Chapter: 99
—
Sometimes, during the filming of a drama, the script gets replaced.
And there are various reasons for that.
For instance, when viewer reactions are overwhelmingly negative, urgent revisions must be made.
Or, if a writer leaves or is replaced during the course of the drama.
It might also happen when the speed of writing can’t keep up with the filming pace.
Naturally, the prepared script is often outdated, meaning the newly revised script might even arrive on the day of filming.
“Is this even right?”
“…….”
The expressions of the idol actor, Ma Yeon-woo, Chae Na-hee, and Aiden turned complicated.
At least Chae Na-hee had acting experience, but for the rest, this was their first acting challenge.
But was Chae Na-hee’s situation any better? Not particularly.
‘This is my first time with a revised script….’
She was already beginning to feel down.
Well, the one taking the most heat in Dream Future was none other than Song So-ha.
In other words, that was the role Chae Na-hee had taken on.
‘Because of me, Jo Ha-rin’s screen time keeps getting cut down.’
Of course, Director Kim Pil-seok would say that the script was revised due to the personal ambitions of writer Im Jin-ha, but there were parts that were hard to accept with just that explanation.
Even if it wasn’t purely selfish motives, the script was clearly updated.
Jo Ha-rin, who had less screen time, was mentioned as much as Song So-ha in community discussions.
That was quite an indication of their fairly equal presence.
This meant that the role of Song So-ha, played by Chae Na-hee, had low significance.
“…….”
As the leading lady driving the drama, this wasn’t a good sign.
Director Kim Pil-seok was also increasing the demands placed on Chae Na-hee.
Even if Jo Ha-rin’s role increased here and gained popularity, the star of this drama was ultimately Song So-ha.
If Song So-ha doesn’t find her footing, the drama is as good as dead.
‘That’s a troubled face you got there.’
When the hastily revised script was handed out, the actors’ expressions became generally gloomy.
The only ones remaining calm were two:
Park Jung-woo and Joo Su-yeon.
Especially Park Jung-woo, a veteran with over ten years of experience since being a child actor.
Of course, calling someone in their early twenties a veteran is a bit silly, but that was the reality.
‘That kid certainly doesn’t look like they just returned to acting after a decade.’
Suddenly, her screen time increased.
While that could inherently come with pressure, Su-yeon showed no visible signs of stress.
Even the sudden increase in lines didn’t seem to faze her at all.
Instead.
‘Why on earth has Jo Ha-rin’s share increased so much?’
Ma Yeon-woo’s face paled as he checked the script.
Since nearly injuring himself during an arm-wrestling match, he had become more restrained around Su-yeon, but lately, that demeanor had been improving.
‘Putting aside nearly breaking my arm, he’s not that ferocious of a guy, I suppose.’
After realizing that, he started getting friendly, calling her by her name on set.
Su-yeon didn’t seem to mind either.
But then, two days ago, after watching The Chaser with the members of Just X,
“Wow, that’s her?”
“That’s the girl shooting with Yeon-woo this time.”
“Is it really the same person? Wow, I’m glad we didn’t mess with her back then.”
The members of Just X uttered remarks like that while looking at Ma Yeon-woo.
And Ma Yeon-woo also understood what they were trying to convey.
Generally, it was a sympathetic gaze.
‘……It’s just acting anyway.’
He tried to think that way, but the character of Chae Seo-ah left quite an impression that was hard to shake off.
Those red eyes shining in the rain.
The fire axe held tight in hand.
The beastly figure charging forward, screeching while fighting the last policeman.
It overlapped chillingly with the image of Su-yeon breaking her own arm.
“……”
Even if he knew it wasn’t true, that’s how powerful an image can be.
But up until now, that was fine.
In Dream Future, Jo Ha-rin didn’t have a big role.
Even when they crossed paths on set, Su-yeon would only slightly nod her head in greeting.
They didn’t particularly engage in much dialogue, so there wasn’t any pressure there.
Surely, it had been like that up till today.
“Uh, Senior Park? Is this normal? Can the script really be changed so abruptly like this?”
In fact, Ma Yeon-woo was four years older than Park Jung-woo.
At just twenty-four.
Among Just X, he was the second oldest.
But since they were all actors, he tended to call him ‘senior’ with an air of casual friendliness.
“It happens quite often.”
“Is that so?”
“What seems to be the problem?”
When Park Jung-woo asked that in his even tone, Ma Yeon-woo swallowed hard.
