Chapter 70: <em>Burnt and Hidden Marks</em> Supporting Auditions Wrap Up Successfully
The auditions for the supporting roles in Burnt and Hidden Marks had wrapped up successfully. The bustling, people-filled office of Outer Strength Inner Beauty Pictures had fallen quiet before they knew it. Woojin and Director Ra Ho-chan sat facing each other, reviewing the full footage of the audition tapes while engaging in a lengthy conversation.
The final decisions rested entirely with Director Ra, of course, but Woojin offered his opinions as an observer—careful not to overstep into the director's domain. That was precisely the direction Ra wanted, after all.
"Yoon Mal-geum-sae and Kwon Hyeok-jin. These two really caught my eye."
"I was thinking the same thing."
In the end, the atmosphere pointed toward casting Kwon Hyeok-jin as Won Jong-su and Yoon Mal-geum-sae as Moon Hee-yeon. The advantages of choosing them were crystal clear. They had solid fundamental acting skills, created top-tier ensemble chemistry with the other actors, and above all, brought their own unique flavors to the roles—which Woojin loved.
Of course, Woojin had one additional reason that only he knew about.
The images of Won Jong-su and Moon Hee-yeon from the virtual world matched these two actors perfectly...
Was it mere coincidence, or the diary's astonishing design? If the latter, just how far did the mysterious diary's powers extend?
A surge of curiosity exploded within him, yet at the same time, the diary—still brimming with secrets—felt eerily intimidating.
"Looks like we've got it all sorted. No need to drag this out—let's announce the audition results in two days."
"You've worked hard, Director."
"Haha, no, no. You've been the one putting up with my requests, Woojin."
Ra expressed his gratitude repeatedly. He then walked over to the whiteboard in one corner of the office.
Lead: Baek Woojin (as Lee Geon-woo)
[Photos of supporting actors with the highest roles below]
Supporting: Yoon Mal-geum-sae (as Moon Hee-yeon)
Supporting: Kwon Hyeok-jin (as Won Jong-su)
That marked the completion of the final casting board for Burnt and Hidden Marks. Typically, these boards were finalized after announcements and confirmations of participation, but Ra seemed eager to pop the celebratory champagne a little sooner.
Can he really wait two days...?
Woojin smiled at the finished board. Ra sat back down with a satisfied expression too.
"Oh, right, Woojin."
"Yes, Director?"
"You mentioned earlier that you had something to tell me. Mind sharing now?"
Ah, right. I'd almost forgotten.
He'd said it right before the auditions started—that he had something to say afterward. Ra's eyes sparkled with more interest than when he'd been watching the applicants' performances.
Woojin let out a short sigh—one of relief. Just three days ago, even thinking about it tore at his heart, leaving him speechless with the weight of the wound. But now, it was just a story he could share with a smile—nothing more, nothing less.
Besides, Team Leader Kim Tae-gon, Assistant Manager Lee Min-seong, Jun-an hyung, and even Writer Kim Soo-rim already knew. He should've told Director Ra long ago anyway. The timing was a bit late, but he was grateful he could speak freely now.
"You asked me before why I chose Burnt and Hidden Marks."
"Yeah, I did. I remember."
"I brushed it off back then, saying the script was excellent, but there was actually a more important reason."
"A more important reason...? What is it?"
"It was... because of my father."
"Your father?"
"Yes."
Ra's expression flickered with surprise as he asked cautiously. Woojin began slowly. They'd already exchanged plenty about the auditions, but somehow, this felt like it would lead to an even longer conversation.
"My father was a firefighter. He passed away in the line of duty when I was in my second year of middle school..."
It was a story that would bind him even closer to Ra—a relationship already strong enough, but now unbreakable.
* * *
With casting complete, Outer Strength Inner Beauty Pictures ramped up pre-production on Burnt and Hidden Marks.
In the meantime, the second Sunday of August arrived—the eve of Red Petals' release.
He entered the broadcasting station after a long while. His final destination: MBS's main studio.
"Hello, everyone! We're Room Cinema, here to own your Sunday evenings! Back again today~"
Room Cinema, the sibling program to the morning movie review show Start! Movie Talk, aired on Sundays. It was a live talk show inviting directors and actors from the hottest upcoming releases to share behind-the-scenes stories.
The MC was none other than Kim Young-jin, the entertainer who'd impressed Woojin last year at the Daehan Arts Awards with his crisp, seamless hosting.
"We've gotten so many requests on our message board from viewers. They were begging us to bring 'those people' this week~"
His skills hadn't dulled a bit. Kim Young-jin masterfully varied his tone to foster a cozy vibe.
"Any guesses who 'those people' might be, folks?"
"Yes!"
With expert teasing, he drew cheers from the audience. As anticipation peaked...
