Chapter 118
I Will Live as an Actor Episode 118
: Inferiority Sense.
“England, do you know actress Son Hwa-won?”
I raised my head in response to CEO Seonghwan Kim’s question. It was after a conversation about an advertising contract. It’s only been a few days since I met Song Jeong-seok, but it looks like he’s already contacted me from his agency.
“The agency contacted me saying that England wanted to meet you, but they said they had already talked to you.”
“I met Jeongseok hyung before and heard his story. Son Hwa-won said she wanted to meet me, so I said okay. But I didn’t know if she would contact me again through her agency.”
“Song Jeong-seok, the actor you worked with in an independent film before? Somehow Sohn Hwa-won suddenly contacted me and even our Director Kim looked surprised. By the way, he was polite. The UK was worried that you might not have been able to refuse because it was Song Jeong-seok’s request, so they asked the agency again. Because it is.”
He is a man of upright character, both past and present. Even when an unknown minor actor asked the main actor for advice, he did not hesitate to give advice on acting.
-Don’t be too nervous because it’s a small role. Because the opportunity will come someday. The British Mr. I’ve seen definitely wouldn’t miss an opportunity. Don’t try to give up on your career as an actor. One day, the day will come when Mr. England will stand here.
In my past life, I was the only friend and fellow actor who felt inferior. But maybe I stayed away from him because I didn’t have a good interpersonal relationship.
“By the way, these days, this actress named Son Hwa-won is the blue chip of Chungmuro, right? Somehow, all the actors I’m keeping an eye on have England showing interest in you.”
“Was there another actor like that?”
“Do you know how many agencies England is waiting for your exclusive period to end? This friend of Son Hwa-won might not know either. It could be that England is trying to sneak a peek at you after receiving a notice from the representative of the agency.”
“I’m not that kind of person. But what other actor said he wanted to meet me? Siri, out of curiosity.”
“It’s a trade secret.”
When CEO Kim Seong-hwan pretends to lock his mouth with a playful expression, England suppresses laughter.
“That’s great. Please tell me to come to the filming set. I’ll be in Yongin for a while anyway.”
* * *
Most of the blue chips in Chungmuro have something special. A vivid sense of reality, a humorous quickness that ad-libs better than most comedians, and acting skills that make viewers gasp. Among them, actress Son Hwa-won’s talent lies in none other than her innocence.
“Thank you for your hard work on today’s shoot.”
If you can’t tell how innocent the man is, just look at the way he bows his head and greets each and every member of the filming crew. He has a white and pretty appearance, like a white student, and has a simple smile like that of a country dog on the corner of his mouth.
How could it be called a smile that evokes pure love among female fans?
“Hwa-won, you had a hard time filming the commercial today. And tomorrow I think I have to go to the broadcasting station for a meeting for my next project. Are you going to stop by the shop?”
“No, I’m going to see the producer and the writer anyway, so I think I need to stop by the shop. It looks more sincere and better if I just go in my usual clothes.”
“I’m saying that because you’re the original artist. Among the strictest actors, there are some who can’t leave the house without full makeup on.”
“True brother. Have you ever contacted Songwon Entertainment?”
A curious look is evident in Son Hwa-won’s eyes.
“I was going to tell you anyway. Actor Jang said that he can’t make time to meet separately right now because his schedule is busy. He said he would rather come to the filming set if we have time. I was afraid you might be tired today, so I was going to tell you later, but he’s probably in Yongin by now. “If you go, you will be able to see him filming.”
“Is this really a filming location?”
“Yes, but are you really going to ask Actor Jang for advice? It seems pointless to me, but you want it so much. To put it bluntly, Jang Yeong-guk, that friend, was so excited after meeting him well in his work, and Hwa-won, you’ve now made your face known in Chungmuro through dramas.” “Once you advance, you will be able to gain wings. As a manager, I see that Hwa-won is not inferior in any way to you and Jang Young-guk.”
Son Hwa-won smiles at the manager’s words. In fact, he doesn’t know that his manager says that for him. Whether viewed objectively or subjectively, it was true that he was much inferior to actor Jang Young-guk.
It is only now that it is gaining popularity by being called the blue chip of Chungmuro, but in fact, it was an undeserved nickname. Who would have known that the white and pretty appearance that was popular during her childhood days would be such a hindrance to her.
Her beautiful appearance, like that of a young master, made her play the same role and act the same way every time. As a result, I am now truly afraid that this image will become permanent.
Crack.
My fists clenched without me realizing it. When Son Hwa-won was struggling due to stereotypes, the person who caught her eye was none other than actor Jang Young-guk. They were both in their early 20s and had something in common, having been acting since their childhood, but Jang Young-guk was following a completely different path as an actor.
