Free Web Novel"Let's talk a little about the script."
Director Son gestured, and Yoomyeong moved closer. He must have been thirsty after such a passionate performance, so the director poured him a cup of tea.
The scent of chrysanthemum tea filled the air.
"Rookie actor, what is your impression of the character Lee Bang-won?"
One thing had changed: the title of "actor." Director Son asked while looking at the young actor with a promising future.
Yoomyeong briefly recalled the history of the late Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties, then gave a concise answer based on common °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° knowledge, since it was not his area of expertise.
"He was a strong ruler who killed his brothers to ascend the throne, and a ruthless politician. He's also the father of Sejong the Great."
"That's correct. If we elaborate a bit more..."
Sip.
Director Son took another sip of tea and set the cup down.
"As I see it, Lee Bang-won was a talented individual with exceptional qualities in both the pen and the sword. Moreover, he was a political genius unprecedented even in the history of this land. At the age of seventeen, he passed the civil service examination, becoming the youngest person ever to do so. In 1388, at the age of twenty-two, he evacuated his family to Kaesong during the Wihwado Retreat. Had he not done so, the Lee family might have been placed in danger."
"At the age of twenty-six, around the same age as Actor Shin, Lee Bang-won was living as an illegitimate child under the care of his biological mother. Right when Lee Seong Gye fell from his horse and his troops were thrown into disorder, Jeong Mong-ju attempted to eliminate Lee Seong Gye's close aides by exploiting that opportunity. Among all his brothers, Lee Bang-won alone refused to accept his father's impending death and brought Lee Seong Gye back to Kaesong."
"He possessed judgment and boldness far beyond his years."
"Furthermore, he is believed to have ordered the brutal murder of Jeong Mong-ju, a giant respected by all scholars and the founder of Eastern Confucianism, in a public place. That also happened when he was twenty-six years old."
It felt eerie for Yoomyeong to think about what someone his age had accomplished.
"Lee Seong Gye tried to appease Jeong Mong-ju until the very end, but Lee Bang-won did not hesitate to eliminate the greatest politician and diplomat of the late Goryeo dynasty, his father's old friend and his own academic mentor, simply because 'his path is different from mine.'"
"Why did he order such a brutal assassination in a public place instead of arranging it discreetly? There are many interpretations, but I support the view that he deliberately chose a conspicuous location. Had the assassination been carried out in secret, he would only have incurred his father's anger while his own accomplishment remained hidden. By killing him publicly, he ensured the act would be witnessed and remembered."
"He was a man destined to go down in history either for his achievements or for his infamy."
"And afterward, it was much the same. The history leading up to Taejong's reign is stained with blood. Lee Bang-won was capable of assassinating his own brothers when necessary, seizing his father's throne, and even executing his own in-laws. However, I don't believe it was because he was inherently cruel. He was actually rather lenient toward subordinates who opposed him."
"If it wasn't inherent cruelty..."
"I interpret it as an overwhelming ego. His ambition was so intense that it could engulf an entire nation. He also possessed unwavering determination and a profound understanding of the path toward his goals."
The director concluded his lengthy explanation.
"Can you imagine the aura and presence such a figure would exude simply by existing?"
Hansung was the one who broke it.
"Director, I've already read the script, and I understand that Lee Bang-won is a charismatic figure. But in that case, isn't the actor's acting ability more important?"
"Hmm... how should I explain this?"
Director Son pondered for a moment.
"I believe there is something beyond acting skill alone—something like aura or presence that an actor naturally gives off. You could call it the energy they possess. Some of it may be innate, while some may develop over time."
Goosebumps rose on Yoomyeong's arms.
He was definitely talking about presence.
"It's not limited to actors. It applies to politicians, artists, and businessmen as well. There are charismatic people who naturally draw attention in every field. And for someone like Lee Bang-won in his era, the aura he exuded must have been overwhelming. Only then can we create the kind of tension needed when he stands opposite Jeong Mong-ju, the greatest political figure in Goryeo and a man twenty-nine years older than him."
"Do I lack that aura, Director?"
Yoomyeong asked for the first time, and the director gave a slight nod.
"Don't misunderstand me. You already possess more presence than the average actor in their twenties, and dedicated actors tend to accumulate more of it over time. That's why I said you could easily become a top actor if you remain in this industry for another ten years."
