For one week, the deluge of articles was more than sufficient.
[Special Mobilization Corps… At last, the signal flare for production]
[“Kim Yu-han’s role, the viewers should know that, too.”]
[The role that must be hidden… Why?]
The weight of the crown of an anticipated work, ‘Special Mobilization Corps 808’ continued to grow even with just the news of its production start. And at the eye of the typhoon sat the protagonist, Sua.
Whirr— Whirr— Whirr—
Creak—!
“Ah, hell. Did the ink run out?”
Completely oblivious to the influx of articles and rumors, she spent her days running the printer non-stop. Naturally, they were scripts or screenplays.
“Drama fans, their affection is incredible… much more than expected.”
In the case of popular works, fans would meticulously collect and organize scripts out of pure affection – a blessing from Sua’s perspective, given the invaluable resources they provided.
There was only one reason for the printing: to practice acting.
▶ Experience Completed
▶ Experience Completed
▶ Experience Completed….
And so, what unfolded before her very eyes was none other than the fruit of her toil. Sua had experienced countless scripts.
“Acting. To survive, nothing but acting will do. Truly.”
Sua had, in fact, been repeating this phrase to herself since dawn.
‘I, I think I’m being misunderstood on a big scale.’
Regardless of her intent, Sua was well aware that she was currently perceived as a ‘promising rookie.’ To survive, she had to truly become a standout talent.
…Especially since this feeling had become stronger after the after-work drinks.
“And my personality… Hmm, I’ll improve it through effort…”
Correcting her timid character was proving harder than acting practice. Still, she was putting in the effort. Repeating to herself ‘Sua, you’re going to become an excellent actor!’…
Thereafter, she began systematic training.
“First, I’ll record myself mimicking scenes… Ah, the angle’s wrong here. I’ll have to do this again. Then, I’ll watch the original performances of other actors…”.
She compares what she has mimicked against the actual scenes from the drama.
Did the original actors feel the same emotions that she had experienced? Was her interpretation of the script consistent with the original work? If there was a difference, which was better?
As a result, she clearly felt her acting skills improving, especially in those moments.
“Maybe I can do better than that actor?”
Sua muttered to herself after reflecting on her own performance.
“…Am I wrong? Was that too arrogant? Am I losing it?”
But after reviewing her own video, she became confident. Indeed, Sua could already perceptively sense the nuances and emotions other actors lacked.
“Look at this! The shows that just seemed off at a glance? Looking deeper, it’s clear the ratings crashed! If I had acted, it wouldn’t have… Ah, whatever. Stay humble, Sua.”
Sua slapped her mouth. “Maybe I’m going crazy.”
You, you’re just a rookie actor, remember?
Still, because she could feel her abilities improving, the process was not all tiring. For Sua, it became enjoyable and fulfilling.
But…
Sua tilted her head.
“But, still… I still don’t get it.”
Her small hands fidgeted with the scripts.
“…Why don’t certain roles come up?”
Right then,
[Your Special Skill’s proficiency has increased!]
[You can now gauge suitability for roles!]
[The ‘Unfit Role Blocking’ function will be disabled.]
“Huh?”
She inspected suddenly appearing notifications about various aspects of her special skill, quickly understanding the changes.
Kim Yu-han ─ Character 001 (Suitability A)
Lee Kang-cheol ─ Character 002 (Suitability B)
Ha Yoon-jin ─ Character 003 (Suitability B)
.
.
.
Kim Hyo-jin ─ Character 004 (Suitability F)
Sua’s eyes widened.
“Kim Hyo-jin’s suitability is merely F? That’s why it never came up? The auto-remove feature was blocking it outright.”
She vaguely understood why the skill now revealed this information. With her growing proficiency, the special skill whispered, encouraging her to freely experience more.
“Oh… Special Skill, you’re kinda touching…?”
In this world where everyone misunderstood Sua, the Special Skill steadfastly stood on her side. A feeling of warmth welled up inside her.
“Alright, practice is done for now… Next!”
Sua picked up a script.
It was a short period drama film, ‘Sword’.
◈◈◈◈◈
[Short Period Drama Film ‘Sword’]
▶ Sufficient elements for recreation
▶ Completed Experience / Grade 2
With ‘Special Mobilization Corps 808’ production confirmed, Sua maintained her interest in other works.
After all, why abandon all Grade 2 projects just because you landed a Grade 1? That’s foolish thinking, according to Sua.
