Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 120 Aftershocks and Realization After the Broadcast Halt

Nine o'clock the next morning.

SBS television station's official website posted an update:
[Announcement Regarding the Cancellation of the Program "Jae-hoon's Moonlight Drive"]

Due to scheduling adjustments, the late-night radio program "Jae-hoon's Moonlight Drive" will be temporarily suspended starting today. Thank you for your support. Please check the SBS website and official SNS for future program schedules.

—SBS Radio Division

Within ten minutes of the announcement being released, hundreds of discussion posts instantly appeared on Kang Jae-hoon's personal DC site.

[Hot Topic] Radio station suddenly stopped broadcasting: Is it a sign of distorted humanity or moral decay?
1st floor: What's going on? It was broadcasting fine yesterday, and it's suddenly gone today?
12th Floor: I heard it's because last night's episode was too sensitive...

13th Floor: Could you elaborate upstairs? I was working overtime last night and didn't hear it.
Floor 14: Kang Jae-hoon subtly mocked the Sewol ferry rescue throughout the entire incident using takeout food and life jackets; it gave me goosebumps.

33rd floor: So brave?
44th floor: JTBC's signal was cut off, and SBS radio was also blocked. This country is beyond saving.

55th floor: Will Kang Jae-hoon be blacklisted? "Veteran" isn't even finished filming yet.
88th floor: Damn it... This country is truly beyond saving.

……

The administrator quickly deleted the post when it had accumulated over 300 comments.

At the same time, a new announcement was quickly pinned to the top—

[Urgent Announcement] Must Read by All Ginger Fans

1. Effective immediately, all discussions related to the Sewol ferry disaster are prohibited.
2. Reposting sensitive posts from other forums is prohibited.
3. Support activities will proceed as scheduled, but avoid mentioning the radio station's suspension.
4. Report any suspicious accounts immediately.
—Administrator "Jae-hoon's Lapel Pin".

Reply 1: Received!
Reply 8: Just banned three accounts that were stirring up trouble!
Reply 13: Did any of you go to the set of "Veteran" to show your support today?

Reply 14: I went! Hoon oppa even smiled and accepted my gift~
Reply 15: Really? That's great TT
Reply 16: But the agent is keeping a close eye on us and won't let us ask anything about the radio station.
Reply 22: Everyone, focus on promoting our work; the storm will pass.
……

The rest area on the set of "Veteran".

Kang Jae-hoon was sitting in a folding chair, flipping through the script.

His scenes originally scheduled for today have been moved to tomorrow.

Director Ryu Seung-wan was worried that his emotional fluctuations would affect the filming.

"Jaehoon."

Jin Dayuan, with a toothpick in his mouth, swaggered over and said, "The farmers' association called."

"Hmm?" Kang Jae-hoon turned his head.

"The apple juice subscription expires this month and I won't renew it."

"reason?"

"They say it's a... brand strategy adjustment."

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the awning and fell on Kang Jae-hoon's script.

He stared at the spots of light for a few seconds and asked:
How many endorsements are left?

"FILA's contract is still valid, the rest..."

Jin Dayuan flipped through the memo: "Most of them have fallen through."

"Oh……"

Kang Jae-hoon nodded and continued flipping through the script.

His gold-rimmed glasses reflected the sunlight, obscuring his expression.

"Don't think so much."

Jin Dayuan pulled up a chair and sat down next to him:

"It's good that these side endorsements are gone. Once 'Veteran' is released, wouldn't it be better to just get an endorsement for a national beer brand than to sell juice?"

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded, comforting himself, "It's good to focus on filming."

"correct."

Jin Dayuan hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice:

"At the radio station, both the PD and the writer submitted their resignation letters this morning."

"So fast?"

"The Ministry of Culture is putting pressure on us, and the station can't withstand it."

Jin Dayuan sighed:
"But don't worry too much. Talented producers like them can still thrive on a different platform."

The sunlight suddenly became dazzling.

Kang Jae-hoon took off his glasses and rubbed his throbbing temples.

Jin Dayuan took a brown paper envelope from his briefcase and handed it over:

"The writer also left you a letter for me to pass on."

Kang Jae-hoon opened the envelope.

Two photos slipped out from inside.

The top photo is a group photo from the SBS Entertainment Awards.

Kang Jae-hoon stood in the center with a bright smile, flanked by a PD holding a trophy and a writer making a peace sign.

The words "Best Team" were written in highlighter around the edge of the photo.

