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

Chapter 146 Yoona's Secret Help in Pushing Away the Scene with Cha Tae-hyun
The opening weekend box office of "Ode to My Father" was like a precision-guided depth charge.

A massive wave has swept through the relatively calm South Korean film market at the end of the year—

[Wednesday Premiere]: 44.21 viewers – a strong opening! Far exceeding the second place by several times, setting the tone from the very first screening!

[Thursday]: 29.71 visits - a healthy decline on a weekday.

[Friday]: 32.51 visits – Signs of recovery are evident ahead of the weekend!
[Saturday]: 73.81 visitors – an explosive increase! Single-day peak!
[Sunday]: 68.51 visits – Continuing the weekend's success, the trend remains stable!

[Monday]: 31.61 visits – a stable start to the new week!
[Tuesday]: 30.11 visits - firmly holding the top spot and maintaining its position as the champion of the day!
Total attendance in the first week (7 days): 310.4 million!
It held an absolute advantage in the market share of all South Korean cinemas that week—55.3%!

This report card is dazzlingly impressive.

It has received rave reviews.

The media spared no expense in bestowing upon it exciting titles such as "Year-End Blockbuster," "National Tearjerker Feast," and "Hwang Jung-min's God-like Acting Performance."

The audience's red and swollen eyes as they left, and the ongoing discussion on social media.

All of this proclaims that this blockbuster film, directed by Yoon Je-kyun and starring Hwang Jung-min and other talented actors, is hurtling toward the legendary achievement of "ten million viewers" with unparalleled momentum.

Although it still has a way to go compared to this year's phenomenal "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (446.3 million viewers in its first week).

But as long as the lead actor doesn't have a scandal and the director doesn't get drunk and post some outrageous declarations on social media.

This film ultimately broke the national record of attracting tens of millions of viewers.

It's already a done deal.

even……

Aiming for even higher peaks.

however.

In stark contrast to the fervent celebration sweeping the film market—

It was the suffocating pressure that permeated the set of "The Himalayas" in Gangwon Province.

sky.

It was still that same gray, lifeless white, as if it had been painted with a cheap brush.

Let alone "heavy snowfall".

Even a decent frost is hard to find.

Director Lee Seok-hoon stood outside the command tent with his hands on his hips.

Those bloodshot eyes were fixed on the bare mountain ridgeline in the distance.

again and again.

It was as if they were trying to squeeze a blizzard out of the indifferent sky with their willpower.

These past few days, he has often been looking at satellite cloud images from the weather forecast center on his tablet.

The model evolved and changed repeatedly.

There is only one conclusion:
[With no significant cold air mass expected to move south in the near future, central and northern South Korea will remain warmer than average, resulting in an extremely low probability of snowfall.]

"We can't wait any longer! Activate the backup plan!"

Director Lee Seok-hoon glanced at Hwang Jung-min, who was wrapped in a thick down jacket and reading the script, clearly having also paused filming the climbing scenes due to the weather:
"Come with me to CJ headquarters."

—A real-life shoot in Nepal.

This means that at least an additional budget of 3 billion will be needed.

Acclimatization period at Everest South Base Camp, equipment, weather windows, safety measures, extensive local support...

Each one is an astronomical figure.

Lee Seok-hoon's ranking as a "spendthrift director" within CJ Entertainment is likely to soar once again.

They just gave Yin Jijun "International Market" a huge profit, and now he's trying to rip them off to cover his losses?
therefore.

If the "Himalaya" production team needs a sufficiently brutal and realistic snowstorm to imbue the film with its soul.

So, what price was paid...?

It seems that Hwang Jung-min's "divine face" is needed to withstand the scrutinizing and calculating gazes of the capitalists at CJ headquarters.

Go and break down the vault door.

……

The days passed slowly and agonizingly amidst the sweltering heat of the snowless nights and the overwhelming reports of good news from the International Market.

Hwang Jung-min accompanied Lee Seok-hoon to CJ headquarters to "beg for alms".

They would be gone for a whole day.

There has been no further communication.

They've lost their leader.

The entire filming of "Himalaya" was brought to a standstill.

Kang Jae-hoon nestled in a folding chair in the film set's dressing room.

The light from his phone screen illuminated his listless face.

My finger unconsciously tapped the LINE TV app.

I habitually want to browse the comments section of "Good Days".

