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

The voice acting for Chapter 241 has ended, but Judy Pei's pursuit of Nick Chiang has begun!
In order to meet the global simultaneous release in March, the entire dubbing work for "Zootopia" was compressed to a very fast pace.

Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps each have a total of just over six hundred lines of dialogue.

At an average pace of eighty to one hundred and twenty sentences per day, it would take a week to complete.

Although Kang Jae-hoon's solo part had already been completed efficiently, Bae Suzy, as the busy "Judy Rabbit" in the "couple duo," could only rush to the recording studio during breaks in filming "Uncontrollably Fond."

This caused the dubbing, which should have been completed within a week, to be delayed until Valentine's Day.

Perhaps it was a pink heart-shaped sticker that the staff had unintentionally stuck on the window, or perhaps it was the faint scent of lychee perfume emanating from the air circulation system.

In short.

When Kang Jae-hoon walked in wearing a velvet shirt that looked even more dashing in the Valentine's Day atmosphere (he changed to a more fitting deep rose color today), his eyes immediately locked onto Bae Suzy, who was sitting quietly in her seat flipping through the last few pages of her script.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Kang Jae-hoon greeted the staff with a smile, but his gaze eventually fell back on Bae Suzy.

She looked up and returned a sweet smile:

"Happy Valentine's Day."

A simple greeting.

On this day and in this circumstance, an inexplicable sense of intimacy has been added.

The director, of course, also sensed the subtle, poignant feeling of this special day, and got straight to the point:
"You two, today's main event is here, and it's also the final scene of our dubbing work—the climactic dialogue in the police car. The emotional intensity is extremely high, that unspoken 'knowing,' and the fox's cunning and alluring charm of hinting but not revealing, Judy's stubbornness followed by her frank little feelings... Ah! Most importantly, that natural yet bubbly ambiguous atmosphere! Please!"

Creating atmosphere?
nonexistent.

When the two people sat in front of the microphone, put on their headphones, and their eyes met and then parted inadvertently in the air, the oxygen in the recording studio seemed to automatically catalyze into pink strawberry gas.

Equipment is ready. (Director's voice)
"Ready—1, 2, 3! Go!"

The headphones played simulated ambient sounds reminiscent of the bustling city traffic and the subtle engine sounds inside cars.

Kang Jae-hoon was already in character, mimicking Nick's movements in the movie, glancing sideways at his "partner" beside him:
"A cunning rabbit."

The tone is drawn out, with the final syllable rising.

Bae Suzy's transition was almost seamless:

"Foolish fox."

His voice was clear and his tone was pleasant.

next moment.

Kang Jae-hoon moved.

He imitated Nick's leaning-in motion in the video:
"You know...you love me."

The low, magnetic voice penetrated the microphone diaphragm, gently caressing everyone's heartstrings.

The girl in charge of Judy's voice effects couldn't help but cover her mouth.

That voice is so soothing...

Bae Suzy waited a moment before replying casually:

"Did I know about this?"

The brief pause was enough to capture the inner turmoil of Officer Rabbit.

Followed by.

Here comes the classic turning point!

"Emm...okay, even if I knew~"

“…Crack!”

The director was quite satisfied with the impeccable chemistry and ambiguous atmosphere between the two during their official dubbing performance. He rubbed his hands together, seemingly still wanting more, as he looked into the monitoring microphone.

"Jaehoon-ssi, Suzy-ssi! That was awesome! But it's not enough! How about we try improvising a few lines? Just like Nick and Judy, casually chatting and flirting! Let your imagination run wild!"

The two exchanged a glance upon hearing this.

There was absolutely no need to hesitate; it felt like it happened in an instant.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned slightly forward towards the microphone, and his lazy yet slightly mischievous tone instantly came through:
"Admit it, Officer Carrot, without me, this cunning fox, you couldn't have solved the case."

In short, he proudly claimed all the credit.

Bae Suzy immediately went into battle mode, turning her head to glare at Kang Jae-hoon, her voice crisp and clear like Judy Hopps's:

"Oh? Then, Mr. Fox, what reward would you like? A... carrot?"

