Holy Idol [EN]: Chapter 210

< 210. A Kind Person >

Rembrary returned to the dorm and lay on his bed. He placed a basket of tangerines he had bought from the mart a few days ago on one side, and the synopsis and script he received from Writer Yoon on the other.

In that position, he peeled a tangerine and examined the synopsis first.

The backdrop of the story was a fictional Joseon [Korean dynasty from 1392 to 1897], borrowing the form of Joseon but with many differences from actual history.

On the very first page, after a star mark, it was written, ‘Fiction, and to be indicated during broadcast that it differs greatly from actual history.’

‘What is fiction?’

Rembrary tilted his head and continued reading the synopsis.

When society becomes chaotic due to a five-year-long rebellion, the king seeks a way to focus people’s attention.

As a result, the Hwarang [elite warrior group of male youth in Silla, an ancient Korean kingdom] system of the Silla Dynasty [one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea] is chosen as a way to appease those dissatisfied with the class system and inspire loyalty to the country. The idea is to appropriately modify the system to fit modern times.

The qualifications for application are to be 15 years of age or older and not be a slave. Anyone could volunteer as long as they met these requirements. A unique aspect is the revival of the Wonhwa [female counterpart to the Hwarang] system as well….

‘What is Hwarang, and what is Wonhwa?’

Rembrary, finding too many unfamiliar words, eventually closed the synopsis and looked them up in the dictionary.

At a glance, he could understand most of it with the knowledge he had gained from studying for the ‘Three Kings’ variety show, but when he actually looked it up, he kept getting stuck. Thanks to that, it took him a long time to read even the first episode.

* * *

The female lead, ‘Go Gyuin,’ was the only legitimate daughter of the famous Go clan, which had produced Naegeumwijang [royal guards] for generations, and she had three older brothers.

All three brothers were outstanding martial artists, but Gyuin inherited her father’s martial talent the most.

However, the social atmosphere demanded that women from noble families be gentle and virtuous, and the education given to women from noble families was limited to managing household affairs and handling slaves.

Even if she was dissatisfied with this, she would only be seen as strange, and the surroundings would not change, so Gyuin always lived with a sense of frustration.

Then, an announcement is made about selecting Wonhwa and Hwarang. The evaluation criteria presented are surprisingly martial arts skills, neat appearance, leadership, and loyalty, which are different from what was required of the existing noble families’ sons.

Seeing this, Gyuin is overjoyed and wants to apply. However, her father, who taught her swordsmanship and horse riding, unexpectedly opposes it.

“Do you know why they are trying to revive the Wonhwa and Hwarang system this time? It is to appease those of low status. In reality, even if you pass the military examination with top honors, you are treated worse than those who pass the literary examination. What if you become a Wonhwa, and the position disappears or is not used properly? Then you will be left hanging in the air. I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Yes, Gyuin. If it’s your skill, you will definitely become a Wonhwa. But what if you become a Wonhwa and the position suddenly disappears? Then you’ll be left floating in the air. I don’t think this is good either.”

In fact, in most noble families, even if a man becomes a martial artist, he is looked down upon, so they prevent their daughters from applying to become Wonhwa, fearing what they might hear if a noble lady becomes a martial artist.

Because of this situation, the majority of applicants are commoners and daughters of concubines. This includes Gyuin’s half-sister, Haedam, who is also a daughter of a concubine.

“Young lady, you are about to marry a virtuous and intelligent fiancé. Don’t be too upset.”

After Haedam leaves first, Gyuin seriously contemplates but decides that she cannot miss this opportunity because of a fiancé she doesn’t even know. She secretly applies to become a Wonhwa.

Meanwhile, the male lead, ‘Baek Seolcho,’ is the second son of the Daesejehak [Chief Scholar], and he is evaluated as being more intelligent than his older brother, and his appearance is also outstanding.

However, Baek Seolcho is also constantly overshadowed by his older brother because of his position as the second son.

Originally, he had a good relationship with his brother, but people kept comparing the eldest and second sons, saying things like, ‘Their order is reversed. The father is a tiger, but the first son is a puppy, and the second is a tiger cub.’

The older brother gradually distances himself from Baek Seolcho, and eventually, Baek Seolcho, tired of being treated poorly at home, impulsively applies to become a Hwarang.

“No, are you crazy? You’re not even good at martial arts, so why Hwarang?”

“The significance is not in being selected as a Hwarang. The significance is in applying.”

“So, you’re crazy! Why would a decent noble family’s son apply there!”

“That way, people will stop comparing me to my brother.”

“!”

“That way, my brother won’t treat me like I’m a future enemy.”

On the other hand, the second male lead, ‘Woo Baekyeon,’ commits the surprising act of applying to become a Hwarang even though he has already passed the civil service examination.

The only reason Woo Baekyeon applied to become a Hwarang is because of Go Gyuin, his childhood friend who is three years older than him. He wants to be by her side.

In that way, the main characters gather with one goal in mind… but a problem arises. Only two Wonhwa are needed, but there are more Wonhwa applicants than expected.

Originally, they were going to narrow down the candidates based on the conditions, but as the number increased too much and public interest grew more than expected, the officials began to discuss what criteria to use to choose two people.

At first, the opinion of selecting those with high status was dominant, but later, the opinion of selecting people with backgrounds that people would ‘like’ became dominant, as the original purpose was to appease those of low status.

Then, they agreed to openly hold a competition to prevent any further complaints.

In that way, the Wonhwa candidates are gathered in one place and hold an official competition.

There, Gyuin is very happy to meet her half-sister, Haedam.

