Episode 85
―Upon that green meadow……!
Familiar music drifted in.
A song by a singer Han Seongtae had occasionally heard in his past life.
“I want to live three hundred years with my beloved.”
Beside him, Kim Minseok was humming along to the tune inside Jung Dusik’s car.
After filming wrapped, they were all moving together to meet officials from the Free Short Film Festival.
“It’s a shame Harin couldn’t come with us. It would’ve been better if she had.”
“Exactly. We’re only complete when Harin’s with us. It’s a pity.”
Kim Minseok nodded in strong agreement at Jung Dusik’s words.
Seeing that reaction, Han Seongtae also nodded and looked out the window.
The sky beyond the window was perfectly clear, not a single cloud in sight.
[‘The Founder of Jeet Kune Do’ relishes this weather, saying it’s perfect for training.]
[‘The One Who Defined an Era’ says seeing the clear sky makes him long for the open sea.]
Following his gaze, the gods of acting looked up at the sky and reacted in various ways.
Han Seongtae chuckled at their reactions before turning his head again.
“Hyung, how much does a car like this usually cost? The ride quality is no joke.”
“Well, since it’s a car that transports affiliated celebrities, I’d guess… it’s around this price range.”
“Wow, it’s expensive as expected. Still, for this level…”
Kim Minseok was chatting comfortably with Jung Dusik.
He had felt it during filming too, but Kim Minseok was more sociable than expected.
Dusik-hyung must be amazing to put up with that.
Kim Minseok was notoriously talkative, making it exhausting to interact with him. Watching Jung Dusik handle him without flinching, Han Seongtae was reminded that being a manager wasn’t something just anyone could do.
Buzz.
Han Seongtae, who had been observing their conversation, turned his head at the vibration in his fingertips.
It’s Mucheol-hyung.
A notification arrived—a text from Kim Mucheol.
―Kim Mucheol: Something I meant to tell you last time. Check this out.
Han Seongtae immediately tapped his fingers on the message, which included a web address.
[War of the Villains is a Devil’s Movie.]
The unique title caught his eye.
War of the Villains is a Devil’s Movie?
Just from the title, it was impossible to tell if it was praise or criticism.
「[War of the Villains is the Devil’s Movie.]
I’ve watched and reviewed many films over the years. But I’ve never seen a film as unique as War of the Villains.
Director Choi Yechan’s talent is undeniable.
Yet, until now, he hadn’t truly showcased his full potential.
But the direction and editing in this film left me in awe throughout.
It took a potentially clichéd story and truly brought out the characters’ narratives and flavor.
Wondering why it could be so different from his previous work, I discovered one thing.
The actors’ performances.
The actors in his previous work only showed competent acting, but the actors in this film truly portrayed the narratives of their respective characters through their performances.
Thanks to that, it seems the director was also able to properly showcase his own capabilities.
However, if there’s an issue, it’s that the film focused so intensely on showcasing the characters that it’s impossible to discern what meaning the film itself is trying to convey…」
A critic’s review of War of the Villains.
Scrolling all the way to the bottom, Han Seongtae could see the name of the critic who left the review.
[Critic Lee Jaeseon]
Lee Jaeseon – how could anyone not know that name?
Anyone in the film industry would have seen that name at least once.
Especially in the film world, Lee Jaeseon was the sharpest of the sharp critics.
Because he’s a formidable critic.
The term ‘critic’ can mean someone who professionally reviews, but it’s also used mockingly to describe someone who’s quick to find fault.
Lee Jaeseon was often called a critic in the latter sense.
The problem is, there’s nothing wrong with any of his critiques.
If he were just some mediocre critic, it wouldn’t bother them this much.
Lee Jaeseon is one of the absolute top critics out there.
The fact that someone like him was praising their film was nothing short of astonishing.
―Hyung, I just saw it. Is this really written by critic Lee Jaeseon?
―Kim Mucheol: You’re surprised too, huh? Man, I was shocked. At first, I thought it was someone with the same name. But surprisingly, it’s the real deal.
―That’s amazing. We’re grateful, of course. What could have prompted this?
―Kim Mucheol: Who knows. Well, he must have his reasons.
Han Seongtae wasn’t the only one surprised by Lee Jaeseon’s review.
Han Seongtae chuckled at Kim Mucheol’s text saying Choi Yechan was also shocked by the review.
A good review from Lee Jaeseon, who’d only ever spewed venom even into the distant future…
Somehow, today felt like a good day.
“Seongtae, we’re here.”
“Yes. Hyung, thanks for driving.”
Han Seongtae smiled at Jung Dusik’s words and got out of the car.
The day had started well.
The place Han Seongtae had come to was an office on the outskirts of the city.
It was a place of moderate size and tasteful interior, where a face Han Seongtae knew well was waiting.
Isn’t that Professor Ham Dongho?
Professor Ham Dongho of the Acting Department at Hanul University, renowned just as much as Korea University.
Few actors didn’t know his name, as he even produced.
The name Ham Dongho carried considerable clout within the industry.
Back then, I used to try so hard just to catch a glimpse of him.
Recalling his past self, Han Seongtae let out a hollow laugh and stepped inside.
