Zing—
In the dark classroom, the projector’s light cut through the room in a straight line.
Jae Pil had already watched the nostalgic recording of Group 1 several times, and even just watching the video made the memory of that time feel thrilling.
Method Acting class. Today’s subject of analysis was Group 1.
Clap Clap Clap Clap—
As the classroom lights came on, hearty applause erupted once more.
It felt as though they had witnessed the character of Freddie Mercury himself, not the performance of their fellow student. They burst into admiration again.
“The performance of Group 1 that we will analyze today is a piece of art too precious to be broken down into acting theory, but let’s enjoy dissecting it for everyone’s development.”
Hahaha—
At the professor’s lighthearted remark, the tension in the classroom eased slightly.
“Before we begin the analysis, let’s learn about the Viewpoint Method, one of the acting techniques.”
[Viewpoint Method]
The professor, writing the words in large letters on the board, smoothly began the lecture.
“The Viewpoint Method is a training program for artists created by Mary Overlie, a professor in # Nоvеlight # the Department of Drama at New York University in the 1970s, later developed into a method for theater by Anne Bogart. It is a training technique that allows actors to artistically perceive and naturally express six viewpoints: space, shape, time, emotion, movement, and story—”
The professor’s gaze lingered briefly on Yoomyeong, who sat in one corner.
“I don’t know if it was intentional, but the use of the time viewpoint was evident in Group 1’s short play. Time consists of four elements: tempo, duration, kinesthetic response, and repetition. Among these, you made particularly frequent use of tempo and duration.”
The professor called on a student sitting in the front.
“Turn around and give us a smile.”
The student awkwardly smiled.
“Now, make the same expression slowly.”
The corners of the mouth rose gradually.
“Is that the same expression?”
Hahaha—
“Well, anyway, you understand what I’m trying to say. Even if it’s the same expression or the same line, the mood or meaning can subtly change depending on the tempo. An example of this is the cross scene between Freddie and Mary in Group 1’s performance.”
The professor played a specific scene. Mary walked leisurely toward Freddie.
“Freddie, who is impatient and full of youthful passion, moves at a very fast tempo. This contrasts sharply with Mary’s slower pace, right?”
The students nodded.
“By being conscious of these viewpoints, you can create more diverse characters and scenes. And there is one more astonishing aspect that’s hard to believe...”
The next scene shown was the turning transition.
The professor reduced the playback speed to 0.5x.
Swooosh—
After watching the slow-motion footage, the students frowned slightly, as if noticing something unusual.
“The first remarkable point is that the expressions before and after the transition are completely different. The face of an ambitious, self-absorbed boy, and the face of a young man in love. The realism of the expressions themselves is impressive, but what’s truly extraordinary is how naturally the two expressions connect even in slow motion.”
Ah— the students exclaimed in surprise.
“Method acting often focuses solely on ‘immersion in genuine emotion,’ but just as important as capturing emotion is how well you express it. Your muscles must be properly trained for free expression. As acting majors, you know how difficult it is to freely contract, relax, and maintain even the facial muscles, which are used most frequently.”
Nod Nod—
“Not only that, but if you watch the turning scene closely, you can sense a slight pause every 0.5 seconds. Right here. When I first saw it, I thought my eyes were deceiving me. Student Shin Yoomyeong, is it?”
“Yes, Professor.”
“You practiced this intentionally, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
A murmur of disbelief spread.
“What was your intention?”
“Even if a character undergoes a rapid transformation, internally it progresses in stages. I wanted to depict the passage of Freddie’s internal time in a film-like manner, transitioning through distinct still cuts.”
Even though he had expected it, Jae Pil shook his head vigorously in amazement.
“If we interpret this from the viewpoint perspective, he deliberately combined tempo with duration. By inserting brief pauses at each stage of the facial expression to represent internal change in slow motion—do you understand how much practice is required to connect these fragmented expressions naturally?”
The students turned pale.
“Freddie’s performance was also outstanding in terms of emotion. However, I want to emphasize that controlling one’s body is just as important as emotional immersion.”
“...”
“I also had much to say about Mary’s performance, which complemented the high-quality script and Freddie’s immersion without disrupting it, but I got carried away discussing the protagonist. Anyway, let’s give another round of applause to Group 1 for presenting an exemplary performance.”
Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap—
Amid the resounding applause, Yoomyeong lowered his slightly flushed face.
Jae Pil sat at a large table with Yoon Hansung. At his friend’s request, Hansung rubbed his eyes playfully and leaned closer to the screen.
A video was playing on the laptop.
“What is this?”
“It’s a student project I filmed when I went to lecture at Gwanak University.”
“Is there anything decent?”
“Just watch.”
During the 15-minute video, Jae Pil poured himself another drink. He quietly enjoyed watching the expression of his friend—an actor he respected—gradually change.