Kang Jae-hoon raised an eyebrow playfully, leaned forward slightly, and instantly closed the distance between them.

His voice lowered.

That incredibly magnetic voice was clearly delivered to everyone's ears, especially that of a certain "police officer":

"How about something different? Like... a kiss?"

The moment the words fell.

Several distinct gasps of cold air could be heard outside the shed.

This is hardly dubbing!
This is clearly a live-streamed skit of a couple flirting with each other!
Bae Suzy paused deliberately for a second, then responded in a feigned, serious, and official tone:
"...Given your past bad record, this request has been rejected."

Just when everyone thought the joke was over, her voice suddenly softened:

"...However...we'll see how you perform afterward."

"Wow……"

This improvisation was even more brilliant than the original dialogue.

The area outside the shed instantly turned into a massive sugar-eating scene.

Some of the younger female staff members excitedly tugged at the sleeves of the people next to them and shook them.

Just hearing these few snippets today is worth it.

With the perfect recording of the last few lines of regular dialogue, the Korean dubbing of Zootopia has finally officially wrapped up on Valentine's Day!

“Thank you for your hard work!!”

The director announced with great satisfaction.

A chaotic and lively group photo session is a must.

After the group photo, someone in the crowd (most likely a young person who was overwhelmed by the sweetness) shouted:

Let's take a Zootopia couple photo! Like Nick and Judy, let's take a selfie!

"Yes, yes, yes! A selfie!!"

"Try imitating it!"

"Please please!"

The cheers and jeers instantly drowned out everything else, and even the director watched them with a smile, offering no objection.

Clearly, this level of "business requirements" is hard to refuse under the "final perk" of wrapping up filming.

The lighting technician was very professional and immediately added a soft light.

Kang Jae-hoon and Bae Suzy were thrust into the center of the camera's view.

They exchanged a glance and simultaneously raised their eyebrows—Let's do it then.

moment.

Kang Jae-hoon turned slightly to the side, his eyes half-closed, and the corners of his mouth curled up in a slightly roguish and lazy arc, perfectly replicating Nick's smug fox smile that said "everything is under control".

Bae Suzy, standing next to her, quickly switched into her energetic bunny mode, sporting a bright, cheerful, and slightly smug sweet smile, just like the energetic Officer Judy who had just graduated from police academy.

"click, click"

The phones of the surrounding staff flashed incessantly, and suppressed screams of "Oh my god, it's so sweet!" and "It's killing me!" could be heard one after another.

After taking several photos.

Bae Suzy snatched the phone from his hand to view the original video.

While swiping the screen, he didn't hold back in his criticism:

"...Oppa, your expression is so wicked, you look like a villain trying to scam money!"

Kang Jae-hoon leaned closer to look at his own face on the screen, which was grinning mischievously, and shrugged with self-righteousness:

"I played a con artist! Filming for 'A Violent Prosecutor' just wrapped up, is it wrong to have a professional habit?"

As soon as these words came out.

This successfully drew a punch from Bae Suzy, landing on her arm like a rabbit punch.

"Fine, villain it is then."

She muttered to herself, "Anyway... it's fallen into my hands, the policeman."

……

The wrap party finally ended after several hours of laughter and joy.

In the back seat of the nanny van.

Bae Soo-ji rested her head gently on Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder, her fingers entwining with his.

We walked in silence, and there was no need for further words.

When they arrive at their private space.

The unique atmosphere of Valentine's Day quietly spread.

Bae Suzy pushed Kang Jae-hoon against the wall, puffed out her small chest, and raised her chin:
"Hey! You're an unlicensed adulterer scammer!"

He deliberately imitated Judy's clear, bright tone, and looked at the bewildered "suspect" with a serious expression.

Kang Jae-hoon was taken aback, then his body immediately relaxed, and Nick's lazy and cunning aura instantly took over:

"Wow, Officer Judy is still on duty so late."

Bae Suzy isn't buying it:

"Stop talking nonsense! I now highly suspect you of illegally hoarding 'Heartbeat Evidence' and... well, 'Seductive Sound Waves' stolen goods!"

"So... in order to mitigate my sentence, do I need to provide any 'services', officer?"

