NIS Agent Reincarnated as a Genius Actor

Episode 99 - Berlin



“Is it time to stop now?”

Seo Ji-eun’s character, ‘Inari’, was the vocalist for the indie band ‘Mocha’.

She had performed solo at the indie festival Jay attended, representing her band.

The band members had fallen out over financial issues, leading to their breakup. As a result, Inari ended up participating in the indie festival alone.

Inari, carrying a black plastic bag on her wrist, trudged along.

“Grandma didn’t lock the gate again.”

Although it was common in the countryside to leave doors unlocked, the increasingly dangerous world made her sigh at the sight of the wide-open, rusty green gate.

– Creak. –

– Clank! –

Inari closed the gate and walked into the yard, opening the front door.

“Grandma, I’m home.”

As she stepped inside, Inari froze.

“Who could be here? Whose men’s shoes are these?”

As she moved towards the living room, she heard her grandmother’s voice from the kitchen.

“…Dear, if you do it like that, the cabbage will tear. You have to do it like this, carefully.”

Entering the kitchen, Inari saw a young man she had never seen before, wearing an apron and spreading bright red kimchi paste on cabbage leaves in a large rubber basin.

“…Who are you?”

“Oh, Inari, you’re back. Did you bring the pork?”

Inari, puzzled, handed over the black plastic bag on her wrist.

“I did. Here it is. You said we’re having boiled pork today. But who is this…?”

“Oh, I picked him up on the way.”

“…Hello, I’m Jay. We had some communication issues, so here we are.”

“Uhm, are you a foreigner?”

Jay’s face lit up at hearing proper English for the first time today.

“Oh! You speak English.”

Feeling like he had found an oasis in the desert, Yeon-woo eagerly explained to Inari what had happened.

“So, I asked if she could take me to the nearest bus station…”

“Ah, you should have said ‘beoseu’ instead of ‘bus.’ And ‘station’? You should have said ‘terminal’ or something. We would have taken you there right away.”

With Inari acting as the interpreter, they finally began to understand each other’s stories.

“Excuse me, but do you have a smartphone charger? The one your grandmother uses is a type I’ve never seen before.”

Jay had a converter for a Type-C charger, but the charger the grandmother had given him, after their miraculous communication, was an old, thumb-sized type he had never seen before.

“Oh, my grandmother uses an old 2G phone… Just a moment.”

Inari rummaged through her bag and handed Jay a Type-C charger, making him sigh in relief. Considering he had suddenly gone out of contact, Mr. Jung must have been worried sick.

Although Jay plugged in the charger, the phone seemed completely drained and would need some time before it could be turned on. At that moment, Inari noticed the guitar case standing in the corner of the living room and became intrigued.

“Jay, do you play the guitar?”

“Oh, I’m a composer. I came to Korea to work on some projects.”

“Really? I do music too.”

From the moment he first saw her, Jay had a hunch, and now, hearing Inari’s words, he asked with certainty.

“Did you perform at the indie festival by any chance…?”

“Yes, that’s right!”

“What an amazing coincidence.”

It was a moment of change in Inari’s monotonous and recently troubled life.

“Jay! Would you like to listen to my music? I have a little studio over there. Well, it’s not much of a studio, to be honest.”

When Jay nodded, an excited Inari grabbed his hand and led him to her studio.

“Kids these days, they make friends so quickly,” chuckled the elderly woman.

At that moment, Director Park Chan-hong’s voice came from the corner of the living room, where he had been quietly observing.

“Okay, cut for the Jay and Inari scene.”

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***

====

About two months had passed since the filming began. During this time, public curiosity about the mysterious movie shoot had only grown. As Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun started filming busking scenes in rural areas, the internet went wild.

[I was on the village bus, and suddenly, Ryu Yeon-woo started playing the guitar at the back, and Seo Ji-eun was singing.]

[My grandmother said a young man and woman came to the community center to perform, and it turned out to be Ryu Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun. Unbelievable…]

[What on earth are they filming? Why are there no articles about it? Come on, journalists, do your job.]

Meanwhile, entertainment reporters were having a tough time.

