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

Chapter 239 Han Chiyuan's filming wrapped up, Nick Wilde is online!
The waiting room backstage at the Jiangsu TV Spring Festival Gala.

Yoona had just taken off her in-ear monitor and slumped onto a folding chair, rubbing her aching ankle.

After eight consecutive shows on tour, I rushed to the Central Plains to participate in activities, and my throat and limbs were filled with a dull pain from fatigue.

"Unnie, your Kang Jae-hoon is trending again."

Maknae Seohyun was sitting cross-legged next to him when he suddenly shoved his phone screen right in front of her face.
"This is a big deal."

Lim Yoona lazily raised her eyes.

Recently, Kang Jae-hoon's name seems to live on the trending topics list. From the box office of "Himalaya" surpassing 500 million viewers to behind-the-scenes footage of "A Violent Prosecutor", she has long been used to it.

But this time is different.

The screen is playing Carrera's first promotional video for Kang Jae-hoon.

on the screen.

Kang Jae-hoon walks through a modern space constructed of steel and glass, light and shadow cutting across his body, creating a boundary between light and dark. A close-up shot focuses on his raised wrist, the mechanical structure within the watch face faintly visible.

The voice-over was deep and magnetic:
"Challenge yourself, achieve excellence. Carrera."

Yoona watched with extreme focus, and even subconsciously pressed the replay button to watch it all again.

Then swipe the screen.

Let's take a look at the trending comments below:
"Ahhhhh! Those hands! Those wrists! That aura! Carrera, you have such a great eye for choosing!"

"This video is of cinematic quality! Kang Jae-hoon completely nailed the style of an international high-end brand!"

"Sisters, look at the international websites! The official international accounts have also posted about it! So many comments are asking who this handsome Asian man is! Is our actor Jiang going to go international?"

"Congratulations to actor Kang Jae-hoon! Well deserved! A double affirmation of his commercial value and acting reputation!"

"Upstairs +1! This is the kind of resources top actors should have! A million times better than those who can only act cute and cool!"

"..."

"That's amazing!"

Kim Tae-yeon, who was standing nearby, also came over to take a look and sighed softly.

"It hasn't been that long. It feels like just yesterday he was that rich lady doing voice acting for an animated film with us."

Kim Tae-yeon's words instantly evoked memories for Im Yoon-ah.

Yes.

Back then, Kang Jae-hoon was just an unknown nobody.

Today, in terms of the depth of his works, market response, and personal value, he has become someone who stands shoulder to shoulder with me.

At this time.

Seohyun, lost in thought, put away her phone and looked at Yoona with a serious expression:
"Unnie, could you open a training course? Just to teach how to find and invest in these kinds of potential stocks."

"This is it~"

Yoona drew out her words, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily turned upwards:

"This information will not be disclosed to outsiders."

This thing really can't be transmitted.

Good scripts are highly sought after, and so are good men.

She couldn't very well tell the maknae that she outsmarted Bae Suzy, punched Jung Soojung, and also had to guard against the traitor Lee Sung-kyung, right?
That would be far too bloody and violent, and far too unladylike.

however.

However, Yoona overlooked the fact that her slightly boastful words struck a chord with her friends.

Beauty is a gift, success is a skill.

People were initially jealous of her, but as they grew older and gained more experience, they gradually adjusted their attitudes.

But now.

In the "choosing a man" race, Yoona has surprisingly left them far behind.

This makes those of us who... well, "have poor investment acumen" feel quite awkward.
"Lim Yoon-a!"

Cui Xiuying was the first to slam her hand on the table and stand up, pointing at the person in charge who was still sitting in the folding chair rubbing their ankle:

"You're stabbing our sisters in the heart! And you're rubbing cumin into their wounds!!"

As she made her accusations, she rolled up the sleeves of her performance costume, while simultaneously fanning the flames:

"Sisters! How can we tolerate this?! Let her know what it means to be the tallest tree in the forest and be felled by the wind, what it means to act too much for the crowd... Teammates will beat her up! Let's take down the rich guy, and divide the experience points!"

The last sentence was shouted with great force and was very persuasive.

"on!"

Kim Hyo-yeon is always the most proactive and responsive person.

"Sanctions must be imposed!"

Hwang Mi-young smiled with her eyes crinkling, but her gesture of touching Im Yoon-ah's waist was anything but hesitant.

