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

Chapter 188 Yoona's Happy Upbringing and the Shortage of Gold-Wire Rim Glasses

on the main stage.

The Q&A session is still generating buzz.

For some reason, Park Kyung-lim steered the conversation towards a particularly impactful scene later in the film:
"The scene where Jo Tae-oh 'pricked' Yoo In-young in the private room before he ran away was really heartbreaking. But I seem to remember... wasn't there a kissing scene in that intense scene?"

Park Kyung-lim's smile deepened:
"Was this Jae-hoon's first kiss on the big screen?"

A chorus of "Oh—" immediately erupted from the audience.

The heart of gossip is burning.

Since we're talking about the big screen...

So, the kissing scenes with Krystal Jung in "The Heirs," with Lee Sung-kyung in "It's Okay, That's Love," and with Bae Suzy in "The Producers"... naturally don't count.

Strictly speaking.

"Veteran" was indeed his first kissing scene on the big screen.

but……

I definitely can't tell the truth.

Although he felt that Yoona wouldn't care about these things, what if she did?
"No."

Kang Jae-hoon gently shook his head.

Park Kyung-lim was slightly surprised: "Oh? It's already been filmed?"

"Yes. It was filmed in another movie. But that one hasn't been released yet."

Kang Jae-hoon was referring to the kiss he shared with Yoona during their wedding scene in "Himalaya".

The filming of this movie took place after "Veteran".

However, the time difference is unimportant to the audience and the host at this moment, but it is indeed a clear and unambiguous clarification signal to a specific receiver.

Park Kyung-lim's interest was indeed piqued:
"Oh? Which work is it? Would you mind telling me?"

"Well... let's wait until the movie is released and find out in the theater."

The topic ends here.

Park Kyung-lim, knowing his limits, didn't press the matter further and instead smiled, steered the conversation toward the other main cast members.

aside.

When Hwang Jung-min heard his apprentice's answer that "it had been filmed before," his eye twitched slightly.

He knows Kang Jae-hoon's filming timeline all too well!

This kid...

Your ability to lie through your teeth is getting better and better!
And then, considering his previous suggestion to move out of the apartment he shared with Lee Sung-kyung...

—He moved out, probably so he could "mess around" more easily, right?!
……

The premiere finally came to a close after another round of lively Q&A.

The creators bowed again to express their gratitude.

The audience began to leave one after another.

Kang Jae-hoon stepped off the small stage and found his "Jo Line" brothers who had come to support him that night—Cha Tae-hyun, Jo In-sung, and Kim Woo-bin, who arrived a little later.

I hugged and thanked them one by one.

"Remember to recommend your brother's movie on social media later!"

Jo In-sung, a warm smile playing on his lips, patted Kang Jae-hoon's back firmly with his large hand, responding readily.
"rest assured."

Kang Jae-hoon's performance in the film is remarkable.

The momentum that follows will definitely spread like wildfire.

The traffic and attention generated by this popularity will undoubtedly benefit the entire "Zhao line" circle.

Greater exposure, stronger industry influence, and better resource allocation... all of these will come naturally.

It is only natural for brothers to support each other and live together in harmony.

"Waiting for a box office smash!"

Kim Woo-bin, standing beside him, didn't say much, but simply smiled and patted Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder firmly. The unspoken encouragement was palpable.

"gone!"

"I'll contact you later!"

The group hugged again before parting ways.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Representative, Hwang Jung-min's new film is a box office hit."

"I just updated the real-time data, and the cumulative number of viewers is already rapidly approaching 200 million."

"Two and a half days...that speed..."

Behind the large desk.

Jung Tae-sung (representative of CJ Entertainment's film division) did not take his eyes off the project proposals in front of him, only letting out a very soft "hmm" through his nose as a response.

He was not at all surprised by his assistant's amazement.

He was well aware of Ryu Seung-wan's abilities.

The dominance of Hwang Jung-min's prestigious reputation is beyond doubt.

