NIS Agent Reincarnated as a Genius Actor - Chapter 36
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Episode 36. Spring Lovers – Production Announcement
“Ah, Director. You’ve worked so hard. Congratulations.”
– Haha. I didn’t call to receive congratulations, we wrapped up filming a while ago but there’s so much VFX and color grading work…
Director Kim Han-su, whose affection for Ryu Yeon-woo had grown while working on the project, poured out his thoughts.
Just as Yeon-woo was wondering if Director Kim Han-su had always been such a talkative type, he got to the main point.
– So, I was hoping Yeon-woo could also attend the production announcement. You played a very important role.
Despite it being a cameo, Director Kim Han-su had secured quite a substantial appearance fee for him through his agency.
Of course, since Yeon-woo from LN Entertainment filmed a movie produced by LN Media, it was taking care of their own people, but the appearance fee he received was substantial enough to be considered a proper casting rather than just a cameo.
“Director, of course. It would be an honor if you invite me.”
– Hey, what honor? I heard that Actor Ryu is joining Director Park’s project this time. The article hasn’t come out yet, but it’s causing quite a stir among Chungmuro directors.
“I was lucky. Director Park Chan-hong fortunately looked upon me favorably.”
– I know well from filming together that it wasn’t luck. I felt proud when I heard the news. Anyway, let’s try to do the production announcement and preview screening together if you don’t have other schedules.”
“Yes, Director. I’ll see you then.”
As Yeon-woo hung up the phone, he thought the director was quite warm-hearted despite his appearance.
However, this reaction was because Yeon-woo had completely won over Director Kim Han-su’s heart, and the countless actors who had worked with the razor-sharp and coldly rational Director Kim Han-su would have tilted their heads in confusion if they heard Yeon-woo’s words.
Meanwhile, the distributor representative who received news of Yeon-woo’s participation in the official event cheered with delight.
“Yes! Things seem to be going well.”
Yeon-woo’s participation was something not only Director Kim Han-su but also the distributor wanted, because Ryu Yeon-woo, who’s hot among the MZ generation these days, became a topic of conversation throughout the city once again with his recent college entrance exam scores.
The publicity manager for “Spring Lovers,” a romance film mainly targeting young audiences from teens to thirties, was excited because Yeon-woo’s participation would definitely be beneficial with no downsides.
The production announcement was confirmed for January 3rd, and Yeon-woo submitted his regular admission application as he welcomed the year-end.
– So we’re making this final decision?
“Yes, teacher. But even if I enter university, I don’t think I’ll be able to participate much in campus life.
– I know. Still, how glorious it is for our high school to produce one more Korea University student.
The first choice on the application that the school and Yeon-woo submitted after much deliberation together. That is, Group A was Korea University’s Economics Department.
In his previous life, Yeon-woo, who mainly entered countries as a diplomat to carry out covert operations, had many opportunities to interact with diplomats, so he also considered the Political Science and Diplomacy Department.
However, from the school’s perspective, which found his excellent scores too good to waste, they hoped he would apply to the Economics Department, and if he failed, apply to the Political Science and Diplomacy Department in Group B, and Yeon-woo agreed.
Since he couldn’t be devoted to university life in this lifetime and planned to focus on entertainment industry activities, Yeon-woo pursued convenience rather than learning.
Although the curriculum would be somewhat different from what he learned 20 years ago, since he had graduated from the Economics Department in his previous life, it would be relatively easier to study compared to other fields.
If he passed, he would be re-entering the same department as a ’19 student when he had been a ’98 student.
“Come to think of it, that’s interesting.”
Articles poured out along with news of Yeon-woo’s application.
– Blue chip ‘Ryu Yeon-woo’ applies to Korea University Economics Department through regular admission
– Will a ‘king’ be born in Korea University Economics Department where only geniuses gather?
– Modeling Department in drama, Economics Department in reality 「Summer’s Closet」 Cha Woo-ju.
Jun-su, who was searching for articles worth posting in the friends’ group chat, shook his head.
“When was ‘king’ ever a trendy term?”
While shaking his head, Jun-su still captured an article with a good photo of Ryu Yeon-woo and posted it in the group chat.
Jun-su applied to Yeonha University’s Korean Language and Literature Department.
Actually, he applied based on his scores, but Jun-su had quite an interest in writing.
While it was Jun-su who hoped for Yeonha University, surprisingly smart Seong-sik actually scored better and applied to the Business Administration Department, with his acceptance being in the safe zone.
“Yeon-woo will definitely pass anyway, so I just need to get in. Ugh.”
Jun-su’s shoulders naturally felt heavy under the weight of love and friendship.
Meanwhile, Yeon-woo stopped by the salon with Min-su from the morning to get dolled up and wore a stylish check suit.
The place Min-su’s van arrived at was a movie theater in Apgujeong.
It was where the “Spring Lovers” production announcement was being held.
Yeon-woo took the staff elevator up and was guided to the waiting room.
“Oh, Yeon-woo is here.”
Director Kim Han-su stood up from his seat to greet Yeon-woo.
“Director, it’s been a while.”
Yeon-woo quickly approached Director Kim Han-su, grasped his hand with both hands, and bowed in greeting.
Next to Director Kim Han-su, the lead actors Kang Ju-won and Han Ye-jin stood up.
