chapter 37

Chapter 37. Spring's Lover - Preview Screening (1)

"Yes, Ji Woo-hyuk in this film is a young man suffering from PTSD, hoping to heal his worn-out heart after working as a firefighter."

The MC, seemingly prepared for this answer, responded, "Indeed. Recently, we've seen content about PTSD in veterans returning from overseas deployments, but this film focuses on firefighters, the heroes in our midst. I'm looking forward to it."

The MC then turned his attention to Ryu Yeon-woo. "Our very own 'umchinah' (perfect son) and rising star, Ryu Yeon-woo. It's a pleasure to have you here."

"Haha, it's a pleasure to be here."

Kim Young-hwan, the MC, was excited to have Yeon-woo on the panel, as the other guests, renowned actors known for their serious demeanor, weren't usually sources of entertaining anecdotes for interviews.

"We can't avoid talking about your impressive CSAT score, which has been a hot topic lately, but after watching the preview, another question came to mind."

"I'll answer to the best of my ability," Yeon-woo replied with a smile.

"Haha, this feels like an interrogation. In the preview, the transition between your portrayal of young Ji Woo-hyuk and Kang Joo-won's portrayal of the adult Ji Woo-hyuk was seamless. What was your approach? Any special techniques?" Kim Young-hwan, a veteran MC who had hosted countless film presentations, expertly highlighted a key aspect of the preview.

"Well, I followed the advice of my acting mentor, Jung Chul-min," Yeon-woo said, taking the opportunity to express his gratitude.

"I watched all of Senior Kang Joo-won's films and tried to capture his nuances and mannerisms."

Kang Joo-won's eyes lit up at Yeon-woo's words.

MC Kim Young-hwan, sensing an opportunity for an interesting segment, also perked up. "Joo-won, did you offer any guidance to Yeon-woo on set?"

"No, we actually met for the first time today in the waiting room. The younger and adult versions of the same character rarely have scenes together."

The MC turned back to Yeon-woo. "So you prepared solely based on watching his films?"

Sensing an opportunity, Kim Young-hwan grinned. "Could you perhaps give us an impression of Kang Joo-won's acting?"

Yeon-woo, slightly flustered by the unexpected request, smiled and stood up.

The other actors and the director chuckled and applauded his willingness to participate.

"I'm not sure if I can do justice to his acting, but I'll give it a try. 'Spring's Lover,' fighting!"

"Hahaha"

His enthusiastic cheer brought laughter from the reporters and industry professionals in the audience.

"I'll perform a scene from Senior Kang Joo-won's film, 'The Joseon Conman.'" He bowed to Joo-won, who was sitting behind him.

Joo-won smiled and nodded.

"Oh, fair maiden, why do your eyes hold such sorrow? A love unfulfilled in a past life must be poisoning your heart with grief." Ryu Yeon-woo delivered the lines with a dramatic flair, mimicking Kang Joo-won's distinctive cadence, as if possessed by the actor himself. Then, with a mischievous grin and Joo-won's characteristic slow delivery, he finished the scene, "How… can I… alleviate your suffering?"

It was a scene from "The Joseon Conman," where Kang Joo-won played 'Lee Hyun,' a charming playboy who captivated the women of the capital.

The audience, including Kang Joo-won himself, applauded Yeon-woo's perfect imitation. Han Ye-jin squealed and playfully hit Kang Joo-won's arm.

"Oh my god, he's just like you, senior!" She shook Joo-won's arm excitedly.

"That hurts, Ye-jin." Kang Joo-won chuckled, feeling a strange mix of amusement and embarrassment at seeing himself being imitated so accurately.

After praising Yeon-woo's impressive performance, the MC moved on to the other actors.

After questioning Kang Joo-won and Han Ye-jin, he turned to Jung Soo-yeon. Referencing Han Ye-jin's earlier comment about their friendship, he asked how they had become close.

"Um… this is actually only our second time meeting in person. We've kept in touch, but I'm not sure if Yeon-woo considers me a close friend. I mean, I consider him a close friend, but…" Soo-yeon, flustered by the unexpected question, stammered nervously. She was young and lacked experience with public speaking.

Director Kim Han-soo came to her rescue. "Soo-yeon is quite shy, so Yeon-woo must have made the effort to become friends."

Soo-yeon's face turned bright red, and she mumbled into the microphone, "No, I… I asked for his number first."

 Her cute and flustered response brought laughter from the stage and the audience.

Soo-yeon had felt uncomfortable with the implication that Yeon-woo had initiated their friendship. She was also worried that Yeon-woo's fans, who would be watching the presentation, might misunderstand and dislike him.