“I didn’t know Professor Ham Dongho would be here too. Did you know?”
“I didn’t know either. I don’t think Minseok knew either. Maybe he was meeting with someone else first? We came early, after all.”
“Hmm… That could be.”
Han Seongtae had arrived 30 minutes earlier than the agreed time.
The person who made the appointment probably had other commitments too.
It wasn’t strange for him to be with someone else.
“Shouldn’t we just wait outside for a bit?”
“I suppose so?”
“Yes.”
Han Seongtae nodded and was looking for a place to sit when…
“What are you doing over there? You can come over here.”
A man who had been with Ham Dongho, watching them, spoke up.
“You’re actor Han Seongtae and director Kim Minseok, right? I’m Yeon Jaehoon.”
PD Yeon Jaehoon.
A fairly well-known figure in the drama world.
He was also famous for primarily working with Netflix.
“Yes, hello.”
“It’s an honor to meet you!”
Yeon Jaehoon chuckled at Han Seongtae and Kim Minseok’s words and gestured for them to sit on the sofa.
Seeing this, Han Seongtae immediately moved and sat down on the sofa.
Is the professor not going?
Ham Dongho, sitting next to Yeon Jaehoon, didn’t even show a hint of moving.
It was unavoidable that he felt even more concerned since this person wasn’t part of the plan.
“Ah, you might not know this person. This is Professor Ham Dongho from Hanul University.”
“Ham Dongho.”
Ham Dongho smiled at Yeon Jaehoon’s introduction and extended his hand.
Han Seongtae gave a slight nod and shook his hand.
“Actually, it’s thanks to Professor Ham Dongho here that we were able to arrange this meeting today. I apologize for not mentioning it earlier, but would it be okay if he joined us?”
“Yes, I’m fine with that.”
“Me too. It would be an honor to have someone like you join us, Professor.”
No sooner had Han Seongtae finished speaking than Kim Minseok beamed and nodded.
Watching Kim Minseok, Han Seongtae let out a faint chuckle.
Isn’t he getting a little too excited about someone who thought highly of him?
Professor Ham Dongho was one of the judges and had reportedly said many kind words to Kim Minseok during the awards ceremony.
Kim Minseok’s reaction wasn’t all that surprising.
“I saw the film. It was quite impressive.”
“Thank you.”
The meeting began with Ham Dongho joining them.
Yeon Jaehoon mentioned Haru and shared his thoughts.
Kim Minseok listened with a very serious expression.
Advice from an industry senior and successful director.
For Kim Minseok, who aspired to succeed as a director, it was a very valuable gift.
“…Overall, it was very good. Of course, it would be a lie to say there weren’t any disappointing parts. But those parts can be fixed slowly over time.”
“Thank you for the advice!”
Yeon Jaehoon smiled and shook his head at Kim Minseok’s words.
“So, about this movie… have you considered making it into a series?”
“…Huh?”
Yeon Jaehoon’s main point was just beginning.
Seeing Kim Minseok staring blankly at him, Yeon Jaehoon gave a faint smile and continued.
“When I first saw this film, my thought was that it was incredibly disappointing.”
“I’m well aware I still have much to learn in directing and editing.”
“No. That’s not what I’m talking about. Judging just the directing and editing, it was quite good.
It’s not easy to achieve this much working alone.”
“Then…?”
“The runtime. You clearly could have shown more. Ten minutes felt far too short.”
Yeon Jaehoon was saying that Haru could have held a much richer story.
Han Seongtae agreed with that sentiment.
Ten minutes is short, after all.
True, the very brevity of 10 minutes could deliver a greater impact.
But 10 minutes was far too little time to fully capture the story Haru possessed.
That was the point Yeon Jaehoon was making.
“So here’s my proposal. Let’s make it into a series together. I’m with Netflix and have some influence. If you’re willing, I’ll secure the necessary resources. The actors can stay on board too.”
Han Seongtae couldn’t help but be a little surprised by his words.
Netflix?
It was a major platform that had cornered most of the overseas market and was now rapidly expanding its presence in Korea as well.
Just the opportunity to work with such a company could be a huge break for any actor or director.
“And personally, I have a proposal for Director Kim Minseok.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Would you consider learning directing under me?”
Kim Minseok showed signs of deliberation at Yeon Jaehoon’s proposal.
He was flustered, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of information.
He glanced sideways at Han Seongtae.
“Do whatever you want.”
At Han Seongtae’s words, he turned his head back.
This is a good opportunity for Minseok too. Yeon Jaehoon is a director who’s produced many great works for Netflix. He even had a huge hit in the distant future.
Of course, the decision ultimately rested with Kim Minseok.
“I want to learn. If you give me the chance, I’ll work hard.”
“Yes, that’s a good decision. So, what about Haru?”
“I want to do it. I think it would be a good opportunity.”
“I’m fine with that too.”
Yeon Jaehoon smiled with satisfaction at their answers and nodded.
“Alright. Then I’ll arrange a meeting with Netflix.”
Han Seongtae nodded at his words.
A meeting with Netflix.
The ending of Haru should be very good too.
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