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

Chapter 226 The reporter dug the hole, I filled it in; Master's shield is really useful.

11 month 19 day.

afternoon.

Banquet hall of a high-end hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

A huge backdrop features a silhouette of the Himalayas and the prominent movie title, "Himalaya".

This was due to the massive buzz generated by the viral marketing campaign of "wedding clips" the previous week.

This press conference had already been hailed by the media as one of the "most in-depth events of the year".

offstage.

A dense, dark mass of people thronged the area.

Those present were not just the usual entertainment reporters.

Our economics reporter is here—Can CJ Entertainment's massive investment create another box office miracle? What impact will the successive successes of its investment projects have on the company's stock price?

Our in-depth cultural columnist is here—is the theme of the Himalayas sufficient to convey an epic feel? How can a mountaineering theme be combined with a commercial blockbuster?
Photography media flocked to the scene – is the rumor of a visual spectacle filmed at high altitude true?
of course.

The largest group is still the army of entertainment gossip reporters.

Long guns and short cannons!

Microphones everywhere!

The voice recorder is ready to go!
The area reserved behind the press box was already occupied by cameras from various online media outlets and live streaming platforms, with signal cables tangled together like a web.

All this was to bring the live footage and the "nuclear-level" interview clips online as soon as possible, igniting the discussion once again!
It can truly be said that...

It was so crowded that it was impossible to move an inch!
The place was bustling with noise, and the heat was scorching!
On stage.

The queen of hosting, known for her sharp humor and steady control of the stage—

"Princess of the Four Directions" Park Kyung-lim makes her graceful entrance.

"Good afternoon, friends from the media and viewers who follow Himalaya through online platforms."

Park Kyung-lim's voice was clearly transmitted to every corner through the surround sound system:
"Thank you all for taking the time to join us in unveiling more of the mysteries surrounding 'Himalaya'—a work to which we poured our blood, sweat, dreams, and beliefs!"

The concise and powerful opening remarks immediately drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

As the applause subsided.

Park Kyung-lim turned to the side and gestured towards the entrance passage:
"Now, let's give a warm round of applause to the core creative team of the film 'Himalaya'!"

"Click"

"Click"

"Clap clap clap..."

"..."

The flashes of light were like a galaxy pouring down.

The following people walked out of the passage in order: Director Lee Seok-hoon, Hwang Jung-min, Kang Jae-hoon, and Ms. Ra Mi-ran.

When Ra Mi-ran, with her incredibly friendly smile and comedic energy, appeared on stage—

The audience immediately erupted in applause and cheers, a stark contrast to those before them.

The frenzy created by "Reply 1988" in just four episodes has already propelled Ra Mi-ran, the "golden supporting actress," to the peak of her popularity.

Her portrayal of "Mrs. Leopard," Kim Sung-kyun's shrewish wife, cold on the outside but warm on the inside, shrewd and calculating yet doting on her son, is both hilarious and heartwarming, deeply resonating with audiences.

How popular is "Reply 1988" right now?

After only four episodes aired, the viewership ratings soared to 8.251%.

Don't underestimate this number...

Because the platform that broadcasts it, tvN, is a South Korean cable pay channel (as opposed to the three major public free-to-air terrestrial channels: KBS, SBS, and MBC).

This means that the base of paying users is relatively limited.

An 8.251% viewership rating would conservatively translate to a 16-17% rating on terrestrial channels like KBS.

This number was achieved in just the fourth episode?

explosion!

Absolutely explosive!
This is already sprinting towards the throne of "Drama King of the Year" and "Phenomenon-Level Masterpiece"!
in short.

Ra Mi-ran's appearance was an absolute surprise and another publicity bomb planted by CJ.

Park Kyung-lim clearly knew what the media wanted to ask most at that moment.

After introducing the process, he proactively brought up the absence of Lim Yoon-a:

"Oh my, as you all probably noticed, Ms. Yoona, who made a stunning appearance in the trailer, is not here today?"

A commotion and whispers arose from the audience.

Kang Jae-hoon maintained his flawless smile, his eyes remaining calm and undisturbed.

Park Kyung-lim smiled and smoothed things over:

"Yes, it's very regrettable! Our Yoona is busy preparing for Girls' Generation's highly anticipated tour, and she simply can't spare the time! She specifically asked me to convey her deepest apologies to all the media and fans, and hopes that everyone can understand her dedication to the stage!"

