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

Chapter 161 Watering again and again, how to choose the play?
Jin Dayuan, on the other end of the phone, didn't hear a response and bombarded him with questions:
"Hello? Kang Jae-hoon? Are you listening? Is the signal bad?"

Kang Jae-hoon was brought back to his senses by the repeated urging.

"Brother, let's put work aside for now."

He tried to temporarily suppress the images of smoke and fire from Ssangmun-dong and the battlefield that were intertwined in his mind:
"There's something else I'd like to ask you."

"Ok?"

"A friend of mine was nominated for the Ice Bucket Relay by two people at the same time. In this situation, does he need to record two videos?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone for two seconds.

Then Jin Dayuan burst into undisguised sneer:
"Ha! You're even pretending to have a 'friend' with me? Kang Jae-hoon-ssi, you're using your acting skills in the wrong place."

"Cough cough..."

Kang Jae-hoon coughed awkwardly twice.

"Theoretically, yes, if you're called out by a few people, you have to record a few takes. But in your case..."

Jin Dayuan changed the subject and said:
"Where to record? At the company? Or...? The sponsor's clothes have all arrived, just waiting for you to start work!"

"What sponsor?"

This time, it was Kang Jae-hoon's turn to be stunned.

The Ice Bucket Challenge was originally intended to raise public awareness and support for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

It is a charity event carried out with pure goodwill.

however.

When this trend sweeps through the entertainment industry and becomes a popular label for celebrities to demonstrate social responsibility and keep up with trends, its essence is inevitably permeated by traffic and commercial rules.

The higher the engagement and the greater the exposure, the more the brand can identify potential value opportunities.

What could be more likely to generate buzz than having a celebrity "casually" wear clothing with their own prominent logo in a highly anticipated Ice Bucket Challenge video?
Essentially.

This is no different from the top-tier jewelry and luxurious wedding dresses that are "sponsored" at celebrity weddings.

These are all classic business operations that accurately convert public attention into brand exposure.

This is the case with Kang Jae-hoon.

He himself doesn't have a high level of popularity, traffic, or followers.

However, she couldn't resist being singled out by two top celebrities, Im Yoon-ah and Bae Suzy.

The sheer volume of discussion and attention surrounding it constitutes a highly topical "event."

So.

It's not surprising that brands sponsor Kang Jae-hoon. From another perspective, it's no different from hiring him to shoot an advertisement.

This has led to Kang Jae-hoon's Ice Bucket Relay video transforming from a simple act of charity into a highly sought-after advertising opportunity.

After listening to Jin Dayuan's explanation.

Kang Jae-hoon frowned slightly and said:
"Wouldn't that just be putting on a show?"

"A show? You're overthinking it!"

Jin Dayuan immediately retorted:

"The brand just wants to use your popularity to promote their own brand. What the content says and whose names they mention are all up to you!"

"The brand paid the advertising fee at market price!"

"If you feel it's too much trouble to handle this money, just do it! Donate every last penny to ALS-related organizations! The clothes are free, the video will still be filmed, the charity work will still go ahead, and the attention will double. You save on the clothing budget, build a positive public image, and the money is truly going to the right place!"

"A win-win-win situation! This deal is a sure thing, kid! Why not take it?"

Jiang Zai Xun was somewhat stunned by Jin Dayuan's barrage of "feasibility analysis" on the other end of the phone.

Have to admit.

His combination of "donating advertising fees, receiving sponsored clothing, and doing genuine charity" flawlessly blocked all his ethical concerns.

Purely for commercial reasons.

He felt uncomfortable.

But to operate as Kim Dae-won suggested...

It seems that they can really make things dignified for all parties, including the ALS community.

"...Okay, it's up to you."

Silence for a few seconds.

Kang Jae-hoon compromised.

"That's right!"

Jin Dayuan's voice immediately became cheerful:

"Wait! I'll be right there! Let's get that 'double portion of ice water' sorted out first, then we can talk about the later work!"

