Chapter 222: Like Starlight (2)
Chapter 222: Like Starlight (2)
Sunyang Media.
An internet news outlet specializing in entertainment industry news.
By maintaining a reasonably neutral stance and being exceptionally quick with scoops, it boasted a loyal subscriber base that far exceeded its actual size as a company.
Recently, a particular story had been circulating within its walls.
It was about the hottest actress of the moment, Ju Seo-yeon.
"I thought it was strangely quiet after Sky Garden ended, but I guess there were talks going on with Japan?"
At a colleague's remark, a female reporter’s gaze shifted.
Han Seon-ah.
She was Seo-yeon’s "Number One Fan" and the reporter who still regularly covered her stories.
"Yes, I actually went to Japan recently because of that."
"Ah, because of the Japanese broadcast she was filming?"
"Yes. That, and a few other things."
Han Seon-ah had recently returned from Japan.
Though, it looked like she would have to head back there again very soon.
The reason she had been there to cover the story was that Seo-yeon had headed straight to Japan immediately after finishing Sky Garden.
"I thought she’d just be filming CFs after Sky Garden, but to jump straight into another project... is she some kind of iron woman?"
"Honestly, even I’m a little worried about her."
From a reporter's perspective, Seo-yeon being active was a good thing. It meant more material to write about.
Especially since she was a rising star—an actress who had delivered back-to-back hits. If anyone was the protagonist of this past year, it was her.
But as a fan, Seon-ah couldn't help but worry.
"Since Sky Garden was such a massive hit, it would’ve been nice if she took a break..."
Sky Garden had broken the record for the highest viewership ratings among dramas released in the last few years. Even compared to the golden age of TV dramas ten years ago, it was a undeniable mega-hit.
In the past, those ratings would have translated to over 40 percent, nearly hitting the 50 percent mark.
Naturally, the market value of the actors involved skyrocketed, and the reputation of the screenwriter soared as well.
In particular, Min Se-hee, who had followed up the success of Dream Future with an immediate blockbuster in Sky Garden, was being courted by other broadcasting stations so aggressively that even she was left dazed.
"It’s hard to even get an interview with the Sky Garden cast."
"Especially the younger actors; they have a lot of pride."
It was understandable.
At first, they had accepted interviews easily. They likely thought that since Sky Garden was a hit, their own recognition had increased.
However, most of the questions reporters asked were about the lead, Ju Seo-yeon.
What she was like on set.
What they thought when they saw her acting.
Those kinds of questions, which could be seen as quite rude.
After being subjected to those questions a few times, most of the actors began declining interviews altogether.
"I’m saying this, but I asked the same questions myself."
The colleague laughed awkwardly.
Still, he had managed to get some answers.
He had interviewed Kim Hyun-seok, who played Lee Min-hyuk, the son of Lee Hyuk-soo’s family and the older brother of Lee Min-seo.
Hyun-seok had looked like a man of great pride, so the reporter hadn't dared to bring up Ju Seo-yeon first. Instead, it was Hyun-seok who opened his mouth.
"Unless you’ve been on the receiving end of Ju Seo-yeon’s acting, you might wonder what the big deal is," Kim Hyun-seok had said in a slightly blunt but serious tone. "Honestly, when you’re acting opposite her, it’s hard to even process your lines properly. You know how acting has a certain 'tone'? You can just feel it. You realize, 'Ah, she’s holding back for my sake because I can't keep up.'"
"You can actually feel that?"
"Ah, of course, it varies by scene. Even if she relaxes her intensity, it doesn't usually show. But there are parts where emotions overflow. There were a lot of those in Sky Garden."
Specifically, the parts in the latter half of the drama where Lee Yu-ju’s emotions exploded.
"...To be honest, I was lacking a lot in this drama. But if we ever film together again, it’ll be different."
"Oh, you’re too humble. You were amazing as well, Mr. Kim Hyun-seok. Honestly, I was mesmerized watching you."
"Thank you."
Kim Hyun-seok smiled comfortably at the compliment. Then, he made a small gesture with his hand, indicating that what he was about to say was off the record.
"Of course, she’s so busy that I don’t know if we’ll ever work together again. I heard she went to Japan recently to film a new movie?"
"Ah, I don't think it's because of the movie she just finished."
"Is that so? Well, it’s just that I heard something from an acquaintance in Japan recently..."
