“That’s right. During the reading, you only said everything was good. Please also point out what’s lacking. I want to take it into consideration.”
Shin Hyojin joined in.
Director Jung looked hesitant.
“From the very first rehearsal, I can’t afford to discourage the actors.”
“I don’t think the people here are the type to be easily discouraged, Director.”
At Shin Hyojin’s words, several people burst into laughter.
“Hmm. Then should I try wielding the whip a little?”
Director Jung, whose white hair outnumbered his black and whose gentle demeanor was well-known, grinned playfully.
“Everyone prepared diligently and focused well on their roles. But I think you’ve largely missed understanding other characters and interacting with fellow actors.”
A rustling sound was heard under the table from Yoon Jooho.
What’s that?
Is he texting while the director is speaking?
It’s not like he’s a student sneaking his phone out during class…
Song Hyunsoo glanced under the table.
Yoon Jooho was recording the director’s feedback.
“For example, Jooyoung, your character is supposed to have an overseas Korean accent. But if you immerse yourself only in your own setting without considering the tones of the other actors, it’ll end up standing out too much.”
“Everyone else speaks fluent Korean, but only I have a different accent. Doesn’t that naturally make me stand out?”
Han Jooyoung raised a question to the director.
“There’s a difference between adding subtle variations within the same flow and completely diverging from it.”
Song Hyunsoo nodded in understanding.
I think I get it, Director.
It’s about creating differences like Baek Kang and Seo Taewoon within the same Slam Dunk universe, not like Seo Taewoon suddenly appearing in the ‘Crayon Shin-chan world’, right?
“What about me, Director?”
Shin Hyojin’s eyes sparkled as she pulled her chair closer.
“Hyojin, you’re doing well. Everyone knows Shin Hyojin is great. But you still need to adjust your acting tone based on the nature of the work and the acting styles of your fellow actors.”
“Honestly, I was really taken aback today too.”
“Did everyone feel too disjointed?”
“Yeah…”
Shin Hyojin gave an awkward smile.
“It was just the first reading. No need to worry too much. It’s not about who did well or poorly— it’s about adjusting to each other moving forward.”
Shin Hyojin was an actress whose acting skills were universally acknowledged.
Especially in films, she became a topic of discussion for her performances in every project she took on.
Even though she had received criticism, and now Song Hyunsoo was starting to feel uneasy.
“Mr. Hyunsoo.”
“Yes, Director!”
Hearing his stiff reply, the director gave him a gentle smile.
But even that kind smile couldn’t reassure Song Hyunsoo anymore.
“Have you seen any of my works before?”
“I’ve seen all of them.”
“All of them?”
Not only Director Jung Joonhee but also Yoon Jooho beside him turned to look at Song Hyunsoo.
“Yes, from the ones you worked on as an assistant director to all your other films.”
“You’re a rare, passionate young man.”
After being cast in this project, he had sacrificed sleep to study all of the director’s works.
He wanted to do everything he could to prepare for his role as San.
“I heard this is your first official film. You must be very nervous?”
“Yes… I’m sorry.”
“Hahaha. We haven’t even started yet, and you’re apologizing.”
“I was too stiff during the reading earlier.”
“I’ve been directing for over 35 years now. I can tell at a glance whether an actor is diligent or just slacking off, relying only on their talent. I know how hard you’ve prepared, Mr. Hyunsoo.”
Song Hyunsoo pressed his lips together and bowed his head deeply.
His ears burned— not from embarrassment or shame, but from gratitude toward Director Jung for recognizing his effort.
Until now, he had always been scolded on set.
Even for a single line, he was told he couldn’t deliver it properly, that this was why he remained unknown.
He had to bow and apologize repeatedly after enduring such humiliation right in front of him.
At first, he really thought it was his acting that was the problem.
But a one-line role with no narrative or emotional depth didn’t require incredible acting skills.
As he gained more on-set experience, he naturally realized— some directors and production teams took out their stress from lead actors on minor roles and extras.
“You don’t need to be so nervous. You know why?”
Song Hyunsoo raised his head and looked at Director Jung.
“I don’t need a puppet that follows the script word for word, down to every comma and period. Whether Lee San remains a puppet or comes alive on screen— that’s entirely up to you, the actor Song Hyunsoo.”
“……”
“So don’t try to read my mood. Just freely express Lee San the way only Song Hyunsoo can.”
“……”
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Honestly, he didn’t.
But he couldn’t say that in front of the director.
Song Hyunsoo just forced an awkward smile.
Director Jung Joonhee probably knew.
Knew that this nobody of an actor hadn’t grasped even half of what he’d said.
But he didn’t press further and instead stepped back.
“And as for Jooho…”
Director Jung, who had been hunched over while looking at Song Hyunsoo, slowly shifted his gaze to Yoon Jooho.
There shouldn’t be anything to criticize about Jooho, right?
Honestly, anyone could see his acting was solid— so much so that it made my heart ache.
He wanted Director Jung to publicly praise Yoon Jooho in front of everyone, especially Han Jooyoung.
Anticipating it, Song Hyunsoo already felt a thrill inside.
“Jooho, I know you’ve been doing dramas for a long time. I also know how ambitious you are about acting. But this time, you’re overthinking it.”
“Well, Baek Kang in the story is the type who overthinks too, isn’t he?”
“Huh, I guess that’s true.”
At Yoon Jooho’s retort, Director Jung nodded and laughed as if amused.
But the words that followed his fading laughter weren’t what Song Hyunsoo had hoped for.
“But here’s the thing. If you get too caught up in wanting to do well, you can easily miss the beauty of harmony. Do you think just gathering good singers guarantees a beautiful chorus? It’s the same with movies. Just because each person does their part well doesn’t mean it’ll automatically make a great film.”
Yoon Jooho listened without changing his expression.
But Song Hyunsoo was shocked.
It felt like watching the leader of a religion he’d blindly followed being arrested and dragged away.
He never wanted to see Yoon Jooho criticized for his acting.
It was as painful as watching a hero falter in battle against a villain.
Song Hyunsoo couldn’t tear his eyes away from Yoon Jooho’s profile.
But in the end, the hero always wins, right?
Even if he takes a few hits at first, eventually, he fights back and takes them all down.
That’s the only kind of movie I can stand.
“Understood. I’ll think more about it.”
With Yoon Jooho’s response, Director Jung Joonhee sighed and quickly reached for soju.
“Ugh, whipping people into shape during pre-production is exhausting.”
“You were swinging that whip just fine, though,” said actor Choi Dohoon beside him, cackling as if amused by Director Jung’s exasperation.
“Actor Choi, why don’t you say something to the juniors too? I’m sure they’d love to hear advice from a seasoned senior.”
“I doubt they want to hear it. They’d probably just think it’s nagging. Besides, they’re all professionals, just like me— they’ll figure it out.”
“So you’re saying you want me to be the only nagging director here?”
In the end, it seemed no one had fully won over Director Jung during the first script reading.
At least not among the younger actors.
Song Hyunsoo felt foolish for being so happy earlier, thinking the director’s praise during the reading had meant something.
But what made him shrink even more was the fact that even Yoon Jooho had been criticized.
Yoon Jooho, who was like a hero to him.
He couldn’t help but resent him a little for seeming so unfazed.