Gentle Visual Acting Genius Chapter 2 - The Soft Tofu Face Psychopath

#The Soft Tofu Face Psychopath

 

“Hm~”

 

Time passed in an instant, and before he knew it, it was Woohyun’s first and last filming day for <The Punisher: The Vigilante>. Over the past few days while waiting for the shoot, Woohyun had been lost in the joy of exploring his new self, fully immersed in his acting, oblivious to the passage of time.

 

Woohyun looks at himself in the mirror with eyes filled with pleasant excitement. Though the essence of who he was remained the same, just the change in appearance brought a fresh new turning point to his acting world.

 

“Really… this is really fun.”

 

Even with the same lines and expressions, playing a character with this face felt entirely different, as if he were toying with a brand new persona.

 

A third-generation chaebol who indulges in power abuse. A cunning predator who pretends to be weak, only to exploit those in vulnerable positions. A scholar, priest, politician hiding unspeakable evils behind a mask of benevolence. Murderers committing heinous acts solely for their own pleasure. A con artist with a poisonous tongue who can ruin lives in an instant. A madman who believes their twisted beliefs justify ruining the world. An opportunist who desperately claws their way to success, discarding their humanity. A scum addicted to drugs and gambling, willing to sell their families and commit murder.

 

Characters he had perhaps grown tired of and slipped into a bit of a mannerism were now being reborn as new individuals with the fresh face of Seon Woohyun.

 

What more could he possibly act out? Was there still something new to discover within the spectrum of villains he could portray?

 

Having spent ten years as an actor, the concerns he had back then felt completely resolved—no, rather, they approached him as indescribable new challenges and joys.

 

“Phew! To debut in such a precious role… I have to show my best.”

 

In his previous life, Woohyun also debuted with <The Punisher: Vigilante>. However, unlike now, where the writer contacted him directly to add new characters, back then, he started as the nameless thug C, who was the first to receive a harsh lesson from the protagonist who began his vigilante life. Not A, not even B, but C.

 

Still, it wasn’t a bad start. Though it was just a brief cut, thanks to his convincing portrayal of a rough thug, he managed to make a good impression, receiving some harsh comments from viewers wondering if he was truly a street thug.

 

In this life, he planned to achieve something even greater.

 

Muttering as he replayed his two lines in his mind, Woohyun stepped out of the door, his footsteps light and brisk.

 

***

 

In Episode 3 of <The Punisher: Vigilante>, the main villain is Geum Hojung, a third-generation chaebol who embodies human trash, wielding both money and power while hiding behind a mask. Yoo Donghyuk, cast in this role, was spending his days imagining the solid path that lay ahead for his acting career after the drama aired.

 

With a total of 36 episodes, he was aware that his character would significantly influence the protagonist’s journey as a vigilante, being a crucial figure in shaping the story. When the PD and CP confirmed that even though Geum Hojung appeared only in this one episode, he would feature prominently in teasers and trailers. Donghyuk felt an inner thrill, as if he were flying high in the sky.

 

Although he was a former first-tier idol, he felt somewhat ambiguous in both vocal talent and looks. However, he never expected that his decent acting skills better than the other members would turn out to be his ticket to a new life. With the special drama celebrating OTBC’s 20th anniversary, the broadcasting station would undoubtedly push substantial promotion.

 

Although the drama had been losing steam as it progressed, the impact of Geum Hojung’s character in the early episodes couldn’t be overlooked. Thus, Donghyuk was determined to stand out and shine in this third episode more than anyone else.

 

That was until he heard the news about a surprising new role being introduced during what was meant to be a mere formality in casting.

 

In a huge van that anyone could clearly see was ridden by a celebrity, a furious male voice resonated.

 

“You say it’s just a formality? What kind of a bastard is he that the writer created a new character for?”

 

“It’s nothing. You shouldn’t stress over it. The writer just thought the visuals fit her taste. It’s just a minor role with one line. Don’t worry about it! You’re overreacting.” 

 

Could his reaction to this important matter that could potentially reduce his screen time really be an overreaction? Donghyuk glared at his manager and immediately pulled out his phone.

 

“Ha… Seriously, if they cut my lines, I swear I’ll find out who this person is!”

 

“Hey, it’s just a minor role. His name is Seon Woohyun. You won’t find anything if you search. He’s a complete rookie. I told you not to worry.”

 

True to his manager’s words, the portal site revealed not an actor but an unexpectedly bald old politician instead. Yet, that didn’t ease Yoo Donghyeok’s anxiety and irritation.

 

“How good-looking could he be to snag a role from the writer? If he acts half-heartedly, I’ll tear him apart!”

 

He just kept repeating that, burning with emotions that he couldn’t tell if they were passion or anger, completely unaware that he was igniting feelings in someone he had never met.

 

Meanwhile, Seon Woohyun was experiencing the hell of fitting for the first time.

 

“…Wow.”

 

“This is really tough…” 

 

In the bustling dressing room, with the stylist, makeup artist, and even the assistant director all present, a heated discussion ensued.

 

“Wouldn’t a blue shirt be neater?”

