Gangster Boss's Ferocious Debut
Suhyeon changed into the outfit his coordinator had picked out and was heading to the dressing room at the far end of the lower floor of the drama production center.
They made such a fuss picking it out, but in the end, they dressed me in this. Well, yeah—black suits are basically the official uniform for gangsters, aren't they?
As he walked, glancing down at his clothes, Suhyeon suddenly smirked, his lips curling up as if something was hilarious, and muttered to himself.
"The coordinator did a good job, at least. Giorgio Armani Black Label... What a ridiculous guy. Doesn't even know his own boss's name but memorizes luxury brand names like a pro. Still, he can be useful sometimes."
A moment later, Suhyeon arrived at the dressing room and cracked open the door labeled [Dressing Room], peeking inside.
The spacious room, easily over 20 pyeong, lived up to its place in the drama production center: six vanities and chairs lined up in a row, with several waiting sofas against the back wall.
Every chair was already occupied by top actors whose names alone were enough to recognize them, along with familiar famous faces getting their makeup done. Kim Hae-su, the lead actress he'd briefly greeted at the script reading not long ago, was deep into her own makeup session.
The dressing room was packed with over twenty people—actors, their coordinators, managers, and more—since it was the first day of shooting. Low murmurs of conversation floated from all corners.
Suhyeon slipped inside carefully, not wanting to disturb anyone, and settled on one of the waiting sofas at the back, biding his time for an empty chair.
Am I the only actor here by myself? Should've listened when Manager Park said he'd assign a separate coordinator and manager...
Suhyeon shook his head.
No. It'd be weirder for a rookie supporting actor in his first drama to act like that. Might come off as arrogant. Being alone is more comfortable anyway. They handle costumes and makeup right here—no need for extras.
Having sorted his thoughts, Suhyeon unbuttoned his suit jacket, leaned back against the sofa, crossed his legs, and relaxed.
From there, he watched the other actors getting made up while mentally reviewing the scenes they were shooting today.
Two scenes today, right? My first appearance and the one where I call the Chinese triad for a drug deal. The intro is me striding into the gangster office, and the second is the phone call inside... Nothing too tough. No co-star chemistry needed, no action.
As Suhyeon stared straight ahead, lost in thought, a subtle buzz started rippling through the dressing room.
Especially the women, their voices tinged with excitement, chattering here and there.
"Who's that? That hot guy?"
"It's BBG's Suhyeon. You don't know him?"
"His outfit is killer. Like a top model."
"Tall too, and his face is glowing."
"The fit is perfect. Look at those legs."
"What role is he? Can I take a pic?"
Thanks to the medicinal herb he'd obtained earlier, which had already pushed him through the Meridian Washing stage, Suhyeon's senses were razor-sharp. He could feel dozens of eyes locking onto him, and his keen hearing picked up every word of their chatter.
All this attention is uncomfortable... But as an entertainer, I should learn to enjoy it.
Steeling himself, Suhyeon pretended not to notice the stares, closed his eyes, and ran through his performance for the day.
When his turn finally came, he sat in the chair, shut his eyes, and let the makeup begin.
Twenty minutes later, at the announcement that it was done, Suhyeon opened his eyes.
The makeup artist, gushing admirations at his finished look in the mirror, got a polite thank-you from Suhyeon as he stood and turned around.
The crowd of women—now at least double from before, having heard the rumors—gawked at him with flushed faces.
A bit tense under the onslaught of stares, Suhyeon flashed an awkward smile and headed to the set, leaving behind their breathless sighs and the clicks of phone cameras.
Upon arriving, he saw Seong Kang-ho, who had just wrapped a scene, monitoring the footage.
Spotting Suhyeon, Seong Kang-ho waved casually.
"Suhyeon, you're here."
Suhyeon gave a light nod of greeting. Seong Kang-ho approached, eyes widening in admiration.
"This punk... Already handsome raw, but all dressed up like this? Total killer vibe. Flashy as hell!"
Suhyeon cracked a wry smile at his senior's exaggerated tone—they'd built some rapport by now.
"Hyung, I'm not some flounder for slicing. When did I ever say I was dead?"
"Means you're that handsome, kid. Man, if I had half your face, I'd have starred in every melodrama in Korea."
"You're plenty handsome yourself, hyung. And the guy who did Batman and in Milyang is saying that? You've done tons of melodramas."