"……Um."

The phone hangs up.

Kang Jae-hoon put down his phone, staring at the constantly fluctuating number of comments below the video of Lim Yoon-ah and Bae Suzy on the screen. A cold, heartless charity relay had inexplicably placed him in the eye of the storm of fame, fortune, and choice.

He sighed.

Double the sweetness?

Double the trouble?

Now it seems like we should add a "double the sponsored T-shirts".

Fine.

At least we can save the money for clothes... and donate it?

Kang Jae-hoon shook his head and got up to change his clothes.

The engine noise of Kim Dae-won's beat-up car would soon shatter the last moments of tranquility at Seongsu-dong.

……

The nanny van drove into the garage owned by SEM company with practiced ease.

The two walked briskly through the company's glass-walled corridor.

Finally, it stopped in front of a makeshift changing room.

Jin Dayuan took the two thick dust bags handed to him by the staff and immediately unzipped the first dust bag.

Inside was a pure black functional casual suit.

The fabric is crisp and sturdy.

Details include silver reflective strips, tactical pockets on the shoulders and cuffs, fitted cuffs, and a simple "ADHOC" logo embroidered on the chest.

A typical South Korean domestic outdoor fashion brand.

The style is rugged.

It fits Kang Jae-hoon's recent tough guy image very well.

"This set works well and is convenient for work."

Jin Dayuan smacked his lips and pulled open the second dust bag.

The second set is completely different:

A dark blue, loose-fitting sports jacket paired with matching tapered trousers. The material is soft, breathable, and quick-drying. The design is simple, with only a very small white logo on the left chest—a minimalist compass pattern surrounding the words "Discovery Expedition".

This brand is also a best-selling outdoor brand in South Korea.

However, it leans more towards urban light outdoor routes.

The texture is more understated and gentle.

"Wow, both sets are quite appealing."

Kim Dae-won shoved the two bags into Kang Jae-hoon's hands:
"Go in and change into the ADHOC suit, and finish this quickly."

Kang Jae-hoon took the clothes, said nothing, and turned to go into the dressing room.

Not long after.

He came out wearing a pure black ADHOC functional suit. The wide-shouldered and waist-cinching design did indeed accentuate his tall and straight figure, and the dark color made him look even more sharp.

The Ice Bucket Challenge was filmed on a semi-open-air balcony that was temporarily fenced off in a corner of the agency.

The early spring wind carried a chilly edge.

The sun is just right.

In the background, you can see the towering buildings of Seoul in the distance.

The assistant adjusted the phone lens on the tripod.

Kim Dae-won stood off-camera.

He was holding a large white plastic bucket filled with ice and ice water.

"Ready?"

Kang Jae-hoon nodded toward the camera.

"Action!"

The assistant quickly pressed the shutter button.

on the screen.

Kang Jae-hoon stood in the bright sunlight.

The sound is clear and steady.

"Hello everyone, I'm actor Kang Jae-hoon. I'm honored to have been nominated by Im Yoon-ah to participate in this meaningful Ice Bucket Challenge relay..."

(Official statements about ALS and charity are omitted here)

then.

When it was his turn to call out the names of the three relay runners:
"Then, I'd like to call on someone to take over—"

"Senior Liu Haizhen."

“Senior Ra Mi-ran.”

“Senior Cha Tae-hyun.”

After giving their names.

Almost at the same time.

“Crash——!!!”

The huge plastic bucket was lifted from behind.

The icy water mixed with ice cubes poured down on Kang Jae-hoon's head like a small waterfall.

Even though I was mentally prepared.

Kang Jae-hoon's body tensed up instantly from the shock of the huge temperature difference.

Make fists with both hands.

Teeth clenched.

He stood there for two seconds before suddenly shaking his head.

Wiped the water droplets off his face.

Forcing a smile at the camera:
"Finish!"

Jin Dayuan immediately handed over a thick bath towel.

Kang Jae-hoon quickly wrapped himself up tightly.