A long-planned "teammate love" (physical version) erupted, and Lim Yoona's ticklish spot was subjected to a brutal siege.

"Hey! Hahaha... Stop! I was wrong! Hahaha..."

She laughed until tears almost streamed down her face, her limbs flailing wildly in an attempt to defend herself, but her two fists were no match for so many hands.

"What's wrong?"

Kwon Yuri was enjoying the spectacle.

"The mistake was... hahaha... the mistake was showing off!"

Yoona, a wise woman, immediately reflected on her actions.

"anything else?"

Sunny sat leisurely to the side, giving her opinions.
"The main point is that you monopolize high-quality resources, which has aroused public outrage."

"Yes! Monopolize the resources!"

Everyone echoed in agreement, and their hands moved even more vigorously.

While dodging, Lim Yoona cleverly shouted:
"Resource sharing! I promise to share resources, okay?!"

The attack paused for a brief two seconds.

How do I share it?

Huang Meiying, still in the position of scratching herself, asked with a smile.

"It's about... intelligence sharing! Yes! From now on... I'll keep an eye out for any promising talents!"

Lin Yoona, panting, suggested trying to get something for nothing.

"cut--"

The crowd made disdainful noises, clearly not believing it.

"Your promise is too empty."

Sunny shook her head, finally putting down her phone to join the fray, and gently poked Yoona's rosy cheek with her finger:
"Let's get practical."

"Real? What's real?" Im Yoona suddenly sensed something was wrong.

"Let him treat us!"

The proposal was immediately passed unanimously.

"agree!"

"Seconded!"

"Let him see what it means to have the appetites of older women! ...Except for Taeyeon."

Right, if we can't punish Lim Yoona, we can "punish" her man's wallet!

This logic is absolutely perfect!
Lim Yoona was both amused and exasperated. While tidying her disheveled hair and clothes, she sat up.

"Oh...you're extorting me..."

"Huh?" x7
Seven pairs of eyes focused again, their gazes filled with a sense of "kindness".

Im Yoona immediately raised her hands, decisively "selling out" her boyfriend:

"No problem! Leave it to me! I'll call and reserve a table right away!"

……

And the other side.

Kang Jae-hoon, who had just finished filming, sneezed twice inexplicably.

Agent Kim Dae-won asked with concern:

"Are you alright? Are you too tired?"

Kang Jae-hoon rubbed his nose and shook his head:

"It's nothing. I just suddenly felt... a chill down my back, and my wallet seems to be throbbing."

Jin Dayuan: "???"

……

1 month 20 day.

Even the cold cement walls of Yishan Prison seemed unable to block the sweltering heat.

The epic box office figures of "Himalaya" have already set the entire film industry ablaze!
850 million moviegoers!
This number not only marks the most glorious achievement in director Lee Seok-hoon's career, but also firmly cements the names of "Hwang Jung-min & Kang Jae-hoon" as the golden brand of "Chungmuro ​​box office champions"!
The predictions made by the public came true, and the cheers were deafening.

But amidst the praise, how much joy and how much sorrow lies hidden?
Those businesses that had the opportunity to sign Kang Jae-hoon when his market value was "down-to-earth" but ultimately missed the chance due to caution are probably pounding their fists on the conference room table right now.

Unfortunately, the market waits for no one.

The price tag following Kang Jae-hoon's name today is no longer the same as last year when he could be easily "snatched up" at a bargain price.

Even a pig can fly if it's in the right place at the right time.

What's more, they are already rising stars who have grown stronger and are now soaring to the top?
Jin Dayuan had just hung up the phone with regret—

It was a nostalgic yet enthusiastic invitation from the FILA brand.

The youthful endorsement of that person (which was also tied to the memories of that partner surnamed Zheng) sounds a bit bittersweet now.

Competitive clauses are an ironclad rule.

Kang Jae-hoon looked perfectly at ease in his Ziozia suit; no matter how alluring FILA sportswear might be, it could only ever be his "ex."

"Tsk, what a pity..."

Kim Dae-won clicked his tongue, just about to tell Kang Jae-hoon, who had just been released from the "cell" on set, the news that was neither bad nor particularly good, when another phone call came unexpectedly.

Listening to the introduction on the other end of the phone.

Jin Dayuan's slightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed, his eyes widened, and the corners of his mouth uncontrollably turned up wildly.

