Chapter 356: Image Transformation (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 356: Image Transformation (1)
The protagonist, Ham I-seo, once dreamed of becoming a reporter.
Though she lost her father at a young age, she and her mother, both possessed of positive mindsets and iron wills, joined forces to build a steadfast life together.
Undeterred by their difficult circumstances, she gained admission to a journalism department boasting the highest entry scores in the country and breezed her way into a major media outlet.
One day, a man appearing to be a lone protester shows up in front of her workplace.
‘Condemn Cheonju Group?’
‘Is he the only one protesting here? Besides, where else would you find a company as clean as Cheonju Group?’
The man was targeting Cheonju Group—a leading domestic conglomerate and the perennial number one in brand reputation as a "people-friendly" corporation.
Her colleagues don't give him a second glance, but for some reason, Ham I-seo can’t stop thinking about the picket sign the man is holding.
Leaving the office later than usual, Ham I-seo approaches the man standing motionless in front of the nearly dark corporate building.
‘Excuse me.’
‘…….’
‘Even if you protest here, the employees won't bat an eye. They’re used to seeing protesters.’
As Ham I-seo speaks in a roundabout way, the man silently hands her a crudely designed flyer.
[Exposing the Reality of the Killer Corporation, Cheonju Group.]
After wishing him luck, Ham I-seo returns home.
Once she finishes getting ready for bed, she finds the flyer she had haphazardly stuffed into her bag while organizing her things.
It contains the story of the father of the man, Gong Ji-chan, who had passed away without a word.
[My father, who showed no warning signs whatsoever, passed away last autumn without leaving a single suicide note.]
For some reason, the words written on the paper bear an uncanny resemblance to her own father’s final moments.
.
.
.
……That was the synopsis for Exclusive Report. It was a rare suspense-mystery drama about two bereaved family members caught in the conspiracy of a giant corporation as they dig into the causes of their families' deaths.
In this drama, I took on the role of Cheon Yun-seong, the grandson of the chairman of Cheonju Group—the conglomerate with the best image marketing in the world—and the only son of the parent company’s president.
For reference, this was Cheon Yun-seong’s character description:
A "picture-perfect" prince who stands out among third-generation chaebols—who are usually busy causing trouble—with his stunning looks and a reputation for impeccable etiquette.
Possessing both character and eloquence, he is the embodiment of noblesse oblige, practicing genuine service and sharing rather than performative donations.
Impressive, isn't it? The characterization was so vivid it made me feel a bit overwhelmed.
My first appearance was in Episode 2. It was a bit painful because they asked me to play the most gentle and well-mannered man in the world. I felt like I was trying to teach a master how to act in front of So Sae-young, who played Ham I-seo (she said she had ten years of experience).
Furthermore, the setting was a commemorative ceremony for high-value donors. Everyone, including myself, was decked out in finery, and the set was a sea of people with camera operators and extras playing reporters. When I watch the news, they usually give the reporters chairs, so I wondered why they set this up like a chaotic marketplace.
“I-wol, you don't seem nervous at all.”
“I’m trying my best not to let it show!”
“Even when the camera is rolling, you don't seem stiff.”
So Sae-young praised me. It felt like only yesterday that we agreed to speak casually during the script reading to get closer, but now she was practically nurturing me with constant praise.
Aside from the set being generous with compliments, I heard a lot that I "don't lose my nerve in front of my elders." It was the same at UA and during In My Office.
Actually, unless they’re in their 40s or 50s, I don't really feel pressured by people older than me. I have a large age gap with my older sister, after all.
I think I became even more tempered during my time in the corporate world; unless someone is around Department Head Nam’s age, I don't feel much pressure. Should I be happy about this?
For this reason, I became the rising "lionheart" of the set. Since the role required a certain level of audacity, you could say my image was well-established.
“I saw that too, Act on.”
“Really? How did that end up in your algorithm, Sunbae……!”
“I was so surprised when I saw you in person because you look so young.”
Kim I-wol in Act on did have the vibe of a nepotism-hire Director. Still, I’m glad I don't look that terrifying in real life.
“You do look mature in person, though. You’re the first person in their twenties I’ve seen who looks that good in a metal wristwatch.”
The wristwatch, which was more expensive than my appearance fee per episode, sparkled brilliantly.
In the past, I didn't wear watches because they were uncomfortable when playing the bass. So, to avoid looking awkward, I had been practicing with a watch Manager Dae-yeon gave me, saying it was one he didn't use. I even learned the "nonchalant way to take off a wristwatch" from Jeong Seong-bin, who wears them often.
‘Did you learn this from Jeong Seong-jun?’
‘Uh…… is it that weird?’
I was surprised to hear it was Jeong Seong-bin’s own technique, but regardless, thanks to that, I was now able to take off a watch in front of a bathroom mirror with dead eyes without a single mistake.
“Moving on to the next scene! Cheon Yun-seong, please stand by!”
The brief chat ended as my turn came. It was a scene where Cheon Yun-seong reveals what a decent "silver spoon" he is through a short conversation with his secretary in the hallway while leaving after the ceremony.
‘I might have been better at the secretary role.’