The story Kim Hyun-seok told after that was quite shocking.
"Asher Baldwin?"
"That’s what I heard."
"Is it okay for you to give me such important information?"
"Everyone knows you’re Ju Seo-yeon’s fan, Seon-ah. Besides, I don't have the energy to go all the way to Japan. I’m too busy interviewing other actors."
In truth, it was a waste to give it away. But what he was currently covering was also very important. He had managed to secure an exclusive on Director Jo Bang-woo’s new film.
In the end, after some internal conflict, he had given the tip to Han Seon-ah, the reporter he was closest to.
If it’s Reporter Han Seon-ah, it won’t hurt to have her owe me a favor.
Han Seon-ah was a passionate reporter, quick-witted and proactive. If he put her in his debt, she would surely bring back information of equal value to share with him.
Especially regarding this Asher Baldwin situation. And the news about Gyeongseong Lady.
"This year was something, but... I’m really looking forward to next year."
As he handed the information over to Seon-ah, the colleague spoke with anticipation.
Seon-ah, whose body was already itching to fly back to Japan immediately, nodded in agreement.
Ju Seo-yeon had been called the "Rising Star" of this year. While most reporters believed it would be difficult for her to top this year's career milestones, Han Seon-ah thought differently.
Considering Gyeongseong Lady and what I just heard...
And then there was Mine.
She was already starting to get excited.
Excited for Ju Seo-yeon’s next year.
*
"The scene we’re shooting today might seem a bit light, but it’s a very important moment in the story."
Director Baek Min spoke to the staff and actors on set.
It was the confrontation scene between Kasugayama Yuina and Amanabi Michiko.
While it could be summarized as a simple scuffle, it was a crucial moment. It was the point where Kasugayama Yuina forgot her status and fought with Michiko.
In their childhood, Michiko and Yuina had met and were practically friends. But they had drifted apart due to the events and incidents that followed.
The history between Michiko and Yuina’s parents. And Yeon Seon-ye, who was caught between them.
It was a scene where all three leads appeared.
Just looking at the script, the emotions in this part are incredibly volatile.
Seo-yeon fell into thought for a moment as she scanned the lines.
It was a scene that could easily seem melodramatic. To put it positively, it was designed to stir the audience's emotions.
To put it negatively, it could come off as cringey.
In truth, Seo-yeon didn't like the words "cringey" or "over-the-top." She knew that the current trend favored subtle emotional portrayals. However, she felt that too many words and scenes were being discarded simply because they were labeled as "cringey."
But they were quite bold to include a scene like this.
She didn't think it was a bad thing. However, in parts like this, if the acting was clumsy, it looked even worse. Instead of guiding the audience's emotions, it would only highlight the awkwardness.
Therefore, Seo-yeon had no choice but to give it her all and pour more emotion into it than usual.
However...
Can I do this properly?
Seo-yeon thought, clenching her fist.
It was something she had slipped up on slightly in The Chaser. When she became too immersed in her acting, she sometimes lost control.
...It definitely feels a bit excessive.
People talked about her "invincible TS body," but it really was excessively strong. Seo-yeon didn't even know the full extent of what she could do with her strength. Most things she wanted to do, she could simply do.
Because of that, she never really had to—or could—do anything with her full power.
Is there a reason for this?
She didn't know.
Regardless, the goal now was to avoid making the same mistake she had made during The Chaser.
"What's wrong?"
Jo Seo-hee asked softly, noticing the look on Seo-yeon’s face.
"It’s nothing."
"Hmm."
Jo Seo-hee narrowed her eyes at Seo-yeon’s response. It didn't look like nothing.
"You have to do this right."
"Pardon?"
"The acting. Don't you dare hold back for my sake. Like you did in Sky Garden."
Hold back?
Seo-yeon blinked.
"I wasn't exactly holding back then either."
"Hmph, what are you talking about? It was totally obvious. The actors on the receiving end probably felt it even more. Your acting with Ms. Lee Mi-ran was completely different from when you acted with Kim Hyun-seok."
Lee Mi-ran was the actress who played Gil Su-jin, the mistress of the Lee Hyuk-soo household and another lead in Sky Garden. Since she was a veteran famous for her acting skills, the difference between her and Kim Hyun-seok was bound to be large.
The viewers might not have noticed. But Jo Seo-hee couldn't help but know. She had been watching Seo-yeon’s acting for a long time.