When he hung up the phone.

His face was a mixture of unbelievable elation and the delight of seeing his own money tree suddenly blossom.

When Kang Jae-hoon walked over, he was met with a face that was extremely expressive.

"Disney has approached us and wants to invite you to voice the main character, a fox named Nick, in the Korean version of their new animated film, Zootopia!"

"what?!"

This exclamation of surprise struck the heart even more deeply than the news of 850 million viewers for "Himalaya"!
"Brother Dayuan, are you sure this isn't a scam call?"

"Absolutely true!"

Jin Dayuan emphasized his words and excitedly paced back and forth a couple of steps:
"They've sent over the character designs and story outline! They specifically asked for you!"

Memories from three years ago flooded back instantly.

I still vividly remember my cheeky voice acting experience in "Despicable Me 2," but then it was released at the same time and "Frozen" swept the globe. The feeling of being "beaten up" still makes me shudder.

Kang Jae-hoon once remarked while looking at the poster for "Frozen":

"When will I finally get a proper job at Disney...?"

just now.

My dream has come true in such an unexpected way!
After the huge surprise, a sense of pressure also quietly emerged.

This is Disney!
The pinnacle of the global animation industry!
Moreover, the protagonist Nick... is not like Gru, who mainly relies on interjections and funny pronunciation. He is a protagonist with a complete personality arc and complex emotions that need to be portrayed.

What's more, he hasn't done any serious voice acting for over two years...

No matter what.

If you don't practice for a long time, you'll feel rusty.

Jin Dayuan knew this guy all too well. So, he slowly cast out the "bait":
"I heard that Bae Suzy is also being considered for the lead role of Judy. How about that? Feeling even more motivated now? It's easier to work with someone you know well!"

"Oh? Suzy with a rabbit?"

Kang Jae-hoon's eyebrows twitched reflexively:
"What does a fox call? Awoo? That doesn't seem right..." Kim Dae-won looked at Kang Jae-hoon, who was already pondering the sound of a "fox spirit" (literally), and felt a headache coming on. He quickly interrupted his divergent thinking:

"Hey! Stop those dangerous things! It's dubbing! Performing with your voice! Not imitating animal courtship!"

Kang Jae-hoon snapped out of his daze and chuckled:
"Brother, I know. Just kidding. Disney... this is such a rare opportunity. I have to take it! I absolutely have to take it! Even if my opponent isn't Suzy, I'll still take it."

Jin Dayuan was slightly relieved, but still couldn't help but give a word of advice:

"It's good that you know what's going on. They need you to record an audition clip first, and the script will be sent over later. Use this time to get a feel for it, so you don't end up just 'ooh ooh ooh' when you're actually in the studio."

"understand!"

Kang Jae-hoon readily agreed.

My mind is already racing: should I tell Yoona the good news first? Or... should I first offer my "consolation" to Bae Suzy, who might become my work partner?
Think for a moment.

He eventually opened the chat window with Lim Yoona first.

[To Yoona: Guess who got the offer from Disney? (*￣︶￣)]

(Attached: Screenshot of Nick Wilde's character introduction from Zootopia)
Almost instantly after the message was sent, the top of the chat interface changed to "The other party is typing...".

[From Yoona: Wow! Really?! Our actress Kang~! Absolutely amazing! /clapping/clapping]

[From Yoona: So... who's your partner, the rabbit?]

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

That keen sense of smell is truly worthy of Yoona.

He stroked his chin, deciding to tell the truth, but in the most innocent tone.

[To Yoona: I heard... Suzy is also in talks? But it's not finalized yet! Just hearing! /sit properly.jpg]

Message read.

But it took a full minute for the other end to send a message after it was "typing".

[From Yoona: Oh. /smile]

[From Yoona: A fox and a rabbit... they sound like a perfect match. /smile]

As Jiang Zai Xun looked at that standard smiling expression and the clenched teeth in his sentence, a chill inexplicably rose up down his spine.

He could almost see Yoona on the other end of the phone, with the perfect idol smile on her face, but her eyes were so cold they could freeze a penguin to death.

We need to fix this quickly.

[To Yoona: No matter how well-matched they are, a fox and a deer are a perfect match! Disney has no taste if they don't have a deer as the main character! /Indignant]

The response was very quick this time.

[From Yoona: A restaurant link and address]

[From Yoona: A Date and Time]

[From Yoona: 8 people. Private room. You pay.]

