To cut to the chase, that day’s filming lasted quite a while, extending well into the night.
Honestly, it’s ridiculous.
This was a large-scale shoot with over dozens of extras mobilized; there was no way it would end flawlessly.
And we were lucky that the first scene was wrapped up quickly. Otherwise, filming may have continued into the next day.
Additionally, the setting for this scene was supposed to be a moonlit night.
– “My moon thirsts for blood. With your blood, I shall console her spirit.”
This was the first line by Lee Myung.
I questioned Yang Yuli if this wasn’t a bit too dramatic, to which he confidently reassured me that anyone playing a rampaging Lee Myung could overcome such melodrama.
But why must he be so confident when I’m the one acting?
Thanks to his assurance, I struggled a bit.
This was after Wolhee’s death, so Lee Myung’s swordplay would carry an intense aura of anger.
Expressing such raw aggression through swordplay without internal energy was quite a challenge.
But what can I do? To highlight Lee Myung’s charisma and maintain credibility, I had to endure the physical hardship.
To captivate the audience before they noticed the melodrama.
Fortunately, the scene also included numerous steam-powered trains imported by the Japanese spies, which provided ample visual spectacle.
Watching Lee Myung destroy a steam train with just a sword somewhat offset the melodrama in his lines.
Of course, how steam trains could exist in this era, and how exactly Lee Myung could cut through their thick metal plates with his sword were questions still lingering.
But Yang Yuli and the production team chose to overlook the historical accuracy, leaving the actors no choice but to follow instructions.
– “Do you have no intention of apologizing to her?”
“Each person has a purpose. That child’s purpose was predetermined from the start, so how can I apologize?”
“You people are always the same.”
“It’s only regret. That child should not have been ensnared by trifling love and neglected her mission. If it weren’t for you…”
“I don’t wish to hear anymore. As long as I live, every lackey of the Japanese will end up buried in this Joseon Empire! I’ll make sure of it!”
Hae Hwa, Wolhee’s master, along with her group, had gathered a large force equipped with steam trains to occupy the Yunasan area, only to end up falling in battle against Lee Myung, Violet, and the Gold Expedition team, losing their lives.
In this scene, I was finally able to work with Senior Kang Ji-woo again.
“Wow, you really look like a seasoned actor now. I can’t tease you as a rookie anymore.”
“Thank you. I still have a lot to improve, though.”
“You seem like you could devour someone entirely. Well done.”
It’s always comfortable working with this senior. Perhaps he complements me well?
And Senior Kang Ji-woo seemed to like me for some reason. Could this indicate that my character and conduct are qualitatively different from others in the Martial Forest Family?
Definitely a senior I look up to.
Speaking of which, during the script reading, Nam Hyun-ho mentioned that Senior Kang Ji-woo avoids him, suggesting that a nod is sufficient.
But despite that, Senior Kang Ji-woo treats me with considerable kindness. Maybe it’s proof that I’m different from others?
He’s definitely someone I admire.
“Who? Oh, you mean Lee Myung’s girlfriend who sings? Why have you come?”
“I’ve come to visit Lord Myung. I’ve heard he’s secluded himself lately…”
“Secluded? What do you mean by that? Well, never mind. I’ll guide you to him.”
After filming Wolhee’s remaining scenes, we shot the part where she, after the mine was settled, visits Lee Myung to scout the area.
And in this scene, Violet senses something hidden about Wolhee.
Violet’s instincts are as keen as her actions, almost animalistic in nature.
– “There’s something about you, isn’t there? Are you plotting something behind the scenes?”
“I don’t understand what you mean. I simply…”
“Isn’t it strange that the courtesan from Pyongyang would come this far? Lee Myung might be overly pleased, but logically, it doesn’t make sense.”
“That…”
“Well, you’re already here, so I won’t say much. But it would be wise to think carefully. I’ll keep watching, so don’t do anything foolish.”
Here, Violet pressures Wolhee.
However, there’s a hitch—Wolhee’s subtle glare at Violet’s back, and Violet’s over-the-top interrogation—seem to deviate from the writer’s intent.
This scene is supposed to lay groundwork for Violet’s suspicion of Wolhee rather than a full-on confrontation.
Wolhee’s past or motives haven’t been fully revealed yet.
When I asked Yang Yuli if there had been any secret direction given to the actors, she replied,
“What? No, everything is fine.”
“Are you sure there have been no modifications?”
“Yes, I overlooked this part. A woman who falls in love has exceptionally sharp instincts, right? Wolhee has already picked up on something. She’s sensed the familiar scent of ‘her man’ on Violet.”
“But they aren’t involved romantically, are they? Violet and Lee Myung?”
“No no, that’s not it. Lee Myung had already shown his attraction during the mine takeover conflict. Part of Violet’s core backstory is her inclination towards strong individuals due to her troubled past, remember? Her parents were wiped out by marauding bandits.”
