Episode 24: Drama Set – "People Everywhere!"
Drama sets were usually summed up in one phrase: "Hey, there are people here too!"
A massive studio in Gyeonggi Province buzzed with activity. Just before the cranking in, a single black van assigned from DK Entertainment parked behind the set.
"This is... all of them?"
"Yes. If you want, sir, these are scripts you can audition for right away."
Tae-gyu, seated in the middle of the van, turned his head. Piles of paper stacked beside him. The manager twisted around from the driver's seat, handing over one script bundle with both hands.
"Hoshi-jeol. This one's a big production. Starring Seol A-yoon herself."
"·········You know my contract runs until June next year, right?"
"No problem."
The manager replied to Tae-gyu via the rearview mirror.
"Most are just cameos. Once you nail the audition, the company will adjust the schedule so your scenes wrap before the six months are up."
"Uh..."
"Just hold off a bit on the CFs. Nail it like you did at the script reading, and by the time Monster City airs, good offers will roll in."
"Already?"
"Scheduling's our job, isn't it?"
The DK Entertainment manager glanced back at the mirror again.
"Your scenes in Monster City are fixed at three total, including the latter half of the script. They'll all be done within a week at latest, so we're hustling to line up your next gigs."
"All done in a week?"
"Too long? If so—"
"No."
Lee Tae-gyu blinked. Too fast. From what he'd heard, the 12-episode Monster City shoot was slated for 3-4 months—even into early March when it would compete head-to-head with Italian Romance, filming the finale while the early episodes aired.
But wrapping a supporting role bordering on extra in just a week?
Nice, though. Knock it out quick, then dive into another film or drama to properly wield fresh emotions and chase that new thrill.
But.
Even if dramas didn't shoot in strict sequence, tailoring the schedule around one actor was reserved for veteran legends or Han Joo-hyuk level stars—or so he'd heard.
DK Enter pulling strings?
With a strange mix of feelings, Tae-gyu gripped the side door handle.
"I'll... head to set then."
"Hold on, sir. Let me get that."
"It's fine."
"We gotta escort you, sir."
"No, stay warm in here, both of you."
"Still—"
"It'll be over quick anyway. And I'm still a bit uncomfortable with—"
"Ah..."
"See you later."
He waved off the manager and stylist trying to follow, opened the side door himself, and stepped out—immediately spotting them.
Druruk.
A crowd far off on set, recognizing him and whispering.
"Ah, Tae-gyu's van."
"Lee Tae-gyu."
"Whoa!"
"Agency life, huh."
"That's him?"
"Acting monster, they say. Monster."
Tae-gyu didn't get it. What the hell? Staff sprawling everywhere like ants, actors—even those absent from the script reading and ritual—all eyes locked on him.
"Tae-gyu, bro's here?"
Then a detective buddy slung an arm around his shoulders—no, the noir villain specialist.
"Hyung Yong-su."
"Hey, check it? Me and Tae-gyu, bros now."
"Ooh."
Behind Nangong Yong-su, who'd dropped formalities at last week's dinner, the rest of the noir quartet piled on with friendly vibes.
"Finally witnessing his true heart today—"
"Man, I'm shaking."
"Expectations high?"
"Hold up. Hyung Yong-su aside, what's with you guys? No shoots today, right?"
"What're you on about?"
The three without scenes today exchanged smirks at Tae-gyu's words.
"Today's the rematch—you and Han Joo-hyuk."
"·········!"
In that instant, Tae-gyu got it.
Ah.
The cloud of people swarming the set—they were all expecting something from him right now.
"Even at the reading it was wild, but today... ugh, I'm losing it."
"Look at his face. You not nervous?"
"Are we the only ones tense?"
"That guy's come sharpened today..."
Just now, one face staring from afar had slipped behind the abandoned building set. Obviously Han Joo-hyuk.
Prepping scene 34 to kick off Monster City's shoot, already deep in a fierce, immersed glare.
Indeed.
In this vast Gyeonggi set strewn with noir staples—ruined buildings, containers, junkyards—a certain atmosphere was brewing.
Rumors drew 'em—
Ahead of a do-or-die clash, the crowd's hype was red-hot.
No.
These two's opening act would ignite a blaze through Monster City's remaining schedule—they believed it without doubt.
Yes.
Shoving Tae-gyu's three scenes into this week? Pure faith in that "something" he'd sparked at the reading alone.
To heat the set—
Even without DK Enter's pressure, Ji Cheol-geun PD had planned to front-load Tae-gyu's possessed acting to tense up the cast.
"PD, Lee Tae-gyu actor's here."
