Chapter 25: …Why Are You Here?

“Busan International Short Film Festival? With a different project?”

The representative of CT Entertainment asked with a somewhat puzzled expression.

However, Yang Ha-rin merely nodded quietly, as if she couldn’t comprehend why he was questioning her.

“I already told you before. I don’t want to just sit back and rest.”

“Right, I remember that. But couldn’t you just fill your schedule with lucrative gigs like dramas or commercials… Ah, unless.”

The representative suddenly reacted, as if realizing something belatedly.

“…Director Park, are you planning to compete against her with a different project?”

***

Yang Ha-rin simultaneously recalled Kim Sun-il’s words.

—”Then why didn’t you confront it head-on?”

—”Which side do you think would have broken first?”

Kim Sun-il, whom she deeply respected as an actor.

His words had struck her as quite shocking.

At first, she had dismissed them as absurd and didn’t respond. Engaging in a direct showdown, even to the extent of yielding her lead role to a complete rookie? It didn’t even make sense.

Wasn’t the mere act of being associated with her beneath her pride?

‘But if we’re competing with separate projects, that’s a different story.’

***

‘…I’ll make her realize it with every fiber of her being.’

If she gets completely trampled, Lee Sua will finally understand.

How big of an opportunity it must have been to work on the same project as Yang Ha-rin, how audacious it was to covet her role. She would come to grasp all of it.

***

“Hm, but I’m not sure if the circumstances will allow for that.”

The representative tilted his head slightly.

“To even have a competition, the Sword project first needs to finish production. But isn’t the likelihood of that pretty slim? It looks like it’s bound to collapse during the production phase.”

***

“Negative press is pouring in, so there’s no one willing to even attend interviews. And Park Jun, that guy has been completely shunned by the investors. There’s absolutely no way for him to secure production funding.”

It was a rather convincing assumption, even to Yang Ha-rin.

However—

“No. Even so, we have nothing to lose.”

Her attitude remained unchanged.

“If Director Park stumbles and falls on his own, that’s fine. If he somehow manages to finish the project, then we can crush him directly. Either way works.”

“Hm, if that’s how you really feel about it…”

***

“Alright, everyone, bring out everything I asked you to gather earlier.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Soon, papers were piled high on the table in front of the sofa where Yang Ha-rin sat. Every single one of them was a script.

“There’s quite a lot. Seems all the effort I put into networking has finally paid off. These are all top-notch, right? Any special notes?”

“Well, I’m not sure if this counts as a special note, but recently, Director Park has been going around begging other directors for scripts too.”

“Director Park? These scripts?”

“Yes. He’s been pleading desperately, apparently.”

The representative burst into laughter.

***

Listening quietly, Yang Ha-rin nodded.

“He doesn’t know his place. Not even close.”

Why did CT Entertainment choose Sword in the first place?

Was it because they thought it was a good project?

Because they believed it had award potential?

No. It was simply because it was easy to manipulate.

***

Directors like Park Jun, who had been pushed to the edge of the cliff, could be controlled like puppets with a single string: CT Entertainment covering the full production costs.

‘…Just because he got dazzled by some rookie. How arrogant.’

The situation had changed now.

What started as a casual plan for Yang Ha-rin to participate in a short film out of curiosity had turned into a mission to utterly crush her opponent.

“Throw out any scripts where the director’s reputation is low or the investment amount isn’t substantial. We’ll crush them starting with their funding.”

“Ha-rin, I like your attitude. Destroy them with your acting too.”

“You don’t even need to say that. It’s a given.”

“Good. Then for now, start by selecting the scripts slowly.”

The representative, satisfied with Ha-rin’s determination, turned his attention to the other sofa. His gaze landed on a woman lying across it.

“Hey, Jeon Sia.”

“…Huh?”

The woman addressed as Son Ji-a finally set aside the magazine that had been covering her face. Her expression was one of complete laziness, and her overall demeanor was distinctly carefree and idle.

“Instead of just lying around, go to this interview.”

“What interview?”

“The interview for Director Park’s Sword. It’s such a trash interview that no one else is showing up. Go to it! We need at least one spy to get information quickly, don’t we?”

“Alright, alright, I got it. No need to yell…”

***

Time passed swiftly after that.

