Godsent Top Star [EN]: Chapter 150

The Tower’s Chosen Top Star 150. Watch It Twice, Watch It Three Times (1)(150/401)

150. Watch It Twice, Watch It Three Times (1)

2022.03.30.

I thought Ki Han-hyang’s analysis was quite plausible. Listening to Ki Han-hyang pointing out even unexpected aspects, it seemed as if everything was meticulously planned and filmed. Of course, ‘Judging from the script I read to understand the intentions, it didn’t seem quite like that though.’ From Yeon-woo’s perspective, Director Ji preferred moving instinctively rather than with meticulous plans. He was like a bear in appearance, but he knew how to dig deep into people’s emotions. Although his appearance, actions, words, and thoughts all seemed gentle, the results were astonishing, even to Yeon-woo. Director Ji was a genius. ‘Would it matter if the result is good even if it wasn’t intentionally done?’ Well, it’s like interpreting a dream. It reminds me of the college entrance exam I took a few years ago. The Korean language section problems felt like this, didn’t they? It’s like this: I heard that the person who wrote the poem that was regularly featured in the Korean language section was asked to solve the problems based on their own poem. Everyone expected the original author to get all the answers right. But the result? They got everything wrong, or so I heard. Anyway, Director Ji would probably just blink, wondering what I’m talking about, but oh well. Director Ji isn’t here, so it doesn’t matter. That’s what Yeon-woo thought. All the while, he was unaware of what kind of internal and mental changes Ki Han-hyang was undergoing under that gaze filled with such wonder. “Wow. It seems you really enjoyed the movie. Not just because I’m the main character, but as an actor, I’m really happy that you watched the movie so closely.” It was Yeon Do-hee’s genuinely impressed voice that broke the reverie. Following Yeon-woo, even Yeon Do-hee, instead of being horrified, looked at him with eyes of admiration, which made Ki Han-hyang’s cheekbones slightly flushed. What do they call this… being a *choeae* [one’s ultimate favorite or bias]? It felt great to have his *choeae* clap for him, saying he was amazing. The PDs’ [Production Directors] and writers’ expressions became strange as they watched Ki Han-hyang’s delighted face, but Ki Han-hyang didn’t care at all. The atmosphere had become much friendlier than when they first started. “Personally, this is what I thought after watching this movie.” “I’m very worried and also… excited to hear what you thought.” “Why were you worried?” “I don’t know. Why was I so worried? Is it because it’s been a while since I filmed a movie?” Sob. Ki Han-hyang hid his tears inside upon hearing those words. The rumor that Yeon Do-hee was suffering hardships unsuitable for her level because she had met an incompetent manager was already widespread in Chungmuro [the center of the South Korean film industry]. ‘Our Yeo-won… let’s only walk on flower paths from now on…!’ Ki Han-hyang thought, unaware that his illness was deepening. At the same time, he carefully chose his words to comfort Yeon Do-hee. “I think those who watch this movie will have the same thought as me.” “What thought?” “That it’s such a waste that Do-hee is only now appearing in this kind of movie.” “Hahaha! Han-hyang, you’re so funny! We can just keep seeing each other from now on. Right?” “You’re stating the obvious.” He criticized the incompetent company and also pinpointed why Yeon Do-hee had not succeeded in movies. At least, anyone interested in Yeon Do-hee would understand the behind-the-scenes story and his intentions intertwined with it. “My recommendation is this: When you watch it for the first time, don’t think about anything and just enjoy it. When you watch it for the second time, immerse yourself in the emotional lines. And when you watch it for the third time, think about the devices placed throughout the movie, and the emotions you feel will be different each time you watch it.” Yeon Do-hee laughed at his serious expression, saying that you can only taste the real flavor after watching it three times. “Aren’t you going to make our movie reach ten million viewers thanks to you, Han-hyang?” “Isn’t that obvious? More than that, your chemistry looks so good, not only in the movie but also now. It feels like Yeo-won and Joo-young are standing right in front of me. If you two were to become Yeo-won and Joo-young again right now, what would you do?” Ki Han-hyang thought. ‘This is absolutely not for my personal gain…! I’m only doing this because I want to let people know what kind of atmosphere it is…!’ It was purely for the public good. “Those who have seen the movie must be very thirsty. I hope you can show them a little bit for those people.” Although his expectations were a bit, no, a lot, involved… “Now? I’m a little embarrassed…” Even as she said that, Yeon Do-hee, who was calmly composing her expression, looked like Yeo-won herself to Ki Han-hyang. Yeon Do-hee nodded slightly first. As if some unspoken agreement had been reached, Yeon-woo slowly lowered her eyes. And then, she bit her lip slightly, as if holding something back. ‘Oh my god.’ Without a single word. What was in front of Ki Han-hyang’s eyes was already Yeo-won and Joo-young. Yeon-woo’s fingertips hesitated, as if faltering. Her fingers, which seemed to be gently tapping the air, paused as if they were about to touch Yeon Do-hee’s face. Finally, Yeon-woo’s hand carefully touched Yeon Do-hee’s cheek. As if she was about to cry. Or as if she was smiling. A complex expression that was difficult to define arose on Yeon-woo’s face. What put an end to it was another hand that overlapped the hand touching her cheek.