It makes sense.

Even though the "wedding" scene in the trailer generated a tsunami of buzz, it's clear to everyone that Yoona's role in the film is more of a cameo appearance.

Compared to major events like the "Girls' Generation World Tour," which are crucial to the overall careers of both the group and its members, the priority is obvious.

The reporters nodded in understanding.

The pen tip scribbled down the official statement about the "tour rehearsal conflict" in the notebook, while the writer pondered how to dig out some scraps of information, such as "Yoona's private rehearsal status," from this angle after the press conference.

The press conference proceeded smoothly and according to plan in a conventional atmosphere.

Director Lee Seok-hoon calmly explained his filming concept, the enormous challenges of shooting deep in the Himalayas, and the humanistic significance that the film attempts to convey beyond limits.

Hwang Jung-min shared how he understood and shaped this stubborn, tenacious, and humane mountaineering team leader, as well as the hardships and interesting stories of filming in extreme environments.

Kang Jae-hoon's speech focused on describing the growth arc of the character "Park Moo-taek" he played, from his youthful days to his maturity.

While speaking, he naturally raised his hand, exposing the TAG Heuer Carrera watch on his wrist to the best photographic angle, completing a silent brand exposure.

……

When Park Kyung-lim announced the start of the open Q&A session, the audience instantly erupted into a boiling volcano.

"Splash!" A whole bunch of things.

Countless reporters sprang up from their seats like springs, their arms rising like a dense forest.

"Director Lee Seok-hoon! Rumors circulated that the film crew encountered a real avalanche threat in Nepal? Did the crew conceal any safety incidents?"

"Senior Hwang Jung-min! There are reports that you almost fainted from hypothermia while filming the scene of surviving in an ice crevasse. Is this true?"

"..."

Compared to the technical questions involving sensitive filming accidents and the difficulty of creating avalanche special effects, the questions directed at Kang Jae-hoon almost entirely focused on his complex personal relationships.

"Kang Jae-hoon! The wedding scene with Im Yoon-ah in the trailer has sparked unprecedented discussion! It's said that you two were very close and natural during filming, with no trace of acting! Did you also deepen your understanding of each other through the emotions of your characters off-screen?"

"Kang Jae-hoon! Following 'The Producers,' you've once again been nominated for an APAN Drama Award alongside Bae Suzy. Recently, Bae Suzy also revisited the sweet memories of Cindy and Baek Seung-chan on social media! What are your thoughts on the audience's expectation for a real-life recreation of the Producers couple?"

Some reporters were even more incisive, directly wielding the sword of comparison:

"Kang Jae-hoon! Viewers generally believe that you created an extremely strong chemistry with both Im Yoon-ah and Bae Suzy! In your personal opinion, which collaboration, the one with Im Yoon-ah in 'Himalaya' depicting a love story of life and death, and the one with Bae Suzy in 'The Producers' portraying a workplace romance, had a more profound emotional impact on you? Or, which co-star did you feel had the best chemistry with?"

As soon as these words came out.

The whole audience fell silent instantly.

All eyes were focused on Kang Jae-hoon's face like searchlights.

This hole is way too deep!
Kang Jae-hoon stared intently at the name tag hanging on the reporter's chest—

Reporter's Name: Li Sula

Media outlet: Dispatch
Hmm... No wonder it's the infamous Dispatch, whose mission is to expose people, poach their partners, and reveal their relationships.

in fact.

This question seems like a death trap—

Choosing Im Yoon-ah will definitely upset Bae Suzy, and who knows what kind of trouble she might cause later.

Choosing Bae Suzy? If Lim Yoona finds out, her days ahead probably won't be much better than the oxygen deprivation she experienced on Mount Everest.

But in Kang Jae-hoon's eyes...

The solution to this problem is actually not complicated.

The formula is equivalent to "Do you feel more comfortable working with Song Kang-ho or Choi Min-sik?"

Any artist who understands social etiquette and has received basic public relations training knows the standard answer: be impartial!
not to mention.

For Kang Jae-hoon, who constantly walks a tightrope between life and death, this is almost an instinctive survival reaction etched into his DNA.

I saw.

Kang Jae-hoon paused for a couple of seconds at just the right moment. (Giving the impression that he was really thinking about it seriously.)

then.

