source: soompi/dam-su/ Pricilla's blog (thankss!!) ^_^
He looked at his
watch. He was ten minutes early. He went inside the cafe and took a seat at an
isolated corner, telling the waiter he is waiting for someone else. He turned
and saw his reflection through a mirror behind the bar. However, the face that
was looking at him is a stranger. He had lost 13 kg during the past most
incredible months. Even though he is 1.8m tall, he is presently at 64 kg. He
sighed. He hadn't realized how tensed he had been all this time. But he could
not relax. He still has to work on some final shootings. He thought of that and
he took out a bunch of wrinkled papers, scrabbled all-over, and started
reading.
"Studying again? You're really unstoppable, Yongjun."
YJ: (Standing up) You came, Jeon PD.
Gisang: (Seated and signalled for him to seat down) Have you ordered yet?
After ordering, Jeon Gisang PD handed the young man a small folder. "Here,
read this." While YJ looked through it, he continued, "It's a weekend
drama. My friend Jeon San is directing it." He gave a short summary, and
added, "There's a love triangle between Ha Heera, Lee Jongwon and Park
SangAh. You are SangAh's twin brother and heir to the largest perfume brand in
Korea. Park Geunhyeong is your father. How do you like it?" The young man
kept reading. "OK, read it first and tell me."
"Sir, I will do it... I was just awestruck thinking what it would be like
to work with Ha Heera and Lee Jongwon sunbaes..."
Jeon PD smiled, "Are you scared?"
"Just a little nervous."
"Don't worry about it. You thrive under pressure. Always remember
that."
"Excuse me..." Two teenage girls had walked towards them. The shorter
of the two asked, "Aren't you Yongjun Oppa, from Love Greeting?" The
young man looked surprised and blushed. The same girl whispered excitedly,
"I told you! It's him!" The other added, "Would you give us your
autograph? Please?!!!"
Jeon PD watched, and looked amused. He nodded his head to his protege, "Go
ahead." Having dealt with many stars before, he is used to this kind of
incidents. But this kid in front of him is special. There is a rare innocence
that is rarely found in the entertainment business. That, combined with a
stubborn determination, has made him like a dynamite that is ready to explode
any time soon.
"So how does it feel to be recognized?", asked the mentor, after the
girls left.
"I'm not sure... Everything is happening so fast I have no time to think
about that."
"Let me see your eye-glasses." He examined it and gave it back.
"So you can't see anything without it. How many pairs of these you
have?"
"Just two. At home, I wear my old pair."
"The taller girl is wearing the same style of eye-glasses. You just
started a new trend. Don't forget who suggested this, OK?"
"Yes, of course I won't."
"Haa haa haaaa!!!! There you go my boy! Just don't take things too
seriously. Learn to relax."
"Yes, sir."
On the way home, he is thinking how on earth he could relax now. He has been
waiting for "Love Greeting" to end, wanting desperately to get away
from everything. He has always enjoyed being in a farm where he would become
one with nature. Instead, he has been bombarded by too many watchful eyes,
under the magnifying glasses of numerous cameras, with his every movement being
scrutinized. He feels that he could never get used to that. But he also knew he
had no choice... this is the world he has chosen, the world of show business.
Lately, his manager is getting excited, maybe a bit too much. Many times, he
has to restrain Tackki from accepting offers that came their way. He needed a
break for Heaven's sake!!! But a break is out of the question now, and this is
just the beginning. Besides, he trusted and respected Jeon PD, so he his words
are commands for him.
He took out the small folder and started reading it again. Already he felt his
stomach grumbled whenever he thought of the his new drama. Ha Heera. She could
be considered the #1 actress in Korea! And many others were famous veterans.
After reading the script, he tried to picture himself there. His part is
relatively small, seemingly easy... So far, so good. He didn't want to go
through another 5 hours for a 5 minute scene experience again. Already he felt
out of place, fearing he might make some foolish mistakes affecting the entire
cast. He reminded himself of his mentor's words, "Remember that you thrive
under pressure." He wanted to believe that. He is going to believe it!
He would miss the "Love Greeting" team. In spite of the poor
beginning, he has grown attached to them, and they are really great kids.
Ohjoong has been right about them all along. Strangely enough, he has grown to
respect and admire, even the severe Yoon Sukho PD. This man really knows his
craft. Regarding Jeon Gisang PD, he had been his shelter and he always feels
safe when the old man is around. Such a man has put himself in the line by
granting him this new role. And soon, this mentor is not going to be with him
any longer. Soon, he will be all by himself.
No, he could not relax. But no matter what it takes, he is determined not to
disappoint himself nor his mentor. Since he has already practiced for the next
day shooting, he started to imagine what it would be like to be Ha Sukjoo
instead: a rich guy, obedient to parents, friendly and warm Ha Sukjoo...
