Top Star by Luck

Chapter 36

Vroom.

They were speeding toward the filming site in the car driven by Manager Park Han Mo.

Lee Min Ki rubbed his eyes with his fingers, unable to believe the screen of the smartphone he was holding.

‘Did I see this wrong?’

But Lee Min Ki wasn’t a psychic.

This world, too, wasn’t one where things changed just because you rubbed your eyes a little harder.

The article on his smartphone remained exactly the same, not a single word altered.

> [Today’s Star Magazine: Why Should We Pay Attention to This Rookie Actor? (Part 1)]

Today’s Star Magazine, also known as OSMA.

It was a weekly feature that introduced actors, a corner notorious for its sharp analysis of actors’ strengths and weaknesses. It was the very identity of Star Magazine itself.

And there, it was written:

> [Last Wednesday, Reporter Kim and Reporter Hong visited JC headquarters to investigate the rookie actor named Lee Min Ki. Our first impression upon meeting this man was, ‘This is the one.’]

The article was flooded with praise.

Praise for Lee Min Ki.

It said he was handsome, had a good personality, a nice voice, and spoke softly and gently.

In short, it declared that he was exceptional.

> [Kim’s Viewpoint: Watch for his next project. A rookie actor’s true worth is not revealed in their debut but in their second work.]

> [Hong’s Viewpoint: He looks better on screen than in photos, and even better in person than on screen. His face, voice, and personality.]

Of course, there were a few criticisms, but they were essentially negligible.

> [If I had to find a flaw, it’s that he has a somewhat delicate image. However, this could also be turned into a strength depending on the character. He has already shown his unexpected charms in Campus Story.]

In short, it was like reading propaganda from the northern land’s puppet regime.

“…”

With a heavy heart, Lee Min Ki raised his hands and covered his face.

It didn’t need to be said, but Lee Min Ki had been a longtime reader of Star Magazine.

He knew very well how they wrote their articles.

When there was praise, there was criticism.

When there was only criticism, it was harsh.

That was what made Star Magazine trustworthy to its readers.

‘But to see nothing but praise like this?’

If it had been just one article, it wouldn’t be an issue.

The problem wasn’t the quality; it was the quantity.

In just two days, Star Magazine had published five exclusive articles about him.

“Hoo…”

“Hahaha, you must be pleased, sir. It’s rare for Star Magazine to give someone such a positive evaluation. Even we get nervous when there’s an interview with Star Magazine.”

Manager Park Han Mo couldn’t hold back his laughter.

But his laughter only pushed Lee Min Ki further into a corner.

“Praise is nice. But when it’s this blatant…”

“You mean people might think it’s all for viral marketing?”

“…Yes. After all, I’m just a rookie who barely debuted.”

As he said, the online communities were already buzzing with similar reactions.

> [Did you see this week’s Star Magazine?]

> [There are so many articles just hyping up that rookie from JC, lol.]

> [Seriously, this is the first time I’ve seen Star Magazine push a rookie this hard.]

> [Did they get a huge bribe?]

> [He is good-looking, though. Not exactly a pretty boy or a chiseled statue, but a guardian of balance.]

> [But there are plenty of top-tier rookies. Why him?]

> [JC must be doing a good job.]

> [Why can’t my actor’s agency do that?]

> [Star Magazine isn’t just any magazine. If they’re talking this highly, there’s gotta be a reason.]

Opinions were divided.

But one thing was certain:

> [Let’s see how well he really acts.]

Expectations for his next project were through the roof.

“It’s not easy.”

He knew very well what happened to rookies who got too much attention compared to their actual skills.

If his acting was mediocre, people would be disappointed.

If it was bad, they’d be even more disappointed.

That pressure weighed heavily on him.

“I’m afraid I’m being overrated.”

“With most media, that would be true. But Star Magazine is different. The readers would think,

‘Wow, if Star Magazine, known for being strict, is praising him this much, he must be something special. I have to see this for myself!’”

“Who are you imitating?”

“I’m copying Trainer Kim Ah Sung.”

“Pfft.”

At that, Lee Min Ki burst into laughter.

No wonder it felt familiar.

Trainer Kim Ah Sung used to make such a fuss when teasing people, and Manager Park Han Mo had perfectly mimicked him.

“Haha, just a little joke.”

Though his laughing voice was more restrained, that was all.

There wasn’t a single normal person around him.

As Lee Min Ki shook his head and was about to sink into a mood of solitary reflection, Manager Park Han Mo spoke again.

“Still, things are going well, aren’t they?”

“Pardon?”

“Thanks to Star Magazine’s positive coverage, other media outlets are quickly requesting follow-up interviews.”

“What if they meet me and end up disappointed because of their high expectations?”

“Well, so what? People say bad attention is better than no attention at all. Few would disagree these days. But classics are classics for a reason.”

Manager Park Han Mo calmly continued.

“More people will expect great things from you now. All you have to do is prove them right. Then everything Star Magazine said will become true. Simple, right?”

In other words, he just had to prove it through his acting.

There was more than just encouragement in Manager Park’s words; there was a deep-seated conviction.

An unshakable belief that Lee Min Ki would do well.

It was strange how, despite having not known him for long, he seemed so confident.

Lee Min Ki smiled faintly without even realizing it.

‘Still, having someone speak to me like this does make me feel a bit more at ease.’

Sometimes, you needed someone who could say bright things without a care. It was much better than being downcast together.