The memory of "Ode to My Father" raking in 1426 million viewers last year and becoming the second highest-grossing film of the year is still fresh in our minds.

of course.

Kang Jae-hoon's portrayal of Jo Tae-oh certainly played a significant role in stirring up the audience's emotions.

A villain whose evil is layered and so despicable that it makes you grit your teeth and yet compels you to explore the root of his twisted nature makes this collective outburst against privilege and evil even more exhilarating.

Jung Tae-sung finally looked up from the proposal:
What is Kang Jae-hoon's next project?

As Zheng Taicheng's assistant who had worked for him for several years, he knew his boss's thoughts all too well.

This means that he is optimistic about the chemistry between the mentor and apprentice duo and wants to replicate their box office success.

Therefore, the assistant, who had done her homework in advance, immediately replied:

"Writer Kim Eun-sook's new drama, Descendants of the Sun."

"Why did you go back to acting in idol dramas?"

Jung Tae-sung frowned slightly:
"The first male?"

"It's said to be the second male lead."

Jung Tae-sung: "..."

A few seconds of silence filled the spacious office.

With the current momentum of "Veteran" and the foundation laid by "The Producers," Kang Jae-hoon is fully capable of challenging for more core big-screen opportunities. While Kim Eun-sook's drama is certainly a lucrative opportunity, playing the second male lead... seems somewhat "demeaning."

but.

Although Jung Tae-sung didn't understand, he chose to respect it.

The selection of actors is based on various considerations, such as commercial exposure, personal relationships, or something else entirely.

“Make sure his schedule for the next project is fixed. Let him play the second male lead in the script for ‘A Violent Prosecutor’.”

The assistant hesitated for a moment, then added in a low voice:
"Director Lee seems to prefer Kang Dong-won for that role..."

"unimportant."

Zheng Taicheng didn't even lift his eyelids, his voice calm and unwavering: "We are the investors and issuers."

There's no need to spell things out.

The assistant understood immediately:

"Understood! I'll go and communicate with the production company and director right away!"

at the same time.

Another exit from the CGV cinema in Seocho-dong.

Director Park Hoon-jung lowered the brim of his hat and squeezed out of the theater with the departing crowd.

Ostensibly, he came to support his longtime collaborator Hwang Jung-min's new film.

Reality.

As an ambitious director who has also worked deeply in the commercial film industry, he is trying to deconstruct the elements and formulas from this phenomenal work that can replicate the next "million-dollar miracle".

in fact.

Peel back the beautiful exterior of director Ryu Seung-wan's exquisite audiovisual language and exhilarating action design.

To put it bluntly...

It's just an old formula of "police-gangster battles + lone hero" that was already played out during the golden age of Hong Kong cinema, but now it's been repackaged and given a new name: "beating up the tycoons".

It's cliché, but deadly.

The pent-up anger of the people needs an outlet.

They watched as Xu Daozhe's fist smashed into Zhao Taiwu's privileged face.

It wasn't just the characters on screen that were shattered; it also shattered the raging anger of countless working-class people and ordinary citizens against the tycoons and privileged classes that they had nowhere to vent.

This isn't watching a movie.

This is clearly a paid-for, grand collective revenge ceremony!

The time, place and people are favorable.

They ran into Ryu Seung-wan and Hwang Jung-min.

therefore.

The real secret to generating traffic is "beating up chaebols" and "black chaebols"!
Park Hoon-jung's mind went straight in an instant. He immediately took out his phone and dialed his screenwriting partner's number:
"I've got an idea, we have to act on it immediately! Yes, let's follow the same path as 'Veteran'! The core is—a corrupt tycoon, something that will give the audience a satisfying viewing experience!"

As for the "tycoon's son" image that will be made into a target for the audience to vent their anger?
Almost no thought is required.

A figure dressed in a suit and vest, with slicked-back hair and gold-rimmed glasses, whose elegant appearance concealed a violent and manic soul, instantly materialized in his mind.