"Change."

In the locker room.

Kang Jae-hoon took off his soaking wet and heavy ADHOC suit.

I changed into that dark blue Discovery Expedition tracksuit.

The soft, quick-drying fabric feels wonderfully comfortable against the slightly warm skin.

We walked back to the rooftop.

The location hasn't changed.

The camera was turned on again.

The opening remarks were basically the same as the previous one, emphasizing the original intention of the challenge, but Bae Suzy was the one who was called out.

And the people he himself nominated have also changed:

“Park Hyung-sik, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Ji-won.”

……

Two videos have been recorded.

The publicity team immediately took the materials and left to do post-production and upload.

The cold wind on the rooftop suddenly seemed even more desolate.

Kang Jae-hoon changed back into his regular clothes.

He held the honey ginger tea that Jin Dayuan had handed him and sipped it slowly.

The rising steam enveloped his wet face.

The double dose of ice water poured over the victim resulted in a double donation of sponsorship fees.

The roll call list was also carefully divided into two parts.

One is a senior figure in the film industry.

The other is the partners who helped me get through the newbie period.

So it's like... everyone gets their share?
"Finally done..."

Jin Dayuan pulled up a chair and sat down next to him, interrupting his thoughts:

"The double 'sweetness' issue is resolved, can we talk about serious matters?"

"Ah."

Jin Dayuan, with a toothpick dangling from his finger, took out his tablet and swiped around a few times:
"The second male lead in 'Descendants of the Sun' is a tough soldier, which is similar to your role in 'Ode to My Father,' but the background is a modern military drama with a doctor-love storyline, so the plot sounds quite grand."

"On the other hand, Shin Won-ho's 'Reply 1988' also sent over the character synopsis and initial script excerpts for Jung-hwan. He's the second son of an ordinary family in Ssangmun-dong, awkward and taciturn during puberty, the kind who has had a crush on the girl next door for many years... To put it bluntly, he's just a big boy. He's completely the opposite of Kim Eun-sook."

He handed the two documents to Kang Jae-hoon for review:

"Descendants of the Sun adopted a simultaneous broadcast model in China and South Korea. The Chinese platform was deeply involved in the cooperation. They required that all production materials be completed in advance and delivered in one go. Only after passing their 'review' process could the final release date be set."

"The advantage is that, like in a movie, you're 'relieved once filming is over,' saving you the trouble of adjusting the script and rushing to film more scenes every week in response to audience feedback."

"But what's the downside? The downside is—you lose the mirror of immediate feedback! The lines the screenwriter wrote, the way the actors performed, the pacing of the plot... whether it's good or bad, whether the audience will accept it? Nobody knows! Nobody can adjust the direction in time! Even if the screenwriter is Kim Eun-sook—she can't!"

"Separated by an entire ocean and a long review period, you might be almost ready to wrap up filming and celebrate when the other side casually tosses over a suggestion: 'A certain scene in a certain episode needs reshooting'... or simply 'Some scenes involving XX background need to be cut and adjusted'! These cuts and changes can, at best, tear apart the plot's coherence, and at worst, blur the core values ​​of the entire series... A strong start followed by a weak finish, a promising beginning but an anticlimactic ending? It's entirely possible!"

Jin Dayuan quickly swiped the tablet again to bring up another document:
"Let's look at Shin Won-ho's 'Reply 1988'. What are its advantages? It's a sequel to a series, which brings a stable base of viewers who have an emotional attachment to the everyday life in Ssangmun-dong."

"The shooting mode is the familiar 'shoot-as-you-go' approach, with audience feedback flowing in like a constant stream. The writing team can make real-time adjustments to ensure the story's emotional resonance matches the audience's. What are the downsides?"

Jin Dayuan sighed heavily: "The downside is... the cast! The production budget is what it is."

