Special Mobile Unit 808 filming location.
Certainly, trial filming also happened here, but for some reason, Sua nonetheless felt that the site was on an entirely different level compared to before.
‘The main filming is so vivid it can’t even be compared to before.’
That said, there were visibly many differences as well.
Back then it was daytime, but now it was night; the building that was just left alone then now had lights inside; the actors had all done their makeup accordingly…
Thanks to all this, Sua felt as if she was experiencing some otherworldly realm. It truly felt like she had fallen into the world of Special Mobile Unit 808.
‘Yeah, just like when I go through the script.’
Of course, it’s not just the actors who are busy.
The staff moving around with equipment they’ve never seen before, the prop team adjusting the various props, cameras being set up everywhere, and those holding what looks like scripts are the directing team.
Sua was once again surprised by the number of people.
‘Is this an amusement park or something…’
People walking around an amusement park might at least have some leisure, but the current location was filled only with a desperate atmosphere. To the point that the once nerve-wracking trial filming now feels like a mere joke.
Therefore,
‘Amidst this number of people, this kind of atmosphere, will I be able to act as Kim Yu-han…?’
Bang— Bang—
Sua’s heart began to beat.
No matter how much more mature she feels compared to the past, considering that, the situation is still nerve-wracking. After all, Sua had to overcome herself and prove herself once more today.
‘Sua, don’t shake. Don’t shake.’
Sua soon tapped her cheeks.
Or rather, she intended to tap, but instead crossed her arms.
It was something she accidentally discovered on a day when she didn’t have a bra, but if she clenches in this position with all her might, it somehow slightly eases her tension. Sua style of crossing arms.
‘The Arctic Fox doesn’t shake…’
This was additional self-hypnosis for herself.
Of course, even the Arctic Fox isn’t someone who doesn’t feel tense moment by moment, but to Sua, this Arctic Fox had become something closer to a divine creature.
Then,
“Sua-ssi, have you found any kind of flaw somewhere?”
Two people approached Sua who had been quietly gazing up at 808 Team Headquarters; it was Park Do-hee and the renowned supporting actor Hwang Myung-pil.
Sua shook her head.
“Oh, well, I’m satisfied with this.”
“Ahh, then that’s fortunate. It seemed like you might’ve been uncomfortable…”
While quietly shaking her head, Park Do-hee thought.
‘What kind of facial makeup is this? Why is there no sense of incongruity? No, beyond that, it’s quite handsome. Once CGI is added here…’
In the meantime, Hwang Myung-pil opened his mouth.
“Sua-ssi, how’s your physical condition? I ask for your good cooperation today.”
Hwang Myung-pil had an inner desire to get closer to Sua and therefore greeted her with a bright smile.
It was obvious for him. He lived and died by ad-libs, and ad-libs are meaningful only when received by the other party. That was why it would be advantageous to befriend Sua beforehand.
Just then, Sua turned her head to look at Hwang Myung-pil.
“…Physical condition?”
“Ah, no, that was a foolish question on my part. Even though I’m this age, I still get nervous before main filming. Looking at you, I instantly understand it now. You’re not at all nervous, are you?”
Sua nodded.
“Because there aren’t any instructions about tension in my role.”
There’s no such lie out there.
However,
After answering just now, Sua unknowingly held her breath.
‘…!’
Sua thought, wasn’t my reply just now pretty cool?
—Isn’t it just like the Arctic Fox?
Sua thought she could name this routine ‘Sua Style Confidence Boost’ if she wished.
Park Do-hee suddenly let out a sigh.
“…The more composed Sua-ssi is, the more nervous I become. I sincerely apologize for last time’s filming. I’ll do my best today.”
“Yes.”
By the time some conversations had been exchanged, the three of them had arrived at the filming location.
‘Wowww!’
And Sua’s exclamation of amazement followed.
Police cars were parked in a row, and there was no greater spectacle for Sua. The very fact that automobiles are used in filming is surprising. Moreover, that they are police cars. It’s impossible not to be astonished.
“Sua-yang!”
As if she had been waiting only for Sua, writer Lee Geum-sook approached.
“Sua-yang, you’ve come? Do you want me to place a chair here for you? On the day of the main filming, I actually prepared two more scripts as a token of the occasion.”
“Yes. Please give them.”
“…?”
