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

Chapter 221 The Studio Blueprint and Her Exclusive Escape Route

The van drove away from the filming location of "Asura" and merged into the traffic during Seoul's rush hour.

The neon lights outside the car window were just beginning to illuminate the night.

Ambilight.

Once the car was on a relatively smooth main road, Jin Dayuan began to report on the "hellish journey" that was about to begin.

"Jaehoon."

"Ok?"

"From now until the end of December, before the official release of 'Himalaya,' your schedule is basically packed. Let me briefly list the key high-profile events that require your personal attendance..."

[November 7] Melon Music Awards (MMA): Special guest presenter.

[November 11] Photoshoot for W Korea magazine (to promote Carrera watches).

[November 12] "Liu Renna's Raise Volume FM" (focusing on promoting "Himalaya").

[November 16] The 35th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards ceremony.

[November 19] Attended the production launch event for "Himalaya" with the main creative team.

[November 26] The 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards ceremony, the most important event.

[November 28] APAN Star Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Mid-length Drama) for his role as Baek Seung-chan in "The Producers".

[December 2] Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA): Held in Hong Kong, with special guest presenters.

[December 7] Recording of a special episode of "Entertainment Weekly" (Himalaya Special).

[December 10] Himalaya Media Screening.

[December 14] The last Valentine's Day of the year.

[December 16] Premiere of "Himalaya" at CGV Cinema, Myeongdong. Full attendance is required.

[December 25] Award presenter at the KBS Entertainment Awards (Variety category).

[December 28] KBS Drama Awards presenter + nominee (Drama Category).

"..."

Jin Dayuan paused, then added:
"In addition, there will be at least 1-2 small promotional interviews or fan meet-and-greets related to Himalaya every week."

"Of course, I also need to go to the beauty salon regularly to manage my condition... Oh, right, I also need to find time to complete script readings and preliminary makeup tests before filming begins for 'The Prosecutor's Chronicle'..."

Kang Jae-hoon felt his head was about to explode just listening to Kim Dae-won recount this long, almost seamlessly connected schedule.

If it weren't for that crucial Carrera watch brand ambassador assessment, he wouldn't need to appear so frequently, almost like a bombardment, in various settings.

While Carrera watches may not be considered top-tier luxury brands, they serve as an entry ticket to the world of luxury brands.

and many more……

Just now, Jin Dayuan seemed to have casually mentioned something.

"December 14th...the last Valentine's Day of the year?"

Kang Jae-hoon repeated the date, raising an eyebrow slightly: "Hyung, you've been... pretty free lately?" He even had the time to squeeze in a reminder about a personal matter like this during his work schedule?
South Korea has a rather unique culture regarding couples.

Almost every month there is a different "Valentine's Day", each with its own unique meaning.

December 14th is known as "Hug Valentine's Day," which symbolizes using hugs at the end of the year to test and strengthen relationships that have lasted since the traditional Valentine's Day on February 14th.

Kim Dae-won glanced at Kang Jae-hoon in the rearview mirror, his face expressionless, and replied in a flat tone:

"good."

He is indeed more relaxed than before.

The whole rental project is now fully on track. The first round of property acquisition, renovation, professional evaluation, bank mortgage loans, and final leasing and occupancy have all been successfully completed, and a fixed and replicable operating model has been formed.

now.

With the channels and processes already established, Jin Dayuan only needs to grasp the general direction and be responsible for selecting potential properties for investment. The remaining specific execution work can be handled by the professional project manager team he has assembled.

therefore.

He will naturally have more time and energy to refocus on his job as Kang Jae-hoon's top manager.

Even amidst this grueling schedule, there's still enough time to "care" about his complex time management needs.

"Since you're not so busy lately, why don't you take some time to systematically learn about the management, operation, and processes of a talent agency? You could take a course or learn from some industry veterans."

Kim Dae-won's competence and loyalty are beyond question.

He is Kang Jae-hoon's most trusted right-hand man, without exception.

When a personal studio is established in the future, the complex administrative, legal, financial, human resources, and project coordination matters cannot be handled solely by him or left to fumble around at the last minute.