“Why haven’t we gotten any information yet? Can’t you find out anything from the investors or distributors? We should at least get some idea of the script.”

“The problem is that nothing comes up no matter how much we search. You checked yourself, right? There are only a few distributors in our country. This isn’t some indie film.”

Reporter Yoon’s words made the editor-in-chief’s expression harden.

“Say that again. What did you say?”

“Huh? Oh, I was just speaking out of frustration.”

Seeing the editor’s stern expression, Reporter Yoon scratched his head and tried to explain, but the editor shook his head.

“No, not that. Independent film? Why didn’t I think of that? Could it be that they’re shooting this as an independent film without any investment? According to the online reports, they’re just filming in the countryside without any control.”

“Uh… Maybe they’re doing it to enhance the realism? But would Director Park Chan-hong, with Ryu Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun, really do an independent film?”

Despite Reporter Yoon’s words, the editor stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Yoon, I have a very strong hunch about this. I’m sure it’s an independent film. Investigate it and run a special feature. We can base it on speculation.”

“Huh? Well, if you say so, I’ll do it. But would they really do an independent film? ‘Master Plan’ reached ten million viewers.”

Director Park Chan-hong is a renowned director who has already attracted ten million viewers with three films, including his first project with Ryu Yeon-woo, ‘Master Plan.’

However, the editor ignored Yoon’s words and picked up a calendar from the corner of the desk.

“Hmm… Yoon, do you remember the article from Hansan Daily last year? The one that caused a controversy by criticizing Director Park Chan-hong?”

The article had been controversial for its dismissive tone towards commercial films, criticizing Director Park for not having made any critically acclaimed films recognized overseas, despite his success in commercial cinema.

Reporter Yoon also recalled the editor’s words and the calendar in his hand, and a thought struck him, making him clap his hands.

“Ah! Film festivals?”

“Exactly. Given the timing, they might be aiming for Sundance or Berlin.”

====

***

====

“I see. Thank you. Have a good day.”

Director Park Chan-hong, who had just hung up the phone, smiled broadly at Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun.

“You two need to pack your bags. We’re going to Berlin.”

Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun, who had been watching Director Park take the call with bated breath, brightened up.

“Wow! We’ve been invited?!”

“Yes, we have. It’s for the competition section.”

Seo Ji-eun, who was jumping up and down with excitement, asked, and Director Park’s response made Yeon-woo equally surprised.

“The competition section? Does that mean we might win an award?”

“Of course, it’s possible, but let’s not get our hopes up. Just being invited is enough for now.”

Yeon-woo agreed. Film festivals are places where key figures gather, and he had always infiltrated them under the guise of a diplomat when stationed in Europe.

‘Now, I’ll be attending as an actor.’

It was a novel feeling.

‘Even if we don’t win an award, being invited is an honor.’

Of course, with the increasing frequency of Korean films winning awards overseas, it’s not impossible to think they might win.

At that moment, Seo Ji-eun stood up, clutching her head with both hands.

“Oh no, this is a disaster! I need to go on a diet. I have to wear a dress.”

Yeon-woo chuckled at Seo Ji-eun’s serious expression as she fretted over her slender waist, wondering where she thought she needed to lose weight.

“Berlin is in February, so you’d freeze to death in a dress. Unlike Cannes or Venice, most people dress comfortably without much exposure. The formalities are less strict, and even the red carpet events are simpler. It’s rare to see men in bow ties and tuxedos.”

“Really?! Thank goodness. I was planning to have rose tteokbokki for dinner tonight, and I’ve been thinking about it since last night.”

Yeon-woo couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of planning the next day’s dinner a night in advance, something he, with his lack of food cravings, found amusing.

“Have you ever been to a film festival? You seem to know a lot about it.”

Director Park Chan-hong’s words made Yeon-woo break into a nervous sweat.

“Oh, I saw it in a documentary. Haha.”

“Well, that makes sense. Film festivals are a dream for actors.”

Director Park nodded in agreement.

It’s not just actors who dream of film festivals. Director Park Chan-hong was overjoyed when he received a call from the Berlin Film Festival committee shortly after submitting the rough cut.

Just then, the assistant director entered the office.

“Director, an article just came out.”

