Chapter 44: The Rise of the Writer

Hong Juhee, a devout Christian, originally didn't believe in superstitions.

She started her career just recently, working at a broadcasting station.

Dragged along by her then-boyfriend, who believed in every kind of shamanism, she once went to have her fortune told after work.

She thought of it as a lighthearted theme cafe experience, so with a casual attitude, she sat in front of the fortune-teller—an older man dressed in hanbok—and recited her birthdate.

But as soon as the fortune-teller said, “You work at a broadcasting station, don’t you?” she sat up straight.

Of course, had she been a little calmer, she could have realized that the fortune-teller guessed her job not through mystical power, but by observing her still wearing her broadcasting station ID even after work.

But at twenty-five, pure and innocent Hong Juhee cherished the fortune-teller’s words deeply in her heart ever since that day.

Now, something happened that made Hong Juhee’s faith in the fortune-teller soar to a level rivaling her Christian beliefs.

“In the year you turn thirty-eight, you’ll meet a benefactor and your great fortune will open up.”

The benefactor was obviously Lee Junghyuk, and now that she was thirty-eight, her luck had indeed opened up.

Hong Juhee became convinced of this when she saw the rough cut of .

The narrative Lee Junghyuk spun was solid and popular.

People worn down by work, family, and reality would gather to eat dishes like doenjang stew, spicy pork stir-fry, and rolled omelets, and find comfort.

 told stories of ordinary people and ordinary food that anyone could relate to.

It was a risky development that could easily have felt bland in capturing the wavering tastes of the public.

But Lee Junghyuk’s script had such an intense sense of immersion that you simply couldn’t stop watching, no matter how predictable the story seemed.

On top of that, even Park Sangtae, who she’d entrusted with the project with some doubt, did an excellent job.

It was clear he’d worked the longest under Director Kim Seungpyo.

Not only the unconventional and understated yet fresh and experimental directing style, but also the camera angles and music—all blended perfectly to bring out the atmosphere of .

“It came out so well, it almost feels like a healing movie, not a TV drama.”

When she sent Lee Junghyuk the rough cut via email, he replied through chat after checking the video.

-It turned out even better than I expected. As always, President Hong, you’re amazing.

-It’s all thanks to you, Writer.

“Oh my, how can our Writer be so kind-hearted?”

Recently, she’d even heard that Lee Junghyuk had presented enticing visions to Im Seonghee and Jeong Taemi, whom she’d introduced, ones that would tempt any assistant writer.

She had a hunch that anything would succeed if it was a studio business led by Lee Junghyuk as the head writer.

He was earning more than enough to make up for the cost of securing that expensive The Shop officetel, so Hong Juhee was also planning to expand H Studio’s business accordingly in the future.

“This won’t do. I should prepare a gift that Writer-nim would like.”

---

Yeouido, NBN Broadcasting Station Annex.

Because it wasn’t far from The Shop officetel, I just grabbed my laptop bag and walked over to the NBN annex in light attire.

Today was the first script reading for my other new drama, , which began production around the same time as the recently successful .

The script reading room was a large conference hall with double rows of U-shaped tables.

Each table had nameplates, so everyone could find their seat. The head table, which seemed the most important, was reserved for the director and the writer.

To either side were the lead actors, and then the supporting actors, lined up in order, making the arrangement look like a royal court meeting from the Joseon Dynasty.

There were still thirty minutes left before the reading began, but most of the actors had already taken their seats.

“It must be because it’s a project by Director Jang Byunghun—everyone’s on edge.”

Since there were some actors I’d met on set before, I gave a slight nod as I walked over.

I’d grown fairly accustomed to these situations by now, so I took my seat beside Director Jang Byunghun and slowly surveyed my surroundings.

Across the room, I made eye contact with Cheon Nayoung, sitting opposite the leads.

It had been a while since I last saw her since filming preparations began, so I wanted to greet her warmly, but with all the eyes around, I didn’t show it.

Cheon Nayoung seemed to read the atmosphere, too; she simply met my gaze and offered a slight nod.

Five minutes before the reading started, Director Jang Byunghun entered the room.

He greeted me, who was already seated, with a warm smile.

“Writer Lee! Long time no see.”

“It’s been a while, Director. You look well.”

“You too, Writer Lee. Oh, by the way, I really enjoyed Macho Restaurant. If you have a script like that next time, come to me first.”

“Oh, but Director, you have to do Ma Boksoon! Hahaha.”

With my greeting to Director Jang, the staff and actors all took their seats.

