Lee Sang-soo was an actor.
A veteran actor.
He once experienced a great failure in Hollywood.
But no one could deny that he was once a great actor who led South Korea, a veteran actor with a career counted on one hand.
However, everyone also knew that he had grown old.
"Sir, are you really okay with this?"
At his current agency, they spoke like that.
"You've rested for a long time, aren't you pushing yourself too suddenly? It's a villain role, too."
His long-time manager, and the actors at the agency alike.
All of them asked if he should rest a bit more.
If he should gather himself first.
"You don't need to pay too much attention to what the young folks say."
Even Song Kwang-min, an actor who was friends with him and was filming
Of course, Song Kwang-min's implication was that if Lee Sang-soo wanted to do it, that was fine.
However, no one had faith in Lee Sang-soo's film shoot.
Was it because of the Hollywood failure.
Or was it simply out of consideration.
Honestly, Lee Sang-soo couldn't tell.
To try to distinguish between them, Lee Sang-soo was old, and no longer had the temperament to ponder such things.
'How ridiculous.'
And, he himself had lost faith in himself.
The flame of acting that once burned fiercely had now died down, leaving only embers.
That might be why his eyes were drawn to her.
"I want to appear in this film together with Actor Lee Sang-soo."
The young actress who spoke without hesitation about the topic everyone shied away from came to mind.
Joo Seo-yeon.
The girl everyone praised as a genius actress.
She, now stepping into adulthood, looked at him with calm eyes.
"It's a role in Director Baek Min's film this time. A villain, a character with a very intense impression. A role that just anyone can't take on, they say."
In her gaze, it seemed she didn't think he would refuse.
She said a spot was open in Director Baek Min's film.
She said she wanted Actor Lee Sang-soo to fill that spot.
The ridiculous thing was, the actress who was pushing so hard looked at him with eyes that believed in him more than anyone else.
When he himself was hesitating, wavering about returning to dramas or films.
"Yes. I know."
"That you won't refuse, too."
Seo-yeon said with a voice full of conviction.
As if she knew the actor named Lee Sang-soo all too well.
Those words were like magic, making him nod without thinking.
The sensation of breathing life into dying embers.
That was why he had made the proposal.
Even if he said he would appear, Director Baek Min would insist on seeing his acting unconditionally.
Most would think it was simply a formality.
Given Director Baek Min's personality, he would want to see it thoroughly, but the situation wouldn't allow it.
Such an important role.
But who would want to step into a spot where the previous actor had already left.
It was obvious they would be compared to the previous actor.
Moreover, if it was a Director Baek Min film, they couldn't even expect box office success.
Even his best work so far had peaked at around 3 million viewers.
And if it was a film with homosexual elements, this one would definitely do worse than that.
That was the perception of the actors.
However, Lee Sang-soo accepted.
It was because of Seo-yeon's words, not Director Baek Min.
It was because of the faith she had sent him.
"A friend of mine once told me that."
"Excuse me?"
Arriving at the filming location, just before getting out of the van, Lee Sang-soo said that to his manager.
"He said there are largely two types of stars. Those who harbor embers, and those who harbor starlight."
"……Isn't that something Actor Park Sun-woong says often?"
"Ah, you know it too? Seems like he really likes the ring of it."
Lee Sang-soo chuckled.
Park Sun-woong, that guy had a fondness for poetic things, so he sometimes expressed himself that way.
Even if someone told him to stop saying cringeworthy things, Lee Sang-soo could relate.
When everyone said Lee Sang-soo was a great actor.
The star among stars, his junior Park Sun-woong had said this.
Right before he advanced into Hollywood.
"Senior, you are a flame."
A flame that burns more fiercely than anything, a flame that shines hotter than a star if seen up close.
"But, once it dies down, it will be very difficult to burn again."
"Hey, Actor Park. If you want to curse me, just do it straight."
"I'm only saying this out of concern as a junior."
Right before challenging Hollywood, the two had that conversation.
And, as a result, it happened just as he said.
His flame had virtually gone out, and there was no sign of it igniting again.
Finding that ridiculous as well, Lee Sang-soo let out a chuckle and continued speaking to his manager.
"But……. There's a saying, isn't there."
"What saying?"
