Previously from the last episode. Seo was demanded by Cherry to raise some concern over Oh’s lack of commitment to the reading “Oh Seung ssi, what your junior (Cherry) is right? From now can you not let go being Oh Seung Ah but to be Go Eun Young?”
In Korea and Japan, each person within the same profession will addressed a person whether by he is Senior or Junior according to the length of the time he or she had entered the profession. Cherry was Oh’s junior as Oh was longer in the business. An elder or a most Senior with many years experience, will eventually address as teacher (Song Say Nim) as they tend to be in a position to give guidance on the profession. Some may find this addressing warm as a way of calling you rather than by your name like those practise in the West, which tend to feel cold at times.
Lee and Jung looked towards Oh to see Oh’s reaction. Oh turned to Seo. Seo then added “Of course there isn’t one actor here will ever give 100% incisively and vividly on their performance during a reading rehearsal. But as the writer and the PD, we would like to know the feel whether how the cast characters will be able to blend with each other. If there is anything a miss, then we should tune that and show the proper directions towards it.”
Oh wanted to reply to that remark, when Jang interupted the silence and stood up to apologise to Seo that Oh yesterday did had a shoot and it was wrapped up very late and she was showing some flu-like symptoms, her health condition was not top condition. He assured that the second reading round will better. Jang then apologised to Lee. Seo was not happy with the excuse and wanted to know whether there is any truth to it asked how unwell is she. The answer was “Very?” Oh with her haughty self replied “Don’t know even know of it myself that I’m having a flu. Seo was surprised at her answer and so was everybody. Lee by now was venting his dissatisfaction on the script.
Oh then went on to say “But if Lee and Seo were to let me do it again, I’m willing to”. Maybe my way of interpreting the character was wrong. Actually I know that the people who are sitting here must be thinking that my character as Eun Young and myself may not be well suited, but if I do well in the reading….afraid that during the actual shoot, everybody might think that I have not prepare well enough during readings. It is because of that fear I’m like this. Sorry”
Some of the cast were taken in, some weren’t especially Seo and Cherry weren’t amused.
She then went on to say “Because of her deficiency and insufficiency, her poor Manager had resort to making excuses” She sincerely apologised and asked to be given a chance to do it again from the top. One of the Senior cast that it was said it was indeed that actors tend to have these tendencies and assured Oh not to worry and redo it again. The senior thought “I figured you weren’t willing, never imagined you were so sensible. PD was this alright?”
Since the Senior had already asked to do it again. Lee agreed to have is start from the top. Everybody started to prepare.
1st episode, 1st scene. Scene of the funeral hall. The memorial alter was still burning joss stick/incense, wearing mourning clothes Eun Young seeing the alter, crying continously with sadness…..
Seo went to the toilet to freshen up from the experience from the reading. Oh was next to her on the next sink.
Oh: How do you think that the reading went? It is to your satisfaction?
Seo: Of course, very. It brought a big surprise to others. How can I be not satsify? You acted well. In fact your acting abilities surpassed my expectations. This is the first time I am finding out
Oh: Why? Didn’t you see my previous performance? (Implying all her verbal attacks encounters with Seo)
Seo wasn’t pleased with that remark
Seo: As I said, Oh Seung Ah, why do you have to be so horrid? Why the arroagance?
Oh: Didn’t you just listened. Actors have these tendencies. Although what the Junior (Cherry) said was correct, but the Senior said wasn’t wrong either.
Seo: Do you understand the meaning behind these words? Oh Seung Ah ssi. Lies being treated as the truth and vice versa. You have been in this industry for seven years and still being told that you acting was bad. There must be some reason to it.
Oh: My reason was only this. Then what about yours? Didn’t you also been told that you have written crap?
Oh dried her hand and left, leaving Seo behind to digest the insults
Seo returned to the reading room. By now everybody has left and Lee was still sitting there. Seo packed up her things and was about to leave and she invited Lee if he wanted to go out for a meal.
Lee: Why do you insist of doing it?
Seo: What?
Lee: Actors, Crew, Management agency were all present and yet you insisted of doing it
Seo: What I just said to Oh, isn’t it justifiable?
Lee: I know but you didn’t said it correctly, but the other party may not feel so well after that. You beating round the bush. Criticism may hurt one’s confidence.
Seo: Why the beating round the bush? Why do I need to beat round the bush? If you keep getting her off the hook. Oh Seung Ah will never improved in her acting
Seo walked away
Lee: Where are you going? There is a meeting.
Seo: I’m going to toilet then have a meal, will be back at 7:30pm for it.
Lee: Are we not going together?
Seo: Yes.
Jang and Oh were going to the carpark for the car. Jang greeted her to said to drive safely on the road (This is another form of goodbye). Oh asked why is he not coming, he told her he had something else to do. Jang reminded her to practise her piano lesson and soap making techniques). She queried him and asked if he was going to Seo and Lee to apologise. Jang said Yes. First to them then to others. He doesn’t get angry. He asked Oh to follow her own style while he will followed his own, going around apologising to everyone. This was the only way they can worked well together. “For you, Seung Ah ssi, I will bend my knees for you (humble) and continue to protect your stardom. I will not let anybody disturbed it. Today, you may done well.”