Yeon-woo tilted his head in confusion.

“We just received the call from the director, so how did an article come out already?”

“Oh, you got the call? Oh yes!”

Director Park was equally puzzled.

“What does the article say? We just got the call from Berlin.”

“It’s a speculative article. It says our film seems to be an independent production and is likely aiming for Berlin or Sundance.”

“Wow, their deduction skills are impressive. Let’s make an official announcement then. We need to confirm it.”

With Director Park’s words, the assistant director saluted enthusiastically.

“Yes, Director. I’ll pass the information to a friendly journalist. Haha, we’re going to Berlin.”

====

***

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“Oh my goodness.”

Yu Mi-yeon, who was preparing to leave work at the Sejong Government Complex, clicked on a portal site and saw an article on the main page.

[Ryu Yeon-woo and Director Park Chan-hong’s independent film opens the door to Berlin. Invited to the Berlin International Film Festival.]

[Will the chemistry between Ryu Yeon-woo and Seo Ji-eun work in Germany? Director Park Chan-hong’s film officially invited to the competition section of the Berlin Film Festival.]

[Will they bring good news from Berlin? Director Park Chan-hong and Ryu Yeon-woo’s blockbuster independent film 「Sketch」.]

As Yu Mi-yeon exclaimed in admiration while looking at her monitor, her colleagues glanced over curiously.

“What’s going on, Mi-yeon?”

“Did something good happen?”

Yu Mi-yeon looked at Section Chief Ryu Cheol-yung, who was sitting across from her.

“Congratulations in advance, Section Chief Ryu!”

Ryu Cheol-yung, who had been filling out paperwork, widened his eyes at the unexpected congratulations.

“Huh? Congratulations? All of a sudden?”

“Oh, haven’t you heard the news yet? It’s all over the portal main page.”

As Yu Mi-yeon spoke, her colleagues, wondering what was going on, opened their internet browsers. Just then, Ryu Cheol-yung’s phone rang.

– Bzzz. –

“Oh, son. What’s up at this hour? Are you back home?”

[No, I called to share some good news with you.]

Other civil servants working nearby, who had also seen the flood of articles, naturally turned their heads towards Cheol-yung, who was on the phone.

As Ryu Cheol-yung listened to Yeon-woo’s explanation, a broad smile spread across his face.

“Oh my! This is a great honor for our family. Congratulations, son. I’m so proud of you.”

[I haven’t won an award yet. But I’m still happy just to be invited.]

“Of course! It’s something to be grateful for.”

This year, 「Master Plan」 had attracted ten million viewers, and 「The Stars Beyond the River」had good ratings. However, with the KBC year-end awards yet to be held and the film’s potential recognition at next year’s Korean Arts Awards, the only award Yeon-woo had won was the Best New Actor award for his debut film 「Summer’s Promise」.

Ryu Cheol-yung had placed the award prominently in the living room display case, treating it like a sacred relic, and would carefully polish it every day after work. Knowing this, Yeon-woo had called his father first to share the news.

“Yes, good job. Get some rest.”

As Ryu Cheol-yung hung up the phone, his colleagues approached.

“Congratulations, Section Chief.”

“It’s amazing to have such a famous celebrity around us.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Haha. Thank you. Thank you.”

From the driver’s seat, Min-soo’s cheerful voice could be heard.

“Haha. Your father must be very happy, right?”

“Of course. I think he’s happier than I am.”

“Wow, entering Berlin in one go like this is impressive.”

“It’s all thanks to Director Park Chan-hong’s script.”

Yeon-woo scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit shy. At that moment, his smartphone rang again.

‘Hmm? Is it Mom?’

Thinking it might be his mother or his younger sister, So-hyeon, who had heard the news from his father, Yeon-woo checked the screen and saw that it was a call from Han Hae-woon.

“Yes, Mr. Han. I’ve received your call.”

[Ah, it seems you have company. Team Leader Ryu, we’ve found a link to ‘Baeksol.’ By backtracking from the CEO of Plus Ten Entertainment, we’ve uncovered a name without raising any suspicion.]

Hearing Han Hae-woon’s words, Yeon-woo’s eyes lit up.


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