Ra Ho-chan's Eyes Bulge in Shock
Ra Ho-chan's eyes flew wide open at Baek Woojin's words.
"Ouch!" He pinched his cheek hard with a dazed expression, letting out a short yelp moments later. It hurt, which meant this was no dream—it was reality. Was this really happening?!
"Director, what's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing. It's just... I can't believe it. I pinched myself without thinking...."
Film appearance fees typically consisted of a base pay and running guarantee. In cases like this, with a limited budget, the running guarantee wasn't much of an issue. It was an "additional incentive" paid out based on profits after breaking even.
The real problem was the base pay—the amount that had to be paid "by default," no matter what. An actor's worth varied wildly based on popularity and career, but Woojin's was bound to be far higher than a typical rookie's. After all, so many production companies and directors wanted him. It was simple supply and demand—the more demand, the higher the price.
On top of that, the coffee model ad fee from "S Company" had elevated his value to top-star levels. Even if they were setting his fee before Red Petals hit theaters, it would still be well above average.
Ra couldn't help but agonize over it. The moment Woojin was cast, he'd spent two sleepless nights racking his brain on how to cut costs elsewhere. But then came Woojin's words echoing in his ears:
"Let's just go with running guarantee only, no base pay, Director."
All his worries and burdens vanished in an instant.
"Woojin, are you really okay with this?"
"Yes, Director."
There wasn't a flicker of doubt in Woojin's eyes. His sincerity hit like a thunderbolt. Ra was so stunned by the unexpected turn that bewilderment overtook his gratitude. It was basically the same as saying "no fee"—or "no guarantee."
For a commercial film, maybe, but how many indies could even afford a running guarantee? With far fewer screens and almost no promotion, indies rarely broke even.
Yet here was a guy getting blockbuster scripts daily, choosing to grace their shabby little film. They should be prostrating themselves in thanks, and yet this nameless director was being trusted and accommodated instead.
Where else could you find an actor like this? Ra's eyes reddened before he knew it. He dabbed at them with the tissue Woojin hurriedly offered and said,
"Above all, I'm truly grateful for your consideration and heart, putting the work first. I promise..." His voice rang clear and resolute. "Burnt and Hidden Marks will be the shining gem in your filmography. I'll pour every ounce of my ability into it."
It was a director's fierce confidence and ironclad vow.
"I could feel how much effort you put into the script right away. I'll analyze and embody it with the same passion you felt in creating it."
Woojin revealed his own determination in turn. Ra nodded with a smile.
"Woojin, have you had lunch yet?"
"Not yet."
"Then let's talk over a meal? My treat."
"Sounds good."
"Your manager's waiting downstairs, right? Let's all go together."
Ra laughed heartily and led the way out of the office.
Their meeting had barely lasted 15 minutes.
But it was more than enough time for another "Woojin devotee" to be born—following PD Park Min-jae and Director Ryu Chang-min.
Throughout lunch, Ra was utterly smitten with Woojin—like a man pierced by Cupid's arrow, already calling him "my actor" with uncontainable excitement.
The invisible scales of balance between them had long tipped toward Woojin, thanks to the actor's sincerity, consideration, and boundless trust in the director and script. But it was also because,
"Director, one part of the script had me curious personally...."
The moment his hunger was sated, Woojin unleashed a barrage of questions like he'd been holding them back.
"This scene feels like you'd shoot it in a full shot from the director's overall perspective. Am I right?"
His insights pierced straight to Ra's mind, mirroring the exact angles the director envisioned. That sharp gaze played a huge role.
How many times did this guy read the script?
Had there ever been an actor who came this prepared after just two days? To Woojin, it was basic diligence as an actor, but to Ra, it was simply "unbelievable."
His awe for Woojin had evolved into something almost chilling. The probing questions kept coming, and Ra answered them all in sweating detail despite the pressure.
At this point, who was the real screenwriter? As questions and answers flowed, their ideas blended, naturally shaping revisions to the script.
"...All your questions answered?"
"Yes! Thank you, Director."