“Hello, I’m Kim Heesoo, playing the role of Ma Boksoon. Please take care of me.”

“I’m Oh Changyeol, playing Ma Boksoon’s husband, Han Hojun. It’s an honor to be here with you all.”

Starting with these well-known top stars, all the actors introduced themselves in turn, standing up at their spots.

“Ah, hello. I’m Cheon Nayoung, playing Seong Anna. I may be lacking, but I’ll do my best.”

Even among the calm crowd, I could hear subtle murmurs as people saw Cheon Nayoung in person for the first time.

Even though she wore simple makeup and dressed like an ordinary college student, Cheon Nayoung drew more attention than Kim Heesoo, the female lead and a top star.

Kim Heesoo, sitting diagonally across, also seemed intrigued as she watched Cheon Nayoung bow politely on both sides.

Watching Cheon Nayoung, I felt a strange sense of nervousness.

‘I just hope she doesn’t make any big mistakes... But that’s easier said than done.’

With Cheon Nayoung’s introduction, the reading began in earnest.

The first scene was one with leads Kim Heesoo and Oh Changyeol.

Assistant Director Lee Kisoo narrated in a calm tone.

“The couple’s bedroom. As usual, Ma Boksoon and Han Hojun are lying in bed together. Boksoon wakes up first and gets out of bed.”

Kim Heesoo, as if she’d just woken from sleep, stretched lightly in her seat and continued in a languid voice.

“Hmm, what time is it? Oh dear, look at me spacing out.”

Although it was just a reading and she was sitting in a conference chair, her movements, expressions, even her half-drowsy voice—all came together so vividly that I could imagine the couple’s bedroom right before my eyes.

Matching her pace, Oh Changyeol’s natural acting made him seem like a real husband.

“Are we very late?”

“Yeah, we’re super late. I’ll shower and head out first.”

“Even if you’re leaving, come here for a second.”

Utcha, Oh Changyeol acted as if placing something on his lap, making it look as if his loving wife was sitting right on his knees.

“But honey, did you put something on your lips yesterday? Why does a man smell like peaches?”

“Oh, I just bought something random at the airport. You know I don’t speak Japanese.”

“Hmm, but still, the scent was so strong.”

“But it was moist, right?”

The two continued, acting like a real married couple, their chemistry shining through in every scene.

Director Jang nodded with a satisfied smile, not finding a single fault in their performances.

Soon, the scene where Kim Heesoo first encounters Cheon Nayoung arrived.

With a look of sympathy, Kim Heesoo delivered her line to Cheon Nayoung.

“Who is that person? The one making things hard for you, Anna?”

“My boyfriend.”

“Is he really worth meeting, even if it hurts you like this?”

“He’s not usually like that. He was just sensitive that day.”

Director Jang interjected briefly.

“Hold on, Cheon Nayoung-ssi. What’s with your line of sight?”

“Yes?”

“In this scene, you two need to make eye contact while acting. Right?”

“Ah, yes. I’ll do it again.”

They repeated the lines.

This time, it was Kim Heesoo, not Director Jang, who raised her hand to stop.

“One moment. Hmm, in this scene, Nayoung-ssi’s character is a worn-out and exhausted employee, right? Try to relax a bit more.”

“Yes, thank you, sunbae-nim.”

“Don’t be nervous. Take it easy.”

Even the bold Cheon Nayoung seemed taken aback by critiques from the renowned Director Jang and top star Kim Heesoo.

Even I, just watching, felt suffocated by the atmosphere.

‘The pressure Cheon Nayoung must be feeling must be no joke.’

From Director Jang’s expression, he didn’t seem too satisfied with her continued performance.

Noticing this, the assistant director sensibly announced a break as soon as a scene was finished.

“We’ll take about a ten-minute break before continuing.”

Director Jang immediately got up and headed to the smoking area, followed by some staff and actors who smoked.

Kim Heesoo also stood up from her seat.

She crossed between tables and approached Cheon Nayoung.

Kim Heesoo squatted down, script in hand, and met Nayoung’s eyes.

“You must’ve been really nervous, huh?”

“Huh? Ah, yes. I practiced really hard, but I guess I still have a long way to go.”

“Everyone’s like that at first. Is this your first drama?”

“Yes, I’ll do my best to learn.”

“For now, let’s work on this part together, okay? When I say relax, I don’t mean just your voice, but…”

Kim Heesoo, in a kind voice, comforted Cheon Nayoung and gave detailed acting guidance for their scene together.

I’d been worried Kim Heesoo might scold Nayoung, but watching her, I was relieved.

