Ghost-seeing actor

“Taehui! What’s going on?”

Unexpected call from a cousin.

‘Why is she calling at this hour?’

-Oppa, what are you doing? Are you in front of the camera?

Taehui’s slightly excited voice rang out clearly.

“Yeah, I’m in front of the camera. But why? Isn’t it class time?

-I have a break right now. I told my classmates you’re an actor, and they’re curious.

Now and then, Taehui would call during school breaks to show off to her friends.

-Guys! Line up if you want to ask our Oppa a question! Oppa, you’re busy acting in front of the camera!

Through the receiver, the sound of excited children could be heard.

-Taehui Oppa is an actor? Wasn’t he a model?

-I’ve seen Taehui Oppa before! He’s super handsome.

-Is he on TV?

-What exactly does an actor do?

A barrage of rapid-fire questions from the children flooded the line.

But the last question stabbed Taesu’s heart.

“An actor? What do they do?”

It was a very basic and simple question.

And a question that cut through his complex current feelings.

The reason he felt so complicated.

He wanted to act again and become an actor.

But he heard from Kwon Gi-do about Im Kang-hyun.

Im Kang-hyun was a friend once considered his rival during their childhood.

Though they had only met once in a production.

He had wished that friend would succeed and that they could act together someday.

Enjoying collaborating with others and creating good works together was joyful.

However, that was in the past.

Now, 10 years later.

Im Kang-hyun stood in a different position.

He was a rising star gaining attention in the entertainment industry.

Whereas he was a rookie actor tirelessly searching for roles.

Honestly, many thoughts filled his mind.

Taking a break from acting has led to some regret, and the urgent feeling that something needs to be done now is true.

However,

“An actor is someone who lives another person’s life. I became an actor because I enjoy that.”

-Living another person’s life? Why is that enjoyable?

“I get to experience things I haven’t, by living as someone else. I want to be Taehui Oppa, but also Snow White’s dwarf, and Cheshire Cat from Wonderland.”

There was not a single hesitation in giving these answers.

Only then did Taesu realize,

“Yes, I became an actor because I love acting.”

Even after hanging up the phone, he remained lost in thought for a while.

Stardom? Success? Sure, it’s nice.

But beyond that, I enjoy acting. I became an actor because I wanted to do the kind of acting I love freely.

“So, from now on, let’s not be swayed by anything else.”

He turned on the tap and splashed cold water on his face.

Looking at his wet face reflected in the mirror, he exclaimed,

“Let’s do our best! You can do it, Han Taesu! You can do it!”

Suddenly, a sound was heard, and Taesu rushed out to find Min-seol covering her mouth and sitting down.

“Haha…”

She had a strange expression mixed with embarrassment and emotion.

Then, she lightly clenched her fist.

“While I was coming back from the restroom… Anyway, fight on!”

Taesu’s face turned bright red.

***

Returning from the restroom, Taesu encountered Dongrak, who was bustling around the set.

“You’re here? Let me see…”

Dongrak quickly scanned Taesu from head to toe.

“You look refreshed. Were you doing a solo cheer? You’ve done enough.”

Taesu awkwardly looked at Dongrak.

“Very enthusiastic.”

“Okay, everyone gather!”

In front of Hong Kong Restaurant, the staff and actors all gathered.

Today’s shoot was the scene where Myung Hyunseok, who used to work as a delivery boy, encounters an old friend.

His friend, who used to train with him at the gym, became successful as an athlete.

Meanwhile, Hyunseok faced reality, quitting athletics, and is now working as a delivery boy.

They randomly meet at the Chinese restaurant where Hyunseok works.

“Today’s shoot is essentially the climax of our film.”

“Exactly. The scene where Myung Hyunseok finally commits to succeeding in boxing.”

“Alright, Taesu, are you ready?”

“Of course!”

Taesu confidently answered and sat on the motorcycle.

“Ready… Action!”

***

“Haah…”

Myung Hyunseok worked hard delivering orders from morning.

