The Role Only Baek Woojin Can Play
It was during the documentary shoot. Right after finishing the narration recording for part three, the behind-the-scenes interview began, and the very first question they asked was this.
The production team said it was the most frequently duplicated question they'd received from viewers through their "Ask Anything" segment.
Q) Hello. I'm a student dreaming of becoming an actor. I'm a huge fan of actor Baek Woojin. So, my question is: From the moment you dreamed of becoming an actor, what moment have you been waiting for the most—or when do you think it will come?
Woojin had countless possible answers he could have given to that question. For example:
1. The moment he received confirmation of his casting in his first commercial project.
2. The moment he achieved the highest-ever cable TV rating of 20%.
3. The moment he joined the ranks of ten-million-movie stars.
4. The moment he won his first Rookie Award at the nation's top awards ceremony.
5. And so on.
He was an actor who, from his debut, was adorned with titles like "first" and "best," shattering all kinds of records and delivering an unprecedented impact. The crew seemed even more curious than the viewers about what story he would share.
His achievements in less than two short years easily surpassed those of most top stars, so they expected endless fascinating tales.
As soon as he heard the question, Woojin smiled brightly and said, "Hmm... There are definitely moments I've always imagined and dreamed of in my head, and I'm achieving them one by one now. But..."
Without hesitation, he continued, "There's one moment I'm truly desperate for, but I have no idea when it will come. It's the moment I encounter a character that only Baek Woojin in this world can portray."
It was unexpected. Far more ordinary and mundane than the production team's expectations.
"Burnt and Hidden Marks shows Prince Yeonsan through me. But that role could just as easily be replaced by another actor's interpretation of Prince Yeonsan at any time."
It was a bit abstract to explain fully, but Woojin calmly elaborated.
"Prince Yeonsan isn't a character that only one specific actor can play. There are countless Prince Yeonsans in the world. And out of them, mine—Baek Woojin's version—was graciously chosen."
His words were sometimes so brutally honest they bordered on painful. But whenever he talked about acting, Woojin always spoke from the heart.
That was why everyone—from Director Ryu and Senior Oh onward—couldn't help falling for him.
The interview was no different. And since this behind-the-scenes clip was for a documentary dedicated to Director Ryu, it felt right to be even more sincere than usual.
"Out of all the countless roles and scripts in the world, a character and story that only I can do... That's the ideal, the dream itself. I think every senior and junior actor would agree."
In a quiet voice, he added, "Realistically, it's nearly impossible, and the chances are I might never encounter it before my acting career ends..."
He wrapped up his heartfelt response: "But if I did meet such a script, I'd truly become an irreplaceable actor. That's the moment I'm waiting for most. Did I talk too long? Haha."
Throughout the interview, just thinking about it, just mentioning it, filled him with excitement and trepidation—vivid emotions.
Of course, as he said, he thought it was nothing but an idealistic fantasy. Even if such a moment came, he believed it would be far in the future.
Yet, "From the perspective of someone who wrote the script myself, let me say it again: There's not a single word of exaggeration or flattery."
He still remembered exactly what he'd said in that interview.
The time from that moment to his "impossible dream" becoming reality—lower odds than winning the lottery—was just three weeks.
Is this for real...?
"I believe—no, I'm convinced—that the original concept for Burnt and Hidden Marks is a script that only actor Baek Woojin in this world can do."
Director Ra Ho-chan's expression and voice were the most serious and unwavering Woojin had ever seen. This man meant it.
And even more importantly, Woojin himself felt the same way.
Because 'Lee Geon-woo, 30 years old, 5-year veteran firefighter...'
Up to here, it matched the current script. But then: '...son of the late firefighter Lee Jong-hyuk, who died in a fire during his childhood.'
This single line of backstory, deleted in the revised script, had especially caught Woojin's eye.
"The protagonist, Lee Geon-woo, is a firefighter, but at the same time..."
"Yes, he's also a bereaved family member of a fallen firefighter."
It was once a heavy burden on his heart, but now Woojin could speak of his family history with a smile.
The fake documentary genre, where realism was paramount.
The passion for the work radiating from the actor.
The director's infinite trust in that actor.
The pre-production flowing as smoothly as water.
All these elements combined to convey one message: The script wanted only Baek Woojin.
* * *
After lengthy discussions, the fake documentary version of Burnt and Hidden Marks was reborn with the title Hidden Marks.
Woojin personally informed his agency of the news. It shocked not just CEO Lee Eun-cheol and Team Leader Kim Tae-gon, but the entire staff at Flower Entertainment.
Yet no one opposed his bold move. Instead, positive reactions poured in, heightening the anticipation.
After all, the actor tackling this unprecedented idea was none other than Woojin.
- Scribble scribble.
