The Rap Genius Emerges
Jang PD stared blankly at Suhyeon, who had just finished his rap. He suddenly snapped out of it with a jolt and hurriedly asked the camera director.
"Did you get that just now? You got it, right?"
"No, PD-nim. You signaled earlier not to roll, so we didn't."
"What? You don't skip just because I say so! It's not like film costs money—why wouldn't you..."
Jang PD yelled in excitement before trailing off with a deep sigh.
"Whew. My bad. I'm a bit worked up right now. Kim Director... sorry for shouting."
"No worries, PD-nim. I get how you feel. That kid's rap is art. I know jack about rap, but... I've never heard lyrics stick in my head like that. Kids these days mumble nonsense half the time—I can't make out a word. But that one? Every line came through crystal clear."
"It's the delivery. Diction on point, killer breath control, rhythm like a machine..."
Mid-sentence, Jang PD whipped his head toward Suhyeon as if his neck might snap, then broke into a beaming grin and rushed over.
"Suhyeon! Or should I say Suhyeon-ssi! My man Suhyeon. I'm really sorry about earlier. I've been knee-deep in drama shoots lately, so I've been on edge. Cut me some slack, yeah?"
"Of course. I totally get it. Don't sweat it."
"And you're this forgiving too... But seriously, how'd you memorize that monster rap after one read? Over 500 characters! Incredible... So why the flop two years ago in Chimera?"
Suhyeon frowned slightly at Jang PD's curious gaze.
Sigh. What BS do I spin this time? God, I'm lying to everyone in this town.
Suhyeon gathered his thoughts and replied.
"Back then? Immature as hell, plain and simple. 'Singer just stands on stage—why bother with this crap?' That kinda thinking. So I played dumb. Sorry. I was arrogant. I sincerely apologize for that."
"Ah, gotcha... So you were sandbagging with that brain of yours."
Suhyeon swiftly changed the subject to steer the conversation.
"Hmm. But PD-nim, the lyrics feel kinda cheesy—probably 'cause they're supposed to be by a high schooler? Kang Writer must've dialed back the polish on purpose. Pretty low level."
"You think? Were you a rapper before? You nailed the flow and spotted the weak spots."
"Nah. In the hospital, I had tons of downtime... Studied Chinese on the side, recited some ci and fu poems a lot. Kinda like rap, super intriguing, so I dabbled. Guess it paid off."
"Right, you had that accident not long ago."
"Yeah. All good now."
"Glad to hear it. What a relief... But ci? Fu? What's that?"
"Modern terms? Think poetry or sijo. Famous ones like Tao Yuanming's Guiqu Lai Xi or Su Dongpo's Chibi Fu."
"Our Suhyeon recites that stuff for fun?"
"Not a hobby, really. Just dabbled back then while picking up Chinese."
"Makes sense. Smart folks are on another level. Suhyeon-ssi, you got time now? Let's reshoot that rap solo—close-up bust and full shots. I'll grab the drama kids for backup vocals. I'll edit it killer. Sound good?"
"Sure, PD-nim. Plenty of time—take your shots."
"OK! Your cameo in my drama today? I'll never forget it. Let's make some magic, you and me."
They wrapped the drama cameo smoothly and headed back to the office. Baek Seongcheol drove, glancing over.
"Suhyeon, you're that sharp—why hide it? Really just 'cause you hated drama and movies?"
Suhyeon gave a wry smile.
"When I first got into this biz, I figured make quick cash and bail. But... hospital stay changed my mind."
Sigh. Lying again.
"How so?"
"New life, right? Might as well dive in deep now that I'm rested. Try everything—could be fun."
"Smart move. I was floored on set. Memorizing that epic rap in one go? Everyone around lost their minds. Proud as hell watching you. Saw Jang PD's tone flip? Haha."
"No big deal, hyung."
"No big deal? What a waste hiding that talent. Everyone's dying to show off theirs. You're in trouble now..."
"Why?"
"You know this industry. Smell money, they swarm. Word's out you hid your brains all this time—it'll spread like wildfire among insiders. Pretty face plus genius? Game over."
His phone rang then. The manager picked up.
"Yes, Park Sil-jang-nim. Just finished the cameo smooth..."
[...]
"No way I'd hide that. Yeah, yeah. Suhyeon kept it under wraps..."
[...]
"Got it. Heading straight to the office now."
Baek Seongcheol hung up, breathing hard.
"What was that?"
"Park Dongju Sil-jang's hyped—says drop everything and bring you to his office ASAP. News traveled fast. Knew it."
"Ah."
"Told ya. Big trouble. Company's gonna erupt pulling you every which way. Pretty boy with a pretty brain? Exposed."
Baek Seongcheol glanced back mid-sentence.
"And your attitude's worlds better... You've shocked me these past few days."
"I was a punk back then, huh?"
"Suhyeon-ah. Favor? Don't revert. Stay like this. Not my place as a road manager, but... this you's way better. Feels human."
"Got it. Thanks for caring, hyung."
"Yeah. Shine big, look out for me too."
"Deal."
They arrived at the Cheongdam-dong YK Building and headed to the fifth floor, Park Dongju's Actor Team 1 office. Stepping out of the elevator, shouting echoed down the hall. Park Dongju Sil-jang of Actor Team 1 and Jo Min-seong Sil-jang of Actor Team 2 were in a full-blown argument.