Yeah, that’s it.

Lee Min Ki sighed, resigned.

“You’re right. I’ll prove whether Star Magazine was right or wrong with this project. That’s all I can do.”

“And then you’ll buy me some top-grade Korean beef, 2+ sirloin. Haha.”

That 2+ Korean beef again.

He hadn’t forgotten it yet.

Just as he was about to laugh at Manager Park’s relentless persistence, the car came to a stop.

“Well, good luck today.”

“Thank you for the ride.”

“Haha, don’t mention it. I’m the one who should be grateful.”

He should be grateful?

What was he grateful for?

‘Is it just something he said out of politeness?’

Feeling a bit perplexed by Manager Park’s comment, Lee Min Ki headed toward the filming site.

In truth, he had no idea.

That it was surprisingly rare for a rookie actor to express thanks both when getting in and out of the car.

***

How exactly is a movie filmed?

Is it shot in the same order that the audience watches it in?

Or is it filmed in the most convenient order?

The answer is:

‘It’s up to the director.’

That’s what it comes down to.

Ignoring the script’s order is a given.

When overseas filming is involved, domestic scenes might be completed six months in advance.

Some directors prefer to shoot scenes sequentially from the first, allowing actors to immerse themselves gradually.

Others deconstruct every scene down to the minute and then piece it together during editing.

But the one overarching rule is this:

As long as the result is good, nothing else matters.

Director Yeom was one such person.

> [How would you describe Director Yeom’s style? He’s a genius.]

There was an actor’s interview.

> [It’s like the complete film is already inside his head. On set, he just puts everything together. It’s almost as if he ignores the script. You have no idea how it’ll come together in the final product.]

> [Doesn’t he explain it to you?]

> [He’s not very kind. He can’t possibly explain everything to everyone during filming. You just have to trust him. But when you see the final result, yes, you understand everything.]

Director Yeom was a meticulous planner.

He had the whole movie in his head, so even if the shoot seemed spontaneous, everything fit into place perfectly in the end.

At least, that’s what people thought.

In reality, it was a misconception.

Director Yeom was purely driven by his mood.

Though a script existed, once he became fixated on a specific scene, he would rearrange everything to suit that one scene.

But since the results were always stellar, his process was retroactively glorified.

Thus, today’s filming schedule was entirely at the discretion of Director Yeom.

“Alright, we’ll start with Scene 23. Min Ki, get ready.”

They were starting with a scene where Lee Min Ki would be filming alone.

‘…I’m going first?’

Lee Min Ki’s eye twitched.

In the script, his first appearance wasn’t until Scene 9.

In terms of time, his character wouldn’t appear until about 10 minutes into the movie.

Moreover, since it was the first day, he thought he’d join later, but now they were throwing him in right from the start.

“You have the storyboard I gave you during the last reading, right?”

Director Yeom said as he strolled lazily through the center of the set.

“We’ll start as soon as the lighting is finalized, so review it at least three times before we begin.”

At those words, Lee Min Ki hurriedly looked through the storyboard.

Was Director Yeom eager to see his acting quickly?

Or was it just a coincidence?

More likely, he had judged that starting with this scene would be the most efficient.

But the people on set didn’t see it that way.

‘The director must be curious too.’

They thought Director Yeom wanted to see the real deal, the true ability of the rookie named Lee Min Ki.

‘This guy was featured all over Star Magazine yesterday, right?’

‘I was shredded by them.’

‘Is Lee Min Ki really that good?’

‘He was great during the script reading, but what about on set?’

That curiosity was reflected in today’s atmosphere.

Not a single member of the cast was absent from the set, all of them watching.

They wanted to see Lee Min Ki’s acting.

Especially Choi Yoo Chang.

‘Even he’s curious. He usually doesn’t stick around when it’s not his turn to shoot.’

Kang Do Won glanced at him from the corner of his eye.

Sitting in his designated chair with his name on it, Choi Yoo Chang had a wide grin plastered on his face as he fixed his gaze on Lee Min Ki.

But he wasn’t the only one who was curious.

Kang Do Won was also eager to see how Lee Min Ki would perform in person.

About ten minutes later, when everyone’s eyes were focused on Lee Min Ki and the atmosphere had reached a peak, Director Yeom finally called out.

“Ready.”

The director’s voice rang out.

“Action.”

Scene 23’s action went as follows:

Lee Min Ki’s character, Detective Goo Hak Jin, was furious at his senior for not understanding his deductions.

He vented his frustration over the phone to a friend.

Of course, it wasn’t an actual phone call.

He was on a rooftop, holding his phone and talking to himself.

‘Can he really pull off this kind of scene?’

A sense of anticipation slowly built up inside Director Yeom’s chest.

For rookie actors, it was one thing to act with a scene partner, but monologues tended to reveal their awkwardness.

One might think rookies would be skilled at monologues due to endless practice, but this was entirely different from an audition.

Dozens of pairs of eyes.

There were dozens of eyes on set—staff and actors alike—watching him intently.

It required immense focus to stay fully immersed in the performance.

‘Can this rookie stand out in front of all these industry people?’

Director Yeom’s full attention was now on Lee Min Ki’s every move.

This monologue was more than just a good opportunity.

In a way, it was like putting him bare on a trial platform.

And then…

“Ah! Damn it! That stubborn jerk doesn’t listen at all!”

Lee Min Ki thought, ‘Well, this is easier than acting in front of a baseball stadium full of people.’