Chapter 74: Reactions and Aura

Chapter 74: Reactions and Aura

Reactions and Aura

Lets talk a little bit about the script.

Director Son gestured, and Yoomyeong moved closer. He mustve been quite 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 of Lee Bang-won?

One thing had changed, though the title actor. Director Son asked while looking at the young actor with a promising future.

Yoomyeong briefly thought about the history of the late Goryeo and early Joseon Dynasties and gave a concise answer based on common knowledge because it wasnt his forte.

He was a strong ruler who killed his brothers to ascend the throne and a ruthless politician. Hes also the father of Sejong the Great.

Thats correct. If we elaborate a bit more

Sip

Director Son took another sip of tea and put the cup down.

As I see it, Lee Bang-won is a talented individual with exceptional qualities, in both the pen and the sword. Moreover, he is a genius in politics, unprecedented even when looking at the history of this land. At the age of 17, he passed the civil service examination, becoming the youngest ever to do so. In 1388, at the age of 22, he evacuated his family to Kaesong when the Wihwado Retreat occurred. If he hadnt, the Lee family might have been in danger.

At age 26, around the same age as actor Shin, Lee Bang-won was living as an illegitimate child under the care of his biological mother. Right as Lee Seong-Gye fell from his horse, leaving his troops vulnerable, Jeong Mong-ju attempted to eliminate Lee Seong-Gyes close aides using that gap. Among his brothers, Lee Bang-won alone refused to accept his fathers impending death and brought Lee Seong-Gye back to Kaesong.

He had wise judgment and boldness that belied his age.

Furthermore, he is credited with ordering the brutal killing 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 26 years old.

It felt eerie for Yoomyeong to think about what someone of his age had done.

Lee Seong-Gye tried to appease Jeong Mong-ju until the end, but Lee Bang-won didnt hesitate to eliminate the greatest politician and diplomat of the late Goryeo Dynasty, an old friend of his father and an academic mentor to him, because his path is different from mine.'

Why did he order such a brutal assassination in a public place instead of a discreet one? There are various interpretations, but I support the idea that he did it in a conspicuous location deliberately. If the assassination had been discreet, he would have incurred his fathers anger, overshadowing his own achievements. So, by killing him in a public place, he ensured that the act would be seen and recognized.

He was a man who was bound to go down in history either for his accomplishments or for his infamy.

Even afterward, it was the same story. The history leading up to Taejongs rule is stained with blood. Lee Bang-won was capable of assassinating his own brothers when necessary, seizing his fathers throne, and even executing his own in-laws. However, I dont think it was because he was naturally cruel. He was quite lenient in his treatment of subordinates who opposed him.

If it wasnt inherently cruel

I interpret this as his powerful ego, where his ambition is so intense to the extent that it can engulf a nation. He also had unwavering determination and a profound understanding of the path to his goals.

The director concluded his lengthy explanation.

Can you imagine the intense aura and presence that such a figure would exude just by existing alone?

*

For a moment, their conversation ceased.

The one who broke that silence was Hansung.

Director, Ive already read the script, and I understand that the character Lee Bang-won is a charismatic figure. In that case, isnt the actors acting ability more important?

Hmm how should I explain this?

Director Son pondered for a moment.

I believe that apart from an actors skill, there is something called an aura or presence that an actor gives off. It could be described as the energy they possess. Some of it may be innate, while some might develop over time.

Goosebumps broke out on Yoomyeongs arms.

He was definitely talking about presence.

Its not just about actors; it applies to politicians, artists, and businessmen too. The so-called charismatic, attention-grabbing types exist in all fields. Among them, for someone like Lee Bang-won in his time, the aura he exudes must be overwhelming. Only then can we create the tension we need when hes facing off with Jeong Mong-ju, the greatest political figure in Goryeo and someone whos 29 years older than him.

Do I lack that aura, Director?

Yoomyeong asked for the first time, and the director nodded slightly.

Dont misunderstand me. You already have more presence than the average actor in their twenties, and dedicated actors tend to accumulate this aura over time. Thats why I said that youll easily become a top actor if you stay in this industry for ten more years.

But now, well Rather than saying that you have an overwhelming presence, it feels like youre utilizing 120% of your not-so-high presence. If we were to compare it to fighter terms, it would be similar to saying that you had more speed and technique than the power in your punch?

Yoomyeong flinched at his words.

The insight of the seasoned director who had spent 30 years in the movie industry was amazing.Unravel the Unknown, Unleash the Unimaginable: N♡vεlB¡n.