“……” “……” Both of them were silent, but the expressions that revealed all emotions and the feelings conveyed from their touching hands said everything. Gazes that looked straight at each other conveyed heavy emotions and intersected. How long had they been like that? Ki Han-hyang thought. ‘Good job, me. I’m so glad I asked for that earlier!’ The complex feelings of Yeo-won and Joo-young and the emotions they couldn’t ignore towards each other despite that. The heart that was watching all of that being conveyed right next to him was, in a word, this: ‘Jackpot.’ Perhaps that was why. “……Is this enough?” It was when Yeon-woo’s voice was heard that Ki Han-hyang, who had suddenly come to his senses, confused her name, unlike himself. “Wow…… I really felt like Yeo-won and Joo-young were in front of me just now! I really felt it when I watched the movie, but your chemistry is really amazing. Especially when Joo-young firmly takes hold of the atmosphere, Yeo-won’s reaction is really…… the two of you understand each other without saying a word. Those who have seen the movie will know. You’ll know why I’m reacting like this. There’s no need for words between these two people.” He quickly regained his senses and spoke, but. Clap clap! With the sound of applause, the FD [Floor Director] shouted loudly. “Let’s cut for a moment!” “Huh? No, we were doing well, why are you cutting?” Ki Han-hyang reacted sharply to the sudden interruption. The PD [Production Director] answered. “Han-hyang, you confused the names.” “Yes?” “The names. You called them by the movie character names.” “……Did I?” “The scene just now wasn’t bad, but let’s go again for now.” ……Really? It’s a mistake that’s hard to believe. Soon after, filming resumed. Fortunately, the friendly atmosphere continued until the end of filming. He mixed up the character names and called them a few more times after that. As a result, it was a very good thing. “Ki Han-hyang wasn’t as scary as Yeon-woo said. He was actually very funny. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a funny critic.” Ki Han-hyang’s image within Yeon Do-hee and Yeon-woo had completely changed. It was a stroke of luck in misfortune for Ki Han-hyang, who wanted to give a good image no matter what. “I don’t know why my acquaintances are so against him……” Yeon Do-hee tilted her head and waved her hand before leaving the broadcasting station. “Rest well and see you tomorrow at Samsung!” The schedule was set up near Samsung Station. The first stage greeting was it. Finally. It was the long-awaited release date. *
“Ugh, why am I even more nervous than at the VIP premiere?” “It looks like Director Ji is dead.” “It’s understandable. This is the first time Director Ji has been surrounded by so many people in his life, right?” After finishing the stage greetings, which they didn’t know how it ended. The movie team that came outside was properly surrounded by crowds. It could have been quite difficult if there hadn’t been a security team hired by the movie theater. It was very impressive to see people with reddened eyes everywhere, as if the people who had seen the movie earlier hadn’t left and had been waiting. “Still, our movie… it looks like it’s going to do well, right?” They were likely exhausted from pushing through the crowd. However, their haggard faces were filled with anticipation rather than exhaustion. “The signs were there since the VIP premiere, but… seeing the good reactions right after the release, I feel like I can die now.” One of the staff members muttered, and the assistant director replied. “No, you can’t die now. We can’t go on all our stage greetings if you die now.” “Ah, that’s right.” “You should also give Director Ji some sweets and put him somewhere. That way, he’ll come to his senses and wander around tomorrow.” “Shouldn’t we get our director some herbal medicine? Why is he worse than Yeo-won and Joo-young, who are getting more spotlight?” One of the actors threw out a joke. “Oh, I knew from the start that it would take off? So, I took a dose of calming medicine.” “Really, considering we’re going to travel around the country starting tomorrow, we should feed him something.” “After barely surviving death, it would be a waste to collapse at the best time.” The strong camaraderie forged through the crisis of death created a heartwarming atmosphere even in a very tiring situation. “I think I’m not going to get any sleep tonight. I can’t bear to wonder about the reactions.” “I think I’ll be nervous until the opening score is accurately released.” “I guess. I don’t feel it either. I think I’ll only really feel it after some more time. What if it only shines at the beginning?” A successful first step. But there are still some *bul-an-han* [unsettled/anxious] factors left. If people who have heard the word-of-mouth from the VIP premiere watch the movie with expectations and are disappointed, it could *oh-hryeo sim-eo-jil* [rather plant] a bad image. Great expectations, great disappointment. It is natural that it hurts more if you rise high and then fall. “Let’s calm down for now. It’s not too late to be happy after we’re on track.” Perhaps this is why. The reason why Yeon-woo became attached to these people. There is no one arrogant or conceited, even though they have a great success right in front of them. ‘I think it will succeed.’ Yeon-woo quietly mumbled to himself. And as if reflecting that thought, the word-of-mouth that had been slowly spreading began to spread quickly like a fire burning in a dry field. *
The Republic of Korea, a country of cinephiles. Regardless of genre, if it’s fun, it spreads by word of mouth and even revives theaters that were *jool-eo-deul* [shrinking/declining]. Even if it is *mil-lyeo* [pushed back] in the marketing and *ga-ryeo-jyeo* [covered/hidden] by other movies, once it starts to spread by word of mouth properly, it shines even late. *Yu-jaem-mu-jwe, no-jaem-yu-jwe* [If it’s fun, it’s innocent; if it’s not fun, it’s guilty]. No matter how much money you pour into it, if it’s not fun, there’s no mercy. On the other hand, even if it’s a movie that was barely released with little capital, if it’s fun, people flock to it and make the distributors increase the *gwan-soo* [number of screens]. In this situation, in the case of ‘The Most Beautiful Days,’ which has been rumored to be ‘재밌다 [jae-mi-da – fun/interesting]’ from the beginning, there was no need to say *gil-ge* [long/lengthy]. [Watch *ga-nal-deul* [The Most Beautiful Days] twice, watch it three times. Watch it a lot.]