“That was Do-hee’s performance of a lifetime, wasn’t it?”
PD Choi Hee-won, deep in thought, began rubbing his chin when Director Ko Tae-min immediately agreed.
“Yes, that’s right. I actually wondered if Do-hee’s agency had spiced things up a bit for the casting, but other personnel also praised her highly. That’s what made me curious.”
“That day, Do-hee really did perform exceptionally well.”
“In that case, I must see it for myself. I might as well check on Myung-pil Hwang too, since if I reject him, it’ll be troublesome and unfair to him.”
It was very common for directors to visit the set for inspiration, and PD Choi Hee-won was surprised by something else entirely.
That something being the meticulousness of Director Ko Tae-min.
‘Even someone as accomplished as Director Ko doesn’t have anything to lament.’
There would be queues of actors wanting to be part of his projects, and no matter what changes happened with Park Do-hee, replacing her with someone else would’ve been sufficient. Yet, he still decided to make thorough checks.
‘Director Ko really brings luck to the actors who work with him. Is there another master craftsman as meticulous as this?’
Deeply touched, PD Choi Hee-won sincerely spoke.
“Director Ko, you truly are amazing. Selecting actors solely based on their skills in every casting you conduct. It seems the world isn’t mistakenly calling you a discoverer of raw talent.”
“An overly generous title, really. I haven’t done much. I just cast actors as I need them.”
“That’s exactly why it’s impressive. Usually, actors with the right looks, reputation, and expensive rates are favored.”
PD Choi Hee-won’s thoughts became clearer as he reflected.
Director Ko Tae-min often worked with unfamiliar actors for each project, and the results were similar. New talent always emerged or an actor who had been overlooked became popular.
This, too, must be due to Director Ko Tae-min’s meticulousness.
“Thank you for your kind words. See you on the day of shooting.”
And with that, the call ended.
“Wait a moment.”
A thought crossed PD Choi Hee-won’s mind.
“That scene of Do-hee’s, it was the one that awakened her. Someone as detail-oriented wouldn’t overlook it.”
He started to look forward to the main shooting day.
◈◈◈◈◈
At the profile photo shoot.
“Alright, I’ll show you the results of today’s shoot. From the left, Kim Yu-han, the disguised male profile, and Sua’s natural profile.”
Sua vigorously nodded her head.
Sua nodded.
The reason was simple.
‘These three are completely different, yet I love them all.’
It felt like standing in front of the character selection screen of an RPG game.
Why? Because even though the character is the same, the texture changes based on the selected class. The photos in front of Sua were like that. They had the same starting point but were moving in different directions.
She loved it. Really loved it.
Of course, among these, there was one that stood out the most!
It was, of course, the one that captured her true self without pretense.
The team leader chuckled as if understanding.
“That one is really good, I admit. It was a first for me after starting this job, but Sua, this works too. Thanks to this, my perspective has broadened. Thank you.”
The final natural profile picture of Sua was to be revealed.
She was honestly worried. Was the image of herself, left as it was, not going to be too ugly?
But her worries were unfounded; the result in her hands was really good.
Sua tilted her head.
‘…Am I really changing?’
Something strange. She avoided relationships and was shy, wasn’t she?
Yet, here she was, strongly voicing her opinion to leave her natural self on display.
Something she would’ve never imagined herself doing before.
Most likely, she would’ve just been watching the team leader the whole time, adjusting her mood to his, and then settled for an adequate photo.
This retrospection revealed a significant difference.
Apparently, the abilities were affecting her personality.
At first, she merely doubted it, but now she was almost convinced.
‘So, I really am changing.’
There was no issue. She just needed to accept it.
It wasn’t like this change would disadvantage her in any way. Instead, it was bringing her benefits, so she should embrace it with joy.
It was then that the team leader spoke again.
“You give off the vibe of a wild animal just venturing into the world. Anyone who sees this will have the urge to tame you.”
“The urge to tame me…”
“This person could be an industry associate or even a viewer. The desire to take something incomplete and make it complete is natural. This photo is going to bring a lot to you, Sua.”
Among the many words spoken, Sua remembered only one.
“…Just venturing into the world. I like it.”
Sua and the team leader nodded simultaneously.
Though the animals they imagined in their minds were different.
…
Inside the VIP lounge of the profile photo shoot.
It was cozy, filled with plush chairs. A corner was stocked with magazines and snacks.
Currently, Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-joo were there.
“Hey, give me your seat, will you?”
“Why didn’t you sit there first?”
“So I’m asking. Move.”
With their usual “fantastic” relationship, Yeon-joo sat opposite Kim Sun-il, resting her sock-clad feet on his knees, which caused him to frown.
For the most part, actors don’t pay much attention to their own company’s people.
Only recognizing each other at award ceremonies with thoughts like, “Oh, they’re from our company too,” is common.
In that aspect, the current situation at Mystic was unique. Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-joo had come to observe Sua’s profile shoot because they were curious.
Of course, it wasn’t solely out of friendship. The three were also the main cast of Special Mobile Unit 808, and Sua’s makeup and profile photos were crucial.
“Ugh… Heavy.”
At that moment, Kim I-seo appeared with shopping bags full of items. Some bags were dragged on the floor, dusty, but it couldn’t be helped considering her small stature. She carried it all effortlessly.
Seo Yeon-joo’s eyes sparkled upon seeing her.
“Director, are you here? I was on a video call with Sua, and I kind of sneaked a look at her makeup. And it was…?”
“I’ve already seen it too. I was on the video call as well.”
“What? Kim saeng-ge.”
Yeon-joo’s gaze cooled as she saw Kim I-seo’s hand.
“Ah? Wasn’t there something else you wanted to ask me first?”
