Chapter 91:
Jinhee', starting as the 2nd in the box office, gradually increased its audience through word of mouth. As the movie progressed smoothly, Han Yooil's stage greetings also gained popularity.
It all began with the stage greeting on the opening day.
For that particular stage greeting, HM had gone through intense ticketing. And on that first stage greeting, HM managed to secure a seat in the aisle.
Stage greetings typically last for about 10 minutes, 20 at most. Delivering a gift in that short span of time wasn't an easy task. That's why HM was fully prepared.
"Now, let's welcome Director Won Heesu, actors Seo Hyunju, and Han Yooil~"
However, the moment the stage greeting began.
Precisely when Han Yooil appeared in front of the stage, all the scenarios HM had meticulously simulated fell apart.
It wasn't just because he was handsome.
Though his handsomeness was already known there was something enigmatic.
HM knew his image had changed after watching the trailers. It wasn't just a mature vibe.
Ugh, what the atmosphere'
While dazedly admiring Yooil's face, HM barely gathered her thoughts when the gift raffle began.
This isn't the time for this.'
Sweat formed on HM's hand holding the headband and bouquet.
Timing was crucial. And HM had the experience from years of idol fandom.
But the moment her eyes met Han Yooil's up close.
Nothing else remained in HM's mind.
Th-this please take this.
A frail voice, almost unbelievable to be her own, escaped her lips.
It's over.'
However, instead of passing by, Han Yooil gave a gentle smile.
"Ah, thank you."
He then took the headband from HM's hand.
And even put it on himself.
HM, busy taking photos of Han Yooil with her camera, thought,
From now on, I'll grab whatever comes my way.'
And that day, HM uploaded a video to her Han Yooil fan account.
* * *
[@HYul_0402 Han Yooil, Stage Greeting 1014 (Video)]
[@wgset!@# OMG]
[@yu_uull Sir.. are you a genius.. how did you think of putting the Dangdangkong headband on Yool?]
So it was you.'
Yooil, viewing the SNS reactions through the window Brion brought up, quickly turned his gaze away as the video of himself wearing the headband started moving.
Having done several stage greetings and interacted with fans face-to-face, he was gradually getting accustomed to it. Above all, he felt immense gratitude.
Though watching himself making heart signs was still a challenge.
Meanwhile, Jinhee' had already passed its 3rd week since release.
Jinhee' breaks even
Jinhee' surpasses 2 million viewers on its 10th day of release
Won Heesu's new film "Jinhee" reached 2.5 million viewers just 14 days after its release.
"Jinhee" shows slow but steady progress Won Heesu's bold move paid off
Despite being in a genre considered disadvantageous for box office success, with its deep melodramatic essence and period drama elements, "Jinhee" managed to become a hit through word-of-mouth.
[Today's Movie] In-depth review of "Jinhee"! This one video is all you need
[Kim Doyoon's Film Note] Jinhee and Kiwoon, and Bleaching' Pygmalion
Channels on YouTube that focused on analyzing "Jinhee" also began to gain significant popularity. The internet has been flooded with memes related to the movie.
Whenever exams come around My head feels as if it has been bleached
This outcome was beyond the expectations of the production company, O-Film.
* * *
"Yes, thank you. I will keep that in mind."
Jang Jaehyun ended the call with a faint smile.
Just a few days ago, "Jinhee" won the Film Critics Association Award organized by the Korea Film Critics Association. This implied that "Jinhee" might be chosen to represent Korea at the American Academy Awards.
Of course, winning there would be difficult.'
While monitoring online, Jang Jaehyun slowly nodded and leaned back in his chair.
He too hadn't anticipated such a positive outcome.
It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that most of it was due to Han Yooil. Not only was he a talented actor, but his eye for choosing projects was exceptional.
However'
The one regret was that Han Yooil never seemed to take a break.
Despite being swamped with promotional schedules and school assignments, Han Yooil did not let go of his desire for new projects.
"May I come in, CEO?"
Jang Jaehyun looked at Han Yooil, who had just entered the office, with slightly dissatisfied eyes.
* * *
"Are you satisfied?"
"Yes, very."
Yooil replied with a grin. Watching him intently, Jang Jaehyun relaxed his expression and smiled faintly.
"So, have you made up your mind?"
At CEO Jang's question, Yooil nodded.
Having meticulously read through the scripts he received a few days ago, Yooil had already made his decision.
"I found a project that I want to do."
Yooil then took out the script he had brought.
Seeing the cover of the script handed by Yooil, Jang Jaehyun raised his eyebrows in surprise.
I didn't expect him to choose this one.'
Among the scripts that were sent to Yooil, the most significant portion was composed of romantic comedy drama scripts.
"Do you have a particular reason for choosing this script? If you're worried about being typecast or anything of that sort-"
"That's not it at all."
