The script modification caused by the collective actions of fans, and the battle over rice bowls regarding the romance parts.
Since most of my scenes were set in the park and rarely involved other actors, it seems that the situation would have caused quite a stir on set.
Particularly, cases like SD or Jo Yoo-shin practically held protests, right?
The three lead actors were already competing for screen time, so if Jo Yoo-shin’s team tried to secure the romantic scenes, it wouldn’t be pleasant for Lion’s side either.
The fans had already made his portion feel insufficient; if another male actor were to take it, it would feel doubly worse.
Isn’t it strange if the atmosphere is good despite these issues?
Moreover, there will be future problems.
Seeing how far the company went, including protests, only for writer Min and director Yoo to completely ignore and discard it, Jo Yoo-shin’s side must feel quite disrespected.
But if my portion inadvertently takes over in this context, that dissatisfaction will naturally spill over to me.
As a senior actor now, I can’t outwardly show this, but if my real identity is revealed, then what?
Of course, I don’t intend to give up this good opportunity because of such reasons, but it needs to be considered.
“Still, this time SD went too far.”
“Does Actor Baek feel that way too?”
“The investor being the main force is true, but once filming starts, they should have restrained themselves. If their suggestions were merely for consideration, it would be one thing, but…”
“Exactly. That’s the problem.”
SD.
Their thinking seems a bit off.
It’s true that in this industry, large companies with many good artists and investors are dominant, but that only goes until just before filming starts.
Once filming begins, it’s only natural for the director and writer to take charge.
In projects already underway, removing actors or withdrawing funding isn’t feasible due to contracts, and if a company were to misbehave like that, large or small, they wouldn’t survive.
Yet they went as far as provoking both the director and the writer to increase their characters’ importance.
It’s hard to determine whether this was due to Jo Yoo-shin’s incompetence or SD’s loss of sanity—this seemed a self-destructive move.
Is this how large companies operate?
Though I originally intended to prioritize large firms, it seems I need to investigate further before deciding.
Even if writer Min had given the romance to Jo Yoo-shin, it likely wouldn’t have had a good outcome.
With him marked unfavorably by both the director and writer, what good could come from it?
I can’t figure out what made them take such a reckless step, but at least the people worth avoiding are now clear.
Certainly, the other side would also react negatively toward me, so this reflection was meaningful, at least in a way.
“So, did the stop on my scenes in Episode 4 have to do with the romance?”
“Yes, in fact. We were pondering how to fill the missing portions. One idea was adding Elder Yoon, so we paused temporarily.”
“There are many verified supporting actors though, why me?”
“Isn’t Elder Yoon’s visual the best? After the first episode, the community’s response was favorable too. I think it was the right choice.”
Indeed. I was wondering why my filming stopped, but there were already concerns about the portions, it seems.
If I’m one of the candidates, they must have been modifying the script to expand my early buildup.
Given my few scenes, like soothing Yoon Seo-eun in the park and the blood relation revelation, I wonder what they plan to supplement.
“Then first, check the script.”
“Ah, yes.”
Just then, writer Min handed me the revised script.
Elder Yoon’s scenes from the fifth episode onward.
The portions for other actors remained relatively untouched, as the revisions didn’t largely affect them since the new scenes mainly involved my character.
Elder Yoon had been a step removed from the main stage.
But now with my role increasing, it was inevitable that scenes with other actors would also grow, considering Elder Yoon couldn’t remain a solo act forever.
There were only some additions and conversations, not much to complain about.
“Wait… Um…”
“Is there an issue?”
“Not so much, but… the character feels quite different?”
“The role has shifted. You’re no longer a mere observer but an active helper.”
“Ah…”
“Is that possible? Your performance is crucial. I rely entirely on you, Siwoo. If this doesn’t work, I’ll be in trouble.”
“Um… Yes, understood.”
Originally, Lion was the helper role.
Even in a drama, a regular employee shouldn’t influence the company too much, so Lion was introduced as the secret owner’s family, with romance naturally following.
A cliché but effective rags-to-riches Cinderella story.
The initial plan created by writer Min was for Lion to deal with external issues and Elder Yoon to handle inner ones.
But with changes, Elder Yoon’s character expanded to directly supporting Yoon Seo-eun.
This development uncovered hidden elements of Elder Yoon, involving emotionally deep scenes that made me doubt entrusting them to a newcomer.
