chapter 33

Chapter 33. First Commercial (1)

-Ryu Yeon-woo from "Summer's Closet" misses only two questions on CSAT, cementing his "perfect son" image.

-Rising star excels in academics too? Ryu Yeon-woo's CSAT score becomes a hot topic.

-A Korea University bound actor? What is Ryu Yeon-woo's CSAT ranking?

Sung-sik showed Yeon-woo the articles on his phone.

"The reporters are well-informed." Yeon-woo's nonchalant reaction surprised Sung-sik.

Joon-soo, however, nodded in understanding. "Well, it's not bad news. It's good news."

"That's true," Sung-sik agreed.

"But there must be a mole among the teachers. How did they get the information so quickly?" While Yeon-woo's academic prowess was known within the "Summer's Closet" team, his specific score hadn't been publicized or made headlines before.

The news of Ryu Yeon-woo, the rising star who had made a splash with "Summer's Closet," excelling in the CSAT after a six-month hiatus, reignited public interest and set the internet ablaze.

– Maddie (wtg050***): Wow, so "perfect sons" actually exist.

– Ehnghoeee (mwlsd***): It's like God poured all the talent points into him.

– Angry (answl***): Ryu Yeon-woo is undeniably perfect material.

└ BarkingDog (dae3***): Why "material"? He's a person.

└ CaptainObvious (cha03***): Everything with mass is material. Material entails... (See more)

"This is crazy," Joon-soo said, shaking his head as he scrolled through the comments. "I can't believe this guy is my friend."

Yeon-woo chuckled at Sung-sik's sudden, sentimental remark, considering they had been friends for two years.

"Yeon-woo, you'll be working on new projects now, right? You'll be moving to Seoul."

"Yeah, you guys will be attending universities in Seoul too, right?"

Joon-soo and Sung-sik nodded.

"Of course. I'm applying to Yeonha University first, but even if I don't get in, I'll go to another university in Seoul."

"You'll get in. Don't worry," Yeon-woo said, patting Joon-soo and Sung-sik on the back. "I'll be staying at the officetel provided by the agency for a while, so come visit me when you start university."

"Definitely!"

Yeon-woo attended school for a week and then returned to Seoul.

He reviewed the numerous advertising offers he had received, discussed them with his agency, and selected a few that aligned with his image.

His initial surge of popularity after "Summer's Closet" had brought in numerous offers, but as his hiatus extended, many companies had moved on. However, the recent CSAT news had reignited interest in him.

He embodied the image of a diligent and ambitious MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z) pursuing their dreams while excelling in other areas. This resonated with current marketing trends.

"Considering the conditions and image, these two seem like the best options, right?"

The marketing team members and Ryu Yeon-woo nodded in agreement with Team Leader Jung's assessment.

"It's the mobile phone I'm currently using, and the outdoor brand is one my family likes."

"Perfect!" Team Leader Jung smiled.

After careful consideration, Yeon-woo and his agency had chosen two endorsements: a mobile phone and an outdoor clothing brand.

Since Yeon-woo had no other scheduled commitments, they coordinated with the advertising agencies and finalized the filming dates and received the storyboards.

The first commercial was for ST Telecom, promoting their new smartphone.

It was a trendy image commercial filmed entirely on set and against a blue screen. The storyboard clearly targeted Yeon-woo's demographic.

Yeon-woo got into the van waiting in the officetel parking lot.

"Min-soo hyung, this is my first official schedule!"

"Haha, I'm already excited." While his fellow managers envied him for having a minor client, assuming it would be an easy job, Min-soo thrived on being in the field.

Ryu Yeon-woo would be an adult next month, and he was eager to start working.

They arrived at the filming studio in Pangyo.

"Welcome, I'll show you around."

"Ah, yes, nice to meet you." A staff member wearing a cap and holding a rolled-up script rushed over to greet them.

Yeon-woo and Min-soo followed him to the set.

A man, noticing their arrival, approached them. He had a sturdy build and distinctive sideburns that connected to his stubble. It was Director Lee Yong-soo.

While Yeon-woo wasn't familiar with the advertising industry, Min-soo had told him that Lee Yong-soo was a highly experienced director.

"Nice to meet you, Ryu Yeon-woo. I'm Lee Yong-soo." He offered a somewhat curt handshake.

Yeon-woo smiled brightly, shook his hand with both hands, and bowed deeply. "Hello, Director, I'm Ryu Yeon-woo. Pleased to work with you."