More than a year
ago, Jeon San PD has worked together with Jeon Gisang and others, launching the
hit drama "Tomorrow, Love." This year, he is preparing for a weekend
drama entitled "A Sunny Place of the Young." He was finished with
most of its preparation. He opened his portfolio, and started to examine the
profiles of the cast.***
The heroine Im Chayi is going to be played by Ha Heera. The actress is born in
1969 (from a Chinese mother), started acting since 1981, and she has managed to
stay at the top for many years already. Not too long ago, she starred at
"Sarangyee Mogeelrae" (What's Love), which became the highest rated
drama ever (63.5%). She has married the superstar Choi Soojung and they are
considered a model of Star-couple. The producer is thinking that she is perfect
for the role as the angelic Chayi.
Park Inbom would be played by Lee Jongwon, who started acting since 1988
through a CF commercial, is 1.83 m tall, and is handsome enough to be noticed.
Though he is of the same age as Ha Heera, he became better known only more
recently, especially after the super hit "The Last Match" where he
came out with Jang DongGun and Shim Eunha. Since then, he is considered one of
the fast rising stars.
Ha Suknan, Park Inbom's rich and spoiled new girl, would be played by Park
SangAh. Born in 1972, she was 1991 Miss Korea and this year's winner of Super
Talent Contest. Jeon PD smiled. He knew well enough how much the audiences
looked after their "stars" and he is confident that he had enough of
them to keep them happy. Thus, he went down the list.
The role of Im
Chayi's younger sister, Im Jongyi, is given to Jeon Doyeon, 21 years old (born
on 1973). She started acting only since 1992, but she has done many CF modeling
before. By the time she came out in "Wooridulrae Chungook" (Our
Paradise), Jang DongGun's debut drama, Miss Jeon has shown great potential
already.
Park Inho, Inbom's younger brother, is going to be played by the 24 year old
Park Sangmin. He started acting in 1989 and won the Rooky Acting Award a year
later. Though he wouldn't be called handsome, his acting attracted the
audiences. He would make a good "troublemaker".
The character of Ha Sukjoo, Suknan's twin brother, will go to Bae Yongjun, 22
years old, and a real newbie... He only came out in one mini-series so far,
"Love Greeting," which hasn't ended yet. Jeon PD isn't too thrilled
about his acting, but his friend Gisang is right. This young novice has some
kind of aristocratic air that makes him very attractive. He shrugged his
shoulders and continued analyzing his other cast, happy that this new kid is
going to have only a very small part in the drama.
Lee Jieun is going to act as the twin's unknown half sister. Born in 1971, she
too is a newbie, but she has come out at "Newkim" (Feelings) which
has been extremely popular.
The father of the twins is going to be played by Park Geunhyung, a prominent
father figure in Korea.
The 18 years old Hong Kyungyin will play the mentally handicapped youngest
sibling of the Im family. Although he is one of the youngest among the cast, he
is a good actor, having started since 1988.
The 30 year old Ho Joonho will be Park Inbom's childhood friend and Chayi's
unconditional lover. Having come from a family of performers, he is a natural
actor.
Being a huge production, there will be many other characters, including
children, which the producer has examined carefully. He closed the binder with
a smile of satisfaction. He is pretty sure that with this cast alone, he
already has a hit drama.
Lee Jongwon
immersed himself into his new character Park Inbom. Ha Heera is a great partner
and knows how to make him feel at ease. Park Geunhyung sunbae is the kind and
caring man he is known to be, instructing and guiding the younger performers
whenever possible. The old man is a real father figure, and Jongwon thought how
wonderful it would be to grow old and wise as Park sunbae. He feels that it is
only a wishful thinking though, since he is known to have a fiery temper. But
what do people know anyway? People has thought that he wouldn't go far
initally, pointing at his bad acting. But his determination brought him this
far.
Right now, he is
the undisputed main character in this long drama, which is becoming quite
popular already. His only complaint, if any, is that his character is not
getting the attention due. But that is understandable; for he knew from the
start he is going to play a social climber, who would betray his childhood sweetheart
for material possessions; not a very likable character indeed. Nevertheless, he
didn't mind it so much. He wanted to be an actor and not a star. He feels he
would be on the right track.
He looked around and saw his "inside-the-drama" new best friend: Bae
Yongjun. As usual, this kid was busy reading his script. He went towards him
and forcefully hit his back. A startled Bae looked around, a bit annoyed, but
when he found out who knocked him, he smiled. "Hyung, I told you I hate
when people do that!"
Jongwon looked innocent, "Really, when? Anyway, I just thought you needed
to be shaken up a little, otherwise you might have fallen inside those papers.
I wonder what you keep on reading. I know you don't have much to memorize.
Sometimes, I wish my part would be as easy."
Yongjun lowered his voice, "Actually, I was reading some other scripts
that has been offered me. Suddenly, I'm getting calls from everywhere."
"Really? That's great! Can I have a look?" He saw some CF commercial
offers, TV-movies, shows... "So what are you going to do with all of
them?"
"I'm not sure. I'm just planning to follow Jeon Gisang PD's advise and be
cautious."
"More cautious than you are right now? Impossible, kid, no way, hee
hee!!!!"
"You shouldn't be so quick to talk, since I'm learning to be cautious from
you Hyung."
"...???"
"Yes, you are my role-model, I thought you knew! Your work ethic, and
attitude about everything, persevering till the end... and...ahh..."