While he’s technically a popular idol and has seen countless handsome boys and girls, Park Jung-woo particularly stood out.
There’s a saying that no matter how good-looking an idol is, their shine fades next to an actor.
Ma Yeon-woo didn’t outright agree with that, but Park Jung-woo seemed to fit that narrative to a degree.
His looks were striking, but he had an aura that made anyone hesitant to approach.
Much like what Su-yeon possessed.
In that regard, Ma Yeon-woo cast a glance of sympathy toward Park Jung-woo.
‘……It must be intimidating.’
The sudden script changes are tough for the actors.
And when that happens to an idol making their acting debut, it could be even worse.
Especially when their counterpart is Su-yeon.
‘That guy excels at acting like it’s no big deal.’
Park Jung-woo had watched The Chaser.
His reaction to it was something like,
‘Wow, she could pull off something like this after all.’
Admiration and awe.
Honestly, it was miles ahead of Jo Ha-rin’s performance.
Stunning sync and sharp emotions that reached beyond the screen.
A standard that actors should aspire to reach.
Su-yeon’s portrayal of Chae Seo-ah was that impressive.
Even Park Jung-woo’s father, actor Park Seon-woong, commented,
“I knew Su-yeon was a good actress, but Chae Seo-ah was on another level.”
“……Another level?”
“You must have felt it too. Su-yeon’s known for her method acting, so to speak. But Chae Seo-ah was different.”
Truthfully, since her return to acting, Su-yeon hadn’t really engaged in method acting.
There wasn’t a role pressing enough to necessitate that level of immersion, and she wasn’t in a position to do so.
She had managed things fine with the acting skills she honed over ten years.
But Chae Seo-ah was different.
‘It was practically her.’
One could almost say it was her being herself.
It was so raw it didn’t even feel like acting.
If that was how Park Jung-woo felt, it’s likely the audience felt even more directly impacted.
Chae Seo-ah may have significant screen time in the movie, but surprisingly, her appearances were limited.
Just in brief intervals when the murder incident unfolded.
And during a scene showcasing her part-time job.
Each time the police detectives tracked Chae Seo-ah’s traces, they showed short flashback moments.
That was basically it, yet it stirred up quite a buzz.
Typically, the term ‘ten million star’ applies to lead roles in featured films.
But no one hesitated to label Su-yeon, who took on the role of Chae Seo-ah, as a ‘ten million star’ for this reason.
‘……Could it actually be she suffers from such a condition?’
The emotional expression dysfunction, was it?
The understanding she conveyed was outright ridiculous.
The fear one might feel just from acting it out was palpable.
The discomfort.
The bizarre feeling of being human yet not fully human.
Park Jung-woo momentarily found himself wondering if Su-yeon might actually be suffering from that illness.
Even Jo Seo-hee, who watched the movie together, appeared deeply unsettled.
“I definitely need to visit her later, I need to see with my own eyes.”
She left that dramatically after saying so.
‘But were we close enough for her to worry this much?’
He didn’t particularly feel that way, but for some reason, Jo Seo-hee seemed to hold a special camaraderie with Su-yeon.
The reason remained a mystery, but anyway.
‘……She can’t possibly be suffering from such an illness.’
It was evident from how Su-yeon behaved while following along in Survival Without People.
Su-yeon was more emotional and sensitive than anyone.
It’s just that it took some time for that to come out.
Thus, Jung-woo didn’t believe Su-yeon was struggling with any serious issues.
On the contrary, her performance, which suggested otherwise, ignited his competitive spirit.
“You really don’t need to feel too pressured by Seoyeon’s acting. She’ll adjust perfectly to it.”
Anyway, Park Jung-woo thought that Ma Yeon-woo’s unease stemmed from Su-yeon’s impressive acting skills.
Though he was decent for an idol, Ma Yeon-woo had spent a lot of time being criticized for ‘bad acting’.
‘No, that’s not it.’
Ma Yeon-woo gave up on clarifying further to Park Jung-woo.
After all, it would be awkward to express that he found it hard to act due to fear of his female co-star.
“Uh, Park Jung-woo sunbaenim!”
At that moment, a small-built woman rushed towards him.
It was Min Se-hee, the newly appointed drama writer.
“Yes?”
“Uh, do you happen to know where Joo Su-yeon is?”
“Oh, she’s over there. …But is there something wrong?”
“No! I just need to explain some things since her role has changed the most.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Thank you!!”