Bae Suzy was completely taken aback by the suggestive words, and raised her hands to pinch Kang Jae-hoon's cheeks, one on each side, just like Judy pinches a fox's face.

"Oh! You cunning fox!"

"Silly rabbit~"

"..."

I'm tired of laughing and joking.

The two leaned lazily against the warm, damp steam of the bathtub.

The air is filled with water vapor.

The air was filled with the scent of shower gel and lychee.

Water droplets clung to Kang Jae-hoon's collarbone, sliding down his muscular chest. Bae Soo-ji leaned against him, her fingers lazily playing with the bubbles floating on the water's surface.

At this time.

Kang Jae-hoon's eyes flickered slightly, as if he had suddenly remembered something fun, and he leaned closer.

"Officer Carrot... how about a different kiss?"

The voice is deep and the words are sharp and clear, deliberately replicating the granular texture that tugs at the heartstrings in the recording studio.

Bae Suzy felt a sudden numbness on half of her body.

That's absolutely foul!
In such a private and relaxing environment, the sound playback effect is hundreds of times more impactful than that in the headphones of a recording studio!
She turned her head sharply and met Kang Jae-hoon's eyes, which were inches away from hers.

No words were needed; their legs were already intertwined underwater.

The water ripples.

The light reflected off the swaying fragments of lamplight.

"Hey! You...!"

Bae Suzy's accusations were silenced.

Kang Jae-hoon captured the exact moment those pink lips parted slightly.

Breathe and smell each other.

Lips and tongues intertwined.

Officer Judy's set of law enforcement procedures had long been kissed away and thrown away by the "highly vigilant" fraudsters.

A deep rose-colored Valentine's Day night.

The two "double Oscar winners" completely shed all the glamour of the stage.

In this "Zootopia corner" that belongs only to each other, the curtain falls perfectly, and a Valentine's Day drama more moving than any other play begins.

...The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm golden hue on the floor.

Kang Jae-hoon was already dressed. He bent down and patted the figure still curled up in bed, fast asleep.
"I'm leaving, you can get some more sleep."

"……Well……"

The person in bed groaned and turned over, barely opening their eyes a crack, their eyes watery and hazy. Their arms spontaneously wrapped around his neck, pulling him down.

A muffled murmur sounded close to my ear:

"...Five minutes...just five more minutes..."

As she spoke, she rubbed her face against his neck.

The feeling of longing in the early morning is so strong it's almost overwhelming.

Kang Jae-hoon chuckled as he let her rub against him for a while, enjoying this sweet "burden".

Until time really didn't allow it.

He had no choice but to gently pry her hands apart and then give her wonderfully firm buttocks a squeeze.

"I really have to go."

He was met with a soft hum, and the blanket was pulled over his head and pulled down tightly.

downstairs.

Jin Dayuan's nanny van was already parked on the quiet street in the early morning.

The windows are down.

From a distance, I could see my artist walking briskly out of the stairwell with one hand in his pocket.

They were so smug they were practically humming a tune.

It's time to get back to work.

As soon as Jiang Zai-xun got into the car, Jin Da-yuan began chanting the Tightening-Headband Mantra while counting on his fingers:
"This afternoon is the press conference for 'Descendants of the Sun,' tomorrow morning is a KBS radio interview, and tonight I'll be on a variety show with the lead actors to promote it. The day after tomorrow..."

He poured out his itinerary for the next few days in one go, like pouring out beans.

the reason is simple.

Kim Eun-sook's new military romance drama, "Descendants of the Sun," is officially scheduled to premiere simultaneously on major television stations and online platforms in China and South Korea on February 24.

The propaganda campaign is being launched with the highest standards, intensity, and frequency.

Kang Jae-hoon was so overwhelmed by this series of events that he didn't even bother to lift his eyelids, only managing to squeeze out a lazy groan from his throat:
"understood."

In the morning, I had a meticulous makeover by a stylist at my usual beauty salon.

By the afternoon, the press conference venue was already packed with people.

Backstage.