Then, the writer’s expression turned dazed for a moment, followed by a sudden burst of laughter.
“Sua-yang, it’s a joke! A joke!”
“Eh?”
“Handing over two scripts on the day of filming is an invitation to get stoned! But the way Sua-yang can handle even a joke is extraordinary. For a moment, I was puzzled. I even thought, can Sua-yang really act like that?”
Sua thought. What is this? I wasn’t joking.
“I wasn’t joking.”
“Dear Sua-yang always speaks so beautifully even in jokes. Well done, the passion with which you cherish my script moves me greatly. Anyway, there will be no extra script additions today, so do your best in the filming!”
Sua eventually nodded. After all, since the counterpart was very pleased, that was fine with her.
Around that time, a petite woman joined the group.
The person with two substantial hairpins in their bangs who, to Sua’s eyes, remained nothing short of a young girl even now—Mystic Enter’s CEO Kim I-seo.
Writer Geum-sook warmly greeted Kim I-seo.
“Who’s this? The CEO herself has graced us with her presence?”
“Of course. We’re using three Mystic actors. Moreover, Sua is still a rookie, so she needs to be watched over.”
Then Writer Geum-sook laughed.
“Sua is a rookie. Yes, Sua is a rookie. Why does it feel so awkward? The word ‘rookie’ doesn’t suit Sua.”
“That’s true. Honestly, it feels more like watching rather than caring.”
“Oh ho, CEO. So, you finally reveal your true intentions.”
After a long conversation, the writer eventually returned to Sua. This time, she wasn’t empty-handed but began informing her about today’s schedule while holding a script.
“Sua-yang, wasn’t getting Kim Yu-han’s makeup done tough? Therefore, today we will mostly shoot Kim Yu-han’s scenes as efficiently as possible.”
“I understood it as you being busy.”
“That’s correct. Your partner, Sun-il-ssi, will be busy too.”
The scene numbering from S#1 to S#??. It’s just the audience’s perspective. The actual drama shooting process isn’t like that; it maximizes the use of time and movement during filming and then edits it.
‘…So, that’s why actors are so amazing.’
Sua realized anew. Actors are amazing.
Shooting random scenes willy-nilly means, in other words, they have to instantly adapt to various emotions just as randomly. The magnitude of the challenge becomes apparent.
After finishing the explanation, Geum-sook thoroughly scrutinized every aspect of Sua’s face, as if viewing some kind of jewel.
“Wow, the makeup is truly perfect. It’s exactly as I imagined. Just give a good performance.”
“Yes.”
Around that time, Geum-sook noticed Park Do-hee standing beside Sua and remembered that director Ko Tae-min had also arrived. Still, something was amiss.
Geum-sook quietly smirked and crossed her arms.
‘Could it be she’s falling for Sua-yang?’
◈◈◈◈◈
Now, prior to the main filming.
Kim Sun-il remained alone in the van.
The reason he was in the van now was neither to collect his emotions nor to check his script, although he had an especial love for Special Mobile Unit 808. However, the reason today was different.
“Oh-Bbbaa. Oh-Bbbaaa.”
Kim Sun-il was on a video call with someone.
“Oh-Bbbaa, from today, will they film your face? Will they capture you?”
“Yeah, it starts today.”
The screen of his mobile phone showed a very young girl.
However, even at a glance, she didn’t look well. She was extremely thin, with a complexion pale like someone who might collapse at any moment. The patient gown enveloping her body clearly indicated her current health condition.
“Oh-Bbbaa will be on TV again!”
“That’s right.”
“You have to be on TV as much as possible! Mom will soon come back for us!”
“…”
This time, Kim Sun-il’s response was slower.
His younger sister still believed that if she could hold out for just ten more nights, her mother would return. However, Kim Sun-il knew that his mother would never return after leaving the two siblings behind.
Even now, it’s vivid in his memory.
His mother said to wait at the entrance after finishing her bath at the public bathhouse. Initially, Kim Sun-il thought he had done something wrong. Perhaps he wasn’t clean enough. That’s why she didn’t return.
He kept washing until he felt clean, then clean again, and yet again.
But no matter how much he washed, the result was the same.
His mother never showed up, and after a long while, Kim Sun-il realized. They had been abandoned by their only parent.
Now, it’s a relatively old memory.
“Oh-Bbbaa. Oh-Bbbaaaa.”
