Top Star by Luck

Chapter 38

The studio of [Forever Green].

“Director.”

“……”

“Director?”

“……”

“Director!”

“Ah.”

Only after hearing Choi Yoo Chang’s persistent voice did Director Yeom Gwang Ho snap out of it.

“You were spacing out again.”

“I’ve been out of it lately.”

“Come on, if you can’t even hear voices anymore, isn’t it time to retire?”

It was a remark that could be taken as quite rude. However, Director Yeom Gwang Ho only chuckled in response.

“Come on, I’m still full of life.”

“Really, Director?”

“What ‘Director’? Stop being so cringe. Just call me what you used to, kid.”

“Oh, should I?”

Choi Yoo Chang casually dragged a chair over and sat down on it.

“Hyung, have you eaten?”

Yes.

Top actor Choi Yoo Chang and the great director Yeom Gwang Ho—two people who had achieved significant success in their respective fields—were closer than most would expect.

And it had been that way for a very long time.

‘I’ve known this guy for decades, and yet he’s still such a handful.’

Even though Yeom had grown accustomed to his loud voice over time.

When had it all begun?

Director Yeom still vividly remembered the first time he’d discovered Choi Yoo Chang.

‘He was someone who would say anything, whether it was to a superior or a subordinate.’

In the early days of his career, Choi Yoo Chang had been completely different.

“I’m telling you, there’s this place nearby that makes amazing kimchi jjim. And not just amazing, the portions are huge! It’s the best in Bucheon. People are calling it Bucheong Kimchi Jjim, you know?”

Now, he had a smooth and almost sly personality, but back then, as a rookie, he had stood tall and defiant, even to his seniors on set.

That image had been seared into Yeom’s memory, making it impossible to forget.

[“If you can’t act, I say you can’t act. What did I say that was wrong?”]

He often got into fights.

His sharp, thorny personality got him kicked off set more than once.

The rough edges of his temperament started to soften when he realized that relationships with fellow actors reflected in his acting.

‘In the end, if it was for the sake of his acting, he was someone who could change at his very core.’

Now, Choi Yoo Chang had grown into someone who could manage the mood on set.

It was impressive.

To think that a person could change so fundamentally, from the roots up—how great must the world of acting be?

“You know, kid, we used to fight all the time.”

“Ah, I was just immature back then.”

“You’re still immature.”

“But now I lift some weights at least, huh?”

As they reminisced and exchanged light-hearted jokes, another person came to Director Yeom’s mind.

“Speaking of which, that guy…”

“Ah, Min Ki?”

At the mention of a friend, Lee Min Ki’s name instantly popped out.

It was as if Choi Yoo Chang had been waiting for the opportunity.

And in truth, he probably had been.

Both Director Yeom and Choi Yoo Chang, in fact.

“Yeah, that rookie.”

Director Yeom nodded and asked, “I wanted to hear your opinion on his acting. What do you think?”

“Hmm, well, this is a bit tricky.”

Choi Yoo Chang scratched his chin thoughtfully—unusual for him—before speaking.

“I think he’s in for a tough time.”

“A tough time? What do you mean?”

Yeom raised an eyebrow at the unexpected choice of words.

“You know, there’s this phase all the talented rookies go through. Both Do Won and I went through it too.”

“Come on, don’t beat around the bush. Just say what you mean.”

“Why are you acting like you don’t know? He’ll get pushed around wherever he goes.”

Choi Yoo Chang snickered and continued.

“Rookies are usually average and easy to deal with. If you’re too good, life gets tough. The higher-ups don’t like you, and the average guys get jealous.”

“Are you saying he might get ostracized?”

“It’s not exactly bullying. Just that people might be less cooperative with him.”

“Even if I step in?”

“Do sets ever run exactly how the director wants?”

“True. If they did, I would have made five blockbusters by now.”

As the conversation veered off into jokes again, Choi Yoo Chang steered it back on track.

“Anyway, I’ve noticed some guys grumbling because they feel overshadowed.”

“Really? Can’t you do something about it?”

“If I step in to protect him, it’ll make things worse. People will just say I’m playing favorites.”

“Hmm…”

As the atmosphere grew more serious, Choi Yoo Chang spoke again.

“You know that guy, right? The one who used to be a stunt actor?”

“Kim In Kwon?”

