NOVEL WEB Episode 91 - 「Sketch」Begins Filming
In front of Yeon-woo was not a glamorous and expensive dish, but simply a bowl of well-prepared Samgyetang.
Of course, even though it was Samgyetang, the ingredients inside seemed exceptional.
“I only acted, but thank you for treating me like this.”
“Even though you’re just an actor, it touched me deeply. I can’t remember the last time I sat down with my granddaughter to watch a drama. No, it might not have been years since watching TV with her, it might have been the first time.”
His granddaughter, Seo Sun-hye, who had felt distant from her grandfather, became closer to him while watching a romantic comedy mixed with a hot historical drama.
Seo Tae-kwang also felt pleased as his relationship with his soon-to-be-married granddaughter softened.
While eating Samgyetang, Yeon-woo pondered Chairman Seo Tae-kwang’s inner thoughts.
Those who run major domestic companies that Yeon-woo investigated in his previous life weren’t easy people.
Certainly, there was a possibility that they sought Yeon-woo out with good intentions, but that alone wouldn’t be the case.
They were already big stars in the business world.
Surely, there was another meaning behind it.
‘Chairman Seo Tae-kwang’s Lee Han Group has numerous subsidiaries. Why specifically Lee Han Technology?’
If they wanted to propose a CF based on the reasons mentioned earlier, they could have approached with offers from other subsidiaries.
Lee Han Group is a conglomerate that has expanded its influence across various fields, from construction to petroleum refining.
‘From the hero who saved the country in a crisis to his descendants, the defense industry, recent parliamentary audits…’
Recalling numerous keywords and the current political situation, Yeon-woo organized his thoughts.
Just then, Chairman Seo spoke up.
“Do you know why I paid you such a hefty sum?”
“…Perhaps you want to imprint an image of Lee Han Group through me.”
“Hmm?”
Chairman Seo Tae-kwang, who was picking at the chicken leg with chopsticks, widened his eyes upon hearing Yeon-woo’s words.
“An image?”
“If I’m overstepping, I apologize. I’m just a rookie actor, and I’m grateful for the high regard you’ve shown me, but at the same time, I was curious.”
Chairman Seo now put down his chopsticks and looked at Yeon-woo with interest.
“Go on.”
“So, I racked my brains, and today when I saw Seo Hee’s portrait, I realized something. Considering recent parliamentary issues and pressure from the Ministry of National Defense, I thought that perhaps Lee Han Group wants to instill a patriotic image in the defense industry through me.”
After finishing his words, Yeon-woo looked at Chairman Seo Tae-kwang, who remained silent for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.
“Hahaha. Today, I’ve got quite the catch at home.”
After laughing for a while, Chairman Seo Tae-kwang stopped and his eyes sparkled.
“So, you’re not just someone who can act?”
“I’m satisfied with being an actor.”
Chairman Seo chuckled at Yeon-woo’s words and stroked his chin.
“Well, whether in fiction or reality, characters are moved by narratives.”
Chairman Seo commented, and Yeon-woo silently ate his meal.
Lee Han Group was currently under scrutiny due to corruption within the military leadership related to defense industry contracts, although Lee Han Group itself was not directly involved in any scandal.
Leveraging Yeon-woo’s ‘Seo Hee’ image from the recently ended drama at this point in time could potentially create a patriotic image associated with Chairman Seo’s roots, thus facilitating group image-making with some degree of public participation.
“Lee Han Group plans to actively utilize your image in conjunction with our ancestors starting from this point. If we can carve out a patriotic image through you, then the money spent won’t be in vain.”
“Thank you for the offer.”
Chairman Seo looked at Yeon-woo with interest.
“Initially, I just wanted to see you portray our ancestors, but now you’re quite intriguing.”
With a serious gaze, Chairman Seo continued.
“I did some background check on you. Besides acting, you have no notable personal life, not even a hint of alcohol or cigarettes. Your recent incident of rescuing a young woman has boosted your image.”
He was referring to the incident involving Seo Ji-eun and her stalker. With a clean personal life, exceptional acting skills, and the image of a real-life hero who rescued the female lead of a recent drama, Yeon-woo was a perfect model for Chairman Seo.
“Thank you for your kind words.”
The rest of the meal proceeded like an ordinary conversation between a curious grandfather and a young man, without any mention of the contract.
After a leisurely meal, Chairman Seo called in an employee and handed Yeon-woo his business card.
“If you ever encounter any difficulties in life, feel free to contact me. I’ll do my best to help you out a couple of times at least.”
“I’ll gratefully accept your offer.”
“It’s refreshing to be straightforward.”
After exchanging pleasantries, as they left accompanied by the bodyguard and Min-soo, who had been waiting, stood up.
“Minsoo hyung, have you finished your meal?”
“Yes. Whatever was made was delicious. I had the Samgyetang.”
“I had the same.”
Min-soo chuckled at Yeon-woo’s words.
“I thought the chairman would have a more luxurious feast when dining with guests.”
“Isn’t it customary to serve Samgyetang to guests?”
“Really?”
Yeon-woo chuckled and took the lead, walking ahead.
“It’s delicious. Samgyetang.”
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“Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve been in the recording studio.”
“Weren’t you originally an idol trainee?”
Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun gathered to practice songs and instrumental pieces for ‘Sketch’.
Seo Ji-eun laughed brightly in response to Yeon-woo’s question.