And just then, his sister’s voice brought Kim Sun-il back from his thoughts.
“Yes. I was listening.”
Her younger sister started twisting her body, a sign Kim Sun-il easily recognized.
It was her habitual behavior when she had a request.
“Is there something you want?”
“Nooo.”
“Would you like to transfer to a better hospital?”
“Nooo.”
“Then what? Is there something you desire?”
“Yes. Something. Tell you.”
That’s when she nodded.
Kim Sun-il thought. Something she doesn’t want but wishes for. What could it be?
Surprisingly, shortly after, his younger sister asked a single question.
“Are you doing that again today, capturing people?”
“Not this time. It’s a different role.”
“Wooow! Finally, you’ll become someone different?”
Her younger sister was so delighted that she applauded.
That’s right, she had always disliked when her brother played criminals.
Kim Sun-il had gained the nickname “Majestic Trash” for playing prominent villains, even acquiring some fan loyalty. But from her young sister’s perspective, it must have been unpleasant. Unwelcome, perhaps.
His younger sister had questioned multiple times if he was playing someone different this time, and that’s why Kim Sun-il aimed to achieve the completion of Special Mobile Unit 808. That was the reason he worked so hard.
Because this time, his role was a police officer. The protagonist.
Kim Sun-il nodded.
“This time, it’s a police officer. A good person. My job is to arrest bad people and discipline them. You don’t need to worry.”
“Hm? Police officer? Someone who catches people?”
But then her younger sister tilted her head in confusion.
“No, none of that is important at all.”
“Hmm?”
“It’s not what you do that matters.”
At that point, Kim Sun-il couldn’t help but tilt his head too.
Wasn’t he the one who disliked playing villains?
He had never pondered such possibilities.
“Well?”
“You always look so unhappy, Brother.”
“…Unhappy?”
Happiness and unhappiness.
These were elements that Kim Sun-il had never even considered.
Or, to be precise, he thought he was happy. He had received sufficient recognition for his acting abilities in criminal roles, and he earned far more money than he ever had before.
However, there’s a tendency for things that seem trivial can cut to the core with the purity of a child’s voice.
Kim Sun-il marveled and leaned in to listen intently.
“Yeah! You look unhappy whenever you’re on TV. You’ve been like that all the time. That’s why Mom didn’t come back; she was scared.”
“It’s because the character I play is a serious role.”
“No! It’s something different! Brother, this time you need to be happy! So that Mom comes back quickly because she’s glad to see you!”
“…”
Kim Sun-il somehow felt he couldn’t continue this conversation. He felt as if someone were pricking his chest with a needle.
“…It’s time now. I’ll contact you after the filming ends.”
That’s it. Kim Sun-il abruptly ended the call.
“…”
And for a while, he reflected.
“Unhappy, I look unhappy?”
Had his sister simply been wanting a different role for him, Kim Sun-il had already fulfilled her wish. Instead of always playing criminals, he had transformed into Lee Kang-cheol, a principled police officer.
However,
If what his sister was addressing was ‘character,’ then that was a domain Kim Sun-il couldn’t accomplish for her. His acting was ultimately trapped within a spectrum—principled, severe.
“…”
After looking at his reflection in the dark window of the van for a moment, Kim Sun-il slowly sighed and shook his head.
“Let’s stop these useless thoughts.”
Yes, right now, it was crucial to faithfully fulfill the role given to him.
…
…
…
…
…
After completely clearing away useless thoughts, Kim Sun-il resolved to focus solely on the character ‘Lee Kang-cheol’ he was portraying.
“…”
As a result, his current gaze was more serious than anyone else’s.
It was obvious. Apart from the strange feelings he had gained from his conversation with his sister, Special Mobile Unit 808 was a work in which Kim Sun-il starred as Lee Kang-cheol. He had to do it perfectly.
‘Deploy only my best effort. Mistake-free is obviously essential.’
Kim Sun-il repeated his resolve several times.
‘Sua is fellow lead, doing well. But the initiative must be mine.’
During the trial filming, Sua’s performance was overwhelming, and Kim Sun-il was well-aware of this. However, he found himself in a position where he must not falter, under any circumstances.
This wasn’t just a matter of pride.
‘In the early part of today’s filming, the Kang-cheol character absolutely cannot accommodate Kim Yu-han. He utterly despises him.’
