Senior-like Junior, Junior-like Senior (2)
Jang Seung-won's calm voice commanded the quiet reading room.
"Scene 12. The king anxiously awaits news from the royal physician when a ominous thunderbolt strikes. The eunuchs and court ladies startle in fear, and from afar, Eunuch 1 comes running through the thickening rain..."
As the PD recited the stage directions, the actor playing the sharp-voiced eunuch delivered his line crisply.
"Your Highness! Forgive this servant! Punish me as you see fit!"
Lee Do-geun, the veteran actor portraying the king, followed with a grave tone honed from years of historical dramas.
"Did someone other than Go Oe bring forbidden words into the palace?"
"Have mercy, Your Highness!"
"All of you, withdraw."
"The other eunuchs, court ladies, and inner palace guards retreat to a certain distance while keeping the king and eunuch in sight. The eunuch draws closer to the king, and the thickening rain begins to muffle his voice."
"Your Highness... This servant has committed a grave sin. How can I possibly report such devastating news..."
"Speak. Now!"
"The royal physician said... he won't last past this year."
Lee Do-geun, in the king's role, closed his eyes and let out a silent sigh.
Dressed casually in the reading room, his emotions transported everyone back centuries to a solemn past.
"Even the heavens are heartless. What sin has my son committed, that they would take him so soon..."
***
The reading atmosphere heated up and flowed seamlessly onward.
The child actors playing the young crown prince—the lead role—and his older brother, the future king, delivered standout performances that brought smiles to the adult actors' faces.
Manager Ha Tae-soo watched breathlessly before whispering to Jeong Su-ryeon.
"But when does Seo-hoon come out?"
"Oppa, it's the childhood arc. You think there's room for him right now?"
"Oh, right."
"You didn't even read the script? He appears right at the end of episode 1."
"Still pretty early. I figured they'd drag the child actor parts to episode 2 or 3."
"Viewers these days won't move to episode 2 if you don't show everything in 1. Having the lead actor debut at the very end of episode 1 is a bit risky, but the narrative buildup makes it necessary."
"The reading alone makes the drama sound fun. First time I've seen one. Always managed idols before—feels fresh."
"Actor managing's pretty rewarding, right?"
"Yeah. Totally different difficulty. Guess you should always have that class 1 large vehicle license ready."
Before long, they'd finished readings up to episode 2, and it was time for a short break.
Even during the break, Jeong Seo-hoon was deep in serious discussion with the PD and writer.
Veteran actors Lee Min-soo and Lee Do-geun joined in, exchanging opinions.
The younger actors watched Jeong Seo-hoon with curious glances.
"Look at Jeong Seo-hoon's presence. Who'd call that guy a rookie?"
"Debuted less than half a year ago, and he pulls that off? Unbelievable."
"Fits right in between the PD and writer like it's natural."
"Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Lee Min-soo and Lee Do-geun, and he's not intimidated at all."
"Heard he was top of his class at Korea University, always hanging with professors. Guess that's why he carries himself like that."
"If he's been like that since 17... no wonder he's an old soul."
Excluding the child actors, most had double-digit years of experience.
They'd only known Jeong Seo-hoon from screens and articles.
"Honestly, I was skeptical about the hype... wanted to see for myself."
"Great projection. Thought he was a historical drama vet. Clear, powerful—rings in your ears."
"Modern dramas and saguk have totally different vocal techniques. High-speed lessons or what? He's been slammed with dramas and films—when'd he squeeze that in?"
The actors mostly chatted among themselves.
No one approached Han Seo-hee.
Even the child actors were unwinding with their own chatter.
Han Seo-hee's manager seethed inwardly while feeling sorry for her.
Our Lina's not the type to get pushed around anywhere...
It looked like the actors were shunning her for being an active high school idol in a historical drama.
It wasn't incomprehensible.
Landing a saguk role meant proven acting chops, experience, gravitas.
To them, Han Seo-hee probably screamed "nepo casting for ratings."
If she'd shown even half of what she did in the camera test, they'd react differently. Is she too nervous right now?