"Of course, I know you won't do a half-hearted job. But I’ve been looking forward to this."
Jo Seo-hee spoke as she crossed her arms. Perhaps because she was in costume as Amanabi Michiko, she looked twice as much like a villainess as usual.
"You’d better do it right, in more ways than one."
In more ways than one. It was a very meaningful statement.
"You're going to get hurt if you keep that up."
Lee Ji-yeon, who had just walked over, chimed in. Today’s shoot involved not just Seo-yeon and Jo Seo-hee, but Lee Ji-yeon as well.
That sounds like something a delinquent would say.
If she hadn't been disguised as the gentle Yeon Seon-ye, but was in her usual self, it would have definitely felt that way.
"I-I don't mind getting hurt a little."
Seo-yeon looked at Jo Seo-hee anew as she replied with a trembling voice. Well, considering recent events, she probably knew.
She was thrown around in Hyper Action Star, so there’s no way she doesn't know.
Seo-yeon had wondered if Seo-hee was just oblivious because she was so carefree, but seeing that reaction, it seemed she did know. The fact that she could still say that meant she truly cherished the project.
She said she was 'sincere about acting.'
During their recent pajama party, Seo-yeon had heard a bit about Jo Seo-hee’s past. For instance, the circumstances behind why she had been called a "parachute hire."
Hearing that, Seo-yeon couldn't help but understand. Of course, understanding was one thing; she was still going to speak formally to her. It was Jo Seo-hee’s fault for having such entertaining reactions.
Thinking that far, Seo-yeon let out a small chuckle.
"Of course, I’ll do it properly."
Seo-yeon relaxed her clenched hand. She had been worried that she might make a mistake by getting too immersed in the character's emotions.
But that was just a worry. Seo-yeon had put in a lot of effort, and many people had helped her.
"There won't be any mistakes."
With those words from Seo-yeon, the filming began in earnest.
*
"Senior."
An actor approached Lee Sang-soo, who was quietly watching the set, and spoke to him. It was Hwang Cheol-hoon, the actor playing the male villain who tried to kill Michiko early on in the Amanabi family.
"I didn't think you had any scenes today?"
"But Seo-yeon is acting."
Hwang Cheol-hoon was surprised by the nonchalant reply. The Lee Sang-soo he knew wasn't the type to care much about others.
"I guess the rumors are true."
"Rumors?"
"That Ju Seo-yeon is the one who pulled you back into this industry."
"That’s true."
Lee Sang-soo didn't deny it. Their connection had started on Star Fisherman. When she first proposed the idea to him, he had thought she was a rather bold girl. He just happened to be moved because he didn't dislike that kind of boldness.
But when he actually acted opposite her, he realized she wasn't just a bold actress.
"There’s going to be an uproar when the movie is released. No one would have guessed that you’d appear in this film."
"Well, even if I wasn't in it..."
Lee Sang-soo trailed off, his eyes fixed on the set where filming was just beginning.
A set recreating the streets of Seoul during the Japanese colonial period.
Extras filled the streets, and there, Michiko and Yuina crossed paths.
If they had simply passed each other, the situation might have ended there. But Yuina, looking at Yeon Seon-ye and Michiko, felt a strange tension between them.
It wasn't just about their relationship; she had a rough idea of why Michiko was acting this way.
Yuina was already feeling skeptical about her own mission because of her recent dealings with Goto Isamu. She wondered if she really had to kill Michiko. And if she could even kill Yeon Seon-ye.
Those were her dilemmas.
To Yuina, who was already on the verge of giving up, Michiko’s current state was like a spark to a powder keg.
She had no choice but to burst forward. Because Yuina was the only one who had read Michiko’s intentions.
「Michiko!!」
Yuina’s voice pierced through the noise of the crowd.
Michiko’s gaze shifted toward the voice. At the same time, Yeon Seon-ye’s eyes moved as well.
But they didn't even have time to react.
Dropping the long pipe she always carried, Yuina lunged forward and grabbed Michiko’s collar.
Using both hands, she gripped Michiko by the lapels and slammed her against the wall.
「You.」
Until a moment ago, Yuina had been in a half-dazed state. She had argued with Goto Isamu and had lost her way.
But by following the two of them after their chance encounter, she had realized it.
Michiko’s intention.
「You’re planning to die, aren't you?」
She had read the heart of a woman who had resolved to commit suicide.