Rookie but One-in-a-Million Actor

Chapter 14

An Incredible Supporting Actor

The director suddenly recalled something his professor had said during his college days.

“What do you think is the premise of a work that moves people?”

Many answers poured in.

Good narrative, essential love, expression of emotions, the author’s intent, and so on.

But the professor’s answer was unexpected.

“Those are all valid points, but all of them need to achieve ‘harmony’ as well. In a work of art, especially the visual arts that we aim to create, this is crucial. No matter how well an actor performs, if it doesn’t mesh with the direction, can it truly reach the audience? Conversely, even if the direction is superb, if there is no synergy among the actors, then?”

“It might leave an impression but won’t be moving.”

Remembering the professor’s words, the director couldn’t take his eyes off the screen.

Ha Mooyoung was undoubtedly delivering a top-notch performance. It was incredible, almost unbelievable for a rookie.

But when he was in the same frame as Enbin…

“What happened?”

“Nothing special happened. That’s why it’s harder.”

The energy seemed to fade.

No, to be precise, it felt like he was supporting Enbin.

The explosive presence he exuded did not overshadow his co-star. Instead, it made them stand out even more.

“What should I call that?”

To be honest, Enbin’s acting couldn’t be called great. Although it had improved since the reading, there were still many areas lacking.

“If left alone, he might be watchable.”

As soon as there’s someone to compare with, flaws and weaknesses tend to stand out.

Especially if it’s a counterpart who seems competent, but Mooyoung was different.

When he was captured in the frame with someone else, strangely…

“Yeah, it’s strange.”

“Did you feel that too, Director?”

“It’s weird. I can’t pinpoint it…”

“Is it because Enbin is comfortable with Mooyoung? He seems much more at ease than when he’s alone. Maybe that’s why the atmosphere seems a bit different?”

Mooyoung was lowering his energy to sync with his co-star. He was clearly defining the boundary and role between the lead and supporting actors.

“Wow!”

The director was speechless and kept watching through the viewfinder.

He had met countless actors and aspirants, but this was the first time seeing such a case.

A talent he had literally never heard of before.

“Let’s shoot Mooyoung’s scene again.”

“Yes, sir.”

After supporting the lead, he would transform back into a beast when captured in his own one-shot.

It was as if he was about to devour the camera. His gaze drew in the indefinite masses beyond the lens.

“Wow, Mooyoung. Your expression is great. Try not to cry in this scene and go for a more composed vibe.”

“Yes, got it.”

He never ignored any of the director’s requests.

His control over his presence and aura was at a nearly insane level.

The staff unanimously agreed on how strange this gap was.

The director just played with the script and smiled.

“If things go well, I might end up handling the debut work of an incredible actor.”

He couldn’t guarantee if this would be a glory of the future or a tale for the bar, but either way, it was a unique experience for him.

“Director, are you okay?”

“Oh? Yeah, he’s doing well.”

Mooyoung adjusted his clothes and flashed a big smile.

Then he whispered to Enbin, sitting across from him.

“You heard it, right? We did an awesome job.”

“He wasn’t exaggerating.”

“But, Bina. About your line earlier—”

“Which part?”

“The part where you offer the fish cake broth.”

The two chatted back and forth like close friends.

Did his counterpart, Enbin, even know?

That he had survived without being overshadowed by Mooyoung. He probably didn’t have the insight to notice that.

“When you stop abruptly there, it feels a bit off. If it’s uncomfortable to reach out, should I take over from there?”

Moreover, Mooyoung was offering detailed feedback, guiding his acting.

With some editing, Enbin could also hope for positive comments about his improved acting skills.

“Hey, Mooyoung.”

“Yes?”

The director couldn’t hold back his curiosity and called him over.

Not only did he have talent in acting, but he also had good looks.

Why was it that he was just now emerging in the acting scene?

Surely those around him wouldn’t have let him be.

“How long has it been since you started acting?”

“Well, let’s see. About three or four months, I think.”

“Did you attend an acting academy?”

Mooyoung’s eyes sparkled at the question.

As if he had been waiting for it.

“Yes! BV Academy!”

“BV? Is it famous?”

“Haha. No. But they teach very well with their small group classes. The principal is passionate. Ah! Although there’s no money, there is recognition.”

Mooyoung loudly promoted BV Academy. Didn’t he vow while eating meat that he would repay their kindness? Listening to Mooyoung’s words, Enbin asked while picking up some tteokbokki.

“Is there anyone famous from there?”

“Famous? Me.”

“You? Just you?”

“There’s also someone joining the MBV drama this time. Kang Bora.”

So, he did attend an academy.

The director interrupted, cutting into their conversation.

“Then did you learn this kind of thing there?”

“This kind of thing? What do you mean?”

“Well, like how to harmonize with your co-stars.”

He couldn’t openly talk about the control of presence.

Enbin was wide-eyed, munching on the street food. Mooyoung thought for a moment and shook his head.

“Not really… Can you even learn such harmony separately?”

If there was such a class, he’d have to tell the principal immediately, Mooyoung resolved and asked again. But the director waved it off.

“No, I’m just saying the chemistry is great.”

It’s something that can’t be taught or learned.

It’s something you have to be born with.

“A genius.”

Mooyoung beamed at the director’s praise, delighted.

They say praise makes even a whale dance. Enbin had no reason to object, either.

“Director, about the line I gave while offering the broth.”

“Oh, yes.”

“Can I try it again? With Mooyoung taking it over.”

It was something he had pushed aside. Though he pretended to do it sincerely because of his deal with Mooyoung, it had genuinely turned into earnestness at some point. He couldn’t help but be influenced by the good atmosphere on set.