 

“No, muted colors are the best for that face.”

 

“No matter what he wears, everything looks great on him… That’s the problem!”

 

Has choosing an outfit ever been this lengthy? It had already been an hour. Is this something that happens to good-looking people?

 

As Woohyun pondered this, the experience felt new to him. In his past life, he had mostly worn tight t-shirts or outfits resembling those worn by gangsters who bow and say, “Hyung!” at any moment.

 

Has he ever taken this long to think about what to wear while acting? No, have I ever worried about it? ‘So, this is why those good-looking guys take half a day just to get fit!’

 

Soon, the stylists became so absorbed in their fashion show that they almost forgot they were preparing a fitting for an actor who was about to start filming.

 

Do they know that Woohyun, who was struggling as the only model for that fashion show, was already exhausted?

 

The stylist, who had been deep in thought, finally settled on a plain white shirt and complained to Woohyun.

 

“I’ve never had this kind of dilemma in my job before. Everything suits you so well! What should I put on you? Why are you only showing in one cut?!”

 

“Ahaha, thank you. This is the first time I’ve heard of something like that.”

 

“You’ll probably hear it a lot. I’m sure of it, really!”

 

There was an intense conviction in the stylist’s words that left Woohyun slightly overwhelmed.

 

As he entered the filming set, Woohyun could feel the stylist’s strong belief turning into reality in an instant.

 

“Whoa crazy…” 

 

The writer, Woo Heejoo, couldn’t help but exclaim as she saw him walking in. The director, Jeong Daeman, who was standing next to her, also widened his eyes at the sight of Woohyun, who looked like a prince.

 

“Hello, writer! Hello, director! Please take care of me!”

 

“Wow… if you walked into any event right now, people would definitely think you’re a third-generation chaebol. You’re Woohyun, right? This is a great opportunity, thanks to Writer Woo, so do your best!”

 

“Yes.”

 

Though Jung Daeman’s feelings towards Woohyun were not entirely positive, given that a new role had been added due to Woo Heejoo’s insistence, he couldn’t help but acknowledge Woohyun’s presence with that stunning face and seeing the visual of the third-generation chaebol perfectly recreated before his eyes.

 

In contrast, Heejoo showed a mix of regret and apology as she spoke to Woohyun.

 

“I’m sorry, Woohyun-ssi. This role was the best choice for me. Still… I believe you’ll definitely catch everyone’s eye.” 

 

“It’s more than enough, Writer. Thank you for your consideration.”

 

“I’ll be cheering for you!”

 

Though Woo-hyun had only a small part as Geum Hoyoung, he was genuinely satisfied and prepared for the shoot.

 

Despite having just one line, he didn’t mind.

 

The moment he read the script, he knew. If he played it well, he could become a scene stealer.

 

That’s why Woohyun came here prepared his own strategy to steal the scene.

 

“Yes! I’ll show exactly what Writer Woo envisioned for Geum Hoyoung!”

 

With unwavering confidence shining in his eyes, Woohyun’s resolve was bolstered by Heejoo’s final encouragement. As the cast and crew who had finished preparing began to gather one by one on the set.

 

Woohyun’s second first shoot was about to begin.

 

***

 

<The Punisher: Vigilante > Episode 3.

Scene Number 17.

 

At a construction site owned by Geumseong Construction, a subsidiary of Geumseong Group, the body of a middle-aged woman was discovered. The protagonist and investigators learn that the deceased was Kim Sunok, a housekeeper who had worked at the Geumseong Group family’s until recently. They visit the house for the first time, facing the Geumseong family.

 

Since they are set to have breakfast, the actors portraying the Geumseong family, including Woohyun, are seated at a lavishly arranged dining table filled with a variety of dishes.

 

‘The props team did a great job.’

 

Usually, for filming, the food used as props tends to be cold or unappetizing, but the quality of the dishes in front of him was impressively high, fitting for a setting depicting a conglomerate family. Woohyun couldn’t help but salivate at the thought, realizing it was indeed a special drama for the broadcasting company’s anniversary.

 

Woohyun turned his head at the voice of a man who suddenly spoke to him. Did Woo-hyun look more nervous than he intended because he was staring intently at the table? Was that why the man suddenly spoke up to him?

 

“Don’t be too tense. The set isn’t anything special. But don’t get too relaxed and mess up, okay? The lines are short, and it’d be embarrassing if you screwed them up.”

 

“Ah… yes.,”

 

Given his tone and expression, it seemed he was trying to assert some kind of weird superiority.

 

Woohyun, already a veteran in the field, decided to ignore the man’s unnecessary comments and simply replied with short answers, maintaining a strict no-feeding-the-trolls policy.

 

It was clear that this guy was cast as the main villain for this episode, Geum Hojung. However, Woo-hyun didn’t care at all. If he had stood out here, he would surely have been remembered as an actor in his past life, but that wasn’t the case. He was just another mediocre actor who faded away after a lackluster performance.

 

Anyway, Woohyun is going to chew on this scene anyway. Thinking about that, he glanced once more at the dishes on the table once more. Then the slate clapper sounded, signaling the start of filming.