Jiang Jae-hoon: “???”

He was completely puzzled, so he made a phone call:
"What's going on? Did we get a virus?"

On the other end of the phone.

Lim Yoona briefly explained the "tragedy" that happened backstage some time ago and the bankruptcy of the "resource sharing" plan, which ultimately turned into "sanctions on your wallet".

After hearing this, Kang Jae-hoon was both amused and exasperated.

"So... just because I'm so successful at making money outside, my wallet needs to be 'shared' by your teammates?"

Yoona spoke confidently on the other end of the phone:

"That's a very accurate summary! This is the love from all the unnies of Girls' Generation. Kang Jae-hoon, please accept it with a grateful heart."

"..."

hang up the phone.

Kang Jae-hoon couldn't help but laugh out loud.

That's one thing settled (temporarily).

He then pulled out another phone.

[To Suzy: I heard... you're going to jump into a pit and become a policeman?]

Messages read instantly.

[From. Suzy: ?]

[From. Suzy: I need to call the police! Someone is harassing a poor rabbit!]

Kang Jae-hoon laughed as he put away his phone.

I am in an extremely happy mood.

Fox and rabbit?
This combination sounds interesting.

He was already looking forward to the "collisions" in the dubbing studio.

……

Filming location at a temporarily converted courthouse building in Daegu.

The filming of "The Prosecutor's Chronicle" is progressing at breakneck speed, and it's already entered its final stage.

The most important courtroom scene of the entire film.

Kang Jae-hoon's character, conman Han Ji-won, stands in the witness stand, becoming a key figure in this courtroom battle.

His role was a testimony that required rapid-fire delivery of words interspersed with numerous obscure legal terms.

Despite thorough preparations before filming, the dense and convoluted dialogue, like machine gun bullets, caused Kang Jae-hoon to frequently stumble over his words, resulting in numerous takes.

Every time the director yelled "Cut," he couldn't help but cover his face and sigh; the more anxious he became, the more mistakes he made.

His co-star Lee Sung-min remained calm and patient, slowly saying each time there was a NG:

"It's okay, take your time. Anyway, I'm not the one with the most lines."

This kind of "gentle" "comfort" is actually like a soft knife.

This drove Kang Jae-hoon even crazier, to the point where he wished he could just explode on the spot.

During the two months of filming, their relationship had rapidly evolved from a proper "senior-junior" dynamic to a playful "online comrade-in-arms" relationship.

Kang Jae-hoon never expected this.

Lee Sung-min, who portrays ruthless tycoons and shrewd politicians with remarkable depth on screen, is actually a hardcore mobile game enthusiast in private!

During a halftime break.

Kang Jae-hoon happened to catch a glimpse of his respected senior holding his phone, sighing and muttering to himself, "It's sunk again... I don't have an SSR again..."

Curious, they went over to take a look, and were immediately spotted by senior Li Xingmin, whose eyes lit up:
"Hey Jaehoon! Do you play this game?! Come on, add me as a friend! I just got a really cool dungeon, let's team up and clear it out!"

From now on.

"Chairman Lee/His Excellency the Congressman" has become "Starman Bro" who is addicted to grinding dungeons, while Kang Jae-hoon has become his inseparable "game-playing tool".

Playing is about playing, making trouble is about making trouble.

Li Xingmin's professionalism is beyond question.

When Kang Jae-hoon was on the verge of collapse and tearing at his hair because of the fourth NG, his opponent, who had been "gently" watching the show, finally made his move.

While the lights were being turned on, he strolled over to the witness stand:
"Don't always try to 'spit out' all the words in one breath. Find the 'breathing points' in the sentence, like singing, and take a slight breath in those places. It still sounds coherent, but you will feel much more relaxed. Also, emphasize the key words and skip the rest. Judges and audiences only listen to the key points."

Kang Jae-hoon had a sudden realization and immediately tried to adjust his breathing and rhythm.

The results were immediate.

During the next shoot, although her speaking speed was still extremely fast, the suffocating sense of urgency disappeared, replaced by a clear and organized ease.

"Click! Pass!"

At the director's command, the entire audience breathed a sigh of relief and applauded him.

Kang Jae-hoon breathed a long sigh of relief and looked at Lee Sung-min gratefully, who responded with a smug little expression that said, "See? I was right."

