Chapter 14: An Incredible Supporting Actor
Suddenly, the director recalled something his professor had said during his college days.
“What do you think is the premise of a work that moves people?”
Countless answers poured in.
Good storytelling, essential love, expression of emotions, the author’s intent, and so on.
But the professor’s answer was unexpected.
“Everyone has valid points, but all those things also require ‘harmony’ to flourish. That’s crucial in works, especially in visual arts like what we’re doing. No matter how well an actor performs, if it doesn’t align with the direction, will it reach the audience? Conversely, no matter how good the direction is, if there’s no cohesion among the actors?”
“It might leave an impression, but it won’t move people.”
The director, recalling the professor’s words, couldn’t take his eyes off the screen.
Clearly, Muyoung was delivering an exceptional performance, one that was hard to believe came from a rookie.
But whenever he was in the same shot with Enbin……
“Something happened?”
“Nothing much. That’s what makes it harder.”
The energy faded.
No, to be precise, it felt like he was supporting Enbin.
The explosively radiating presence didn’t overpower the other actor but instead made him stand out.
“What should I call this?”
Honestly, Enbin’s acting couldn’t be called great. It had improved a lot since the reading, but there were still many shortcomings.
“Left alone, he’d be decent enough to watch.”
But the moment there’s someone to compare with, flaws and weaknesses become more pronounced.
Especially if the other person is someone who seems to ‘have it,’ but Muyoung was different.
When they were in the same shot, it was strangely……
“Yeah, it’s strange.”
“You felt it too, director?”
“It’s weird. I can’t quite put my finger on it……”
“Is it because Enbin is close to Muyoung? He looks a lot more comfortable when he’s alone with him. Maybe that’s why the atmosphere is different?”
He was lowering his energy to match the frequency of the other actor, clearly maintaining the boundaries and roles between the lead and the supporting actor.
“Huh!”
The director, at a loss for words, continued to stare at the viewfinder.
He had met many actors and aspiring actors, but this was a first.
A talent that was literally unheard of.
“I’ll reshoot Muyoung’s part only.”
“Yes.”
That way, he supported the lead, but when his own close-up came, he transformed into a predator again.
As if he was about to devour the camera. His gaze, capable of drawing in the unspecified masses beyond the lens.
“Wow, Muyoung. Your expression is great. Let’s go a bit more calmly there, without crying.”
“Yes, I understand.”
He never took the director’s requests lightly.
The control over the intensity of his presence and aura was almost insane.
It was that gap that made the staff unanimously remark how strange it was.
The director just smiled while fiddling with the script.
“If this goes well, I might be in charge of an incredible actor’s first work.”
Whether it would become a future glory or just a topic for a drinking session was uncertain.
But whatever it was, it was definitely a special experience for him too.
“Director, are you okay?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. He’s doing well.”
Muyoung adjusted his clothes and smiled brightly.
Then he whispered to Enbin sitting across from him,
“Did you hear that? They say we did really well.”
“You didn’t hear him exaggerate that much.”
“But, Bin, when you delivered that line earlier—”
“Which part?”
“The part where you gave the fish cake broth and told me to drink it.”
Chatting away, the two were like close friends.
Did Enbin, his counterpart, even realize it?
That he had survived without being devoured by Muyoung. Probably he didn’t have enough skill to realize that.
“The way you cut off there was a bit strange. If stretching your arm is uncomfortable, should I take it instead?”
Moreover, Muyoung was pointing out the details and coaching his acting.
After editing, Enbin could also expect some positive comments about his improved acting skills.
“Hey, Muyoung.”
“Yes?”
Unable to contain his curiosity, the director called him.
Not only was he talented in acting, but he was also good-looking.
It was a mystery why he had only appeared on the acting scene now.
Surely, people around him wouldn’t have left him alone?
“How long have you been acting, you said?”
“Um, I’m not sure. About three or four months, I think.”
“Did you go to an academy?”
At his question, Muyoung’s eyes sparkled.
As if he had been waiting for it.
“Yes! BV Academy!”
“BV? Is it famous?”
“Ha-ha. No, but it’s a small, elite class, so they teach very well. The principal is also passionate. Oh! He doesn’t have money, but he does have recognition.”
Muyoung promoted BV loudly, determined to be a child who repays kindness, as he had vowed while eating meat. At Muyoung’s words, Enbin picked up some tteokbokki and asked,
“Anyone famous from there?”
“Famous? Me.”
“You? Just you?”
“There’s also a guy who’s going to be in an MBV drama this time. Kang Bora.”
So he did go to an academy.
The director interrupted, cutting off their conversation.
“Then, did you learn this there too, by any chance?”
“This? What do you mean?”
“You know, like the chemistry with the other actor. That kind of thing.”
He couldn’t outright say it was about controlling presence.
Enbin was munching on some snacks with his eyes wide open. After a moment of hesitation, Muyoung shook his head.
“Not really…… Do you learn how to breathe separately?”
If there was a class, he should tell the principal right away, Muyoung thought, asking again. But the director waved his hands.
“No, I was just saying that because the chemistry is so good.”
It’s not something you can learn by studying, nor is it something someone can teach you.
It’s just something you have to be born with.
“He’s a genius.”
Muyoung smiled happily at the director’s compliment.
Praise makes even whales dance. Enbin had no reason to refuse it either.
“Director, the line I delivered earlier when I handed over the broth.”
“Oh. Yes.”
“Can I do that again? With Muyoung receiving it.”
It was something he had put aside. Because of his deal with Muyoung, he had pretended to be sincere, but somehow it had become genuinely sincere. He had been influenced by the good atmosphere on set.