The metal bag on the back of his motorcycle reads ‘Hong Kong Restaurant.’

Forced to quit boxing due to his mother’s opposition, it was a part-time job he reluctantly started.

Poor and with dreams abandoned, he needed to earn money.

“Running 10 deliveries this morning already makes me tired.”

While parking his motorcycle, he noticed a luxury car parked in front of the Chinese restaurant.

Instinctively, Hyunseok parked his motorcycle a distance away from the car.

Just as he struggled to suppress a yawn and started unloading the empty metal bag from his motorcycle, one of the three men coming out of the restaurant spotted him.

“Hey! Isn’t that Hyunseok?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Hyunseok lifted his head.

A man wearing a white T-shirt with a thick gold chain around his neck stood out.

The voice of the man recognizing Hyunseok grew louder.

“Yeah, it’s Hyunseok! You quit boxing and now deliver here? I’ve been wondering where you disappeared to!”

Without realizing it, Hyunseok instinctively hid the metal bag behind him.

His face, weary from exhaustion, stiffened.

The effort to hide his pride crumbled away at that moment.

He didn’t want anyone to see this side of him.

Especially not someone who knew his past.

Though once a fellow gym-goer, their paths had diverged.

He had become a successful athlete winning championships, while Hyunseok was just a delivery boy at a Chinese restaurant.

“I heard from your coach. You said you quit boxing for personal reasons.”

“Yeah, that’s how it happened.”

Taesu, struggling to maintain his dignity, responded with difficulty.

However, his voice trembled noticeably.

He straightened his shoulders and tried to appear more confident.

The man patted Taesu’s shoulders lightly.

“Hyunseok. Since we’re friends, I’ll say this—your problem is a lack of will, a lack of will. Look at me. I work hard, so I’m getting ahead, right?”

“Hey, let’s go! We’re tight on time if we’re going to make it!”

The man’s group in the luxury car shouted.

The man patted Hyunseok on the arm again.

“Anyway, take care.”

Then, he got into the car and picked up a few pieces of trash from inside.

“Also, throw this away. Thanks a lot!”

The car roared off, leaving behind a trail of choking exhaust fumes.

Hyunseok angrily tossed the trash onto the ground.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it!”

His current situation was already pitiful enough, and now being humiliated by others pushed him over the edge.

Hyunseok eventually calmed down and began picking up the trash.

Among the garbage, a torn newspaper caught his eye.

“Boxing Amateur Championship?”

Quickly pulling out the piece of newspaper from the trash heap, he saw the announcement for the boxing championship taking place a month from now.

He tried to ignore it, but his eyes kept returning to the announcement.

‘No, stop it. Focus. I need to earn money.’

His mind was in turmoil.

‘No, wait. Money is the issue now? This is my chance to fulfill my dream!’

“I can do it! I can do it!”

Taesu clenched his fist tightly and stood up from the spot.

The fiery desire and competitiveness inside him flared up once again.

“I can do it! I’ll do it! I will achieve my dream!”

The distant camera illuminated him.

Slowly, it began to fade in.

Taesu’s face filled the screen.

His clenched teeth trembled slightly.

His gentle, tear-filled eyes sparkled momentarily, and soon, tears began to flow.

***

The next afternoon.

Taesu, along with the film crew, was at Korea University of the Arts Film Department.

Today was the final day to submit the short film for the Firma Short Film Festival.

“Okay, this is the final cut.”

“It’s 5 PM! There’s only one hour left until the deadline!”

“Stop rushing us. Let’s just go over the final cut one last time!”

The tense atmosphere was palpable among Dongrak and the crew.

Taesu, standing behind them, was anxiously pacing back and forth.

He couldn’t sit still until the film was safely submitted.

Everyone focused on the video playing on the laptops.

The film begins with him riding a motorcycle, and delivering orders.

Then, he is humiliated at the front of the Chinese restaurant and notices the boxing championship announcement in the newspaper.

Immediately, Myung Hyunseok begins his training.