‘How can he act like that?’
His acting was so great that his spirit could be felt even beyond the screen. Moreover, the works that filled the filmography were all different in color. From the nation’s first love, to the fiercely furry priest, to Joseon’s best Parakho, briefly shown at the theater festival.
I couldn’t believe it. Isn’t he clearly in his early 20s like you? How is it possible for someone at that age to continue to make such a different acting transformation?
“Hwa-won, wake up or go to sleep, heed what you said. The entertainment industry is a marathon, not a sprint. It doesn’t matter who is the first to beat it. In my view, Hwa-won, you too will become a big star sooner or later. You have already lost the title of the nation’s first love, so you are the nation’s innocent. How about you?”
The manager said while in the car heading to the Yongin historical drama set. However, as Son Hwa-won looks out the car window, only one person still comes to mind.
* * *
According to historical records, Yeonsangun, the 10th king of the Joseon Dynasty, is known to have occasionally brought in a private physician, not a medical doctor who was under the watchful eye of the Great King, to receive medical examinations.
According to Lee Yoo-jun, a Hanyang doctor who claimed to have diagnosed him, Yeonsan’s body suffered from severe lung disease from a young age, and he would not live past the age of two. But no one knows whether what he says is true or not.
-Gyeol-ah, from now on, you must gradually show yourself ascending to the throne in my place. I want to take care of you as your older brother and have you officially named in the royal court, but it’s a pity that I can’t. Please wear a dragon robe and represent me for seven days (one week) while I am receiving separate treatment from a doctor.
Heavy beads of sweat are running down the back of the butcher Lee Gyeol, who is attending the contest. The unfamiliar dragon robe felt like it was pressing down on my shoulders, and the gazes of the ministers were enough to tighten my entire body. Of course, the only person who noticed his strange symptoms was Kwak San, a private guard who was guarding him.
“Your Majesty, as the king’s duty and as the father of all people, you must not neglect the Lord’s Majesty in order to look after the people. In the twenty chapters of Zhongyong, it is said that there are nine virtues to govern the world and prosper the nation. Let me tell you one of them. “We are observing and respecting our subjects and looking into their intentions, so why do you want to stop the contest?”
The ministers are all raising blood vessels on their necks. That was because the king suddenly said that he would stop the competition held three times a day for seven days.
“Since the beginning of the dynasty, there has been no case where the contest has been stopped. The King is the one who has hosted the most contests since King Sejong the Great. But you are ignoring the contest. I believe this is not the right thing to do. Your Majesty, please inform us. !”
“Please inform me! Your Majesty!”
The voices of the ministers sitting to the left and right echo loudly throughout the main hall. Lee Gyeol, who is sitting at the head table, is so complicated that he is on the verge of being crushed.
Although he learned palace etiquette with the help of Gwak San, a military official, the Four Books and Five Classics, including the Book of Zhongyong University, are a completely different story. How would you know since you didn’t study in the first place?
It was when Kwak San, who was also in official attire, was watching what was happening and was about to open his mouth to the ministers. The hem of his gongryongpo flutters and Lee Gyeol stands up.
“Is it true that the ministers really hold contests for the people?”
“Your Majesty, how can you tell a lie? I will receive the teachings of the sage and lead the country to good times…”
“Stop!”
At Lee Gyeol’s voice, the Hongmungwan official closes his mouth.
“The main content of the competition I observed over the past two days was not to look at the people. They were all trying to teach me to represent the power they belong to. In the past, in order to understand the hunger and reality of the people, I had to sit like this and listen to the old sage. Rather than receiving their teachings, you should know how the country works and what happens in the countryside.”
“Your Majesty, such matters are reported through appeals from all over the country.”
“A single sentence can deceive so many people, so how can I believe something I haven’t seen before? The best option is to bring the appeal letter from Gamcheong-ri.”
Sangchaek (尙冊) supports the appeal to Lee Gyeol. Lee Gyeol reads the appeal on behalf of Sang Chaek.
“This is an appeal posted by Na Jutaek, an official of Kamcheong-ri. The land crops have failed due to flood damage, and the storehouses have been opened to provide food for the starving people. Therefore, it is an appeal asking whether this year’s tax rate can be lowered only for Kamcheong-ri. Just looking at this appeal, the official named Najutaek is a person who has no shortage of not only lowering the tax rate but also giving out a very large reward. But!”
Lee Gyeol’s eyes that glare at the ministers are unique. As a butcher of Geolsangol, didn’t he often visit Gamcheong-ri, which was just a short distance away? The official named Najutaek was a corrupt official who sucked the blood of the people.