The entire series of this show has already been quietly broadcast on LINE TV.

Only a few hundred views and a handful of lonely comments are scattered below each episode.

The rating displayed was a paltry 7.8.

Kang Jae-hoon was about to turn it off.

But my finger suddenly stopped on the screen!

Ok? !

The numbers in the comments section...something's not right!

The last time I looked, there were only a few scattered lines.

And now...

The numbers in the discussion forum are jumping up at a visible speed!

Just a few minutes.

It jumped from single digits to three digits!
what happened? !
Did the production company suddenly strike it rich and start spending money on promotion?
Or did the platform finally have a change of heart and give it a featured spot?
Kang Jae-hoon opened the comments section, puzzled.

I was instantly overwhelmed by a deluge of text—

[First row seat check-in! A must-watch recommended by Yoona unnie! Although I don't know what she's in, her taste is definitely on point!]

[Yoona is right! The male lead is really handsome! Screenshot [close-up of Kang Jae-hoon's poster for "A Good Day"] His profile is amazing!]

[I watched it! Yoona's cameo as the 'ex-girlfriend' was so gentle! Even though she only appeared for a few minutes, her charisma was amazing! Her breakup scene was so well acted!]

[Ahhh! Yunbao recommended this movie?! Oh my god, I saw a clip of it yesterday! The scene where the male lead rides an electric scooter on the beach in Jeju Island was so cool!]

[I came from Yoona's SNS! I even subscribed to LINE TV, which episode does she have a cameo in? I can't wait!]

[Yoona's recommendation? Guaranteed to be top-notch! Sisters, go for it!]

……

Yoona's name appeared in the comments like snowflakes.

Kang Jae-hoon instantly understood where this strange movement was coming from—

is her!

When I learned that "Good Days" was going to be lost forever.

Lim Yoona offered neither comfort nor guidance.

Instead, they subtly used their influence to boost the show's popularity.

A surge of emotion, a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and a certain indescribable warmth, welled up inside me.

He immediately switched to his chat window with her, his fingers flying across the screen:

Thank you! ...Thank you so much!

The mountain wind was still howling outside the shed.

Just when he thought that Yoona might be busy.

Ding--

Message notification sound!
A small red dot instantly popped up next to the calico cat's image.

The message was marked as "read" almost instantly.

The response was surprisingly fast.

[Lim Yoona]: How was my performance as the audience representative? And what about international actor Kang Jae-hoon, who had 310 million viewers in the first week? [Accompanied by a smug emoji with hands on hips]

Kang Jae-hoon's lips unconsciously curved upwards.

Even through the screen, I can imagine her beaming smile right now...

The original film was shut down, "For Love or Money" received a lot of negative reviews, and "A Good Day" was released without any fanfare.

It's as if this simple sentence and smiling emoji have blown away a lot of my worries.

[Kang Jae-hoon]: ...It's alright. (Laughs while covering face)

Then, unable to resist, she sent another message: 【How about you? How's your audition in China going?】

Ding--

[Lim Yoona]: I just finished the first round of fan meetings. The script and role were very challenging. The director was quite demanding, so the pressure was considerable. But I feel hopeful~ The atmosphere on set was also great, and the producer was very enthusiastic.

[Lim Yoona]: It's just...

[Lim Yoona]: What am I going to do with my little princess?

Kang Jae-hoon was about to reply, "Leave it to yourself."

But then it suddenly occurred to me—

If the director and teacher successfully "beg for alms"...

The Himalayas production team will begin filming in Nepal.

He had to go along too.

Moreover, the high-altitude environment is harsh, and the filming period will definitely not be short!

He himself might end up living like a savage in the freezing cold.

How am I supposed to take care of a cat?!

Fingertips hover over the screen.

For a while.

I finally typed it out after deleting and revising:

[Kang Jae-hoon]: The teacher said it will be here soon in Nepal...

[Kang Jae-hoon]: If the timing of both events clashes with... the cat, I might... be unable to manage it all.

[Lim Yoona]: Ah...that is a problem.

She also realized that their schedules overlapped.

[Lim Yoona]: I guess I'll just have to trouble Sunny unnie to be her professional cat servant for a while now~

When Kang Jae-hoon saw this message, Lee Soon-kyu's signature energetic smile and... her tallest figure on the team lying down immediately came to mind.

[Kang Jae-hoon]: Can she... do it?