Director Lee nodded slightly, impressed by his polite and energetic greeting. Having dealt with numerous arrogant and disrespectful young stars, he generally disliked working with them. However, this young man seemed different.

"Such enthusiasm. My daughter is a fan."

"Oh, really? This is my first commercial, so I'm eager to learn." To ensure a smooth shoot, Director Lee also employed some flattery, even though his daughter hadn't actually mentioned being a fan. He assumed she would be, since Yeon-woo was a rising star.

"Everyone, this is our star, Ryu Yeon-woo. A round of applause!"

The staff applauded as the director introduced Yeon-woo.

The director and the experienced crew knew how to create a positive and energetic atmosphere on set.

"Hello, thank you," Yeon-woo bowed to the crew.

"You've seen the storyboard, but we have a tight schedule today. We need to finish before midnight, so let's start right away."

"Of course."

Director Lee called a staff member and instructed them to take Yeon-woo to the makeup room.

After his makeup was done, he changed into a clean, fresh-faced look: white cotton pants, a light blue shirt, and a preppy style perfect for a college freshman.

Director Lee, holding the storyboard, explained the scene, "You'll be sitting there, studying, then you'll stretch, pick up your smartphone, and then we'll lift you up with wires. Then…"

Yeon-woo listened attentively, visualizing the scene, and nodded. "Yes, I'll do my best."

He exchanged brief greetings with the supporting actors and stood in front of the prepared desk.

"Let's get him hooked up."

The staff attached wires to various parts of Yeon-woo's body.

The scene took place in a set designed to resemble a university lecture hall. Yeon-woo, studying at his desk, picks up his smartphone, and his body floats upwards. The background would then change through CGI. This scene ended just before the transition.

"We'll film the tight shots and close-ups separately, so let's start with a wide shot. Be careful not to get your legs tangled in the desk when you're lifted. Ready… cue!"

Yeon-woo scribbled in a workbook with a mechanical pencil, put it down, and stretched naturally.

"Cut! Yeon-woo, can you turn your face more towards the camera? Okay, let's continue."

Yeon-woo adjusted his position, turning his face towards the camera as he stretched, and then picked up the smartphone from the desk.

"Lift his legs first!"

The staff pulled on the ropes connected to the wires attached to the ceiling.

Yeon-woo's body slowly rose.

"Supporting actors, look at him with surprised expressions. Good, just like that."

Yeon-woo, now suspended about two meters in the air, assumed a relaxed, almost weightless, reclining position, slightly bending his legs and engaging his core muscles.

"Nice! Hold it a little longer!" The director was excited, seeing Yeon-woo maintain the desired pose.

"Okay, cut! Lower him slowly! Carefully!"

Yeon-woo descended slowly, and the staff members carefully caught him.

The director approached him. "Wow, Yeon-woo, you're strong! That was a very natural pose."

"Thank you." Yeon-woo's daily workouts and the rigorous training he had received as an agent made this easy for him. He was confident in his physical abilities.

"We need to do another take for a tight shot. Can you do that again?"

"Of course."

"Okay!" The director resumed filming.

Yeon-woo was lifted again, and a camera on a pole filmed a close-up of his upper body. He maintained the pose, smiling effortlessly, supported by his core strength.

"Perfect! Okay, cut!" The director clapped his hands as Yeon-woo was lowered to the ground.

"Good. Let's move on to the next scene. Wardrobe for Yeon-woo and the supporting actors."

"Yes, sir."

The staff removed the wires, and Yeon-woo went to the wardrobe room to change.

This time, the concept was the opposite of the previous scene: black jeans and a leather jacket. The makeup team darkened his eyeliner, creating a more intense, cool image.

The staff members murmured in admiration as he returned to the set.

"Now I understand why he's so popular."

"He was handsome before, but this look is perfect too."

The director approached him and explained the next scene. "This scene follows the previous one after the CGI transition. You land on the ground, hand your phone to the supporting actor, and then follow his movement…"

Since Yeon-woo had already reviewed the storyboard, he nodded in understanding.

"Yes, Director."

They checked the blocking with the supporting actors, and a staff member demonstrated the movement.

"Alright, let's start filming."

The cinematographer, holding a gimbal-mounted camera, stood in front of Yeon-woo, ready to film, like a camera operator for an idol stage performance.

"And… cue!"