The second image is the chibi-style character designed when the show premiered.

Kang Jae-hoon, wearing headphones, sits on a crescent moon with the Seoul night sky in the background.

Finally, there was a handwritten note:

[For the bravest DJ—]

When everyone is silent, your voice is the light.

Kang Jae-hoon stroked the edge of the photo.

Memories of late-night script discussions, the nervousness of my first live broadcast, the joy of receiving letters from listeners... flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.

"I'll manage your social media accounts for now, we'll talk about it again once things calm down."

Jin Dayuan's voice pulled him back to reality.

"Ah."

Just as Kang Jae-hoon was putting the photos away, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure at the entrance to the film set—

Even with a mask and baseball cap on, he recognized her at a glance as Lee Sung-kyung.

She was carrying a thermos and was being stopped by security guards outside the cordon.

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly stood up.

"what happened?"

Jin Dayuan followed his gaze and immediately understood: "Oh~ someone's come to visit the set again?"

Ignoring his manager's teasing, Kang Jae-hoon strode toward the entrance.

Lee Sung-kyung visibly breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him coming, and complained:

"The security on your film set is tighter than at the Blue House."

"How did you come?"

Lee Sung-kyung didn't answer, she just handed over the insulated container:
"Take it."

The weighty feel was warm to the touch. Kang Jae-hoon opened it and took a look—

Inside was steaming hot ginseng chicken soup, with several small boxes of kimchi and a bottle of vitamins tucked in the side.

"you……"

Kang Jae-hoon opened his mouth, but suddenly didn't know what to say.

Lee Sung-kyung had already turned to leave:

"I have other plans, so I'll be going now."

"and many more--"

Kang Jae-hoon reached out to grab her shoulder, but because Lee Sung-kyung had long legs and took large strides, his hand hooked onto the crisscrossing straps at the back of her bra when he reached down.

The whole world seemed to have been put on pause.

Lee Sung-kyung froze on the spot, her back ramrod straight, and she clenched her teeth to squeeze out a few words:
"Don't let go!"

Kang Jae-hoon then seemed to wake from a dream and hurriedly loosened his grip—

"Snapped!"

The sound of the elastic band snapping back was particularly crisp at the quiet entrance to the film set.

The security guard immediately turned his head to look at the scenery, but his shoulders were suspiciously trembling.

Lee Sung-kyung suddenly turned around.

Kang Jae-hoon's hand was still frozen in mid-air when their eyes met—

"Kang! Jae! Hoon!"

Lee Sung-kyung's face turned bright red, and her clenched fist was raised halfway in the air:

"Want to die?"

"I...I didn't mean to..."

Kang Jae-hoon instinctively took two steps back, using the thermos in his hand as his only shield.

In the end, Lee Sung-kyung just glared at him fiercely, then turned and strode away.

Jiang Zai Xun, carrying the insulated container, watched her murderous figure disappear around the corner before finally letting out a sigh of relief.

"Aigoo~ Our young master Thames is quite charming, isn't he?"

Liu Haizhen appeared behind him at some point, grinning mischievously.

"Uh……"

Kang Jae-hoon touched the back of his neck sheepishly and said, "Hae-jin hyung, would you like to try some?"

"No thanks, no thanks."

Yoo Hae-jin waved his hands repeatedly, making an exaggerated expression of fear:
"That lady's eyes could kill; I wouldn't dare share her chicken soup with me. But..."

He patted Kang Jae-hoon on the shoulder and lowered his voice:
"Those who come to see you at a time like this are true friends."

"Um……"

After watching Yoo Hae-jin leave, Kang Jae-hoon returned to the rest area and opened the thermos.

The aroma of ginseng chicken soup immediately filled the air.

I took out my phone, hesitated for a moment, and then sent a message:

【Thanks. 】

Also... I'm sorry.

The message was marked as read immediately after it was sent.

Lee Sung-kyung's reply popped up quickly:

[Why apologize? The Sewol ferry didn't sink because of you.]

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the screen for a few seconds, then added:
I mean... I'm sorry I made you worry.

After a two-minute silence—

[Lee Sung-kyung]: Don't flatter yourself.

Lee Sung-kyung: Who's worried about you?
[Lee Sung-kyung]: I'm just afraid you'll starve to death on set and no one will share the rent with me.

As Jiang Zaihun looked at the message, the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up. He scooped up a spoonful of ginseng chicken soup and put it in his mouth. The fragrant, warm liquid slid down his esophagus into his stomach, and even the knot in his chest eased a bit.