Having Jin Dayuan learn in advance and serve as the actual operation manager of the studio to oversee the overall situation is the most ideal and reassuring choice for him.

"..."

After listening to Kang Jae-hoon's brief explanation of his plans to establish a personal studio.

Jin Dayuan paused slightly on the steering wheel, quickly glanced at him in the rearview mirror, and couldn't help but admire him in his heart: This move was perfectly timed.

Actually, in the entertainment industry...

It is not uncommon for artists to establish their own studios after reaching a certain level of success, and then later transform into small management companies to attract fresh talent.

Cha Tae-hyun, Lee Byung-hun, Bae Yong-joon... these veteran stars all climbed their way up step by step in this way.

This can be considered a mature development path for Chungmuro.

Putting aside Kang Jae-hoon's initial motivation for establishing his studio, which was full of "hormonal" elements, from a purely business perspective, this is definitely a qualitative leap!
The most direct benefit is a significant increase in income.

For example, an earlier endorsement contract worth 2 million Korean won was reduced after SEM company's share, taxes, team expenses, and other deductions.

Ultimately, only about 7000 million won will end up in Kang Jae-hoon's hands.

However, if his own personal studio directly connects with the brand.

With the same 2 million won endorsement fee, only the studio's operating costs and taxes need to be paid, and the amount that ultimately goes into his personal pocket is likely to double or even more.

As the studio's representative director, Kim Dae-won's income will no longer be limited to a single agent's commission.

He will be entitled to a more substantial board member salary, performance bonuses, and possibly equity incentives if the studio expands in the future.

however.

Kim Dae-won was not blinded by the excitement of the enticing future career prospects. Instead, he calmly asked the most crucial question:
"Did your teacher... agree to this?"

Kang Jae-hoon looked out the window at the rapidly receding Seoul night view:
"The teacher didn't explicitly object, but he didn't immediately agree either. He said to come to his home in a couple of days so he could sit down with his wife over a meal and discuss the matter in detail."

"Oh."

Jin Dayuan responded and refocused his gaze on the road ahead, his mind racing as he weighed the options.

In his opinion.

The probability of Kim Mi-hye ultimately opposing this matter is extremely low.

From the coldest perspective of investment returns:

Kang Jae-hoon is no longer the newcomer who needed SEM company to invest a lot of resources in his incubation and whose future was uncertain.

Thanks to the explosive popularity of "Veteran," its continued rise in popularity, and the strong commercial value it has demonstrated, he has already more than recouped the training costs and resources that Kim Mi-hye invested in the early stages.

From a more humane perspective:

It is a natural law for fledglings to spread their wings and fly.

Although Kang Jae-hoon is not Kim Mi-hye's biological son, they have a deep bond after spending many years together, and he is more like a son to her.

How can elders forcibly obstruct or restrict development simply for the sake of "maintaining the existing interest structure and sense of control"?
This is inconsistent with Kim Mi-hye's shrewd and long-term vision.

therefore.

Jin Dayuan judged that this meal was most likely just a formality.

The real discussion revolves around how to ensure a smooth transition, how to reshape the balance of interests, and how to better support each other in the future.

……

Not long after.

The black van smoothly stopped in front of the apartment building in Seongsudong.

Kang Jae-hoon carried his suitcase upstairs, quickly took a shower, and changed into a clean and neat casual outfit.

I hesitated for a moment in front of the storefront counter.

In the end, instead of choosing the more understated car key, he took out the key that symbolized ultimate speed and passion from deep inside the drawer—the Kawasaki Ninja H2 key.

boom--! ! !
Om-! ! !
The moment H2 burst out of the garage, a tremendous echo reverberated and bounced through the dense high-rise buildings.

Wherever you go.

Pedestrians turned around in astonishment to find the source of the sound, stray cats on the roadside were frightened and scattered, and vehicles in motion subconsciously increased the distance between them.

Countless glances, some surprised, some envious, and some slightly disgruntled, accompanied his speeding figure.

For Kang Jae-hoon.

This feeling of being the center of attention, accompanied by the surging power of the engine, greatly released the fatigue accumulated from the continuous driving and the longing for someone.

I haven't seen Lee Sung-kyung for almost fifty days now.

