Chapter 102
Kang Ha-na looked at Soo-hyun, who was standing on the filming set.
‘…She’s really beautiful.’
I think she’s even prettier than the seniors who think they’re flying high.
Her subtly raised eyes are incredibly charming.
Moreover, unlike herself, she radiates confidence and seems to be lacking in nothing.
As for her acting, I noticed while watching earlier that she improved with every feedback, so I can say she has talent.
‘…They really can’t just be nothing, right?’
Suddenly, I thought of Chang-sik senior.
Starting as a child actor, he has soared and became a model for actors.
At first, I was surprised.
There were rumors that the tidy Chang-sik senior brought a woman to the filming location.
Thus, when I hesitantly met Soo-hyun outside the waiting room, I couldn’t help but acknowledge her.
Ah, it seems that even Chang-sik senior can be shaken by someone like her.
Thinking they were a perfect couple, I felt a bit deflated.
However, seeing them later, it didn’t seem like that, but it also didn’t feel like they were just casual acquaintances.
Moreover, the Soo-hyun I observed was quite a unique individual.
How should I put it? I can’t hate her, can I?
A person so beautiful and kind to me? My heart couldn’t help but melt.
She was also polite.
Come to think of it, she greeted me when we first met…
Perhaps because of that, rather than harbors any resentment or jealousy, I watched Soo-hyun wait to begin her acting with fond eyes.
Wishing that she wouldn’t make any mistakes, too.
With her kind nature, I don’t think she would wish ill on anyone, after all.
As Soo-hyun’s acting began.
The cue sign was given, and it wasn’t long before Soo-hyun opened her mouth.
Although Soo-hyun was hearing the melody through her headset, those outside couldn’t hear the music.
In that a cappella moment, Soo-hyun’s song echoed out.
Immediately, even those who were looking elsewhere turned their attention to her.
‘…What?!’
Among those whose attention was caught, Kang Ha-na’s eyes widened in surprise.
I thought she had a good voice, but… could she be a singer?
I had been to variety shows and various friends’ concerts and listened to many live performances, yet I rarely experienced someone captivating in such a way without any accompaniment.
While her skill was impressive, it was her unique aura that kept people captivated.
Just standing there, she exuded presence, and with her enchanting voice, by the time the song ended, Soo-hyun truly resembled a top star like Han Hye-jin.
That walk, those eyes.
Because of her initially expressionless face, which could appear somewhat sharp, she had an even more electric atmosphere.
Soo-hyun, transformed into that star-like Han Hye-jin, pushed open the door to the recording studio.
Standing before her was Moon Chang-sik, playing the role of a young washed-up producer.
Soo-hyun also truly captured attention with her amazing performance, but her counterpart was Moon Chang-sik.
With his solid looks and profound acting skill, he managed to blend Soo-hyun into this set rather than letting her stand out too much.
As their acting continued, Soo-hyun compensated for her lacking acting skills with her captivating atmosphere and appearance from the start.
Moon Chang-sik, who entered midway, filled in the gaps with his robust acting toward the end.
Seeing the combination of the two, Kang Ha-na couldn’t help but drop her jaw.
…Didn’t they say she was a beginner? No matter how I looked at it, she was performing much better than during practice.
Perhaps it was due to the song earlier that I was swept up in that atmosphere.
In awe, as their acting ended.
The director signaled for a cut.
And afterward.
Kang Ha-na realized that the way people around her looked at Soo-hyun had changed.
From seeing a pretty idol-turned-actor.
To one that carried the gaze of a young talent like herself or Moon Chang-sik.
Witnessing yet another star rise in the industry, a sudden worry filled Kang Ha-na.
‘…Isn’t she standing out too much?’
What just happened was a memorable moment.
Moon Chang-sik and Soo-hyun blending seamlessly.
However, one was the lead, and the other was just a supporting role in this scene.
…It was too eye-catching.
Kang Ha-na’s gaze instinctively landed on one side.
Even though she was also a lead, there was actress Shin Hye-sun, one of the two main characters of this work.
Her expression looked slightly troubled.
This next scene was her turn, after all.
She is truly an outstanding actress.
In terms of looks and acting abilities, she leaves nothing to be desired, which is why the director cast her as the female lead.
However… to overshadow Soo-hyun’s moment that commanded the spotlight with the song, her innate beauty appeared relatively lacking.
As Kang Ha-na contemplated that, she sensed instinctively.
If the amazing director she knew was around, then the next moment would be….
“Excuse me! Soo-hyun, can you come over here for a moment!”
Yes, it must be an NG.
This scene won’t be usable.
But the way everyone looked at Soo-hyun had already made an impression.
