Huh? A Documentary?
Baek Woojin looked stunned. When it came to program offers, variety shows usually came to mind first—but a documentary? It was completely out of left field.
"It's a special doc on Director Ryu," said Team Leader Kim Tae-gon, diving into the details.
From what he explained, it was a three-part documentary series produced and scheduled by YTV titled Master: 40 Years Panorama. A tribute to Ryu Chang-min's retirement. The filming was already wrapping up, with rough cuts completed for everything except the narration and a few interviews.
Come to think of it, even during the Red Petal premiere schedule, there had always been a camera crew with broadcast stickers trailing them. Now it clicked—that must've been for this documentary. Director Ryu had never mentioned it once, so Woojin had been totally in the dark.
"Director Ryu requested it from the station."
"What?"
"He wants you, Da-hee, and Senior Oh Seong-cheol to each handle narration for one part."
"Ah...."
In every recent interview, Ryu Chang-min had emphasized it without fail: Red Petal was unequivocally his masterpiece, and its three leads were hands-down the best actors he'd ever worked with. This proposal carried the full weight of that sincerity.
"It's the first request we've gotten from YTV, and the production team was incredibly polite about it."
"First time?"
"Yeah, YTV's a news and docs channel, so we haven't crossed paths much before."
True enough—YTV focused on news and specialized documentaries. Still, a broadcaster was a broadcaster. No matter the genre, if something shattered records and captured the public's imagination, coverage was inevitable. They wouldn't pass up guaranteed ratings material. Especially a documentary that could showcase the "Ryu Chang-min × Baek Woojin" synergy one last time—it was prime bait.
"What do you think? Your call matters most."
"I'll do it, no question."
Woojin answered instantly. It wasn't even worth debating. From his feature debut straight to ten-million-actor status, shattering records that would stand for years—it was all thanks to Red Petal. The added value from that film was immense, made possible only because the director had cast him as lead. Repaying even a fraction of that? Absolutely the right move.
Seeing Woojin's resolute expression, Kim Tae-gon continued. "Okay, no need to drag it out. I'll schedule it for tomorrow."
"Got it."
Narration fees, projected ratings—none of that mattered. It just felt right. As long as it didn't derail prep for his next project, he wanted to pour everything into it again.
Click.
Finishing the chat, Woojin stepped back into the practice room, where two juniors approached with sparkling eyes. He chuckled softly.
"Shall we get back to rehearsing?"
* * *
The next afternoon, Woojin arrived at the YTV documentary team's office with Jun-an. Seniors Seong-cheol and Da-hee were recording separately due to their shoots—too bad; it would've been fun to do it together.
"Hello."
"Come on in. Have a seat."
After greetings with the directing PD, they got the rundown. He reviewed the rough-cut footage, narration script, and cue sheet for Woojin's short interview segment.
The rough cut was packed with recent Red Petal making-of clips. Scenes that made him wonder, 'When did they even film that?' brought back vivid memories, drawing involuntary smiles.
"Let's start with recording."
"Sure."
They entered the booth with its boom mic for filming and computer for editing. Woojin donned the gear, script in hand, and stood before the mic.
His part was the third episode, centered on the production of Ryu Chang-min's final film, Red Petal. The monitor flickered to life, and recording began.
"Hello, I'm actor Baek Woojin, handling narration for this episode."
The opening intro. Then footage intercut between a visibly tense Ryu during the exposure scene and Woojin himself.
"Haha, that was really tough back then."
Most of his lines were in first-person perspective.
The extras' interviews were included too. The PD had greenlit ad-libs beyond the script, so Woojin added heartfelt messages here and there.
"I remember that one. Even though it was just the nameless 'Drunk #3,' I sincerely hope your dreams as an actor come true. Thank you."
The PD signaled enthusiastically from outside the booth—love the sincerity, keep it coming!—easing any pressure about the lines.
Q) Any casting anecdotes?
A) Actor Oh Seong-cheol strongly recommended Baek Woojin. I was shocked at our first office meeting—he came more prepared than anyone I've seen...
Q) Memorable episode from Red Petal shoot?
A) Mid-to-late production, I think. We added a scene and discussed it with the AD and leads. Baek Woojin's input gave me chills...
Throughout the third part, Woojin's name came up repeatedly. It made perfect sense why the team had tapped him for narration here. Watching, he felt the affection from so many people. Touching interviews followed one after another.