His face regained its impeccable smile as he looked at the Dispatch reporter:
"First of all, thank you very much for your question. It has always been my honor and good fortune to have worked with such excellent and charming actresses as Yoona and Suzy."

As for 'judging' which collaboration was more profound or had better chemistry...

Such a comparison itself—

“I think this is not only disrespectful to Yoona and Suzy for their wonderful performances in their respective works, but it also completely exceeds my qualifications as a co-star.”

Kang Jae-hoon skillfully elevated the issue from "personal feelings" to the level of "professional respect".

The pot was completely shoved away.

"If I had to choose one..."

He paused.

Amidst the audience's curiosity, awaiting whether Kang Jae-hoon would self-destruct—

Suddenly, his arm reached to the side!

With 1000% respect and solemnity!
Pointing directly at Hwang Jung-min, who was pretending to study the Baroque relief patterns on the ceiling:
"Then I choose—Professor Huang Zhengmin!"

"puff--"

A burst of barely suppressed laughter and excited jeers erupted from the audience.

This is the answer.

It was both unexpected and reasonable, perfectly avoiding the minefield and even showing a clever wit.

Huang Zhengmin suddenly turned his head.

He didn't say anything, but the slight twitching of his lips clearly conveyed:

"Using me as a shield again?!"

Upon receiving his master's "kind" gaze, Kang Jae-hoon immediately blinked obediently, as if to say:
"Teacher, please save the children!"

The flashbulbs went off even more frantically, capturing the silent yet absolutely hilarious eye contact between the master and apprentice.

The laughter from the audience grew even louder.

Even the economics reporter in the front row, who had been keeping a straight face, couldn't help but chuckle.

This pit...

Kang Jae-hoon used Hwang Jung-min, a highly respected veteran in the entertainment industry, to completely block him out, leaving no room for error.

Incidentally, it created what could be called "the best improvisational comedy scene of the year's press conference": the killer gaze of the movie star vs. the innocent blink of the up-and-coming actor!
Absolutely explosive!

The Dispatch reporter who asked the question could only nod awkwardly and sit down.

Continuing to pester them would be truly tactless.

Park Kyung-lim immediately smiled and smoothed things over:
"Ah~ It seems our senior Hwang Jung-min is not only a box office guarantee, but also an emotional mentor and a shield against pressure for his apprentices! Thank you for your hard work, Senior Jung-min! Now, next reporter, please ask a question..."

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 press conference concluded amidst cheers and a flurry of camera flashes.

Kang Jae-hoon then rushed to two pre-arranged radio programs to promote his film.

Until night fell.

The streets of Seoul are adorned with streetlights.

He returned to his high-rise apartment in Xibingkudong, exhausted.

open the door.

The motion-sensor light in the entryway illuminates with a soft, warm glow.

Only one floor lamp next to the sofa was turned on in the living room.

A faint aroma of lavender, a scent favored in the Bible, filled the air.

The direction the sofa faces.

Lee Sung-kyung wore a loose-fitting cream-colored cotton long T-shirt, her slender white legs curled up in a soft cushion.

Her chestnut-brown long hair was unbound, cascading lazily over her shoulders.

Holding a tablet in my arms, the screen shimmered with light and shadow—

The still frame prominently shows several children gathered together eating ramen in Ssangmun-dong.

The volume was adjusted to a comfortable level.

The OST melody of "Reply 1988," with its nostalgic filter and the warmth of everyday life, is slowly wafting out.

Kang Jae-hoon silently curved the corners of his mouth into a smile.

The fatigue caused by the long, tedious breaks in the work was instantly soothed away by this quiet corner.

I took off my coat and casually hung it in the entryway, then walked over quietly.

"Reply 1988" is Lee Sung-kyung's favorite drama lately.

This show is so popular and addictive, it seeps into everyone's daily life like air.

But she can't.

She also had to act in "Cheese in the Trap," spending every day on set trying to understand her character.

Being able to watch a live stream on time has become an unattainable dream.

He could only catch up on the episodes he had saved up during rare breaks or in the brief moments when Kang Jae-hoon was too busy with his schedule to return early, by making the most of his time on the online platform.

Kang Jae-hoon sat down next to her.

The familiar presence drew near, causing Lee Sung-kyung, who was focused on the plot, to unconsciously stir.

