I Will Live As An Actor

Chapter 91:

Chapter 91

Yeonsan-gun (King Yeonsan).

The most tyrannical and wicked king in the 500-year history of the Joseon dynasty. 

His evil deeds are countless, starting from the Gapsa Incident, where he brutally killed the factions that slandered his birth mother, the deposed Queen Yun. 

His stories of lust and debauchery are already well-known.

Not to mention, the anecdote of how he couldnt escape from the skirt of Jang Nok-su, the greatest courtesan of the era, is still on peoples lips.

Tricky.

Thats how Young-uk simply defined it. It was a role that was hard to accept or reject. The original novel, Yeonsan, the Kings Secret, had a strange charm that captivated him as he read it.

Despite the childish pen name of the author, the content was not only attractive, but also addictive, like being stuck in a swamp. He finished reading it without noticing the time. He still couldnt get rid of the sentences in his head.

-Was Yeonsan, the 10th king of Joseon, really a tyrant? The records and the reality are different, history is fabricated and recorded by the winners, and it is hidden behind the fog like something beyond. The high-ranking officials who deposed Queen Yun were afraid. When Queen Yun was ousted, they tried to make Lee Yeok (Prince Jinseong, later King Jungjong), the son of Queen Jeonghyeon, who was appointed as the next queen, the crown prince, but it was thwarted by King Seongjong. Thats how much Yeonsan, who later became Yeonsan-gun, was brilliant from a young age. The records say he was ordinary, but who knows the truth (omitted) Even if he becomes a virtuous king and makes the country peaceful, would the officials who ousted Queen Yun be able to save their lives? The young thorn in his gentle smile made them fear not only their stomachs, but also their chins. Eventually, they came up with a gamble.

Thats how shocking the content was.

History belongs to the winners.

It reconstructs the truth hidden behind the history recorded by the winners. 

Strictly speaking, its fiction, but it somehow makes sense. 

Thats because the opinions of historians on Yeonsan-gun are still divided.

Maybe I should call him PD Yu.

This is the era of traditional historical dramas. 

In the future, fusion historical dramas based on fictional history will be produced in droves, but not yet. 

Nowadays, not only the viewers, but also the broadcasters think that historical dramas should be produced strictly following the verification of history. 

In a way, the choice of the famous PD was bold.

Is it a poisoned chalice, or will it be a hit?

He hasnt decided to appear yet. 

Appearing in a drama is now like a business. 

He had to decide on many things, from the appearance fee to the overseas copyright guarantee, before making a unilateral decision. 

Just then, Kim Seong-hwan, the CEO, entered the office.

Young-uk, have you been waiting long?

Kim Seong-hwan, the CEO, is a busy man these days. Hes not satisfied with the feat of breaking 5 million with the movie The Priests Confession, and the actors of Songwon Entertainment are all acting like fish in water on the screen and the brown tube.

One of them is actress Park Soo-young. 

She also nagged Young-uk, and after finishing the movie shooting, she immediately entered the weekend drama shooting, and it was a hit. 

She played a clumsy character, different from her usual cold image, and it worked out well.

No, sir. But why did you suddenly ask me to see you?

The talk about the advertisement and the next work was already postponed to after the college entrance exam in November. 

So Young-uk was studying hard these days, except for occasional interviews.

Well, theres something I want to offer you, Young-uk. Have you ever heard of Star Docu?

Star Docu.

Of course, he knew it. 

Even though Young-uk was not interested in entertainment programs, he had heard of it at least once. 

It was a documentary that reflected the publics demand to know the private lives of top stars.

It was so popular that it was originally produced as a pilot for the holidays, but it achieved the feat of being regularly scheduled on the weekend golden time. 

Even now, its popularity is increasing day by day, and its a program that every rookie dreams of.

***

As the producer of KBSs entertainment program Star Documentary, Jeong Seon-ah could not contain her excitement. 

She was in charge of a popular show, but she had a secret that she could not tell anyone. 

She had a crush on Jang Young-guk, an actor who was out of her reach, even though she saw many stars up close in her job.

People have to live hard. I cant believe this day has finally come.

She had been a die-hard fan of Young-guk since his debut drama Youth. 

She had seen his plays and even his Priest Confession three times. 

She had tried hard to cast him for her show.

The program was about the private lives of top stars, so

Doesnt Star Documentary feature Jang Young-guk?

She had received many inquiries from the viewers, but the biggest reason was her own fan heart. 

She would have been over the moon if it was Ji-sung.

Producer Jeong, lets go together.

Of course. Ive been looking forward to this day. And I cant wait if you go alone. Ill be worried.

Ha, you usually send me alone. You sent me alone when I filmed the national soccer player Kim Hyung-gyu last time. You said it was hard to run around the stadium. Do you know how much I suffered then? I still have a lump in my calf and it hurts when I walk.

That was different. Stop nagging and tell me how I look today.

You look like youre going to an award ceremony. Why dont you wear a white tee and jeans as usual? Why a blouse? And whats with the skirt? If you want to match, match your shoes too. Wear heels or flats, not sneakers.