Suddenly, Han Seo-hee stood and slipped quietly out.
Her manager hurried after, then froze—spotting someone ahead.
Jeong Seo-hoon was walking alone, a few meters in front.
Han Seo-hee hesitated, glancing if she should call out—clear as day from behind.
"Sunbae-nim."
"Yes?"
Jeong Seo-hoon had sensed her approach via his instincts.
He'd ignored it until she called, then turned slowly, feigning surprise.
"Ah, Han Seo-hee-ssi."
"Out for some air?"
"Yeah. Gets stuffy inside. You?"
"I have a question. Can I ask?"
"Go ahead."
"How can I act the crown princess role like I did back then?"
At her tentative question, Jeong Seo-hoon cupped his elbow in his palm, pretending to think.
"Didn't like your reading?"
"Yeah... a bit."
"You nailed it on camera. You're holding your own in the reading too. Don't worry."
"But I feel out of place. Everyone's so intense and immersive, and I sound like I'm reading a textbook..."
"No one reads a textbook that convincingly. Don't fret. To me, you're a natural in the moment—like me."
"Am I the same type as you, sunbae-nim?"
Curiosity sparkled in her round, wide eyes.
Gone was the crown princess poise; pure teen energy filled her.
"Yeah. Let's kill it, fellow improv types."
"But you were so natural even in the reading. Sigh, I'm totally stuck. Wish someone could coach me."
"Don't you take lessons?"
"I do, but the acting teacher's advice feels kinda floaty. Can I really pull off the crown princess like this...?"
"No notes from the PD in reading means nothing to nitpick. He figures it'll click on camera. Relax."
"Can't you check my acting, sunbae-nim? We're husband and wife in the drama."
"On set, anytime. I'll help with whatever I can."
"...Thank you."
Han Seo-hee bowed slightly, voice a touch subdued.
Jeong Seo-hoon turned, checking his phone on silent.
Dozens of messages from Yoo Jeong-ah and Chae Ji-hyun—neck and neck, like a contest.
***
Break over, they wrapped readings through episode 3.
Jang Seung-won offered a few directions but no major critiques.
Overall satisfaction with the actors' line reads.
"Nothing specific to point out. You're all pros. Honestly, I'm the worst actor here but yap the most, right?"
"You nail the camera best. You've earned the right to nitpick."
"Nah, our DP's better. Anyway, principal photography starts soon per schedule. No getting sick or hurt till then—promise me. We're not swimming in time."
"March premiere gives plenty, no? Heard the first draft script's done."
"Accidents and delays happen every shoot. Actors, please manage your health meticulously."
The seasoned actors caught the subtext: no drunk driving scandals.
Everyone bustled to pack up and head home. Jang Seung-won approached Jeong Seo-hoon.
"Our lead slash investor, dinner? No booze."
"Sure."
"Include me."
"Okay. Just the writer too. No more—small table."
Others eyed joining; Jang Seung-won drew the line with a smile. Jeong Su-ryeon jumped in quick.
"What about me, PD-nim?"
"Investor's sister? Always welcome. Su-ryeon-ssi, you're in."
"Yes! Thanks."
***
Jang Seung-won led them to a private hanjeongsik room with a big table for 10+.
Kim Sang-hee checked and turned.
"PD-nim, you lied."
"Sudden call. Couldn't announce it there—said it was just us. CV Cable's vice chair begged to meet Jeong Seo-hoon."
"Then we make time. When?"
"Soon."
Under 10 minutes later, a 50s woman entered with two aides.
Jeong Su-ryeon whispered to her brother.
"Hey, chaebol heir. Chaebol heir. Careful."
After greetings with PD and writer, the vice chair beamed at Jeong Seo-hoon.
"Seeing Private First Class Lee Jin-wook in the flesh—I'm over the moon. Hard to believe, but I'm a huge drama fan."
"It's true. Drama industry's queen bee."
"Haegeuk's brilliant—grateful you chose our network. Wanted to thank you three in person. Especially Jeong Seo-hoon-ssi—been dying to meet a fan like me."
She even got an autograph, urged them to eat comfortably, and left without sitting.