It was a crucial issue for the completion of the work.
Early in the story, Lee Kang-cheol detests Kim Yu-han with near-hostility. Kim Yu-han breaks every rule, making it inevitable.
Therefore, he must not falter in terms of acting skills.
If Kim Sun-il’s acting skills falter, it might seem as if Lee Kang-cheol has lost control over Kim Yu-han, leading to some degree of acceptance. This would mean an actual collapse in continuity.
After arriving at the filming location, Kim Sun-il received greetings directed not toward him but toward Lee Kang-cheol.
He had already fully transformed into the role.
On one hand, he wondered what Sua, playing Kim Yu-han, was up to, but there was no need to look around. Even amidst so many people, Sua stood out unmistakably.
Kim Sun-il thought as he approached her.
‘Her face is already Kim Yu-han’s. Makeup, expression, everything.’
And greeted her first.
“It seems you’re all set.”
“So are you.”
“Hm, that’s right.”
Kim Sun-il’s response was slightly delayed.
Seeing Sua’s incredibly composed expression, he almost felt as if he, Kim Sun-il, was less prepared than Sua, a newcomer.
‘What an absurd situation. She’s the rookie.’
Adjusting his uniform while preparing, Kim Sun-il spoke.
“Today’s the main filming. Let’s give it our all.”
“I intend to handle it as usual.”
“As usual?”
“Practice like it’s real, and when it’s real, treat it as practice. That’s how.”
A short exchange with Sua. But Kim Sun-il felt something.
Just as he was embodying Lee Kang-cheol, Sua was similarly embodying Kim Yu-han.
“You’re… Really hard to read.”
“That’s my favorite line.”
Sua’s essence was incomprehensible. Still, in such a situation, something in Kim Sun-il was unmistakably clear.
Namely, Sua was the kind of actor he wanted to understand more and more.
Unlike those who hide a lot and become inadvertently repellent at some point, Sua gave off the subtle impression of not concealing anything.
Suddenly, Seo Yeon-ju’s words came to mind.
– Isn’t acting with Sua different?
A comment made after the “Sword” filming, where he said he suddenly felt awakened from acting with Sua.
He wondered if he could feel that way too.
The obligatory pressure to perform well as a lead, the unexpected task from his sister, anticipation regarding his performance with Sua… Kim Sun-il’s mind felt increasingly complicated as these thoughts overlapped.
“Kim Yu-han, Lee Kang-cheol, standby immediately!”
Suddenly, a staff member shouted loudly.
“Main filming starts now! Let’s go!”
Kim Sun-il and Sua began moving without further ado. This time too, Sua was silent, and Kim Sun-il broke the silence.
“Let’s clash fully. Pouring all our efforts.”
Sua nodded as usual.
Honestly, there was only one thought crossing her mind while looking up at Kim Sun-il.
‘Really, his height is impressive every time I see him…’
◈◈◈◈◈
The main filming began.
Everyone took their respective positions suited to their roles. Finally, all the efforts of the staff culminated in fruition. An environment where actors could focus solely on acting was thus complete.
On the other hand, Choi Hee-won PD was captivated by the monitor.
Mesmerized, his hand moved to adjust the view. He cropped Kim Yohan and Lee Kang-chul down to just their faces.
‘…This two-shot is visually perfect.’
Even just looking at their faces, they were opposites.
The firm expression and neatly combed black hair of Lee Kang-chul, contrasting with Kim Yohan’s lazy expression and white-blond fringe covering his forehead. Externally, they were impeccable. Now, only their acting abilities remained as the deciding factor.
On the other hand,
Sua took a deep breath while climbing into the passenger seat of the police car.
‘The Arctic Fox doesn’t shake. The Arctic Fox doesn’t shake.’
Apart from her makeup, numerous devices attached to her body for CG processing made Sua nervous this time around—elements absent in the trial filming.
‘…Though, perhaps even the Arctic Fox shakes once in a while.’
Real action, main filming.
The atmosphere was so tense it could be cut with a knife.
The crowd, reminiscent of an amusement park, was now about to witness Sua’s acting, suffocating her.
Sua wondered whether there would ever come a day when she would be completely accustomed to this—performing without blinking in front of so many people.
‘But I won’t give up. This is my last chance.’