"Even an extinguished fire can be seen again, something like that."
"Excuse me?"
"No, something like that. It's all gone out, so no one even thinks the flame will burn again, but."
By truly coincidental circumstances, by an absurd probability, the embers can come alive sometimes.
Just as Park Sun-woong had said.
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For example, if one faces someone who harbors starlight.
His own embers might burn again.
Somehow, he had that vague feeling.
***
I heard that the actor who would newly take on the role of 'Goto Isamu' was coming today.
They said they would check his acting, and if it was fine, they would proceed as is.
Then, the most important gap among the many empty spots would be filled.
That was the extent of the production crew's thoughts when they came to the set today.
'Why is Actor Joo Seo-yeon here?'
'Is Seo-yeon playing the opposite role in today's audition?'
'I thought it would definitely be Seo-hee.'
No, originally, there was no need for an opposite role to check someone's acting.
Acting can be done alone, and today's audition was essentially a formality anyway.
Rather than putting off filming day after day like this, it was less damaging to just find someone for the role.
"So, when is the actor for the Goto Isamu role coming?"
"It's right before the scheduled time, but he's not here yet."
"He's not just dropping out again, is he?"
Even when asked, Director Baek Min only smiled.
He had explained that they would be surprised if he told them, but it was hard to get a sense of it.
Just who could it be.
If it were a fairly well-known actor, they wouldn't want to come.
At the moment they were thinking that.
The door to the set opened.
"……!!"
The first to react was Seo-yeon, who had been looking over the script.
Her keen senses had felt the presence hesitating briefly behind the door.
"Hello, everyone."
An elderly actor entered with a good-natured face.
Graying hair and a face lined with wrinkles.
But his strong eyes and firmly set mouth showed that he had a stubborn personality.
Lee Sang-soo.
A great actor who had appeared in numerous popular dramas and films had shown up at the set.
Judging by his name value alone, he was an actor with far greater standing than Kang Seo-hyuk, who was originally supposed to play the role of 'Goto Isamu.'
He was so principled that he would never appear in a film like Director Baek Min's.
The set, which had been buzzing with various conversations, fell silent in an instant.
Everyone was frozen by the unexpected turn of events.
Even though he had failed to break into Hollywood, the name value of Actor Lee Sang-soo was not something to be dismissed lightly.
"Hello, Senior."
It was Seo-yeon who broke that silence.
She bowed politely, as if she had known Lee Sang-soo was coming.
'Seo-yeon already knew?'
'How? Did the Director tell her in advance?'
'Then he could have at least given us a hint!'
Everyone thought that as they each welcomed Lee Sang-soo warmly.
Finally, Director Baek Min approached him and said.
"I'm looking forward to your acting today."
"Haha, that's quite a burden to place on me."
"Even if you've rested for a while, your skills haven't rusted, have they?"
At Director Baek Min's words with a faint smile, Lee Sang-soo smiled back.
'He's a rare type among young directors.'
Though he had a smiling face, Lee Sang-soo knew.
Director Baek Min was the type with very strong stubbornness.
If 'Goto Isamu' wasn't the color he had in mind, he would resolutely refuse.
Even if it was him.
Even if everyone was against it.
The reason Kang Seo-hyuk had originally taken the role of 'Goto Isamu' was because his acting color was most similar to the 'Goto Isamu' Director Baek Min wanted.
But what about himself?
Honestly, the probability was high that he would be different from the Goto Isamu Director Baek Min desired.
"Seo-yeon."
And Director Baek Min called Seo-yeon.
It seemed to be asking if she was ready to act.
"I've memorized the entire script. Any scene is fine."
"Then, let's do Scene 147."
S# 147.
That scene was the character played by Seo-yeon.
Another 'Young Lady.'
It was the scene where 'Kasugayama Yuina' and her servant 'Goto Isamu' had an argument.
To be precise, the part where Yuina is betrayed by Goto Isamu, whom she had trusted.
It was a scene with extremely intense emotions, but there were many difficult parts to perform in an audition.
First, looking at the scene, there was a part where things were thrown, and scenes utilizing various props were mixed in.
Could the emotions be heightened to this level so suddenly?
It was a scene that made one think that way.
"Since it's an audition, wouldn't it be better to see more everyday acting first?"
