chapter 29

Chapter 29. The Cameo

Time flew by, and the four weeks of filming for the variety show were over. May was just around the corner.

The third episode of "Summer's Table" had aired the previous day, and with reruns playing almost daily, Yeon-woo frequently caught glimpses of himself on TV. It felt like more people recognized him now than when the drama was airing.

The students at school were also more enthusiastic.

His increased popularity made it difficult to take public transportation to his acting academy in the busy downtown area.

Today, however, he was visiting Jung Chul-min's academy for the first time in almost three months, riding in his father's car after work.

"Whoa, it's Ryu Yeon-woo!"

"Amazing, he really did train here."

Students peeked out from classrooms, excited by the news of his arrival.

"Hello," Yeon-woo greeted them with a brief bow.

"Hey, come out quick! Ryu Yeon-woo is here!"

"Oppa, can I take a picture with you?"

He was immediately surrounded by students, busy taking photos and signing autographs.

"Everyone, you're making Yeon-woo uncomfortable. Let's take pictures later," Jung Chul-min emerged from his office to rescue Yeon-woo.

"Let's go inside, Yeon-woo."

"Yes, sir."

Chul-min led Yeon-woo to his office.

He beamed, patting Yeon-woo on the shoulder. His student's success filled him with pride.

"I'm enjoying the variety show. Your popularity is on a different level now compared to just the drama."

"Haha, you're right. The power of variety shows, I guess."

Yeon-woo sat down on the sofa and took out a script from his bag. "Sir, this is the script for Director Kim Han-soo's new project."

"Ah, the cameo your senior mentioned? 'Spring's Lover.' After summer, it's spring, huh?" As Jung Chul-min pointed out, Director Kim Han-soo had a penchant for titles with distinct seasonal references. After "Summer's Closet," Yeon-woo was now working on "Spring's Lover."

Jung Chul-min flipped through the script. "Hmm, so the role he offered you is young Ji Woo-hyuk."

"Yes, it's my first time playing a younger version of a character, and my first time on the big screen." Yeon-woo had come to the academy to seek advice on his role in Director Kim Han-soo's new movie.

The director had initially described the role as the female lead's first love, but the script identified it as the younger version of the male lead. Technically, it was the same character, so it wasn't entirely inaccurate.

"You're doing so well now; I'm sure you'll be fine." Despite his words, Jung Chul-min was already jotting down notes.

"Hmm, has the adult role been cast?"

"Yes, Senior Kang Joo-won is playing Ji Woo-hyuk."

Chul-min nodded in understanding. "That's why he asked you, I see. You two have a similar aura."

"Do we?"

Kang Joo-won was widely considered the most handsome actor in Korea. He had debuted as a teen idol around Yeon-woo's age and was now in his late thirties. He wasn't just a pretty face; he had a diverse and impressive filmography, showcasing his acting prowess in various genres.

Thinking of Kang Joo-won, Chul-min understood why Director Kim Han-soo had specifically requested Yeon-woo for the role.

"It's a substantial role, more than just a cameo. It's your big screen debut, after all."

"The movie is scheduled for release late this year or early next year. Filming started last month."

Chul-min continued explaining, jotting down notes. "Movies are different from dramas. They have a shorter runtime, so everything has to be more impactful. The audience needs to be deeply immersed in the characters."

"So the connection between the younger and adult versions of the character is important."

Chul-min nodded. "Exactly. You need to analyze the adult Ji Woo-hyuk and understand his backstory."

"The script doesn't provide much background on his younger years. What should I do in this case?"

"You have to create your own backstory, making sure it's consistent with the character's development."

Yeon-woo nodded. "Create my own backstory…"

Chul-min, watching him with a smile, added, "Here's an important tip. Experienced actors like Kang Joo-won have a distinct acting style and aura that's difficult to change, regardless of the role."

"Ah! So I need to analyze Kang Joo-won himself, not just Ji Woo-hyuk!"

Chul-min nodded, patting Yeon-woo's head. "As expected, you're a quick learner."

"That's thanks to your teaching, sir."

Yeon-woo called his father, then said goodbye to Jung Chul-min. He was surrounded by students requesting selfies as he made his way to the parking lot.

He got into his father's car, who handed him a thermos of plum tea, saying it was good for his throat. "So, did you get any helpful advice?"

"Yes, Jung Chul-min is the best." The conversation with his mentor had given him a clear direction for preparing for the role.

Back home, after finishing his homework every day, Yeon-woo diligently watched Kang Joo-won's movies.

He analyzed Kang Joo-won's vocalization, expressions, and mannerisms. This was similar to what he had done in his past life as an agent, mimicking people's behavior to build rapport and gain their trust. It was a skill he was confident in.