‘Filmography isn’t built in one line.’
Just by searching for Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il, who were currently immensely popular among the public, it became crystal clear. Their line-up of blockbusters per year was both admirable and impressive.
Moreover, there was one more thing.
─Scripts will be sent as soon as they’re ready.
The line from her manager, and Lee Geum-sook’s earlier announcement that she would rewrite Kim Yu-han’s part from scratch. This indicated one thing.
Time.
Sua was given time.
‘I have quite a bit of time before I get the Kim Yu-han script, but I don’t want to just sit around waiting.’
Other actors might impatiently wish to receive the Kim Yu-han script sooner. After all, getting an unmastered script right before filming starts can be disastrous.
But at least Sua had no such worries. Why would I care when I get it, since I have the Special Skill?
[Short Period Drama Film ‘Sword’]
Therefore, Sua began exploring this in earnest. While at the phone booth in the Special Skill hotel, she flipped open the phonebook.
Ha-ryeong (Lead)─ Suitability B
Wi Ji-hye (Lead) ─ Suitability A
Hwa-cheon ( Supporting) ─ Suitability D …
“Wow, the names scream ‘Period Drama’.”
Now that every role was accessible, all side characters and extras had equally low suitability ratings.
So the target was Wi Ji-hye. For Sua, the most suitable lead role was the best option.
With this, she was ready to experience Wi Ji-hye.
“….”
The outstretched hand hesitated, then froze.
It stretched again, then froze a second time.
“Hmm….”
It kept wavering. She had something on her mind.
“…But why is the production team so unusually quiet?”
The unusual silence of the ‘Sword’ production team stopped her hand. It was a stark contrast compared to the energy drink commercial team.
Sua checked her phone for messages.
[Energy Drink ‘Fever’ Interview Notice]
Hello, Sua. This is the Energy Drink CF team. Thank you for applying 🙂
Please feel free to contact this number if you have any questions regarding the interview. Thank you.
While the drink commercial team kindly kept updating the schedule, the movie team made no contact at all.
’Is this normal? Or is there an issue?’
Try as she might, Sua couldn’t figure it out. She was inexperienced, after all.
“…”
Finally, she opened the group chat for help.
[ Saeng-ji: Hey guys, I’ll be busy for a while.]
[ Saeng-ji: Back soon.]
“Wait, Saeng-ji is also busy?”
She actually intended to consult Saeng-ji but was frustrated. There was nothing else to do. So, typing with the urgency of grabbing at straws, she wrote.
[Sua: Anyone interested in movies?]
[Sua: It’s a short film called ‘Sword’.]
[Monkeying: Sword? Yeah, I know.]
[Monkeying: How do you know about this?]
[Sua: …I was going to speak.]
Sua replied genuinely to Monkeying.
Monkeying wasn’t some random name. They were a ‘computer monkey’ – glued to their screen all day, diligently gaming and lurking in various online communities.
What does this guy know about films? Why?
[Sua: Do you have any interest in films?]
[Monkeying: More like Yang Ha-rin has interest, really.]
[Sua: Who’s Yang Ha-rin?]
[Monkeying: How do you not know who Yang Ha-rin is?]
[Saeng-ji: Su-a always knows less than others.]
-Saeng-ji has been removed by the chatroom admin.
-Saeng-ji has re-entered.
[ Saeng-ji: Stop that.]
[Sua: So who’s Yang Ha-rin?]
[Black Bear: A strong contender for this year’s Rookie Award.]
[Monkeying: She’s an idol-turned-actress and cute.]
Idol turned actress, rookie award contender…
Sua thought, “Impressive.”
[Sua: Alright, understood. Thanks everyone.]
Afterward, searching online validated her friends’ claims.
Sua also noticed how striking Yang Ha-rin was, with her relentless scheduling in shooting projects, aiming for this year’s Newcomer Award. Clearly gifted.
‘That’s why the production team probably doesn’t feel the need to individually contact participants. They already have Yang Ha-rin.’
‘We have Yang Ha-rin on board! Would you still not join? It’s fine if you don’t come!’
Maybe that’s the mentality? Satisfied, Sua set aside her concern. Her only worry was whether the project had fallen through. If it hadn’t, that was enough.
Suddenly,
─♩♪♬
The phone rang and upon seeing the caller, Sua unconsciously reacted,
“Damn it.”
Seo Yeon-joo.
The caller’s name triggered an involuntary shiver down Sua’s spine as she picked up. Why the sudden call? Did she find out about the bunny dolls she kept buying? Or did she really report her to the police?