When he first went back to being twenty-three years old, Miho asked him to choose the amount of presence he would receive as a condition for their deal, and he chose 25. If he chose to receive 50 presence during that time, and if he could have an overwhelming presence even when he stood still, would the director have cast him?

If so, did he make the wrong choice?

Because your acting skills are outstanding, that part is mostly covered when youre actively acting. However, when I saw you act three times earlier, between those actswhen you briefly closed your eyes, your aura noticeably diminished.

That was correct. The last time he checked, Yoomyeongss presence was at 62.

Director Choi Ruhan mentioned this as well. He had said that when they caught him on camera during normal moments and when he was acting, the difference in screen presence was astonishing.

Of course, reactions are also part of acting. So, your presence increases when youre reacting. But during moments when youre not actively acting, you rely more on the aura you naturally possess. As a rookie actor, you still lack that intense presence that this role requires.

Director, are there any actors who meet these criteria among the actors in their early twenties?

Hansung asked with genuine curiosity.

There are young talents with inherent charisma and years of acting experience who have accumulated presence from a young age. They dont completely meet my criteria, but there are a few candidates. They may not have better acting skills than the rookie actor, but Im thinking of directing them precisely and creating each scene step by step.

Miho mentioned that senior Ryu Shin had a presence level in the mid-70s. He was born with a high presence, and his stage experience, accumulated from a young age, formed a strong aura compared to his age.

There probably wasnt another actor like him.

Yoomyeong understood what Director Son wanted. No one knew better than he did.

That was the longest reply on that page.

During that time, his presence surged. However

I dont see a problem with that. The first king to start a new nation is always the most capable. Thats why its difficult to establish a system that centers on officials. But what guarantee do we have that the next king, and the next, and the next, will be as competent?

As Hansungs speech extended, the intensity in Yoomyeongs aura diminished.

It was clear that he was giving it his all, but it just wasnt enough to match Lee Bang-wons charisma.

The director silently swallowed his disappointment.

I see.

In fact, the most suitable time to transform the system towards one centered around officials would be when the power of the military king is at its weakest.

But then it happened.

No!

For a moment, Director Son felt something shift.

Well

An aura surged as if it were emanating from him.

It lasted for just a brief moment, overwhelming and filling the room, but it was the kind of presence Director Son had desired for Lee Bang-won.

He was astonished.

Based on his experience, an actors skills could improve significantly in a short amount of time, but an aura didnt typically grow so rapidly.

But how

How had he briefly exuded such an overwhelming presence?

Director Son closely observed Yoomyeong until he finished his performance, but he couldnt detect that aura again.

Lets do it together.

Huh? Really?!

Yoomyeong was both delighted and puzzled.

When he had requested a retest, the director had granted it, but he had a stubborn expression on his face.

So, Yoomyeong didnt expect a change of heart. He simply did his best.

But then, the decision suddenly flipped.

How did you do that? Your presence briefly became overwhelmingly powerful.

Uh did it? Im not sure.

Well it seems there was untapped potential within you. Lets bring it out together.

Yes. Ill do my best.

Im concerned because Ive never seen a case like this before, and whether we can bring it out again But if it does come out, we might be able to create the ideal Lee Bang-won that exists in my mind.

Director Sons arms trembled as he gripped the desk.

For the role of Lee Bang-won at the beginning of the film, well have to use a child actor. Can you still be present on the set during that time? Even if its just for a few shots a day, it would be good to see them act. The more youre at the set, and the more you watch them act, the higher the chances that it might come out.

Yes. I understand, Director.

The detailed conditions and terms should be negotiated between the film company and your agency, but lets consider it confirmed between us.

Yes, sir. I dont care what the terms are. Ill do it.

Director Son burst out laughing at Yoomyeongs words.

It was actually considered a gain if a rookie actor received a supporting role in Director Sons film, even on a low payment.

If he said that while knowing that, then he was a clever guy.

But if he didnt, then he was truly passionate about acting.

Can you decide that as you please? You still belong to an agency.

My agency wont object if its a role that helps improve my acting. By the looks of it, it will definitely be such a role.

There seemed to be no ulterior motive in his sparkling eyes.

Director Son wore another satisfied smile.

Lets discuss the script next time we meet. You did a great job today.

Yes. Thank you so much, Director!

He bowed and left, and the director patted Hansung on the back.

I owe you a debt, actor Yoon.

No, Director. That guy wont disappoint you. Thank you.

It would have been nice if it had ended on such a heartwarming note.

On his way back, Yoomyeong heard a rather surprising piece of information.

{I briefly enhanced your presence earlier.}

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