NOVEL NEXT Episode 070
Episode 070
After the end of
Ji Jung-hyun was taking a break and choosing his next project.
Not only did
He believed this allowed him to enter new projects in top condition.
For this reason, Ji Jung-hyun planned to take the same recharging time this time as well.
However, his plans changed when he unexpectedly encountered a certain project.
Thud.
Ji Jung-hyun threw the script he was reading onto the coffee table and sank into the sofa.
The title of the script was naturally visible.
The script’s title was
Ji Jung-hyun, who had been buried in the sofa for a while, thought.
‘To come across such a script…’
It was a fictional work that reassembled the story based on the models of activists Yun Bong-gil and Kim Sang-ok.
However, it was significant in that it illuminated the deep inner worlds of the two characters.
Sometimes, fictional stories can starkly reveal harsh realities.
Above all, what was impressive was how it consistently drew out the chemistry between the two characters while depicting events full of tension.
It was so well-written that just reading the script vividly brought to mind the dazzling action scenes of the two escaping Seoul.
That’s why Ji Jung-hyun was eager to be part of
Above all, it was impressive that it was a genre of film he had never tried before.
‘Rest is good, but I can’t miss out on this film.’
Ji Jung-hyun came to this conclusion and immediately called his agency to request that his appearance be confirmed.
A few days later, he had a meeting with the film director who wrote the script for
“I’m really grateful that you gave such a positive response, even though I made the casting offer without much expectation.”
“I’m the one who’s glad to see such a good script after a long time. By the way, I couldn’t find your name when I searched online. Is this perhaps your first work?”
“Ah, I’ve already made my debut and shot a few independent films, but I’m not searchable yet. I’ll have to work hard from now on.”
“I see. I apologize. I was curious because the work was so good.”
With that, Ji Jung-hyun began to talk in earnest with the director of
From the explanation, it was quickly apparent that the situation with
Not only had they not found investors, but they also hadn’t found a production company.
At this rate, even if casting was complete, it would be impossible to film
After much deliberation, Ji Jung-hyun decided to actively help the director of
With his influence, he could easily make a film and have plenty left over.
He had been interested in investing in and producing works for a while.
‘Above all,
Of course, it took quite some time to come to this decision.
Through several meetings and conversations, he confirmed the director’s humble personality, deep understanding of film, and passion to make
He also found and watched all the independent films the director said he had made before, multiple times.
They were all considerably good works, to the point where it was puzzling that his name wasn’t known yet.
Ji Jung-hyun often watched independent films, so he felt even more curious.
Thus, Ji Jung-hyun decided to get involved in the investment and production of
Meanwhile, time flew by, and caused a sensation before ending.
Ji Jung-hyun and the film director, who had been sticking together almost every day recently, were talking at a leisurely soup restaurant where they always ate lunch together.
“Thank you so much. Without your help, things wouldn’t have progressed this far.”
“Not at all. I helped because I really want to see
“By the way, we should start finalizing the casting soon, but we can’t find a suitable actor.”
“We didn’t get a very positive response from Song Jung-hyuk last time, did we?”
“He was interested in the project itself, but his next project is already contracted, so he asked us to wait a year.”
But they still hadn’t found a suitable actor for the other role.
It was difficult because they needed an actor who could exude presence almost at Ji Jung-hyun’s level.
Actors of Ji Jung-hyun’s caliber were all waiting for their next projects.
However,
The investors and production company were distrustful of the
If the production period dragged on indefinitely in the current situation, the film could be scrapped.
Both Ji Jung-hyun and the director of
That’s why the atmosphere wasn’t good.
“Do you perhaps have any actors in mind?”
The director of
Normally, a film director with casting authority wouldn’t ask such a question, but Ji Jung-hyun was involved in both investment and production.
At that moment, news of the airing of
Simultaneously, Si-joon’s face appeared on the TV.
Ji Jung-hyun answered with a smile on his lips.
“There is one actor I like… but I’m not sure how it will turn out.”
A few days later.
Ji Jung-hyun made his way to Goo Kyung-mo’s house.
* * *
“Hmm… You’ve certainly improved.”
Ji Jung-hyun’s single comment, accompanied by a faint smile.
Even this alone made me feel greatly acknowledged.
But Ji Jung-hyun’s words didn’t end there.
“From comedy to the earnestness of a male lead who can’t forget his first love. The range of emotions to be portrayed is quite wide, but your acting was top-notch.”
“Thank you for the praise, senior.”
“No need to be so grateful. The praise was deserved for such acting. I’m looking forward to the next episode.”
Ji Jung-hyun was surprisingly generous with his praise.
I couldn’t help but feel extremely proud of this fact.
It’s not easy to receive recognition from a top actor in Korea.
Thanks to Ji Jung-hyun’s generous praise, the atmosphere in Goo Kyung-mo’s house improved even more.
It was much more convivial than before the first broadcast of
Goo Kyung-mo and Yang I-deum were also excited and didn’t hold back their words of praise.