As Min Se-hee bowed her head and attempted to leave, Park Jung-woo recalled the script again.
‘She’s going to explain the revised script, I guess.’
Her screen time has increased.
And along with that, there’s undoubtedly a love line now.
With Ma Yeon-woo.
So, there must be a lot to discuss regarding that.
“…….”
Park Jung-woo briefly stroked his chin with his thumb.
A love line… which should have naturally been included from the start.
But, until now, parts like that had been cut due to reduced significance.
‘Could it be that he was reluctant to give Ma Yeon-woo a love line with Su-yeon?’
That might not be the case.
It’s more likely that with the cut scenes, that was about the only thing that could’ve been removed.
An increase in the love line inevitably means an increase in the associated narrative.
And since he had inserted a love line with another actor aside from Ma Yeon-woo, it wasn’t something he could outright dismiss as being dislike.
‘……But.’
Park Jung-woo’s expression turned serious.
Su-yeon’s acting thus far.
And the revised script.
Comparing the emotions and her portrayal seen back in the deserted island with this script…
“Writer Min Se-hee.”
“Yes?”
He stopped Min Se-hee, who was about to turn her back.
“I want to ask a bit about the script.”
“What?!”
With Park Jung-woo’s sudden serious inquiry, Min Se-hee froze.
That’s usually when very troublesome matters arise.
—
Seeing the revised script, Su-yeon’s eyes widened.
The existing plot of Dream Future was clear in her mind.
She was already aware of how Dream Future would succeed.
‘Surely, Dream Future would see its ratings drop until episode seven, after which it’ll start gaining traction.’
That fluctuation in ratings was almost identical to her previous life.
The only notably high rating came from the first episode, where Su-yeon shined spectacularly.
With her outstanding performance, Dream Future recorded a whopping 15 percent, while in her past life, the first episode barely managed 7 percent.
They doubled that in the first episode, and despite gradually declining after that, they still remained higher than in her previous life.
Given the usual course, after that, Dream Future would begin trending upwards starting from episode seven, ultimately wrapping up with a 20 percent rating.
Jo Ha-rin wouldn’t benefit much from this trend as her significance diminished around that seventh episode, but Su-yeon would still be fine.
Episodes beyond eight typically belonged to the latter half of the drama, making love lines become more pronounced.
However, wouldn’t Jo Ha-rin’s decreasing significance mean no chance for her?!
But right now?
‘Jo Ha-rin is definitely getting more involved with Park Min-yul.’
Park Min-yul, the character played by Ma Yeon-woo.
Sure enough, her significance rose greatly, proving Su-yeon’s popularity.
And following the spike in screen time post-episode seven, it meant the romantic parts have increased significantly.
‘Can I really pull this off?’
Honestly, she felt insecure.
Given that she couldn’t even fully empathize with the essence of those emotions.
“Su-Su-yeon, Joo Su-yeon!!”
There was a loud clattering sound as Min Se-hee ran towards her.
Alongside her was Director Kim Pil-seok.
They were likely there for acting guidance before the upcoming filming began.
“Um, can I adjust a few lines in the script?”
“Yes?”
A few adjusted lines were finalized.
Fresh down-to-earth acting guidance.
And so, the first shoot of Dream Future after the main writer’s replacement commenced.
And.
“Dream Future… will it be alright this week? I just hope it doesn’t drop further.”
The KMB drama department staff shared such worries, feeling uneasy about the current state of affairs.
The drama that had started with a respectable 15 percent had recently been on a downward spiral.
As a result, the drama airing concurrently on MDC was practically reveling in the joy of high ratings.
“I heard they switched writers.”
“Do you think that will lead to dramatic improvement?”
“Not likely. Normally, it doesn’t.”
Changing the writer tends to be more of a curse than a blessing.
The hastily revised script ultimately has to be subpar.
Seeing viewer reactions on chat windows during live broadcasts was entertaining before, but now, it was quite daunting.
“Still, we need to check viewership ratings. Has it been about 20 minutes since it started? What is it?”
For sure, the initial ratings seemed on par with before. Ten minutes ago, it had looked similar.
So they expected no major changes now.
“Uh, it’s 14 percent.”
“Okay, 14 percent… huh?”
14 percent,
That number was exceptionally close to the first episode’s peak viewership.
“Quickly inform the producer! Now!!”
“Yes!!”
He hurriedly skimmed through the live chat for Dream Future.
He needed to find out what had transpired in just those ten minutes.
You may also like Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy
