Ghost-seeing actor

Hyeongon stared at Taeju intently.

The image from childhood was completely gone.

Back then, he looked chubby and cute, like a baby pig, but now…

“You’re like a model, tall and handsome.”

A female student suddenly interjected with admiration.

“He’s a model. He works as a shopping mall model.”

“Really? How did you even think of a short film? Was acting always your dream?”

“Yes.”

With a questioning look, Taeju added,

“I find acting enjoyable. I’m planning to continue working hard.”

It seemed like he was speaking as if it were his first time acting.

Hyeongon gave a puzzled expression.

“Professor, it’s dramatic that Taeju joined our film. Originally, he came in as a supporting role for a boxer, but the main actor collapsed from pneumothorax…”

Dongrak interrupted with a comment.

“Yeah, I heard the main actor suddenly changed! But Taeju, you know boxing?”

Before Taeju could speak, Dongrak excitedly responded,

“Know it? He’s a pro, no, beyond that level! He fought against a pro and was amazing!”

Hyeongon was taken aback, looking at Taeju.

‘Did this kid quit acting and focus on sports? What has he been doing all this time?’

Curiosity about Taeju deepened.

“So, the short film is done. Taeju, what are your plans now?”

“For now, I plan to focus on the film I’m currently shooting.”

“What film is that?”

Despite the repeated questions, Taeju felt uncomfortable but answered diligently under Hyeongon’s piercing gaze.

“I’m participating in Yoonido’s director’s ‘Shadow Warrior.'”

“In a Yoon film? What role?”

Just as Taeju was about to respond,

A noisy sound from the entrance erupted.

“Lim Kanghyun has arrived!”

“Our star, Lim Kanghyun! Come in!”

With the enthusiastic cheers filling the room, Taeju spotted Kanghyun.

In a hoodie, jeans, and a deeply pulled black hat.

As Lim Kanghyun slightly furrowed his brow, his eyes met Taeju’s.

A subtle tension formed between them.

***

As the drinking session reached its peak, the students sitting at the table kept their eyes on Taeju.

“Director Yoonido is one of the top three directors in South Korea, along with Mo Hwangkuk and Choi Junmo. I’d love to work with him, even as part of the crew.”

“Taeju, how was acting there? The assistant director casting you must’ve seen something in you.”

“It wasn’t such a grand role. I just acted as a stand-in for Senior Kang Jaeha’s back shot.”

Dongrak chimed in from the side.

“Why didn’t you mention working on the action scenes until early this morning? You said you acted at the front of the line with three others charging with swords.”

“Taeju does action?”

“Wow, amazing.”

“So, did you get a one-shot?”

The atmosphere heated up, but Taeju’s mind wandered elsewhere.

It was Hyeongon and Lim Kanghyun sitting alone, drinking quietly.

No matter how hard he tried, Taeju kept glancing toward them.

“Are you interested in Lim Kanghyun? Should I call him over?”

Dongrak leaned in and asked.

Caught off guard by being discovered, Taeju awkwardly coughed and shook his head.

“No, it’s not that. But why is Lim Kanghyun here?”

“Lim Kanghyun is from our school’s acting department. It seems the acting assignment this semester involves short films. Film students were going crazy trying to get him for the Pirma Film Festival.”

Dongrak stared intently at Taeju, who kept glancing at Kanghyun.

“I’ll bring him over. You can talk, right?”

“No, it’s fine.”

However, Dongrak was already gone.

Sighing, Taeju rubbed his head.

[He’s quick to act, despite the build.]
When Lee Joong-hyeop spoke, Taeju looked up.

Through the haze, he saw Lim Kanghyun being led to the table by Dongrak.

But Kanghyun seemed reluctant, gently waving his hand.

“It’s fine, I’ll leave soon…”

“Hey, just one drink. You drank with everyone else, but not with us.”

Dongrak, grinning, seated Kanghyun beside Taeju.

Taeju once again met Kanghyun’s gaze.

“Hello, Senior.”

“…Senior?”

“Since I just started acting this year. Let’s raise a toast, Senior.”

He poured a drink for Lim Kanghyun, who was staring at him intently. After a sip, Kanghyun looked between the glass and Taeju before suddenly asking,

“Why did you start acting?”

Taeju instinctively responded,

“Because it’s fun, acting.”

***

Hours later, in an empty restroom.

“Pull yourself together. You’re too drunk.”

Taeju splashed cold water on his face.

Before he knew it, the clock had passed midnight, and people began leaving one by one.

“I should get going too.”

As Taeju was about to step out, someone entered and immediately pressed him against the wall.

“Who do you think you are, calling me ‘Senior’?”

“Why are you suddenly doing this…?”

“Don’t play dumb, Han Taeju.”

Lim Kanghyun tapped Taeju’s chest lightly.

“We both debuted in 2008. You were in ‘The Greatest Love’ aired on March 4th, and I was in ‘Christmas Miracle’ on December 3rd. Even if we calculate, you’re technically my senior. So why are you acting like this in front of everyone?”

‘How does he remember such specific details? I even forgot my debut date.’