His finger tapped heavily on the tablet screen, where Director Shen had sent a preliminary list of potential actors:

"Besides veteran actors like Ra Mi-ran and Sung Dong-il, the other main young actors... Lee Dong-hwi? Go Kyung-pyo? Lee Hyeri?... are all newcomers who are just starting out or have only recently debuted."

"Have you ever thought about it?"

"With the presence and acting skills you're displaying right now, can those newcomers overshadow you? Can they handle the roles you offer?"

"The audience's eyes are sharp!"

"When it airs, comments like 'Wow, Kang Jae-hoon's acting is so good, everyone else is just background noise!' and 'How come Jung-hwan's aura is stronger than his dad's? Why even guess who's the husband? It's obviously him!' will definitely explode!"

Speaking of which.

Jin Dayuan couldn't help but shake his head and sneer:
"If viewers can basically guess who Deok-sun will end up with in the first episode, then wouldn't all the nostalgic ambiguity and the balance of the characters' relationships that the screenwriter painstakingly crafted become a joke? Wouldn't one of the core highlights of the entire 'Reply' series fall apart?"

"This kind of overshadowing isn't because you're a good actor and deliberately trying to steal the spotlight; it's because the difference in skill is obvious, and the audience will naturally be drawn to you."

"Therefore, the ability to control one's acting skills with ease, to be powerful when necessary and subtle when appropriate, that sense of proportion is the true mark of a top-tier skill!"

"You're still a long way from being as good as your teacher."

"..."

Jiang Zai Xun silently digested Kim Dae Won's long and insightful analysis.

A good script is like an oasis in the desert.

Unpredictable.

One is a sequel to TVN's ace series, directed by Shin Won-ho.

Another is an ambitious multinational project by Kim Eun-sook, one of South Korea's top screenwriters.

each has its own Hobby.

But each has its own pitfalls.

And now.

Two streams of clear water gushed towards him at the same time.

The flow direction is completely opposite.

A path leading to the smoke of modern battlefields and the glory of a transnational perspective.

A narrow alleyway leading to Shuangmendong, filled with the warmth of everyday life and the stirrings of youth.

Which one to choose?
Which one should we give up?

These are all choices that feel like cutting off one's own flesh.

After a few seconds.

Kang Jae-hoon said slowly:

"...What if I grit my teeth and squeeze in time to accept both offers?"

"All of them?"

Jin Dayuan burst out laughing as if he had heard an unbelievable joke:

"Huh? A sewing machine reincarnated? Did those two buckets of ice water freeze your brain?"

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

"Theoretically, it does look like a 'needle could be inserted into a crevice'... but Kang Jae-hoon, haven't you forgotten something?"

"what?"

Kang Jae-hoon subconsciously pressed for an answer.

"Veteran! That action blockbuster directed by Ryoo Seung-wan! Try disappearing during the promotional tour!"

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly slapped his forehead.

I'd really forgotten about this project.

"Don't bite off more than you can chew! You're on the rise right now, so you have to be careful with every step you take. To ignore the promotion of a big-budget production that's already finished and ready to reap the rewards, just to take on a new role, is like throwing away the watermelon for a sesame seed! Absolutely foolish! So—"

Kim Dae-won held up two fingers and drew his conclusion:

"—You can only choose one of the two!"

Looking at Kang Jae-hoon's furrowed brows and his troubled expression as he remained silent for a long time.

Jin Dayuan sighed:
"Alright, alright, I know you're worried. This... really can't be rushed!"

"Good things come to those who wait. Let's get our minds back on track. Tomorrow is the script reading for 'The Producers.' Go and get a feel for the atmosphere of the production team and the significance of your role."

"I'll go back and review it again tonight, making sure the timeline and potential conflicts are all clear! Once you've finished the reading session tomorrow and your thinking is clearer, we can sit down and work out the schedule properly! If all else fails..."

Jin Dayuan winked at him:
“Go talk to your teacher! Teacher Huang Zhengmin is very knowledgeable and experienced; his eye for projects is much sharper than ours!”

Kang Jae-hoon nodded slowly.

That's all.