It is true that crops were poor due to flood damage, but that does not mean that taxes were not collected. Moreover, they did not even open the treasury of the government office.
“This appeal is cleverly concocting truth and lies. It is true that the harvest was poor, but they collected taxes from the people and did not even open the treasury of the government office. Not only did they do that, but they also raised a false appeal and are asking us to lower the tax rate. . In addition to my house, how many of these false complaints are coming from the eight provinces of Joseon!”
Lee Gyeol scolds the officials.
“It is the king’s command. Instead of holding a contest for seven days, learn truthfully about the corruption of officials and the lives of the people that is secretly practiced throughout the country. That is the task that I, the king, give to the gods!”
* * *
Son Hwa-won stands blankly in front of a vending machine located on one side of the set. This is because it was difficult to watch the filming site any longer. The more I looked, the more an unknown feeling rose up in my heart without me even realizing it.
He was obviously around the same age as me, but Jang Young-guk’s acting was enough to dazzle the viewers. He walked with elasticity rising to the tip of his chin and his trembling fingertips clenched into fists. Otherwise, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to overcome this feeling of inferiority.
“Are you here?”
How much time has passed? England, who had already finished the scene, came to Sonhwawon. Son Hwa-won unconsciously lowered her head at the sudden appearance of England.
“Hello. I’m actress Son Hwa-won. I’m sorry for suddenly coming to the set. I wanted to meet Jang Young-guk.”
“No, I already heard from Jeongseok. Well, you’re three years older than me, so feel free to talk. Anyway, it’s really amazing. If you walk ten meters, you can see the big eaves of the palace, and there’s a vending machine like this.”
This was someone who came straight to see him, only changing his clothes. Son Hwa-won seemed to have a mountain of things she wanted to ask England, but she couldn’t get them out loud. Anyway, I felt so inferior while watching the filming. Perhaps as if reading that thought, England tried their luck first.
“I heard Hwa-won had something she wanted to ask me. It’s probably related to acting, right?”
“Yes, I can’t get the thought out of my mind that my acting is too stereotypical. I talked to other senior actors at my agency, but I couldn’t really resolve the issue. Then, by chance, I saw a movie starring Mr. England. He’s obviously about the same age as me, but I was speechless because I was amazed how he could become such a different person for each role he played.”
‘Honest.’
That’s what England thought as he looked at Son Hwa-won. Just as she gave him honest advice in her past life, Son Hwa-won is an unaffected person. An actor would probably not want his secrets revealed, but he reveals his inner feelings like that. Especially now. England was not unaware of the problem he was worried about.
‘By now, Hwawon is probably worried about his image.’
He was obviously a male actor, but ironically, he became famous for his innocence. Because of that, there were limits to the roles he played. Most of them were roles of similar color. It
was obviously a problem that would be resolved as time passed and his acting naturally improved, but it was not for the person involved. I guess it was. After a moment of silence, England gives advice that Son Hwa-won had given him in his past life.
“Actually, I’ve seen all the movies that Hwa-won appeared in. From the dawn of youth to Christmas in November on Earth.”
“It’s a shame. Compared to his age, he has a lot of filmography, but all the roles are similar.”
“What are you embarrassed about?”
“Yes?”
I didn’t understand. Why he was so embarrassed.
“Other actors played the role that Hwa-won played. There are many people who try their best to do something because they want to do it. If Mr. Hwa-won feels ashamed of the roles he has played, wouldn’t it be a huge disrespect to the other actors and the director
? ”
The fact that you are ruining it. Soon, Son Hwa-won felt as if cold water had been poured on her head at the words that followed.
“Just as a chrysalis molts and becomes a butterfly, so does acting. Don’t try to be too bound by the limits you set for yourself. In my view, Hwa-won is an actor who is more valuable than the limitations she has set for herself. Someday, you’ll be able to break that shell.”
Just then, the assistant director signals that the standby is complete. At that moment, England takes out a paper cup filled with a drink from the vending machine and hands it to him.
“Drink and cool your head. “I’m sorry for speaking so harshly.”
Oh, I don’t drink coffee. Son Hwa-won almost spit it out without realizing it. But I was feeling more grateful than ever for this warm cup of coffee. England, who had been walking, turned around and did it again. He elaborates.
“Next time we meet, please tell me comfortably, Hwa-won.”
Hwa-won Son opens his eyes and nods his head briefly. Then, he looks down at the paper cup at the fragrant smell. It contains not coffee, but white coix tea.
“How did you know?” ?’
Son Hwa-won is surprised as she looks at the back of England moving away. How did she know that she likes coix tea?