Free Web NovelThe biggest difference between dramas and films—was scene transitions.
If films explained through scenes, dramas explained through dialogue.
In film, silence, gaze, movement, and the space surrounding the actors replaced spoken lines.
‘Which means the weight of a single line is that much heavier.’
On the other hand, dramas often conveyed situations, relationships, emotions, and information through dialogue.
The gap between two hours and sixteen hours came out of an actor’s mouth.
For Han Yeoreum—who had always won with a voice that burrowed into the audience’s ears—it was practically a handicap.
‘But....’
Looking at it the other way, if Han Yeoreum could captivate viewers without speaking in a drama, it meant she could command even greater presence in film.
Myeong Jeha thought of someone who would be watching this project closely.
Someone who wanted to take Han Yeoreum—and who only needed one final push.
Buzz.
The vibration snapped him out of his thoughts. He frowned slightly, then the corner of his lips lifted as soon as he checked the message.
“Yes, senior. I can talk right now.”
– I’m not rushing you or anything, but since you didn’t reply...
“I’ll get back to you by tomorrow.”
– Really? Is Yeoreum in?
Myeong Jeha smiled leisurely, starting with Han Yeoreum’s weakness.
“We should do it. Haha.”
* * *
This was the MBS radio station. A popular program familiar not only to radio listeners but to the general public was currently on air.
“It’s finally January. Has everyone been keeping up with their New Year’s resolutions? Listener 9213 says resolutions are only meant to last until January 1st. Right, of course. Listener 1234 says they just change the date on last year’s resolution... honestly, mine are the same every year too. You know—exercise, read books, things like that.”
Shim Juhwan, DJ of <Date at Two O’Clock>, delivered his lines smoothly.
“Today’s guest, Seo Eden, just wrapped up an Asia tour. We have to ask about his New Year’s goal, right?”
“Hello! It’s Seo Eden. You introduced my entire Asia tour in one sentence? That’s too short.”
“I wanted to give you the chance to talk about it yourself. Honestly, since it wasn’t my tour, I forgot half of it.”
“Yes. Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and the Philippines! We went to seven countries. Last year was busier than ever, but it made me really happy. So my goal this year is to meet even more fans.”
Shim Juhwan burst into laughter at Seo Eden’s bright declaration. Their familiarity made the atmosphere warm and lively.
“Oh—tell us more specifically. In what way?”
“When I’m not actively promoting, I usually communicate through social media. But I think projects are the best way to show different sides of myself.”
Seo Eden had received positive reviews for his performance in 〈Youth Disqualified!〉. Supportive messages began pouring in.
“Listener 1445 says they hope to see Seo Eden as a male lead someday. Wow, people are already looking forward to it.”
“What about you—no, DJ Shim? When was your last release? I actually know this. Every year, your New Year’s resolution includes releasing a song. It! Does! But you never follow through.” freёweɓnovel.com
As soon as Seo Eden exposed him, messages flooded in. The writers behind the booth widened their eyes at the unexpected turn.
“Well, I’m always serious about music. But I’m even more serious about my fans, so I can’t just release anything. The longer the hiatus, the more carefully I choose.”
“Uh-oh, messages full of complaints are pouring in right now.”
“I’m actually in the final stages of recording. I’ll be able to release a new song soon, so I think I’ll keep my resolution this year. I’ll come back with a track when everything aligns perfectly.”
“People are saying don’t say ‘I think,’ say it properly. One, two, three... wow, there are too many to count.”
When the recording ended, Shim Juhwan removed his headset. Seo Eden took a sip of coffee and stepped out of the booth.
“But hyung, was that for real? You’re releasing a song?”
“This time it’s final. But what I asked you last time...”
“I told you, it’s not true.”
“No, it is. I’m telling you, it is.”
Shim Juhwan stuck close to Seo Eden and held up his phone.
“Look at this! Look at the way they’re exchanging glances!”
