Ad lib.
Not all directors welcome ad lib. Sometimes, a short line of dialogue can unexpectedly disrupt the world within the script and the immersion of the character, much like how it’s not the large rock but the small pebble that trips you over.
Director Shin Seonghyeon was no exception. He was notorious for disliking unprepared ad libs. However,
“Wasn’t it a fantastic scene?”
The assistant director, Kim Seokcheol, couldn’t disagree. Wasn’t it a scene that perfectly contrasted Mattew (Jang Yeongguk) and James (Kim Hyeongseop)? The spontaneous scene penetrated their differing views on sin.
“Director, you’re going to keep this scene, right?”
Kim Seokcheol, the assistant director and scripter, asked. It was definitely a different ending from the continuity. However, it fit as if the scene was original. It was a given. He might dislike ad libs, but he couldn’t possibly throw away a great scene like this.
Director Shin Seonghyeon stood up from his place and headed toward actor Kim Hyeongseop. He had something to ask him.
“Kim Hyeong, what was that? What would have happened if we had mistakenly called NG? This kind of ad lib isn’t bad, but next time, warn us so we don’t get flustered.”
Shin Seonghyeon and Kim Hyeongseop were university alumni. In reality, it would be difficult for a virtually unknown director like Shin Seonghyeon to cast a popular actor like Kim Hyeongseop in a commercial film. However, they had been burning with a shared passion for film since their university days. After endless persuasion, which was like moving heaven and earth, he finally succeeded in casting him.
Then, Actor Kim Hyeongseop licked his dry lips.
“Well, I didn’t know.”
Of course, actor Kim Hyeongseop hadn’t even expected the ad lib to succeed. After all, the direction was sudden. A stray cat happened to walk by, and he merely threw a question at it, not expecting an answer.
Yet.
The young actor caught the ad lib smoothly as if he had foreseen the whole situation. What’s more, his profound dialogue could be said to penetrate the script. Because of this, Kim Hyeongseop felt his whole body tense without realizing it.
Was I overwhelmed?
How long has it been since he felt such emotions? Sometimes when actors recite their lines to each other, a chemical reaction seems to occur, sparks fly. In particular, when standing in front of a great actor, one can feel the expression “overwhelming” come to life.
Despite it being a short line, there were countless times when he was overwhelmed by the aura and couldn’t respond. The middle-aged Kim Hyeongseop also had this experience frequently in his rookie days. They used to call it ‘got beaten up’. It means losing in a fight of spirits between actors.
“Kim Hyeong, what are you talking about?”
“It’s exactly as I said. It wasn’t the scene I thought of. Sure, I started it, but I couldn’t lead it all. If anything, I was the one caught off guard.”
Kim Hyeongseop turned his gaze toward the source of the noisy chatter.
The rookie actor (Jang Yeongguk) who had given him a sense of tension and his manager were having a heated conversation. Director Shin Seonghyeon also seemed to finally notice Kim Hyeongseop’s gaze.
The fact that the brilliant scene created by a moment of wit was not the work of middle-aged actor Kim Hyeongseop, but the work of rookie actor Jang Yeongguk. At that moment, Actor Kim Hyeongseop showed a faint smile and added.
“Man, where did such a monster come from?”
* * *
The schoolyard at lunchtime was bustling. It should be getting chilly with the arrival of fall, but the students running around the sports field were bumping into each other in short sleeves. A fierce mental battle was taking place around the soccer ball.
Then, the ball got caught at Yeongguk’s feet. Despite his tall height, which would have hinder his progress, he skillfully dodged the defenders and made a run for it. The ball released from Yeongguk’s feet undoubtedly shook the net, and at that moment, the boys all rushed to Yeongguk and cheered.
Really nice.
Now he could understand why CEO Kim Seonghwan told him to relive his school life. The fatigue accumulated on the filming set disappeared at once, and he regained his vitality intertwined with the energy of the schoolyard.
At the faucet in a corner of the sports field, they all rinsed off their sweaty bodies and quenched their parched throats. The boys’ faces were full of smiles. After all, wasn’t it an age when it’s okay to roll in the dirt?
It was then.
“Sunbae!”
Yeongguk wiped his faucet-wet face with his long fingers and lifts his head. They were his juniors who had been watching the soccer match seated on the sports field bench until a while ago.