Before she could even look up.

Kang Jae-hoon's arms had already wrapped around her, pulling her soft body into his embrace.

He buried his head in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply her warm, sweet scent as if drawing in oxygen.

"Mmm~ It smells so good..."

A muffled sigh brushed against her skin.

"Hey! Get away!"

Lee Sung-kyung was startled by his cold cheeks and breath, and the tears that had welled up in her eyes from the storyline hadn't yet been wiped away!

She struggled a few times, then raised her pale, bluish-white feet and kicked his hard thigh without any hesitation.

"Go take a shower! What time is it?!"

Kang Jae-hoon wasn't angry even after being kicked.

Instead, he went a step further and stole a kiss from her hair before laughing and heading towards the bathroom.

Ten minutes later.

The rising heat dissipated.

Wearing only shorts, Kang Jae-hoon once again pounced on Lee Sung-kyung on the sofa like a large canine.

Stretch out your long arms.

He pulled that fragrant, soft body into his arms, nuzzled his head against her neck, and gently stroked her flat stomach with his hands.

Lee Sung-kyung felt a little itchy from his rubbing and twisted her body trying to break free, but it was all in vain.

She simply relaxed and leaned against him, refocusing her gaze on the paused episode on the tablet—a slice of daily life from the "Ssangmun-dong Five."

"I remember...didn't you also audition for this show back then?"

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon responded lazily.

He gently rubbed her flat stomach with his palm.

"be honest!"

Lee Sung-kyung scolded him, but her body did not resist the intimate interaction.

Do you regret it?

She paused the program on the tablet with a meaningful gesture, and the screen froze on the scene where Jung-hwan's shirt was ripped open by Deok-sun on the bus.

Lee Sung-kyung heard about Ryu Jun-yeol, the actor who ultimately got the role of "Kim Jung-hwan".

Before the audition, he didn't even have a proper agency, and he was so poor that he couldn't even afford a decent outfit. The clothes he wore to the audition were borrowed from a friend.

result.

The show has only aired four episodes.

The newcomer who once auditioned wearing borrowed clothes became an overnight sensation, sweeping the internet and becoming the "dog-hwan husband" of millions of girls.

Ryu Jun-yeol's name went from being unsearchable to ranking in the top three of NAVER searches. He was also personally recommended and connected with Ra Mi-ran, the mother he played in the drama, and quickly signed with the powerful agency C-Jes.

Advertising invitations came in like snowflakes falling from the sky...

His net worth skyrocketed.

It can be said that a TV series is a vivid example of how a life can be changed by a single show.

Hear the words.

Kang Jae-hoon fell into a brief silence, deep in thought.

In the dimly lit living room.

Only the tablet computer's dim, silent light illuminated the intertwined shadows of the two people.

Regarding that fork in the road at that time.

Choosing "Descendants of the Sun" instead of "Reply 1988" —

Did you miss this "legendary drama" that was destined to become a national sensation and a perfect springboard for an actor's career...?

Is there... even a trace of regret?

No.

The thought arose clearly and confidently from the bottom of my heart.

At the moment of that decision, reason had already added the heaviest weight to the scales.

First of all.

It is also the most practical dimension: capital accumulation.

In 2015, before global streaming giants like Disney and Netflix made a major foray into the South Korean film and television industry and completely reshaped its salary structure,...

South Korean actor.

In particular, the salaries of TV drama actors are subject to a clear ceiling due to the relatively limited domestic market capacity and the strict budgets of TV stations.

For a 140-minute movie, the lead actor receiving hundreds of millions of Korean won in salary is already considered top-tier.
For a 20-episode TV series, if the total salary of the lead actors can exceed 10 billion Korean won, it can be considered an astronomical contract.

therefore.

If Kang Jae-hoon wants to raise that staggering 10 billion won in start-up capital...

Relying solely on film salaries to accumulate wealth is a long and nearly impossible path.

Another relatively "greener" and faster channel for capital accumulation is advertising endorsements—

They efficiently reap commercial value by leveraging the surge in national popularity and image enhancement brought about by hit works.

Judging from the current overwhelming momentum and nationwide discussion surrounding "Reply 1988".

If he can successfully play an important young role, the advertising endorsement revenue that Kang Jae-hoon can bring him in the future, all added up, optimistically estimated, could easily exceed 2 billion won, which is not a pipe dream.

