Chapter : 58
When Haein couldn’t hold back a small laugh while whispering with her, the camera quickly shifted toward her. At the same time, Dokyung’s face lit up with a clear smile.
The camera captured the two of them looking fairly friendly with each other.
“It seems our actors don’t fully understand the overall story yet, so they might be confused. Let me fill in the gaps. This work depicts the journey of the Crown Princess, who once held the highest status, being falsely accused of treason and becoming a gisaeng. But it doesn’t stop there—the female lead carves her own path, returns to the palace, and eventually rises to the position of queen.”
Haein nodded at Byungin Lee’s explanation. She already knew most of this from the synopsis.
“The scene we’re choreographing for this group performance is where the female lead, Haein, chooses the path of a gisaeng while in service and attends a royal banquet to reveal her presence. It’s a very important scene, symbolically representing the fact that the female lead, once thought dead, is alive and starting a new life as a gisaeng.”
“Yes, everyone. Did you listen carefully?”
Hyojin took over, smiling warmly at the actors.
“There’s another reason why this group performance is extremely important for your evaluation. The idol group that ranked 12th on the Billboard chart this year—yes, part of this performance video will be used in the upcoming music video for ‘Daines’ next title track!”
Wow. Daines was a globally hot seven-member boy group.
Every album they released, regardless of genre, was a huge hit, leading the K-POP wave worldwide. They were expected to release a heartfelt ballad at their upcoming Las Vegas concert, and this was probably the music video in question.
“Kya!”
One of the actors couldn’t help but scream in excitement, and the judges burst into laughter at how adorable it looked.
No matter how composed they tried to appear, they were still young people who loved idols and enjoyed K-POP.
The actors’ faces were glowing red with excitement.
Appearing in Daines’ music video was a chance to show themselves on the global stage, and the thrill was evident in their expressions.
“But—”
After waiting long enough to capture their expressions on camera, Hyojin continued.
“There are only thirty actors who can appear in the music video from among those here, and only one of them will play the female lead, Haein.”
…Right, that’s how auditions work.
The thrill on the actors’ faces instantly transformed into tension.
“Ah, I’m really exhausted.”
After the shoot, Haein collapsed into the back seat of the van, looking tired. After nonstop filming since the Jeju Island shoot, her legs were swollen from standing all day.
“Ugh, Jia, you must be tired too. Do you want something to eat? Shall we stop by a restaurant nearby before heading back?”
Haein rubbed her legs for a moment and looked at Jia with a concerned expression. Following her all day must have been physically and mentally exhausting.
Besides, she had even refused the kimbap given for dinner earlier because her stomach wasn’t feeling well.
Even in the brief breaks, she had been preparing and changing costumes without rest, which secretly worried Haein. She had been through similar experiences herself.
“I’m fine, unnie. Since I just started this line of work, it’s more fun than tiring. Hehe.”
“Still, since tomorrow’s a day off, let’s at least eat something before going back. Jia, I’ll buy you whatever you want.”
“Unnie, I want you to buy it for me too. Eying.”
Gayeong snuggled into her arms at Haein’s words. Haein looked at her with a fond expression.
Jia watched the two of them through the rearview mirror and smiled. They had really good chemistry. Meeting Jia’s gaze, Haein smiled softly as well.
She felt very grateful and happy to be surrounded by people who fully trusted and supported her.
Haein then turned her gaze to Gayeong. After showing some cuteness, she had been absorbed in something since a while ago.
Since getting in the car, Gayeong hadn’t let go of her phone.
“What are you looking at?”
“My comments.”
“Are they interesting?”
“Super interesting.”
Haein peered curiously at the small screen in Gayeong’s hands.
It was a short clip of the third broadcast of The One: Actresses. Even though only a few hours had passed since the broadcast aired, a massive number of shorts had already been uploaded.
Mitube comments:
-
“I can’t believe I won’t see my favorite actress anymore. Tears are falling ㅠㅠㅠㅠ”
⌞ “This is so funny—Yoon Haein was inactive for 5 years, but since when were they your favorite?”
⌞ “Maybe even when Haein was a manager, they were your favorite. Could be since Baek A-yeon’s minor days too.”
⌞ “Just shut up and leave.” -
“But I think there’s a reason Lee Hyuk used a hidden card. My friend knows someone from Kyungsung Arts University, and they’ve been close since enrollment. Didn’t say they were dating though. But if eliminated, maybe expecting a second chance?”
⌞ “Gungye1”
⌞ “Gungye2”
⌞ “A close friend’s acquaintance lol, what a ridiculous comment. Why would Hyuk date Yoon Haein? So shady. Better delete your comment before you get sued.”
⌞ “Yeah, better do that, idiot.”
“Ah, it’s really funny. These aren’t insults or praise, but the more I read, the funnier it gets. It’s addictive.”
“Hey, this one’s like an insult toward me: ‘Why would Hyuk date Yoon Haein?’ If Hyuk sees this, he’d be so bothered.”
“It’s okay if he’s bothered a bit. How long can he live being treated like a prince? He needs to know the world’s hardships too.”
Haein pouted. She was worried that her actions might damage Hyuk’s image.
The viewers didn’t know yet, but those involved, including herself, knew that he had actually dropped her on purpose to give her a chance, which made her worry even more.
Ignoring Haein’s reaction, Gayeong continued reading comments.
“Wow, our Yoon Haein has really become a big actress. In terms of Mitube recognition, Do Dokyung is first, you’re second, Han Soi is third. Seems like the top three are set. How does it feel to be a top actress?”
“…Exhilarating.”
Haein knew that the pompous term “top actress” didn’t quite suit her, but the attention she received felt strange and thrilling.
A smile appeared on Haein’s lips as she looked out the window.
Step by step, she was moving forward. Even after hiding for five years, she felt deeply thankful that the viewers hadn’t forgotten her.
She also realized recently that it was wrong to think she had been forgotten by everyone.
“But the Daines music video… that’s shocking. Did their agency contact you?”
Haein, who had been lost in thought, shook her head.
“They’re already successful enough not to need advertising. There’s no way they’d contact us after only three broadcasts. This must have been agreed on in advance.”
“Then I guess Director Seo knew. Should’ve at least told you beforehand.”
“How could he share every single detail with me? And…”
Haein trailed off.
If it were him, he’d surely have been careful with his words, considering the pressure Haein would feel—ensuring that even if she couldn’t participate in the music video, she wouldn’t be hurt and could perform her role without stress. That was the Dojun she knew.
Thinking of Dojun, she recalled the Jeju Island incident.
He had escorted her to the lodging, stayed by her side until she fell asleep, and held her firmly in his arms, allowing her to sleep safely.
“Why are your ears red? Do you have a fever?”