Of course, most of the praise didn’t go far beyond the level of fandom they had shown while watching the drama’s first episode.
But it’s always enjoyable to receive praise, even if the same things are repeated.
After this round of praise party.
I started responding one by one to the congratulatory messages that began flooding my phone.
First, I checked the messages in the group chat with my father and brother.
[Short Answer Man][23:33] Congrats on your first leading drama’s first episode
[Si-joon][23:33] Ooh
[Si-joon][23:33] Did you watch the drama live from Paris?
[Si-joon][23:34] Is this truly the global age?
[Short Answer Man][23:34] No way
[Short Answer Man][23:34] I just thought the first episode would be over by now, so I sent a message
[Si-joon][23:35] Ah…
[Si-joon][23:35] Thanks anyway
While I was receiving congratulations from my brother, my father chimed in.
[Mountain Man][23:36] Son!
[Mountain Man][23:36] You’ve worked so hard!
[Mountain Man][23:36] All my friends in Mangwon-dong are moved by the first episode!
[Mountain Man][23:37] It was so fun!
[Si-joon][23:37] Thank you for the congratulations
[Si-joon][23:37] But, Dad
[Mountain Man][23:37] Yes?
[Si-joon][23:38] Do you like me? Or do you like Senior Cindy?
[Mountain Man][23:38] How can you even ask that? Of course it’s you, son!
[Mountain Man][23:38] I even made this celebratory cake to eat with my friends!
[Mountain Man][23:38] (photo)
The photo indeed showed a homemade cake.
However, the writing on the cake in chocolate made me feel uneasy.
[Si-joon][23:39] But why is only Senior Cindy’s name on the cake?
[Mountain Man][23:40] Huh? Why is it like this?
[Mountain Man][23:40] Wait a moment, son
[Mountain Man][23:41] My friends are urging me to have a drink
[Mountain Man][23:41] I’ll contact you later!
My father later sent another photo with my name written in small letters at the bottom of the cake, but it didn’t make me feel better.
I thought it was a bit too much.
After that, I received messages from people I had connections with.
I sent thank you messages and congratulations first to writer Jung Su-jin, director Yoo Sung-hyo, and Cindy.
Then, Goo Kyung-mo, who was looking at his phone beside me, spoke up.
“Wow, Si-joon. The online response is no joke!”
Yang I-deum continued Goo Kyung-mo’s words.
“Yeah, everywhere you go, people are only talking about
I was surprised by their comments because I hadn’t expected much in terms of ratings.
I hurriedly checked my phone.
‘Maybe there’s some bad news… No, it’s not.’
Fortunately, what dominated online were positive comments about
-The drama is totally my taste lol
-What’s with this immersion from the start?
-Cindy’s acting is so good ㅠㅠ
-And her face is so pretty…
-Honestly, Lee Si-joon’s face is prettier lol
-True lol
-How can he be prettier than the female lead?
-It’s fun just looking at his face lol
-I watched Si-joon for a moment and suddenly an hour passed…
-Han Ji-hoon is a total puppy male lead!
-He’s like a golden retriever lol
-But wasn’t Lee Si-joon’s acting good too?
-I was surprised too lol. Was he always this good?
-He was good in too!
-There were many Si-joon fans since then…
-What are you saying lol Lee Si-joon’s acting was good even in
-Right lol People were saying he was already beyond rookie level back then lol
-Ah lol I remember
-Yeah… They were upset about why they couldn’t find a better child actor for the protagonist…
-That Si-joon has grown up like this lol everyone lol
-Tomorrow’s ratings should be good? Both main leads are good, and the director’s direction is nice…
-The script seems well-written according to the concept too
-But wasn’t the OST a bit disappointing?
-A bit;; The sound effects used in between weren’t bad, but some songs were not great;;
-Still, I think it’s average for this level? The ending song was good
-I think it would have been better if Cindy sang it… That’s the problem lol
Of course, not all of it was positive.
Some keen viewers pointed out the shortcomings in the music.
Certainly, from what I felt, the sound effects improved after going through feedback from me and Cindy.
But we couldn’t change the OST songs that were already selected.
That seemed to be the cause of this situation.
The consolation was that the overall quality of the songs wasn’t low.
Also, there were good songs mixed in here and there.
The ending song was a prime example.
‘In episode 6, when their emotions reach a peak, an OST sung by Cindy herself will appear.’
I decided to look forward to that moment and took my eyes off the phone screen.
At the same time, I made eye contact with Ji Jung-hyun.
He clearly seemed to have something to say.
“After watching the drama today, I’m certain.”
“Pardon?”
“How about starring in a movie with me next time?”
“A movie?”
I was surprised by Ji Jung-hyun’s words.
I didn’t expect him to suggest appearing in his work together like this.
But I was even more surprised by what he said next.
“Yes. It’s a work titled
I vividly remembered auditioning for Director Kim Pil-sung before my regression.