If we then try to cobble together funds from other projects, we might be able to barely reach the threshold of 10 billion.

however.

Judging from the situation at the time when he received offers for both "Descendants of the Sun" and "Reply 1988"—

On one hand, it's an ambitious production written by the renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, known for her guaranteed high viewership ratings, and heavily invested in by KBS. It boasts a top-tier cast including Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki. The scale of investment, production quality, and the already launched overseas pre-sales prospects are all clearly evident, making it a strong contender for a blockbuster.

On the other hand, there are sequels that, despite the good reputation of their predecessors (Reply 1997 and Reply 1994), have only achieved mediocre ratings and are more focused on nostalgia for a specific era, potentially raising concerns about their target audience.

Which one to choose?
The answer seemed almost obvious at the time.

Any actor who rationally weighs the risks and rewards and seeks the greatest common denominator in their career would most likely make the same choice as him. Moreover...

Even before its release, "Descendants of the Sun," with its top-tier resources, is likely to achieve viewership ratings and influence that may not be inferior to "Reply 1988."

There's no need to underestimate ourselves prematurely or fall into pointless hindsight.

not to mention.

Everything in the world is interconnected.

If he had chosen "Reply 1988" back then, he naturally wouldn't have joined the cast of "Descendants of the Sun".

Then.

The complicated and passionate love triangle between him and Kim Ji-won might never have unfolded.

Where can the anxiety and promises weighing on one's mind weighing on one's heart by tens of billions of won be?
What happened to all those subsequent... ups and downs?
Even the first chapter of the story won't happen!

So there's nothing to worry about.

The gains and losses are already cleverly arranged by the interlocking links of fate.

What seems like a missed opportunity might actually be the opening of an even more important door.

Think of this.

Kang Jae-hoon turned his head and gave Lee Sung-kyung a loud kiss on her soft cheek:
"What's there to regret? If I had filmed 'Reply 1988,' I might still be trembling on set right now, dreading Sung Dong-jeon's nagging. It's only because I chose 'Descendants of the Sun' that I can sit here with you on the sofa right now, watching you cry and laugh over other people's stories, and by the way... exercise my legal rights as your 'roommate'."

talking.

A burning hot hand began to slip inside the hem of the garment...

"ah!"

Lee Sung-kyung reacted quickly, grabbing the mischievous wolf's paw.

"Wait a minute, answer one of my questions first!"

She propped herself up in Kang Jae-hoon's arms, completely ignoring Kang Jae-hoon's face that instantly fell apart.

"……what?"

"Who exactly is Deok-sun's husband, the middle-aged woman?"

Lee Sung-kyung blinked her eyes, which were full of curiosity:

"Is it Jung-hwan? Or Taek? I've seen so many spoilers and discussions, it's almost causing a huge argument!"

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon's tense nerves relaxed instantly, and he almost burst out laughing.

It turns out to be this!
He thought Lee Sung-kyung was going to ask about the CP (couple) situation with Im Yoon-ah.

result.

That's it?

I secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but then felt a little embarrassed—

Kang Jae-hoon did audition for Jung-hwan, but the plot was limited to the scenes that had already been written. The rest of the script hadn't been written yet, so how would he know the plot?

It would be too embarrassing to just say you don't know.

then.

Without batting an eye, he made up a story off the top of his head:
"Of course it's the eldest son of the Jin family, the one who's lucky despite being a simpleton, Zhengfeng, who has the 'lucky charm' physique. Don't be fooled by his small screen time now, he'll definitely make a comeback later on."

"what?"

"Zhengfeng?"

"Really? Are you sure?"

This answer was completely unexpected by Lee Sung-kyung.

"The plot always needs a twist and a surprise!"

"Is that so?"

Lee Sung-kyung was skeptical, her delicate brows furrowing as she tried to imagine how Kim Jung-bong, who was obsessed with the lottery and always a bit silly, would end up with the clever and quirky Deok-sun.

Kang Jae-hoon's terms like "accumulated strength for a future breakthrough," "potential stock," and "late-stage reversal" sound quite reasonable...

But something still feels off?

"Oh, what's there to think about! It'll just be shown in the play later!"

Fearing she would expose him if she pressed him further, Kang Jae-hoon immediately launched a physical offensive—

He tightened his arms around her, pulling her back into his embrace, and his burning kiss sealed away her doubts without a word.