But Sua firmly resolved herself. She had no other possibilities in her life apart from acting, so she intended to find a way through this one as well.
Yes. Just as she had always done since she started acting.
It was then.
A member of the staff placed handcuffs on Sua’s right hand in the passenger seat and fixed it to the handle above.
Yes. It was really starting now.
With her left hand still free, Sua skimmed through the script.
<s>S # 33</s>
Two succeeding in their first criminal capture.
But the atmosphere is icily cold.
Because Kim Yohan captured the culprit by ignoring every rule.
Lee Kang-chul, gripping the wheel in rage.
Returns with Kim Yohan as if arresting him too.
Their first criminal capture after being assigned to Department 808.
They somehow manage to catch the bad guy, but this only confirms even more deeply how opposite they truly are.
There’s no compromise between them. That is, it’s in the heat of the conflict.
Sua started projecting herself into this scene.
Shushh—
It wasn’t hard to concentrate. Sua had lived through this script over a hundred times, and her familiarity with it had significantly increased.
‘…Kim Yohan.’
Then, a few moments later,
“…”
Somehow, Sua felt an urge to hum a tune. The feeling of her right hand being handcuffed to the passenger seat handle, the sensation of a suffocating power struggle…
“…Heh.”
All these elements that an average person would find extremely unpleasant felt pleasant to Kim Yohan. Surrounding Sua, everything seemed delightful.
Clack—!
Just then, Kim Sun-il stepped into the driver’s seat.
—Alright, are you two ready? Let’s go!
At the same time as the sound of PD Choi Hee-won’s voice through the radio,
—Action!
Lee Kang-chul stomped on the accelerator as if expressing his heightened emotions.
The steering wheel gripped by Lee Kang-chul, Kim Yohan shackled in the passenger seat. In the midst of their return to the 808 headquarters, Lee Kang-chul spoke.
‘Damn dog, damn dog… Now I understand why.’
Lee Kang-chul realizes his new partner is not sane in any way, and his mind grows increasingly complicated.
‘Why don’t you explain yourself? Why did you do that?’
Lee Kang-chul’s voice, pressing down his emotions, but Kim Yohan simply tilts his head. Not out of defiance, but more because he doesn’t understand what Lee Kang-chul is saying.
His eyes roll, thinking his own thoughts, captured vividly and eerily on camera.
‘Can’t you hear me? Say something.’
‘Hmm.’
Finally, Kim Yohan opens his lips.
‘We caught the culprit, didn’t we? What’s the problem?’
‘…Are you really asking that now?’
Lee Kang-chul can’t hold back his anger and glares at Kim Yohan. But Kim Yohan is just looking out the window at the scenery.
This was incomprehensible to Lee Kang-chul’s mind.
From the casual attitude, the outright theft of Lee Kang-chul’s car keys and reckless pursuit, to the capture of the criminal by breaking almost every rule…
‘Under no circumstances should the rules be broken. No matter what happens.’
‘Ah, I get it now.’
Abruptly, Kim Yohan seems to have realized.
‘Kang-chul is always like that with mere verbal warnings, isn’t it? That’s no good. Just like a dog. A loud barking officer misses the criminal.’
‘Don’t mess with me. I’m not in the mood.’
‘But I’m not joking right now.’
For the first time, Kim Yohan turned with a serious expression, and Ko Tae-min, upon glancing at that face, felt a chill.
It was too real. It didn’t feel like an act at all.
‘We’ll continue talking after we arrive at headquarters.’
‘There’s no need for that. Let’s set it all straight now.’
At that moment,
Sua’s hand moved effortlessly, almost like water flowing, until it lightly landed on the steering wheel that Kim Sun-il was gripping, in an instant.
And the answer to the question.
‘We two haven’t established ranks yet, have we?’
And in the next second.
The strength in Sua’s arm was visible even by sight as she attempted to turn the wheel that Kim Sun-il was holding.
Clack—!
The vehicle shook fiercely. Naturally.
Because the vehicle was about to completely veer off course before Kim Sun-il managed to barely hold it steady with all his might.
“…!”
Simultaneously, Ko Tae-min turned his head rapidly, filled with bewilderment.
“You, what are you—!”
However, his words never reached their conclusion.
Seeing the other’s face made it clear.
Sua—no, Kim Yohan.
Was serious about flipping the car.
