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

Chapter 162 Elementary School Level Appearance Showdown
"—Kong Hyo-jin, Bae Soo-ji, please enter into quiet contemplation."

The waiter's voice outside the room seemed to break the stillness in the space.

Almost at the same time.

Kang Jae-hoon's previously lowered gaze suddenly snapped upwards!

My body instinctively turned to the side towards the sliding door.

The sliding doors slid open silently to both sides.

Gong Hyo-jin, wearing a loose beige linen suit, stepped in first.

His face retained its usual casualness and approachability.
"Annyeonghaseyo, Taehyun-senpai-nim!"

“Jaehoon-ssi is here too.”

And the figure that followed closely behind...

Bae Suzy!
Her shoulder-length black hair lay smoothly against her fair neck.

Today's makeup has a sophisticated, urban feel to it.

A perfectly timed, cheerful smile graced her face.

Upon entering, he bowed respectfully to Cha Tae-hyun and Kang Jae-hoon, who were already standing.

The moment I looked up and stood up.

Those beautiful eyes accurately caught the gaze that Kang Jae-hoon was looking at.

Bae Suzy's lips curved into a sweet smile.

The left eye blinked very naturally and gently—

A playful wink.

"What are you doing standing still?"

Cha Tae-hyun's voice rang out at just the right moment.

"what……"

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly came to his senses.

I took two steps at a time and walked to the square cushions piled up in the corner.

He deftly pulled out two thick, soft cushions.

Stretch out your arms.

It was laid steadily opposite the low table where Gong Hyo-jin and Bae Suzy were about to sit.

Gong Hyo-jin smiled and thanked her, then knelt down.

Bae Suzy also turned and sat down next to Kang Jae-hoon:

"Thanks, Jaehoon oppa~"

"nothing."

Jiang Zaixun responded softly and quickly returned to his seat, sitting cross-legged again.

Kong Hyo-jin adjusted her posture and looked around the antique-style tea room with great interest:

Wow... Writer Park really knows how to pick a location! Why is the manuscript screening so secretive?

Cha Tae-hyun immediately chimed in.

He raised his finger and drew a circle on his temple.

Makes a "being watched" emoji:
"In my opinion, writer Park has probably been brainwashed by those variety show producers on TV! This reading session might just be an observation diary..."

As he spoke, he pointed with his chin, seemingly serious, to various pieces of equipment in the room that, though concealed, still revealed subtle clues:
"These cameras are like they're used to guard against thieves. There are a few hidden in every nook and cranny. Even if a mosquito flies in, it will be photographed from every angle!"

Cha Tae-hyun's exaggerated metaphor made Gong Hyo-jin burst into laughter.

Bae Suzy also covered her mouth and chuckled.

During a break in Cha Tae-hyun and Gong Hyo-jin's chat.

Sitting next to Kang Jae-hoon, Bae Suzy leaned slightly towards him. Her low voice, with a touch of playful sparkle, quietly slipped into Kang Jae-hoon's ears:

"I didn't expect we'd be working together on a scene so soon! Surprised?"

Kang Jae-hoon recalled hearing that the initial choice for the role of "Cindy" seemed to be IU (Lee Ji-eun).

Somehow.

After all the twists and turns, it ended up falling on Bae Suzy's head.

He naturally wouldn't ask the reason behind it.

The occasion is inappropriate.

The timing is wrong.

He simply followed her words and lowered his voice in response:
"Hmm... I really didn't expect to cooperate so quickly."

Bae Suzy's face instantly lit up with a smile as bright as the first cherry blossom suddenly blooming on a branch in early spring:
Did you record the Ice Bucket Challenge?

Kang Jae-hoon calculated the post-production upload time:

"Well, yesterday... uh, I'll probably send it around noon today."

Kong Hyo-jin was originally studying the line of sight of a small black dot in the corner of the ceiling.

Suddenly, I was drawn to the extremely subtle interaction between the two, which clearly carried an atmosphere of whispering.

His gaze swept back and forth between Kang Jae-hoon's profile and Bae Suzy's radiant smile, and he raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Oh? You two seem to be getting along quite well. Did you know each other before?"

Kang Jae-hoon almost immediately straightened his body and faced Gong Hyo-jin, saying:

"Yes, we recently worked together on a movie, playing a high school couple."

Kong Hyo-jin gave a knowing "Ah".

The way Bae Suzy looked at Kang Jae-hoon's profile at that moment reminded her of the set of "It's Okay, That's Love" last year—when Kang Jae-hoon made a cameo appearance as a young, blond-haired kid, Lee Sung-kyung's gaze as she watched him practice riding a motorcycle was just as bright.

