In conclusion, it was a meeting from which both parties gained a lot.
Both Ha Eun and Hong Su-eun had something they wanted to gain from each other.
However, what the two gained from each other was not of the same kind.
To begin with, what Ha Eun gained was a deeper understanding of the character Kim Jeong-hyun.
And.
“If the opportunity arises, I would like to meet the writer again.”
A declaration of willingness to participate in <Goblin>.
After all, Ha Eun’s statement aimed at the future after the currently ongoing <The Sunshine> left Hong Su-eun a bit taken aback.
It was only natural since Hong Su-eun’s <Goblin> was still an unfinished drama with no completed script.
Neither the cast nor the shooting schedule had been determined, nor even the broadcasting station to propose the script.
To express a willingness to participate based solely on liking the script was quite an unusual situation in many ways.
Nonetheless, instead of saying thank you, Hong Su-eun responded with an understanding reply. It was because she had a vague idea that Ha Eun would be able to portray the female lead role of “Baek Seol-hwa” in <Goblin> well.
This assumption was based on the insights Hong Su-eun gained from her conversation with Ha Eun.
During their conversation that continued until late in the evening, Hong Su-eun obtained different insights compared to what Ha Eun had gained.
‘…If I had known this would happen, I should have called a little earlier.’
Nonetheless, it was undeniable that the reason Ha Eun wanted to meet with Hong Su-eun stemmed from doubts about Kim Jeong-hyun.
This was something Hong Su-eun was well aware of.
However, as the conversation with Ha Eun progressed.
“Then, what does Park Ju-ho mean to Kim Jeong-hyun? Is it also because he can’t let go of Park Ju-ho?”
Hong Su-eun realized that the extent of Ha Eun’s doubts was higher than she had thought.
Ha Eun’s deeper understanding of Kim Jeong-hyun did not merely resolve personal doubts, which she also came to understand.
‘I thought it was just simple curiosity.’
As a result, Hong Su-eun had to completely revise her thoughts about the actor ‘Lee Ha-eun.’
Now, describing Ha Eun merely as “an actor with outstanding acting skills” was no longer sufficient.
Strictly speaking, it was not unusual for an actor to have curiosity about their role.
Having curiosity about the role is part of the process of understanding it.
It is only natural that there is a difference in naturalness between an actor who has understood their role and one who has not.
After all, reciting lines from a script and acting with them are fundamentally different.
Of course, it is true that until now, there had not been any noticeable unnaturalness in Ha Eun’s acting.
However, it did not mean that she completely understood the intentions and thoughts of Hong Su-eun who created the character Kim Jeong-hyun.
This was something Ha Eun was unconsciously aware of as well.
The reason Ha Eun stepped directly to Hong Su-eun’s house was also because she had become aware of the existence of the gray areas she did not yet understand.
However, since the scope and extent of what Ha Eun regarded as gray areas far exceeded Hong Su-eun’s expectations.
“Then in the end, it’s about responsibility. Ultimately, only Kim Jeong-hyun can turn Park Ju-ho’s heart.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
After receiving answers to all the questions Ha Eun had prepared in advance, she appeared to understand the character of Kim Jeong-hyun to a degree similar to Hong Su-eun or perhaps even more.
Thus, from the moment Ha Eun realized that she was a very different actor from those she had seen before.
“When Ha Eun is speculative as Baek Seol-hwa, if she were to discover the true relationship with the Goblin, how do you think she would act?”
It became increasingly frequent for Hong Su-eun to ask Ha Eun questions.
In contrast to when she answered Ha Eun’s questions about Kim Jeong-hyun, this time, Hong Su-eun took the initiative to provide information about Baek Seol-hwa and wanted to hear Ha Eun’s opinions.
This was partly because Ha Eun had an oddly accurate predictability regarding the circumstances and future of Baek Seol-hwa.
The story that had existed only in Hong Su-eun’s mind flowed in a somewhat similar manner from Ha Eun’s lips.
“Hmm… I think that no matter what happens, she wouldn’t be able to give up on the Goblin. Even if she realizes there’s no way out, she would keep struggling…”
Just having read the incomplete script once, Ha Eun deeply empathized with the character of Baek Seol-hwa.
Simultaneously, she showed a high level of understanding of the character, just as she did when she received explanations about Kim Jeong-hyun from Hong Su-eun.
“The Goblin treasures Baek Seol-hwa just as much as she treasures the Goblin. So, she would probably never give up.”
Crucially, it felt natural.
With Ha Eun’s story added to the still incomplete script, the flow became noticeably smoother.
Ultimately, Hong Su-eun asked Ha Eun to answer not as “a high school student like Baek Seol-hwa,” but as “Baek Seol-hwa” herself.
While she didn’t outright ask her to share thoughts or lines that Baek Seol-hwa would likely say, it was undeniable that the weight of Ha Eun’s advice was not light.
As a result, the meeting ended only after the sun had completely set.
However, perhaps because she unconsciously admitted that Ha Eun had a very high level of understanding of Baek Seol-hwa.
“I don’t know yet which winter we’ll be filming in, but it’s certain that we’ll be shooting in the winter. Just keep that in mind for now.”
“Yes. I will definitely keep my schedule clear.”
“Haha. There’s no need to clear your schedule for me. Just make sure to keep in touch with me.”