During a casual conversation with Song Joong-ki, Kang Jae-hoon learned that Song Joong-ki had signed a contract with director Ryu Seung-wan for his new film "The Battleship Island," confirming that he would play the role of a soldier that he had previously declined.

"...So, I have to say thank you again, thank you."

Judging from Song Joong-ki's "just comeback" state, which is that he has just returned to the top and has not yet regained his peak status after interrupting his career due to military service.

Even with great potential.

Even with his own efforts, it would be difficult for him to directly access resources like those of director Ryoo Seung-wan, who is already at the top of the pyramid and looks up to those above him.

To put it bluntly, their star power and influence are not yet sufficient, and they are not on the director's first or second tier of consideration.

In his early years, director Ryu Seung-wan enjoyed directing and starring in his own short films and was also willing to give opportunities to newcomers.

But over the years, I've gradually figured out a foolproof formula:
Top-tier cast + competent script + CJ distribution = box office hit.

This formula may not work for all directors, but it has proven effective time and again in the hands of Ryu Seung-wan.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned lazily against the armrest of the sofa, and simply waved his hand dismissively when he heard this:
"It's nothing, I just mentioned it to Director Liu. It's mainly because of my talent and dedication. Director Liu understood after the audition."

There was no intention of taking credit whatsoever.

This circle is essentially a network of personal connections and a marketplace for exchanging resources.

He helped Song Joong-ki get a foothold with Director Yoo, who accepted and seized the opportunity, creating a virtuous cycle.

of course.

If the other person hadn't joined the "Zhao line" circle, Kang Jae-hoon might not have recommended them in the first place.

As they were talking, the door to the waiting room was gently pushed open.

Under the soft lighting, the two elegantly dressed leading ladies walked in side by side.

Song Hye-kyo exudes gentleness as always.

Kim Ji-won, who was accompanying her, chose a completely different style, unleashing her own charm to the fullest—

A perfectly tailored charcoal black bodycon dress accentuated her stunning curves.

Smooth stockings encased her straight, slender legs.

The alluring matte finish extends all the way to those classic black pointed-toe high heels with red soles.

This outfit is so hot!

The gaze that had angered Kang Jae-hoon was irresistibly held for three seconds.

"What are you talking about? The atmosphere is so nice."

Song Hye-kyo spoke with a smile.

Song Joong-ki was also stunned by Kim Ji-won's charm.

But he reacted very quickly, immediately turning to Song Hye-kyo:

Wow, Nuna is in amazing shape!

"You guy..."

Song Hye-kyo lightly patted Song Joong-ki's shoulder, seemingly expressing her displeasure.

"It's enough that you're praising me at the press conference, just leave me alone backstage."

Then, her gaze shifted to Kim Ji-won beside her:

"Ji-won looks absolutely stunning in this outfit today; she even left Jae-hoon speechless."

"cough."

Kang Jae-hoon quickly looked away, refocusing on Song Hye-kyo's face, and smiled awkwardly.

"The press conference is about to start, shall we go over the agenda?"

"it is good."

Everyone nodded.

Kim Ji-won walked over to the sofa next to Kang Jae-hoon and sat down, casually crossing one leg over the other. Her intense gaze lingered on him like a hook.

He didn't need to look up; he knew who it was.

She also knew... at this very moment, those legs encased in exquisite stockings weren't far from her.

Kim Ji-won knew he was faking it.

He also knew that he had succeeded in achieving his goal today—after all, Kang Jae-hoon's reaction was much more interesting than any words.

Not long after.

The press conference for the production of "Descendants of the Sun" has officially begun.

On the stage.

The shutter clicked loudly, and the spotlight was scorching hot.

The press conference production proceeded according to the established procedures.

The four main actors appeared one by one, posing for photos in accordance with the media's requests.

Solo photos, duo couples (Yoo Si-jin & Kang Mo-yeon, Seo Dae-young & Yoon Myung-joo), and even a male-male interaction version of Kang Jae-hoon and Song Joong-ki put together at the request.

The two posed with their arms around each other for the camera.

Song Joong-ki smiled brightly, while Kang Jae-hoon deliberately put on a stern face and made a disgusted expression.

This drew a burst of laughter from the audience.

The photo session has ended.