“Hmm… so…?”
“Violet was already drawn to Lee Myung at that moment. That’s why she could so quickly suggest moving to America.”
“So Wolhee?”
“She’s caught on, somewhat. This adds a new layer of foreshadowing about the future.”
“Ah… okay.”
Frankly, it seems like someone’s personal feelings are spilling out.
Maybe it’s an unconscious reaction to being sidelined by Heavenly Yuah.
Heavenly Yuah’s performance was equally emotional.
Isn’t there a line about just watching? Why the unnecessary aggression? Are they looking for a fight?
Hmm, I’m not sure.
The writer and director are satisfied, so maybe it’s fine to let it slide. If Yang Yuli’s analysis holds, it was an okay scene.
Still, the subtle tension between these two feels increasingly conspicuous.
Both are seasoned actors who manage to keep it hidden from others, but as filming continues, someone might notice.
Especially as the emotional chasm between them grows deeper.
Two leading actresses from the same agency clashing. Sounds like media heaven, doesn’t it? It’s beyond my imagination how dramatic it could get.
At the company, it doesn’t matter what they do, but I hope the filming wraps up as soon as possible. Not to mention, I’m yearning increasingly for the warm bathtub at the company lodging.
*
Eventually, filming wrapped up.
Having crossed major battle scenes, the remaining scenes were relatively simple.
Despite the odd quirks, our actors, whose acting prowess is widely recognized, tore through the scenes like pros.
And, fortunately, the endurance of these two seasoned actors proved stronger than I anticipated, and there were no issues on the set.
Nice, very nice.
Now it’s back to the company where Moon Suyeon can get the psychological treatment she needs. Things are shaping up exactly as planned.
After three months of long filming, a small celebration party was held at this Taebaek set location.
A gathering of all staff and actors is a significant event in the acting world.
Missing it due to another schedule is akin to inviting future disadvantages.
It’s an excellent opportunity to build connections, so as a newcomer, I had to attend at all costs.
Surprisingly, all the actors, whether leads or supporting roles, attended the final party without fail.
I judged this party as a turning point.
Given the nature of such events, I anticipated some kind of showdown between these two.
And as expected, both of them drew swords, figuratively speaking.
They even instructed me to sit by them, picking different tables, respectively.
What is this, seriously? I’m not a kid; am I supposed to choose between “Mommy or Daddy”?
“Ah, Senior Lion.”
“Oh, hello. It’s been a while.”
“Um… Yes, hasn’t it?”
I thought this was awkward, so I quickly moved to another table. Coincidentally, it was Lion’s table.
Lion, who somehow keeps avoiding me.
At a social event like this, there’s no escape.
Not when I’ve willingly moved to their table.
But the mood is a bit stiff.
With everyone else conveniently disappearing, it’s just Lion and me. Plus, we barely interact on set.
Lion doesn’t outright dislike me, more like avoidance.
Hmm, why?
I think I’m pretty decent, not a delinquent like Jo Yoo-shin or a weirdo like Nam Hyun-ho.
It’s not like I’m particularly offensive, yet Lion keeps avoiding me for some reason.
It’s not a major issue, but it’s still disheartening.
“…”
“Uh, Senior.”
“Are there new female idols coming from your company?”
“Ahh, oh yes, that’s right.”
I decided to build some rapport.
He seems like a solid person.
Talking about idols would be good since he’s an idol.
Our household has a new idol joining the same company soon, so I wanted to start a conversation there.
“Do you like girl groups?”
“Not bad, I guess.”
The atmosphere relaxed when he showed interest in idols.
Bringing up girl groups was a bit unexpected, but since I generally like girl idol groups, I answered honestly.
A guy doesn’t dislike pretty girls, right?
The idol might not necessarily have the best music, but I view idols positively. There’s an innate attraction to good-looking women.
“People don’t dislike girl groups, do they?”
“Oh really? The ones debuting this time seem unexpectedly good. If you like girl groups, maybe you’ll…”
“…Why stop mid-sentence?”
“Not quite…you see…”
The sudden drop in talking pace caught my attention, but I already knew why.
“Siwoo, you like girl groups?”
“Hmm, I wonder what kind of girl groups Siwoo likes? I’m curious.”
“Yu-a Senior, Suyeon Senior…”
Just then, Heavenly Yuah and Moon Suyeon appeared.
And both of them are gazing at me disapprovingly.
These two are too overwhelming for Lion.
A 9-year acting veteran and a 7-year solo singing idol.
If I were in Lion’s shoes, I wouldn’t want to cross paths with them either.
“So, enjoy your chat!”
Sure enough, Lion swiftly left for another table.
Leaving me high and dry might seem rude, but his departure is justified since others filled the void.
Of course, from my perspective, this is the ultimate betrayal.
However, observing the expressions of the two who now sit beside me, I understand why Lion fled.
The filming is destined to be a rollercoaster even at the finish line.
