The Face Genius Actor

Episode 024

The day after the studio shoot ended.

I proceeded with the CF ad filming.

Although I was a bit tired from shooting at Yangpyeong Arboretum, which was a three-hour round trip from home,

I was able to prepare for the CF ad shoot in advance because the storyboard was very helpful.

The surprising thing was that I could practice for the CF ad shoot through the Method Mask.

‘In a way, CF ad shooting is also a part of acting where I can write analysis notes.’

I discovered this fact when I accessed the Method Mask after returning home from the print ad shoot, just in case.

Thus, I was able to successfully fulfill the model contract with Sensus while receiving praise from the CF director.

As Yeo Kyung-chan drove towards Seoul, he spoke up.

“It’s good that the shooting ended early. I was worried we might be late for the wrap-up party.”

“Yes, it’s fortunate. How long will it take to reach Seoul?”

“The navigation says we’ll arrive at 7:12 PM. If you’re tired, you can take a nap. I’ll wake you up.”

“Okay. Please do. We have plenty of time, so drive safely.”

After talking with Yeo Kyung-chan, I crossed my arms and closed my eyes.

And while trying to sleep, I thought about “Arrest.”

Fortunately, “Arrest” was able to finish with a good rating of 10.8%.

We had hoped for an even better result after surpassing 10% in the final week, but unfortunately, we didn’t reach 11%.

It was already remarkable for an ITBC drama with initial negative issues to surpass 10%.

‘Moreover, surpassing 10% means we achieved better results than before my regression…’

I focused on this point.

The only difference in “Arrest” from before my regression was the fact that I played the role of high school student Shin Han-jae, so it had to be that.

A difference of about 2% in viewership ratings.

It might seem insignificant to some.

But in the drama world, a 2% difference was enormous.

It was natural, considering that some dramas end with ratings in the 2% range.

This dramatic change implied many things.

‘On one hand, it means that if I do well, there can be big positive changes…’

On the other hand, if I do poorly…

‘It means changes could occur in unexpected directions.’

This fact was both very hopeful and made me feel responsible.

‘But there’s no need to think negatively. I should see it as a good thing.’

Ordinary people wouldn’t even have the privilege of knowing the future.

For that reason, I put aside the pressure and thought about ways to bring about positive changes.

Fortunately, the thoughts didn’t continue for long.

‘Doing my best and fully accepting the results. That’s the only thing I can do.’

I quickly reached this conclusion and finally fell asleep, unable to resist drowsiness.

* * *

“Actor, we’ve arrived.”

I opened my eyes to Yeo Kyung-chan’s voice.

As I stretched lightly and looked out the window, I saw the sign of a famous Korean beef restaurant located in Hannam-dong.

Korean beef, huh.

It certainly seemed that “Arrest” had achieved good results.

It was natural, given that even after the finale, people were clamoring for a second season without losing enthusiasm.

“What time is it?”

“Ten minutes before the appointed time.”

“Really? We should hurry in then.”

Although I played the role of high school student Shin Han-jae, who had to be the main character for Parts 1-3, I wasn’t really the main character.

Rather, in situations like this, it was important to show a respectful attitude as a rookie actor.

This was especially true since Director Kang Han-sung and Writer Jung Su-min would also be present.

So, I just checked a small hand mirror once and entered the restaurant.

Several staff members and production company employees were already seated in the restaurant.

“Hello, Actor!”

“Actor! It’s been a while!”

“How have you been?”

“Please come to this table later too!”

I greeted all the staff members I knew without missing anyone.

It felt even more welcoming since it was the first time meeting them after the re-shoot.

Everyone’s skin seemed darker than during the filming of Parts 1-3, probably from working under the scorching sun.

“Si-joon! Over here!”

As I was greeting the staff, Goo Kyung-mo waved from an inner table.

Yang I-deum was sitting in front of him, so I joined the table without hesitation.

The four-person table was completed by an actor named Chae Bo-gyun, who had taken on the role of high school student Hwang In-seop.

“You all came early?”

As I sat down and asked the three of them, Goo Kyung-mo took the lead.

“Nobody’s busy except you. I heard you came from shooting a Sensus advertisement?”

Yang I-deum’s eyes widened as she picked up on Goo Kyung-mo’s words.

“Sensus? You mean the cosmetics? Isn’t Ready-Pa currently modeling for them?”

“That’s right. They still are. But they’re launching a men’s cosmetics line, so I took on the role of advertising model just for that.”

“Ah, that’s great! As expected, our Si-joon is doing the best! I knew it!”

Yang I-deum rejoiced as if it were her own success, and Goo Kyung-mo nodded proudly.

This was certainly what made me think of these two as friends.

Unlike the two of them, Chae Bo-gyun seemed to feel more envy than congratulations, which was evidence of this.

‘But that doesn’t mean Chae Bo-gyun is the type to feel inferior and throw tantrums like An Myung-hyun.’

It’s just that Goo Kyung-mo and Yang I-deum were unique; this level was not bad for maintaining an acquaintance.

That’s probably why Goo Kyung-mo and Yang I-deum had seated Chae Bo-gyun here.

If they had to seat someone, it wasn’t a bad choice.

I organized my thoughts and replied to Yang I-deum’s comment.