"Those flopped hard with this mug. You hit where it hurts, punk."
"...That wasn't what I meant."
"Kidding, kidding. When's your shoot?"
"Assistant director said about 30 minutes."
"Yeah? First drama shoot for you—I'll monitor it. Gotta watch before I head out."
"No need, hyung. It's just a supporting role..."
"Hey, I brought you onto this drama. Gotta take responsibility. I'll watch."
"...Thank you."
A short while later, Suhyeon—now wearing a New York Yankees cap and a stopwatch around his neck—received directing notes from Jeong Seok-ho, the drama production PD.
"Suhyeon, walk straight from the end of that hallway here to the gangster office door. When you arrive, Henchman 1 behind you opens it. Walk in naturally. No lines, so full shot, one take."
"Got it, PD. Any tips or points to watch?"
"Nothing major. As the gang boss, shoulders back, cocky strut."
"Yes, sir."
Soon, Suhyeon stood at the hallway's end, two henchmen trailing him, waiting for the cue sign while immersing himself in the role.
I'm a thug. No blood, no tears. Human lives mean less than dog shit. I peddle drugs for cash—a total scum. Therefore... I am evil.
A vile smirk crept across Suhyeon's lips as he waited, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent.
"Ready~ Action!"
At the PD's signal, Suhyeon strode forward without hesitation.
A raw, savage aura rose from his footsteps, devouring the set with ferocious momentum.
Onlookers around the set groaned under the pressure, voices shrill.
"The vibe... it's intense."
"Gives me chills just watching."
"Isn't he a rookie actor?"
"That presence... no joke."
Suhyeon reached the office door unflinchingly and waited for Henchman 1 to open it.
But the henchman, dazed by Suhyeon's aura, fumbled the timing. Suhyeon growled low like a beast, voice thick with killing intent.
"Not opening it? Want me to kill you right here?"
"NG!"
The PD's urgent call snapped Suhyeon back. He regretted it instantly.
Should've waited, no matter how long? My bad...
He hurried to the PD, bowing in apology.
"Sorry, PD. I should've waited longer. I'll be more careful—"
The PD, monitoring with Seong Kang-ho, cut him off with a raised hand.
"No, Suhyeon, you did nothing wrong. Hold on a sec."
After reviewing, both PD and Seong Kang-ho sighed deeply.
Seong Kang-ho smacked his lips, something lacking.
"This... won't work as is, right?"
"Sigh. Wanna use it bad, but can't in this state."
"What to do? Got any ideas, Jeong PD?"
"Gotta scrap it. No choice now."
Suhyeon stood blankly, confused by their talk.
The PD turned to him.
"Suhyeon."
"Yes, PD."
"Your acting just now was amazing. Don't hesitate on ad-libs or slight improvisations during shoots. Script's the base, but we can roll with it for better takes. But there's a problem..."
"Ah, something wrong with my acting? Tell me, I'll fix it."
Seong Kang-ho jumped in.
"Kid, you're too good—that's the problem. Villain's intro scene, but your presence... Whew. If the supporting baddie outshines the lead like that, what about me? I'll look like a total scrub."
"Ah! Then should I tone it down—"
"What? Don't say dumb shit like that. That's for live theater. Movies and dramas edit post—always best take per scene. Think PDs are just for show? Get it?"
"...Yes."
"You're shining too bright, standing out. PD'll handle it, so you always give your best. Never say that again anywhere. Rookie acting cocky? Perfect recipe."
"Got it. I'll remember."
The PD chimed in.
"Suhyeon, your face and aura pop too much now, so later we can go full, but for your debut scene, tone it down a bit. Need to ease in."
"How?"
Soon, in the now quieter dressing room as actors finished up, Suhyeon was getting a beard glued to his jaw.
Resting makeup artists watched, whispering among themselves.
"Whoa, the beard adds wild sexiness."
"Gonna call him Suhyeon oppa from now on."
"Girl, he's like ten years older than you."
"Age doesn't matter in love."
"Crazy bitch..."
Seong Kang-ho, who'd followed for a break, overheard and sighed.
"Damn... Talented bastards look good no matter what you do to their faces."
After twists and turns, Suhyeon wrapped his shoots for the day and returned to the YK building.
In the BBG practice room, only Robin and Gyeongbin were chatting.
Gyeongbin spotted him and waved.
"Hyung! Shoot go well? Had something to tell you..."
"Me? What is it?"