Last time I went back to South Korea to host the Busan International Film Festival, the schedule was so tight it felt like a battle, and my time was completely "controlled" by Yoona and Suzy.

I felt somewhat guilty.

Thanks to the agility of the motorcycle and familiarity with the route.

Kang Jae-hoon sped towards the filming location of "Cheese in the Trap" with sparks and lightning.

Not long after.

The motorcycle executed a smooth drift.

It came to a smooth stop in the temporary parking area outside the film set.

Kang Jae-hoon took off his helmet, shook his disheveled hair, and looked towards the film set.

Even through the throngs of people, the jumble of camera equipment, and the moving prop trucks, he instantly spotted the figure that haunted his dreams—Lee Sung-kyung.

however.

Kang Jae-hoon's brows furrowed almost instantly.

Because standing next to that tall and beautiful figure was a tall young male actor, also dressed in a costume.

She was leaning slightly forward, talking to Lee Sung-kyung, and handing her a bottle of mineral water with the cap unscrewed.

Kang Jae-hoon took a closer look.

Ho!
Isn't this the "old acquaintance" who tried to poach his partner with the "innocent puppy" persona?

Kang Jae-hoon delivered a direct and powerful performance, putting Nam Joo-hyuk's acting skills to the test right in front of Lee Sung-kyung.

A few words from Nam Joo-hyuk left him sweating profusely and embarrassed, and he eventually slunk away.

I thought that kid would know his place after that incident.

They actually dare to come?!

Did they see an opportunity while I was filming abroad and was "absent" for an extended period, and then try to stage a "taking advantage of the situation" and "developing feelings over time" scenario?
however.

Kang Jae-hoon did not react immediately.

He simply parked his motorcycle in a relatively secluded corner not far away, leaned against the body, and calmly watched the busy film set.

It wasn't that he didn't want to rush over and declare his ownership, but he knew he couldn't let his jealousy and possessiveness make Lee Sung-kyung the subject of gossip among the staff.

She intends to continue in this industry for a long time.

Face and image must be maintained.

Not much longer.

As soon as the director yelled "Cut! That's all for today!", the atmosphere on set instantly relaxed.

The Cheese in the Trap series is expected to premiere in early 16.

therefore.

The filming schedule at this stage is not particularly demanding.

Unlike during the broadcast period, there's no need to work day and night to meet deadlines; I can generally go to and from get off work on time.

Amidst the clamor of exchanging "thank you for your hard work," the staff began packing up the equipment, and the actors headed to their respective rest areas or vans.

Having changed out of her costume and back into her own clothes, Lee Sung-kyung was carrying a small handbag and walking towards the parking lot with several colleagues, talking as they went. Nam Joo-hyuk was still with her, seemingly trying to find something to chat about.

He was still holding the bottle of mineral water he hadn't given her yet, determined to see her off.

at this time.

hum-

Boom, boom! ! !

The oppressive roar of engines approached without warning.

It instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Suddenly, a motorcycle with an aggressive design accelerated and sped towards Lee Sung-kyung's location!

Then, just before they get close.

A clean, crisp, and slightly showy drift brought the car to a steady stop in front of Lee Sung-kyung, perfectly separating her from Nam Joo-hyuk beside her.

The cyclist, with long legs, lifted his hand and pulled up the dark visor of his helmet, revealing a pair of smiling eyes. He winked at the clearly stunned Lee Sung-kyung.

"Wife, get in the car."

Lee Sung-kyung was initially taken aback.

Once she saw the face she had been longing for under the helmet, she instantly understood her man's little secret.

—This guy timed his workday perfectly to come here, assert his dominance, and get revenge for being "hit" earlier!

childish!

But she didn't look at Nam Joo-hyuk again.

He naturally reached out and took the helmet, putting it on deftly.

The heavy helmet blocked out the view of the outside world and also concealed the uncontrollable upward curve of her lips.

Followed by.

With a graceful stride, he sat steadily on the narrow back seat behind Kang Jae-hoon, his arms wrapping around his waist and his body pressed tightly against his broad back.

A satisfied smile curved the corners of Kang Jae-hoon's lips.

