Chapter 59
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Filming "Oh, My Cat"
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‘Oh, My Cat’ filming site. Even as the actors' performances were in full swing, the assistant director cautiously approached PD Kim Shin-hyo and whispered.
“Um... PD-nim?”
“Speak.”
“Is it really okay to just let it keep going like this?”
No answer came. In the meantime, Lee Do-jun and Park Min-ha's acting continued seamlessly.
‘It's subtly different from the script here too.’
It had been two weeks since filming began.
The change in Do-jun, who had initially stuck faithfully to the script, started ten days into the shoot.
His immersion back then was no joke, and since then, the lines had begun shifting ever so slightly.
Now, occasionally, entire lines were added or cut.
Of course, actors strong in ad-libs often did this sort of thing, but Do-jun was a rookie on his first project, wasn't he?
It was something that shouldn't happen—and couldn't, under normal circumstances.
‘But the problem is, it's better that way. He's doing it so well.’
Yet Do-jun performed as if this was exactly what the script intended all along, flowing naturally.
Even veteran PD Kim Shin-hyo had to admit it.
On the first day, she'd thought he was just a highly focused actor, but now...
‘He seems like the character itself.’
Lee Do-jun was becoming Lee Jung-woo more with each passing day. And it wasn't just during takes.
Even in breaks, he sometimes felt possessed by ‘Lee Jung-woo.’
Sure, actors like that existed occasionally—mostly the greats worthy of being called ‘legends.’
Anyway, thanks to him, every scene was coming out perfectly. Whether ad-libbing or not, as long as the acting was good, that was what mattered.
But the issue was...
“Seo Writer hates anyone touching the script without permission, right?”
Only then did PD Kim Shin-hyo react. Even she seemed worried about Seo Ji-hye's response.
“True enough.”
“Then...”
The assistant director trailed off there. Suggesting ‘shouldn't we direct him?’ might seem like challenging the PD's authority.
But he couldn't stay silent. If this kept up, they risked scrapping everything shot so far.
PD Kim Shin-hyo pondered briefly before asking.
“Did Seo Writer confirm she's coming today?”
“Yes? Oh, yes. She said she'll be here soon.”
“Then let's shoot up to this scene as is, and check with her when she arrives.”
“Ah, got it.”
Honestly, PD Kim Shin-hyo inwardly believed it would be fine.
So what if the script changed a bit? It was bringing the script's intent to life so vividly in the shots.
Still, the assistant director's concern wasn't unfounded.
This was his third project with Seo Ji-hye. He knew full well how strict she was about the script.
For now, they could only wait and see what she said.
“Good! Cut! Take a break!”
“Great work.”
At the halt signal, Do-jun bowed politely and stepped away from the camera.
PD Kim Shin-hyo watched his retreating figure—half Lee Do-jun, half Lee Jung-woo—and thought.
‘If we direct him, will he keep that state?’
Sticking to the script might be safer, but if not, the current version with slight changes felt better.
Meanwhile, seeing Do-jun seated in the provided chair, taking a break, the staff murmured.
“Some people really are born for this.”
“I used to cringe at articles hyping ‘genius’ rookies, but this kid? I buy it.”
“Thought he was good from the start, but wow... Did you see that look in his eyes just now? Total different person from when he arrived.”
“He could've skipped idols and gone straight to acting and made it big.”
“And as a rookie, he's not arrogant. Makes him easy to work with.”
One staffer's comment drew a snort.
“Not all rookies are like that. So many weirdos out there—it's just his personality.”
“Yeah, you can tell from the articles. No one with bad character pulls that off.”
Agreement rippled through the group.
Do-jun wasn't just winning over the staff.
As filming continued, Lee Sun-jeong arrived on set and approached Park Min-ha to greet her.
“Ah, sunbaenim!”
“Min-ha, hi. Looking pretty today too.”
“Oh, you're the beautiful one, sunbaenim.”
“Obviously.”
Laughter erupted at the cheeky banter from the set's senior-most actress, Lee Sun-jeong.
Their chat quickly shifted from greetings to the drama they were filming together.
“Honestly, this is top-tier. Script by Seo Writer, PD Kim goes without saying.”
“Casting's perfect too. Because you're here, sunbaenim.”
Lee Sun-jeong grinned slyly at Park Min-ha's flattery.
“Stating the obvious. You too—and that Lee Jun-hyung kid, bit of a punk personality, but he's got skills.”
That was when it happened.
“Sunbaenim, hello. Min-ha's here too?”
Unable to read the room, Lee Jun-hyung, fresh on set, approached them.
“Yeah, you're here.”
“Jun-hyung-ssi, hi.”
After greetings, Lee Jun-hyung playfully tapped Park Min-ha's shoulder.
“Two weeks in, still ‘Jun-hyung-ssi’? Just call me oppa casually, like Yeoul-i does.”