Is this the harm of drama?
It has been over a month since the drama Youth ended, but there are still female students offering handkerchiefs. Hadn’t a scene where the male protagonist gets offered handkerchiefs by juniors and seniors after a basketball match aired in the drama? Sure enough, a similar scene was being played out.
“I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do this next time. I sweat a lot after exercising, so I always carry a towel around.”
Yeongguk rejected the next handkerchief in advance, not wanting to make their goodwill uncomfortable. The owner of the lucky handkerchief selected by Yeongguk didn’t know what to do with joy.
“You’re a total superstar. Really.”
Sure enough, the class president, leaning back, appeared. He felt sorry for her. As a vice-president, Yeongguk should naturally help with class work, but he had been busy filming a movie.
As a result, she had practically taken on all the affairs of the class alone. Even so, she only left him words of encouragement for his film shooting without showing any signs of difficulty, which was unexpectedly touching.
“The homeroom teacher is looking for you.”
“Why?”
“How would I know that?!”
Anyway, the irritation was still there. The look on the class president’s face as he left the water faucet and climbed the stairs was somewhat regretful. A white towel hung from the hand she’d been leaning back on.
She had wanted to pass on her towel somehow today of all days. But Yeongguk would have no idea about this fact. He was a guy who seemed to lack tact from time to time.
The teachers’ office.
The homeroom teacher asked Yeongguk,
“Yeongguk, you said you don’t have a film shoot on Thursday, right?”
“Yes, teacher.”
Film shoots were held at a hectic pace. However, thanks to Director Shin Seonghyeon’s consideration, Yeongguk, a high school student, was often given a necessary rest. Even if the shooting period was extended, it was because of the director’s values of prioritizing the actor’s condition. Thanks to this, he was able to experience his school days like this.
“Well, instead of Thursday’s morning classes, let’s prepare for the entrance information session. We usually have to select one person from each class, but it would be a bit much to ask the class president… Do you understand?”
“Just leave it to me.”
He didn’t particularly feel displeased. Maybe he had received some benefits for the film shoot. He had been worried about not being able to properly fulfill his role as the vice class president, but he was relieved to be able to help in this way.
Then, the homeroom teacher, dressed in a modernized hanbok, made a significant expression and looked around. Only when he didn’t feel the gazes watching him from the teachers’ office did he finally let out a sigh.
“A guy who doesn’t even come to school regularly, he’s really something. I mean, he wouldn’t even have time for private tutoring because of the film shoot. Yeongguk, tell me honestly, are you a genius? You’re the first one I’ve seen in my 30 years of teaching who is so focused and studies so well.”
What was he talking about?
“Teacher, what are you talking about out of the blue?”
“The mock exam ranking came out. It hasn’t been announced yet, but you, Yeongguk, are within the top 100 nationwide.”
“Top 100?”
“What’s with that reaction, you’re not pleased? It’s the top 100 nationwide, top 100!! Right now, the principal is in a frenzy. Since this morning, he’s been very eager to see your face. If he knew you were in the teachers’ office, he’d probably run out in his socks.”
Of course, he was pleased. In his past life, he had never even been in the top 100 in his school, let alone the top 100 nationwide. His report card had always been competing for last place from the back, so imagine that. However, it’s true that his goals have been getting higher since he heard Kim Seonghwan, the CEO’s advice to enjoy his schooldays.
He wanted to repent for his past life where he was a loser. As time went on, his concentration increased significantly, and he became interested in studying, so he thought there was nothing he couldn’t do.
“It feels like a responsibility because it’s good.”
“Responsibility?”
“Since there’s still room to go up, I shouldn’t be complacent here. I’m just unlucky. Even as I say it, I feel unlucky.”
At that, the homeroom teacher, dressed in a modernized hanbok, slapped Yeongguk on the back.
“You little, even here you’re in the movie.”
* * *
Historical drama.
If you were to pick the most treacherous place among drama shooting locations, it would undoubtedly be a historical drama. The costumes were made following historical records, so in the case of men, not only were the costumes (armor) heavy, but they often had skin troubles around their mouths from sticking fake beards. It was no different for female actors.
Not to mention, wearing several layers of costumes could make you sweat even in the middle of winter. Always wearing a wig could damage your hair, and in severe cases, you could even get a neck disc.