At the AD's word, Ji PD nodded, and nearby staff bustled out.
Now, something hot was about to explode—
But.
"············What the?"
Other extras hired for the afternoon shoot knew none of this.
"Drama sets always this hyped?"
"Dunno."
"Last year it wasn't like this."
Clueless in standby, their eyes snapped to the flashy sports car pulling up.
"Something up············Huh?"
A screaming red Ferrari kicked up dust.
Screech. Click.
Sunglasses on, she flung the door open without a care—jaws dropped.
"Ooooh?!"
"Seol—"
"·········Seol A-yoon?!"
Top actress Seol A-yoon showed up to troll her same-age buddy.
***
Speaking of her—no one second to her as a Hallyu star right now.
Actors like Ji Kyung-ho and Joo Min-hee ruled the 20s-30s demo, but that was turf Seol A-yoon had already conquered younger.
All-weather ace. Her striking looks, big eyes included, fit romance like a glove; her athletic build nailed thrillers and action too.
"Anyone seen Han Joo-hyuk around?"
"Uh, over there..."
"Thanks!"
She flashed a bright smile and vanished—the staff who'd pointed her way stared in rapture.
"Insane."
"Seol A-yoon."
"Whoa..."
Seol A-yoon effortlessly stole the crowd's focus from the hotly anticipated Han Joo-hyuk vs. Lee Tae-gyu clash.
"Noona's here. Where's the PD? Gotta say hi."
She tapped the shoulder of Han Joo-hyuk, slumped on set corner stairs, mumbling alone sans manager.
"Hey, noona's here!"
"Told you not to come."
"What? You nervous? For real~?"
"Don't bug me. Go."
"Then hurry and decide~ You in or out~?"
Truth was, she'd come for more than cheer-teasing her first-shoot junior.
Her male supporting lead in Hoshi-jeol—the film shooting now—was hospitalized mid-shoot.
"You're the only one~"
She desperately wanted Han Joo-hyuk, backed by solid acting chops, for the role.
Casting was the director's call, but as lead, she'd gotten: "Han Joo-hyuk? If we can snag him, great."
"I shine brighter with you~"
"Why play sidekick?"
"Tch."
Seol A-yoon switched from playful to dead serious.
"You really passing? Me begging in person?"
"No time."
"What? Squeeze your scenes, wrap in a month."
"No practice time, so! Go!"
"······Hey."
She poked him.
"You scared?"
"Think what you want."
"Scared I'll smash you acting-wise again? Ah, that tracks."
"Ah··· Okay, like this···"
His uncharacteristic mutters sparked unease in her.
"Scene number 34, shooting starts!"
Han Joo-hyuk rose with a grin—nervous thrill bordering mania. A-yoon caught it just then.
"Eh, A-yoon? What brings you···"
"Texted the PD a couple days ago about visiting."
"Ah, sorry, spaced. Grab a chair, watch. Chair for A-yoon over here!"
"PD?"
"Busy now, talk later. Lights good? Won't catch the stairs angle?"
Off today. Ji Cheol-geun PD brushed past her with a cursory greeting—unheard of. A-yoon sensed it.
Something fun's brewing—
Life motto: Can't resist the fun! She hustled to the set corner where cams and lights setup.
Two actors nodded at Ji PD's notes, heading to positions—one Han Joo-hyuk, the other a stranger.
What scene?
Curious, she caught staff chatter.
"Sit here. Water's there."
"Thanks!"
Suddenly, she noticed the crowd of actors and staff pre-seated near her monitor spot.
First shoot always this packed?
Atmosphere weird too. Earlier, superstar her had drawn stares—now most fixed on Han Joo-hyuk···
Not him?
No, gathering on that no-name newbie.
·········Thump!
Seol A-yoon's heart raced.
A ritual hush—eyes brimming reverence and hype.
Who's that guy?
Her curiosity ignited—can't sit still for fun.
What kinda scene···
She cracked her water cap, eyes glued to the monitor. Setup complete, Ji PD's voice boomed over speakers.
- And, action!
Curiosity slammed by lightning.
"Guh!"
Mid-sip, Seol A-yoon choked on the no-name's seized "expression"—Ji PD snapped, thanks to her.
-············Cut!
Dozens of blame-filled glares like arrows—first since superstardom. Still, she had to apologize.
"Cough! Cough! S-sorry···"
That "thing" just now? Even superstar Seol A-yoon couldn't interrupt it.
- Sorry~
Guilt hit—ruining a rookie's once-in-a-lifetime shot?
But.
Unbelievable words pierced her ears.
- One more ad-lib take!
That psycho-stinking laugh··· ad-lib···?