A satisfied smile lit Woojin's face. Only then did Ra exhale deeply.
"Phew."
It was a sigh of relief. Glad I made it through...
This was his first time feeling so drained from a one-on-one script talk. What could be more embarrassing than the script's creator fumbling an actor's questions?
Yet some of Woojin's queries offered fresh perspectives Ra hadn't even considered. He itched to rush back to his workspace and incorporate them right away.
At this point, he couldn't imagine the film without Woojin.
Baek Woojin = Protagonist Lee Woo-woo.
That equation was etched deep in his brain.
"Hey, Woojin. Mind if I ask one favor?"
Ra adjusted his glasses, his tone grave.
"Of course. Go ahead."
"If you're okay with it, would you help oversee the auditions with me?"
It was a tough ask, one that gave Woojin pause.
"Ah, that’s..."
"Too much?"
He couldn’t answer lightly. Woojin knew better than anyone the cocktail of loss, lethargy, and despair that hit after a rejection—the very emotions that made accepting or rejecting Ra's pure intent impossible.
The silence stretched longer than expected. Finally, he shared his honest feelings.
"I'm still just a rookie, and I'm sorely lacking. I don't have the right to encroach on your authority as director or judge anyone's acting. I'm sorry."
Ra waved it off. "I'm not trying to burden you. I just want to borrow your eyes—the ones that analyzed the script perfectly in no time."
Experts knew experts best. Ra believed an actor's judgment on performance would be sharper than a director's.
Woojin pondered briefly, then nodded. "Honestly, being an official judge feels tough. But..." He added, "If it's just casual observation, I can do that without pressure."
"Thank you."
Ra beamed, grabbing the bill and standing first.
Still, Woojin wondered, Was that the right call? The proper thing to do?
He'd agreed, but certainty eluded him.
"......"
Then—
Tap, tap.
Song Jun-an, sitting beside him, patted Woojin's back silently and whispered,
"It'll be fine. Don't worry."
"Thanks, hyung."
Whether big or small, once the worry passed, only anticipation and excitement remained.
"Can't wait to start shooting."
Woojin finally flashed a relieved smile and rose with Jun-an.
Everyone at Flower Entertainment knew the casting was locked in since the meeting was scheduled.
Still, it only became "officially confirmed" after the director sit-down.
Post-meeting with Ra, the PR team prepped articles on Woojin's next project and coordinated embargoes with media outlets.
Around then, welcome news arrived.
The release date for Red Petals was set.
Word later had it that Ryu had stressed two things when picking the date: first, summer release; second, a day tied as closely as possible to the historical era depicted.
For his retirement film, it made sense he'd infuse even these details with meaning.
August 16 it was. On its significance, Ryu explained in a press interview,
"Lady Yun, Yeonsangun's mother and deposed consort, died on the lunar August 16, 1482. In a way, his madness began then."
He also hyped expectations: "This is the film where my actors' performances shine brightest of all my works. Look forward to the masterful acting from Oh Seong-cheol, Baek Woojin, Shin Da-hee, and veteran Lee Jae-soon."
The instant the release news dropped, Red Petals topped real-time portal searches for days.
Netizens exploded with excitement.
And then—
Rrrrr.
Flower Entertainment's management office buzzed with nonstop incoming calls.
"Talked to the production side—they're probably starting in June...."
This was Woojin's first lead in a blockbuster release. So, for the still-unfamiliar industry newbie, Team Leader Kim Tae-gon gave a detailed briefing on the road ahead.
"That's... a lot...."
The more he heard, the more Woojin's jaw dropped.
[Press Conferences · Media & Distribution · VIP Screenings · Stage Greetings · GV · Cine Talks · Monitoring · Blind Tests · Paid Previews...]
How many types of screenings were there, anyway? Plus production press events and variety show appearances for promo.
Actors usually hit only a few screenings, of course. But as Ryu's retirement swan song, all parties—production, distribution, agency—had agreed upfront for full participation.
The next three months to release? A "death race" schedule.
Yet no one complained. The entire Red Petals cast, Woojin included, was united:
"We're looking forward to it!"