Thats because I got up early and rushed out, without thinking as usual. Is it too weird?

Its better this way, the filming location is a school today. The kids these days eat well and are so energetic. If you wear shoes, you wont be able to keep up, let alone sprain your ankle.

The filming site was a school, as the VJ said. Young-guks school, Sehwa High School, made her nostalgic for her school days. 

From the dusty playground where the boys ran around, to the girls who chatted in groups. 

And among them was Young-guk.

Hes doing well at school, isnt he?

It was common for those who had been acting since childhood to have poor relationships with their classmates.

It was understandable, since they couldnt spend their school days properly due to their busy schedules, and they didnt see their peers as anything but children after experiencing social life.

Moreover, Young-guk was a youth star who belonged to the top tier. 

She thought he would be awkward with his friends, but he was playing soccer with them like a normal high school student.

The ball caught by Young-guks toe flew like an arrow and shook the net. Then Young-guk picked up the ball and left the stunned goalkeeper behind, shouting at the other team.

Hey, Class 8, we won the bet, so go to the snack bar and buy us some drinks.

Young-guk, youre doing well in the movie, arent you? Youre eating too much. Where do you win every time? That kid looks like a soccer player, not an actor.

Hey, dont you know what they say, a man of many talents? And do you think money grows on trees? Were thirsty, so hurry up and buy us some.

Watching him drink with his friends, Producer Jeong felt that Young-guk was nothing but a high school student. He had a thousand faces on the screen and the screen, but somehow this one was also charming.

Hes also very good at studying, right?

After lunchtime, the VJ who was filming Young-guks school life opened his eyes wide. 

As he said, Young-guk was a top student in his class. 

When a difficult problem came up, some students would ask him. It looked so natural that it didnt seem like a one-time thing. 

Moreover.

Is Jang Young-guk a good student?

Young-guk? Hes more than good. His mock test scores are excellent nationwide, and hes been the first in his grade since his freshman year. Hes a monster, a monster. He never loses his first place, even though he misses school days because of his acting. His homeroom teacher is having a headache now.

Why?

Isnt that obvious? With that kind of grades, he should go to Korea University Law School or Business School. But hes already successful as an actor, so what can he do? He makes me wonder if this is the time to use the word all-rounder. By the way, does my face look good on that camera? I heard they were filming at the station today, so I tried to care a little.

The teachers in the staff room also praised him in the interview. 

She knew he was good at studying, but she didnt know he was this good.

What the hell.

There is a saying that some people are like onions. 

In Young-guks case, he was an onion in a good way. 

The more you peeled off his layers, the more amazing things you would discover. 

The VJs hand camera captured Young-guks image as he sat in the classroom and studied.

Is he even human?

****

To Young-guks 7 million viewers!

A small party was held at grandfathers mansion. 

A few days ago, the movie The Priests Confession had achieved the feat of attracting 7 million viewers nationwide. 

Of course, there were not many attendees. Grandfather and uncle, and Kim Hyung-seop, the senior actor who had filmed The Priests Confession with him. 

The celebration party with the movie crew was scheduled separately, so today they wanted to enjoy the happiness with them.

As someone who has seen Young-guk since he was a snot-nosed kid, let me tell you, he was a real gem even back then.

Uncle, technically speaking, he wasnt a snot-nosed kid. He was fourteen when you met him.

Hey, if uncle says so, then it is so, you brat. You talk too much. But Ill let it slide because youre pretty. Ooh, this lucky guy, I knew someday you would make it big. 7 million people in Korea, for a domestic movie, no less. And a rated-R movie at that. Hehehe.

Uncle looked very happy. Grandfather and Kim senior were the same. 

They settled on the spacious floor and drank under the moonlight. 

Of course, I had to substitute with soda because I was still a minor.

How much time had passed? 

They were already tipsy, having emptied several bottles of soju.

Young-guk, come here. Let me hug the 7 million actor. I want to get some of your luck.

Ew, gross. Uncle, and please shave. You look like you just came down from the mountains.

Hyung-seop, did you see that? This kid is taller than me now and he talks back to me. Right, Hyung-seop?

An Hyung, dont be like that and listen to Young-guk. You havent cranked in yet and youre growing a beard like that. Im surprised every time I see you, hyung. You look like my future self. Ugh, you should get married soon. Im scared Ill end up like you if I dont.

This kid. You think I didnt get married because I couldnt? Theres a match for every shoe, they say, but my match hasnt shown up yet.

Jung-hyun, youre turning 60 the day after tomorrow, and if your match hasnt shown up yet, maybe you missed it in this life?

No, hyung, dont say that.

They all burst into laughter. And the VJ was filming this whole scene. 

The reason I decided to appear on the star documentary was nothing special. 

First of all, it was a documentary format, so unlike regular variety shows, I could be free and show myself as I am. And as the PD Jung-seon-ah asked me before.

-Young-guk, why did you decide to appear on the star documentary?