But I gave up on that thought because I wasn't confident I could do it as well as the actual actor. This wasn't the time to be commenting on someone else's role. It’s wrong to covet someone else's bread when you can't even handle the task in front of you.
“Cheon Yun-seong is ready!”
I shouted energetically. Everyone around me held their breath.
Alright, let’s do this! Let’s work hard and become the ultimate villain! Good luck to my second life!
S#9. Hallway (Day)
Cheon Yun-seong: (Walking while looking straight ahead) What did you say the next schedule was?
Go Su-gyeol: (Following behind Cheon Yun-seong, matching his pace) You have a dinner appointment with the Chairman at 6 o'clock.
Cheon Yun-seong: We’ll be eating something delicious, then. Why don't you join us, Chief? The Chairman’s menu choices never fail.
Go Su-gyeol: Thank you for the offer.
A running child bumps into Cheon Yun-seong’s leg.
The child is flustered, and the child’s mother appears late.
Cheon Yun-seong gestures for Go Su-gyeol, who tries to pull the child away, to step back.
Cheon Yun-seong: Are you alright?
Child: (Flustered)
Child’s Mom: Hyeon-gyo, I told you not to run around in crowded places! I’m so sorry.
Cheon Yun-seong: So your name is Hyeon-gyo. (Bends his knees to meet the child’s eyes) You should listen to your mother, okay?
Child: ……I’m sorry.
The child runs to his mother. Cheon Yun-seong waves a hand to the mother, who keeps bowing, signaling that it’s fine.
Go Su-gyeol: Are you okay, sir?
Cheon Yun-seong: Why wouldn't I be? More importantly, I saw a lot of reporters at the ceremony today.
Go Su-gyeol: I heard the new member is a popular model lately. It seems they flocked here thinking it would be good news material.
Cheon Yun-seong: Ah, I see.
S#10. Entrance of the Hall (Day)
Cheon Yun-seong comes out of the hall.
Ham I-seo, spotting Cheon Yun-seong, pulls Gong Ji-chan toward her.
Gong Ji-chan is flustered.
Ham I-seo: (Mouthing) Cheon Yun-seong……!
Gong Ji-chan: ……!
Ham I-seo hides behind Gong Ji-chan, waiting for Cheon Yun-seong to pass.
She gets the illusion that her eyes met with Cheon Yun-seong’s as he looks around.
Go Su-gyeol: Are you looking for something?
Cheon Yun-seong: No, just…… I realized it’s spring.
After confirming Cheon Yun-seong has gotten into the car, Ham I-seo steps out from Gong Ji-chan’s arms.
Ham I-seo: ……He didn't see me, did he?
Gong Ji-chan: Did you make eye contact?
Ham I-seo: I’m not sure…… maybe it was just my imagination.
Gong Ji-chan: How was he? Seeing Cheon Yun-seong in person.
Ham I-seo: He seemed kind. Even where there were no cameras.
Gong Ji-chan: Is that so…….
Gong Ji-chan looks conflicted.
Ham I-seo gazes at Gong Ji-chan intently.
In the script, these were connected scenes, but a major relocation was required to film that part. Everyone, from the camera and lighting crews to the production staff and sound directors, had to move equipment from indoors to outdoors and reset the filming environment.
Though they had no choice but to make the actors wait, Jeon PD didn't like these gaps.
From an actor's perspective, how difficult must it be when the flow is interrupted? It was no easy task to maintain the same atmosphere before and after a scene transition. There was a reason why "continuity errors"—like a stray hair suddenly appearing after a cut—were so common.
It was true that he had concerns about entrusting such a scene to the young Kim I-wol, who wasn't even a professional actor.
“The transition is natural, isn't it?”
The Assistant Director marveled. Jeon PD was thinking the same thing.
“He keeps his vocal tone and facial expressions almost exactly the same. Even if we cut and paste the scenes, it won't feel jarring.”
“Right?”
Jeon PD marveled inwardly.
‘Is his personality just naturally consistent?’
It was a bit different from being stoic. Being able to treat anyone without awkwardness, not being heavily influenced by the surrounding environment, and maintaining the persona he decided to show until the end was not something just anyone could do.
The same went for how he exuded an unapproachable aura despite being such a kind person.
The sophisticated three-piece suit, the metallic wristwatch, and the dignified dress shoes—the Kim I-wol before his eyes was, by all accounts, a young "silver spoon" in his early thirties. A man who was well-educated, possessed a broad enough mind not to sweat the small stuff, and had the wit to lighten an atmosphere that could easily become heavy.
In a suspense drama that inevitably had many supporting characters, Kim I-wol became another lifeline. He had shifted from being a potential risk factor to a "smart one" who produced better results than expected.
‘I’m looking forward to the reaction when the middle episodes are released.’
Even though they had just started filming the early episodes, Jeon PD was filled with anticipation.
“By the way, I-wol, do you know how to drive? I’m just curious, though you won't have to drive yourself on set.”
“No, I don't even have a license. If Division Chief Go isn't here, I have to take the bus home.”
And just as he’d heard, he really did have a great personality.
‘I’m glad I contacted him.’
It was worth the effort of taking a gamble despite getting an earful from the higher-ups. A surge of passion rose within Jeon PD’s heart.