Yooil replied with a faint smile.
"Jinhee" was in the melodrama genre, but it was far from the light-hearted and cute romance movies.
"I never worried about that in the first place."
"I just found it the most interesting."
An original drama, not based on a novel or webtoon, with a fresh theme and a lengthy shooting period.
Yooil looked down at the script he had chosen.
"Shadows of Faith"
Among the scripts based on the production company's own IP, this was the most suitable one not derived from a novel, webtoon, or existing film.
"Shadows of Faith" was a story of people struggling to uncover the truth in a secretive village.
It was a series that had already completed a successful Season 1 two years ago, and due to its popularity, Season 2 had been confirmed for production.
"Shadows of Faith" is a seasonal drama scheduled to be released in the second half of next year on Newblix. Written by Yoo Jimyeong, and expected to be directed by Go Jinho.
The second season was expected to introduce a host of new characters and settings different from Season 1.
After a moment of thought, CEO Jang nodded.
"Good. Since it's a Newblix original production, there won't be issues with the production budget. The director and writers are also competent."
Just as Jang Jaehyun was about to arrange a meeting with the director, Yooil cautiously spoke up.
"But have Suna and YoungHyun seen this script yet?"
"Not yet."
Jang Jaehyun looked at Yooil and burst into a knowing smile.
"You don't need to look so worried. I was planning to show it to them anyway."
Yooil's face brightened at that.
"That's a relief. While reading the script, I thought a lot about the two of them."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. We've worked together before, so I think it would be great if we could act together again."
CEO Jang's face grew thoughtful upon hearing that.
Even after reading the script of "Shadows of Faith," he couldn't easily think of suitable roles for them.
"I'm curious about the roles."
"Well I think they would be interested in the characters if they read the script."
Since Han Yooil didn't give a straight answer, Jang Jaehyun chuckled lightly.
"You're beating around the bush."
He looked at Yooil leisurely but his mind was working quickly.
The timing wasn't bad in reality.
Both Kim Suna and Park YoungHyun had just finished shooting dramas and films and were looking for new projects.
Kim Suna was a candidate for the lead role in a slice-of-life youth drama featuring women in their 20s, and Park YoungHyun had just smoothly finished an important supporting role in a film. Both were receiving favorable reviews.
Having organized his thoughts, Jang Jaehyun looked directly at Yooil.
"Yooil. Come to think of it, I still haven't heard which role you want."
"The role I want to play is,"
There were various main characters in "Shadows of Faith."
And among them, the character Yooil had in mind was
"Suhyun."
"Suhyun?"
Jang Jaehyun raised an eyebrow.
"Honestly, that's unexpected."
"I thought you might say that."
Han Yooil had an expression that suggested he had anticipated this.
Jang Jaehyun picked up the proposal once again.
Suhyun' was a character born in the secretive and gloomy village that serves as the backdrop for the drama, returning to the village that was both his trauma and wound, to uncover its secrets.
Among the main characters, Suhyun was the one with the least significance.
Other actors would likely prioritize characters with relatively more importance.
However, Jang Jaehyun already had some understanding of the kind of actor Han Yooil was.
"I really wanted to give this character a try."
At that moment, when he saw the actor looking at him with clear eyes, Jang Jaehyun couldn't help but nod.
"Alright. Ill contact the director through the production company before today ends."
After Han Yooil left, Jang Jaehyun spent a long time idly spinning his fountain pen in his hand.
Always giving his best and showing passion, yet not following a predictable pattern.
Jang Jaehyun was fond of that subtle dissonance.
An interesting actor.'
His brief contemplation ended.
The CEO of JJ Entertainment, with a faint smile, slowly picked up the receiver.
* * *
A few days later, in an office in Sangam.
Director Go Jinho's studio.
As Yooil rang the bell, an assistant director soon opened the door.
"Actor! Thank you for coming~"
The assistant director greeted Yooil with a bright smile. Inside, the cozy-looking Director Go Jinho, who was sitting at a desk full of monitors, stood up briskly.
"Oh, welcome! Yooil~"
"Hello, Director."
Director Go Jinho, stroking his curly hair, offered Yooil a seat. As soon as Yooil sat down, he quickly continued the conversation.
"I was so surprised to hear that you would join our project, Yooil. I recently enjoyed your work so much~ Especially this movie Wow! The day I watched Jinhee, I couldn't do anything else all day. Really!"
"Its an honor for me."
Their conversation flowed smoothly after that.
The atmosphere shifted when Director Go Jinho adjusted his posture.
"But I have a question."
His eyes, which had been softly smiling, sharpened.
"Why did it have to be Suhyun'?"
The moment Yooil heard that question, he instinctively knew.
The answer to this question would change the direction of the casting.
Looking at Director Go Jinho, Han Yooil slowly opened his mouth.
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