"This is Kang Jae-hoon and Lee Sung-kyung's time, don't think about anyone else! Especially that Bong guy!"

"Ugh...you..."

Lee Sung-kyung gave him a symbolic push twice, but quickly succumbed to the intense intimacy.

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.

August 26th.

As night falls, Kyung Hee University in Seoul transforms into a dazzling hall of starlight.

The 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards ceremony officially kicked off at the Peace Hall.

Since the launch of Himalaya FM.

Kang Jae-hoon's schedule is like a tightly wound top, with almost no time to breathe.

until today.

He was finally able to temporarily shed his heavy promotional duties and immerse himself in this grand event representing the highest honor in Korean cinema.

As the most prestigious annual awards ceremony in the South Korean film industry, the Blue Dragon Film Awards red carpet event is itself a top-tier visual feast and a massive online spectacle that attracts nationwide attention.

The moment the live stream started!

When Kang Jae-hoon appeared at the end of the red carpet and stepped onto the long, spotlight-lit corridor—

The live stream chat instantly transformed into a boiling ocean of lava:

"Aaaaaaah! My God!!! This is like a lightning bolt! Is this a god descending to earth?! Kang Jae-hoon, if you're going to kill me today, don't use your looks!"

"This suit is insane! Is that waist-to-leg ratio even humanly possible?! His face is practically glowing! My phone screen is already soaked (licking the screen)!!!"

"Help! This man is a walking hormone generator! That one glance he gave the camera! My heart stopped!"

"Give the photographer a bonus! This close-up shot is amazing! How can her skin be so good!"

"..."

Live streaming has become incredibly popular.

The atmosphere at the scene was so intense it was almost explosive!

The screams erupted the moment Kang Jae-hoon stepped onto the red carpet.

The dense flashes of light formed a cage of light, bursting and flashing incessantly.

A forest of cameras and microphones stood, and countless eyes were focused on them.

Jiang Zai Xun walked with ease and composure.

The black velvet peak lapel tuxedo felt like a second skin, perfectly outlining his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and upright, pine-like figure.

The understated yet undeniably eye-catching Carrera watch on the cuff reflects just the right amount of light under strong illumination.

The red carpet opening display of "showy skills" came to an end.

Guided by staff, Kang Jae-hoon finally stepped into the main venue.

The noise was temporarily shut out from outside the door.

The lights in the venue were bright but not glaring.

His seat was located on the left side of the main stage, relatively close to the front, and he was seated with the core members of the "Veteran" cast.

at this time.

Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Hae-jin, and others who were also going to walk the red carpet for "Veteran" had not yet entered the venue. Only director Ryoo Seung-wan had already taken his seat and was flipping through the award ceremony program booklet.

"Director, how have you been lately?"

Kang Jae-hoon bowed slightly in greeting.

Hwang Jung-min was his mentor and benefactor, but it was director Ryu Seung-wan who truly propelled him to the pinnacle of business and created the phenomenal character "Jo Tae-oh".

therefore.

Kang Jae-hoon respected him no less than he respected Hwang Jung-min.

"I am fine, and you?"

Liu Chengwan turned around, saw it was him, and smiled:
"You've been quite busy lately? I see you everywhere."

"Thanks to you, 'Veteran' has brought me so many opportunities."

"..."

After exchanging pleasantries several times.

Kang Jae-hoon subtly steered the conversation toward the possibility of "Veteran 2".

After all, in the current South Korean film market.

The first spin-off plan for a phenomenal hit is almost always to release a sequel—this is practically an unspoken rule in the industry.

Regardless of how brilliant the script continuation may be.

With the strong emotional connection and audience base built up by its predecessor, it's practically a sure thing to earn several million or even tens of millions of viewers.

There are living examples right before our eyes:

The Admiral: Roaring Currents, which holds the record for the highest-grossing film in South Korean film history, is currently working diligently to polish the script for a sequel to continue its legendary run.

Closer.

CJ Entertainment's massive commercial blockbuster "Along with the Gods," with a total investment approaching 400 billion won, directly adopted a high-stakes strategy of shooting two films back-to-back, demonstrating absolute confidence in the huge profit potential of the "series film" track.

however--

Who is Ryu Seung-wan?
He is a commercial director genius who once leveraged a mere 50 billion won to generate box office revenue in the hundreds of billions!
He is known as the "Korean Quentin Tarantino" and is a trendsetter who has made unique achievements in the field of action movies in Asia and even the world!

