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

Chapter 212 Hanbok Play and the Hot Torch

late at night.

Busan Gimhae International Airport.

The noisy tour groups and crowds of people waiting to pick up passengers had long since dispersed, leaving only a few taxis queuing up.

Kang Jae-hoon hurried through the empty arrival hall, pulling his suitcase.

Just stepped out of the glass revolving door—

A sleek Porsche 911 came to a stop on the low curb beside him.

The windows are down.

A bright and beautiful face peeked out, a few strands of hair fluttering in the evening breeze. Her elbow rested casually on the car window sill, her gaze lingering on Jiang Zai Xun.

"Hey handsome, it's so late, want a ride?"

Upon recognizing the person, Kang Jae-hoon's weariness from the long flight was instantly dispelled by this unexpected "romantic encounter":

How do I pay the fare?

His response was Bae Suzy's gently twitching finger.

Kang Jae-hoon readily agreed and leaned down, sticking his head into the open car window.

next second.

Bae Suzy tilted her head back almost without hesitation and kissed him very naturally.

This passionate kiss was brief.

However, it erased the subtle estrangement brought about by more than a month of separation.

After the kiss.

Kang Jae-hoon stuffed his suitcase into the front trunk, and had just sat down in the passenger seat, not yet fully seated—

Bae Suzy suddenly leaned over the center console, her pert nose burying itself unceremoniously in his neck.

Kang Jae-hoon subconsciously thought she wanted to continue the kiss...

The result was not a kiss.

It's not about smelling, but about taking a sniff.

Neck, collar, chest...

She even rubbed the fabric inside his collar with her fingers to check for any strands of a woman's hair.

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

His body stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, allowing her to "inspect" him.

He secretly rejoiced:

Fortunately, I managed to take a shower in the airport VIP lounge during my layover and wash myself thoroughly from head to toe.

otherwise……

The faint scent of Kim Ji-won lingered on her body...

The consequences are simply unimaginable!
Bae Suzy sniffed around as if it were routine, but found nothing suspicious about the "foreign scent." Her tense expression softened, and the scrutiny in her eyes transformed into satisfaction and a deeper longing.

Loosen your collar.

She then cupped his face in her hands and pulled him forcefully towards herself.

Lips and tongues intertwined.

It was a deeper and more passionate kiss than the one outside the car.

After being separated for nearly a month, the longing is real.

until--

"Bang! Bang bang!!!"

A series of loud, harsh honking horns came from behind me.

The drivers behind were clearly blocked by the Porsche parked in the middle of the exit lane and honked impatiently to urge it on.

Bae Suzy reluctantly released Kang Jae-hoon, glanced at the rearview mirror, snorted softly, and sat up straight again.

Engage gear and release brake.

He flicked the steering wheel.

The 911 roared as it merged into the flowing river of cars.

Kang Jae-hoon felt the intense acceleration of the sports car, his gaze sweeping over the aggressively styled dashboard:
"A new car?"

"uh-huh."

Bae Suzy's lips curled slightly, her profile revealing a touch of smugness against the backdrop of the city's neon lights outside the window:

"How about it?"

"cool!"

Kang Jae-hoon expressed his sincere admiration.

This sports car perfectly matches her temperament.

At 23, with the dual halo of being a top idol and actor, and possessing massive wealth and connections, it's the perfect age to indulge in luxury toys that cater to extreme individuality, showcase status, taste, and rebellious youth.

"It's just... the space is a bit too small."

This is a completely genuine feedback from the body.

With his height and build, it must be really uncomfortable for him to be curled up here.

"The seats can be folded down..."

"In a moment..."

"Want to try?"

Try?

try what?
How much space is there when the seats are folded down?
still is……

Kang Jae-hoon only belatedly realized what was happening.

His original simple complaint about the cramped physical space was instantly tinged with a strong eroticism by Bae Suzy's enchanting interpretation—was the space after the seats were reclined enough to support a thoroughly enjoyable midnight roll and indulgence for adults?

She invited Kang Jae-hoon to verify this in person.

There was no immediate response.

Bae Soo-ji seemed worried that he hadn't grasped the deeper meaning of "personally verifying," or perhaps she simply couldn't resist teasing him. Her left hand immediately slid briefly off the steering wheel, lingering suggestively upwards along the muscle lines of Kang Jae-hoon's outer thigh.

Kang Jae-hoon gritted his teeth and grabbed the mischievous "little fish":
"Drive carefully! This isn't the handbrake, why are you touching it like that..."