“They’re choosing two Wonhwa. Let’s definitely both get chosen. If we combine our strengths, there won’t be any problems. Right?”

However, unlike Gyuin, who is happy, Haedam is not pleased that Gyuin is even here.

Gyuin, who grew up as the legitimate daughter of a great family, has the means to live her whole life without working. It seems like she is trying to take away even the small opportunity that has miraculously appeared for people like her.

Meanwhile, in a similar way, the Hwarang candidates are also gathered separately. The atmosphere here is also similar to the Wonhwa candidate group, with most of the applicants being sons of concubines and commoners. In this atmosphere, Seolcho, who is obviously a noble family’s son, is severely scrutinized even before the training camp begins.

“That’s Baek Seolcho.”

Woo Baekyeon, who had heard from a friend who applied together that Baek Seolcho had arrived and was looking around to see his face, sees Baek Seolcho getting into an argument with thugs for the first time.

The people causing trouble were quite rough, pouring out all sorts of insults at Baek Seolcho, calling him a gigolo and a weakling.

Woo Baekyeon goes there to help Baek Seolcho, and Baek Seolcho develops a liking for Woo Baekyeon.

However, Woo Baekyeon thinks to himself as he looks at Baek Seolcho.

‘Is that him? The man engaged to the woman I love.’

* * *

‘Was the original Woo Baekyeon such an innocent character that he would help the lover of the woman he has a crush on? But in the changed setting, Woo Baekyeon is helping Baek Seolcho with ulterior motives?’

Rembrary closed the script.

In the first episode, the role of Woo Baekyeon, which he was assigned, did not have many scenes. But there were no solo scenes. This meant that the other actors would have to film the same scenes again.

‘The schedule is tight, and they said they’re going into reshoots tomorrow.’

At that moment, the door opened, and Jungseo entered, her eyes fixed on her phone.

“The news is out. That you’re entering as a replacement.”

“May I see it?”

When Rembrary held out his hand, Jungseo handed him the phone. Rembrary quickly read through the article and looked at people’s reactions.

* * *

― One cheater leaves, another cheater comes ;;

― A three-timer came after the two-timer was kicked out ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ [laughing sounds]

― The character of Woo Baekyeon on the introduction page is played by Woo Yeonwoo? Hmm. I don’t know. Does it suit him?

― Isn’t a pure-hearted man who has a crush on his childhood friend not suitable for a ghost-seeing psycho…… Dongheon would be better.

ㄴ Dongheon would be better 222222 He has a similar image to the actor who dropped out, and his previous work is similar.

ㄴ 333333 It would have been easier to immerse myself.

ㄴ Dongheon is not good; his previous work is too similar, so it would rather break the immersion.

ㄴㄴ Dongheon’s previous work is similar to the role, so it breaks the immersion? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ [laughing sounds] Is Woo Yeonwoo, a two-timing entertainer, the only one whose previous work is like that? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ [laughing sounds]

ㄴㄴㄴ If you want to be picky, his previous work was a psychopath priest. To be honest, he was a good fit there. But to shake off that image and the variety show image, he has to act that well, but can Woo Yeonwoo act that well? I don’t know about that part.

― Let’s talk after watching it first. How can you talk about acting skills when you haven’t even seen the trailer?

― Wow, idols are so lucky. Even if they can’t dance, a member who dances well does it for them. Even if they act crazy, fans shield them. How long has it been since someone died in his previous work, and he’s already in a new one ㅋㅋㅋ [laughing sounds] He’s switching well

ㄴ New actors struggle to get even a small role. Because he’s an idol, he appears on a few variety shows and appears in all sorts of dramas. Imseo was at least a supporting role. Looking at the character introduction, this time it’s a main supporting role.

ㄴㄴ Next time, I bet he’ll be the main character. I’ll bet my leftover corn on the cob.

* * *

The reactions were not favorable.

Jungseo glanced at Rembrary, then stealthily covered the phone screen.

“News comments are almost always malicious. Don’t worry about it.”

“Jungseo.”

“Huh?”

“Why do you bet leftover corn on the cob when you make a bet?”

Jungseo smiled in relief. She expected that, but he really didn’t care at all.

Still, just in case, Jungseo sat on the bed and deliberately changed the subject.

“Have you read the script?”

“There are parts I don’t understand, but I’ve read it all for now.”

“Can I see it?”

When Rembrary handed over the script, Jungseo read it all and then returned it to Rembrary, asking.

“What don’t you understand?”

After that, Jungseo played the role of the other actor, and Rembrary practiced the scenes for tomorrow’s filming in advance.

He spent some time practicing the tone and manner of speaking that people expect in historical dramas.

After practicing repeatedly several times, Rembrary closed the script and asked.

“How is my expression? Do I seem like a younger man who is pretending to be kind with dark intentions?”

Jungseo hesitated whether to tell the truth or not. To be honest, he just seemed like a kind person.

“Jungseo?”

But when Rembrary asked again, Jungseo eventually chose a white lie.

“It’s the best.”

‘It’s okay. The director will edit it well.’ Jungseo, who reluctantly accepted it, quickly got into bed and covered herself with the blanket.

* * *

The next day.

Rembrary went to the filming set by car with Jongwoo and Sagamjae.

Since they were only reshooting the scenes that Rembrary appeared in, there were not as many actors at the filming set as there were yesterday.

“Have you read the script?”

When Rembrary entered the filming set, changed his clothes, and received makeup, Writer Yoon asked with shining eyes.

“We haven’t done a script reading yet, would you like to do it even for a moment while getting makeup? Here, Woo Baekyeon’s lines to Go Gyuin.”

< 210. A Kind Person > End

ⓒ Shin Hwajin