s Mask that he is wearing. He must be struggling to even stand, as he has suffered such severe injuries.

‘There’s nothing permanent anyway. Not this country, nor human life. If we burn like a flame and then fade away, someone will remember us.’

‘You’re talking nonsense. Everything ends when you die, being remembered is for losers…’

‘Show me.’

The Butcher’s Mask’s body flinches. Director of Photography Seo Eung-seo, who is holding the camera, concentrates to the extreme so as not to miss even one of the actor’s movements.

One step closer, Song Yi-seol says with force.

‘I’ve always wanted to see your real face.’

‘Everyone around me died. If you come any closer, you’ll get hurt too.’

The voice that had been trying to imitate a hoarse voice that scrapes against metal has already returned to its original state.

The sharp blade touches the end of her neck, but Song Yi-seol takes another step forward without paying attention. Fake blood flows from the ultra-small capsule attached to the tip of the blade.

‘I decide my own destiny.’

Soon, her slender fingers take off the mask. What is revealed from behind the hideous Butcher’s Mask is the face of a handsome young man twisted in pain.

The moment she sees his face stained with sweat and blood, Song Yi-seol’s eyes widen.

‘Hey, why are you crying?’

‘Mind your own business! How do you know me?’

‘You must be a daughter from a rich family. Maybe the granddaughter of that Song family nobleman over there.’

As a child… when she ran away from home because it was unfair that she was not a man, she had met a child of the same age by that stream.

‘You must be a daughter from a great family. Maybe the granddaughter of that house with the high tiled roof over there.’

How surprised she was to hear the words that a man named ‘Lee Cheon-in’ said at the Gyeongseong ballroom. She couldn’t believe for a while that the boy had grown up like that.

‘Why… why, only now…’

Only then did the puzzle pieces fall into place.

The boy who sent her home when she was crying, the young businessman who returned from the West, the unidentified Butcher’s Mask who beheads the Japanese police officers of Gyeongseong.

All those clues were pointing to one thing.

Thud, clang.

The dagger that slipped from Lee Cheon-in’s hand rolls across the wooden floor.

Now the distance between the two is less than a hand span. With a tear-stained face, Song Yi-seol smiled brightly.

‘I knew it, it was you.’

This place is already Gyeongseong in the 1930s. The dozens of people surrounding the scene are sucked into the acting, forgetting to even breathe.

The moment the oil lamp shadow flickered… Baek Ha-ni’s outstretched hand cupped Park Geon’s cheek.

Without either of them taking the lead, heated breaths overlap.

.

.

.

‘Okay, no… Cut! Cut!’

‘…Director, how many minutes are you going to leave them alone for?’

* * *