Chapter 194
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 194
Chapter Title: Hollywood on Set
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“Cut, OK!”
Director Choi Daeman’s voice echoed across the set. The people who had been watching as if it were an American drama, not a film shoot, snapped back to reality.
Wow.
If not for the quiet atmosphere, they would have burst into applause. The staff, along with Park Dohun and Lee Dajin, watched the two actors with sparkling eyes. Kim Jongho and Lee Jiseok wondered how they would have acted in their place.
Evan Block and Richel Hill, who were standing on the set, monitored the footage with Director Choi Daeman, discussing various things as if they had arranged it during their meeting yesterday.
Lee Dajin and Park Dohun fidgeted restlessly. They wanted to go over but weren't sure if they should. Kim Jongho and Lee Jiseok felt the same. The actors’ gazes turned to Seojun. Seojun, who had a soft spot for people who loved acting, smiled and said.
“Should we go over, too?”
“Can we?”
The actors’ faces lit up at Seojun’s words.
“It’s fine.”
The four actors, led by the youngest but most reliable Seojun, cautiously approached the monitor. What they saw in person felt different from what was captured on camera.
As the actors moved, the branch manager, CEO Lee Hansol, and the other directors quietly followed. Even with the crowd, the monitor was visible, and Lee Hansol clenched his fist. Swapping to a larger monitor because Hollywood actors were appearing had been a stroke of genius.
As if watching an American drama, the screen was filled with the two actors.
Since it was a full shot, it was hard to see the detailed changes in Evan Block’s and Richel Hill’s expressions, but the relaxed movements of Evan Block and the rigid posture of Richel Hill were enough to understand the characters’ situation.
“Are my steps too fast?”
Evan Block, who was dissecting his own image on the screen, spoke up. At his words, the staff and directors flinched. They still weren't used to hearing a Hollywood actor speak Korean.
“I think it’s just right.”
“I think it would be better if I showed more anger. What do you think, Director?”
“Hmm. It would be good if your voice trembled a bit more.”
Even though the scene had received an okay, Evan Block and Richel Hill wanted it to be more perfect.
Director Choi Daeman, who had been perfectly satisfied just by having the two actors appear, was prompted by their detailed questions and cautiously began to explain the image he was hoping for.
“I see.”
“That would be good, too.”
Seeing the Hollywood actors listen intently to his words, Director Choi Daeman’s eyes sparkled.
Some actors with considerable experience disliked interference with their acting. That was true for Korean actors, so what would it be like for Hollywood actors who were globally popular?
‘Of course, that’s not to say everyone is like that...’
There was a vast difference between a Hollywood star and a film director who had never won an award. Besides, this was just a cameo shoot. Director Choi Daeman had thought it might be difficult to express his ideas to Evan Block and Richel Hill.
He had even dismissed their request from yesterday’s meeting to share his opinions as mere pleasantries. But he was wrong. Seeing the Hollywood actors listening to him with serious expressions, the corners of Director Choi Daeman's lips curled up slightly. His chest felt full.
A staff member, who had been filming the making-of footage, captured that moment. The director of photography quietly advised from behind the staff member.
“That’s a great shot.”
“Right?”
Lee Jiseok marveled at the two actors’ dedication to perfecting even a cameo appearance. Seojun looked proud, as if he were the one being praised.
“They’re truly amazing.”
Their gentle smiles were gone, replaced by serious expressions as they monitored the screen. Lee Dajin’s eyes glittered. Park Dohun nodded his head repeatedly.
Having grown up watching the *Shadowman* and *Assemble* series, Lee Dajin and Park Dohun were overwhelmed with emotion seeing Evan Block and Richel Hill. Many others in the room felt the same. Everyone watched the two actors with shining eyes.
As if their discussion had concluded, Director Choi Daeman shouted.
“Let’s go for one more take!”
It seemed they had decided to shoot it again after all. The actors and directors in front of the monitor dispersed, and the set was reset.
The hands of the staff member checking Evan Block’s and Richel Hill’s costumes trembled. Until a moment ago, she had been in a daze and hadn't thought much of it, but after watching them film, it truly, really sank in.
‘Evan Block and Richel Hill are really in our movie!’
When this news broke, it was sure to turn Korea upside down.
***
After the first scene wrapped, the second one began.
A short distance from the ‘American O.W.C. Laboratory’ set, a ‘Private Hospital Room’ set had been prepared.
While Director Choi Daeman and the staff checked the set, Park Dohun, clutching his script with both hands, shivered as he restlessly looked around the set. He was wearing a thin hospital gown but had a jacket on, so it didn't seem like he was cold.
It was unlike the usually composed Park Dohun, which made Seojun tilt his head and ask.
“Dohun hyung. Are you okay?”
“No!”
As if he had been waiting to be asked, Park Dohun spewed out his inner thoughts in a torrent.
“I’m so nervous! I wasn’t this nervous during my college entrance exams! I wasn’t this nervous during my practical interviews! What do I do? Can I do this well? I’ve been worried sick ever since I met them, and now I really don’t think I can do it! I feel like I’m going to cause so many NGs! What if I ruin today’s shoot, Seojun!?”