(Still the same as always)

finally.

Kang Jae-hoon simply replied with an "Mm".

He knew Lee Sung-kyung's temperament—

The more I explained, the angrier she became.

It's better to obediently accept this awkward concern.

I just put my phone down, and the screen lit up again—

[Lim Yoona]: I heard that a certain DJ lost his job today?
He almost choked on the soup.

Another message popped up immediately afterward:
[Lim Yoona]: But I think you're more suited to morning shows than late-night radio.

Kang Jae-hoon wiped his mouth and replied:

【why? 】

The moment the read notification lit up, Yoona's reply carried her characteristic lighthearted rhythm:

Because sunshine suits you better^^

Kang Jae-hoon stared at his phone screen, his thoughts suddenly drifting back to the day of the radio premiere—

Yoona once said that her voice is as gentle and healing as moonlight.

But now, she says the sunshine suits him better.

(So ​​which one is a better match...?)
Just as I was lost in thought, another message popped up:
[Lim Yoona]: By the way, we are currently holding our third tour concert in Japan.

[Lim Yoona]: Want to come play? I'll save you a VVVIP seat^^
[Lim Yoona]: It's good to just relax.

(Girls' Generation Concert)

(Where are the VVVIP seats?)
(What should I say?)

Kang Jae-hoon hesitated for a moment, then finally replied honestly:

Thank you, and best of luck with the concert!

Almost instantly—

[Lim Yoona]: More than cheering, I'd like to hear you say "I'll be there"~
[Kang Jae-hoon]: It depends on the filming schedule, if the director approves the leave...

[Lim Yoona]: Then it's settled ^^
[Lim Yoona]: I'll have my manager coordinate the schedule with Kim Dae-won~
Kang Jae-hoon blinked—

(I didn't agree, did I?)
But Yoona has clearly already unilaterally decided on this matter.

This gentle yet undeniably assertive style is very much like Im Yoona's.

As Kang Jae-hoon was considering how to reply to Im Yoon-ah, his phone vibrated again—

[Bae Suzy]: [Image]
Clicking on it reveals a screenshot of a donation receipt.

The amount is 5000 million Korean won.

The recipient of the payment is the "Sewol Ferry Victims' Families Association".

The donor information section displays "anonymous".

Then a second message popped up:
[Bae Suzy]: [News Link]
[Bae Suzy]: See, there are still people who dare to stand up to us.

Kang Jae-hoon clicked on the news—

A lawmaker was sued by KBS under Article 18 of the Broadcasting Act for pressuring them to broadcast content related to the Sewol ferry disaster, and was fined 600 million won. [Bae Suzy]: It's a pity my account is managed by my company, otherwise…

The sentence was withdrawn before it was finished.

A new message followed immediately:
[Bae Suzy]: In short, don't feel like you're fighting alone.

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the screen for a few seconds, then suddenly remembered something—

[Kang Jae-hoon]: How's the coffee shop doing lately?
[Bae Suzy]: Business is good. Do any "unemployed people" want to come and work?
Kang Jae-hoon's lips twitched—

(Unemployed?)

[Kang Jae-hoon]: After filming for "Veteran" wraps up, I'll take my resume to apply for a barista position.

[Bae Suzy]: No need to bring a resume, just bring your face.

[Bae Suzy]: Our store is currently lacking a "signboard man".

"..."

The "visual board" in "visual board man" refers to a shop sign, that is, a signboard made for publicity and advertising.

"Lang" refers to the male signboard of a store, that is, male waiters and male employees who can increase the popularity of the store and the flow of customers.

In other words, the "visitor" himself is a "living signboard".

Its inherent charm can serve as a means of publicity and attracting popularity.

Kang Jae-hoon stared into thought as he looked at the seemingly joking message.

like……

This is the second time she has expressed her approval of her appearance...

(What should I say?)

(Saying "okay"? That's too frivolous.)
(To refuse would seem tactless.)
Ultimately, he chose a compromise emoji: 【Cheng Long Duang.jpg】

Bae Suzy's reply came very quickly:

[Bae Suzy]: It's settled then.

[Bae Suzy]: Remember to wear a white shirt. Our store manager is a shirt fanatic.

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon belatedly realized—

(Was it decided unilaterally again?)

He shook his head helplessly and didn't reply.

When he switched back to the chat list, he found that Krystal Jung had not sent him any messages.