If you really let her keep touching you like that...

It's likely that within three minutes, this Porsche will have to make an emergency stop on the side of the road in the early hours of the morning.

In an attempt to divert attention from the increasingly dangerously high temperatures, Kang Jae-hoon forcefully steered the conversation back on track:
What are your plans for the next few days?

He needs some normal air.

Bae Suzy's "unromantic" reaction was a pout as she withdrew her hand and placed it back on the steering wheel:
"Accompany you."

"...Stay with me?"

Kang Jae-hoon's surprise was genuine.

Like Yoona, Bae Suzy has a workaholic streak ingrained in her. Her schedule is always meticulously planned down to the minute, with announcements, photoshoots, brand events, networking... leaving little room for personal time.

therefore.

She was able to set aside three whole days, simply labeling them "spending time with Kang Jae-hoon"...

There are only two possibilities behind this anomaly:

Alternatively, the potential benefits of accompanying him to the Busan International Film Festival far outweigh the value of any other work missed during those three days.

Alternatively, her planned work encountered unforeseen circumstances, and the gap in her schedule turned into an unexpected "vacation."

Kang Jae-hoon ruled out the first option almost instantly.

As a top idol, Bae Suzy's sunk cost over three days is too high, and even the most lucrative political endorsement cannot fully cover it.

Moreover, given her personality, if it were truly for personal gain, she would never use such an ambiguous phrase as "accompany you" to disguise it.

So……

The answer is ready to come out.

"Aren't you going to do the promotional tour for 'The Song of Peach and Plum Blossoms' anymore?"

Kang Jae-hoon pointed it out directly.

"It's over."

Bae Suzy answered casually.

"Finish?"

Kang Jae-hoon frowned slightly.

"The Song of Peach Blossoms" has been released for no more than a week.

How could the promotional period for a new movie be so short?

This is completely contrary to market principles!

unless……

In a flash, the answer became clear.

There's only one situation that would cause a new film's promotional campaign to end abruptly after just one week in theaters: the box office performance is so dismal that continuing to invest in promotion is like pouring money into a bottomless pit, resulting in even greater losses!

How bad could it be?

Is the situation so dire that we need to immediately halt the roadshow to cut our losses?
Kang Jae-hoon didn't ask any more questions, and silently took out his phone and tapped a few times.

The Korean Film Council's real-time box office data page popped up instantly.

Decline.

It went down again.

Finally, I saw the name "Peach and Plum Blossom Song" at the very back of the list.

—The total number of viewers for "The Song of Peach Blossoms" in its first week of release (7th) was 90,132.

9?
Even though Kang Jae-hoon was mentally prepared, this number still made him catch his breath slightly.

Even if this is an art film with low expectations for box office revenue, this number is still too low.

So low as to be in the dust.

So low that even the most basic production costs are destined to result in a complete loss, let alone investment in advertising and marketing.

Is there a movie theater near the hotel?

"Ok?"

Bae Suzy didn't react.

"Shall we go see this movie?"

Kang Jae-hoon turned to look at her.

"Now?"

"Hmm. Now. Midnight show."

Kang Jae-hoon went to see this movie not to judge whether it was good or bad.

Rather, it was to understand what Bae Suzy poured into this role.

To understand the dismal box office performance, we must understand the unheard expression behind her story.

I understand how much resentment she hides beneath her feigned nonchalance.

Bae Suzy gripped the steering wheel and remained silent for a few seconds.

finally.

She asked nothing.

She simply gave a soft "hmm".

With a sharp turn of the steering wheel, the Porsche 911 smoothly cut off the main road and sped towards the commercial area near the main venue of the film festival.

……

Cinema front desk.

The ticket windows for the midnight showings were deserted.

The young male shop assistant, wearing glasses, was scrolling through his phone listlessly.

"Two copies of 'Peach and Plum Blossom Song,' thank you."

A cold female voice sounded.

The shop assistant looked up.

A man and a woman were standing in front of me.

The brim of the hat was pulled low, and the mask covered most of his face, leaving only his eyes visible.

The man was tall and imposing.

The woman was slender and beautiful.

Even though she was covered up, her undeniable charm still caught the shop assistant's eye a few more times.

"The Song of Peach and Plum Blossoms? Midnight performance?"

The ticket seller checked it and looked like she'd seen a ghost.

Does anyone still watch this?

"Yes."

"Oh well."

The ticket seller slowly tapped a few times on the screen: "Hall 3, go in and turn right into the innermost small hall. It's just the two of you."