“Hey, Sua, how are things going? Oh, actually, informal talk is alright, right? We’ve known each other long enough, it’s time to relax a bit.”
Seo Yeon-joo broke the silence first.
Sua tried to stay calm, but a sharp guard sent icy tones slipping out.
“What’s up?”
“Whoa, so cold.”
Seo Yeon-joo chuckled softly.
“I was just wondering if you keep an eye on those stories that keep popping up.”
Sua thought, ‘Stories? What stories?’
“Nope.”
“I recommend checking out some. You’re quite a hot topic these days.”
What could make her a topic? Keeping her bunny doll collection at her age? Worse yet, buying them with someone else’s card?
Sua shook her head hard.
“Tell me why you called.”
“Thought I’d check in once in a while.”
“Isn’t it too early for that kind of casual chit-chat?”
From time to time?
A bead of sweat formed on Sua’s forehead.
‘Why is she doing this? Did she find some leverage over me?’
Or is she trying to keep tabs on me?
“Fine, do as you like. It depends on you anyway.”
Sua closed her eyes tightly and ended the call.
On the other hand.
“…”
Seo Yeon-joo, prepared for an outing, now stood somewhat bewildered. She held the phone, the call having ended prematurely.
“What was that?”
Brow furrowed, she slowly replayed the situation.
“So, I was just rejected? When trying to be friendly?”
That little voice in her head echoed,
“─Do as you like, depends on you anyway.”
Interpreting that as a consideration request, a rookie handling herself this way towards Seo Yeon-joo was a wonder.
Yet, her expression held no displeasure, only a spread smile.
Such experiences were new and thrilling to her.
“Goodness, you keep making me curious.”
◈◈◈◈◈
“Director, just one more reconsideration, please.”
In the office, a man knelt and pleaded.
The secretary and bodyguards stood with disciplined gazes fixed forward. Meanwhile, a menacing-looking man leaned back against a leather sofa, his eyes locked on the kneeling man.
On the desk lay one script.
[Short Historical Film ‘Sword’]
“Director Park, what’s wrong to the point you’re kneeling? It’s a good day. Haven’t you already secured funding from me? You should be happy now that money issues are resolved, shouldn’t you?”
Director Park replied with gratitude, “I am extremely grateful for your investment. That said…”
“Hmm?”
“Yang Ha-rin… Ha-rin…”
“And?”
“…”
Unable to finish, the man clenched his teeth. The kneeling man was Director Park Jun.
He was once known as a master director. Back when his mega-hit historical drama dominated the South Korean scene.
But life’s unpredictability knows no bounds.
One big hit doesn’t guarantee a string of them. What followed was a downhill slide into a very sad chapter. And Park Jun was the protagonist of this misery.
The investor lifted his chin.
“I’ll fund the movie on the condition that we use our talented Yang Ha-rin as lead actress. Is that such an unrealistic demand? Any issues with her acting skills?”
“How could there be? Absolutely not.”
“Good?”
The investor smirked.
“An accurate assessment. There’s no better rookie than Ha-rin. She’s on track to grab this year’s rookie award.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Then why the resistance? I’m investing and lending Ha-rin, which should be a cause for celebration, shouldn’t it? What’s the problem?”
“This project would be more suitable as a dual lead. Requesting to bring in another rookie for the other lead role.”
Desperation colored Director Park’s voice.
“Director, let’s cast Yang Ha-rin as the sole lead. Shouldn’t Ha-rin be focus enough? There’s no need for dual casts.”
Park Jun had legitimate reasons for his frantic plea. Just recalling the recent headlines gave him a glimpse of his concerns.
[Yang Ha-rin’s ‘Jinx’… Is it real?]
[Spooky Entertainment Rumors That Sound Like Jokes]
[Yang Ha-rin, a Monster Rookie Who “Eats” Co-stars.]
Yang Ha-rin.
Every rookie co-starring with her seemed destined to retire. Fans might not know the cause, but Park Jun did all too well.
“Carry Ha-rin’s crazy personality?”
Her belittling attitude, bullying, and favoritism were quite severe. How many young talents broke under that pressure?
To Park Jun, Yang Ha-rin seemed like a carnivorous flower. A monster flower that consumes co-stars.
Then,
“I’m sorry, but this cannot happen.”
A firm and cutting voice interjected.
Park’s eyes turned toward the source.