The staff quickly moved tables and chairs and laid out tablecloths.

Screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, director Lee Eung-bok, and the four lead actors took their seats. After a brief self-introduction, the press conference officially began.

The initial topic naturally revolved around the key figure, screenwriter Kim Eun-sook.

The initial motivation and inspiration for writing the script (combining the then-rare pre-production and post-release model with the ambition of simultaneous release in China and South Korea), the feelings of working with director Lee Eung-bok for the first time, the considerations and interesting stories regarding casting, etc.

"The initial concept for 'Descendants of the Sun' originated from a news report about doctors dispatched overseas... War, disaster, and disease—in these extreme circumstances, the sparks that fly between the professional beliefs and personal emotions of those who protect life and peace have a power that touches the heart... Director Lee Eung-bok's talent in mise-en-scène and the exploration of emotional depth gives the visuals a weight that transcends words, which is the foundation of our pleasant collaboration..."

Director Li Yingfu continued:
"I am very grateful for writer Jin's trust. Transforming her words into images was a challenging yet extremely exciting journey. In particular, combining military themes with romantic love, and completing it against a magnificent overseas backdrop, was a completely new attempt for art direction, photography, and external relations..."

When the topic of casting came up.

The conversation naturally turned to the four actors.

After Kim Eun-sook and Lee Eung-bok finished praising the four actors, the reporters began to ask questions to the lead actors in turn.

Ask Song Joong-ki about his feelings about wearing a military uniform again after his discharge from the military.

When asked if Song Hye-kyo felt any pressure returning after three years, she replied...

When asked about her feelings on collaborating with writer Kim Eun-sook again after "The Heirs," and on working with her "old partner" Kang Jae-hoon for the third time.

at last.

The microphone was handed to the reporter who was responsible for asking Kang Jae-hoon a question.

He sat up straighter, preparing for the usual questions—

For example, the experience of taking on a military role, returning to the small screen from the big screen, or the depth of collaboration with directors. He had even mentally prepared his answers.

As a result, a male reporter wearing glasses asked a straightforward question:
"Kang Jae-hoon, as a South Korean man of conscription age who is about to face mandatory military service, and especially as a rising star actor in Chungmuro ​​who has gained attention through several films, how do you view and plan your future military service? Are you worried that the nearly two-year hiatus will have an unpredictable and huge impact on your rising career?"

!

The moment the question was posed, the atmosphere on and off the stage froze subtly.

Military service in South Korea.

These four words were undoubtedly a sword hanging over the heads of all the men present, especially male actors at the peak of their careers.

The implications of a two-year hiatus for the ever-changing Korean entertainment industry are self-evident.

but.

Compared to those who face a decline in popularity and have their resources divided up after returning from military service.

The real life in the military is truly suffocating.

The actors were alright.

Idols are the most pitiful.

There are countless news stories about members of certain boy bands suffering from depression after their military service, or even being reincarnated.

Not to mention what hasn't been revealed yet.

The most famous example is G-Dragon.

At a time when relations between China and South Korea were tense, he confidently stated in an interview that if the country needed him, he would not hesitate to go to the front lines.

result.

After completing their military service, they never mentioned those grand words about "serving the country" again.

Destroy it.

According to South Korea's Military Service Act, Kang Jae-hoon has less than two years left before his 28-year-old deadline.

The reporter's question was by no means an expression of well-intentioned concern.

I went there because of the headline news.

"Top actor Kang Jae-hoon publicly addresses his military service dilemma," "Is his career at its peak facing a military service freeze? Kang Jae-hoon admits to panic"...

On the stage.

Kim Ji-won, who was sitting next to Kang Jae-hoon, instantly lost the relaxed smile that had been on her face.

Song Joong-ki was clearly surprised by this tricky question, and looked at Kang Jae-hoon with a slightly serious expression, after all, he had been through it all.

The focus of the entire event, all the cameras.

They were all fixated on Kang Jae-hoon, who had just been praised by the screenwriter.

Was he stumped?
How should he deal with this sudden, ironic situation that overlaps with the military characters in the play?

The real-life dilemma of "military service"?
(End of this chapter)