NIS Agent Reincarnated as a Genius Actor

Following the mid-point, the script reading concluded with applause, after aligning the dialogues with the content up to the middle.

Afterward, a brief interview was conducted, and most of the supporting actors left the conference room.

“Yeon-woo.”

While exchanging greetings with the remaining actors, the director approached Yeon-woo.

“Yes, Director.”

“Our ending scene requires a lot of CG work, so we need to get it in as soon as possible. Can you ride a horse? We need to start filming in about three weeks. We should be able to salvage it with some editing…”

Yeon-woo smiled as if everything was going well.

“I know how to ride. Whenever you’re ready, we can start shooting.”

When working in conflict areas, both horses and camels are essential. Yeon-woo and Han Hae-woon, can ride at an advanced level. When considering his next project, he chose a historical drama. He thought about such things.

The director’s mouth widened in delight at Yeon-woo’s words.

“Oh, really? Phew, that’s a relief. I was struggling with the location…”

For the final scene, where the Yuan army advances, there is only one coastal area in Shin-duri permitted for filming due to the presence of rare plants. With the filming dates allowed until next month for environmental conservation, Director Lee Sang-hoon hoped Yeon-woo would quickly learn horseback riding.

If not, they would have to give up on close shots and only film distant shots with drones and use stuntmen, which was a dilemma.

Of course, there are many actors who can ride horses. When building a career in filmmaking, there will eventually be situations where riding is required.

Yet, as a relatively new actor, Yeon-woo’s ability to ride was unexpected, and Director Lee Sang-hoon felt all his concerns vanish instantly.

“Then, I’ll try to schedule the shoot as soon as possible. It seems CG processing for the Yuan army will take a while.”

“Yes, Director. I understand.”

After Director Lee Sang-hoon left, Seo Ji-eun approached, clasping her hands together.

“The acting during the reading was amazing. Yeon-woo, let’s relax and do well.”

Yeon-woo also enjoyed the chemistry with Ji-eun as they delivered their lines.

It’s a different feeling from Senior Ma Seok-do. Perhaps Son Jin-yuk hyng and Han So-hyeon noona felt this way about each other in Summer’s Promise?

“Really?”

“Hehe.”

The sight of Seo Ji-eun, smiling slightly like a fool with her fair and dense face, made Yeon-woo increasingly reminiscent of Little Han So-hyeon.

“If we get along like friends, it will enhance the synergy in our work. Ji-eun.”

“I’m excited to start filming.”

Yeon-woo nodded, reaching out his hand, which Ji-eun shook with a smile.

It was difficult to say anything to Son Jin-yuk or Han So-hyeon, who are over ten years older than him, but it seems easier for Seo Ji-eun, who is just two years younger than Yeon-woo.

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A few days after the script reading, Yeon-woo received a call informing him of the filming schedule. He arrived at the coastal area of Shin-duri in Taean, riding in Kim Minsoo’s car from the morning.

“Oh, I didn’t know there was such a place in Korea.”

Kim Minsoo said, getting out of the car at the parking lot, looking around.

The dessert coastal area stretched out grandly to the horizon, giving a strong desert-like feeling with sand blowing in the wind.

“Yeah.”

Yeon-woo replied to Kim Minsoo while looking at the desert, reminded of the operations in the Middle East.

As Yeon-woo pondered while gazing at the desert, a staff member waiting in the parking lot approached and greeted him.

“Actor, please come this way.”

Following the staff’s guidance, Yeon-woo entered a trailer in the parking lot. A special makeup artist applied a beard and wrinkles to him.

Kim Minsoo watched with fascination as the makeup was applied in real-time next to him.

In contrast, Yeon-woo felt somewhat numb as he watched himself age in real-time.

In fact, he had some experience with special makeup during his agent days, especially when there was a possibility of exposure to the media or cameras during operations.

While undergoing makeup in the trailer, Director Lee Sang-hoon and Assistant Writer Jeong Yena entered.

“Oh, Yeon-woo.”

“Ah, Director, you’re here.”

“Don’t talk. Yeon-woo, your beard’s about to fall off.”

The director approached and patted Yeon-woo’s shoulder.

“I heard you tried horseback riding several times during the pre-meeting, but we didn’t have time to check your skills properly due to the rushed location selection. So just in case, we’ve also called in stunt doubles.”

It’s probably to prepare for any potential safety accidents.

Yeon-woo smiled broadly at the director’s words, understanding his concern.

“It’s really okay. I’m familiar with horseback riding.”

Yeon-woo felt a bit guilty about what he might have said if his family had heard. However, when he asked his younger sister So-hyeon, she mentioned that they had experienced horseback riding on Jeju Island before, so if his family asked, he could just casually mention that he learned it during filming.

“Well, I didn’t expect the coastal area to cooperate with filming this tightly. Let’s go outside first and see if we can decide what to do.”

“Yes. Understood.”

Nevertheless, the director seemed somewhat relieved by Yeon-woo’s words.

“Well then, I’ll go out to coordinate the scene.”

It felt like he was putting his heart and soul into this crucial scene that would decorate the ending of the drama.

After patting Yeon-woo’s shoulder again, the director left the trailer.

Assistant Writer Jung Yeona, who followed, remained behind, gazing at Yeon-woo with sparkling eyes.

“Kim Jin-joo, the writer, is still busy with the script, so I’ve come instead. I’m Jeong Yena, the assistant writer.”

“Ah, nice to meet you.”

Yeon-woo, trying not to move his mouth much due to the beard, extended his hand for a handshake after hearing Yena’s introduction.

Yena’s eyes sparkled like a predator eyeing its prey as she tightly grasped Yeon-woo’s hand with both of hers.