Kang Jae-hoon.

That face, that aura—it was practically a bombshell tailor-made for this role.

"The prototype of the villain?"

"Just like Kang Jae-hoon's Jo Tae-oh in 'Veteran.' Be even more wicked, even more deserving of a beating! But... also have that damn charm!"
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

at the same time.

KBS Music Bank backstage.

The eight members of Girls' Generation slumped on the sofas and chairs in the dressing room, like dolls whose strength had been drained.

tired.

Exhaustion that seeps into your bones.

This non-stop schedule of promoting songs, pre-recording, and autograph sessions made them feel as if they had been dragged back to their youthful days when they burned everything to reach the top.

only……

My body had already issued a relentless protest.

At that time, they were girls in their late teens and early twenties, with stamina like an inexhaustible spring.

Now, the members have all crossed the threshold of 25, and some are even approaching 30. Their metabolism has slowed down, and the fatigue from staying up all night takes three days to recover. The muscle soreness after high-intensity dance is ever-present, as if the soreness is seeping from every crevice of their bones.

"Ah... my back..."

Sunny lay sprawled on the sofa, groaning in pain, completely disregarding her image.

"You don't have a waist..."

"ah!"

"..."

Unlike others, they "love and hate" each other even when they are tired.

Kim Tae-yeon was huddled in a corner chair, her legs drawn up, chin resting on her knees, holding her phone to her ear.

"...Father."

"Mo?"

"Want a signed photo of Kang Jae-hoon?"

"Hey, isn't having my picture in the store enough?"

Mr. Jin on the other end of the phone clearly had a good reason.

The more Kim Tae-yeon listened, the higher her lips pouted became.

"I know, I know……"

"I'll get it for you later... I'm hanging up now, I'm exhausted..."

Kim Tae-yeon knew perfectly well why her father had suddenly called to ask for Kang Jae-hoon's autographed photo.

It's simply that the image of the refined villain Jo Tae-oh, played by Kang Jae-hoon, is so deeply ingrained in people's minds that it has sparked a strange "villain trend."

Just a few days.

His gold-rimmed glasses, the same style but from a different brand, sold out in an eyewear store in Seoul!

The tide was fierce.

Even some long-established shop owners who usually only sell high-end optical glasses started asking, "Where can I find the style that the actor is wearing?"

however.

Limited by the speed of its spread, this evil trend is currently only sweeping through the urban area of Seoul.

The "Kim Boss Glasses Shop" located far away in the whole state has not yet been affected.

But how keen is a businessman's sense of smell?
Almost immediately, I realized that it would be a waste not to capitalize on this wave of traffic!

then.

That led to the absurd phone call just now, in which the daughter was asked to "stock up" on autographed photos of Kang Jae-hoon for the family's eyewear store.

In fact, Kim Tae-yeon did not have Kang Jae-hoon's contact information.

It's not because we're not familiar with each other.

It's not because I dislike it.

Quite the opposite.

It's because she has a strong sense of boundaries.

She didn't want any private contact with Kang Jae-hoon to cause any resentment in Im Yoon-ah's heart, especially in the sensitive area of romance. Even a small misunderstanding could create an ugly rift in their sisterly bond.

From a certain perspective, this also reflects Kim Tae-yeon's confidence in her personal charm.
What if Kang Jae-hoon can't control himself and pursues me relentlessly...?

cough cough.

She dismissed the absurd idea.

Turn around.

His gaze fell on the maknae's shapely and toned legs.

She's not a pervert.

Instead, Yoona was comfortably resting on it, engrossed in scrolling through her phone.

The smile in his eyes, the curve of his lips...

Kim Tae-yeon didn't need to guess what she was looking at.

—Kang Jae-hoon.

And the overwhelming amount of rave reviews surrounding "Veteran" and "Zhao Taiwu".

She was absolutely right.