***
The acting ended.
Did I do well?
Um… looking at the expressions around me, it seems like I did.
Everyone is staring blankly in this direction, so I must have made quite an impact.
Ah, this troublesome appearance of mine.
Whether it’s singing or acting, what on earth can’t I do?
I’m afraid of this talent.
Feeling proud of myself, I stepped out of the set.
“Excuse me! Soo-hyun, can you come over here for a moment!”
The director called me urgently.
What could it be? Does he want to praise me for doing so well? But his expression seemed a bit troubled, and I realized something must have gone wrong.
Hurrying over, the director dropped his awkward expression and gestured his way to praise me.
“You were truly amazing. That moment felt like you were the lead. Your acting was refreshing… and your singing was really wonderful, too.”
Honestly, if I’d heard just that, I would have been thrilled to go home.
But from the director’s vibe, it felt like an NG… what could it be?
“It was really good. Truly… but… it’s um… the problem is it’s too good.”
“Excuse me?”
Too good is a problem? What does that even mean? As I pondered if that was slang used in this industry, Moon Chang-sik, my co-star, came over and spoke.
“Wow, you’re really strong in practice, aren’t you?”
“Ah, is that so?”
“Yeah, but it seems like an NG.”
Why is it even an NG? Feeling a bit troubled hearing I’d have to retake, Moon Chang-sik spoke again.
“It was so good that the next senior might find it troublesome.”
Ah.
Only then did I understand.
So the heroine of this project might be troubled because of my supporting role’s performance?
Realizing this made me honestly… feel pleased.
That meant I had made an impact, right?
And didn’t they cast me for that very impact?
“Aren’t you casting me to stand out like that?”
As I mentioned that, the director nodded in agreement.
“Exactly. That’s why you were cast… but the singing part is problematic. Because you did so well, the atmosphere gets overshadowed.”
So, in essence, that I was too good beyond expectations, huh?
In that case, the song… wait. Wasn’t this something the composer put in for promotional purposes?
But then, as a novice with no acting experience, I can’t manage the nuances of acting.
If I can’t remove the singing and acting aspects…
“Hmm… should I wear something less?”
Should I hide even this innate beauty a little?
At my suggestion, the director gave a puzzled look, as if wondering if that was even possible.
“Is that alright? It’s a movie, after all. It’s better if your face is clearly seen…”
True, if my face doesn’t show, it’ll be hard to brag later, but… I don’t particularly care about that. Well, my name will come up in the actor section once the film is over anyway.
However, rather than saying that, I spoke a bit indirectly.
“It would help the project more, right? I’m fine with it.”
Even if it’s the same intention, the way I speak can influence how the listener feels.
Look, even now, the director seems surprised by my words.
“That consideration…”
But he shook his head and said.
“Still, that’s not the way to go. Soo-hyun, your appearance is a significant weapon.”
“That’s true.”
I readily admitted.
In fact, whether it’s singing or acting, the appearance is the biggest weapon.
There are plenty of people who sing or act better than me.
But cuter than me? Come show me one such person!
At this point, we’re talking preferences.
“How about this then?”
At that moment, hearing the conversation quietly, Moon Chang-sik spoke first.
“How so?”
I asked, curious if he had a good idea, and he smiled slightly as he continued.
“It doesn’t matter how you conceal it; it depends on how you hide it, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah?”
“People naturally tend to fill in the gaps, and once they get a peek, curiosity makes them want to confirm that imagination.”
Imagination? Curiosity? I pondered what that meant while the director seemed to catch it first and nodded.
“I like that thinking! As expected of Chang-sik, you’re different.”
“How’s that? Isn’t it a good idea?”
“Yeah, if directed well… it might even be better.”
What? Let me in on the conversation, too!
While I was confused about what they were talking about, Moon Chang-sik, finishing the conversation, turned to me.
“Did you bring a hat?”
“A hat? No?”
“Oh dear, then I’ll borrow one from the actress.”
“Oh, am I wearing a hat?”
What? So I am wearing one after all? I asked, but Moon Chang-sik just smiled.
“Really envious.”
“Excuse me?”
“Because your appearance will linger in the audience’s minds just for being there throughout the film.”
“What on earth do you mean?”
“Just….”
As Moon Chang-sik began explaining, his method was undeniably… remarkable.
“…That’s not bad.”
In that moment, I wondered if I was truly just a supporting role, but I don’t know… where on earth can you find such a beautiful minor role?
In the end, I followed Moon Chang-sik’s suggestion for the shoot.
I finished the day’s shooting without an NG and returned home.
Honestly, I’m a bit excited about the movie’s release.
Though that’s still a long way off.