……

The next day.

The wheels rolled over the tree-lined avenues in Gangnam District, which were dappled with sunlight.

Finally, we stopped in front of an elegant courtyard nestled among bamboo shadows.

A simple wooden plaque hangs above the courtyard gate.

The sign reads "Dichen Tea House".

This place...

It was far from the concrete and steel conference rooms I had imagined in the KBS building.

Jiang Zaixun pushed open the car door.

The gentle breeze carries only the delicate aroma of tea mixed with the scents of grass and damp moss.

The courtyard is exquisitely designed.

Every step reveals a new scene.

A small bridge spans a flowing stream.

The environment was so tranquil it didn't seem like a typical entertainment venue.

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze inadvertently swept over the inconspicuous black hemispherical device under the eaves—reflecting a barely perceptible glimmer of light.

Camera.

The waiter, dressed in simple cotton and linen clothes, silently led the way.

Walk through the corridor.

We stopped in front of a private room at the far end, with the elegant name "Quiet Contemplation" hanging above it.

Pull open the exquisite sliding door.

The warm woody aroma and the already pervasive fragrance of tea waft over you.

"Oh my! Jae-hoon's here?"

A cheerful greeting rang out.

Light streamed softly through the lattice windows onto the tatami mats. Cha Tae-hyun sat cross-legged beside a low table, one arm supporting his chin, while steam rose gently from the white porcelain teacup in front of him.

"Taehyun oppa!"

Kang Jae-hoon quickly bowed and took off his shoes and socks before stepping onto the smooth, cool tatami mat.

"Come, come, sit down!"

Cha Tae-hyun pointed to the opposite side:
"It's rare that screenwriter Park found such a nice and peaceful place!"

Kang Jae-hoon sat down as instructed.

She also copied him by crossing her legs.

"How's it going? You haven't been resting since filming wrapped on Train to Busan, have you? I see you've been making quite a commotion."

Cha Tae-hyun picked up the small teacup, took a slow sip, and glanced over with a teasing smile in his eyes:

"Being singled out by two nationally renowned beauties...tsk tsk tsk."

"Brother, please stop teasing me."

Kang Jae-hoon also picked up the teacup the waiter had just poured and took a small sip:
"In other words, we just happened to be there."

"If you've already caught it, just accept it!"

Cha Tae-hyun's eyes crinkled with laughter.
"So how are you going to solve this? You can't just split up and water it yourself, can you?"

"Um... I recorded it twice."

Kang Jae-hoon confessed honestly.

He didn't mention sponsorship, nor was it necessary.

The focus is on the video itself.

Cha Tae-hyun raised an eyebrow, then nodded knowingly:
"Fine, at least it gave ALS enough attention. And then what? Whose name was mentioned?"

Hear the words.

Kang Jae-hoon grinned with a simple, honest smile.

"I've ordered yours."

Cha Tae-hyun's hand, which was holding a teacup, froze in mid-air.

The smile on his face faltered.

"...Thank you."

He put down his tea cup.

He rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, feigning anger.
"The weather isn't even fully warm yet! Are you complaining that your brother's flabby body isn't resistant to the cold?"

He patted his belly, which, despite being dressed in a loose sweater, lacked definition:
"With my old bones and a tendency to catch colds so often, if I drink this bucket of ice water, who will act for me tomorrow?"

"Brother, you're in great health!"

Kang Jae-hoon quickly offered a small compliment.

"Ugh……"

Cha Tae-hyun sighed dramatically:

"I'll have my agent buy two cans of Korean ginseng to keep me alive; I'm prepared to go all out."

……

Cha Tae-hyun's complaints still echoed in the tea room.

Kang Jae-hoon put down his teacup at the opportune moment.

Outside the window, bamboo shadows sway gently, and the aroma of tea wafts through the air. This tranquil scene seems perfect for discussing those two weighty invitations.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned forward seemingly casually and said:

“Taehyun oppa, I’m having a bit of a decision-making problem lately. I’ve received two new scripts, but the styles are so different that I’m having trouble deciding.”

"Oh? Tell me?"

Kang Jae-hoon lowered his voice and briefly described the two projects.

Cha Tae-hyun, who had been sitting in a relaxed posture, sat up a little straighter without being noticed.

The fingers holding the teacup gently tapped the smooth porcelain surface.

Reply 1988?
A name instantly popped into Cha Tae-hyun's mind—Park Bo-gum.

His artist Blossom, a newcomer with delicate features, gentle demeanor, pure eyes, and a touch of youthful naiveté, is currently giving it his all to secure another major role in director Shin Won-ho's project.

Choi Ze, a young Go player.

Kang Jae-hoon is going to play Kim Jung-hwan?

Shin Won-ho has a really good eye for people...

But will this create an insurmountable shadow wall for Park Bo-gum? When the camera pans across the group, whose eyes will the audience focus on? The answer is almost self-evident.

Let's listen to another project—Descendants of the Sun?
Xu Darong?
The second male lead personally chosen by Kim Eun-sook?

Skillful.

Song Joong-ki, another member of his company who had just finished his military service and was eagerly looking for a comeback opportunity, was eyeing the male lead of this drama—Special Forces Captain Yoo Si-jin.

Song Joong-ki needs this drama to announce his strong comeback.

To solidify one's position.

Between the electric light and flint.

The weights on the scales in Cha Tae-hyun's heart had quietly slid in a certain direction.

Weighing pros and cons, coordinating resources, and developing the career paths of their artists... these are instincts ingrained in their very being, as the head of Blossom.

Public and private.

Guiding Kang Jae-hoon's choices became a necessity.

His gentle smile remained unchanged, and he leaned forward slightly, speaking in a voice just loud enough for Kang Jae-hoon to hear clearly:
“Jaehoon… This choice is neither difficult nor easy.”

He paused, then gently tapped the back of Kang Jae-hoon's hand, which was resting on the low table, a seemingly casual gesture of reminder:

"Where did you 'come from'? Kim Eun-sook's 'The Heirs'! How lovable was Yoon Chan-young? That was the starting point of your first truly shining role in your acting career! Now, Kim Eun-sook has personally chosen you to play the second male lead in her new drama. Whether it's out of nostalgia or recognition of your current value, this is a bowl of water being handed to you..."

"In this circle, understanding interpersonal relationships is also part of one's cultivation. Accepting the offer is logical, a win-win situation, and more in line with 'morality.' Refusing?"

He shook his head and let out a soft sigh.

It wasn't explicitly stated.

But the meaning is clear—

That was equivalent to an invisible, subtle crack being drawn in the heart of this top screenwriter.

"So, if you ask me, unless you plan to completely commit to the big screen from now on and retire from television dramas, then logically, emotionally, and practically... you should go work for screenwriter Kim Eun-sook."

Cha Tae-hyun's words all hit the nail on the head regarding the balance of pros and cons.

He concealed all his concerns about competition among his artists behind high-sounding reasons such as "the foundation of television dramas," "interpersonal relationships," and "energy coordination."

At this moment, he was no longer the gossipy older brother Cha Tae-hyun.

It was Cha Tae-hyun, the boss of Blossom Entertainment.

Pushing Kang Jae-hoon to star in "Descendants of the Sun" not only cleared the biggest obstacle for Song Joong-ki's comeback (suppressing competitors in the same time slot), but also created the maximum space for Park Bo-gum's potential breakthrough in "Reply 1988".

Just as the brief silence following this "heart-to-heart talk" was about to spread.

A few light footsteps came from the wooden corridor outside the side room, approaching from afar.

The waiter outside the door spoke at just the right moment, almost coinciding with the end of the sentence:
"—Kong Hyo-jin, Bae Soo-ji, please enter into quiet contemplation."

Light and shadow flickered through the crack in the door.

A new figure is about to enter.

(End of this chapter)