Acting and Directing
Acting and directing. The greatest common point between these two art forms? Teamwork.
To make a good film, you need the passion and sense of responsibility from a whole team of people. It's not something that happens just because the director or an actor shines on their own. And above all, the most crucial skill demanded in both fields? Creativity. That's why Director Ryu was always open to others' opinions, eagerly incorporating them. He didn't care if the person offering feedback had little experience. Experience doesn't dictate creativity in absolute terms.
But given the industry's dynamics, proactive opinions were rare. Nine times out of ten, when he asked for input, he'd get the rote response: "You're right, Director." Even the remaining one was hesitant to speak up. It was one major drawback that outweighed all the perks of his "master director" title.
Yet this young actor's bold opinion—"I think we need at least one scene showing her not as the villain Jang Nok-su, but as an artiste"—scratched that itch perfectly every time. His proactive attitude was already a win, but the ideas he brought were always fresh angles Ryu hadn't considered. He even seemed to know the script better than Ryu himself, the writer and director.
Who would've thought he'd suggest emphasizing Jang Nok-su over Yeonsan...?
Woojin's diligence, effort, creativity, acting chops, attitude—they were all impressive and endearing. But what stood out most was his standout quality: he was an actor who put the team before himself. His teamwork.
This was a hard-won scene, one they could stretch to a maximum of ten precious minutes. The power struggles between actors, and between direction and performance, weren't for nothing. In a position where you could propose and sway additions to a scene, most actors would naturally crave more spotlight for themselves. Ryu had seen plenty who prioritized personal glory over the work.
But Woojin was different. He thought first about the story's flow, prioritizing what would make the film shine. And as long as the direction aligned, he'd steer toward highlighting even greener rookies or nameless actors over himself.
From the first shoot: the scene where Yeonsan brutally murders Lady Eum and Lady Jeong. Then, mid-film, Yeonsan spending the night with three revelers in his chambers. In both, Woojin had deliberately maneuvered so the extras' faces got even one extra shot—pure consideration. Ryu, who reviewed footage dozens of times per take, couldn't miss it.
He'd been delighted watching Woojin weave that thoughtfulness in naturally, without impacting the acting or direction.
"This scene fits the film's direction perfectly, so I'd like to give wings to our hardworking sole female rookie. Please allow it, Director."
And once again, he was making Ryu thrilled. Plus, seeing Woojin's earnest expression, Ryu realized this wasn't mere kindness. It stemmed from content that suited the work—and one more thing: belief.
"So Actor Woojin, you trust Actor Da-hee's skills?"
Woojin nodded at the director's words.
"Right as I was leaving the set with you and Senior Seong-cheol on break, Da-hee told me she'd blow us away when we got back."
He added, "Yesterday's shoot—she was Jang Nok-su. Her tone shifted my emotions up and down with every line. I want to see more of that, even just a bit."
Straight talk, no filter.
If Woojin had lived in the Yeonsan era, would he have been Choseon? The amusing thought made Ryu burst into hearty laughter.
"Assistant Director."
"Yes, Director."
"Get Actor Shin Da-hee."
With the logjam cleared, all that remained was momentum. At Ryu's order, Yeon Jae-pil left the room. He could've just called her cell—the women's dorm was upstairs—but heading out personally showed his excitement too.
And soon after.
*knock knock*
Da-hee entered at the knock, a bit tense. Unlike her usual bubbly "Shinblly" vibe, she seemed shy.
At Ryu's polite gesture, she sat beside Woojin.
"The reason I called Actor Da-hee..."
He explained everything. Da-hee nodded at first, then realized the huge opportunity and teared up. Barely containing her joyful squeal, she beamed in gratitude.
"Congrats, Da-hee."
"I know you'll deliver your best. Can't wait."
The four smiled warmly, offering sincere encouragement.
"Thank you. Thank you so much!"
Da-hee wiped her tears, standing to bow repeatedly. Even as they tried to stop her, her head kept dipping.
To debut on a set that trusted a no-career actress this much—what luck. The only way to repay it was with the ultimate Jang Nok-su.
As Da-hee settled back, excitement subdued, Ryu checked a few things.
"How's your singing? Any dance or performance training?"
Items he'd have vetted at auditions if this scene had been scripted from the start.
Da-hee steadied her breath.