Yoon Hansung said nothing throughout the entire viewing. When it ended, he gulped down the melted water from the ice bucket as if his throat were burning.
“Who is this guy?”
“Impressive, isn’t it? It’s even more astonishing in person. And this is his first time acting.”
“You’re joking. That makes no sense.”
“He’s 23, just finished his military service. He joined the theater club in his first year but only worked as crew. I don’t know about high school, but according to him, this is his first time acting.”
“That’s impossible. Even if we assume his ability to immerse himself is innate, he knows how to use his body, his voice is controlled, he’s aware of the audience, and he understands how to use the stage. If someone like him is an amateur, no one in Korea would be making a living as an actor.”
“Mozart composed his first piece at five.”
Jae Pil savored Hansung’s agitation with the mischievous delight of a senior teasing a junior after finishing exams.
“Have you shown this to anyone?”
“No. It’s my treasure. I only showed it to Actor Yoon.”
Jae Pil had no intention of sharing the footage. Even without it, that young man would carve out his own legend. If preserved, it might become a treasure someday.
“Is he from Oedipus? Is he joining the workshop?”
“Why? Do you want to teach him?”
“If that video is real, he’s already beyond the level anyone can teach. I want to confirm if it’s real, and...”
“And what?”
“I feel like I have something to tell him as a fellow actor.”
“What kind of advice?”
“Do you see anything wrong with that performance?”
“No? I said it was the best method acting I’ve ever seen. Oh—sorry. Your acting isn’t method-based, so don’t take offense.”
“I don’t see it either. It’s too perfect. Which is why there must be a problem with the actor. I’m probably right.”
Despite Jae Pil pressing him, Hansung offered no further explanation.
“But he’s not from Oedipus.”
“...He’s not?”
“No, he’s a business major. Probably affiliated with Changcheon.”
“Then he’s a real genius. You’re a professor, right? Find a way to cast him and bring him in.”
“Hey, I’m not a professor. Just a guest lecturer.”
“Anyway, I’ll support Oedipus, so don’t worry about it.”
“Hmm. Anyway.”
Jae Pil chuckled at Hansung, who seemed even more invested than he was.
Actors were all like this—impossible to control.
“The Oedipus workshop?”
The Oedipus Summer Workshop.
A prestigious workshop held every summer, featuring renowned senior actors.
Ryu Shin had asked him about it before. At the time, Yoomyeong had politely declined, saying it would be burdensome for an outsider to participate.
He thought Jae Pil might be asking on Ryu Shin’s behalf, but the professor mentioned an unexpected name.
“Yoon... Actor Hansung?”
“Yes. He’s a friend of mine. He saw your one-act play recording and said he had some concerns.”
Yoon Hansung—nicknamed the Tragic Emperor.
An actor who endured a long period of obscurity, building solid skills before finally gaining recognition in his mid-thirties.
His emotional performances moved audiences to tears, especially in tragic roles, earning him the title of Tragic Emperor.
But there was another reason Yoomyeong was surprised.
— Although small, your performance burns brightly. Keep going. One day, you will shine.
He was one of the few who had given Yoomyeong strength.
At the time, Hansung had been at the peak of his fame, starring in the award-winning 2007 drama <Sunshine>.
That encouragement had sustained Yoomyeong through his obscure years.
“I showed him your video. After watching it, he said, ‘I have something to advise him.’ He’s an exceptional actor. If he wants to give advice, I’m sure it will help you.”
After hearing that, Yoomyeong made his decision.
“Actually, I’d like to ask you a favor, Professor.”
He bowed his head slightly.
While regression greatly benefited his acting, taking exams again was a challenge.
He tried to recall the second semester exams of 2003 but couldn’t remember a single question, and as a result, he failed them miserably.
However, among the sea of Cs, one grade stood out.
[Method Acting] A+.
Before regression, he had received a C-. After comparing the stark difference, Yoomyeong closed the browser window.
‘It starts today.’
Shortly after vacation began, Ryu Shin contacted him.
Thanks to recommendations from Professor Lee Jae Pil and Actor Yoon Hansung, he could participate without issue.
— I hope you get to experience the charm of Oedipus this time.
Yoomyeong spent one week resting aimlessly. But even that brief break made him restless—his body itched to read scripts.
‘I really can’t help myself.’
He left his house and headed to campus.
[Moebius Hall]
The building was mostly empty due to the vacation.
Following the lit areas, he heard faint voices. He had found the right place.
An A4 sheet reading <Oedipus Summer Workshop> was posted at the entrance. When he opened the door slightly, he saw several people already seated.
Some faces were familiar—Hye Seon from Group 1 practice, and senior Suho from Group 4.
“Yoomyeong, you’re here? Let’s have fun.”
“Is Oedipus going to burn down? Be gentle.”
Then, a sharp voice cut through the room.
“Are you the outsider who pushed out senior Ryu Shin to get in?”