“Standing up felt awkward.”

“Sure, do it comfortably.”

Seeing Enbin’s sincere attitude, the staff and employees of Square Film Company could raise their spirits as well. Continuously exchanging ideas for better footage.

“Okay, let’s continue!”

The scene was almost wrapped up, and the assistant director signaled to resume filming.

Mooyoung and Enbin once again looked at each other and focused.

All the lights, except the main ones, were turned off.

***

[#36. Inside the Snack Bar]

Jungsoo, who had been listening to the student customer’s complaints, rummages through a bag and pulls out *spicy chicken ramen and sikhye.* **Product Placement (PPL).** Then he gives the bewildered student customer a playful wink.

“Spicy food is the best for stress.”

“Are you giving that to me?”

“You wanted something adults eat, didn’t you? It’s all about spicy flour-based dishes. Oh, a drink would be nice, too, but I can’t close up today since it’s the first day of business, right?”

Enbin says this while starting to cook spicy chicken tteokbokki. Mooyoung, who is watching him in a daze, gulps in anticipation.

“And a soft-boiled egg on top. Plus, tuna.”

‘Let’s add sound effects later.’

‘The sound of noodles being mixed?’

‘And a close-up of the bowl!’

Just like in the drama, it was very late at night in real life.

Mooyoung smiled as he looked at the food in front of him. His expression was so natural it was hard to tell whether he was acting or not.

“Thanks for the food.”

He gently untangled the noodles with chopsticks, letting them soak up the tteokbokki sauce. The moist soft-boiled egg was the highlight. He grabbed it in one go and opened his mouth wide.

*Sluuurp—*

The famous noodle-slurping scene! The sound of Mooyoung eating deliciously echoed through the quiet set.

At that moment, a staff member whispered to the director.

“Director, he can’t eat it all like that.”

They had to shoot from multiple angles.

But Mooyoung was eating so heartily that the director couldn’t bring himself to cut the scene.

“That’s exactly why people watch mukbangs. This feeling of satisfaction just from watching.”

“Let’s just do it in one long take.”

Even though a long take is only two or three minutes, it was long compared to the total video length, but Mooyoung’s mukbang was so pleasing that it was hard to cut it.

Halfway through eating.

*Ssssss… Ha! Ah! It’s spicy!”

Mooyoung stuck out his tingling tongue and twisted his body as if he couldn’t bear it.

Then, Enbin spontaneously ad-libbed.

“How is it? Feeling a bit better now?”

Just like a real snack bar owner.

Mooyoung downed the sikhye in one shot and wiped his tear-filled eyes. It was hard to tell if the tears were from the spiciness or emotional relief.

But that smile was unmistakable.

“I feel so refreshed.”

“Okay—Cut!”

Even after the cut signal was given, Mooyoung kept flicking his tongue. The staff burst into laughter at the sight.

“Director, are you going to use that take?”

The assistant director asked while checking the cut.

“I think it’s fine. Just to be safe, get close-ups of the left and right sides and the ramen. Mooyoung might not survive if he eats it twice, so let’s fake it.”

They could decide during editing. It was food PPL, so it might be okay to keep it long…

Mooyoung sniffled as he gulped down the sikhye.

“It’s much spicier than usual?”

“Oh. Yeah. The tteokbokki is a bit spicy.”

“But Bina was eating it just fine!”

“I’m used to eating spicy food.”

“Argh!”

Mooyoung stomped his feet and ran around the set. The staff left him to it and started filming the cooking scenes and PPL shots separately.

A while later.

“Mooyoung!”

“Yes!”

With sauce-stained lips and makeup smudged from tears, Mooyoung raised his hand from the corner where he was getting touch-ups. He seemed to have recovered.

“Let’s go for the final scene!”

“Yes, sir! Here I come!”

The clock pointed to 2 a.m.

The shoot, which had started at 10 a.m., was finally nearing its end.

“Thanks for the food.”

“Was it okay?”

“Yes, it was great, boss.”

With a much lighter expression, Mooyoung thanked Enbin and walked energetically towards the end of the alley.

Mooyoung slipped out of the set.

The director’s booming voice rang out.

“Okay—Cut!”

“Good job, everyone!”

“Ah, you all worked hard!”

“Enbin, great job!”

The staff ended warmly, clapping for each other. Enbin also took off his apron and approached Mooyoung.

“Ha Mooyoung.”

“Ah! It’s finally over! I can sleep like a log.”

Mooyoung still had some solo scenes left to shoot. The scene where he reflects on what happened at school. But today marked the end of his work with Enbin.

“Good job.”

“You too.”

“Don’t forget our deal.”

“Of course. Keep doing well on the shoot.”

When Episode 1 of “Late Night Snack Bar” is uploaded, Mooyoung promised to tell Enbin about his conversation with the stalker.

That would probably take about two weeks.

Enbin hesitated for a moment before extending his hand to Mooyoung.

“Let’s grab a meal sometime.”

This feeling of being both relieved and a little sad.

He would stay, but Mooyoung would leave. A character he’d never encountered in the entertainment industry.

Enbin had grown fond of him.

“Sure. But you’re buying, right?”

“Damn it.”

“Haha! The one with more money should pay!”

Mooyoung laughed and shook Enbin’s hand.

His first celebrity friend!

And his first completed shoot!

The team leader waved at him from afar as if telling him to come over. In his hand was a white envelope.

“First paycheck!”

“Oh yeah!”

Unable to contain his joy, Mooyoung bounded over to him.