He didn't even bother to glance at Nam Joo-hyuk, whose face had instantly turned incredibly ugly.

Under the curious, amazed, or embarrassed gazes of the crowd, the car turned around and drove straight to Lee Sung-kyung's nanny van and stopped.

Kang Jae-hoon remained straddling the car without moving, only patting the arm wrapped around his waist with his left hand as a signal.

Lee Sung-kyung understood, lifted her helmet visor, smiled at her manager, and said:

"Unnie, you've had a hard day! I won't take the van. Please go home first."

The agent had already guessed the ending the moment he saw that cool and stylish motorcycle appear.

Looking at Lee Sung-kyung's bright eyes and her clinging to Kang Jae-hoon, how could anyone not understand?

"Okay, okay! Got it. Be careful on the road, Jing Sheng! Kang Jae-hoon-ssi, thank you for your help!"

We exchanged a few polite words.

Kang Jae-hoon then twisted the accelerator.

The Kawasaki H2 roared once more, carrying the two of them away in a cloud of dust.

From beginning to end.

He didn't even glance at Nam Joo-hyuk.

Complete disregard.

That is the most thorough and hurtful form of contempt.

Nam Joo-hyuk was left holding that ridiculous bottle of mineral water, his face alternating between pale and flushed, looking particularly desolate and embarrassed in the late autumn night wind.

The occasional glances from those around him made him feel like he was being pricked by thorns.

……

The Kawasaki H2 glided into the underground parking space of the Nishibinku-dong apartment building.

The low rumble gradually dissipated in the enclosed space of the underground parking garage, eventually fading into silence.

Kang Jae-hoon skillfully set up the car frame and removed the key.

Lee Sung-kyung slowly came to her senses from the adrenaline rush she had just experienced while driving at breakneck speed.

"When did you buy it?"

She remembered that there were no such heavy motorcycles before Kang Jae-hoon.

"I got it through someone last month, and the paperwork was just completed not long ago."

Kang Jae-hoon's answer was flawless.

He had already prepared this line of dialogue when he chose to pick her up on this bike.

And he was certain that Lee Sung-kyung would not investigate further.

really.

Lee Sung-kyung simply hummed in agreement and nodded, without asking any further questions.

In her opinion.

—It's only natural for a woman whose husband's career is thriving to buy her a top-of-the-line motorcycle as a reward for her hard work.

She had confidence in Kang Jae-hoon's financial situation and didn't interfere much with how he spent his money.

therefore.

Lee Sung-kyung didn't even consider any other possibilities.

They would never doubt that this expensive motorcycle might be a gift from another woman.

Naturally, no one could have imagined that Kang Jae-hoon would have the audacity to ride a bicycle given to him by another woman so ostentatiously to give him a ride.

Trust sometimes stems from blind spots in our understanding.

"Very handsome."

She eventually gave a brief and fair assessment, thus bringing the topic to a close.

The two walked side by side toward the elevator.

There was a "ding" sound.

The metal door slid open silently.

The longing from a long separation and the emotions accumulated along the way in the night wind and at high speed lost all buffer in the instant the space suddenly shrank.

Lee Sung-kyung subtly hooked his little finger with her own.

Kang Jae-hoon immediately wrapped his hand around hers.

Until a soft "ding" sounded, the elevator arrived at its floor.

The moment the door slid open.

That invisible constraint seemed to be released as well.

The crisp "beep" sound of the fingerprint lock opening had just faded.

As soon as they entered the house, before the warm lights in the entryway could completely dispel the darkness, Kang Jae-hoon pinned Lee Sung-kyung against the wall next to the door.

"did you miss me?"

The entryway is half-lit and half-dark.

[PS: It's probably this kind of half-light, half-dark atmosphere.]

Kang Jae-hoon's figure enveloped her completely like a mountain radiating aggressive heat.

The stark contrast between the icy chill on her back and the burning heat emanating from the man in front of her caused Lee Sung-kyung's heart to pound and her breathing to become rapid, trapped in the confined space.

In dim light.

Her eyes glistened with tears as she was moved by emotion.

"Think about it."

The words have not yet fallen.