The production of Special Task Force 808 was progressing at lightning speed, with everything on track.

Not only were the actors fully cast, but all filming locations had been secured. Various promotions were being prepared, and the meetings for poster and teaser shoots had also been completed with great success.

In addition, there was strong support from journalists.

• “Lee Geum-sook’s Masterpiece? Returns with a Crime Drama.”
• “Will Special Task Force 808 Revive a Fading Trend?”
• “(Park Jung-wook’s Column) The Identity of Drama in Special Task Force 808.“

It was an exceptionally smooth start. Of course, it was genuinely proceeding well.

But there was one thing.

Just one thing.

There was a single cog in the machine that wasn’t turning.

Among all the actors who had already received their scripts and begun rehearsals, there was one lead actor who had yet to receive theirs.

***

Inside Lee Geum-sook’s Writing Studio

Tap, tap, tap, tap—!

The room was filled with the sound of a laptop keyboard being furiously typed on.

Wearing pajama pants and a headband meant for washing her face, she looked rather disheveled. She could have easily been mistaken for a high school senior preparing for college entrance exams or a civil service candidate cramming for an upcoming test.

But none of that mattered to her. Completely oblivious to her own appearance, she was laser-focused on the monitor in front of her, which was playing video clips of Lee Sua’s acting performances.

“Here, here, let’s pause at this part.”

“Looking at this expression, I think a scene like this would work well in the office sequence.”

“Wouldn’t lines like this suit that kind of expression?”

“Let’s have the arrest done in a way that’s distinctively Kim Yuhan-esque.”

Everyone was jotting down ideas inspired by the videos they were watching, without holding back or filtering anything.

Lee Sua’s acting had, at some point, become the driving force for their work.

***

Buzz buzz—! Buzz buzz—!

They wrote down every idea as it came to them, immediately printed it out, and kept going like that.

As a result of several days of collective effort by Lee Geum-sook’s team…

“It’s… a lot.”

Someone spoke, their voice filled with surprise.

And they weren’t wrong.

An overwhelmingly thick script had been produced, almost as if an entire drama about Kim Yuhan existed.

***

“Why did it end up this long?”

“It’s because Sua’s acting is so amazing. When I watch it, inspiration just keeps hitting me, and before I know it, I’ve written so much…”

“We’ll need to trim this down. This is almost three or four times the length of the scripts for the other actors.”

“But what should we cut? There’s honestly nothing that can be removed!”

At that moment, PD Choi Heewon, who had been quietly rubbing his chin, spoke up.

“How about we give this to Sua as it is?”

“…What?”

***

“What I mean is, why don’t we hand over everything we’ve written and let Sua interpret and express it as she sees fit?”

“Hmm…”

Most of the team exchanged bewildered glances, and it was understandable.

Even under normal circumstances, giving such a hefty script, especially with the tight deadline they were facing, seemed unreasonable.

Just memorizing it would be a miracle.

“It feels like it would take ages just to read through this.”

“Aren’t we asking too much of her…?”

However, at that moment, Lee Geum-sook herself stepped in.

“Miss Sua might actually enjoy it. She’s the type to find her own answers amidst a mess of written words.”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I thought as well. And…”

PD Choi Heewon smiled.

“For some reason, I feel like Sua can pull it off.”

It was a short statement, but no one disagreed.

In fact, it resonated with everyone present.

***

“…If she really manages to do this, she’d be incredible.”

One of the assistant writers muttered under their breath.

After finally finishing the script they were preparing for Sua, Lee Geum-sook and PD Choi Heewon quickly moved locations.

This time, it was to a high-end Japanese restaurant.

***

On the elegant wooden table, beautifully arranged dishes were being placed one by one.

However, the two of them had yet to pick up their chopsticks.

The main guest of honor hadn’t arrived yet.

***

“Ah, Director Kim Yi-seo! Over here!”

Lee Geum-sook greeted her guest with a smile.

The star of today’s meeting: Kim Yi-seo, the head of Mystic Entertainment.

***

“Nice to meet you.”

Kim Yi-seo waved her hand lightly as she approached.

Her small frame gave her movements a delicate appearance, but her attire was entirely mature and sophisticated.

She resembled a professor about to deliver a cultured lecture on a crisp autumn day.

***

“The sushi was just served. Please, enjoy.”