“Uh…”
Grabbed by Park Dohun, Seojun’s eyes darted around.
‘Hmm. I was really excited when I filmed with Swallin Enum… but I don’t think I was *this* bad?’
Watching Seojun standing there blankly in Park Dohun's grasp and Park Dohun's face turning practically blue, Kim Jongho shook his head and commented.
“…The kid seems to be losing his mind.”
“I know. But isn't Seojun a Hollywood actor too?”
“He was in a slump when he was filming *Naeuiwon*, so he probably didn't have the mental space for it.”
Lee Jiseok, who was filming with them this time, was calm, but Lee Dajin, who had to act with Richel Hill in the next scene, looked devastated, as if Park Dohun’s words had struck a nerve.
“I’m doomed… NG… Because of me…”
Seeing Lee Dajin and Park Dohun in a state of panic, Seojun, who had been contemplating using the ability on his wrist, turned his gaze in one direction.
“Ah, Evan.”
At the call, Park Dohun, who had been trembling and rambling about his current state, gasped as he saw Evan Block approaching in a new suit.
“Yes?”
Evan Block, who was adjusting his suit, and Richel Hill, who had just received some snacks from her manager, tilted their heads at the actors’ focused gazes.
“Dohun hyung and Dajin nuna said they’re really looking forward to filming with you, Evan and Richel.”
“!”
*Seojun!*
Park Dohun and Lee Dajin screamed internally. It was true that they were looking forward to it, but they were just as scared and terrified. But the words were already out, so the two of them could only stare at Evan Block and Richel Hill with trembling eyes.
At those words, Evan Block’s and Richel Hill’s eyes widened. Then, both actors smiled as brightly as flowers.
At the sight, Park Dohun and Lee Dajin clutched their chests. *Gasp.* The staff members, who had been sneaking glances at the actors, also took a sharp breath.
“We’re looking forward to it, too.”
“Let’s do a great job filming!”
At Evan and Richel’s encouraging words, Park Dohun and Lee Dajin forgot all their fears, their hearts swelling as they answered loudly.
“Absolutely!”
“Yes!”
***
In the private room with drawn curtains, Park Dohun lay down, dressed in a hospital gown.
“Hee.”
Kim Jongho and Lee Jiseok shook their heads at Park Dohun’s grinning face.
“Jongho hyung. I think Dohun’s condition is getting worse.”
“Leave him be. He’ll come to his senses after an NG. You get ready for the shoot, too.”
“Okay.”
Lee Jiseok, dressed as a bodyguard in a black suit with an earpiece, headed to the set. He exchanged a brief glance with Evan Block, unable to completely hide his own nervousness.
‘It’s only because the younger ones are making such a fuss that I’m this calm.’
Otherwise, he might have been trembling a bit, just like Park Dohun and Lee Dajin. Still, he was happy. Filming with Hollywood actors was a rare experience, wasn't it? Probably. Kim Jongho, who had no scenes with the two actors, must have been quite disappointed.
Then, Lee Jiseok's gaze fell on Seojun, who was sitting on a chair and talking with Richel Hill.
‘If Seojun heard me, he might say he’s a Hollywood actor too.’
But the two actors and Seojun felt different. He was so close with Seojun that he sometimes forgot he was a ‘Hollywood actor.’
‘Though I’ll never forget that Seojun is an amazing actor.’
Lee Jiseok chuckled and straightened his clothes, then spoke to Park Dohun, who was still grinning foolishly.
“Dohun, you. Stop grinning like that.”
“Okay.”
At Lee Jiseok’s words, Park Dohun took a deep breath in and out. He calmed his excited heart and pleasant tension, recalling the character he was playing. Oh. Park Dohun’s face paled for a moment.
The staff members disappeared one by one from the camera’s view of the set.
“If the last scene felt like an American drama, this one feels like a real Korean movie, doesn’t it?”
“That’s because actors Park Dohun and Lee Jiseok are in it.”
“It looks so strange seeing Evan Block over there. Right?”
The staff tilted their heads at the strange yet fascinating combination. Could this really work? Worried that the actors and the screen might feel disconnected, the staff prepared for the shoot.
Seojun focused on this shoot more than ever.
Just having Hollywood actors wasn't always a good thing. If the audience felt a sense of dissonance, it would be worse than not having them at all.
‘But…’
He didn't know about other actors, but Evan Block, Lee Jiseok, and Park Dohun could definitely pull it off.
All eyes turned to the set, and Director Choi Daeman shouted loudly.
“Ready,”
Park Dohun, who had swallowed hard, managed to wipe the grimace from his face and began to get into character.
“Action!”
The man lying in bed shouted. A stream of curses flew out.
The bodyguard standing at the door of the hospital room made eye contact with Samuel and gave an awkward smile. Samuel, however, entered the room with a smile, as if it were nothing.
The man spewing curses and Samuel locked eyes. Park Dohun, playing the role of a rude third-generation chaebol, felt his eyes tremble violently. *Aaaah. The next line, the next line!*
“That ba, bastard…”
Park Dohun bit his tongue.