“I saw the opening part that our junior filmed. Thank you for raising the quality of our movie.”
Kang Ju-won expressed his gratitude to Yeon-woo in that distinctive tone he had imitated countless times while analyzing the character.
“It’s an honor, senior.”
Yeon-woo felt a strange emotion as he shook hands with Ju-won.
He was a great actor with an impressive filmography, the protagonist of countless works that Yeon-woo had watched while analyzing the character ‘Ji Woo-hyeok’ in the past.
The same went for actress Han Ye-jin and veteran actor Yoo Hae-sik standing beside him.
After Yeon-woo greeted the senior actors one by one and took his seat, someone tapped him from behind.
“Yeon-woo.”
When he turned around, he saw Jung Su-yeon smiling awkwardly.
Although they had exchanged many conversations through mobile messages, this was the first time seeing her in person since filming.
“Oh, Su-yeon. It’s been a while.”
Yeon-woo also smiled somewhat awkwardly and moved to the seat next to Su-yeon.
“Oh my, you two seem to have gotten close?”
Han Ye-jin, who played the adult version of Ha Ye-ri that Jung Su-yeon portrayed, looked back with interested eyes and asked.
“Ah, we met at the filming set and exchanged numbers. This is only our second time meeting in person.”
At Yeon-woo’s explanation, the director and actors who were bored with nothing to do in the waiting room looked over.
“Oh ho, Yeon-woo. You’re quite the man, aren’t you?”
Director Kim Han-su threw out a joke with a playful smile.
Although Su-yeon was actually the one who asked for his number first, Yeon-woo had no intention of revealing that fact and just smiled sheepishly.
“By the way, Director Kim seems to really cherish Yeon-woo.”
Kang Ju-won, who was sitting next to Director Kim Han-su, spoke to the director jokingly as if he felt left out.
“Actor Kang should try working with Yeon-woo sometime when the opportunity arises. He’s a very charming fellow. Both as a person and as an actor.”
Han Ye-jin and veteran actor Yoo Hae-sik’s eyes widened at Director Kim Han-su’s tremendous praise.
Everyone knew that Director Kim wasn’t usually the type to give generous evaluations to anyone.
Just then, a staff member opened the door and announced that it was time to enter.
With the director leading and the actors following behind, they completed a simple photo wall event and entered the production announcement venue.
This production announcement was in the format of a briefing attended only by media and industry officials without general participants, so the venue had a well-organized atmosphere.
Unlike ‘Summer’s Closet’, there was no online live broadcast, making it a calm setting.
Yeon-woo felt the quite different atmosphere and sat at the end with Su-yeon.
“Is it always this heavy atmosphere?”
Su-yeon whispered to Yeon-woo beside her.
Su-yeon had only done web dramas, so this was her first commercial film production announcement.
However, Yeon-woo had only done dramas as well.
Receiving the staff’s cue, the comedian-turned-host began to speak.
“Well, good day everyone. To all the reporters, industry officials, and actors who attended today.”
After a brief pause, the host continued.
“I’m Kim Young-hwan, hosting the production briefing for the movie ‘Spring Lover’ that will make our hearts flutter from the start of this year. Nice to meet you.”
Waaah!
The staff and officials applauded, and the actors also clapped quietly.
“Before introducing the director and actors, let’s first take a brief look at our movie.”
With the host’s words, the lighting dimmed and the movie’s teaser video began playing on the screen behind.
Yeon-woo and Su-yeon appeared from the very first scene.
School life flowed fragmentarily in reverse order from how Yeon-woo had filmed it, then quickly transitioned to the water tap scene at the end.
– Is she too shocked? Why isn’t she saying anything? Are you okay?
Yeon-woo’s voice faded out and Kang Ju-won appeared wearing a firefighter’s fire-resistant suit, fighting against flames.
-Are you okay? Are you okay?!
The voice of Kang Ju-won, no, firefighter Ji Woo-hyeok scolding a dazed new recruit at the fire scene.
The voice of ‘young Ji Woo-hyeok’ Yeon-woo from the previous scene lingered as an afterimage, mysteriously connecting with the same tone.
‘Wow, so this is how they edited it. It’s good.’
Yeon-woo nodded with satisfaction at the editing that properly utilized the traces of his efforts.
The movie ‘Spring Lover’ follows Ji Woo-hyeok who grew up in a rural village and goes to the city to work as a firefighter.
Ji Woo-hyeok, whose body and mind are completely worn out from just working, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
His older brother, who had moved to Seoul first, was worried seeing Woo-hyeok in such a devastated state.
So Ji Woo-hyeok returned to his parents’ house in his hometown village with his young nephew to rest for a while.
The female lead Ha Ye-ri was working as a teacher at the kindergarten his nephew newly attended, and the two encountered each other again.
After the introduction video aired, host Kim Young-hwan spoke again following the staff’s cue.
“After watching that video, I’m really getting excited myself. Hahaha. I think it must be the magic of Director Kim Han-su, who’s directing this project.”
After pausing for a beat and looking at Director Kim Han-su, Kim Young-hwan spoke again.
“Director Kim Han-su. The character of the protagonist Ji Woo-hyeok in this project gives off quite a different feeling. Could you briefly explain Ji Woo-hyeok’s character?”
Director Kim Han-su smiled as he picked up the microphone placed in front of him.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————