He also thought about Ji Woo-hyuk's character.

Why did Ji Woo-hyuk decide to become a firefighter, a detail not explicitly mentioned in the script? What kind of student was he?

Yeon-woo gradually built his own narrative for Ji Woo-hyuk, adding depth to the character's backstory.

The day of the shoot arrived.

"It's been a while, Actor Ryu."

"Min-soo hyung, it's been a month. I missed you."

Min-soo grinned at Yeon-woo's cheerful greeting. They had seen each other every week during the variety show filming, but it had been a month since the show wrapped, and the final episode was airing next week.

"They're doing makeup on set. It'll take about an hour and a half to get there."

"Okay, I'll read through the script one more time."

Min-soo drove Yeon-woo to an abandoned school in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. Although it was an abandoned school, it was being used as a filming location and seemed better maintained than when it had been a functioning school.

They arrived earlier than the scheduled 11 am call time. Yeon-woo got out of the car and followed Min-soo to the set.

He spotted Director Kim Han-soo filming a scene near a water fountain.

He waited quietly, not wanting to interrupt, and approached the director after he yelled "Cut!"

"Director!"

"Oh, Yeon-woo! You made it. Good to see you." Director Kim welcomed him warmly with open arms.

"Everyone, this is our rising star, here to help us with filming today."

Clap! Clap!

He saw many familiar faces among the crew. Director Kim Han-soo's usual team.

"Milky-skinned Ryu Yeon-woo!"

Someone from the crew shouted Yeon-woo's nickname, bringing laughter to the set.

Since it was a school scene, most of the supporting actors and child actors were young aspiring actors, and they were all interested in Yeon-woo. While they didn't swarm him like the students at the academy, they were clearly excited, whispering and giggling amongst themselves.

"Ye-seul, please take Yeon-woo to the makeup room."

"Yes, Director. Yeon-woo, come with me."

Yeon-woo followed Ye-seul, the on-set manager who had worked with him on "Summer's Closet," to the makeup room.

"It's been a while since Hawaii, hasn't it?"

"It has. How have you been, noona?"

They chatted as they walked towards the makeup room, set up inside the school building. Joo-hee's team, who had done Yeon-woo's makeup for "Summer's Closet," was there.

"Oh my, it's Ryu Yeon-woo!"

"Hello, Joo-hee noona, right?"

Joo-hee squealed when Yeon-woo addressed her by name. Remembering names and faces was a long-standing habit from his past life as an agent.

"You remember my name! I'm so honored! I'm a member of Woo's."

"Really? Then I'll have to remember it." Yeon-woo smiled at Joo-hee, who had revealed herself to be a member of his fan club, Woo's.

Joo-hee mentally praised her past self for coming to work that day despite being sick.

"I didn't get to ask you last time because you were busy with your interview, but can we take a selfie after you're done with makeup?"

"Of course! Let's take a million!"

"Yay!" Joo-hee, who had asked hesitantly, was overjoyed by Yeon-woo's enthusiastic response.

It was Yeon-woo's first time meeting a member of his fan club, and he was grateful for her support.

Joo-hee chatted excitedly as she applied his base makeup.

"I wasn't expecting much from today's shoot since it's a school scene, but I never imagined I'd meet you here, Yeon-woo!"

"Yes, I'm here for a cameo, at the director's request."

"Amazing!" Joo-hee and her team squealed at every word he uttered.

Yeon-woo was touched by their enthusiasm.

"What role are you playing today?"

"Ji Woo-hyuk."

"Ah." Since they didn't know the story, they didn't understand the significance of the role. They just assumed it was another handsome character.

"Um, I'm playing the high school version of Senior Kang Joo-won's character."

"Ah! Wow, amazing!"

"Now that you mention it, you do resemble him. You have a similar aura." They clapped their hands and chatted excitedly.

"Alright, we're done!"

"Thank you, Joo-hee noona."

He took selfies with Joo-hee and her team, who were thrilled when he called them by name, changed into the school uniform provided by the staff, and headed to the set.

"Wow, look at Ryu Yeon-woo in that uniform!"

"I'll get in trouble if I take pictures with my phone, right? I want to brag in the group chat."

"Take pictures after the shoot. Don't make any noise, or you'll get scolded. I'm sure there will be a chance."

Yeon-woo arrived at the filming location, where the crew was waiting near the water fountain.

"Hmm, you're exactly how I imagined you." Director Kim Han-soo nodded, looking at Yeon-woo.

"Yeon-woo, this is Jung Soo-yeon, your co-star for today."

"Hello, I'm Jung Soo-yeon."