[Lim Yoona]: Relax, relax!

[Lim Yoona]: Sunny unnie has two cats of her own! She's very experienced! And lately she's been relaxing at home... oh no, I mean, she's in a period of adjustment! She has plenty of time!

idle?
As Kang Jae-hoon looked at the words "picking his toes at home" and "adjustment period" on the screen, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

Members of the same group...

Lim Yoona is busy flying between China and South Korea.

On the other hand, Lee Soon-kyu is so relaxed that he can take on the role of a "professional cat owner"?
Is there really such a big difference in workload?
Kang Jae-hoon ultimately didn't voice his doubts.

This is something that happens within her group.

It's not something he can comment on.

As long as the cat can be properly settled, that's fine...

We chatted briefly for a bit, and the chat ended with us encouraging each other.

The light from the phone screen reflected on Kang Jae-hoon's thoughtful face—

Shouldn't I do something too?
After all, this is a work in which he played the lead role and put his heart and soul into it.

We can't always let Yoona do all the work.

Perhaps... we could talk to his fans about it too?

Do it when you think of it.

I swiped my finger across the phone screen and tapped the DC (forum) icon that I'd hardly ever used.

After purchasing a membership.

The interface refreshed instantly.

The pinned post is a navigation bar carefully compiled by the site administrator, Cui Minya.

TV series information, list of works, schedule previews...

The most popular posts recently are discussions about the movie "Ode to My Father".

—Analysis of Hwang Jung-min's acting skills, screenshots of tear-jerking scenes, and fervent praise for his fleeting but stunning portrayal of "Nam-jin".

[That look in Nanzhen's eyes when he was pulling people away at the end was priceless! Wild, crazy, and reliable all at once!]

[That sly grin in the trailer! I keep dying!]

[Jae Hoon oppa plays a soldier so convincingly! He completely transforms Yoon Chan-young!]

【'Mad Dog Nanzhen' truly deserves the title!】

……

Kang Jae-hoon rummaged around and clicked on the button labeled "Apply to join the official certified group".

Page jump.

An automated robot window pops up.

Welcome to the "Kang Jae-hoon Official Certified Group". Please read the rules carefully and answer the following three questions to prove your fan status:

[Question 1: Which fictional high school does Kang Jae-hoon's character attend in the drama "The Heirs"?]

Imperial High School.

Without a second thought, Kang Jae-hoon typed a reply.

[Correct answer! Question 2: What animated film did Kang Jae-hoon debut as a voice actor in?]

[Despicable Me 2]

[Ding! Incorrect answer!] The system automatically replied.

Kang Jae-hoon: ? ? ?

In fact, Kang Jae-hoon's answer was correct; it's just that this animated film has too many names...

After trying them one by one, he came to the third question:
What was the name of the character Kang Jae-hoon played in his cameo role in the drama "It's Okay, That's Love"?

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He blankly exited the interface and searched for episode 5 of "It's Okay, That's Love".

Playback at 3x speed —

Sam!

Congratulations! Correct answer! Welcome to the "Kang Jae-hoon Official Certified Group"!

next second!
A chat interface popped up instantly, with avatars flashing and messages refreshing at a speed imperceptible to the naked eye!
Dazzled.

The screen was filled with Korean text, interspersed with various emoticons and emojis.

Overwhelming.

【Ahhh! A newbie? Welcome, welcome!】

[Submit a high-resolution photo before joining the group! Understand the rules? [doge]]

Are you a new fan?

Welcome to the group! Please check the pinned announcement and change your nickname according to the format after joining!

[Newcomer's measurements revealed! (Just kidding)]

……

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the rapidly scrolling text on the screen.

I didn't even have time to faint.

His instinct to seek Amway drove him.

Thumbs frantically tap on the virtual keyboard:

Hi everyone. I'd like to recommend a drama called "A Good Day," which is available on LINE TV.

send!
next second!
A cold, impersonal system notification popped up on the screen: "[System Notification]: You have been removed from the group chat by the group owner [Zai Xun's Lapel Pin]."

[Reason]: Spam advertising and false advertising.

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He froze on the spot, completely petrified.

A few seconds later.

He managed to squeeze out a sigh from deep in his throat, a mixture of laughter and tears.

Fine.

This kind of advertising...

Something doesn't seem right?

He silently locked the screen.

Forget it.