“Oh, my goodness. I’m actually Wooz.”

Is this how it feels like for an idol during a fan meeting? Yena held Yeon-woo’s hand and looked into his eyes.

Yeon-woo always found it fascinating whenever he met fans from his fan club, Wooz.

Up until now, he had only been in one publicly released work, ‘Summer Promise’. It was only a short appearance in episode 16 of the drama, yet they liked him so much.

“I’m always thankful. Really.”

Yeon-woo looked at Yena with gratitude, his smile sincere.

“Ack!”

With a short scream, Yena clutched her heart.

While half of it was a playful reaction, the other half was undoubtedly genuine.

‘I really lost it today…’

At that moment, the makeup artist, finished with her work, spoke up.

“Alright, we’re done. Now, let’s get you dressed.”

Then, she looked at Yena and Minsoo, the manager.

“Um, as a writer, should I check something about the costume, or the authenticity maybe…?”

Minsoo looked at her quietly, shaking his head.

“No. There won’t be… any.”

Yena shrugged and quietly left the trailer.

“The costume you’re going to wear is a bit complex, and even though it’s still quite hot outside, you’ll have to endure it. It seems like you’ll have a tough time.”

While all the costumes were recorded as excellent, Seo Hee, the civil servant of Goryeo, wore multiple layers of clothing, somewhat complicated attire, as he headed toward being a messenger and the Emperor’s proxy.

Yeon-woo chuckled.

“I’m good at enduring things anyway.”

After putting on the complicated attire in the correct order, Yeon-woo stepped out of the trailer.

“Are you feeling hot, Yeon-woo?”

“It’s okay.”

Ignoring Minsoo’s concern, he headed toward the filming location.

“Oh, Yeon-woo, you’re finished.”

As Director Lee greeted him, Yeon-woo entered the filming location with him.

On one side of the set, a drone camera was being tested, while on the other side, horses were being led over.

“Even if it’s just a fall, it would be a big deal. Would you like to try riding the horse first?”

Although Director Lee Sang-hoon was rushing due to the urgent filming schedule, he hadn’t personally seen Yeon-woo ride a horse and wanted to confirm it with his own eyes.

“Yes, Director. Then, I’ll take a quick look around the set.”

“Sure, I’ll be out to adjust the scene.”

As they exchanged these words, Yeon-woo walked around the filming location.

When infiltrating the operational area, Yeon-woo travelled all kinds of rough terrain by riding a horse and camel instead of a car to avoid detection, so he thought it would be a good idea to show him riding a horse to reassure the crew so he wouldn’t have to worry.

Yeon-woo approached the horse and stroked its mane.

The horse is a veteran who has participated in filming several times and although he is a gentle guy, it is good in many ways to interact with him like this.

“Are there sugar cubes?”

“Yes. Of course.”

When Yeon-woo asked the caretaker, he took out square sugar cubes from his front pocket. While carrots are commonly misunderstood as horses’ favorite snacks, sugar cubes are actually their favorite. Yeon-woo stroked the horse’s forehead, made eye contact, and fed it sugar cubes. As he stroked it, the horse blinked its large eyes contentedly.

“You handle horses well.”

The caretaker smiled quietly as he looked at Yeon-woo.

“Is this guy scared of drones or cameras?”

“it’s used to filming.”

“Can I look around for a moment?”

Nodding at Yeon-woo’s question, the caretaker handed over the reins. Despite wearing uncomfortable attire, Yeon-woo mounted the horse skillfully.

“Shall we walk slowly?”

Yeon-woo held the reins adeptly and walked around the sandy desert near the filming site.

“Wow, you really know how to ride.”

Director Lee Sang-hoon, nodding as he watched, eased his worries and accelerated the filming preparations. After a few minutes, when the cameras were set up, the director called Yeon-woo.

” Yeon-woo, we’re ready to film.”

“Yes, Director.”

Yeon-woo rode his horse to the filming location.

“Since the horse might get startled, I won’t give you a cue sign separately. When you’re ready, ride straight and gallop.”

Yeon-woo nodded as if he understood the director’s words.

“Ready?”

Yeon-woo calmly communicated with the horse as he stroked its mane.

As soon as he grabbed the reins and urged the horse with his legs, they started to gallop forward at a fast pace. Horses naturally enjoy running. However, being timid and intelligent animals, they instinctively adjust their speed based on the rider’s skill.

The speed of the horse increases even more when a skilled rider is in control. As Yeon-woo skillfully handled the reins, lifting his hips slightly and pressing his body close to the horse’s, they began to run faster and faster.

The drone camera captured this scene as Yeon-woo galloped across the desert, imagining the vast plains of Yuan Army and riding with a determined expression as if carrying the fate of Goryeo on his back, just like Seo-hee rushing into the storm.

The drone camera captured Yeon-woo’s fast-paced gallop, closely following the running horse, showcasing a sense of speed.

Then, it depicted the drone camera ascending to high altitudes, capturing the scene from above.

Before the CG processing, there was nothing ahead, but behind Yeon-woo, the running horse created a sandstorm-like gust as it sprinted at full speed.

The serene plain ahead resembled a quiet sea, while behind, it contrasted dramatically with the raging sandstorm, creating a magnificent scene.

Director Lee Sang-hoon was moved as he looked at the outdoor field monitor connected to the video feed from the drone camera operator’s panel.

“…Even without any processing, this level of imagery is a scene that will be remembered in historical dramas.”

At that moment, the caretaker, who was also looking at the monitor to check the horse’s condition, was amazed.

“That actor rides the horse really well. Usually, only professional jockeys or those who can handle them can achieve this level of speed.”

At that moment, Yeon-woo in the video began to slowly reduce the horse’s speed and change direction, heading back.