Taeju shrugged his shoulders.

“That was a long time ago. I’ve only been acting for less than two months now.”

“Ha… fine, let’s say that’s true. But I heard you got a casting offer from Manager Kwon. Are you planning to join our agency?”

Lim Kanghyun quickly added, seeing Taeju’s silence.

“I think you’re turning it down because of pride, but opportunities like this don’t come often. From what I heard, you’re only doing minor roles in Yoonido’s films. You’ve got so much more potential, so what are you doing?”

Thud.

Taeju’s patience and pride snapped.

“Why does that concern you?”

The sharp sound of his voice surprised even himself.

The sudden reaction left Lim Kanghyun momentarily speechless.

“That, that’s…”

“Thank you for your concern, but I’ll handle my work on my own. Goodbye.”

Taeju pushed past him and stepped out of the restroom.

After briefly saying goodbye, he left the restaurant and sat on a bench, waiting for a taxi.

Lee Joong-hyeop quietly remarked,

[It can be overwhelming, but rivals are good. They push each other to grow. I had a similar phase with Lee Sunwoo being compared to my rival.]
‘Not a rival. The media just made up some fabricated rivalry.’

[Think about it. If you weren’t his rival, why would he care about you?]
‘So you’re the one who’s considering me a rival. I’m not.’

Taeju closed his mouth, and Lee Joong-hyeop muttered.

[You’re stubborn. When do you plan to stop ignoring your child actor days? That was still part of your acting journey.]
“…….”

A silence fell between them for a while, and Taeju’s gaze met Lee Joong-hyeop’s thoughtful eyes.

‘…It’s not that I’m ignoring it. I was just scared.’

[What’s so scary? Are you afraid people will be disappointed in you if they find out about your past?]
Taeju’s lips quivered slightly, hitting a nerve.

He mustered some courage.

‘At first, I thought I’d hide my child actor days and be evaluated for my current acting. But, honestly… I was scared.’

Taeju continued with a slightly sad expression.

‘People who remember my childhood will be disappointed with who I am now. The genius child actor is in the past, and I’ve changed.’

[How silly. You don’t understand who you are? You were Do-lli in ‘Sanggabdong Families,’ Myung-Hyeon-seok in ‘Last Match,’ and now you’re the stand-in for Kang Jaeha’s back shot. You, the actor Han Taeju, haven’t changed. Whatever role you play, it’s part of the world you, Han Taeju, create.]
Lee Joong-hyeop firmly said.

[So, don’t bind yourself to the past. Han Taeju, the actor, is simply pausing for a moment and then moving forward again.]

Overwhelmed, Taeju awkwardly lowered his head.

Lee Joong-hyeop stood silently by his side, offering no words.

***

A few days later.

Yoonido and Jung Gyubeom were drinking at a nearby restaurant near the set.

“How’s Taeju doing at the action school? Is he doing well?”

“He’s not just doing well—he’s exceptional. His action skills are deeply ingrained. Especially with a sword, he’s far beyond our other students. Most importantly, he’s consistent.”

Jung Gyubeom smiled brightly.

Because of an injured member’s torn ligament, Taeju was chosen as the replacement.

When Taeju was invited to the action school and offered to fill in for action scenes, he readily accepted.

“So, why did he accept being called to the action school?”

“He said acting is about expressing through the body, and he wants to give his best.”

“Aha, impressive.”

“His mindset is truly commendable. Have you ever seen such a newcomer, Director Yoon? Most newcomers try to cut corners, but Taeju puts in genuine effort.”

“He’s got guts. He has the power to grab attention.”

Yoonido nodded in agreement.

“Indeed. I’m starting to like him more.”

A pair of thoughtful eyes drifted into the air, reflecting on many things.

***

Today, Taeju still reported to the set of ‘Shadow Warrior.’

It had already been over three weeks since he started here.

Initially, he acted as a stand-in for Kang Jaeha’s back shot; now, he was stepping in for a critically injured action actor.

The past three weeks had been exhausting as if he needed two bodies to manage it all.

Yet, the action scenes were now nearing completion.

“Hello.”

As always, Taeju entered the set wearing his warrior robes and greeted everyone.

At that moment, the assistant director, Park Woo-don, called him.

“Taeju, come here.”

Busy leading him somewhere, Park Woo-don guided Taeju toward a spot where Yoonido, the director, and the production team were reviewing the script.

“How about inserting it here?”

“Let’s shoot the action scene first, and get a close-up in a single take. Taeju, your expression is good, so we’ll use a close-up.”

“Director, I brought him here.”

When Yoonido greeted Taeju, he stood rigid, not knowing what to expect.

‘This is the first time I’m facing the director this closely. The only time was when I was doing Jaeha Hyung’s back shot.’

Then, Yoonido’s voice rang out calmly.

“Warm up properly. You need to deliver the lines well today.”

“Is there additional shooting for Kang Jaeha’s back shot?”

“No, not as a stand-in. For your role’s lines.”

Yoonido met Taeju’s surprised gaze.

“I’m going to try giving you a proper role.”