Let's just let "Good Days" quietly linger in a corner of LINE TV.

There was that glimmer of light brought by Yoona.

enough.

at this time.

Suddenly, an unusual commotion arose outside the shed!

Unlike the usual listless sounds of workers finishing their shifts, this noise was filled with obvious excitement.

Followed by.

Director Lee Seok-hoon's laughter and Hwang Jung-min's energetic voice pierced through the thin tarpaulin.

"Haha! Done!"

"Damn it... this money was really hard to come by! I almost wore my face bald!"

The curtain was suddenly flung open.

Lee Seok-hoon and Hwang Jung-min strode in one after the other.

Both men wore expressions of exhaustion from intense negotiations, but the excitement in their eyes was undeniable.

Lee Seok-hoon's face showed a long-lost sense of ease, and he clapped his hands forcefully:

"Alright! Get moving! Get ready to work!"

"Nepal! All sorted! Everyone's flying to Kathmandu the day after tomorrow! Equipment team! Production assistant! Quickly check the packing list! I need to see the shipping manifest by noon tomorrow!"

"Clothing team! Double-check the quantities of high-altitude-specific down jackets and snow boots!"

After a brief silence inside the shed.

A long-suppressed cheer suddenly erupted!

The sword hanging over everyone's heads finally disappeared.

Filming real, cold Himalayas is no longer just a mirage.

The weight lifted from Kang Jae-hoon's heart.

Joy surged through my nerve endings like an electric current.

"Great!"

He practically sprang up from the folding chair in a flash!
In excitement.

The phone I was about to put away slipped from my hand and I couldn't hold it properly.

There was a "click" sound.

The phone landed hard on the floor.

Kang Jae-hoon's face instantly crumpled with heartache.

They didn't even have time to cheer.

He quickly bent down and carefully picked up the precious machine.

First, flip the screen over to check—

Good luck!

The film has a fine crack, but the screen itself seems to be intact!

He used his fingernail to wedge into the gap at the edge of the phone case.

I want to open it up and check it again.

A soft "click" sounded.

The hard plastic phone case was pried open.

It was revealed...

The amulet was pressed inside.

The writing on it is still faintly discernible—

"Geng Jung Soo-jung Pray"

This is at the beginning of the year.

Kim Dae-won insisted on taking him to Fengen Temple to get one of the peace charms.

It remained there quietly.

Like a forgotten symbol.

For a long time...

Kang Jae-hoon had almost forgotten about its existence.

He stared at it for a few seconds with a complicated expression.

finally.

I put it back inside the cold phone case.

"Click."

It was resealed perfectly.

Do it all.

He casually stuffed his phone back into his pocket.

It was as if he had simply rearranged the position of his phone in his pocket.

His face once again broke into the same happy smile as everyone else's, a smile of joy at the successful approval of his trip to Nepal.

They even shouted it out louder:
"Long live the director!"

……

That night.

Kang Jae-hoon hurriedly returned to his apartment in Seongsu-dong, dragging his suitcase.

The key turns the door lock.

The room was dark and quiet.

A faint, cooled scent of lavender lingered in the air—

Lee Sung-kyung is not here.

Turn on the lights.

He pulled out the huge suitcase that had just returned from Nepal and hadn't been completely emptied yet.

It spread out on the floor with a "whoosh".

He turned around and rummaged through the closet in his apartment to put all the equipment that met the survival rules of high-altitude and cold regions into the box.

Including birthday gifts from Lee Sung-kyung and Lim Yoon-a—thermal underwear/goggles and hiking gloves.

The sounds of rummaging through drawers and cabinets echoed in the empty room.

When the tidying up came to an end.

The only sound in the apartment was the ticking of the clock.

He just straightened up.

The phone on the suitcase lid started buzzing.

Screen display—

[Senior Drunkard Cha Tae-hyun]

He swiped to answer the call.

Try to make the sound less rushed:
"elder brother?"

"Jae-hoon, where are you?"

"Just got home and started unpacking..."

"That's just right."

Cha Tae-hyun interrupted him directly: "We're planning to go to Kwang-soo's house for a drink."

"……Now?"

Kang Jae-hoon glanced at the wall clock; the hands were already pointing to almost eleven o'clock.

"Nonsense! You think I'm calling you to arrange breakfast? Hurry up! Stop dawdling, or your brothers will punish you with three cups of soju!"