A striking woman sat nibbling on a peach.
Reclined with one leg crossed, her confident posture complimented the leather chair perfectly.
With hair as dark and heavy as the night and languid eyes, this was Yang Ha-rin.
After chewing on the peach, she spoke.
“Providing us money and lending our Ha-rin… We’re not a charity organization, right? There should be something I gain from this, shouldn’t there?”
Her smirk was both teasing and aristocratic.
Park Jun found himself in a tight bind.
“Compensation or other conditions are already offered at top-tier standards…”
“We don’t need that.”
Yang Ha-rin cut him off.
“An actor who inspires me, who acts as the foundation for my craft. Find such a talent. I’m not interested in money. It’s about improving my acting.”
The representative, who had been listening, nodded in agreement.
“That’s a great attitude for an actor, Park Director. You’re truly blessed to work with such a dedicated talent.”
“Difficult. It’ll be hard to find someone appropriate.”
“It’s loud in here, Director Park. Remember one thing.”
The representative’s voice was firm.
“If the conditions aren’t met, I’ll withdraw my investment, and Ha-rin will no longer participate. Save the brooding for yourself, Director Park.”
“Director… Director…!”
As much as Park pleaded, the results didn’t change. He was helplessly pushed out, effectively chased away.
“Ah…”
Park ultimately collapsed with an empty gaze.
Nothing but tearing his hair out remained as a viable option.
“Whatever… What should I do?”
…
…
…
…
…
Lost in thought, Park wandered the streets. Sighing deeply at every corner, he incessantly made phone calls.
“Ah, long time no see. Um, by any chance…”
Rejected.
“Actually…”
Rejected.
“Hello? Busy, you say? Ah ha…”
Rejected. Rejected. Nothing but rejections.
All the networking he built during his golden days were proving ephemeral. They vanished as if by magic once he experienced failure. No matter how much legwork he put in, no help was in sight.
It was a relief if someone even answered his calls. Today, he faced more rejections than ever.
Just then,
─♩♪♬
Park’s phone rang with an unexpected call. Staring at the caller ID, Park’s eyes widened.
“Ye…Hello?”
“Hey there, Director. What’s up with all those calls?”
A clear, feminine voice answered from the other side.
“I thought you were ignoring me.”
“That’s rude! I may forget other things, but I always care for the folks we ended on good terms with. You know that.”
“Really? How are you recently?”
“I’m good, but busy. Anyway, Director Park, why do you sound so low? What’s wrong?”
So, Park let out a long sigh.
“Same old. I got thoroughly criticized. That’s why.”
“Oh, me too. I got a rejection earlier.”
“…What? You dating someone?”
“Ah no. Nothing like that, but anyway…”
Before he could finish, she laughed brightly.
“So, what was the reason for your calls?”
“Actually, there was something to ask, but…”
“Wanting me in the film? Sorry, but I’m really busy right now. Let’s work together in the next project.”
“Yeah, I figured. I just wanted to vent a bit.”
“Need a drink? We were just finishing practice. Why don’t you join us for one? Only people we know will be there.”
Park shook his head.
“I’ve got my dignity. How can I intrude on that?”
“It’s just people we know. I’ll send you the address. Come by, at least say hi, alright?”
After the call ended, a message with an address appeared. It was close enough to reach by taxi in 15 minutes.
“…”
Park contemplated this, several times. Really several times.
And 30 minutes later,
Against his better judgment, Director Park stood at the entrance of the renowned steakhouse. The sort of place where the average person thinks twice before entering— only serving the highest grade meats and fine wines.
‘I must be crazy. What made me come here shamelessly?’
But he came anyway. If he didn’t offload this burden to someone else now, he feared it might never heal.
Right, just a bit of venting.
Just as Director Park climbed the stair to enter the restaurant,
“Director, this way!”
A radiant woman gestured with a flourish. Her hair, flowing like water, adorned by a neat headband, had a pure and elegant charm.
“Director Park… It’s really been a while.”
“Director Park? It’s been so long.”
A boulder-like muscle-bound man greeted alongside a woman habitually fiddling with her laptop and wine glass.
“…Director Park?”
And a rather anal-retentive fellow cleaning utensils like it was his job.
“All of you, greetings.” Park bowed respectfully.
Standing before him were,
Seo Yeon-joo, PD Choi Hee-won and Lee Geum-sook, and Kim Sun-il.
The core members of the ‘Special Mobilization Corps 808’ production team.