"Man... my nose is stinging. Sorry, I shouldn't get like this during narration."
His voice trembled naturally. The PD signaled to keep rolling with those raw emotions.
Woojin cleared his throat and delivered the closing lines.
"Life is a panorama. A master's 40-year film journey, stitched from frame to frame. The reel capturing every trace now plays. We cheer for Ryu Chang-min's new challenges. This has been actor Baek Woojin. Thank you."
Thud.
The booth fell silent as he set down the script. Then—
"Great work!"
Woojin shouted, removing his headset.
Clap clap clap clap clap.
The modest applause signaled the end.
* * *
Not long after smoothly wrapping the first script read-through, a message came from Uncle Young-jae. The Central Fire Academy would fully support Burnt and Hidden Marks.
Woojin relayed it straight to Director Ra Ho-chan.
—Really?! Uh... I should meet the academy head first.
Unexpected great news. For an actor to land such massive backing? In front of this unprecedented turn, Ra's excitement was palpable.
Further details on support would be the production company's domain.
"I'll text you the contact."
After hanging up, Woojin forwarded Uncle Young-jae's number.
"Woojin-ah, you see this?"
"What?"
"The ratings for Director Ryu's doc. Check it out."
Jun-an's phone screen glowed with feel-good headlines.
Regardless of field, the afterglow of anything reaching the top lingered long. Red Petal had left theaters, but public fascination with the record-breaking masterpiece was ongoing. The doc's high ratings were predictable from the start—no surprise there.
What did surprise him was something else.
"The articles feel off somehow."
"How so?"
"Why am I the one getting all the praise...?"
The post-broadcast spotlight had shifted from the program's star, Director Ryu, to him.
"You really have no idea?"
Woojin nodded quietly. Jun-an burst out laughing.
"Haha! Be honest—you didn't watch it, did you?"
"...Yeah."
He should've caught the live airing, but he'd dozed off mid-script wrestle yesterday. With the back-to-back trilogy, he'd even set an alarm... only to wake up to morning light.
"Hyung recorded it just in case."
"Recorded?"
"You'll see why you're stealing the show."
Jun-an pulled up the gallery video: real-time clips from episode 3 wherever Woojin was mentioned.
"......?!"
Woojin's eyes widened. It differed sharply from the studio footage. Added were nameless actors praising him and vivid staff testimonials—especially on his diligence and professionalism.
— Over 10 years on sets, and I've never seen anyone more pro than Woojin.
— I didn't believe in 'perfect' till I met Baek Woojin.
— Heard Lee Jae-soon praised him at the read-through. Thought it was hype, but nope—real deal.
"Heh heh...."
Woojin let out an unwitting dry laugh. Episode 3 was basically "Baek Woojin Special."
"Called the PD right after it aired. Said they shifted direction in final edit."
Jun-an, alternating between the video and Woojin's reactions, explained.
"As you know, episode 3 focuses on Red Petal. Every director interview clip mentioned you. When they gathered the cuts for it, there was no way to fill the runtime without Baek Woojin."
"......"
"So episode 3 became Ryu Chang-min and Baek Woojin. Inevitable, they said."
Jun-an's crisp breakdown made sense. Still—
"See? Makes sense for the articles, right?"
"Yeah, but... it's a bit overwhelming. I just did my duty as lead."
Jun-an clapped his shoulder.
"Hyung told you before—you work harder than anyone. Never seen an actor grind like you."
"Yeah."
"Not just me—everyone says it. So it's fact. No need to be overly humble or embarrassed. Just enjoy the positive vibes about you."
"...Thanks, hyung."
His heart lightened a touch. Still, unintentionally siphoning spotlight meant for the director left a pang of guilt.
Spotting Woojin's subtle tension, Jun-an jumped in.
"Don't sweat it. Director Ryu reviewed and approved it beforehand."
"True. Still embarrassing."
"Forget it! Thank him personally. Done."
"Will do."
"Management's buzzing. CEO called the team leader—said the broadcast was gold."
He could picture the team leader and deputy losing it. Finally, a smile tugged at Woojin's lips.
Right—no need for unease. If everyone loved it, it was good.
These good breaks kept coming, fueled by great people around him. For them, if nothing else—
Grip.
Woojin steeled his resolve to push even harder.