“At the very least, I should be given a leading role.”
Calm yet cool tone.
However, there was no trace of hesitation as if she was asking for something unreasonable. The tone implied that she was merely asking for what was justly deserved.
Sua.
Polite without being servile—everyone present, except the person in question, felt this way.
‘How can a newcomer demand something like this?’
Seo Yeon-joo recalled her memories.
In those days, no matter what fell her way, she had to desperately cling to it. She used to only read the seniors’ expressions, as if they were like the sky.
But Sua was different. She was a peculiar newcomer, filled with a great inconsistency. Despite having no career, she was brimming with confidence—a very unique individual.
Of course, Sua herself didn’t have much thought about it.
‘Maybe I misspoke? Why is the atmosphere so cold? Oh, I should have requested a role other than Kim Hyo-jin….’
While their thoughts diverged, quite some time had passed. Eventually, it was Choi Hee-won PD, with his biceps prominently displayed as he crossed his arms, who first broke the silence.
“Which leading role are you considering, Ms. Sua?”
“That….”
Sua glanced at the script’s information once more.
[Special Mobile Unit 808]
▶ Sufficient portrayal elements
▶ Experience complete / Grade 1
Kim Yu-han (Lead) ─ 001
Lee Kang-cheol (Lead) ─ 002
Ha Yoon-jin (Lead) ─ 003
Shim Da-so (Extra) ─ 004 …
While there were a few extras besides the leads, there was no role named ‘Kim Hyo-jin’. Sua decided to find out the reason later.
“It doesn’t matter. Any leading role will do.”
“Hearing ‘it doesn’t matter’ from you makes it sound quite different. You mean you can handle any leading role?”
“Um… maybe.”
Sua thought, “Since all three have the capability to undergo experience, right?”
“…And character comprehension or dialogue memorization?”
“It won’t be a problem.”
Though Sua said it easily, the meaning it conveyed to the listener was of a different dimension. It made a significant impact immediately.
The other side started whispering among themselves.
“How much time has passed since the script was handed over?”
“It’s barely been any time. Not long at all.”
“Doesn’t this mean she already understands the characters, the main lines, and emotions of each lead? It’s impossible….”
That was when Kim Sun-il spoke.
“Sua.”
Upon meeting Kim Sun-il’s gaze, Sua discreetly swallowed hard. Is it really this intimidating? He looks like he could kill someone with just a gaze.
For a moment, she pondered how to respond.
“Hmm, thinking about it, I’ve already made my bed, haven’t I?”
Upon reflection, Kim Sun-il had been speaking casually since the beginning, and at this moment, Sua had just summoned the courage to be perceived as a reckless individual.
Respectful speech would be less suitable than informal speech, wouldn’t it?
“Yea, madness should be consistently maintained to appear seamless.”
Truthfully, ever since she demanded a lead role, there was no turning back from being perceived as such. Sua put her foot down even further.
…Frightening, but she gathered her courage nonetheless.
“Why.”
“…?”
Kim Sun-il narrowed his eyebrows slightly. While the others were also somewhat surprised, thankfully, no one critiqued Sua’s attitude.
“Since you’ve read the script, you must know. This piece has three leads.”
“Yeah.”
Sua nodded.
[Special Investigation Unit 808]
Investigation drama. The 8th batch detectives of the Mobile Unit were in charge of very special cases—specifically, those that required the arrest of criminals within 12 hours only.
The contrasting personalities of Lee Kang-cheol and Kim Yu-han are paired together. And, along with their commander Ha Yoon-jin, they formed the three leading characters.
“I’ve taken the role of Lee Kang-cheol, and Seo Yeon-joo has taken the part of Ha Yoon-jin. The remaining lead role is just one—Kim Yu-han.”
“Then Kim Yu-han is fine.”
Sua said this without much thought, since Kim Yu-han was clearly listed as the top option, even designated as number 001 on the experience list.
“Kim Yu-han is….”
Kim Sun-il couldn’t finish his sentence. Instead, he exchanged a glance with Lee Geum-sook, the writer of the script.
“…an incomplete character.”
“Incomplete?”
“That’s right. I, as the writer, will explain.”
Writer Lee Geum-sook interjected calmly.
“This character seemed pretty good when it was just written in text, but when actors tried to portray it, a discordance kept arising. In the end, after revising the script quite a few times….”