Yoona is currently basking in a sea of online praise.

The comments about Kang Jae-hoon's acting, about "Veteran," and about "Jo Tae-oh" were like the sweetest nectar, nourishing her heart.

A series of astonished comments scrolled past my eyes:
[Jo Tae-oh is definitely the most lovable yet hateful character on the big screen this year! His acting is phenomenal!]

Before watching *Veteran*: Hwang Jung-min's textbook acting is back. After watching *Veteran*: What a cult-like monster Kang Jae-hoon plays! It made my teeth itch and my heart race! Congratulations to the Korean film industry on gaining a new generation of 'refined villain'! Chungmuro is so lucky to have such a villain!

[Our oppa is so handsome even when playing a villain! His suit is killer!!! His wire-rimmed glasses are killer!!! The way he smokes with that cold face is killer!!! And the way he's handcuffed... uh, I want to take him home and raise him too! He's the epitome of beauty!!! Mom loves you!!! (Although your acting is so good it scared Mom a little TT)]

[Thomas the Devil (oops, I mean, the devil!) has that ascetic yet perverse aura all thanks to these glasses! I've asked at over a dozen stores, and they all say that the ones with thin gold rims, square frames, and lightweight titanium are sold out! I'm begging for help from the all-knowing netizens! Price isn't an issue! (Attached: a nine-grid screenshot from the movie, highlighting the glasses' details)]

[Sister +1! Yesterday I ran all over the eyewear stores in Gangnam District, and the sales staff said that everyone coming in these past two days has been asking about the 'Jo Tae-won style'.]

[The sales power of these chaebol devils is terrifying!]

Wearing the same glasses, I watched the midnight showing twice... I feel like I'm walking around with the villain's theme music playing!

[Wake up, upstairs! Wearing the same glasses ≠ having the same tycoon dad!]

……

Look at these praises, which are like an intricately woven rainbow.

The curve of Lim Yoon-a's lips became increasingly radiant.

An indescribable warm feeling, a mixture of pride and satisfaction, flowed through her heart.

The pleasure of "raising a child"?
maybe.

But more than anything, it was witnessing a star that he had "discovered" finally shine with its own brilliant light, enough to illuminate the night sky.

The fingertip slowly returns to the main interface.

Open Kakao.

Find the pinned name.

Da da da……

Edit information.

Kim Tae-yeon dragged her aching legs over.

He shoved the phone right in front of Yoona's face.

On the screen was a message from her father, featuring the same "Give me back my hard-earned money" emoji used by the driver demanding back wages, accompanied by the following text:

"Daughter! Kang Jae-hoon's autographed photo! Urgent! Waiting online!"

Im Yoon-ah turned her head.

He couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.

"Here. You should speak directly to him."

He shoved the phone into Kim Tae-yeon's hand.

Kim Tae-yeon: —_—#
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The immense popularity of "Veteran" forced Kang Jae-hoon, who was supposed to join the cast of "Descendants of the Sun" on July 10th, to reluctantly ask screenwriter Kim Eun-sook for another leave.

Fortunately.

While the second male lead's role is indispensable, he has more room for adjustment than the male and female leads.

More importantly.

The tsunami of attention generated by Kang Jae-hoon's sudden rise to fame undoubtedly provided a super boost to the post-production promotion of "Descendants of the Sun".

Weigh the pros and cons.

Kim Eun-sook finally gave the green light.

His joining the team will be postponed until the end of the month.

The cost was that subsequent scenes had to be shortened and reshot.

now.

Kang Jae-hoon was at a business dinner where the clinking of crystal glasses filled the air.

The chandelier light was dim.

Smoke billows.

This is one of the chain reactions brought about by the explosive popularity of "Veteran" after its release—a less private business meeting that he had to attend.

In the gaps where power and resources intertwine.

Naturally, there are also embellishments that exist to "live up the atmosphere".