Parting words hung meaningful.
"Good news by year-end. Look forward to it."
Staring at her retreating figure, Kim Sang-hee sighed softly.
"A vice chair who knows exactly when to exit—picture-perfect. She covered the bill, right?"
"Up to 10 million won—secretary handed over the company card. Eat freely."
"10 mil means pricey booze. PD-nim, really no drinks?"
"Nope. Shooting soon. Can't pour for actors outside official dinners."
"So strict."
Jang Seung-won held firm; Kim Sang-hee grumbled but dropped booze talk.
Food arrived. Over dinner, Jang Seung-won probed.
"Seo-hoon-ssi, how was the reading?"
"Everyone great."
"Hm."
"Something bugging you, PD-nim?"
"Han Seo-hee-ssi seems inconsistent. Solid with you, but dips elsewhere. She's not glued to you the whole drama."
Kim Sang-hee swallowed and chimed in.
"Too flashy acting headaches the PD. That's it."
"Can't nerf her strengths for balance... Tricky."
Dinner with the PD signaled treating Jeong Seo-hoon as peer to the writer.
"She loosens up around you—shows real chops. Confirmed today."
"I'd method-act opposite that face too."
"Me too. Sibling knife fight over inheritance."
"Lee Seo-hyeon's flawless anyway... Just hope you extra-coach Han Seo-hee. First wife, after all. On set, I mean—no scandals."
"Already planned to, for the drama. If you say so too, gladly."
"Thanks. Lead and crew material."
***
Principal photography day one arrived.
On set, Jeong Seo-hoon sought Han Seo-hee first.
His paranoid battlefield trauma—counting every rustle—could double as a commander's all-seeing scan.
Like now.
He spotted her buried in her script and approached casually.
Her manager stiffened visibly at his approach.
Agency protectiveness over their treasure.
"Han Seo-hee-ssi."
"Ah, sunbae-nim!"
"Told you, not sunbae. Rookie who debuted this year—stop."
"Still..."
"Script time? Which scene?"
"Oh, episode 2, scene 32."
"The one from our camera test."
Without glancing, he nailed the scene number—her eyes widened.
"Whoa. You really memorize whole scripts?"
Cheeks flushed, feet fidgeting; Jeong Seo-hoon steered back.
"Surprised when I pulled a back-half line mid-scene?"
"Yeah. But that wasn't your line?"
Her lens-immersed ad-lib—actually Lee Seo-hyeon's, the 30s crown princess.
"Regret it?"
"Kinda. Felt like sharing the writer's emotion briefly... then it's Lee Seo-hyeon-sunbae's line."
"Who knows? Writer saw it seriously—might tweak. Script's locked, but she slips in minor lines seamlessly."
"That's why you're always on set?"
Manager's tension eased.
Lead easing rookie's first-shoot nerves? Positive.
Relieved it'd go smooth, manager exhaled—then staggered at her next words.
"If 'sunbae-nim' bugs you... can I call you oppa?"
"Sure."
"Thanks! Loosen up with me too, oppa."
"This feels right now."
"Later then!"
"Deal."
Manager eyed Han Seo-hee's sparkling gaze warily, glancing at Jeong Seo-hoon.
Key to their star's acting lifeline wore a serene, age-defying smile.
That ease felt sly.
Paranoia, sure, but still...
"Do great today, Han Seo-hee-ssi."
"Yes, oppa."
Jeong Seo-hoon bumped fists instead of shaking, flicking a brief eye-nod to the manager.
It screamed: I know what you're thinking—unnecessary worry.
Turning crisply, the artist clutched her script, oblivious, staring at his back.
Defeated—like a green rookie read her like a book—manager snapped irritably.
"Lina—no, Han Seo-hee. You're here to act today."
"Got it. Not a music show studio—want a song?"
Her round smile sharpened to a glare; manager fanned frustration.
"Seo-hee-ya. Pivotal moment in your career. Focus on real acting."
"I'll tense up and concentrate hard."
Her script-grip should warm him, but the vague "what" felt suspicious—hard to smile fully.
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