Her face darkened as she shook her head.
“…it just completely flew off the rails. An incomplete character.”
“Ah.”
“This means the role has an incomplete quotient in terms of quantity, character, relationship, and lines. I’m actually considering removing it altogether, so it’s awkward to offer it to you, Sua.”
Sua understood without much difficulty.
So, it’s a character the writer herself hasn’t clearly defined, isn’t it?
“Anyway, we didn’t suggest a supporting role because we looked down on you. We just want to give you the one that suits you best after trying out many roles. Is that okay?”
“Ah, yes.”
After nodding, Sua quickly added one more thing.
“Except for the Kim Hyo-jin role.”
“Understood. And Sun-il, though his tone might be a bit harsh, handles these tests very accurately. Can I entrust it to you?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
Immediately after, Kim Sun-il, scanning the script, spoke up.
“Sua. Your astuteness has been proven, now you just need to show your acting skills. What an unfortunate curse it would be if someone with such good eyes lacked acting talent.”
“That’s very true.”
It was a story Sua could relate to.
How unfortunate would it be to not be able to participate in an excellent Grade 1 script right in front of you? It’s heart-wrenching. It’s like being teased with hope excessively.
Of course, Kim Sun-il wasn’t offering affectionate advice. His eyes became even sharper instead.
“Physical acting is fine. Let’s just focus on line readings.”
“Okay.”
“Do you really need no more time?”
“Yes.”
Kim Sun-il looked somewhat skeptical but Sua didn’t catch the subtle movement.
“Page 3, Scene 4. Shim Da-so.”
Sua’s vivid memory of the experience kicked in.
Shim Da-so. The arrogant actress who fell into ruin.
“…Isn’t the first scene quite emotionally deep?”
“Sun-il, let’s go easy on her.”
“Yeah, let’s teach without inserting too much personal sentiment.”
The comments circulated around audibly enough for both Kim Sun-il and Sua to hear clearly.
Kim Sun-il leaned his head slightly and asked,
“Do you feel the same as the others, don’t you think this is hard? Difficult to handle?”
Sua didn’t reply.
“If the role is hard and you wish to skip it, tell us. If you’re scared, you can quit altogether. We’ll try to find you a suitable role, but keep in mind that there might not be any fit for you. That is normal in this industry.”
“No.”
Sua’s voice was resolute.
Does it mean she’s not scared?
Does it mean it’s not difficult for her?
…Kim Sun-il wondered. Could it be both?
“Page 3, Scene 4. Shim Da-so.”
The specific scene was recited again, urging her on.
Finally, Sua’s lips parted.
“『I don’t want cheap goods… Is my death a masterpiece?』”
Maintaining an air of arrogance even at the moment of suffocation. Yet, it suits her perfectly. Sua easily absorbed the regret of the actress who eventually fell into ruin.
There was no need for further deliberation. The fitting role was found already.
“….”
Kim Sun-il’s lips stiffened, and others weren’t far behind.
“…Hmm.”
A much quieter space than before. Kim Sun-il spoke,
“Since you fit this role perfectly, the real deal starts now. Should I give you some time to detach from the emotions?”
“No, it’s fine. Not necessary.”
Her composed demeanor with not even a hint of distress.
But it wasn’t arrogant. It rather looked like she was expecting to try out various characters with great anticipation, adding to Kim Sun-il’s growing confusion.
Eventually, he shook his head and snorted.
She’ll definitely hit a snag as he throws various roles at her. Soon she’ll realize her limits.
But.
“『The reason for your death? Forget whose grace brought you this far, clothed you, and fed you.』”
“『S, S, Save me… Khughh…』”
Still, Sua remained unfazed.
Just before Kim Sun-il was about to point out scene 40 on page 63,
“Excuse me.”
Sua interrupted. Immediately, Kim Sun-il’s expression brightened. Ah, so this is where your limit comes in.
“Why, is it too much?”
“It’s suffocating. Please assign some male roles.”
“…What?”
Kim Sun-il’s eyes widened.
The cool delivery of the words were calm, but their content was anything but light. It was a very bold challenge.
Acting in a role of a different gender—how could it possibly be easy?
Page 192, the scene in front of the police station.
Page 173, the office hallway scene.