“Yeah! From the age of twelve to eighteen.”
“Then you probably didn’t do well in school either?”
“No, I managed to finish school until middle school at least, but after school, I went straight to the practice room.”
Nodding, Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun engaged in various small talks while discreetly glancing at the guitar and violin placed in the corner of the practice room. Just then, the door opened, and a middle-aged woman with blonde hair entered.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Chrissy Monroe.”
“Hello. I’m Ryu Yeon-woo. Just call me Jay.”
“Oh, hi. I’m Seo Ji-eun. Just call me Nari!”
Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun greeted the music director who came in with a bow, following the Korean custom. Since the movie originally planned for international film festivals, the protagonist’s name was set to be easily pronounceable for foreigners.
Observing Seo Ji-eun’s decent English skills, Yeon-woo nodded in approval.
“Alright. Jay, Nari. It’s an honor to have you on board for this film.”
“It’s our pleasure to be part of it.”
Smiling, Chrissy handed a USB to Yeon-woo.
“Shall we listen to the music I’ve composed first and then discuss? I haven’t finished everything yet, but I’ve composed three songs for the beginning.”
Yeon-woo accepted the USB and handed it to the engineer in the corner of the practice room.
“There are three songs on it. Please play them in order.”
“Sure. Understood.”
As the engineer plugged in the USB and played the songs, a melodious tune filled the room.
“I arranged them to be mostly guitar-based, as requested.”
Nodding in agreement to Chrissy’s explanation, Yeon-woo listened attentively.
“Wow, the songs are great, Yeon-woo.”
“Indeed.”
After listening to all three songs, Chrissy spoke up.
“I’m not sure how proficient Nari is at playing instruments, but we can handle it with cinematic editing. Do you know what a Loop station is?”
“Um, I know what it is, but I’ve never seen one in person.”
A Loop station is a device that repeats a certain section, allowing musicians to layer harmonies using multiple instruments.
After hearing Yeon-woo’s response, Chrissy continued.
“I discussed it with Director Park during the pre-meeting, and he found it intriguing. We’re considering incorporating it into the later part of the film. As long as you’re comfortable handling some instruments, we can take care of the editing. But before we move on to other songs, I’d like to hear Nari’s song first.”
Pointing towards the recording booth with a smile, Chrissy looked at Seo Ji-eun.
“Sure! I’ll give it a try. Oh, I’m so nervous.”
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Jung Cheol-min lightly slapped his cheek.
“Ha, I’m nervous.”
“Even though you have over 20 years of acting experience?”
Today, they were on their way to Incheon Airport in the early hours of the morning to film their first airport scene with Jung Cheol-min.
Time had passed smoothly, with the filming of various CFs and preliminary rehearsals with Chrissy and Seo Ji-eun progressing quite well.
Finally, Yeon-woo was about to embark on the first shoot of ‘Sketch’.
When Yeon-woo asked with a smile, Jung Cheol-min tapped his back.
“Kid, he’s none other than Director Park Chan-hong. How can you not be nervous?”
“Hahaha, teacher, did you memorize the entire script?”
“I’ve aged just trying to memorize English. But I managed to get it down.”
“Still, it’s fortunate. We’re getting some cooperation…”
Most of the other shoots were relatively manageable since they were filmed outside, but they had been concerned about the airport scene due to a shortage of staff, which could make it difficult to control.
Originally, as an actor, one wouldn’t have such worries, but thinking from the perspective of an actor and producer this time, Yeon-woo found himself paying attention to even these minor details.
“It seems luck is on our side. The airport is undergoing expansion.”
“That’s right.”
Incheon Airport had closed off part of its facilities due to expansion, and they had obtained permission to shoot at dawn without any civilians present.
Before they knew it, Yeon-woo and Cheolmin had arrived in Min-soo’s car.
“It’s quite simple.”
They saw a team preparing for the airport scene on one side of the airport.
It was operated with the minimal staff necessary.
“Let’s go, Teacher.”
“Alright. Thanks to my student, I’m living the high life.”
With a smile, Yeon-woo led Cheolmin towards where the staff were gathered.
“Wow, it’s really Ryu Yeon-woo.”
“He looks even more amazing in person.”
The extras hired for the airport scene were murmuring as they saw Yeon-woo.
While directing preparations for various things, director Park Chan-hong heard the sound and saw Yeon-woo approaching.
“Ah, our partner has arrived.”
“Director, hello. This is Teacher Jung Cheol-min.”
Yeon-woo introduced Jung Cheol-min, who greeted the director with a stiff posture and a nervous expression.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Director. I’m Jung Cheol-min.”
“Alright. I saw Mr. Jung Cheol-min perform in a play with our company members once.”
“Really?”
Surprised, Jung Cheol-min shook hands with the director.
“Perhaps it was the play ‘Blues’ performed in Hyehwa?”
“Ah, yes, that’s it. It’s truly an honor.”
About five years ago, when Jung Cheol-min was still active in theater, the play he performed had a run in Daehakro. It was deeply moving for him to think that Director Park Chan-hong had actually attended his performance.
“I remember your acting was excellent back then. You’ve raised such a wonderful student.”
Touched by the acknowledgment from Director Park Chan-hong, Jung Cheol-min felt like he was floating on air and couldn’t help but bow deeply, his eyes misting over as he stared at the ground.
Meanwhile, Yeon-woo was greeting the other staff members.