They didn't give Kang Jae-hoon any chance to refuse.

The call was then disconnected.

The busy signal kept ringing.

"Ugh……"

Kang Jae-hoon resignedly grabbed his coat and put it on.

He had already experienced this senior's "enthusiasm".

Since being pulled into Lee Kwang-soo's "Jo line" circle centered around Jo In-sung and Cha Tae-hyun, this kind of sudden, unquestionable invitation to a drinking party has happened before.

He pushed his suitcase to the corner of the living room.

Before leaving.

Kang Jae-hoon carefully checked the organized passport and itinerary documents again.

Then I quietly placed it under the coffee table in front of the sofa.

That's a place Lee Sung-kyung is bound to see.

After sorting all this out.

Kang Jae-hoon grabbed the car keys from the shoe cabinet in the entryway and went downstairs.

……

The neon lights of the Holy Water Cave were left far behind.

Kang Jae-hoon gripped the steering wheel, his fingertips tapping unconsciously.

The traffic light is red at the intersection ahead.

He glanced out the car window.

The convenience store's brightly lit sign looked like a warm island in the cold winter night.

The green light comes on.

But he didn't step on the gas.

Turn the steering wheel.

The car smoothly turned into the temporary parking area next to the convenience store.

……

Lee Kwang-soo's home is in a quiet, upscale neighborhood in Gangnam.

The elevator ascended smoothly.

There was a "ding" sound.

The door opens.

Warm yellow light and the aroma of food wafted out, accompanied by loud laughter from inside the room.

"Oh! You're here, come in quickly!"

Lee Kwang-soo welcomed him in with a beaming smile.

The style that immediately comes to mind is not exaggerated or luxurious.

Instead, it exudes style in its simple and neat design.

The light gray Italian-imported sofa features smooth lines, while the walnut side tables and dining table have a warm luster. The abstract paintings on the wall have a bold yet strangely harmonious color scheme, and a gnarled Podocarpus bonsai in the corner adds a touch of Eastern Zen to the space.

The overall feng shui layout was clearly the work of a professional.

expensive.

Low-key.

Comfortable.

It carries a subtle, refined taste.

Several familiar faces were crookedly placed on the sofa and carpet.

"Squad Leader Zhao" Zhao Yincheng occupies the single sofa with an imposing aura.

Cha Tae-hyun sat cross-legged in the center of the carpet.

Do Kyungsoo was too busy with idol activities at the end of the year to attend.

Lin Zhouhuan was facing the person opposite him—wait?
Kim Woo-bin?
Kang Jae-hoon was indeed a little surprised.

The two haven't seen each other since the SBS Drama Awards at the end of last year.

It has been a full year since then.

Kang Jae-hoon knew that his popularity was rising.

But I didn't expect him to enter the Chungmuro ​​new generation circle of "Zhao Line" so quickly.

Kim Woo-bin obviously saw him too.

First stunned.

Then a genuine, slightly surprised smile bloomed on his face.

He even stood up and came to greet him.

"haven't seen you for a long time."

"Yes."

The two gave each other a tight hug.

Kang Jae-hoon placed the Moutai he brought on the kitchen counter in the living room.

This immediately drew a chorus of "Yoho!" cheers.

"You're so thoughtful! You're in for a treat today!"

"Quick, quick! The Moutai has been opened! Hey you! Ice!"

……

Alcohol is a lubricant.

The Moutai liquor slid down my throat, bringing a burning sensation.

After several rounds of drinks...

The meat sizzled on the iron plate.

The conversation quickly shifted from their own recent situations to gossip within the industry, recent sports games, script critiques, and future plans.

Kang Jae-hoon listened quietly.

Occasionally join the conversation.

Most of the time, he and Kim Woo-bin were on the sidelines, grilling meat and pouring drinks, perfectly playing the role of the "maknae" (youngest member).

Cha Tae-hyun's face was already flushed.

He grabbed the bag that was at his feet and rummaged inside.

"Jaehoon."

Cha Tae-hyun pulled out a not-too-thick notebook and handed it over:

"Look here. KBS's ambitious project for next year's variety show division. The concept is very novel, using a variety show format to film a drama. I've seen the script outline, and there's a rookie PD character named 'Baek Seung-chan' in it..."

Kang Jae-hoon took the script.

The white cover was printed with several large characters—

The Producers

(End of this chapter)