“Yeah, that guy. He’s good, but he’s got this weird jealousy going on. He keeps picking on the rookie. He gets too rough in the action scenes. Is he trying to stand out or something?”

“You think he’ll do the same to Min Ki?”

“I don’t know. But I hope he doesn’t cross the line.”

“Hmm.”

Director Yeom blinked as a clue presented itself.

He wondered if he should consider revising the script slightly.

But he couldn’t act on suspicions alone.

In the end, there was only one thing he could do.

“I’ll keep an eye on it.”

Watch more closely and with more care.

But Choi Yoo Chang knew just how intimidating a director’s attention could be.

Especially when it was from Director Yeom Gwang Ho.

Which was why he could finally relax and say with a smile.

“Want a drink?”

“I’d lov— No, I’m busy.”

* * *

There’s one scene you can’t leave out in a crime film.

And what might that be?

‘Finally, the chase scene.’

A chase scene.

Especially one where a detective chases a criminal.

Maybe he catches onto a drug deal at the scene and takes off in pursuit.

Maybe he scales walls. Maybe they end up in a fistfight.

There were so many action elements you could fit in.

In short, the chase scene is the crown jewel of crime films.

“The camera’s going to follow you from the side, so don’t run too fast. If it doesn’t work, we can just shoot it again, so focus on getting the movements right. And safety comes first. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, let’s practice it five times. If you don’t pass, no real filming. Safety. And more safety.”

“Yes, sir!”

As the stunt director guided him, Lee Min Ki’s heart began to race.

It was only natural; he had always had a dream about chase scenes.

Because…

‘I’ve never really had a chance to shoot a running scene.’

It was a running scene.

And who was Lee Min Ki?

At home, he’d trip over electric cords, slip on marble floors in department stores, and on rainy days, fall flat on his face in the mud.

If he tried to run too intensely, his ankle would give out first.

Running wasn’t the only issue.

This had been his fate with almost any cardio exercise.

Ever since elementary school.

In P.E. class.

While his classmates mastered two-step jumps, three-step jumps, and crisscrossing their ropes, all he could do was—

[“Did you trip again?”]

Trip over himself.

[“How do you manage to tangle yourself up in the rope doing a single jump?”]

[“It’s a miracle.”]

[“A miracle? Lee Min Ki is more than a miracle.”]

In short, cardio exercise had been a complex and a symbol of bad luck for Lee Min Ki.

But over the past few months.

Lee Min Ki had learned one thing.

Humans don’t sprain their ankles just by jogging lightly!

“Now I can finally shoot a chase scene.”

A sense of anticipation filled him.

And this wasn’t just any chase scene.

It was a pivotal chase scene in [Forever Green].

The character Lee Min Ki was playing, [Detective Goo Hak Jin], would chase down and apprehend a fleeing criminal, but during this, the protagonist would attempt to kill the criminal.

This marked the moment when [Detective Goo Hak Jin] would fully get entangled in a murder case.

In other words, it was the beginning of Lee Min Ki’s big moment.

Moreover, the person playing his counterpart in this chase scene seemed to be quite skilled as well.

“Min Ki, please take it easy on me.”

Kim In Kwon offered a handshake with a refreshing smile.

As Lee Min Ki accepted the handshake, he responded in an awkward voice.

“It’s my first time filming a stunt scene, so I’m not sure if I can do it properly. I might make some mistakes.”

“Hey, it’s fine.”

Kim In Kwon smiled again, as cool as a peppermint breeze.

“I’m actually a former stunt actor. I can handle most things, so don’t worry, just take it easy. Relax.”

“……!”

“More than that, make sure you don’t get hurt, especially your face.”

Kim In Kwon’s gentle tone made Lee Min Ki’s eyes widen.

‘Are all the people on set this nice?’

From Director Yeom Gwang Ho to Choi Yoo Chang and Kang Do Won, everyone seemed so kind.

Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude, Lee Min Ki replied.

“Thank you, sunbae! I’ll do my best!”

“Haha, it’s not good to push too hard either. Don’t get too tense, just relax, relax. If you get too stiff, you’ll hurt yourself.”

“Yes!”

“I should go warm up too. See you in a bit, Min Ki.”

Kim In Kwon turned to a corner of the studio and began a series of flashy stretches. Then, he grabbed a pull-up bar and started flying through the air.

‘That’s the class of a former stunt actor.’

Lee Min Ki’s eyes sparkled as he watched.