(strangeness.)

Normally, she would have sent more than a dozen messages by now at this time.

(Maybe he's busy?)

After hesitating for a moment, Kang Jae-hoon still sent a message:
【What are you doing? 】

Just as I was about to post another message, the folding chair next to me was suddenly pulled out.

"Oh, a heartwarming chicken soup?"

Kang Jae-hoon's hand trembled, and he turned off the screen before sending the message.

Huang Zhengmin had already sat down next to him, his gaze fixed on the thermos:

"It smells nice."

Kang Jae-hoon hurriedly handed over the spoon, then, as if remembering something, took out a wet wipe, carefully wiped it again, and handed it over again.

"tasty."

Hwang Jung-min took the spoon, scooped up a spoonful of soup, and put it in his mouth:

"Jae-hoon, do you know what's most important for an actor?"

"Acting?"

Kang Jae-hoon replied subconsciously.

Huang Zhengmin shook his head and said:
"It is enlightenment."

"As a public figure, you must be prepared to bear the consequences of every choice you make."

The chicken soup sloshed in the spoon, golden droplets of oil reflecting the depths in Hwang Jung-min's eyes:

"Just like this spoonful of soup, whether it warms your stomach or burns your throat, you have to weigh it carefully yourself."

Kang Jae-hoon didn't quite understand whether he was blaming or praising him.

"But actors are human too."

Hwang Jung-min suddenly changed the subject:
"Everyone should have a conscience. I found what they said on the radio last night quite satisfying."

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly looked up.

"But you know—"

Huang Zhengmin scooped up the fattest chicken leg from the thermos and mumbled, "If you want to do the right thing, you have to have the resources to do it right first."

He glanced meaningfully at the camera in the center of the set:
"And your capital is your work."

Kang Jae-hoon turned to look at the camera and suddenly understood the teacher's unspoken meaning—

Anger solves nothing.

But influence is possible.

If one day his name can guarantee box office success;
If one day his work can drive legislative reform like "The Crucible";
If one day his influence could even garner votes for an upright legislator...

That is true power.

Kang Jae-hoon immediately stood up and bowed ninety degrees to Hwang Jung-min:

"Thank you, teacher. I understand."

"Ah."

Hwang Jung-min took out a tissue to wipe his mouth, then got up and left.

As Kang Jae-hoon watched Hwang Jung-min's retreating figure, he realized—

The most important thing right now is to make a good film of "Veteran," to portray the character of Cho Tae-oh to the fullest, and to make every viewer remember this twisted chaebol face...

This is the most important thing to do right now.

Thinking of this, he reached for the thermos to finish the remaining ginseng chicken soup and replenish his strength, but then he discovered...

The bucket was empty.

Not a single goji berry was left.

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the smooth bottom of the bucket for a long time before suddenly bursting out laughing.

(As expected of a teacher.)
(Even educators do this so subtly and quietly.)
The next day.

Filming location at a high-end club in Myeongdong.

The crew of "Veteran" is currently filming Jo Tae-oh's final celebration before he runs away.

"Attention all units."

"Scene 87 of 'Veteran,' 1 shot, 1 take!"

"Action!"

"Snapped--"

The moment the clapperboard fell, the previously silent venue instantly erupted into chaos.

The camera follows Kang Jae-hoon's silhouette as he moves to showcase the environment.

Push open the clubhouse door—

The deafening music instantly filled my eardrums.

Beneath the opulent crystal chandelier, the champagne tower casts a mesmerizing glow. Scantily clad men and women sway on the dance floor, the air thick with the decadent scent of alcohol and perfume.

Kang Jae-hoon's character, Jo Tae-oh, enters the club surrounded by a group of bodyguards.

Today he wore a dark red velvet suit, and his eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses were languid yet dangerous, like a satiated lion surveying its territory.

In the center of the dance floor.

A man wearing a sequined vest is spinning around a steel pole—

Her legs traced graceful arcs in the air, her core strength perfectly controlled. As she turned, the lines of her back muscles were faintly visible under the lights, drawing whistles from those around her.

Kang Jae-hoon paused slightly, biting hard on the soft flesh inside his mouth to suppress a laugh—

Kang Ha-neul, who plays undercover detective Yoon in the drama, is currently twisting his waist vigorously.

Camera zooms in—

Zhao Taiwu slowly walked to the center of the dance floor, observing the male dancers performing with great interest.