After this scene was over.

For the rest of the time, Kang Jae-hoon became a VIP audience member in the front row.

The stage was completely handed over to two legendary actors—his teacher Hwang Jung-min and his senior, Lee Sung-min, opposite him.

It was his turn to quietly appreciate this brilliant performance, one that could be written into textbooks.

Although Kang Jae-hoon was already very familiar with his mentor Hwang Jung-min's acting skills—

But each viewing is like rereading a classic novel. You know the ending from the beginning, but the details, rhythm, and subtle emotional progression still give him new shock and enlightenment.

And today.

His senior, Li Xingmin, who was opposite him, took the phrase "a worthy opponent" to the extreme.

first time.

Faced with the various accusations presented by the prosecutor played by Hwang Jung-min, the politician he portrays has an indifferent look in his eyes, and even a hint of arrogance on his lips, as if he is watching a boring farce.

When Hwang Jung-min produced what appeared to be fatal "fake evidence" in an attempt to deliver a fatal blow, the contempt on his lips almost overflowed, and his eyes were filled with disdain for such despicable tactics.

But at the moment when he was tricked into revealing the truth by Hwang Jung-min's carefully designed linguistic trap!
Li Xingmin's calm expression was like ice cracking, his pupils suddenly contracting in disbelief, followed by terror and hysterical screams.

The dramatic shifts in emotion and the distinct, rich progression of emotions create a powerful and compelling dramatic effect.

Although Li Xingmin's final act of impotent rage seems somewhat exaggerated and like performance art in reality.

However, within the dramatic context of the film, this approach effectively highlights and contrasts the protagonist Hwang Jung-min's clever solution and ultimate victory in an extreme way.

Kang Jae-hoon knew it.

Given Li Xingmin's skill level, he could certainly have chosen a more subtle and "sophisticated" approach—

For example, by remaining silent throughout, and then giving a cold, meaningful glance back as he was being taken away by the police, he etched the sinister politician's "I will make a comeback" mentality into the audience's bones.

That kind of acting style is undoubtedly more sophisticated and better showcases the unfathomable and dangerous nature of the villain.

however.

This "cool" acting style could dangerously steal away the protagonist's last bit of glory!

It even obscures the outcome of this ultimate showdown.

As a supporting character.

His ultimate task is to serve the entire film and highlight the protagonist, rather than rival or even overshadow him.

Lee Sung-min chose a more outgoing, "ugly," and ultimately more plot-driven approach to acting, using the character's complete loss of composure and dishevelment to perfectly highlight the wisdom and triumph of the prosecutor played by Hwang Jung-min.

This is what a truly top-tier actor is like.

The director stared at the monitor, watched the playback twice, and finally picked up the walkie-talkie, shouting with a relieved and extremely satisfied tone:
"Alright! That's a wrap! I hereby declare 'The Prosecutor's Chronicle'—filming is complete!"

"Oh!!!"

"Thanks for your hard work!"

"Happy filming!"

The entire set was instantly filled with cheers and applause.

Amid cheers and embraces.

Hwang Jung-min and Lee Sung-min simply patted each other on the arm, then walked over to Kang Jae-hoon, who was sitting in the corner of the audience, seemingly still savoring the scene from earlier, and sat down naturally on either side of him.

Just like after the script reading session before filming begins.

They are the same.

They sat on either side of the young man.

Time passes.

The atmosphere was strangely similar, yet somewhat different.

There was no excited celebration, no prediction of box office results, and not even mutual praise for the exciting showdown that had just taken place.

The three men simply sat quietly for a while, enjoying this small, strange tranquility amidst the noisy background music of the film set.

Finally, Hwang Jungmin spoke first, casually ruffling Kang Jae-hoon's hair:

"You've worked hard, kid."

Li Xingmin smiled, adjusted his glasses, and replied:
"Yes, this period has been quite interesting."

Is it hard?
Of course it's hard work, working day and night, and exhausting all our energy.

Is it interesting?
When you immerse yourself in it, collide with such powerful peers, explore the characters, and reach the limits... how can the ultimate joy of creation not be called "fun"?
Two simple sentences.

This brought a peaceful yet lingering conclusion to the "prosecutor" journey that lasted for more than two months.

All the passion, sweat, frustration, laughter, research, and achievements are condensed in this silence of sitting side by side and these few words.

(End of this chapter)