“『I’ve decided without consulting you. My way. Will you oppose it? You know we must catch this guy, right?』”
While Isua calmly acted out the various roles, the people opposite could only gape open-mouthed in stupor. They didn’t even attempt to regain their composure.
Kim Sun-il was similarly stunned.
The intention of looking down on Sua or intending to embarrass her—that was all gone now.
Kim Sun-il: ‘My assumptions were wrong. This person’s acting…’
Sua’s sharp features didn’t lose their strength even with a striking appearance, yet her face seemed to transform according to the roles she took on.
Was it emotion or soul, something intangible? It was as if all of it was contained within her lines.
Kim Sun-il recalled the moments of his own performances.
He hadn’t sought the title “Magnificent Garbage.” Once, he too had dreams: an actor who could embody a thousand faces and different personalities in every piece.
But breaking free from himself wasn’t easy.
His appearance was set, and the image solidified by past productions was strong. That’s when he realized: he lacked the genius needed.
A wall.
At that moment, he felt an unscalable wall.
Then what’s standing in front of me now?
‘…What is this person? Free. Unbound by anything.’
Despite being a rookie with a short period of intensive acting, as can be seen from her empty resume, her performance is remarkable. Her line readings alone made that clear.
When Sua stood before the camera, something grand was going to be captured.
Unconsciously, his hand began to move.
Rrrack─!
He tore a certain page from the script and placed it conspicuously on the table. Immediately, shocked reactions erupted around him.
“Kim Yu-han…!”
“Are you planning to assign her the role of Kim Yu-han?”
“It’s a male role and an incomplete character…?”
Kim Sun-il didn’t care about the sudden commotion. His eyes remained solely focused on Sua.
Kim Yu-han. An unfinished role.
Even he knew he was pushing her too far.
Still, a desire had stirred.
If the talent in front of him was truly a comet-like genius, he wanted to see its brilliance, even if it blinded him.
Kim Sun-il valued the completion of this script more than anything before. He awaited the appearance of Kim Yu-han fervently.
Sua, who understood the other characters with near perfection, how would she interpret Kim Yu-han? He couldn’t wait to find out.
But.
“Um.”
“Hmm?”
Sua slowly shook her head.
“That’s not possible.”
“…Not possible? You mean it’s not possible?”
Kim Sun-il hesitated momentarily.
His expression immediately turned blank and then irritated.
After showing us this much, and then say it’s out of the question?
It can’t be.
Brilliant talent like yours, you should show us your interpretation of Kim Yu-han. How do you plan to unfold it, let us see.
The faces around were not very different from Kim Sun-il’s. Did this have to be the end? Eyes filled with regret converged on Sua.
‘Kim Yu-han… Should I plead with her to act it out, just once?’
Kim Sun-il had that thought momentarily before shaking his head.
Because of respect and integrity.
‘She wouldn’t do it. Asking would be shameless. I know very well how I’ve treated her up until now…’
Kim Sun-il hadn’t treated Sua kindly, and the person in question knew it best.
It couldn’t be denied. Regardless of the circumstances, his attitude was less than ideal, he himself knew that.
A bit regrettable. If this skill had been showcased earlier, how wonderful it would have been.
Just as Kim Sun-il and the others were reconciling to this.
“Hmm.”
Sua hummed a tune similar to a whistling song.
All the earlier gravity was gone, replaced by light movements. She almost seemed like a vagabond.
She approached Kim Sun-il. Instead of leaving as expected, she rather stood looking down at him.
Kim Sun-il’s eyes widened.
The others also showed visible surprise at the same moment.
Sua’s movements, they evoked a specific role.
“This is something I can’t do alone.”
“A case this large requires teamwork.”
With the lines Sua spoke, overlapping dialogues also sounded. The line from the character who passionately sought the script’s completion. It must have been something like that.
“I need a partner.”
“I need someone to drive and cuff criminals.”
A vivid image formed in his mind.
The light-hearted brilliance, the unpredictable genius detective.
“Damn!”
Kim Sun-il muttered involuntarily. She wasn’t ending the test; she had just started performing the character she had already interpreted.
“Shall we try it together?”
“Shall we take this case on together?”
Sua no longer existed.
That answer they had sought for so long.
The lead, the genius detective Kim Yu-han.
He was calling out to Lee Kang-cheol.