"Introducing today's guests! Korea's living legend director, writing history with every film: Director Ryu Chang-min! The absolute authority on domestic villain roles—but a pure soul at heart: Actor Oh Seong-cheol!"
Kim Young-jin introduced them one by one.
"The rookie monster taking 2011 by storm! The loveliest gem from the Shin family dynasty: Actress Shin Da-hee!"
And finally,
"Last but not least, forget the weirdo label! He is the mad monarch! Master of insane acting prowess, the talk of the town rising star: Actor Baek Woojin! Give a thunderous welcome to our four guests~"
- Clap clap clap clap clap! -
- Woooah!
The studio erupted into frenzy. According to the writers' later accounts, the applause and cheers set a record high.
Ryu and Seong-cheol hyung were pros at this, looking right at home. Woojin and Da-hee, on the other hand, were total newbies—craning their necks around, unable to hide their wonder.
"It's just two days away now, right?! The blockbuster everyone's been dying for: Red Petals finally unveils itself. Must be a fresh feeling. Could the director start with a general intro to the film?"
Ryu took the mic at Kim Young-jin's prompt.
"Sure. Our film spotlights Prince Yeonsan-gun over the two years from the 1504 Gapsa Fire to the 1506 Jungjong Coup. It also covers his closest corrupt advisor Im Sa-hong and the most captivating woman in Joseon history, Jang Nok-su. The ultimate message we aim to convey through the movie is..."
No script in sight, yet Ryu spoke with effortless eloquence. It felt less like an interview and more like a casual chat between a skilled host and a master—entertaining enough to make Woojin feel like he was in the audience, not a guest.
"Moving on. The actors who graced the director's final film—how was it for you?"
Ryu smiled warmly at them, the picture of benevolence.
"In 40 years of filmmaking, I've met many great actors, but these were among the absolute best."
His sincerity shone through.
"Oh Seong-cheol has been with me since my debut—he's my most cherished actor and kept his promise to join me for my retirement film."
Ryu gently patted Seong-cheol's shoulder as he continued.
"The villain image weighed heavy on him during tough times... But before I even brought up casting, he said villains were fine—he'd do it no matter what. He's a real good guy, folks. Don't judge a book by its cover."
A punchy gag capped it off perfectly.
Turning to Da-hee next,
"Shin Da-hee was a real sore spot for me. The film's nature demanded exposure scenes from a rookie actress barely into her early twenties—I felt terrible."
His words brimmed with warmth and encouragement.
"In a historical drama set dominated by senior male actors, she became the mood-maker 'Shinblly.' I see her as the true heroine behind our film."
"Wow, that's impressive!"
"Right? Spoiler ahead: You'll see the charm I mentioned in Jang Nok-su's later scenes. Haha."
Da-hee blushed, staring at the floor amid the praise.
Ryu's gaze finally settled on the last actor.
"And finally, Baek Woojin..."
A hush fell over the studio—and everyone watching at home.
Ryu began in a low voice.
"How could I possibly presume to describe this actor...?"
Presume? The word sent chills through everyone.
"Whoa, hold on. Director, that was a huge word! Totally unexpected—did you say what I think you did?"
"Hahaha. Yes, 'presume.'"
"Did you all catch that, viewers? I didn't mishear!"
Kim Young-jin was the ultimate MC, zeroing in on the key moment. A mid-20s actor had a legend humbling himself with "presume." It was unprecedented for Ryu—who was usually reserved in interviews—and especially toward Woojin, the hottest rising star.
This is huge!
With his final film, Ryu seemed ready to hold nothing back. For Kim Young-jin, it was a ratings goldmine—he dove in relentlessly, and Ryu responded eagerly.
Tales of Woojin's acting prowess. How he'd yielded spotlight in added scenes to Da-hee for the film's sake alone. How he'd quietly ensured even minor actors got extra camera time in every scene. The immense prep he'd poured in before filming even started.
The man himself never boasted. Third parties eagerly spilled episodes of his passion and kindness.
Before long, the talk shifted fully from the movie to Baek Woojin.
Seong-cheol finally wrapped up the Woojin praise fest.
"In Wanted, Woojin played that genius weirdo forensic pathologist, right?"
"Yes, exactly. Choi Kyu-bo."
"Dunno if it was the role, but at first I thought he was nuts watching him act. But..."
"Yes? But?!"
"He really is a total nutcase."
- Hahahahaha!
Seong-cheol's mischievous delivery, complete with expressions and tone, turned the studio into a sea of laughter.
"Now, let's hear from the star himself. Come on, Baek Woojin! Grab that mic."
- Snatch.
Woojin picked up the mic in front of him at Kim Young-jin's cue. Aside from his entrance greeting, he'd been quiet throughout the live broadcast—but somehow, he'd become the center of attention even here.
"Yes, this is Baek Woojin."
He finally spoke.