"But right now... rather than having overwhelming presence, it feels more like you're utilizing one hundred and twenty percent of your somewhat limited presence. If we were to compare it to fighting terms, it would be like saying you possess more speed and technique than power behind your punches."
Yoomyeong flinched at those words.
The insight of the seasoned director who had spent thirty years in the film industry was astonishing.
When he first returned to being twenty-three years old, Miho had asked him to choose how much presence he would receive as part of their deal, and he had chosen twenty-five. If he had chosen fifty instead—if he could possess overwhelming presence even while standing still—would the director have cast him?
If so, had he made the wrong choice?
"Because your acting skills are outstanding, that weakness is mostly covered while you're actively performing. However, earlier, when I watched you act three times, there were moments between performances—when you briefly closed your eyes—where your aura noticeably weakened."
That was true. The last time he checked, Yoomyeong's presence had been sixty-two.
Director Choi Ruhan had mentioned something similar before. He had said the difference in screen presence between Yoomyeong during ordinary moments and Yoomyeong while acting was astonishing.
"Of course, reactions are also part of acting. So your presence increases while you're reacting. But during moments when you aren't actively acting, you rely more heavily on the aura you naturally possess. As a rookie actor, you still lack the overwhelming presence this role requires."
"Director, are there any actors in their early twenties who meet those standards?"
Hansung asked with genuine curiosity.
"There are young actors with innate charisma and years of accumulated stage experience since childhood. They don't completely satisfy my standards, but there are a few candidates. Their acting skills may not surpass the rookie actor's, but I can direct them closely and build each scene piece by piece."
Miho had mentioned that Senior Ryu Shin's presence level was somewhere in the mid-seventies. He had been born with high presence, and the stage experience he accumulated from a young age had created an aura far beyond his years.
There probably wasn't another actor like him.
Yoomyeong understood exactly what Director Son wanted.
No one knew better than he did.
However—
Hearing those words only made him want it more.
A person with the power and ambition to dominate an entire nation.
Besides, earlier, he hadn't truly been acting during the pauses between his lines.
At the very least, he wanted to show a strong reaction performance before leaving so he would not regret it later.
Yoomyeong looked directly at the director and spoke.
"Director, could you give me one more chance?"
Then he lowered his head.
Director Son was troubled.
He had never intended to discuss something as abstract as aura in the first place. Even for him, criticizing a rookie actor despite acknowledging that his acting ability was sufficient was unusual.
However, the rookie actor's sincerity, passion, and talent had compelled him to speak honestly.
Director Son had always liked rookie actors who took acting seriously, and he had grown quite fond of the actor sitting before him as well.
But casting was a separate matter.
He still believed that the role of Lee Bang-won required explosive power and charisma, and such power could not be accumulated overnight.
What should he do?
There was no time left to spare. Pre-production was already underway. The crew had been assembled, and location scouting and storyboarding were progressing simultaneously. About half the cast had already been finalized.
The role of Lee Bang-won remained vacant because they still had not found a suitable actor, but the casting needed to be finalized within the week.
But still...
Although he did not think his decision would change, Director Son decided to grant the rookie actor one more chance.
After all, it had been a long time since an actor's performance had surprised him this much. At the very least, he felt he should honor the request.
"We don't have the luxury of time, and we probably won't be able to meet again. Would it be alright if we gave you one more assignment here and now?"
"Yes, of course."
With a mature expression that did not match his age of twenty-five, the rookie actor answered.
Director Son pondered for a moment over what assignment to give, then turned to Yoon Hansung.
"Hansung, could you help with this one?"
"Yes, Director. What would you like me to do?"
"Do you have the script with you?"
"Yes."
Hansung pulled out the script with The Late Goryeo Dynasty & the Early Joseon Dynasty written across the cover.
"Please read the final confrontation scene between Jeong Mong-ju and Lee Bang-won, specifically the part where Jeong Mong-ju explains his beliefs in response to Lee Bang-won's question."
"Yes."
"And Mr. Shin Yoomyeong. In this scene, Lee Bang-won mostly listens without offering much rebuttal. Your reactions should consist mainly of nodding or brief interjections while projecting the strongest aura you possibly can."
Yoomyeong nodded deeply.
Even though it had only been two weeks since he last held one, he could still smell the paper scent he had missed.
He began imagining Lee Bang-won's aura.