“It felt awkward when I stood up to do it.”
“Then do it comfortably.”
Seeing Enbin’s earnest attitude, the staff at Square Film and the crew were also able to raise their energy levels. Opinions continued to be exchanged for the sake of creating a better video.
“Okay, let’s continue!”
After things were more or less wrapped up, the assistant director signaled for the shooting to resume.
Muyoung and Enbin looked at each other again and focused.
All the lights except the main one were turned off.
[#36. Inside the Pocha]
Jungsu, who had been listening to a student customer’s complaints, rustled a bag and took out some spicy chicken ramen and a drink. This is a PPL. Then he gave a light wink to the confused student customer.
“When it comes to stress, nothing beats something spicy.”
“Are you giving me that?”
“You wanted to eat what adults eat, right? What’s there to it? It’s just flour with spicy flavor. Oh, of course, it would be nice to have a drink too, but since it’s our first opening today, we can’t close, right?”
Saying that, Enbin started cooking some spicy bulgogi tteokbokki. Muyoung, who had been blankly watching him, swallowed his saliva.
“Add a half-cooked egg here. And some tuna too.”
“We’ll add the post-recording later.”
“The sound of mixing the noodles?”
“And a close-up of the bowl!”
Just like in the story, it was very late at night in reality too.
Looking at the food in front of him, Muyoung smiled. His expression was so natural that it was hard to tell whether he was acting or not.
“I’ll eat well.”
Soon, he gently loosened the noodles with his chopsticks, letting them soak up plenty of tteokbokki broth. The half-cooked egg was exquisite. He picked it up all at once and opened his mouth wide.
Slurp-
The so-called noodle slurping! The sound of Muyoung eating deliciously filled the quiet set.
At that moment, a staff member whispered to the director,
“Director, he can’t eat that much, can he?”
They needed to shoot this from multiple angles……
But he was eating so appetizingly that the director couldn’t bring himself to cut it.
This is why people watch eating shows. This feeling of contentment just from watching.
“Let’s just go with a long take.”
Enbin, the pocha owner, also smiled as he watched Muyoung.
A long take was only about two to three minutes. Compared to the total video length, it was long, but Muyoung’s eating scene was so enjoyable to watch that it seemed a shame to cut it.
About halfway through,
“Whoa— Ah! It’s so spicy!”
Muyoung stuck out his tingling tongue and twisted his body as if he was going crazy.
At that moment, Enbin improvised without realizing it,
“Does it help relieve some stress?”
Just like a real pocha owner.
After downing the drink in one go, Muyoung wiped his moist eyes. It was hard to tell if he was crying because it was spicy or because his stomach hurt.
But one thing was certain—his smile.
“It’s completely unblocked.”
“Okay— Cut!”
Even after the cut signal, Muyoung continued to flick his tongue. The staff burst into laughter at the sight.
“Director, are you going to use that take just now?”
The director checked the cut and asked.
“It should be fine. Just in case, get a close-up of the left and right sides and the ramen. Since Muyoung would probably die if he ate twice, make it a fake.”
They could decide while editing. Since it was a food PPL, it would be okay to make it longer……
Muyoung sobbed as he gulped down the drink.
“This is a lot spicier than usual, isn’t it?”
“Oh. Uh-huh. The tteokbokki itself is a bit spicy.”
“But Bin ate it just fine!”
“I can eat spicy food well originally.”
“Waaaaah!”
Muyoung, stomping his feet, ran around the set. The staff left him alone and started filming the food preparation scene and the PPL shots separately.
And some time later.
“Muyoung-ah!”
“Yes!”
His mouth was red from the sauce, and his makeup was smudged with tears. Muyoung, who was getting his makeup touched up in a corner, raised his hand. He seemed to be back to his normal self now.
“Let’s go for the last scene!”
“Yes! I’m going!”
The clock pointed to two in the morning.
The filming, which had started at ten in the morning with the first setup, was finally coming to an end.
“I ate well.”
“Was it okay?”
“Yes, it was really good. Boss.”
With a much refreshed expression, Muyoung thanked Enbin and left a greeting. Then, unlike before, he walked vigorously toward the end of the alley.
Muyoung stepped out of the set.
Soon, the director’s loud voice echoed.
“Ooh-kay— Cut!”
“Good job!”
“You worked hard!”
“Good job, Enbin!”
The staff warmly applauded each other as they finished up. Enbin also took off his apron and approached Muyoung.
“Ha Muyoung.”
“Ah! It’s over! I’m going to sleep well.”
Muyoung still had some personal shooting left—a scene recalling what happened at school. But his work with Enbin was over for today.
“Good work.”
“You too.”
“Don’t forget about our deal.”
“Of course. Keep up the good work with the shooting.”
When the first episode of ‘Late Night Pocha’ was uploaded, Muyoung was going to tell Enbin about the conversation with the stalker.
It would probably take about two weeks.
Enbin hesitated for a moment, then reached out his hand to Muyoung.
“Let’s grab some food.”
For some reason, he felt both relieved and sad.
He would stay, but Muyoung would leave. A character he had never met in his showbiz life.
Enbin had grown fond of him in no time.
“Sure, but you’re paying, right?”
“What the—”
“Haha! The rich kid should pay!”
Saying that, Muyoung shook Enbin’s hand firmly.
His first celebrity friend!
And his first completed shoot!
The team leader waved from afar, as if calling him over. In his hand was a white envelope.
“My first paycheck!”
Unable to contain his joy, Muyoung jumped towards him.