(This kid's love life is probably...)
The thought was cut off as soon as it arose.

Kong Hyo-jin couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle.

When did I become so gossipy?
However, she does have a natural affinity for Lee Sung-kyung.

on the one hand.

That girl's seriousness reminded me so much of myself when I was young.

on the other hand.

They all struggled their way through the thorny path of transitioning from the catwalk to acting, so there's a certain mutual appreciation between them, like "senior sisters from the same school".

But the situation before me...

It's best not to worry too much about young people's affairs.

Then Kong Hyo-jin subtly changed the subject:
"I see, what a coincidence."

The words fell.

An eerie silence fell over the room.

Bamboo shadows swayed on the Xuan paper door, the tea kettle on the charcoal stove made a soft "gurgling" sound, and the rising water vapor shattered against the roof beams.

"or……"

Cha Tae-hyun slammed the script on his lap: "Shall we get started?"

"Isn't the writer coming?"

Bae Suzy asked, holding the newly opened plastic wrap of the script.

"I just asked the assistant director."

Cha Tae-hyun pointed to the rotating camera in the corner:
"We said we'd use the study room as a filming location, focusing on authentic reactions."

Hear the words.

Three pairs of eyes followed his gaze as it swept over the lens disguised as a smoke alarm under the beam.

The air was suddenly filled with the unspoken accusation that "variety shows are harmful."

"Alright, let's begin."

Gong Hyo-jin was the first to open the script:

"Starting from the scene where Baek Seung-chan first appeared?"

"Ok."

"can."

"Ah."

The other three also opened their scripts.

Sit up straight.

The relaxed atmosphere of casual conversation was instantly replaced by a focused work attitude.

……

When Bae Suzy finished reading Cindy's explosive scene, the tatami mat was covered with the script marked with various colored fluorescent pens.

Cha Tae-hyun put down the script and rubbed his slightly sore neck:

"Phew... I finally finished eating it."

Gong Hyo-jin also stretched her body:
"The writer's skill in delivering lines is still as strong as ever."

Bae Suzy quietly moved her ankles, which were a little numb from sitting for so long.

at this time.

The sliding door to the side room was silently slid open again.

A woman dressed in a comfortable beige knit sweater, with a gentle and intellectual demeanor, appeared at the door.

It was written by Park Ji-eun.

"How about it? The cameras didn't drive you all crazy, did they?"

Everyone hurriedly saluted.

"Sit, sit, everyone sit."

Park Ji-eun waved her hand and said:
"Thank you all for your hard work. I watched the whole thing from next door, and everyone was in great shape. Your understanding of the script and your immersion in your roles were fantastic! It's almost dinner time, how about we all have a casual meal together? Consider it our first informal team-building activity, a chance for us to get to know each other better, and also to celebrate the official launch of our 'The Producers' project! What do you all think?"

No one would refuse such a proposal.

Everyone got up, packed their things, and prepared to move on.

As Kang Jae-hoon stood up, holding the script that he had marked with various colored markers, he realized something was wrong.

Seeing that Park Ji-eun was free, he walked over in a few steps and said:

"Writer Park, I apologize for taking up your time."

He turned to the page of the script he had been pondering:
"Should the emotional tension in Baek Seung-chan's monologue on page four, where he faces the crisis of the program's cancellation, be focused on 'powerlessness' rather than 'anger'? After all, in the previous episodes, he had been actively and recklessly challenging the rules, only to be met with an even colder ending. Shouldn't his frustration and lack of understanding at this point be more profound?"

Park Ji-eun leaned closer with interest, took the script, and carefully examined the parts Kang Jae-hoon had underlined in red. She was about to begin analyzing the layers of the character's psychological shift when—

"Hey! Kang Jae-hoon, that's enough already!"

Cha Tae-hyun hooked his arm around Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder:

"Workaholic, time to wrap up!"

Cha Tae-hyun's words were half a joke and half a way of defusing the situation.

After all, Kang Jae-hoon's serious attitude towards his work made Bae Suzy, who was standing next to him, seem quite unprofessional.

Kang Jae-hoon immediately realized he had almost stepped on a landmine in a sensitive situation, quickly closed the script, and bowed slightly to screenwriter Park Ji-eun:

“Writer Park, I’m so sorry. I got carried away and took up everyone’s time. I’ll ask you for advice privately later.”

Park Ji-eun smiled and waved her hand, indicating that it was alright:

"It's always good to discuss the characters. Okay, let's go."

The group stepped out of the tea room.

The sky outside the courtyard was already tinged with indigo.

A gentle breeze, carrying the coolness and hustle of the city, diluted the remaining aroma of tea and tranquility in the tea house.

Several discreet vans were already waiting at the courtyard gate. Cha Tae-hyun put his arm around Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder and led him towards his car.
"Come on, come on, get in my car."

Kang Jae-hoon understood.

I sat down without hesitation.

The car door closed gently, shutting out the laughter and chatter outside.

The driver smoothly glided the car into the dazzling stream of traffic.

"Taehyun hyung, I remember there were rumors that IU was going to play Cindy's role? How come today..."

Cha Tae-hyun curled the corners of his mouth: "Concerned about this? You've taken a liking to Soo-ji?"

Kang Jae-hoon was embarrassed:
"Brother, I'm just asking out of curiosity."

"Okay, okay..."

Cha Tae-hyun slowly began to speak, stating:
Do you know Lee Eun, the representative of 'Ming Film Company'?

Ming Film Company?
Produced by...

Kang Jae-hoon quickly searched his memory for relevant names.

In the end, he shook his head blankly.

He had heard about the power networks behind filmmaking.

But very little is known about the specific names of these behind-the-scenes giants.

"He was the president of the Korean Producers Association in his early years. His wife, Ms. Shim Jae-myung, is a current member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party. This couple can be considered the 'megaphone' for the Democratic Party in our circle."

Kang Jae-hoon's eyebrows twitched slightly.

Communist Party?
The current party leader is Moon Jae-in...

Former president of the Producers Guild?
Shen Caiming, a member of parliament?
"So...Suzy and this Representative Lee Eun?"

The answer was already outlined in Kang Jae-hoon's question.

"You know Suzy's breakthrough role, right?"

"Introduction to Architecture?"

"bingo!"

Cha Tae-hyun snapped his fingers:

"That film was produced by 'Myung Film Company'. You could say that Bae Suzy was Lee Eun's personal protégé, the 'Nation's First Love'. She was practically Lee Eun's protégé."

"Half an apprentice?"

"Hmm, otherwise why would Ryu Seung-ryong play a supporting role for her in 'The Song of Peach Blossoms'? It can't be because of Park Jin-young's connections, right?"

"……I see."

Kang Jae-hoon murmured:

"So, Cindy's role in 'The Producers' this time..."

Cha Tae-hyun let out a meaningful hum:

"It's just a matter of a word from Representative Lee. This kind of favor and resource allocation that comes without cost is perfectly normal. Besides, Soo-ji's image is perfectly acceptable, and there are no obstacles to it. The TV station is happy to go with the flow, as it can save face, gain a lead actress with built-in audience appeal, and also curry favor with the Communist Party. It's a win-win situation."

He shrugged and added in an almost cold tone:
"In this circle, it's not about who is the most 'suitable,' but about who has the most 'driving force' behind them."

"Just like you are Hwang Jung-min's apprentice, you are the driving force on another path."

capital.

that power.

Connections.

These are the real levers that influence a character's affiliation.

The so-called "suitability", "acting skills", "match"...

Faced with those deeply entrenched and immense forces, it is as fragile as a thin layer of ice.

Silence fell over the carriage.

The streaks of light rushing past the window appeared as blurry patches of color in Kang Jae-hoon's eyes.

……

The car drove into a quiet alley in Mapo-gu, hidden by roadside trees.

Finally, we stopped in front of a brightly lit, modern standalone restaurant.

Everyone took their seats.

The aroma of roasted meat and liquor mingled with laughter and conversation in the private room.

The initial awkwardness of the crew meeting for the first time was quickly warmed up.

While Gong Hyo-jin and Park Ji-eun were discussing fashion, Bae Suzy leaned close to Kang Jae-hoon and whispered:

"Hey Hoon oppa, I saw Yoona tagged your name during the Ice Bucket Challenge. You two are really close?"

Kang Jae-hoon paused for a moment, his fingers holding the teacup.

The rising steam from the rim of the cup momentarily blurred his expression.

"Ah."

The answer was only one word.

There was no explanation of exactly how good the "good relationship" was.

Bae Suzy looked at his calm and composed demeanor, and felt as if she had been lightly scratched by a tiny claw in her heart.

A mixture of dissatisfaction and a stronger desire to conquer was brewing.

Taking advantage of the moment when Cha Tae-hyun finished telling a joke and everyone's attention was diverted, she subtly leaned closer to Kang Jae-hoon, speaking in a voice so low that only he could hear her:
"Does Hoon oppa think I'm prettier? Or Yoona sunbaenim?"