Oh went into the car, and as the car was passed Jang who was walking back to see a troubled Jang.
At the cafeteria, Seo was lying her head down at the coffee table when a can of coffee appeared. Knowing it was from whom, she turned head away. Jang asked her to turn around so he can see her . She doesn’t as she was ashamed to see him. Jang tried to sit down, but Seo asked him not to and leave. Jang sat down anyway. Seo then sat up and asked him why was he always on the wrong side of her opinion. Seo knew she had some fault, only knew how to pin-point other people’s faults and make comments, so she asked Jang to leave.
Jang told her, she was magnificent today. Only her participation in the reading that the reading turn out to be great. “Today is my first time, I have seen you and the manner you conducted was extraordinary. Every word telling the actors of their faults, it was great to see. But why it had to be my artiste. If it was other writer, I will not humbled myself. But for you….what should I do?”
Seo said he need not to. It was alright because Oh wasn’t in the wrong, but so was she. She took the can of coffeee as a barter of a peace offering and asked him not to humbled himself and told him that the stock supply of the coffee cannot cease. Jang asked Seo to go out for a meal, but she said she will have hers with Lee. He should been starving up there because of her. She ordered some gimbap and made a suggestion that Aden should have a name that is easy to remember and to make a good effort in nurturing him. Jang thanked Seo her comments. Seo thanked him as well for the can of coffee and the dinner invitation.
Back at the reading room. PD Lee, PD Yun & Asst PD Choe was devouring with their take-away. Asst PD Choe asked whether Seo had eaten to sit down and have something with them. Seo was uncomfortable watching them stuffing down the burgers into their throats. She declined and told them she was fine, as she had bought her own. PD Yun then told Seo, that Lee have asked her to buy something else for her as he know she doesn’t eat take-away. She brought out a box of prawn sushi. Lee then look at Seo’s plastic bag and asked her if she is going to have all of that on her own. Seo said yes, at the time of the purchase, she felt she could consume 10 rolls and since they have bought something for her, she will eat theirs.
PD Yun told Seo that the poster shoot will be this week. Posters are important for advertising material for press kits and advertising devices. PD Yun asked what will be the concept because the title of the drama was very vague, should they do something that has the moon or some other related matter. PD Yun was asking a stupid question, so she got a stupid answer form Seo. “Aren’t we going to shoot in a Taiwan location (she uses the term South East Asia, although geographically Taiwan is not South East Asia, but Korea being so far north, I assumed it will apply to it), the word “Ticket” is in it, it should covered within it. You might as well add in the planet and rockets as well. Lee was amused. Seo added “It is about a story of a child who is naive and an innocent girl growing up. We need to have it shot beautifully, feels like a Spring clear and a bright afternoon with Oh Seung Ah, Cherry and Aden doing it. Then let Oh hold a stock of flower.” Asst PD Choe commented that Oh may perceived to look like the main female lead. If SW Entertainment found out, there will heard no end of it. Seo told them. “From the start, my script main lead was Eun Young. I have not alter that” PD Yun asked whether the title shot required an outdoor location. Title show are show-reel in the begining where the main cast lists are named with whatever product in placement sponsors. In some cases a good 15 mins to the drama and the titles will come on as it is common with japanese drama.
Lee asked to defer the matter as he may not even shoot it. Lee then came up with a comment that Eun Young and Eun Sok age differences was not correct. From the script she (Eun Sok) felt like she was about 30 years but Cherry was way too young, and Oh Seung Ah was Cherry’s younger sister. PD Yun replied that this is television drama (anything can happen). She added they even had a 30 years old actress wearing school uniform (No prized to guess who was wearing one doing a “flashback scene” in a school uniform. You have the correct answer. It is none other than Kim Ha Neul for “On Air”)
Seo agreed to PD Yun, there was no way to change the cast now, just need to have to live with the fact. She asked Cherry to don the doctor’s coat and spectacles, it will have a better feel. PD Yun took her leave and asked Asst Choe for the copy of the crew’s passport details. Asst Choe said it was in his desk and will pass it to her on her way out. As both was leaving, Lee and Seo were left alone.
Seo had a suggestion to change the main male lead’s name from David to Aden. Lee asked why. Seo replied that it was out of habit that she always wrote that name. It was Chun Yu’s father’s English name (David not Aden).
Back at home (Seo’s actual house), Seo was day dreaming, while Ajimoni (Lee’s mother) was trying to tell her about food storage.
“Don’t use the chopstick too often to pick the food up, or else it will damage the food, so when you want to serve the food, bear this in mind. As for the soup closed the lid tightly as not to let the liquid flow out. Bean paste vegetables, if the oil get caked up, it wouldn’t be delicious anymore.”