"S# 147 feels like it's too much."
To the point where such comments popped up from others.
However, Director Baek Min had already made up his mind with S# 147, so there was no change.
"Is Actor Lee Sang-soo okay with this?"
"I'm fine. I received the script a long time ago."
He hadn't bothered to bring the script.
He had memorized it all to begin with.
"Then, let's begin right away."
At Director Baek Min's words, the staff members present each took their seats.
Each taking their positions, it was a full-fledged appearance, as if they were actually filming.
If they wore proper costumes, it would look fine to film just like this.
"Please begin."
Not "Action," but Director Baek Min's calm words.
That indicated this was an audition, not an actual shoot.
'Now, then.'
Lee Sang-soo looked at the young actress standing before him.
'Kasugayama Yuina,' was it.
The role of a young lady with a sharp impression.
An appearance that perfectly matched that.
As a villain, it was an appearance with no shortage to put at the forefront.
Of course, the real villain was Goto Isamu, who controlled such a Yuina.
Today's S# 147 to be filmed was the content that revealed the reversal about him.
As she becomes entangled with the protagonist 'Yeon Sun-ye,' gradually a change occurs in Yuina's heart as well.
The fact that the protagonist Yeon Sun-ye ended up doing a maid's work.
The fact that she made up her mind to enter the Amanabi Michiko household as a maid was all because of Kasugayama Yuina's orders.
But at the same time, she realizes that it wasn't just Yuina; Goto Isamu had also personally spoken to her.
Goto Isamu had guided her to betray Michiko and to betray Yuina.
Thus, she realizes that he tried to make not only the Amanabi family's assets but also the Kasugayama's fortune entirely his own.
Because she learns that the man who had worked as a butler since childhood was actually not Goto Isamu, but 'Amanabi Isamu.'
Yes, now Goto Isamu reveals the whole truth to the young lady who has come to confront him.
Because he had already obtained everything he wanted.
[Young Lady.]
Lee Sang-soo, no, Goto Isamu grinned.
That aged face twisted viciously.
Vile, but it didn't feel petty.
It was the smile a demon would make, one who had controlled a person to his will for a long time.
At that smile, the people on the set looked surprised.
Because they felt that Actor Lee Sang-soo's acting hadn't died yet.
[Yes, what does it change even if you find out now?]
Goto Isamu rummaged through his clothes and took something out.
Something small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.
Judging by the shape, it looked like a key.
Of course, since props hadn't been prepared, that was all they could guess.
Everyone watching this acting focused not on Lee Sang-soo but on the actions of 'Goto Isamu.'
It was natural.
Everyone watched his acting with admiration.
However, Director Baek Min only wrote something down quietly as he watched his acting.
'Did the Hollywood failure remain like a scar.'
Lee Sang-soo had originally played impressive roles like 'Goto Isamu' with his strong impressions many times.
However, Lee Sang-soo always had his own unique character.
When Actor Lee Sang-soo appeared, the image the actor possessed.
Perception.
That mold was set.
This 'Goto Isamu' also felt like it ultimately stayed within that mold.
No, rather, he couldn't even properly show those strengths.
Because the wound he received in Hollywood had become a scar that remained with him.
Worse than before.
That was Director Baek Min's evaluation.
'If it's Seo-yeon.'
However, it would be a pressure not easy for the young actress to face.
Above all, Lee Sang-soo was the actor Seo-yeon had personally introduced.
So Seo-yeon couldn't help but feel burdened.
If it didn't go well, she might fall out of favor with Lee Sang-soo.
With everyone's eyes focused like that.
Seo-yeon quietly waited for Lee Sang-soo's line to end.
[But wouldn't this be fine too? The old man wanted to see you so much, and now you can meet him.]
At Goto Isamu's words with a chuckle, Seo-yeon.
And Kasugayama Yuina's expression changed.
The expressionless face transformed, becoming eyes filled with fury.
That series of emotional changes was so dramatic.
To the point where Lee Sang-soo, who was about to deliver his line, momentarily stopped.
Swallowing the line.
A mistake that could be described like that.
However, that felt natural as well.
[Isamu. You'd better shut that mouth right now.]
Yuina's low voice.
Yuina's voice, steeped in hatred, split the set.