"..."

coming.

Kang Jae-hoon could almost hear the silent alarm bells ringing deep within his brain.

This kind of question was asked two years ago.

His answer is likely to be a thoughtless and hurtful conclusion—Lim Yoon-a.

After all, Yoona's beauty is currently widely considered to have reached a certain peak.

Aphrodite grants permission.

At this time, Bae Suzy was in the transition period of losing her baby fat and gradually moving towards a more delicate and slender figure.

Objectively speaking...

She hasn't reached her peak appearance a few years from now.

But this kind of purely rational aesthetic analysis...?
"This kind of problem..."

"Oh dear, tell me, tell me~"

Bae Suzy gave him no chance to dodge or evade.

His body leaned towards him again.

His forearm even lightly bumped into his arm.

Persuasion and persistent pleading.

They seemed determined to get an answer.

"...They're all beautiful."

"Eh--?"

Bae Suzy immediately drew out her dissatisfaction.

Her beautiful eyebrows arched:
"Jaehoon oppa is so perfunctory!"

"how come?"

"I'm not angry, just tell me the truth."

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze met Bae Suzy's bright, moist eyes, which appeared exceptionally clear and moist in the warm light and glow of the charcoal fire in the private room. After a moment's thought, he truthfully replied:

"I think you have a better overall presence. Yoona... seems to have fairer skin?"

—A bit whiter?!

Bae Suzy felt like she'd been punched in the heart!
This was a perfectly timed mishap!
In the entertainment industry, "white" is almost one of the core elements of Korean aesthetics.

She almost instantly wanted to retort:

That's makeup!

Light it up!

Post-production color grading!

……

When Kang Jae-hoon saw Bae Suzy raise the corners of her mouth, he chuckled and swallowed back the words he was about to say, "Her legs are a bit longer too."

You can't trust what women say.

We just agreed not to get angry...

Kang Jae-hoon didn't say anything more. He picked up the tongs and silently flipped the meat on the grill.

The sizzling oil splattered everywhere.

Smoke curls upwards.

In South Korea, seniority is the unspoken rule when dining together. In such situations, the youngest and least senior person usually takes the initiative to do chores such as grilling meat and pouring drinks.

On this table.

Bae Suzy is undoubtedly the "maknae" (youngest member).

Kang Jae-hoon's hands didn't stop moving.

He subconsciously felt that Bae Suzy had just finished sulking and probably wasn't in the mood to do these things.

"Let me do it."

The clip was suddenly snatched away deftly by a small hand.

Kang Jae-hoon turned his head to look at Bae Suzy beside him.

Her face was expressionless as she focused intently on the baking tray. With practiced wrist movements, she picked up several slices of golden-brown, slightly charred, and sizzling beef brisket one by one and placed them into the plates in front of her seniors with perfect posture.

"Writer-nim, senior-nim, please use."

"Thank you, Suzy."

"Thanks for your hard work."

"..."

then.

They also added two extra slices of meat, which were clearly juicy, to Kang Jae-hoon's plate.

A few seconds passed.

Bae Suzy picked up the glass of soju in front of her and held it up to Kang Jae-hoon:

"I was being a bit naive just now."

Bae Suzy's tone was so frank that it was almost open and aboveboard, without the slightest hint of coyness.

"You keep pestering me with those elementary school-level comparison questions. And then you're all over the place..."

She paused for a moment, then used a more neutral term:
"...just daydreaming there."

Done.

Bae Suzy raised her hand and crisply tapped her wine glass against the rim of Kang Jae-hoon's wine glass on the table.

"Ding--"

"I'm sorry, Jaehoon oppa~ Don't worry about it."

Subsequently.

He tilted his head back and drank the clear, water-like liquor in one gulp.

Kang Jae-hoon looked at her with some surprise.

Bae Suzy's straightforward and admitting-mistakes attitude dispelled the embarrassment and awkwardness he felt from the earlier "appearance comparison" controversy with this drink.

even.

My feelings for her have increased to another level.

It's normal for women to have a little temper.

But it's rare to see someone like Bae Suzy who can immediately realize that her earlier nagging and comparisons were a bit "dramatic," and then apologize without any hesitation or awkwardness.

This made Lee Sung-kyung's image flash through his mind.

If it's Lee Sung-kyung...

Even if she knew her behavior was a bit unreasonable, she would never do what Bae Suzy did: pour a glass of wine in front of him and simply say, "I was wrong."

She is more likely to—

She would coldly push the grilled meat in front of him, or knock on the door and bluntly say "Come out for dinner," before turning and leaving.

(End of this chapter)