-Of course.

It was because of the fans. 

The media was showing my face every day because of The Priests Confession, but it was hard to see me on the TV screen. 

The fan club even contacted the agency. 

They asked if I wasnt getting any offers from the broadcasting stations. 

That was proof that there were many people waiting for me.

-For the fans.

***

Syndrome.

The movie The Priests Confession recorded an unbelievable number of 7 million viewers nationwide in just over a month of its release. 

It was expected since it surpassed 5 million viewers in 19 days of its opening, but the movie industry and the broadcasting world were in an uproar. 

After all, it was the first domestic movie to break through 7 million viewers.

This kind of social phenomenon is called a syndrome. Who would have thought that South Korea, which was called a barren land for the movie industry, would have a phenomenon of 7 million viewers. And thats despite being rated-R, not suitable for young audiences. What do you think, Director Choi?

The Priests Confession was also a hot topic on the live talk show that dealt with current affairs and social issues. 

Famous domestic movie directors, national actors, and renowned critics gathered and talked.

There is a saying in Chungmuro. If youre going to make a rated-R movie, go all the way to adult material. There is a saying that the indicator of the reservation rate comes from the wallets of adults, but ironically, rated-R movies dont get much response. Its not a Hollywood movie, and if you make a rated-R movie in South Korea, youll end up with a flop.

Most people think of them as adult movies. Thats why most of them try to find editing points in Chungmuro and compromise for a 15+ rating."

So you mean the movies that were originally made as rated-R movies are also cut down to pass the 15+ rating review?

Thats right. In vulgar terms, its called scissoring. They have to do that to break even. The distributors also schedule the rated-R movies for early morning or late night. They think they wont get their moneys worth if they assign them to prime time. In that sense, The Priests Confession is causing a huge paradigm shift not only in the Korean film industry but also in Chungmuro.

Paradigm shift.

It means the freedom of creation has expanded. As the host just said, who would have expected that a rated-R movie would break the record of 7 million viewers for the first time in Korea. Chungmuro is already eager to cast an actor named Jang Young-guk. The broadcasting industry is the same. How do you see Jang Young-guk, a rookie actor in the same position as you, Mr. Ahn Jung-hyun?

Ahn Jung-hyun is wearing a suit that cant be found in Director Baek Jang-hoons mansion. His expression is so stern. He shows his dignity as a national actor. In fact, he is famous for not showing his face on general broadcasting programs except for movies or dramas.

He was going to refuse the talk show offer at first, but he changed his mind when he heard that Young-guk was involved. 

Ahn Jung-hyun fixes his clothes and makes a serious expression as he answers the question.

When I hear the three letters of Jang Young-guks name, I think of four years ago. He was a kid who showed off his short height, buzz cut, and sunburnt skin in a waist dance. I cant forget him because he made a noisy appearance on a bongo (porter) at the Busan International Film Festival. He was such a cute guy, but he swept the theater festival after becoming the nations first love, and now he has conquered the movies. He has so many nicknames that he is called by all kinds of adjectives. Im afraid he might take my title away.

The PD in the corner of the studio opens his eyes wide. 

There is a guideline for the Q&A session even if it is a talk show. But the words that came out of Ahn Jung-hyuns mouth were far beyond the guideline. 

At that moment, the host cuts him off as if he read the PDs mind.

Mr. Ahn, what do you think about the fact that The Priests Confession, starring Jang Young-guk, has surpassed 7 million viewers nationwide?

What can I say, Im dying of stomachache. I heard the break-even point was about a million, but how many times is it now, how many times.

Excuse me?

I mean, Im going to get a gift from my Jang actor, no, Young-guk when I meet him. You may not know this, but Ive been taking care of Young-guk without him knowing. He doesnt even know that Ive been secretly helping him since he was a snotty kid, and he scolds me every time I see him. But hes very nice and polite to the adults. I would have marked him as my daughters potential husband if I had one Thats a pity. Oh, by the way, lets cut the snotty part.

Ahn Jung-hyun raises his hand and makes a scissors gesture. 

The PD covers his face with his hand. 

The writers are the same. 

Arent they speechless? Where is the editing in the live talk show?

At that moment.

At Director Baek Jang-hoons mansion, Star Docu PD Jung Seon-ah and VJ are watching the live talk show together. 

They cant close their mouths. It was a clear broadcast accident. Young-guk covers his face with his long finger.

Jung-hyun, that guy is still not sober.

At that moment, Director Baek Jang-hoon, who was watching TV, bursts into a chuckle. 

He had a drink with him last night, so his nose is still strawberry-like. 

Ahn Jung-hyun on the screen also has a faint pink hue on his nose, probably because of the makeup. But the talk show ends warmly.

-I would be lying if I said I didnt covet the title of the first 10 million actor as a Korean actor. But I think The Priests Confession deserves that honor. It was one of the best movies Ive ever seen in the theater. So. Please help our Young-guk become a 10 million actor! Theres not much left! Go go go! Jang Young-guk fighting!