‘I have to make sure I don’t mess this up.’

Filled with determination, Lee Min Ki began to warm up, when the stunt director approached him.

“Hmm, the more I see you, Min Ki…”

“Yes?”

“With your build and natural instincts, you could become an excellent stunt actor with just a bit more practice.”

“Haha…”

“You’re a rare talent. Rare.”

Lee Min Ki couldn’t quite tell if that was a compliment or a subtle dig.

* * *

A little while later.

The real filming began.

As with any action scene, the atmosphere on set was tense.

Even in a light action scene, a small mistake could lead to serious injury.

There had been times when a simple fall led to someone bleeding from the head and the entire role being recast.

There was another reason for the tension as well.

‘I wonder how good he is at action scenes.’

‘His body lines look great though.’

People were curious to see how well Lee Min Ki would handle physical acting.

‘He looked pretty good during practice.’

‘As long as he doesn’t mess up, it should be fine.’

‘His movements are clean.’

Some people had positive expectations.

While others…

‘Let’s see how he does.’

‘He’s going to embarrass himself.’

‘It’s a rookie’s rite of passage to regret their action scenes later.’

Some were more skeptical.

With all these mixed expectations focused on him, Lee Min Ki stood alone.

“Ready, action!”

At Director Yeom’s booming voice, Lee Min Ki kicked off the ground.

Thud, thud, thud!

He ran down the narrow alleyway with somewhat exaggerated movements. His arms and legs moved in a wider range than they would in a normal run.

It might have looked a bit silly at first glance.

However, the exaggerated movements were necessary because normal running could appear too small on camera.

‘Great, I’m not falling!’

Lee Min Ki’s heart pounded wildly.

He was exhilarated.

He could hardly suppress the smile that was threatening to spread across his face.

He was overjoyed just to be doing something that came so easily to others.

Thud, thud, thud!

Behind him, another man was pursuing him quickly.

It was Director Yeom Gwang Ho himself.

He was on set with a handheld camera, chasing after Lee Min Ki, staying just a step behind.

This was the hand-held camera technique.

Holding the camera by hand while following the action.

Though it might result in a bit of shakiness, it would greatly enhance the realism and intensity of the scene.

This technique was especially perfect for chase scenes, and in Korea, it was one of Director Yeom’s signature methods.

‘His movements are more stable than I expected.’

Even as he followed closely behind, Director Yeom found himself quietly impressed by Lee Min Ki.

At first, Yeom had planned to cover up any lacking action skills with camera tricks and editing.

But now that they were shooting the real scene, what was happening?

Running—the most basic of all action elements.

Though basic, it often looked flat and lacked intensity if the actor’s lower body wasn’t strong.

However, Lee Min Ki’s running had a grounded, stable feeling to it, as if his feet were glued to the ground.

‘He’s good at everything. No sign of fear either.’

Impressive.

Could a rookie really be this capable?

Director Yeom was quietly amazed at Lee Min Ki’s potential, even in such small movements.

“Hup!”

Just as Lee Min Ki was running, a man suddenly jumped out from the side alley.

He appeared startled, as if he had taken a wrong turn.

It was Kim In Kwon.

His body was headed straight toward Lee Min Ki at a perfect 90-degree angle, just inches away from colliding with him.

Only a few centimeters more.

A few more steps, and Lee Min Ki would’ve crashed into him and been sent flying.

Just as they reached that limit.

Was he supposed to stop just in time?

‘He’s not slowing down!’

The hairs on the back of Director Yeom’s neck stood up.

This was dangerous.

It was definitely a dangerous moment.

With years of experience, he knew a set accident was just seconds away.

‘No, this can’t happen.’

But it was already too late to stop.

Lee Min Ki’s startled expression.

Kim In Kwon’s shoulder extending just a little farther than he had calculated.

The collision was inevitable.

It had to happen.

That was the conclusion he reached.

Thud.

With a small sound like a pebble bouncing off the ground, Kim In Kwon’s body slightly lifted into the air.

“Huh?”

He let out a small cry.

And then Kim In Kwon flew through the air.

Thud!

He crashed dramatically into the building wall, surrounded by dust, and fell in a heap.

It was a situation where a minor injury could have easily become a major one.

‘Amazing.’

Lee Min Ki, shocked and frozen in place, thought to himself.

‘So this is what it takes to be a stunt actor.’