A corridor so empty you could hear the echo of your own footsteps.

Push open the soundproof door to Hall 3.

The theater wasn't very big.

The screen glowed with the cold light of the advertisement.

The seats, like silent black tombstones, are arranged in neat rows.

No one is empty.

It was a private event.

The box office returns were as dismal as the last withered leaf in the dead of winter, so cinemas could only cram it into the most remote small theaters and schedule it during the least popular midnight slot.

Vicious circle.

The fewer people watch, the more midnight screenings are scheduled; the more midnight screenings are scheduled, the fewer people watch.

A vicious cycle.

Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy walked towards the last corner of the row in tacit agreement.

Take your seat.

Take off your mask.

Bae Suzy's face appeared exceptionally fair and serene in the light and shadow. It was impossible to tell whether she was numb or had already accepted reality.

Kang Jae-hoon put one arm around her slender, soft waist, his gaze fixed on the scrolling opening credits.

The lights went out completely. The screen lit up.

Another world belonging to Bae Suzy slowly unfolds.

The film tells the story of how Jin Chae-seon, with her courage and determination, charged against the rigid barriers of the era, broke the shackles of outdated customs and traditions, endured hardships, and finally blossomed into the first dazzling female singer of "pansori" in the history of the Joseon Dynasty.

then.

Instead of gaining the freedom to sing that she had imagined, Chen Caixian, who became the "first female singer", became a pawn on the power chessboard.

Yi Ha-eung (the father of King Gojong of Joseon, and the powerful regent in the drama) coveted her, forcing her to leave her beloved singing stage and lover Shin Jae-hyo, and imprisoning her in the deep palace.

The camera began to make extensive use of cool colors and somber compositions.

The once bright and cheerful singer has become a silent, caged bird.

She was forced to become one of Yi Ha-eung's many concubines.

She was not a concubine.

It's more like a special collectible that serves as proof of power.

Time flows by like a cold stream.

They endured decades of agonizing waiting.

Black hair turned white with age, and once clear and bright eyes became clouded with dust.

Finally, in a twist of fate, Lee Ha-eung lost power and stepped down. Only then was the elderly Chen Caixian, dragging her heavy, shackled memories and her still-burning soul, able to stagger back to the equally aging Shen Zaixiao…

The reunion scene was handled with extreme restraint.

There was no crying or wailing.

Only the elderly couple, now old and frail, exchange silent glances, their outstretched hands trembling as they grasp the hands etched with the wrinkles of time.

Decades of hardship.

All they gained was a brief moment of peace as they huddled together for warmth in their final moments.

This is a tragic song of how the tide of the times crushed the fate of individuals.

Behind the poignant love story lies the insignificance and powerlessness of an individual within the grand narrative of history.

The movie ends.

The lights in the theater were turned back on.

To be fair.

The film was not poorly made.

The director's cinematic language is meticulous.

Bae Suzy's performance, from the lively stubbornness of a young girl to the numb despair of a woman in the deep palace, and finally to the tragic vicissitudes of old age, is layered and full of tension. She even specially studied the pansori singing style to strive for both physical and spiritual resemblance.

Veteran actor Ryu Seung-ryong willingly plays a supporting role, delivering a performance that is both profound and weighty.

The photography, music, costumes, and props all demonstrate meticulous attention to detail.

The problem is that--

It was born in the wrong era.

What was the state of South Korean cinemas in 2015?
The gunshots from "Assassination" still echo in the ears of the audience, and Jun Ji-hyun's dashing figure and the tense and exciting narrative pace ignited the passion.

The storm of discussion sparked by Kang Jae-hoon's portrayal of the eccentric chaebol Jo Tae-oh in "Veteran" has yet to subside, and the exhilarating feeling of violent aesthetics and class clashes remains fresh in people's minds.

Although "The Throne" is also a historical drama, it tells the tragic story of a father and son killing each other in an imperial family, and the dramatic conflict is so intense that it is suffocating.

In this fast-paced era where audiences crave adrenaline-pumping, fast-paced, and intensely dramatic "popcorn blockbusters,"...

"The Song of Peach and Plum Blossoms" is such a work—

A narrative like a gentle stream, emotions like fine aged wine, an art film that requires quiet contemplation to savor the joys and sorrows of the era and the fate of individuals.

It seemed so out of place.

Reality is too rushed.

The fast-paced bombardment of commercial films has profoundly changed audiences' movie-watching habits.

What the public craves most right now is the adrenaline rush when they leave the theater, the thrill of plot twists and turns, and the satisfaction of having their audiovisual senses strongly stimulated.

