Chapter 59
Chapter 59: Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony
Translated by POWERPUFF
It had only been a day since he said he would compose, and now he was suddenly going to stand on stage at the Memorial Day ceremony as a gayageum performer?
Caught off guard by the unexpected news, Ji Pyeongsan was momentarily stunned.
But soon, a question came to mind.
“I understand you’ll be performing at the Memorial Day ceremony, but it’s a national event. How exactly did you end up on that stage?”
The Memorial Day ceremony was a national event.
It made no sense for an actor to suddenly appear on stage, especially as a gayageum performer.
“Oh, I became a disciple of Teacher Han Deokrye.”
“Han Deokrye? Who is that?”
“She’s a master of gayageum and a recognized cultural asset.”
“…A cultural asset?”
Once again, Ji Pyeongsan was taken aback.
“So, to summarize—you became the disciple of a gayageum cultural asset, and at her recommendation, you’ll perform at the ceremony?”
“That’s correct.”
“…I see.”
Ji Pyeongsan blinked, trying to process the situation.
“…I suppose that would be confusing.”
Baek Seungchan waited for him to gather himself.
“Thank you for waiting.”
After a moment, Ji Pyeongsan regained his composure.
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“I just wanted to get the company’s permission since it’s a public performance.”
“Of course you should participate.”
Ji Pyeongsan answered immediately.
“In fact, I’d insist that you do.”
The Memorial Day ceremony honored fallen heroes.
Appearing there would only improve his image.
And that positive image would naturally serve as promotion.
It was the perfect opportunity.
“Good thing it doesn’t overlap with ‘Surviving in the Jungle.’”
Filming for the variety show would begin two days after Memorial Day.
“If you need anything, we’ll support you.”
“Thank you. I’ll go finish my work.”
He was heading to complete his composition using the gayageum.
“Wait.”
Ji Pyeongsan stopped him.
“Did you already know how to play gayageum?”
Given the situation, it made no sense otherwise.
“No, I learned today.”
“…Today?”
“Yes.”
“…I see.”
Ji Pyeongsan blinked again.
After Baek Seungchan left, he muttered,
“He learned today… and plays like that…”
Then he realized—
Geniuses weren’t meant to be understood.
Baek Seungchan went to Han Deokrye’s house to prepare.
“Welcome.”
She greeted him warmly.
“This is the disciple you mentioned?”
A well-built elderly man stood behind her.
“Hello, I’m Baek Seungchan.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Wang Minseok.”
He was a master of pansori.
“Speak comfortably.”
“You have good manners.”
He smiled.
“Let’s go inside.”
They entered the practice room.
“Let me see your skills.”
At his request, Baek Seungchan began playing.
Ting—
Wang Minseok’s eyes widened.
“This is…”
Among all the players he had seen, this was among the best.
Even rivaling Han Deokrye.
After the performance—
“Haha!”
He laughed.
“You’re truly fortunate.”
Han Deokrye smiled.
“I suppose I am.”
“Let’s play together.”
They began rehearsing.
The two gayageum players blended beautifully.
Then Wang Minseok began singing.
“Time… my youth…”
His voice carried deep longing.
Baek Seungchan was impressed.
“Now this is real.”
The harmony was perfect.
Their first rehearsal ended successfully.
Time passed quickly.
Memorial Day arrived.
At Seoul National Cemetery, they waited backstage.
“Nervous?”
Wang Minseok asked.
“Not really.”
“…You’re no fun.”
He chuckled.
Soon—
“It’s time.”
They stepped onto the stage.
Before them were thousands—
families, officials, citizens.
Ting—
The gayageum began.
The harmony drew everyone in.
Then—
“Time… my youth…”
The voice and melody filled the space.
The audience was deeply moved.
Some wept.
The performance ended, leaving a lasting impression.
Ji Pyeongsan how to promote it.
Then decided—
“Do nothing.”
Because word of mouth was strongest.
The ceremony was broadcast nationwide.
And as expected—
“…Isn’t that him?”
“Why is he there?”
Viewers were shocked to see Baek Seungchan on stage.