The girls in their stylish little dresses, like vibrant and agile butterflies, flitted quietly between the men, skillfully filling the brief silences.

Whether the greasy or shrewd men next to them are talking about industry trends or bragging about old stories, they always manage to raise their carefully groomed chins at the right moment, widen their eyes with thick mascara, and reveal a perfectly timed expression that is a mixture of admiration, surprise, and praise.

They were bending forward and backward.

Her laughter was crisp and clear, with a deliberately exaggerated sweetness.

Like carefully trimmed plastic flowers, swaying in the wind, waiting to be "picked" by a wealthy patron.

Exaggeration?
A little bit indeed.

However, many men clearly enjoy this low-cost "emotional value," becoming flattered and feeling as if they have truly become kings who control everything.

An unknown actor was squeezed next to Kang Jae-hoon.

Or……

A former actor is a more fitting description.

After the second female lead in a web series disappeared from the public eye, she now mainly makes a living by shooting print ads for online businesses and attending high-end dinner parties.

Liu Chengwan was talking to someone.

She seamlessly entered the conversation, amplifying Director Liu's dark humor tenfold.

He was laughing so hard.

Cheeks flushed.

The waves on her chest rose and fell, making one dizzy.

His gaze, however, was like a hook, firmly locked onto Kang Jae-hoon's profile, which was divided by light and shadow.

"Oppa really..."

Her upper body was almost pressed against Kang Jae-hoon's arm, the sweet scent of perfume mixed with the aroma of red wine:

"The way you looked at Jo Tae-oh... the way you smoked... it was so handsome it made my heart stop..."

The voice carried a suggestive, panting quality.

He held a piece of fruit between his fingertips, wanting to bring it to Jiang Zaixun's lips.

Kang Jae-hoon took a small step back.

There is no disturbance in my heart.

He didn't even glance at her face, instead picking up his wine glass and taking a sip.

"Thank you."

Kang Jae-hoon is not a saint who is free from worldly desires.

It's not like I'm pretending to be a virtuous person.

It's simply that the threshold is too high.

The three people in my family.

Pei Xiuzhi.

Lim Yoona.

Lee Sung-kyung.

Those are the very pinnacle of existence.

In terms of appearance, figure, temperament, speech, and even personality, she is miles ahead of these mass-produced "plastic flowers".

From frugality to luxury is easy, from luxury to frugality.

Having been spoiled by top-grade Wagyu beef, I have absolutely no interest in synthetic meat patties.

Liu Chengwan glanced at Jiang Zai Xun's indifferent profile and the slightly embarrassed expression of the girl who tried to get close but bumped into him.

Immediately and subtly bring up a new topic.

buzz-

The phone in my pocket vibrated.

In this situation, one shouldn't be looking at their phone.

But Kang Jae-hoon was so annoyed by the incessant flattery around him that he took out his phone, leaned back slightly to avoid the scent of perfume, and swiped the screen.

It's Yoona's Kakao.

A screenshot.

The screenshot almost made Kang Jae-hoon lose his composure—

A driver demanding back wages held up a banner with an emoji that read "Give me back my hard-earned money," accompanied by large text below:
"Daughter! Kang Jae-hoon's autographed photo! Urgent! Waiting online!"

Next up was news about Im Yoon-a:
[Yoona]: Taeyeon unnie's dad's glasses shop needs your "refined villain" autographed photo to decorate the shop~ Urgent order! Will you take it?

Kang Jae-hoon's lips curved upwards slightly.

Quick reply with your fingertips:
[Jae-hoon]: Okay. How much do you need?

The message has just been sent.

Almost instantly.

[Yoona]: 50 photos.

Kang Jae-hoon's eye twitched slightly.

50 photos?!

Are they going to plaster autographed photos all over the state like flyers?
Hold your fingertip on the screen for half a second.

Brief reply:
[Jae-hoon]: Received. I'll send it to you tomorrow.

buzz-

My phone vibrated again.

This time it's Bae Suzy.