Amid all this, a child actor dressed in a lovely hanbok was giving a passionate performance. She was playing the role of the young wife of the crown prince, and even in her walk, hand gestures, and tone of speech, there was elegance. Even after the PD happily called cut, the child actor did not leave the shooting location.
“Yeon Su, are you doing it again today?”
The manager touched his forehead. His assigned child actor’s stubbornness was no less than that of an adult actor. It was fine to watch the remaining people’s acting after the shooting was over. But there’s no need to study in the waiting room of the shooting location, was there?
“Let’s go home today, you always stay after the shooting and the CEO gave me a hard time. It’s hard enough being a historical drama, but he said that the manager couldn’t even take care of the actor’s rest time.”
“Manager Kang, leave Yeon Su alone! Let her do as she pleases!”
“Do you think I’ll be scared if you mimic the CEO like that? Not today, go home and rest.”
“I like studying in the waiting room. When I’m on the shooting location, I can watch other seniors acting, and studying goes better too. Look, I can solve the problems that I couldn’t solve here. Hehe.”
When Yeon Su made a cute expression, the manager sighed to himself. She’s so pretty, but her stubbornness was no less than that of a bull. Just then, another actress who finished shooting entered the waiting room. When Yeon Su greeted her, she appealed to Manager Kang.
“Manager, I need to take off my makeup and wig…”
In the end, Manager Kang backed off with a defeated expression. Then Yeon Su jumped up from her seat and clung to her. There was no actor or staff member on the shooting location who didn’t like Yeon Su.
She was not only mature for her age, but she was also full of love for everything. She was like a mascot of the shooting location.
“Yeon Su, are you studying here again today?”
“The filming set helps me concentrate. Plus, I get to chat with you, which is always nice. How was my acting today?”
“Yeon Su, you’re always flawless. I’m the problem, always messing up due to being nervous. Seeing the director’s expressions, it feels like the whole world went dark. But, that technique you taught me really works! Just like you said, closing my eyes, sipping water, and imagining the four seasons. After that, I passed in one shot, like magic! Thanks to you, I survived today. It helped calm my nerves so I could do well. Who taught you that technique?”
“Well, there was someone.”
Actually, it was something she learned three years ago while filming The Man of August in Busan. She was so nervous that she hiccuped a lot and kept messing up her lines. A child actor she was working with then taught her that technique. She still uses that method whenever she gets nervous and it had help her calm down and focus more on acting.
“By the way, what are you studying so hard this time? Math and Japanese today?”
“I can’t rely on English alone. So, I thought I might as well learn Japanese too. You never know, our drama might be aired in Japan.”
“How will a Korean historical drama be aired in Japan? That’s only possible because it’s a youth drama.”
“Did you watch Youth, unnie?”
“Of course, I did. There’s that male lead, what was his name? Jang Yeongguk. He’s quite alright. I’ve heard there are many actresses in our agency who like him.”
“There’s more than a ten-year age difference between you and him!”
“Don’t poke where it hurts, who said I wanted to date him? I just said he’s cool. It’s a pity he’s still a minor with such handsome features. Even our director said the same. He has a versatile face that fits well in historical dramas, quite an attractive actor.”
Even though the Youth ended some time ago, there were still many PDs in the broadcasting world who wanted Yeongguk. With his innocent yet masculine charm, he could pull off any character, and had exceptional acting skills.
“But Yeon Su, seeing you study so hard, are you aiming for Korea University rather than high school?”
“No, Sehwa High School.”
“Huh?”
Normally, students who were dedicated to their studies aimed for Korea University, the pinnacle of the Korean education system. But what was up with the name of a high school? The actress thought she must have misheard and asked again.
“Sehwa High School?”
Yeon Su confidently nodded in response.
“I’m definitely going to get in.”
After all, ‘he’ was there. There was no doubt that it was Yeon Su’s ultimate goal.
* * *
Daebak.
If you looked at the series of actions taking place in my grandfather (Director Baek Janghun)’s mansion, it’s the perfect word. Not only my uncle (Actor Ahn Junghyeon), even actor Kim Hyeongseop came. The three of them enjoying drinks filled the mansion with the smell of alcohol.
“How many bottles have you already had?”