“You could have started without me. I feel bad for making you wait.”

“Not at all. Please, don’t worry about it.”

And so, the meal began.

The purpose of today’s gathering was simple: it was a time for Lee Geum-sook and PD Choi Heewon to host and treat Kim Yi-seo, the representative of Mystic Entertainment.

The two lead actors of Special Task Force 808 are Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-ju. Both are under the management of Mystic Entertainment.

From Kim Yi-seo’s perspective, it was great to have her actors cast. For the project, securing two high-profile stars was an incredible win. Naturally, the atmosphere was warm and positive.

***

After a while of quiet dining, Kim Yi-seo eventually broke the silence.

“To be honest, I feel apologetic toward both of you.”

“Apologetic? Why would someone like you have anything to feel sorry about? You’ve provided us with two outstanding actors.”

“Sun-il and Yeon-ju should be fully focused on Special Task Force 808, but they keep insisting on participating in a short film.”

“A short film?”

Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-ju showing interest in a short film? This was news to both Lee Geum-sook and PD Choi Heewon.

Kim Yi-seo nodded.

“It’s a short film called The Sword. Have you heard of it, by any chance?”

***

“Why would they suddenly take interest in that film at this time? Especially when the public opinion about it isn’t great, and they’re about to become extremely busy,” Lee Geum-sook and PD Choi Heewon each questioned in turn.

Kim Yi-seo tilted her head in confusion.

“…What’s with this reaction?”

“Sorry?”

“Sun-il and Yeon-ju were captivated by the actor playing Kim Yuhan’s role. I assumed both of you would obviously know about this.”

Lee Geum-sook and Choi Heewon exchanged glances.

***

The two of them shook their heads simultaneously.

“No, we had no idea either.”

Kim Yi-seo seemed flustered at the unexpected situation, but that was just the beginning.

Soon, an even stranger scene unfolded.

“Miss Sua showing interest in The Sword’s script—did she like it? Could it actually be a good script?”

“Exactly. If we’d known this was happening, we might’ve looked into it ourselves. Fascinating.”

“…?”

***

“What’s with this reaction? Instead of being upset, they’re just brimming with curiosity because Lee Sua’s involved?”

An actor involved in a project exploring other works—it’s something that would naturally irk a writer and director. Isn’t it only natural to wish for actors to focus solely on their own project?

Kim Yi-seo’s strategy lay in this expectation.

“I thought the PD and writer would, of course, oppose this. I planned to use their reaction as a chance to gently dissuade participation in the short film.”

If Lee Geum-sook and PD Choi Heewon protested, Kim Yi-seo intended to use that opportunity to block both Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il from participating in The Sword.

However.

“Should we call Director Park right now?”

***

Lee Geum-sook and Choi Heewon only displayed endless curiosity, as though every project Lee Sua chose was inherently valuable.

“What kind of rookie is Lee Sua to warrant this level of reaction?”

Even Kim Yi-seo couldn’t help but grow curious.

Just how remarkable must she be to provoke such a response?

As she pondered, fragments of conversations resurfaced in her mind—bits of Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il’s discussions about Lee Sua. At the time, they seemed like mere exaggerated compliments.

***

Finally, Kim Yi-seo asked.

“I’m curious about this rookie, Lee Sua.”

“Honestly, we don’t know much either,” Lee Geum-sook answered with a shrug, which made Kim Yi-seo furrow her brows. What kind of answer was that?

“She’s unpredictable, highly skilled in acting, but just as sensitive, making her hard to approach.”

“How good is her acting, exactly?”

“I have a video. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes, please.”

***

Lee Geum-sook opened a video on her phone.

Moments later, Kim Yi-seo stopped using her chopsticks altogether.

***

The next day.

Lee Sua and Park Jun arrived at the interview location.

The so-called interview venue was actually a shabby office rented temporarily.

Park Jun smiled awkwardly at Lee Sua.

“Don’t let it bother you.”

Lee Sua felt more uncomfortable with Park Jun constantly watching her for signs of discomfort. At this rate, she thought, he might even help her put on her shoes.

As they sat in the awkward atmosphere, Park Jun hesitantly started speaking.

“Miss Sua, the situation right now is, well, not ideal.”

He paused before continuing cautiously.