With his almost supernatural keen sense of market trends, his judgment on the timing of "Veteran 2" went exactly against market inertia.

"A sequel... let's wait another two or three years and see."

Liu Chengwan shook his head slowly, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

reason?

too easy!

With its precise narrative of "a low-level policeman confronting a chaebol who is obsessed with violence", its visceral action scenes and the explosive clash between Hwang Jung-min and Kang Jae-hoon, "Veteran" has not only opened the door to box office success, but will also create huge ripples like a boulder thrown into a calm lake!
He foresaw with absolute certainty—

In the next one to two years, the South Korean film market will inevitably see a surge in films featuring "black chaebol" themes.

Small and medium-sized production companies will rush to participate, and large companies will also plan similar projects.

When the screen is filled with various class conflicts, rich kids committing evil, and underdogs achieving success...

The audience's initial interest will be quickly exhausted.

Aesthetic fatigue!
Emotional numbness!

Until then...

A sequel to Veteran?

It's simply adding another piece of already-formed fried dough stick to an already boiling pot of oil.

Even the most fragrant food can become cloying!
Instead of blindly following trends and repeating themselves, thus squandering the value of the "Veteran" IP...

Liu Chengwan took a different approach.

They shifted their creative focus to action blockbusters similar to "Berlin," based on real historical events.

"Battleship Island" is a large-scale action ensemble piece that breaks away from the modern urban jungle setting and anchors its narrative in the heavy smoke of history.

This is an epic tale of Koreans forced into labor during World War II, who plotted a dramatic escape from the Japanese island prison in order to survive and gain freedom!

The background is grander.

The examination of human nature is even more profound.

Action scenes intertwine with historical tragedies!
Ambitious!

at present--

Liu Chengwan is fully immersed in sifting through a vast sea of ​​historical materials, researching, and brainstorming. The script is still in the "brainstorming" stage of concept refinement and plot framework construction.

Characters, actors?
They are all still illusory lights and shadows floating on the blueprint, without being given a concrete form.

However, the conversation has come to this point...

Ryu Seung-wan casually mentioned the offer of "Battleship Island" to Kang Jae-hoon.

This is not a clear role promise.

He merely presented an enticing conceptual outline and an intuitive expectation based on his personal characteristics.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zai Xun quickly began to calculate in his mind:

Based on his understanding of Ryu Seung-wan's creative habits and efficiency—

The new project "Battleship Island" is still in its early stages, with even the script not yet finalized...

From meticulous research and refinement of historical materials, deepening of the story structure, and repeated polishing of the script... to formal project approval, securing funding, and preliminary preparations...

The entire process would take at least six months before it could be launched and put into operation.

And the timeframe of "six months later"...

The problem arose precisely because his contract with SEM expired, and he was also dealing with a series of pressing matters, including the establishment of an independent studio and even a film and television company.

Will he have enough freedom, energy, and time frame to undertake such an epic production that will inevitably be time-consuming and labor-intensive?
The answer remains elusive.

"I am extremely grateful for the director's guidance!"

"However... at this point in time, my current projects, including my personal plans..."

He didn't explain it clearly.

However, the hesitant "just" and the brief mention of "personal plans" already conveyed a complex signal that "there is a risk of conflicting timing."

In this regard.

There was no change in Liu Chengwan's expression.

At his level, he was all too aware that trying to bind actors to a project concept that was still in its embryonic stage was simply "drawing a pie in the sky."

There is a lack of substantial protection for the actors, and the company has not set any framework for its own cast.

Having it is certainly good, it's the icing on the cake.

Nothing is also normal.

Invitations to film productions are a two-way street; timing and serendipity are both essential.

He nodded and smiled quite generously:

"I understand. The project is still in its early stages, so we should wait. We can discuss the details once things are clearer."

A tentative exchange, full of possibilities but without any substantial constraints, was temporarily shelved in an atmosphere where both sides left room for maneuver.

Kang Jae-hoon took the opportunity to leave his seat temporarily under the pretext of "going to the restroom first".

The backstage passageways of the awards ceremony were well-connected, and the guest restrooms were spacious and quiet.