Just as in the past Baek Tae-hoon had thought Ha Eun was the perfect candidate for Kim Jeong-hyun, the current Hong Su-eun also began to consider Ha Eun the perfect fit for Baek Seol-hwa.
Casually, even if it was merely passing mention, she revealed her intention to cast Ha Eun as Baek Seol-hwa.
It was after that that she contacted Kwon Jae-hyuk, the director of <The Sunshine>, expressing her desire to observe Ha Eun’s next shoot.
Due to Hong Su-eun’s busy schedule, until then, feedback had been provided by receiving footage separately.
“I feel like I should see it with my own eyes at least once. There are personal things I want to confirm too.”
[Oh, it seems you had quite an interesting conversation with Ha Eun.]
“Young as she is, her passion is really impressive. Her perspective on the story was refreshing.”
Hong Su-eun couldn’t contain her curiosity about how Ha Eun’s acting, having gained a deeper understanding of Kim Jeong-hyun, would change.
She wanted to experience the changes in Ha Eun’s acting up close and vividly.
Thus, time passed.
Finally, on the day of the <The Sunshine> shoot, Hong Su-eun, who had shown up at the filming site after quite a while.
“I am no longer a slave of your family. And I am certainly not a Joseon person!”
“So, I asked. As a person to another, please help me just once.”
Internally applauded the grand appearance of Kim Jeong-hyun, who was completely unfazed by Baek Tae-hoon’s passionate acting.
It was because she could see the new layers inherent in Kim Jeong-hyun more clearly than anyone else.
The first shoot after the meeting with Hong Su-eun was a meaningful one for Ha Eun as well.
The gradual evolution of Kim Jeong-hyun into a more three-dimensional character was ultimately tied to the overall flow of <The Sunshine>.
“Persuasive acting. Understandable acting…”
Up until now, everything Kim Jeong-hyun had displayed—all his words and actions had stemmed from personal wishes.
He had found it enjoyable simply because it was new and interesting because it was unfamiliar.
The act of secretly stepping into the house of the missionary ‘Hanson Arnold,’ who had set up residence near Hansung, was due to his academic curiosity as well.
Learning the alphabet from the American Hanson and hearing stories about the great powers outside Joseon was a delightful experience.
In this way, it was hard to find anything beyond personal desires in all of Kim Jeong-hyun’s past behaviors.
However, through continued meetings with Hanson, who genuinely cared for Joseon, he discovered hidden truths.
“Then, laying down rails in Hansung and installing shining pillars is all…”
“It’s to make you dependent on other countries, under the pretense of bringing new culture.”
“Is the ultimate purpose to completely swallow Joseon, this country?”
“Perhaps.”
He could no longer afford to focus on personal matters.
The reasons for wanting to leave the wide tiled house would inevitably change as well.
‘I shouldn’t act as if I am forced to follow the greater good.’
Ultimately, what Ha Eun must portray is the realization of why the past Kim Ja-gyeom deemed Joseon a precarious country.
Therefore, she had sought an audience with Park Ju-ho, who until now had merely been an American in the guise of a Joseon person, to seek his advice.
Currently, Park Ju-ho was a person somewhat connected to the U.S. troops stationed in Joseon.
In other words, he was nearly the only character among Kim Jeong-hyun’s acquaintances with some diplomatic power.
“I need your help.”
For the first time since encountering Park Ju-ho, who had returned to Joseon, she met him with a purpose.
However, the response she received from Park Ju-ho was extremely dismissive.
“Continue your studies. Leave hunting as merely a hobby.”
“Does my will sound that light to you?”
“Do you think the words of a woman who has only ever been coddled in the main house will weigh heavily?”
Even after that, Park Ju-ho maintained his stubborn attitude for quite some time.
No matter what Kim Jeong-hyun said or asked, to Park Ju-ho, it was merely the antics of a rich girl.
The memory of how Park Ju-ho’s parents were treated poorly and beat to death simply for being slaves still lingered.
For him, this country called Joseon was a land that could collapse without consequence.
Thus all the more so.
– Thud.
– Stomp.*
“Coming closer and grabbing hold of you, and asking for help. I hope you don’t think too lightly of it.”
“…How shameless. Have you already forgotten the deeds of your grandfather?”
“What I am desperately craving before your eyes is not your grandfather but my own plea. Must we truly avoid looking each other in the eye?”
As she approached the turning Park Ju-ho and grasped him tightly, Kim Jeong-hyun wished that both he and this country called Joseon would completely vanish.
She hoped that the ‘young lady’ who repeatedly made him hesitate and become aware of his lingering attachments would be erased from Park Ju-ho’s life.
From Kim Jeong-hyun’s perspective, this desire of Park Ju-ho should never be fulfilled.
Thus, eventually, within the distinct gaze of Ha Eun, which gradually rose toward Park Ju-ho.
“Does my sense of shame matter in a task for Joseon…”
A young lady’s guilt and the urgent longing of a Joseon person mingled within her.
Faced with such guilt and longing from Ha Eun, Baek Tae-hoon was forced to respond as Park Ju-ho.
In that one moment, she was decisively Kim Jeong-hyun.
From the soft white fingers that cautiously grasped the collar of Park Ju-ho without letting go until the very end.
To the small lips that flinched yet never fully opened until Park Ju-ho spoke.