He punches vigorously, breathing heavily.

The labored breathing gradually quiets as a hopeful trumpet plays a tune of optimism.

Taesu participates in the boxing championship and soon advances to the finals.

He’s shown wearing a sweat-soaked uniform, grinding his teeth in desperation.

At the same time, his sparkling eyes seem to embrace the moment.

It was a performance filled with contrasting emotions.

“Ha… really…”

A whirlwind of emotions overwhelmed him.

Taesu clenched his jaw and simply crossed his arms.

He never thought he’d be able to act in front of a camera again.

Yet, with the support of many, he acted and completed the film.

This was his first fully completed work since starting to act again.

The emotional weight of completing the film was overwhelming.

Donghyeop comforted Taesu, gently patting his back.

[Starting is half the battle. You did well. Just keep going like this.]

The film concluded with Taesu roaring victoriously after winning the finals.

The crew, holding their breath, erupted into cheers.

“This is a hit! There’s no doubt about it!”

“There are only 10 minutes left! Submit it now!”

“Alright, submitting it now.”

How many times did he click the mouse?

Finally, the submission confirmation appeared.

“It’s done!”

Just then, the door of the film lab opened, and a stranger walked in.

“Hey everyone, did you submit the film? There’s only 10 minutes left!”

Everyone except Taesu recognized her and greeted her.

Whispers began to circulate as the unfamiliar woman entered the room.

“Our department’s teaching assistant.”

“Hello.”

“Oh, you’re the new rookie actor who got cast as the stand-in?”

The woman stared at Taesu and gave a curious expression.

Then, in a barely audible voice, she muttered,
“I can’t quite place you.”

“Pardon?”

Taesu’s question made the woman smile lightly and clap her hands together.

“No worries. Oh, by the way! The department head asked if you all could come out for dinner. There are other students too, so don’t feel too nervous—just come along.”

Following the TA’s words, Taesu packed his things.

“Then, I’ll be going now.”

However, at that moment,
“Would you like to come with us? The department head specifically requested that the lead actor join us. He’s interested in this film.”

***

A barbecue restaurant at the Korea University of the Arts.

The entire place was packed with Yeonhwa Department students.

Dean Lee Hyeong-gon brought his students to celebrate the successful submission of their film to the Firma Film Festival.

Taesu sat with the Last Match crew.

Everyone shared their joy, commenting on the completion of the film.

“There were so many ups and downs, but the fact that we finished the film safely is meaningful enough!”

“Honestly, when Senior Cho Seong-bok collapsed from a pneumothorax, I seriously thought the film was ruined.”

“But thank goodness Taesu stepped in right away to take the lead role and delivered an excellent performance.”

“Taesu did something incredible.”

“Thank you, Han Taesu. If it weren’t for you, our film might’ve been a failure.”

Though they had become close and felt more comfortable speaking casually, Taesu became a bit embarrassed as all the praise turned toward him.

He awkwardly raised his glass.

“It was thanks to everyone working together to complete this film. The crew is responsible for lighting, sound, script, and shooting. Most importantly, thanks to Director Seo Dongrak, we were able to finish it.”

“Wow, it sounds like you’ve just won the Best Actor award! You’re so eloquent!”

Dongrak chuckled and proposed a toast.

“The Last Match team—our human epic, a symbol of turning misfortune into fortune! So, let’s toast!”

“Cheers!”

Everyone happily clinked their glasses and drank, when a sturdy man suddenly took a vacant seat.

“You seem to be in high spirits. Did you successfully submit the film?”

“Of course, Director Lee.”

Seo Dongrak greeted Dean Lee Hyeong-gon with a cheerful smile.

Hearing from Dongrak, Taesu, who already knew who he was, greeted him.

“Hello.”

“Oh, right. What’s your name?”

Lee Hyeong-gon tried to hide his excited expression.

Even though he already knew the name, he feigned ignorance and asked.

“Han Taesu.”

A familiar yet nostalgic name.

The sensation running through his body was electrifying.