When he pushed the door open and entered...

Jiang Hena was seen alone in front of the mirror, his lips moving rapidly as he silently muttered something, while he held a seemingly non-existent "microphone" in his hand.

Kang Jae-hoon was taken aback, then understood.

He's reciting his acceptance speech.

In this year's Blue Dragon Film Awards "Best New Actor" competition, media and online opinion have largely focused on two candidates:

Lee Min-ho and Kang Jae-hoon.

One won Best New Actor in the film category at the Baeksang Arts Awards, and the other won Best New Actor at the Grand Bell Awards.

The demand is high.

It has almost created a situation of two dominant forces standing side by side.

but……

What if?
What's most exciting about an awards ceremony is the uncertainty and the possibility of a dark horse upset, isn't it?

and so.

He, Jiang Hena, is not without a chance of winning.

It remains to be seen who will win the Azure Dragon Newcomer Award.

Opportunity favors the prepared mind; memorizing acceptance speeches beforehand is a basic requirement.

Kang Jae-hoon did not immediately speak up to interrupt.

He simply walked silently to the urinal.

It wasn't until the sound of running water came that Jiang Hena was jolted awake from her reverie and hurriedly turned around:

"Hey... Jae-hoon?! When did you come in?!"

"Just arrived."

Kang Jae-hoon fastened his belt, seemingly oblivious to his earlier embarrassment.

Walk to the sink.

Warm water flows from the sensor faucet.

Kang Jae-hoon pressed the hand sanitizer and slowly rubbed the foam.

Their eyes met in the mirror.

They both saw a hint of unspeakable emotion in each other's eyes.

Memories of those three nervous yet hopeful young figures outside the audition room for "The Heirs"—the "Iron Triangle of the Heirs Audition"—rushed into my mind.

now……

They met again in the arena for the highest film awards.

This fate...

Subtle, yet carrying a tension of destiny.

"long time no see."

"Yes, it's been a long time..."

Jiang Hena sighed and walked to the sink next to him, turning on the water as if to wash his hands, thus easing the embarrassment of being caught memorizing his lines.

The sound of dripping water as it flowed was delightful.

After a short silence.

Jiang Hena seemed to remember something, turned her head and asked:
"By the way... are you and Crystal still talking?"

Kang Jae-hoon paused for a moment as he was rubbing his hands, which were covered in foam.

Really...

Which pot is not open to mention which pot!
Jiang Zai Xun inwardly grumbled, but outwardly remained calm, naturally avoiding eye contact as he rinsed off the foam:
"Stop asking such silly questions... How's your acceptance speech coming along? You look so worried... How about we rehearse it off privately?"

Jiang He was taken aback.

He immediately understood that Kang Jae-hoon didn't want to talk about personal matters, and tactfully accepted the opportunity to back down:
"Great! Let's help each other fill in the gaps in our knowledge!"

In this industry, anyone holding a nomination and standing backstage will have 99% of them prepared two drafts.

One of them was an acceptance speech that included "a list of thanks, feelings of gratitude, and humility."

One set of messages included a smiling quote from a fellow runner: "Generosity + Blessings to the winners + Feeling honored."

Not preparing is a sign of low emotional intelligence and questionable professional competence.

Jiang He cleared his throat and quietly recited his prepared acceptance speech in case he won the award:
"...I can't express my feelings at this moment...Thank you to director Lee Byung-hun of 'Twenty' for his trust...Thank you to my friends who worked hard with me...Thank you to the judges for their recognition..."

Memorize the key points:
"...I would also like to express my special thanks to the four outstanding actors who were nominated alongside me! It is a great honor to be on this nomination list with you all..."

Kang Jae-hoon had only intended to listen and see what happened before leaning against the edge of the sink.

But when the words "Thank you to the four outstanding actors who were also nominated" reached my ears—

A glint of "finding a treasure" suddenly appeared in his eyes!

That wording is brilliant!

It demonstrates both magnanimity and humility, while subtly expressing respect for the strength of all opponents (saying you're all excellent!).
The key is--

It sounds natural and unpretentious!

Kang Jae-hoon was calculating things in his mind, but a smile of approval appeared on his face:
"...That thank-you speech was really well done!"

(Inner monologue: "I heard that! This expression technique is now in my repertoire!")
(End of this chapter)