Jeong Mong-ju was an outstanding and seasoned political figure without equal in the nation.
And opposite him stood a young hero whose presence did not pale in comparison.
After taking as much time as possible to study the script, Yoomyeong set it down.
He trembled.
This test had lower odds of success than any other challenge he had faced since returning in time.
The anxiety of facing something unfamiliar after so long actually felt strangely familiar.
"Senior, you can begin."
Hansung nodded and began reciting Jeong Mong-ju's lines.
"Yudeok (*Lee Bang-won's childhood name), what is needed to build a nation for the people is a system. A system that does not depend upon the qualities of a monarch, capable or incapable, but one that relies upon good officials to produce righteous outcomes."
The director watched Yoomyeong as he listened.
He leaned lightly against the armrest of his chair, staring intently at Hansung.
The composed confidence in his eyes suited the young Taejong (*Taejong: the title given to the founder of a new dynasty) during his younger years.
It was excellent acting.
"But why, then, do we need a revolution? The king and the dynasty are not the core of that system, are they?"
"Wouldn't it be faster to cut away what has already rotted?"
That was the longest line on the page.
During that moment, his presence surged. However—
"I do not see a problem with that. The first king of a new nation is always the most capable. That is precisely why it is difficult to establish a system centered around officials. But what guarantee do we have that the next king, and the one after him, and the one after that, will be equally competent?"
As Hansung's speech continued, the intensity of Yoomyeong's aura faded.
It was obvious he was giving everything he had, but it still was not enough to match Lee Bang-won's charisma.
The director silently swallowed his disappointment.
"I see." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
"In truth, the ideal moment to shift the system toward one centered around officials would be when the military king's power is at its weakest."
But then it happened.
"No!"
For a brief instant, Director Son felt something change.
An aura surged outward as though radiating from him.
It lasted only a moment, overwhelming enough to fill the room, yet it was precisely the kind of presence Director Son had wanted for Lee Bang-won.
He was stunned.
From his experience, acting ability could improve dramatically in a short time, but aura did not usually grow that quickly.
But how...
How had he managed to exude such overwhelming presence, even for a brief moment?
Director Son carefully observed Yoomyeong until the performance ended, but he never sensed that aura again.
"Let's do it together."
"Huh? Really?!"
Yoomyeong was both delighted and confused.
When he had asked for another chance, the director had granted it, but his expression had remained stubborn.
So Yoomyeong had not expected him to change his mind. He had simply done his best.
Yet the decision had suddenly reversed.
"How did you do that? Your presence suddenly became overwhelmingly powerful."
"Uh... did it? I'm not sure."
"Well... it seems there was untapped potential within you. Let's bring it out together."
"Yes. I'll do my best."
"I'm worried because I've never seen a case like this before, and I don't know whether we can draw it out again... but if we can, then we may be able to create the ideal Lee Bang-won that exists in my mind."
Director Son's arms trembled as he gripped the desk.
"For the early part of the film, we'll need to use a child actor for Lee Bang-won. Will you still be able to stay on set during that period? Even if it's only for a few shots a day, it would help for you to watch them act. The more time you spend on set and the more performances you observe, the greater the chance that presence might emerge again."
"Yes. I understand, Director."
"The detailed conditions and contract terms can be negotiated between the production company and your agency, but between us, let's consider this confirmed."
"Yes, sir. I don't care what the terms are. I'll do it."
Director Son burst into laughter at Yoomyeong's response.
For a rookie actor, even receiving a supporting role in Director Son's film for low pay would already be considered a tremendous opportunity.
If he understood that and still said it, then he was clever.
And if he did not, then he was truly passionate about acting.
"Can you decide that on your own? You're still signed to an agency."
"My agency won't object if it's a role that will improve my acting. And from the sound of it, this definitely will."
There did not seem to be any ulterior motive in his sparkling eyes.
Director Son smiled again in satisfaction.
"Let's discuss the script the next time we meet. You did very well today."
"Yes. Thank you so much, Director!"
Yoomyeong bowed and left, and the director patted Hansung on the back.
"I owe you one, Actor Yoon."
"No, Director. That guy won't disappoint you. Thank you."
It would have been nice if things had ended on such a heartwarming note.
On the way back, Yoomyeong heard a rather surprising statement.
{I briefly enhanced your presence earlier.}