There’s a long line of soju bottles. It’s a familiar sight from my past life. For some reason, there were many heavy drinkers among actors and film directors. I knew that my grandfather and uncle enjoyed their drinks, but I didn’t realize they could drink this much.
“Master, Yeongguk, this punk, is really something. Something!”
“Hehe, is that so?”
“Damn, he’s really something. I knew it from the moment I saw him as a kid. That he’d become something big! But does Yeongguk really act well on the set?”
“Hyung, would I call him something just cause he acts well? It’s his quick wit that’s impressive. Once, I tried to ad-lib, and he overwhelmed me. It’s been a while since I’ve felt that way. It took me back to the time I acted in front of you.”
“What? Such a thing happened?”
My uncle and Kim Hyeongseop, who were known to be on bad terms with each other, were so absorbed in their conversation that they seemed oblivious to everything else. Occasionally, my grandfather would add a word or two. The main topic of their conversation was me, with Kim Hyeongseop unwrapping his full story, and my grandfather and uncle listening attentively.
They seemed curious about how I behaved on the filming set. How much time had passed?
“Yeongguk, come join us for a drink!”
“Uncle, I’m underage.”
“Kid, look at your back, you’re a grown-up now. You’ll soon be getting married.”
“Ah…”
“Master, Yeongguk is really something. Something!”
“Hehe, is that so?”
The three of them were clearly drunk. It was obvious just by looking at them. My uncle, whose tongue has been loosened by alcohol, was encouraging a minor to drink, and Kim Hyeongseop was repeating the same lines to my grandfather in a slurred speech.
I never imagined that Kim Hyeongseop, whom I once thought was the pinnacle of supporting roles in my past life, would be such a talkative gentleman. And my uncle, the national actor, his on- and off-screen personalities were polar opposites. Eventually, my grandfather got up and left, but the conversation between my uncle and Kim Hyeongseop continued till dawn.
“Uncle, sunbae-nim, that’s enough for today, please.”
“Yeongguk, we don’t have anyone waiting for us at home, so why are you in such a hurry?”
“Jeongseok-hyung is right.”
Looking at those two, I think I understood why I needed to get married.
The next morning.
I helped the housekeeper prepare bean sprout hangover soup early in the morning. The three of them were totally drunk last night, so I hoped this wouldhelp them feel better. As I pedaled my bicycle to school, I could already sense the hustle and bustle preparing for the entrance information session.
“Teacher, it seemed like a lot of people will be coming today?”
With the entrance information session taking place in the auditorium, many outsiders visited the school. From students to their parents.
“One could say it’s thanks to you, Yeongguk.”
“What?”
“Since your face is appearing in the media, it has greatly helped in image-making for the school. It’s a good place for students to study and ever since you paved the way, it has become easier to work in the entertainment industry. Thanks to you, many students aspiring to enter the entertainment industry are applying to enter. Of course, it will depend on their grades.”
Heh.
The school I had joined to spend my school days was just a normal school. After all, most kids who aspired to be actors or singers usually entered arts high schools.
I chose Sehwa High School because I was somewhat ambitious about my studies. For your information, Sehwa High School was a well-known humanities high school in Seoul, making it nearly impossible to get admitted with just decent grades.
“Yeongguk, just take this to the auditorium. Once you’re done, return to the classroom.”
“Is this all I have to do? You made it seem like you had a lot of work for me.”
“Look at the situation, while the parents might maintain their dignity, the middle schoolers will scream and cause a scene when they see your face. Even in our school, the first-year students, despite seeing your face all the time, line up with their towels and head to the sports field every lunch break.”
I received the pamphlets from my homeroom teacher and left the teacher’s office. The corridor was empty as classes had already started. But anyway,
“This is pretty heavy.”
Just how many parents and students were coming for the entrance information session? The entrance information session pamphlets in my hand were quite heavy. As I was walking down the corridor leading to the auditorium,
“Just at this time.”
I noticed that my shoelaces were untied. I wondered when they had untied. It felt like someone was thinking about me, a silly thought. Eventually, I kneeled down to retie my shoelaces when,
“Let me do it.”
At the sudden voice, Yeongguk looked up. In front of him was a familiar-looking girl.
Like a scene from the past, the girl, flicking her long hair, knelt on one knee and tightly tied the young boy’s shoelaces. The scenery of the schoolyard reflected in the window overlaying them, the scene felt like a picture.