The "still waters run deep" aesthetic of literature and art represented by "The Song of Peach and Plum Blossoms" requires contemplation, reflection, and may even need to be revisited at different stages of life in order to appreciate its deeper and more profound emotions.

Just like reading a good book—

Revisiting these works under different moods and with different experiences always reveals new details, new emotions, new metaphors of the times, and new subtleties.

This profound resonance that is repeatedly savored and remains ever new; this eternal pursuit that carries historical reflection and questions about human nature, is precisely the true soul of art films like "The Song of Peach and Plum Blossoms".

……

Bae Suzy remained nestled in Kang Jae-hoon's arm, her gaze fixed quietly on the screen in front of her.

It's like a silent farewell, or like savoring the lingering aftertaste.

Kang Jae-hoon did not speak immediately.

He simply tightened his arms around her waist, silently conveying his support.

After a while.

He turned his head to the side:

"Sooji".

"Ok?"

Do you still have... Chen Caixian's costumes?

"Ok?"

Bae Suzy finally turned her head, her beautiful eyes looking at him with a hint of confusion:

"what?"

The question, tinged with a nasal tone, sounded exceptionally gentle.

"I want to see her appear before my eyes."

Kang Jae-hoon didn't offer any textbook words of comfort, such as "box office numbers don't reflect acting skills," "the movie was great," or "you're the best."

There was no pretentious philosophical guidance either—

Regarding trends of the times, audience tastes, and market choices.

He simply used the form of recognition an actor most craves, the praise a performer cherishes most deep in their heart—

It's not the words in the script, not the audience's likes or dislikes, not the box office numbers, and not the media's comments.

Rather, it's an appreciation and concern for the character who lives on the screen, a pure admiration for the actor's successful portrayal—you brought this person to life, and I want to see with my own eyes what the woman named Chen Caixian, whom you gave a soul to, should look like in real life.

really.

A glimmer of light appeared deep in Bae Suzy's eyes, and a smile naturally bloomed on her face. It wasn't a deliberate, forced smile, but a genuine, heartfelt one, carrying the surprise and satisfaction of being "understood" and "appreciated."

Her eyebrows and eyes curved into beautiful crescent moons.

Everything she put into this role—the studying, the practice, the days and nights immersed in the character's joys and sorrows, the agonizing struggles ingrained in her very being—received the most longed-for response at this moment.

"Okay!"

Bae Suzy kissed Kang Jae-hoon on the cheek as a reward:

"I'll go back and contact the director to see if I can borrow it. I'll wear it for you the night you leave."

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon's response was simple and low-key.

His hand, which was around her waist, moved slightly, slowly sliding and caressing her delicate skin.

then.

Before Bae Suzy could fully recover from the joy of being "recognized" for this role—

He leaned closer:
"And by the way... I'd also like another set of Lee Ha-eung's costume."

Bae Suzy's brows, which had just relaxed, furrowed again in an instant.

"I want to experience the drama of Chen Caixian seducing the Daewongun..."

Bae Suzy: "..."

She was stunned for a full two seconds before she realized what shocking, history-reversing, and "treasonous" thoughts were going through Kang Jae-hoon's mind!
Imagine him, dressed in a regent costume, being forcefully pushed down by you, dressed in a magnificent hanbok...

"asshole!"

Bae Suzy raised her hand and gave Kang Jae-hoon a harmless punch on the shoulder.

"Hahaha--"

Hearty laughter echoed through the empty theater.

Jiang Zai Xun seized the small fist that had committed the attack and pulled her to her feet.

"Let's go, let's go. The private event is over, time to leave."

Laughter and whispers mingled.

The screen went completely dark.

The world that belonged to Chen Caixian was turned off by the porch lights.

But another world of shimmering light, belonging only to them, reopened amidst laughter.

……

The next day.

The Porsche 911 navigates the gradually awakening urban landscape.

Finally, we stopped in front of a quiet courtyard surrounded by greenery and exuding a scholarly atmosphere. This was the temporary office of the Busan International Film Festival and also the place where Chairman Lee Yong-kwan stayed during the festival.

Push open the rustic wooden door.

A tranquil atmosphere, a blend of old books, sandalwood, and a sense of calm and serenity, wafts through the air. The reception room is small, simply furnished yet exuding elegance.

Professor Li Yongguan sat in the main seat.

Time has etched deep lines on his face, and his hair is meticulously combed.

His dark linen shirt accentuated his slender figure.