“If they didn’t make eye contact at all, people would be saying they’re disbanding!”
“That wouldn’t be disbandment rumors... it’d be feud rumors...”
“Same thing. Anyway, stop it already.”
On Shim Juhwan’s phone was a still from the <Seoul Metropolitan City> script reading.
Specifically, a two-shot of Han Yeoreum and Myeong Jeha.
“No... there’s something there. There’s definitely something between them...”
Having heard this far too often, Seo Eden shuddered.
“There’s nothing! Move on from Gi Taeseok and Yeon Huijae already!”
That was right. Shim Juhwan—top ballad singer, famous songwriter, popular DJ, and excessively sentimental man—
“You delusional shipper!”
—was a hopeless obsessive shipper of 〈The Great Garland〉.
* * *
“Fifteen-minute break!”
The moment Kang Hanseong, the martial arts director, called it, I dropped to the ground where I stood.
“Haa....”
I’d been coming in every morning, running and running again for days now. Ever since the <Seoul Metropolitan City> script reading, I’d been going to the action academy every single day.
Right after the script reading, it was to forget the aggressive articles.
And now...
‘I don’t know anymore.’
INTUBE
[NetHolics Korea’s first original production <Seoul Metropolitan City> script reading site] 2:17
Views: 115,667
– 0:37 what is that voice from Myeong Jeha, fits a delinquent so well I’m drooling
– I don’t know about other actors these days but as a guy I acknowledge Myeong Jehaㅋㅋ he feels fresh every time
– seriously legendary in every way... even my wife who hates younger men lights up when she sees him...
– for NetHolics the cast feels too rookie-heavy... not sure if it’ll do well, kinda disappointing since they have money
– my forever actor! Do Gyeoul advancing to NetHolics~ ♥︎ I’m so proud like watching my own kid grow up^^ can’t wait to see her nurse role
– wait why doesn’t Han Yeoreum say anything? is she just a supporting role?
– probably has no lines, and honestly in terms of overseas popularity Do Gyeoul is untouchable
– didn’t <We Rund> win an award in the US?
– most K-drama fans come from romcoms anyway, the whole fandom structure leans that way. I like Han Yeoreum but winning awards doesn’t automatically build an overseas core fanbase. Meanwhile Do Gyeoul exploded in romance with <Beyond the Closed Door> and <The Fuse> is romance too
– ahh got it, thanks for explaining
Even if her screen time was smaller than Do Gyeoul’s, she wouldn’t remain a flat supporting role.
‘Seomun Ihwa wouldn’t leave On Jihwa like that.’
More importantly—the status window that had appeared before her.
「Hidden Mission Give inspiration to someone」
You have moved the heart of a genius! A new scenario is being written around you.
Even so, the ominous pounding in her chest wouldn’t stop.
Because Do Gyeoul was in <Seoul Metropolitan City>.
– The ten-million actress we all love, right? Just hearing her name makes your heart race.
– Ah! I think I already know who you mean.
Even if she tried not to think about it, memories from before regression kept surfacing.
“When did Myeong Jeha’s new film come out? I was going to watch it.”
“It’s not a film, it’s a seasonal drama. That NetHolics! NetHolics!”
The TV screen from that bar flickered in her mind.
The day she went on set as “Screaming Woman 1,” Do Gyeoul had felt impossibly far away.
The stark gap between a named actor and an extra.
The roles that had been repeatedly taken from her.
And even now—her reduced screen time.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Memories that still hadn’t faded pounded painfully against her heart.
“...It’s okay.”
She thought of Seomun Ihwa—who had come to observe the filming of <Seoul Metropolitan City>.
The meaning held °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° in the eyes that had met hers.
“I just have to do well.”
After seeing her Lee Seohae, there was no way her screen time would be reduced without reason.
“I just have to do well.”
She turned off her phone.
This was her first proper project with Do Gyeoul after regression.
For her acting career—and for her future growth—this project would become a crucial turning point.