Please... please.
Woojin fixed his gaze on her, heart pounding.
"Yes. I did ballet since I was little, majored in Korean dance at arts high school. Singing's solid too."
Thank goodness—she was a prepared rookie. The shy girl from entry was gone; "Shinblly" was back, answering confidently.
Yes!
Woojin cheered inwardly.
"Okay. No issues. We'll start on that scene's script today. Good work."
"Good work!"
Ryu signaled the end of the long debate.
"Revised script once it's done."
"Yes, Director!"
The actors left beaming.
"Where you going?"
Ryu's casual line halted Yeon Jae-pil, who was naturally following them out.
"Pardon?"
"You stay. We gotta write the script."
Oh shoot.
"Now? Can't we start tomorrow..."
"Don't be ridiculous. Sit. Time's short."
"Got it..."
Yeon Jae-pil slunk back beside Ryu, dejected.
* * *
"Good work. Heading in first."
Seong-cheol looked beat from the nonstop shoots. Rubbing sleepy eyes, he grinned at the juniors, said his piece, and went inside.
Woojin was about to follow when—
"Oppa Woojin."
Da-hee called him.
"Yeah?"
"You going straight in?"
"Nah. Thinking of a walk outside first."
"Mind company?"
"It's cold out. You sure?"
"Fine by me. I wanted to walk and think anyway. Gimme a sec to layer up."
Woojin waited in the dorm lobby. She emerged quick, bundled.
"Let's go."
Three minutes in? They headed to the nearby convenience store. Her "just one beer can" suggestion tempted him.
"Shoot tomorrow, so one can max, right?"
"Yup! One only. More means penalty."
Yeah, good deeds like this called for beer.
*beep!*
"5,400 won."
As Woojin pulled his card, Da-hee snatched it and shoved it back in his pocket.
"My treat. Here's mine."
She flashed a sultry look with her card.
"Pfft."
Woojin chuckled. For a split second, she was Jang Nok-su.
Outside, they hit a nearby bench. Empty in the chill.
"Cheers!"
Cans clinked.
"Ahh~!"
Da-hee chugged boldly, sighing like a department head.
"Your chill vibe's top-tier."
"You're top-tier too, oppa."
"Me? How?"
"So kind. Never seen anyone as thoughtful."
Smiling, she added, "Kinda over-thanking you, but... thanks anyway."
"For what?"
"Seriously, thank you, Woojin oppa."
Woojin ruffled her hair with a grin.
"No makeup on your head today, so I can do this."
"Geez."
"Face looks flushed?"
"N-no! It's the booze."
"One sip?"
"Weather's cold too!"
Teasing her big reactions brought out his mischievous side unbidden. Is this why Woo-hee pokes fun so much?
"Thank yourself too, Da-hee. You earned it with skill."
Woojin sipped his beer.
"Only 'cause you spoke up."
"Nah. All thanks to Director Ryu and Senior Seong-cheol."
Honest truth. Seeing her grateful eyes, Woojin felt deepest thanks to those two. Rookies like him and her, yet veterans with worlds more experience had always listened and embraced their ideas. He felt toward Ryu and Seong-cheol what Da-hee felt for him.
"I just suggested for the film's sake. Director decided. No pressure, no over-thanking needed."
"How's everything you say a gem? Secretly a quote machine?"
"Shut it. Anyway, let's nail it. Can't wait to see Jang Nok-su dance and sing."
"Teaser now?"
"Save it for set. Cheers."
Woojin raised his can. Da-hee lifted hers—
"Huh?"
Then, a chill in her other hand. Beer in one—what?
Wide-eyed, she looked up. Woojin followed.
"Snow! Oppa, it's snowing!"
Light flakes fell.
Beaming, Da-hee said, "First snow of the year?"
"Yep. Feels prettier here than in Seoul, right?"
"Totally! Love snow."
She jumped up, frolicking in it.
"Brr, cold. Let's head in."
"Aww, little longer~"
"Catch a cold, and we're screwed. Shoots ramp up tomorrow."
"Fine, oppa's word is law. Going."
Reluctant, she followed.
"Yeonsan and Jang Nok-su sharing first snow~"
She hummed happily back to the dorm. The snow fell till they entered—
*whoosh.*
—then ghosted to a stop the moment they vanished.