When I looked up...

His eyes were calm yet profound, like two ancient wells reflecting the vicissitudes of life.

"Chairman."

"Chairman."

Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy stopped three steps away from Lee Yong-gwan and then performed a standard 90-degree bow.

in Korea.

The professor's status is already prestigious, let alone the fact that the person in front of him is one of the founders of the Busan International Film Festival and the dean of the College of Arts at Chung-Ang University, a true titan of the art world.

"sit down."

Li Yong saw him raise his hand, gesturing for the two to sit on the cushions opposite the low table:

"It's already very kind of you to come; there's no need for formalities."

The three of them sat down.

The assistant silently served warm ginseng tea.

"Kang Jae-hoon-ssi, I've heard so much about you."

Lee Yong-gwan's gaze fell on Kang Jae-hoon: "You played Jo Tae-oh in 'Veteran' very well."

"You're overly flattering."

Kang Jae-hoon's demeanor was extremely humble and completely unpretentious.

"It is a great honor for me to serve as a host at the Busan International Film Festival. I never expected to have the opportunity to receive your guidance in person."

Li Yongguan nodded slightly, without much formality. His thin, strong fingers pulled a piece of paper from the folder beside him and slowly pushed it in front of Jiang Zaixun.

"This is the script for the opening ceremony. Take a look, especially the parts I've marked in the middle."

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze fell on the page.

The opening section is fairly standard:
The order of the jury introductions, the host's opening remarks, the speeches by important guests, tributes to classic film clips, and preview screenings... everything was arranged in an orderly manner, in line with the style of an international film festival.

His gaze swept quickly downwards.

The program moved on to a key part where he himself served as the host—introducing the origins and history of the Busan International Film Festival.

The text description is very concise:
"...[The host narrates, accompanied by a scrolling video on the large screen showcasing classic moments from past film festivals and the achievements of outstanding Asian filmmakers]...When the introduction reaches the early days of the film festival and its commitment to artistic ideals, a designated documentary video clip will be inserted on the large screen behind..."

insert?

Specify documentary footage clips?

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze froze on the next line—

That was a voice-over, clearly marked in printed text, which the host had to introduce on the spot:

"...and this light of art has also faced the blows of fierce winds and storms..."

Followed by.

The subsequent联动 actions are clearly marked in bold at the bottom of the document:

[After this screen, the large screen will display the specified video file: "2015_PIFF_Funding_Investigation_Footage"_01.mov]

【Remark】:
This is original high-definition footage showing the Chairman being questioned by prosecutors and temporarily detained. The host should pause and look up at the screen at appropriate times. The director will handle the switching and audio transitions accordingly.

Is this how you're supposed to do it?!
Kang Jae-hoon suddenly looked up at Lee Yong-gwan.

The old man remained seated calmly, picked up his teacup and took a sip, as if what he had just handed out was merely an ordinary program, rather than a bombshell about to explode on a stage under the spotlight, pointing to the power struggles within the system.

The storm at the beginning of the year is still fresh in our minds.

Because of his insistence on independent film selection and screening of documentaries that touch on sensitive issues at film festivals, Li Yongguan has long been a thorn in the side of certain forces.

Official pressure demanded that he step down as chairman of the Busan International Film Festival in order to replace him with a more "obedient" and conservative spokesperson.

He firmly rejected her.

What followed was the "funding irregularities" charge that led to this precise strike.

The image of him being led away from his office by prosecutors briefly made the news, but was quickly suppressed.

Li Yong's move was undoubtedly a desperate gamble.

It's a complete falling out.

It is to expose the political persecution he suffered to the world's media and filmmakers in a naked and high-profile manner!
With his last shred of dignity and his position as the president of this final film festival, he offered the most tragic testament to the independent spirit upheld by the Busan International Film Festival.

"Chairman..."

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly felt his throat was a little dry:

"Is this...the final decision?"

Li Yongguan slowly put down his teacup. His deep eyes held no anger or sorrow, only a calm and resolute demeanor akin to that of a martyr.

"The Busan International Film Festival was born of independence, and it should die of independence, rather than be slowly tamed by compromise."

"This is my closing statement. Kang Jae-hoon-ssi, please just... read it aloud as it is, and play it as it is."

The air in the room seemed to gain weight, pressing heavily on Kang Jae-hoon's heart.

He looked at the glaring red characters on the paper, then at the old man before him, whose face was calm but whose spine was ramrod straight.

He nodded slowly and solemnly:

"I understand, Chairman."

(End of this chapter)