“Doing the best… Isn’t it too early to say that? I’ve already seen the vitamin drink commercial you two filmed on TV. How did that happen?”

As I asked with narrowed eyes, Yang I-deum scratched her head, seeming a bit embarrassed.

“The ad offer came in when you were busy looking for an agency, Si-joon.”

“I-deum was already set for it. I luckily got Si-joon’s spot. Anyway, it’s good to have both male and female leads for high school roles.”

After hearing Goo Kyung-mo’s answer, I could roughly understand how the situation had unfolded.

It seemed the advertising agency had preferred to cast me over Goo Kyung-mo.

But at that time, I didn’t have an agency, so it couldn’t happen.

I shook my head and replied to Goo Kyung-mo.

“The Bae Han-bin – Jung Bo-ra couple had as many supporters as the Shin Han-jae – Jung Bo-ra couple. So it’s not strange for Kyung-mo to be in it. The ad effect will surely be good too.”

Goo Kyung-mo seemed pleased with my words and laughed, asking, “Is that so?”

In the end, the love triangle in “Arrest” was completed by the adult actors after Part 3.

But it could be said that the high school roles laid the foundation, and Goo Kyung-mo and Yang I-deum played a big part in this.

If the two hadn’t shown off their acting skills sufficiently, the love triangle would have been shaky from the start.

It wasn’t for nothing that the two were receiving love calls from various places.

As the topic naturally shifted to Chae Bo-gyun’s recent activities,

And while Chae Bo-gyun was talking about shooting a magazine ad,

Seo Myung-hee entered the restaurant with Han Mi-rae, and other lead actors gradually filled the seats.

Finally, with Director Kang Han-sung and Writer Jung Su-min taking their seats, the wrap-up party officially began.

* * *

“Wrap-up party! Good job everyone!”

“Good job!”

“Good job!”

Kim Jung-min, who played the role of Hwang In-seop, made a toast, and everyone raised their glasses in response.

It was already the fifth toast, and the drinking party had moved to a second venue, now in a pub.

As the drinking session had gone on for quite a while, people were getting drunk all over the place.

Over there, Goo Kyung-mo, thoroughly drunk, was repeatedly saying, “Let’s all do well! We must!” several times.

He seemed to be in a good mood.

“Actor Goo Kyung-mo is really unique. It’s not easy to have such good fighting spirit.”

Writer Jung Su-min smiled as she watched the scene.

As the drinking session went on, I found myself in an interesting group.

It was a place where Writer Jung Su-min, Director Kang Han-sung, and Ji Jung-hyun were gathered.

It was a bit of a burdensome situation, but I opened my mouth, borrowing courage from the alcohol.

“Kyung-mo always gets like that when he’s drunk. He’ll fall asleep in a few minutes.”

“Oh my. You two seem to have gotten close. It looks like you’ve even had separate drinking sessions.”

“We decided to be comfortable with each other since we’re the same age. I-deum too.”

Director Kang Han-sung interjected with a pleased smile.

“The heroes of the re-shoot have come together. Actor Ji Jung-hyun, you saw it too, right? How Actor Lee Si-joon brought the high school student Shin Han-jae to life?”

Everyone at the table turned their attention to Ji Jung-hyun, and I waited for his answer with slight tension.

Hearing the response of Ji Jung-hyun, a top actor in South Korea who also played Shin Han-jae with me, had a different meaning.

Ji Jung-hyun looked at me silently for a moment, then nodded.

“I saw it. And it was interesting. Unlike the predecessor, he tried to understand Shin Han-jae.”

A simple answer.

But I felt greatly satisfied with just that.

Because I knew it wasn’t easy to get praise from Ji Jung-hyun.

Director Kang Han-sung seemed to be thinking the same thing, showing a surprised expression with an “Oh!”

Writer Jung Su-min didn’t hide her emotions and said,

“Getting praised by Actor Ji Jung-hyun who played the same role. Actor Lee Si-joon, you’ve hit the jackpot today.”

At those words, Ji Jung-hyun smiled slightly and then stood up, saying he was going to the restroom.

As he did so, he didn’t forget to pat my shoulder lightly.

It was a small gesture, but realizing that the touch carried a message of encouragement, my joy doubled.

After Ji Jung-hyun left, Director Kang Han-sung nodded.

“As expected, everyone’s eyes see the same thing.”

“Ah, I feel embarrassed to keep receiving praise.”

“No, Actor Lee Si-joon deserves it. So, speaking of which…”

Director Kang Han-sung trailed off, looking at Writer Jung Su-min.

Writer Jung Su-min smiled as if she knew what he was going to say and responded.

“Are you going to talk about what we discussed before? Go ahead. It would be strange to covet Actor Lee Si-joon when we need to prepare for a project that could take 1-2 years.”

Director Kang Han-sung bowed his head gratefully, then turned to me and spoke.

“I think I’ll be directing another project in the second half of this year. It’s a work by Writer ‘Kim Hee-soo’. I wonder if Actor Lee Si-joon would be interested?”

I couldn’t help but be surprised internally by Director Kang Han-sung’s words.

‘If it’s Writer Kim Hee-soo’s work airing in the second half of this year…’

It was “I Will Cast Love,” which hit 15% in viewership ratings.