‘No wonder people always praise Kim Heesoo—her acting skills and personality are both top tier.’

After the short break,

Everyone took their seats and the reading resumed.

For a new actor, it could have been an overwhelming environment, but fortunately, Kim Heesoo and the others kindly worked with Cheon Nayoung.

Thanks to that, the first reading wrapped up fairly smoothly.

After the reading, Assistant Director Lee Kisoo led the staff and actors to the dinner party location.

Since it was the first gathering of the whole team, Ten Enter rented out a whole nearby beef restaurant for the event.

I thought I’d just sit somewhere quiet and eat some meat, but—

“Writer Lee Junghyuk, can I sit here?”

“Oh, me too. I want to sit at Writer-nim’s table.”

Kim Heesoo and Oh Changyeol surrounded my table with playful grins that made it clear they wouldn’t leave me alone.

Especially Kim Heesoo, whose approachable personality belied her chic image, took the lead in filling my glass with a bottle of beer.

Hurriedly, I accepted the drink with both hands. “Oh, thank you so much.”

“I’ve been a huge fan of your work since Twin Love. I’m really your fan, Writer-nim.”

“I’m just grateful. It’s an honor to have you playing Ma Boksoon. Even from the reading, you were Ma Boksoon herself.”

After a few rounds of drinks, I started feeling tipsy.

As expected of actors, everyone kept it polite but lively, and the mood was cheerful.

At that moment, I noticed Cheon Nayoung sitting at the farthest corner, head down and lips moving nonstop.

‘What’s she doing over there all by herself?’

I excused myself to the restroom and made my way to her table.

Sitting among unfamiliar assistant directors and supporting actors, Cheon Nayoung was secretly looking at her script under the table, completely absorbed.

I sat down in the empty seat beside her and quietly asked,

“Nayoung-ssi, what are you doing? Aren’t you eating?”

“Oh, Writer-nim! I was looking at the script. I feel like I’m about to break through a stuck part.”

“You can do that later. Being good at company dinners is part of work, too.”

But completely absorbed in the script, Cheon Nayoung ignored my advice and shoved the script at me, rattling off questions.

“No, Writer-nim, it’s just—about this part. When Seong Anna confronts Ma Boksoon, if I’m reading it right…”

“The meat’s going to burn. Eat first. This is beef, so you need to eat it quickly.”

Just then, Director Jang cleared his throat loudly and stood up.

Instantly, the once-noisy room fell silent, and everyone turned their attention to him.

“I’d like to say a few words, if this old man may.”

Director Jang’s jovial tone made everyone smile fondly.

“Personally, while leads are important in a drama, I believe that it’s our staff and supporting actors who truly make a show successful.”

“That’s right!”

“So, who’s the youngest person here?”

Most of the staff and actors were experienced and older, so naturally, the youngest present was Cheon Nayoung.

She raised her hand and declared bravely,

“That’s me, Director.”

“Ah, our Cheon Nayoung is the youngest. Let’s kick off  with a toast from our youngest!”

At the sudden suggestion, Cheon Nayoung reflexively looked at me.

I nodded and mouthed, “Just do anything. Like blue jeans or something.”

Cheon Nayoung stood without hesitation, and everyone cheered her on.

I relaxed and raised my glass, expecting a safe toast.

“I really hate forced drinking culture.”

“?”

Director Jang and everyone else were taken aback by her unexpected statement.

Was she openly dissing the director who’d asked her for a toast?

Or had today’s critiques during the reading fried her brain?

Cheon Nayoung then grabbed a soju bottle and filled her beer glass to the brim.

She glanced around the room.

“I think this is very old-fashioned.”

Then, Cheon Nayoung shouted her toast loudly.

“In celebration of Ma Boksoon’s great success, I’ll do an acrostic with MA-BOK-SOON. Please cue me.”

“Ma!”

“Ma! Why aren’t you filling your glasses?!”

At Cheon Nayoung’s bossy “old man” style of forcing drinks, everyone laughed and filled their glasses.

“Bok!”

“Drink heartily in one shot and shout Ma Boksoon, then give us a fighting cheer!”

“Soon!”

“It may be full of old fogeys, but you can’t make a drama without them!”

At last, everyone burst into laughter and echoed Cheon Nayoung’s cheer.

“Ma Boksoon!”

“Fighting~!!!”

Watching Cheon Nayoung down a glass full of soju in one go, I could only shake my head.

‘I was worried she’d be intimidated. How foolish of me.’

Cheon Nayoung was truly something else.