 

A brisk sound of door unlocking was followed by numerous footsteps. The Geumseong family, who had been enjoying breakfast, suddenly faced the protagonist, Detective Jung Yikwang from the 3rd Violent Crimes Unit of the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, who had come to their residence out of the blue in the morning.

 

“What’s this ruckus early in the morning? Get out quickly while I’m talking nicely!”

 

“I’m detective Jung Yikwang from the 3rd Violent Crimes Unit of Gangnam Police Station. I’ve come to ask about Kim Sunok. I would appreciate your cooperation.”

 

At that moment, a man suddenly stood up, his demeanor twitchy and aggressive, poking Jung Yikwang’s shoulder and growling. It was Geum Hojung, the notorious troublemaker of the Geumseong Group.

 

“Ah… damn it, what’s this nonsense ruining my breakfast? There’s no one by that name in this house! Get lost!”

 

The portrayal of Geum Hojung by Yoo Donghyuk was the embodiment of a rich, spoiled brat who had grown up without boundaries.

 

“Butler Kang, did you let these guys in without stopping them? Are you going to work like this?” 

 

“I-I’m sorry. Let’s step outside and talk…”

 

“Please cooperate with the investigation. Move aside.”

 

Jung Yikwang pushed away Butler Kang’s hand blocking him and scanned the room. Geum Hojung glared at him. Eventually, the news of Kim Sunok’s death and her identity spilled. 

 

An uncomfortable silence settled over the once peaceful Geum family dining table.

 

Soon, the family members, who had just moments ago been trying to intimidate Yikwang into leaving, shifted their demeanor and began acting.

 

“Ah, I remember. Kim… Sunok? Anyway, she worked for us, but we have several employees, so I’ve never really spoken to her…”

 

“How tragic… Poor thing.”

 

They feigned calmness, pretending to mourn while subtly detailing their alibis regarding the estimated time of death.

 

It was a nauseating moment. Jung Yi-kwang quickly scanned everyone in the room. The culprit is among them. He would find and stop them before they committed further crimes.

 

At that moment when Yikwang looked around with such cold eyes; a soft, smooth, and clear voice cut through the chaotic atmosphere.

 

“Ah… so that lady was Kim Sunok?”

 

Casually lifting a glass to take a sip of water, he added, “Well, I guess I won’t be able to eat galbi-jjim tomorrow.”

 

The bizarre and chilling remark conveyed more disappointment over missing out on galbi-jjim than the death itself.

 

Then an odd sound of clinking was heard.

 

Clink.

 

All eyes turned to a young boy who was calmly eating without any sign of disturbance.

 

Dressed in a neatly ironed white shirt, he sat with an upright posture while holding his chopstick. He is Geum Hoyoung, the beloved youngest member of the Geum family.

 

His first and last line echoed in the scene.

 

In that brief moment, Jung Yikwang caught an unsettling glimpse in Geum Hoyoung’s eyes, their gazes locking for a split second.

 

The filming set fell into a deep silence.

 

As Woo Heejo, who was watching from the monitor, realized that moment had been captured perfectly. She stifled a silent scream and clenched her fists.

 

It was her first time experiencing such excitement on set. Was the filming set this fun? The scene she had only imagined was being perfectly depicted right before her eyes.

 

She wasn’t the only one. 

 

Nam Juwon, the lead actor of <The Punisher: Vigilante> playing Jung Yikwang, had just exchanged glances with Geum Hoyoung played by Woohyun and was similarly struck by the intriguing shock of the moment.

 

‘That was genuinely intense.’

 

Although Hoyoung’s lines were exactly as written in the script, Woohyun’s portrayal brought an entirely different interpretation and feel to them.

 

‘Ah, so that lady was Kim Sunok? Well, I guess I won’t be able to eat galbi-jjim tomorrow.’

 

The line had no directions for actions or emotions, just a single line. Most actors would have simply delivered an irritated response in line with the family’s visible reactions—an immature third-generation chaebol throwing a tantrum. Nam Juwon had imagined the same kind of response just from reading the lines.

 

But here was a character who was unbothered by a person’s death and indifferent to everyone else’s reactions. He focused solely on his own disappointment while calmly eating. The absence of empathy and emotion transformed the character from a foolish rich kid into a psychopathic chaebol with just one flat, cold delivery.

 

“Cut! Let’s prepare for the next scene!”

 

After the cut sign, as Nam Juwon moved on to prepare for the next scene, his gaze fell on Woohyun, who was bowing to the staff and fellow actors.

 

He also noticed Yoo Donghyuk who played Geum Hojung, looking at Woohyun in shock. Nam Juwon couldn’t help but smirk, finding it amusing.

 

“This third episode is going to be really interesting.”

 

He felt certain that this third episode would be even better thanks to Woohyun’s portrayal of Geum Hoyoung. The viewers would surely feel the same way.

 

Thinking this, he found Woohyun to be a truly intriguing person. Where did such a talent come from

 

Nam Juwon’s footsteps headed toward Woohyun.