Episode 31
Episode 31: Increasing Screen Time
The temporary room set up for Director Go Jin-seok felt heavy with tension.
Inside the small space were only the original author of ‘The Killer’s Shopping Mall,’ Moha, the drama adaptation writer, and Director Go Jin-seok.
"How should I even bring this up…"
Facing the two writers, Go Jin-seok found himself unable to speak at first.
The death of ‘K,’ played by Baek Seung-chan, was a crucial scene even in the original work.
It wasn’t just the exit of a character—it was the decisive trigger for the protagonist An Ji-an’s awakening.
"Alright… I’ll just say it."
There was no option of staying silent.
Go Jin-seok made up his mind.
"Would it be possible to revise the script a little?"
As he spoke cautiously, silence filled the room.
Both Moha and the adaptation writer looked at him in surprise.
"It’s not a major change. I’d just like to increase ‘K’s screen time a bit. It feels like a waste to have such a character die in just three episodes."
His voice was sincere as he continued to persuade them.
"As you both saw, actor Baek Seung-chan’s performance is extraordinary. I believe he’ll soon grow into one of Korea’s leading actors."
His words carried conviction.
"Of course, extending a role with no dialogue can be risky. But I think Baek Seung-chan could turn that risk into an even greater strength."
He truly believed that.
In fact, he thought Baek Seung-chan might leave a stronger impression on viewers than the main leads.
"And as you’ve seen from ‘The Outcast Legend,’ the name Baek Seung-chan is already gaining recognition. Increasing his screen time would also help promote the drama. As you know, additional production hasn’t been confirmed yet."
Beyond his desire to see more of Baek Seung-chan’s acting, there was also a clear goal of ensuring the drama’s success.
‘The Killer’s Shopping Mall’ was planned as an 8-episode Season 1.
Season 2 hadn’t been confirmed yet.
It needed to succeed to attract further investment.
"And if Season 2 is produced, it would be better if ‘K’s role remains—"
"Director, you don’t need to say more."
At that moment, the adaptation writer raised a hand with a smile, stopping him.
"We actually came here thinking the same thing."
The atmosphere in the room shifted unexpectedly.
"We also wanted to revise the script to increase ‘K’s screen time."
"Ah…"
Go Jin-seok leaned back in his chair with a helpless laugh.
He had prepared all those arguments, only to find they were already in agreement.
Relief and disbelief washed over him at the same time.
Then he voiced his biggest concern.
"Does that mean… you agree as well, Author Moha?"
He looked carefully at Moha, who had been quietly listening.
"I was actually the one who suggested it first."
"You… suggested it?"
Go Jin-seok’s eyes widened in shock.
The person he thought would be the biggest obstacle had proposed it herself.
"You seem surprised."
Moha smiled lightly.
"Well… given what happened with your previous work…"
She nodded, her expression turning serious.
Her previous novel adaptation had been a painful memory for fans.
The original story had been heavily distorted, and the drama ended as a failure.
"That’s right. That’s why this time, I wanted to strictly preserve the original setting. But I guess nothing is absolute."
She sighed softly, yet smiled.
Baek Seung-chan’s performance still lingered vividly in her mind.
The ‘K’ she had imagined and written truly existed in reality.
"To be honest, I also had some regrets about ‘K.’"
"Regrets?"
"Yes. I always felt uneasy about killing him just to trigger Ji-an’s awakening."
As she had once told Baek Seung-chan, ‘K’ was her favorite character.
Even after finishing the novel, she had often wondered if there had been another way.
"So how long would the revisions take?"
Go Jin-seok asked carefully.
Filming had already begun, and delays would be costly.
"It won’t take long. We’ve already discussed some ideas."
The two writers explained their plan.
"That sounds great. We can proceed without delays."
Go Jin-seok responded enthusiastically.
Instead of dying, ‘K’ would be seriously injured, and an additional fight scene with the antagonist would be added.
The emotional impact on An Ji-an would remain intact, while also expanding Baek Seung-chan’s role.
Most importantly, it wouldn’t break the original story.
"The added fight scene is especially good."
This was his favorite part.
The chemistry between Baek Seung-chan and Ma Dong-gi had already proven strong.
"Then let’s proceed with this direction. I’ll handle the rest."
Script revisions required coordination with the production company.
More screen time meant higher fees and potentially even OST production costs.
However, the approval process went smoothly.
The recent success of ‘The Outcast Legend’ and Baek Seung-chan’s performance footage made persuasion easy.
Creating a drama required far more than just actors.
Planning, filming, lighting, art, directing, sound, costumes, and operations all played a role.
When something like a script revision occurred, every team was affected.
Fortunately, since filming had just begun, the impact was manageable.
But one person became significantly busier.
Music director Yang Bok-seon, responsible for background music and OST.
He was asked to create a theme for ‘K.’
"I should start by rereading the script."
A character theme conveyed emotions through music, enhancing immersion.
To do that, he needed a complete understanding of the character.
That meant reading not only the script but also the original novel.
"K…"
He reread everything with focus on that character.
"This will require extra care."
Since ‘K’ had no dialogue, the theme music would effectively become his voice.
"Director, do you have a moment?"
"Of course. About ‘K’s theme?"
"Yes. I wanted to understand the direction you’re aiming for."
Though he created the music, the final decision belonged to the director.
"K doesn’t have dialogue, so I want the music to convey his emotions. And I want it to express how he feels about Ji-an."
"As expected, we’re on the same page."
Yang Bok-seon smiled.
That was exactly what he wanted to express.
From beginning to end, ‘K’ was Ji-an’s bodyguard.
The only time he smiled was when he took a fatal blow for her and felt relief that she was unharmed.
"Can I visit the set tomorrow?"
"Of course. Come anytime."
Understanding the script was step one.
Watching the actor perform was step two.
And finally, adjusting based on edited footage.
It was his method for creating the perfect theme.
The next day, he visited the set.
The moment he saw Baek Seung-chan’s acting, a shiver ran through him.
The performance combined with the character’s story sparked endless inspiration.
"This won’t be easy."
Now, nothing less than perfect music would satisfy him.
He began contacting composers, waiting for the right piece.
Meanwhile, Baek Seung-hui, who was happily pursuing music again, found herself.
"It’s my brother’s birthday… what should I get him?"
It was two months away.
She wanted to give something meaningful in return for letting her return to music.
"Money doesn’t mean anything."
Baek Seung-chan already had success and wealth.
He had even paid off over 100 million won of their parents’ debt.
"So something like origami or a letter feels too ordinary."
She struggled to think of something special.
Then a friend from her academy gave her an idea.
"Why don’t you make music for him? A song just for him would be special, right?"
At that moment, inspiration struck her like lightning.
She went home and began reading the script of ‘The Killer’s Shopping Mall’ that Baek Seung-chan had been studying.