While trusting my skills is good, over-reliance was palpable.
There was no reason to refuse, but I couldn’t help but sense their rashness.
“Alright. Starting tomorrow, we’ll proceed with Elder Yoon’s fifth episode footage, so please prepare fully.”
“Yes, understood, Writer Min.”
Looking at the highly motivated writer Min, it seems the amount given to Elder Yoon correlates with his popularity.
Probably as a countermeasure from offending SD.
Giving additional portions to Jo Yoo-shin seems worse than giving them to me.
This could lead to my true identity being revealed sooner than expected.
The astute Producer Yoo wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.
Regardless of outcome, it’s undeniable that a great opportunity came with my first project.
The next day.
The filming was centered around Elder Yoon.
With the A team managed by director Yoo present, it emphasizes the significance of today’s shoot for both writer and director.
Typically, my scenes were handed over to the B team, excluding the first episode.
“Alright, let’s begin. Scene 5-2-6.”
A study adorned with antique decorations, the stern-looking Elder Yoon reclines on an expensive leather sofa, eyes closed.
Soon the door opens, and a cautious middle-aged woman approaches.
“Excuse me, sir.”
“Yes, Kim secretary. Did you find out?”
“Yes, here…”
Taking the carefully handed document, Elder Yoon’s trembling hands untied the sealed contents, quickly scanning them.
“So, this child is my blood?”
“It seems she’s indeed your granddaughter.”
“Tch, it’s true. That child…”
The girl met in the park he cherished most, where he dispatched someone upon noticing her, revealed many traces of his long-gone daughter.
Especially a family photo, capturing the joyful daughter-mother bond, served as crucial proof that this child was his granddaughter.
“She lived in America.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Abroad. So that’s it. I didn’t consider it.”
Elder Yoon slowly reviewed data on his daughter and granddaughter’s life abroad, lamenting how this foreign-speaking girl endured living so far without him.
As he perused the portion on Yoon Seo-eun’s recent activities, his expression soured.
“That child…?”
“Sir?”
“…Is being treated unjustly? My granddaughter at a mere small advertising company. How dare they…”
Regret gave way to fiery anger in his trembling eyes.
It all makes sense now; the girl seemed troubled every time they met.
The angrier Elder Yoon grew, the more sweat glistened on the bowed Kim secretary’s face, acutely aware of his cruelty, she avoided eye contact.
“…”
“Kim secretary.”
“Y-Yes, sir.”
“Why are you trembling? What fault is yours?”
“N-No, sir.”
Gradually calming, Elder Yoon addressed Kim secretary as usual, but she dared not raise her eyes.
*
“Good job. OK, sir, that scene was excellent!”
It was an emotionally volatile scene, showcasing Elder Yoon’s stern nature.
Personally, I think it was a bit exaggerated.
How do people make another tremble solely through presence?
Though I gave it my best, is it effective?
Writer Min seems to demand the unreasonable, though not involved in short-term projects.
“Ah, thank you. This is all thanks to Actor Kim Joo-yeon.”
“Not at all, sir. I learned much from you.”
Indeed, I benefited from Kim Joo-yeon’s performance as Kim secretary.
Having performed on stage for eight years, she joined newly when Elder Yoon’s parts expanded and exceeded my expectations.
To think she could genuinely produce cold sweat.
Though I might not tremble, she realistically did.
Perhaps I need training for such scenes.
Thanks to her, my performance felt more real, and the director seemed satisfied.
Still, is the acting appropriate?
And why is she still so pale?
Maybe she overdid her method acting.
Something felt odd, but I focused on my role, as self-discipline is paramount when playing others.
“Is it alright? This Elder Yoon feels quite different from before.”
“Writer Min plans to include more such scenes. Just continue like this. Soft in front of Se-eun, charismatic to others.”
“See, I understand.”
“Since the response is positive, it’ll gradually begin. Don’t be shocked.”
“Indeed… Understood.”
Even on the script, there are emotionally fluctuating scenes.
Though I reiterated my query, he assured me to proceed as is.
Since they’re broadcasting experts, I can trust them.
That said, the last part clearly hints at revealing my identity.
The buzz around Elder Yoon grows daily, and it seems preparations are being fast-tracked.
This isn’t bad for me either.
How long can I keep playing a 70-year-old?
With much to be done, like finding a company, the situation feels finally progressing.