Two days before the crank-in. Kim Tae-gon visited the Out in the Wild, Strong Within office in person to finalize the additional contract. Per Woojin's wishes, both sides agreed to a "running guarantee" payment structure for his fee.
From start to finish, pre-production revolved around Woojin.
In the time leading up to crank-in, he immersed himself in practice as always, and the days flew by.
Finally, the morning of November 15th dawned—the big day for Hidden Marks' crank-in.
The first shooting location was the Central Firefighting School's main athletic field.
Under Director Ra's command, the assistant director and staff buzzed around nonstop, preparing for the shoot.
Once preparations were mostly set, the assistant director shouted, "Everyone, gather in the center of the field!"
Moments later, the entire cast assembled. Seeing them all together, the production scale was far larger than a typical indie film set.
They said many staff had expressed interest in joining even before the public notice for pre-production.
Director Ra called it the "Baek Woojin effect," a first for him. Woojin waved it off embarrassedly every time he heard it.
But whatever.
"I'm Director Ra Ho-chan. Nice to meet you all."
Raising his voice, Director Ra removed his cap and bowed his head. Then, to the entire cast who would share joys and hardships as one team for the next three months, he declared his pledge.
"As a debut director, I'm still very lacking. I'm a rookie who desperately needs your help. Treat me casually, and please give me plenty of tough love from the sidelines. I'll work hard for your convenience and safety. Thank you."
- Clap clap clap clap clap.
Thunderous applause ignited the set's energy. The assistant director and cinematographer took the baton, and Woojin along with the lead and supporting actors greeted everyone brightly.
Once introductions wrapped up, Director Ra took the megaphone again.
"As you all know, you can say virtually our entire movie will be shot right here."
Over 95% of the locations for both Burnt and Hidden Marks and Hidden Marks were inside the Central Firefighting School.
"From November to February, firefighter training programs will be underway here. It overlaps perfectly with our shoot."
In his deliberate tone, he conveyed the precautions.
"Even though we've gotten official permission, we can't cause even the slightest disruption to their academic schedule."
"Right!"
"The theme of our film is the sacrifice and dedication of firefighters who always serve the public. During the shoot, our crew should prioritize thinking of and accommodating them first."
"Don't worry, Director!"
Responses echoed from all around whenever Director Ra finished a point.
Smiling, he concluded, "Finally, for group scenes, the current trainees here will join as extras. Please treat them kindly."
"Yes!"
"Got it!"
"Haha, thank you. Let's dive right into shooting. Let's have fun starting off strong!"
"Fighting!"
Woooah— Cheers resounded across the field.
At last, filming began.
* * *
The ones to kick off the long-awaited first take were Woojin and Kwon Hyeok-jin.
It was a scene depicting an episode from their trainee days—fellow recruits and friendly rivals.
Scheduled as a flashback in the film's early part, it was an essential scene briefly showing their transformation from civilians to firefighters.
"Actors Baek Woojin and Kwon Hyeok-jin, standby."
Director Ra's walkie-talkie crackled from the director's chair.
Woojin and Kwon Hyeok-jin took their marks.
"Hoo..."
While the staff did final checks, Kwon Hyeok-jin standing beside him let out a big sigh. He was tensing his shaky legs and arms to hide his nerves.
"Hyeok-jin."
"Yes?!"
Woojin patted his shoulder and said, "Don't be nervous. Just show what you've prepared."
"Thank you, sunbae!"
Woojin knew how hard Kwon Hyeok-jin and Yoon Mal-geum-sae had worked. Like him, they'd gone back and forth between the Central Firefighting School and action school, showing up to the practice room every weekend without fail.
And probably with even more grueling effort, since they didn't have a manager or agency support—they had to handle everything themselves.
"Camera rolling."
"Sound okay."
Just before the slate clapped. All Woojin could do for Kwon Hyeok-jin now was offer encouragement, but he poured his heartfelt wish into it: May this junior shine with their true talent! May they cut loose and give it their all!
"Scene 14, take 1."
- Snap.
"Ready, action!"
Director Ra's booming voice cut through the air.
The camera angle captured, "Jong-su, you ready?"
"No need to ask twice."
"You should quit while you can~"
"Geon-woo, shut it. Why don't you give up?"
Despite the banter, Lee Geon-woo and Won Jong-su wore expressions of genuine respect for each other.
Fully geared in firefighting suits and oxygen tanks, their gazes fixed straight ahead.
A very brief moment passed, building a subtle tension.
- Beep.
At the instructor's whistle, "Urachacha!"
"Uwaaaah!"
Lee Geon-woo and Won Jong-su, hoses in hand, charged forward.
Through the chill November wind on screen, the two figures burned hotter than anyone in the world.