Her response was no longer words.

Instead, it was Kang Jae-hoon's eager lips.

This long-awaited kiss was like a spark that ignited a fuse, instantly unleashing the intense emotions that had been building up within them for dozens of days and nights.

(Ten thousand words of detailed descriptions of the exploration and release are omitted here.)
…………

The storm has subsided.

The air was filled with the scent of waning passion.

Feeling extremely satisfied both physically and mentally, Lee Sung-kyung rested her head on Kang Jae-hoon's chest, her body relaxed, listening to his gradually calming and powerful heartbeat, which brought her peace of mind.

Kang Jae-hoon's hand slowly roamed over her bare back.

He rubbed his chin against her soft hair and whispered about the interesting things he saw and heard while filming in Greece—of course, a carefully filtered version without Kim Ji-won.

Lee Sung-kyung listened quietly, occasionally letting out a few soft hums that were hard to decipher. It was unclear whether she was actually listening or simply enjoying the warmth of his embrace and the tenderness that followed.

Chatting and chatting.

Kang Jae-hoon thought of the most important thing he wanted to do on this trip:
"Do you have time the day after tomorrow to visit your master's wife with me?"

"the day after tomorrow?"

The little head on the chest moved slightly, seemingly pondering the schedule quickly, and then answered decisively:

"OK."

"Yes. This isn't just a simple visit; I'm going with a mission."

"Task?"

Upon hearing this, Lee Sung-kyung curiously raised her small face, resting her chin on his chest, her eyes still misty with a hint of languid charm as she looked at him.

Kang Jae-hoon organized his thoughts.

I briefly outlined my idea of ​​establishing an independent personal studio under SEM, and expressed my hope that she could speak on my behalf and act as a facilitator.

After listening.

Lee Sung-kyung sat up in surprise, the silk quilt slipping off her shoulders, revealing large expanses of fair skin and alluring curves, causing Kang Jae-hoon's Adam's apple to bob involuntarily.

"You...you're going to do it all yourself?! Set up...your own studio?"

"Any questions?"

Kang Jae-hoon strained to shift his gaze from the "beautiful scenery" before him to her eyes and asked in return.

"Well...that's it..."

Lee Sung-kyung slightly furrowed her delicate eyebrows, as if she wanted to express something, but couldn't find the right words for a moment, and finally just said vaguely:
"It feels... a bit sudden, and besides, your teacher's wife and teacher were so good to you..."

She always felt that SEM was like another home for Kang Jae-hoon. Would Kim Mi-hye's wife be sad if she "ran away from home" like this? Would she think they were ungrateful?

Jiang Zaixun instantly sensed the underlying ethical burden from her conflicted expression and hesitant tone. He reached out and pulled her back into his arms, patiently explaining:
"so……"

"That's why I gave 30% of the studio's shares to my master and mistress free of charge. This is both to thank them for their years of guidance and to create a new bond of mutual benefit."

“Strictly speaking, my studio is an independently operating sub-brand under SEM, sharing resources and support. It’s not simply a departure, but more like… living separately but still under the same roof.”

"Actually, my main thought is that if you are unhappy at YG in the future, or want to change your environment, this place will be your most solid and freest retreat and support. You can come over anytime, and I will give you the best resources and shelter you from the storm."

These words were like a warm current that crashed into Lee Sung-kyung's heart.

A huge feeling of sweetness instantly spread through my heart.

The feeling of being cherished and included in the core of your future plans by your loved one is a hundred times more touching than any sweet words.

"Humph!"

She suppressed the smile that was about to burst from the corners of her mouth, trying her best to maintain that habitual haughtiness, and twisted her body in his arms, muttering something that didn't quite mean her:

"Who wants to go to your place... I'm doing just fine at YG!"

Jiang Zai Xun thought to himself, "You'd better keep your word and not actually come, or my backyard will really be in trouble," but the words that came out of his mouth were full of sweet words of coaxing and indulgence:

"Alright, alright, our Bible shines everywhere, of course. I'm just being prepared, giving you another option. My door is always open only for you. You're welcome to come anytime you want, and if you don't want to come... it will always be reserved for you."

(End of this chapter)