Kang Ha-neul's character, undercover detective Yoon Sung-min, noticed the gaze and immediately began to twist and turn even more vigorously.

A beautiful inverted hook;

This was followed by a powerful single-arm supported rotation;
It ended with a seductive wave, and the fingertips even flicked provocatively.

Kang Jae-hoon's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

(So ​​sexy...)
(I never expected Kang Ha-na to have this side to him...)
(If only I had played this role back then...)
Kang Jae-hoon quickly stopped his wandering thoughts and reached out his hand behind him—

The lackey immediately understood and handed over a thick stack of ten thousand yuan in banknotes.

He took the money, casually fiddled with it between his fingers, and then suddenly flung his hand away—

"Wow!"

Banknotes fell on Jiang Hena like snowflakes.

The whole audience was silent for a second.

Immediately afterwards, the lackey shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Tonight's entire bill—will be on Young Master Zhao!!!"

"Wow--!!!"

Cheers instantly resounded throughout the clubhouse.

Champagne sprayed out, and the music was deafening.

Enjoying the fervent gazes of the crowd, Kang Jae-hoon casually waved his hand, as if bestowing a favor, and turned to walk towards the VIP box.

The camera continued to follow his retreating figure—

The dark red suit, under the hazy lights, was as alluring as blood, blending perfectly with the surrounding decadent atmosphere.

"Crack!"

Director Ryu Seung-wan's voice came through the loudspeaker:
"Why did you twitch your lips just now, Kang Jae-hoon?"

(...)
(Caught red-handed)
Just as Kang Jae-hoon was about to make an excuse that it was a side effect of gaining fans, he was asked to reshoot the scene.

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon turned around and met Kang Ha's resentful gaze—

The other person was still in the pose from when they finished pole dancing, covered in banknotes, looking like a turtle in a wishing well.

"puff……"

Kang Jae-hoon finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Jiang Hena gritted her teeth and gave the middle finger, silently accusing him with her mouth:
"You deliberately!"

"..."

"This one is approved!"

After the third reshoot, director Ryu Seung-wan finally nodded in satisfaction.

In the second scene, Kang Jae-hoon's aura was perfect, but Kang Ha-neul couldn't help but laugh when he was hit in the face with a banknote.
Thirdly, the two finally got into the zone.

A single glance perfectly conveyed the arrogance of a chaebol and the forbearance of an undercover agent.

"Get ready for the next match!"

Liu Chengwan clapped his hands, and the scene immediately sprang into action.

—Next scene:

Zhao Taiwu's "girlfriend" (played by Liu Renying) broke into the private room and threatened him with pregnancy. In the end, she was forced to inject him with an overdose of drugs and died.

The preparation for this scene was more complicated than expected.

The movement patterns, emotional outburst points, prop safety, and lighting design are all very complicated.

"In a moment, Kang Jae-hoon will grab Yoo In-young by the hair and drag her from here to the coffee table. The lighting should follow their movement."

The lighting technician immediately adjusted the angle of the spotlight after hearing this.

Fluorescent stickers marking movement paths on the carpet.

"Close-up shot of the syringe."

Ryu Seung-wan turned to the photographer:

"From Kang Jae-hoon's hand shaking to Yoo In-young's terrified expression, the final image freezes on the reflection of the needle."

"Kang Jae-hoon."

Kang Jae-hoon, who was suddenly called out, immediately stood up straight:
"exist."

"When you give the injection, your expression should convey enjoyment, not just anger, but a cruel pleasure."

"clear."

"When filming begins, the coffee table will be replaced with sugar glass in advance, so that the impact of Liu Renying smashing and falling down must be realistic."

"..."

While Ryu Seung-wan was giving Yoo In-young acting instructions.

Kang Jae-hoon took the syringe, walked to the mirror, and began practicing the injection motion.

The self in the mirror gradually becomes unfamiliar—

The look in his eyes behind the glasses gradually turned into a morbid excitement, the muscles at the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and finally settled into a smile that was somewhere between pleasure and distortion.

(strangeness……)
(Suddenly I'm starting to enjoy it...)
(This kind of control over the life and death of others)

(Twisted pleasure...)
The makeup artist, who was applying makeup to Liu Renying, whispered in admiration:
"The way actress Jiang looks at me now... it's creepy."

“Get ready to shoot!”

The assistant director's shouts brought him back to reality.

Kang Jae-hoon took a deep breath and gently placed the syringe on the dressing table.

(It's time to begin.)
(End of this chapter)