“Do you want me to carry it while you talk? It’s heavy.”
“I’ll carry it if it’s a gift for me. Oh, I see. Did you go shopping for something terrible after that horrific ad shoot with Sun-il? What is it? A bracelet? A necklace?”
“It’s for Sua.”
“Huh. Director, you’re already favoring Sua, huh?”
Yeon-joo’s face fell in disappointment. She had expected her mom to bring something and was sad to find out it was for her sibling.
Jokingly grumbling, she prompted Kim I-seo, who then continued calmly.
“Director Park Jun expressed confidence in Sua’s progression in ‘Sword.’ So, I got some dresses for her to wear.”
“Director, I’m also in ‘Sword!'”
“Act like yourself, Yeon-joo. Sua is a rookie, you know.”
“Sua’s not a rookie; she’s a prodigy. Take care of me from now on. I’m still a baby. Baby Yeon-joo.”
Something in Yeon-joo calling herself “baby” triggered something in Kim Sun-il, who had been silently listening until then, causing him to shiver.
“Such a pity at such a young age.”
“…Sun-il, what do you mean by that?”
Anyway, Kim I-seo and Seo Yeon-joo continued their chitchat like mother and daughter. They always had an endless stream of topics.
Sua’s contract payments for the ad shoots, the main filming schedule for Special Mobile Unit 808, the year’s second-half plans, and…
Of course, there was one story that couldn’t be avoided.
That was the obvious one—Sua rejecting Director Kim Jun-ki.
“Really? She turned down participation in the audition?”
“Yes. She said her heart didn’t boil with passion. Honestly, even though participating in the audition might’ve been good to avoid tension with Director Kim Jun-ki, what can we do? She lacks motivation.”
Kim I-seo sighed deeply.
“Really, seeing this, I wonder why everyone in Mystic came together like this.”
“What’s with that statement? Everyone does their own jobs fine, don’t they?”
“That may be true… but…”
Kim I-seo suddenly scanned each member of Mystic.
Yeon-joo is like a daughter—she grumbles and shows petty grievances but gets her work done. Kim Sun-il feels like a son who quietly leaves for overnight stays and doesn’t return for a while.
And Sua…
Kim I-seo quickly shook her head. The word filial piety came to mind.
Meanwhile, Seo Yeon-joo continued talking.
“Hmm, but the rejection might’ve been for the best. Director Kim Jun-ki is making a 15+ movie this time, but I think he’s lying. He’ll probably change his mind mid-production, saying it turned out to be an adult-rated film.”
“There’s a possibility for that.”
“I’ve told you this before. The way he looks is creepy. He kept staring at my chest and butt.”
“I understand why Yeon-joo says that.”
“Yeah, it was good that she rejected it. He shouldn’t be directing Sua that way.”
Recalling the unpleasant experience with Director Kim Jun-ki, Seo Yeon-joo shivered.
It wasn’t just a possibility but a certainty. Just recalling that brief, unpleasant experience reminded her that she didn’t want Sua to have the same experience.
Ah, but talking about Sua made her miss Sua. When will she arrive?
“I’m here.”
Right at that moment, the VIP lounge door opened.
It was Sua.
Everyone, including Kim Sun-il who had fallen asleep with a magazine covering his face, immediately turned to look at her. Sua stood there much more beautiful than when they first met.
“White hair was the masterstroke.”
“Black dress, this is great.”
“Look at that figure. How unfortunate would it have been if she didn’t choose acting?”
Sua was delighted by their reactions. Who doesn’t like compliments? The weariness of sitting for so long disappeared with those few words.
“Later, I must thank writer Lee Geum-sook. Everyone seems to be loving the Arctic fox. I like it too.”
At Kim I-seo’s tapping of the lounge table,
“Now, let’s see the results of the photo shoot.”
Sua immediately pulled out the three photos—Kim Yu-han’s photo, the disguised male profile, and her natural profile.
Reactions burst out instantly.
“Wow, what is this?”
“Kim Yu-han is just like Kim Yu-han. Honestly, what detective would dye their hair white? This character is unique.”
“This natural profile will cause chaos once released. People would’ve thought she was a handsome guy, but with such a stylish woman… This is already entertaining.”
“This male profile going by the name ‘Su-an,’ it doesn’t feel like an actor. It’s more like an idol. The fairy ending vibe. The photo card this person would release in a group would definitely be the most popular.”
The words poured out like a bombardment, but all were compliments.
Sua felt a bit awkward. Compliments were unfamiliar, and this was the first time someone expected more from her than she did herself. Sua, awkward…
Still, one thing was certain. Sua’s mood improved.
“That’s the Arctic fox.”
Mystic ignored her but Sua assumed that meant their approval—an achievement of a world where no one got hurt.
Then, Kim Sun-il frowned.
“There’s one problem.”
“Problem?”
“Yeah, the face is perfect, but….”
Kim Sun-il began alternating between the photo and Sua’s figure, and soon the other two mimicked his actions. Everyone, except Sua, understood easily what concerned Kim Sun-il.
“Even if we tried binding the chest with bandages…”
“The hips are too wide. We’d have to resort to CG.”
“…And they swing a lot when you move. A lot.”
“At my level or similar. That must be heavy. I know all too well.”
When Kim I-seo and Kim Sun-il turned to Seo Yeon-joo with “What?” expressions, she ignored them.
Anyway, it was impossible to hide the fact she was female.
Let’s just say the amount of flesh that needs to be trimmed is considerable.
Each of the three felt a different kind of bitter disappointment.
One for not having that size herself.
One for the acting skill that transcended even body limitations.
And one… for simply everything.
Soon, the entire group came to one thought.
‘Now that I think about it, wouldn’t even CG fail with this?’