After a brief moment of silence, Director Choi Daeman shouted.
“Cut, NG!”
“I’m sorry!”
Park Dohun, who had unintentionally flubbed his line, shouted loudly.
Everyone understood how he felt, so no one said anything. It had been obvious how excited Park Dohun was, and yet his very first line in his first scene with Evan Block had to be a curse. Everyone looked at him with pity.
Hmm.
Seojun scratched his cheek. He hadn't expected him to be perfect from the start.
‘He’ll do fine once he gets used to it.’
Lee Dajin looked anxious, as if she were the one who had caused the NG, while Richel Hill and Kim Jongho were smiling faintly.
“Park Dohun. You stuttered, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
At Lee Jiseok's words, Park Dohun, still lying on the bed, covered his face with his hands and spoke. His ears, which he couldn't hide, were bright red. As if sensing everyone's sympathy, even his hands covering his face began to turn red.
“Alright! Let’s focus a bit more!”
The filming started again. Lee Jiseok and Evan Block, who had entered the room, went back out, and Park Dohun took deep breaths to calm himself.
“Ready,”
‘This is acting. This is acting. If I can’t even do this right, they’ll be disappointed.’
Recalling the bright smiles of the two actors who said they were looking forward to it, Park Dohun’s eyes glinted. He couldn’t let down the actors he admired.
Seojun, noticing the change in Park Dohun's demeanor, smiled faintly. It seemed Dohun hyung had quickly gotten used to it.
“Action!”
Park Dohun looked at the foreigner who entered the hospital room. Before him was not the Hollywood actor Evan Block, but merely an employee from O.W.C.
The man, who was used to getting his way with anyone below a certain rank, yelled fiercely.
“Who the hell is that bastard?!”
“You’ve waited long, sir. I’m from O.W.C.”
Park Dohun focused on his acting, and in response to his performance, Evan Block delivered his line. Lee Jiseok, standing like a solid wall, interpreted.
“O.W.C.? When the hell is the medicine going to be ready!”
“Oh.”
Samuel smiled and raised both hands.
His expressive gestures made him look like a real American. Evan Block used American-style gestures in just the right places, something that Director Choi Daeman, as a Korean, couldn't have expressed.
“Their chemistry is good.”
It was a short scene, but the verdict was in. Seojun and Richel Hill nodded at Kim Jongho’s words. Without any sense of dissonance, it wasn't a Korean movie or an American movie, but simply a single work of art being born.
Director Choi Daeman, the branch manager, and Lee Hansol noticed it too. Director Choi Daeman's eyes gleamed.
“It’s still in the experimental phase…”
“Bring it to me now!!”
From his words alone, it seemed the man was ready to pounce, but all he could do was grind his teeth and glare fiercely.
He was a new client, who, on the same day Samuel and Professor Maria had arrived in Korea, had been paralyzed from the neck down due to a drunk driving accident. Samuel, who always bowed his head to money, continued speaking, treating the loud voice as background noise.
The bodyguard calmly interpreted the conversation between Samuel and the man.
“That’s why I have a proposal for you.”
The man, who had been fuming, asked again.
“…A proposal?”
“We have a drug currently in development, and it’s showing quite an effect. Though there are still some minor side effects.”
“Side effects?! And you want to use that on me?! Are you crazy?!”
“They are very minor side effects. Wouldn’t that be better than your current condition?”
The man wanted to escape this prison-like state. Just two months ago, he had roamed freely wherever he pleased. And now, the only thing he could move was his head.
The man, muttering curses, answered.
“…Fine.”
“Thank you.”
Samuel walked out of the hospital room, still wearing his benevolent smile. *Aaaaargh!* The sound of the man screaming, unable to contain his frustration, was heard, and the bodyguard quickly called for a doctor.
Samuel took out his phone and made a call.
“I’ve secured a good test subject. He’s mentally sound and in good physical condition. Since he can’t move his limbs, he might even be better than a regular subject. Yes. Please prepare the drug.”
Samuel’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
“Cut! OK!”
Director Choi Daeman shouted loudly.
Park Dohun, who had been lying tensely on the bed, went limp as if all his energy had drained out. He didn't think he had ever exerted so much effort in such a short scene.
‘I think I pulled a muscle in my shoulder. I’m exhausted,’ he thought, slumping down, but when he saw Evan Block and Lee Jiseok heading to the monitor while talking, he shot up.
“Me too!”
Seojun and the other actors also got up from their chairs and headed toward the monitor.
“Dohun, you could stand to curse a bit more.”
“More than this? I mean, if you think it’s better, I’ll do it, but…”
At Lee Jiseok’s words, Park Dohun’s gaze shifted to Evan Block. Evan Block smiled and said.
“I think it’d be fine.”
“If Evan says so! I’ll do it!”
“You little…”
Seojun and the other actors burst out laughing at Park Dohun’s response, and Lee Jiseok roughly ruffled his hair. The stylist, seeing the messy hair and the sparkling eyes fixed on the actors, screamed internally.
The scene of the actors and the director conversing in Korean was captured entirely in the making-of film.