She replied with a faint smile.
“When we get closer.”
“Friendships start with nicknames, you know.”
He pestered a bit more, then spotted Do-jun in the corner and hardened his expression.
“That punk... Ahem.”
Realizing seniors were present, he quickly corrected himself.
“With all the seniors here, what's that guy doing sitting there so cockily by himself?”
He glanced at Lee Sun-jeong as if seeking permission.
“Should I go drag him over?”
Her gaze turned to Do-jun.
She'd known he was sitting alone from the start. They just hadn't called him over.
Even now, no one was around him. Amid the bustle, that spot felt like another world.
‘No one wants to break his focus unnecessarily.’
Do-jun, glasses on, pored over the script with a subtle smile.
His expression, breathing, even tiny gestures oozed Lee Jung-woo.
‘A natural-born actor.’
As someone said, without idols, he'd probably be even more acclaimed now.
But it wasn't a huge issue.
Once this aired, plenty would recognize his true worth.
As a senior, her only worry was that deep immersion might disrupt his daily life.
“I'll go give him a scolding and bring him over.”
Misreading her silent gaze, the emboldened Lee Jun-hyung rolled up his sleeves.
But she swiftly stopped him.
“Never mind. Don't disturb the kid while he's focused. Get ready yourself—Seo Writer's coming soon.”
“...”
His face darkened instantly. Unable to retort to Lee Sun-jeong, he bowed vaguely and headed off to fix his makeup.
Watching him go, Lee Sun-jeong asked.
“Jun-hyung's being pretty open about hating him. Think the kid's okay?”
“He's too focused to notice now. Normally... not sure.”
Lee Sun-jeong looked puzzled at Park Min-ha's words.
“Aren't you two close? Don't you talk separately?”
“No time. Lately, he's always immersed during shoots, so bothering him feels bad.”
“Fair point.”
Just then, murmurs rose. Turning, they saw the assistant director exiting the set.
Soon, Seo Ji-hye appeared with her haughty poise. Tension filled the air.
Her sharp eyes scanned the set briskly before she asked the assistant director glued to her side.
“On break?”
“Ah! Yes. We paused for a short rest.”
“Lucky them. Some of us can't even sleep properly because of the script. Must be nice, nailing it perfectly so they get breaks.”
The assistant director swallowed dryly at her barbed words.
‘This is bad. She's a total low-pressure system.’
Script revisions at the final stage—she seemed sharpened to a razor's edge. She might overturn everything upon review.
Unaware or uncaring of his worry, Seo Ji-hye strode forward sharply.
“I don't have time. Had enough rest? Let's start shooting right now.”
“I'll relay to PD-nim immediately.”
The chaotic break atmosphere stretched taut like a rubber band about to snap.
“Writer-nim, you're here!”
“Hello!”
Staff and even made-up Lee Jun-hyung rushed over to greet her.
She nodded curtly, glanced around, and asked a nearby staffer.
“Where's Lee Do-jun?”
“Over there... Ah, he's coming now.”
Guided by Kim Han-soo's hand, Do-jun sprinted over and bowed deeply.
“Hello, Writer-nim!”
“Hi. They say you're doing well. Looks good to me too.”
“Thank you.”
Lee Jun-hyung grimaced secretly. He'd expected a scolding for being late, but she let it slide.
‘What the hell does that punk have?’
Even Lee Sun-jeong saying not to disturb him—it only fueled his rising anger as everyone seemed to favor Do-jun.
Oblivious to Lee Jun-hyung's inner turmoil, Seo Ji-hye laid down the law to staff and actors.
“No issues, right? Speak up and die.”
“Haha, it's your script, Writer-nim. We make problems disappear.”
“Good attitude. Prep for shooting. I'm busy.”
Dismissing greetings curtly, she spotted PD Kim Shin-hyo and asked.
“What's the next scene?”
“Kim Jin visiting the animal hospital, thinking Park Ji-eun has feelings for Lee Jung-woo.”
For the first time since starting, tension creased PD Kim Shin-hyo's face.
“Start it. I squeezed this time out. Gotta go write script quick.”
She settled into the staff-provided director's chair, flipping through the script.
Then PD Kim Shin-hyo ventured cautiously.
“Before that, there's something about the footage I should mention...”
“Kim PD.”
“Yes.”
“Didn't hear what I just said? Was I speaking Arabic or Hindi?”
Thud, thud.
Seo Ji-hye's foot tapped irritably. Staff froze, gauging moods. PD Kim Shin-hyo too.
“I. Have. No. Time. For footage stuff, just shoot first and show me. That's the order, right?”
“Understood.”
He signaled without further ado. Do-jun and Lee Jun-hyung took their marks.
“Shooting starts!”
At the assistant director's call, the cameras rolled.