Flustered by the laughter, she continued rapidly, "No, I mean, he's an actor my age, and I was impressed by his aura and leadership on set, and I wanted to learn from him…"

The veteran MC, Kim Young-hwan, sensing her distress, smoothly changed the subject. "Haha, having seen Ryu Yeon-woo's impressive performance myself, I understand what you mean, Soo-yeon. Now, let's take a look at three questions selected by the audience for 'Spring's Lover.'" He held up a board with pre-selected questions.

The rest of the presentation focused on the lead actors, Kang Joo-won and Han Ye-jin.

The production presentation concluded smoothly, thanks to the MC's skillful handling of the event. Yeon-woo said goodbye to Director Kim Han-soo and the other actors, promising to see them at the preview screening, and returned to his officetel.

The video and teaser from the production presentation were uploaded online that evening and shared on Woo's, Yeon-woo's fan cafe, by his agency.

– Whoa, when did he film this movie?

– He even filmed a movie while studying? He's a cheat character.

– Amazing. I just watched it. The synchronization between Yeon-woo and Kang Joo-won is insane.

The response on the fan cafe and the comments on the video were overwhelmingly positive. While there were many comments about Kang Joo-won and Han Ye-jin, the established stars of the film, there were just as many, if not more, about Ryu Yeon-woo.

– Ryu Yeon-woo is so articulate and charismatic, and his acting is amazing.

– That checkered suit! His physique and style are perfect! Can't wait for the premiere next month.

– Why are these comments so fake? Are they using bots?

└ Dude, watch the video. These reactions are normal. You're the abnormal one.

– 34:59 ~ Ryu Yeon-woo's Kang Joo-won impression.

└ Thanks for the timestamp.

Yeon-woo, after checking the comments, called his father.

–"Oh, my son, Actor Ryu, what a surprise!"

Yeon-woo, hearing his father's excited tone, resolved to call him more often. "Haha, what are you doing, Dad?"

–"I just got off work and was about to meet some friends for drinks. What about our Actor Ryu?" Ryu Cheol-woong intentionally emphasized "Actor Ryu," wanting to brag to his friends.

"I just finished the production presentation and came back to my officetel. Anyway, are you free on the 13th? It's a Sunday. I'd like to invite our family to the preview screening."

–"A preview screening? Of course, we'll be there, our Actor Ryu!" He intentionally repeated "preview screening" loudly, wanting his friends to hear.

"Dad, I'll call Mom and So-hyun separately."

–"Alright, our actor. Make sure you eat properly."

"Yes, and you, Dad, don't drink too much."

After hanging up with his father, Yeon-woo called his mother and sister, inviting them to the screening. He recalled the staff member saying he could invite up to ten guests, as it was a press and VIP preview.

"Hmm…" He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then picked up his phone again.

"Joon-soo?"

The morning of the 13th arrived.

Yeon-woo's family, dressed in their finest clothes, were on their way to Seoul in Cheol-woong's car.

"Ho ho, it's just a cameo, so it's a small role, but it feels different attending a preview screening for our son's movie."

"Our Actor Ryu is starring in Director Park Chan-hong's next film. Let's think of today as practice, haha."

So-hyun, sitting in the back, grinned, listening to her parents' excited chatter. "Mom and Dad are so happy."

Yeon-woo's family weren't the only ones excited.

Joon-soo, on the KTX to Seoul, was even more thrilled than Yeon-woo's parents.

"Seriously, are you that happy?"

"We're adults now. Do you even understand the heart of a man on his way to win over his love?" While they hadn't officially graduated yet, Joon-soo and Sung-sik were now twenty years old and legally adults.

Sung-sik shook his head at Joon-soo's lovesick declaration. "You don't know anything about love, kid."

"What? Do you?"

Woo Sung-sik, a veteran of high school romance, shrugged, amused by Joon-soo's naive talk of true love.

"Have you even kissed a girl?"

Joon-soo, who had spent most of his life playing games and then developed a one-sided crush on Hong Yu-ri, was speechless.

Sung-sik, sensing his victory, gloated, "See? You're just a kid. You can't even say anything. So annoying…"

"Shut up," Joon-soo muttered through gritted teeth, making Sung-sik back down.

The KTX arrived at Seoul Station.

"Sung-sik, let's meet at the movie theater. I'm off to catch my love."

"Good luck, man. And bow down to Yeon-woo for me later." Yeon-woo had given Joon-soo two extra tickets, encouraging him to make his move.

One of the tickets was, of course, for Hong Yu-ri.

Joon-soo, about to go on his first date, thanks entirely to Yeon-woo, was both nervous and excited. He headed towards the subway station.