“We still haven’t secured any investors. I’m doing my best to find one, but it’s been tough.”

“Hmm.”

“The reason I’m being honest about this bad news is so that, if you ever feel like backing out, you’re free to do so at any time.”

***

“Ah, I see.”

Most people in his position would hide their weaknesses and try to keep someone like her on board no matter what, but not Park Jun.

“My feelings haven’t changed. Stay strong, Director.”

Sua kept her response brief.

As long as it’s labeled as a first-tier script, she wouldn’t lose interest.

“…Thank you so much. Hearing that you believe in me makes me want to keep trying even harder. For now, let’s focus on today’s interviews.”

“Yes, today’s interviews.”

Today was the day they were casting for other roles in the short film The Sword, aside from Sua’s.

Truthfully, Sua felt a bit anxious.

***

“If this really is a first-tier script, what happens if we can’t even get it made? Does the rating lose its meaning, or does the struggle prove its worth…?”

The situation surrounding The Sword was far from ideal.

Would the opportunity vanish altogether? Or would they find some way to make it happen?

The fact that Sua, an absolute rookie, was sitting in on the interviews as a panelist was unusual enough in itself.

***

“Director, how many people are coming for the interviews today?”

“About five at most. Honestly, considering the number of roles we need to fill, we’ll probably have to take all of them.”

“…That’s a problem.”

“Exactly. That’s why having a famous actor in the film would help. Just their name would attract a flood of applicants.”

Five applicants for five roles…

***

Sua grew restless and started sipping water nervously.

“Alright, everyone, just come in together at once,” Park Jun called out.

With Park Jun’s words, the interview finally began.

***

“…This short film has no future, does it?”

That was the first thought that came to Sua as the interview began. Followed by the realization of how much time she had wasted coming here.

“Can an interview really be this unprofessional?”

The shabby state of the venue was already off-putting, and there were only five applicants, including herself.

Because there were so few people, the interviews were conducted in a single room. One person would perform their scene while the others watched from behind.

This setup gave Lee Sua the opportunity to observe the entire process.

Were there any notable faces? None.

***

But more than anything else, what piqued Lee Sua’s curiosity was the woman seated next to the director.

“…She looks terrifying. How can someone give off such a sharp vibe? Is she the one who replaced Yang Ha-rin?”

Her expression was as piercing as an ice pick forged from frost.

With an aura so heavy and sharp, she seemed more suited for something other than acting.

“I’m wasting my time here. I should just leave.”

As Sua discreetly began to rise from her seat, something happened.

Thud!

***

Sua was startled yet again.

“I’m late.”

A deep, resonant voice echoed as if coming from a cave.

A man dressed entirely in black entered the room.

***

His proportions were almost flawless. Even with his hat pulled low over his face, it wasn’t hard to recognize who he was.

“…!”

Lee Sua’s eyes widened in disbelief.

***

“Kim Sun-il? Isn’t that Kim Sun-il?”

The man who often appeared in advertisements, actor Kim Sun-il, had suddenly entered the interview room.

“I’m actor Kim Sun-il. I’m here to participate.”

Everyone was left speechless, unable to say a word.

***

“Insane, Kim Sun-il? Why is Kim Sun-il here?”

In the midst of her shock, Son Jia quickly processed the situation.

“Oh, right. A special appearance. Kim Sun-il had already promised a special appearance. It’s probably just a small role.”

***

Just when it seemed like peace would be restored.

Bang!

The door opened once more.

“Are you out of your mind? You want me to handle the parking?”

Son Jia couldn’t believe her eyes.

A delicate-looking woman, almost like she was made of dew, appeared.

“Seo Yeon-ju? Seo Yeon-ju…?”

Park Jun’s voice was thick with confusion.

***

She couldn’t believe it.

First Kim Sun-il, and now Seo Yeon-ju?

What shocked Son Jia even more was that Park Jun didn’t seem to know about any of this.

As proof, Park Jun stood there, his mouth agape, unable to close it.

“Se-Sun-il? Yeon-ju? What are you two doing here…?”

Park Jun mumbled in complete disbelief.

Then Seo Yeon-ju, adjusting her headband, spoke up.

“Has the role of Haryeong already been filled? I was planning to play it.”

Son Jia dropped the phone she had been holding.