"... what?"
"... and your frugal ways." He smiled big, "I'm learning what it
means to spend money wisely from you."
"Are you calling me 'cheap'?! Who pays every time we go out? I guess I
better think twice before I take you with me next time..."
"You know there is a big difference between being cheap and being frugal.
But yes, I think next time I should be the one paying for the drinks."
"Forget it! How can you treat your sunbae like that?" He hit Yongjun
on his head again, trying to get on the younger man's nerves. Took the scripts
away, he said, "Come on, let's have another drink tonight."
Yongjun thought of getting even, but he bit his lips instead. He could never be
really upset at Jongwon hyung, no matter what he did. How could he, when this
sunbae was always going out of his way to help him and encourage him? Thinking
about it, he felt this hyung was like an older brother to him, just like Jeon
Gisang PD had been like a father at Love Greeting. "Wait for me!" And
he ran after his older friend.
Almost half-way
through the drama, they were shooting a scene where the twins were vacationing
with Inbom and some other friend. A yacht was going at full speed in the middle
of the sea, then it stopped running. Whether it was the food he ate or the little
sleep he had, he wasn't sure, but he felt seasick. The producer gave the cue,
and Jongwon hyung jumped inside the waters, calling him. Yongjun is a natural
swimmer, but today, the Sea looked dark and uninviting. He felt like throwing
up. Since he has no other choice, he jumped, ignoring the pain in his back. The
camera rolled, so they both played in the waters, swimming closer to each
other. "Cut!" The camera stopped running. Suddenly, Yongjun felt the
chilling waters sucking him, suffocating. His muscles were cramming... he
started to panic and he signaled the staff for help. Someone threw something
back at him. Forcing himself to swim, he searched for the little something, but
to his amazement, he found it was a webfoot. Not knowing whether to laugh or to
cry, he struggled back to the yacht, trying not to think of the pain on his
chest. One... two... there he is... finally on safe ground. He came out of the
waters, panting, shaking and coughing. People clapped, amused.
Jeon San PD had fun too. He secretly padded himself for having listened to
Gisang regarding this young actor. Even though he only played a small part in
the drama, he was drawing the attention of the audiences by the mass,
especially female audiences. It is this mixture of toughness with innocence
that attracted the viewers. He saw him screaming to the staff member,
"What are you thinking via throwing a webfoot at me? Didn't you notice I
was drowning?"
The producer echoed everyone's laughter. And he thought to himself that no,
even if there was a heavy current going against them, this kid isn't going to
drown so easily... he is here to stay.
Jeon Doyeon is
not a natural beauty. She is cute, though. Her sparkling personality is making
her pretty popular. More towards the end of the soap opera, she has been linked
with the new Rising Star, Bae Yongjun, as his love interest. Audiences loved
the prospect of seeing them together. So much so that Jeon Gisang PD decided to
make a one hour TV special "Six Steps Towards Breaking Up" with them
as a couple. However, people's imaginations would not stop there, as rumors
spread that they are dating. This has started when someone spotted them
together while they are discussing their roles.
In 1998, Korea is still very conservative. A love scandal wrongly handled could
easily ruin someone's career. But Miss Jeon is not worried, and most people
didn't believe it anyways. She looked at herself in the mirror, trying to
picture her supposed lover next to her. She contained a playful laughter. They
looked cute together, and they surely got along pretty well, but she has to
admit that their personalities are completely the opposite. Yongjun is as
serious as she is playful.
"Doyeon ssi, are you ready to go?" There he is, she thought... polite
as always. They have just finished filming their TV special and since they are
both going to the same place, Yongjun has offered her a ride. Isn't he afraid
of what people might think? Regardless, this drama would end soon, and the
rumors would automatically die. It would be foolish thing to go separate ways
and avoid each other just for fear of this rumors. So she followed him, in
order to continue working with their drama... a very special one in her heart.
And she was quite sure that "A Sunny Place of the Young" would be
quite special for her partner also, since he became a Super Star through this.
REFERENCE:
***Actors and Actresses information from: http://211.108.60.34/dailysports/starsearch/
Jeon Doyeon's thoughts: http://www.baeyongjune.com/profile/actress.htm
From Korean-drama-forum: "Bae Yong Jun - Biography"
http://www.koreanfilm.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=2593&forum=DCForumID3&viewmode=all
From Star Story (written by BYJ)
#6: http://www.papajun.com/story6.html
#7: http://www.papajun.com/story7.html
To read English translation:
http://www.baeyongjune.com/news/story.htm
#6 & #7
****EXPLANATION:
The above is a combination of many different articles I've read plus my own
interpretation =) I tried to be as factual as possible and I didn't
"invent" any names I wasn't aware of. I would like everyone to
contribute and help me in this quest. If you know of anything I wrote that contradicted
the truth, do feel free to post it or e-mail me at lovepriscillausa@aol.com.
(If you have the source, that would be even better. Sometimes, I couldn't
remember the source either...) One thing I didn't include is his love life. I
feel that's too personal (might just mention the little incidents he himself
talked about). Thank you to all, and hope you enjoy it!!!