Ajimoni realised that Seo wasn’t paying attention to what she was saying at all. She mentioned to Seo that in the laundry she didn’t see any of her clothes which meant that she didn’t changes her clothes or she has not been back for a while. Seo said she was busy, handed Ajimoni’s wages and thanked her for her effort.
Seo then asked where her son (Chung Yu) was. Ajimoni mentioned that he didn’t have much to eat during lunch and looked slightly depressed. She said that he had a quarrel with Min Ji. Seo queried who Min Ji was. Ajimoni was surprised that Seo just lost track of her son’s daily routine. Seo tried to make amends by asking whether Min Ji was his a new found friend and wanted to go to his room. Ajimoni stopped Seo on her way and asked her to sit down. Ajimoni said she had been working for a few months now, she might not know what line of work she was in, so didn’t mentioned anything, but it was her son who told her that his mother was a writer. Seo confirmed it. Ajimoni added that she knew very well that this line of work in the dramas commanded a very busy schedule. But however busy, it should not be this way. She was surprised to receive Ajimoni’s lecture about life. “even a writer or a big time author doesn’t compare to the importance to of their own children’s lives. To earn a living is good, or gain higher reputation was also nice.” Seo stopped Ajimoni from going any further, Seo told she was out there having a vacation. Of couse she knew and understood her (Ajimoni) concerns but this discussion should be taken aside. Seo knew that in Ajimoni’s eyes, she may not be seen as good mother. But for her, as to her son, she doesn’t give any lesser concern about her son than others. Ajimoni then asked why didn’t she know about Min Ji. She was her son classmate since kindergarden
Seo went to her son’s room to see whether he was upset. Chung Yu was arranging some books in the shelves and Seo offered to help him but he declined her help. Seo tried to fish out about Min Ji.
Seo: Did you quarrel with Min Ji?
Chung Yu: You know about Min Ji?
Seo: Of course, I know about Min Ji, why shouldn’t I know about her? She is my Chung Yu’s classmate
Chung Yu: Min Ji is in the 6th grade and I’m in the 10th
Seo realised she had been fed with the wrong information
Seo: She is not your classmate, but the school is big
Seo grasping at straws trying to conduct some form of dialogue
Seo: What was the reason, did you quarrel with her? I want to know or else I will jump to conclusions and get upset
Chung Yu: Min Ji’s mother read a report about your up and coming drama and informed Min Ji that your drama was not worth watching. She said that it only have a shell and does not have any substance at all in the drama. She said it out loud in front of the class. Once I heard of this, it was upsetting but yet she went on and on
Her son left the room for dinner
Seo asked why some people (Min Ji’s mother) can’t keep her mouth shut to herself and she should say these thing to her own daughter instead. Ajimoni was attending to Chung Yu for his dinner when Chung Yu took one of Seo’s script to read. Ajimoni asked if it was a text book, Chung Yu said it was his mother’s up and coming drama script that was about to be shot.
Ajimoni looked at other script and told herself that this was how script look like. She saw Seo’s name on the cover then later to her shock to see her son’s name (Lee) on it. Chung Yu seeing her reaction asked her whether she was unwell, in which she brushed it off as nothing
At the TV Station. Lee was sitting in the dark. One of the kdrama classic of pondering with a long period of time at nothing. It was about what Seo had said about the name David this afternoon that got to him. He recalled the incident when they first met in Taiwan where he threw her in the water, found out she can’t swim, rescued her, then she asked to rescue her handbag as well, as in the handbag there is something most important to her. “My proposal ring was in there.” Lee looked at the script to find that the main male lead was indeed named David
Oh Seung Ah’s house. She was having a drink and she started to look through the script and recalled to see a troubled Jang at the carpark as she passed him by in the car. Text message came in. It was from Lee
A series of animated test message started to appear on screen
Lee: This is Lee Kyung Min. Have you got home safely?
Oh: You should say “Good Morning”
Lee: I wanted to, that why I sent you a text message. I hope you are not upset by what had happened
Oh: Seo gave me a slap in the face (figure of speech not by action). I know Seo and you are on the same team
Lee: As for me, you are also in my team
Oh: I declined. I will select my own team members
The animated text message just came crushing down.
As Oh was going to the kitchen, she recalled the incident where Jang cook Udon for her. This was just right after Seo and Oh challenged each other on some vicious alcohol mix, then went to karaoke to have a find some time to sing. Oh was hungry and wanted to stop by somewhere to eat, Jang suggested they go home and he will cook her something.
Jang cooked udon, wearing an apron, served Oh
Jang: It’s hot. Take it slowly
Oh tried the udon
Oh: Even if you are now bankrupt, making a living wouldn’t be a problem
Jang: Really? Just said it is delicious will do. Why need to added bankrupt to it? Do you think it is easy to be bankrupt. It is difficult to get there compare to scoring first at exams
Oh: How can you do such a difficult thing?
Jang: Because I was a fool to believe in artiste. Didn’t trust myself, so now I wouldn’t trust anybody
Oh: Even with me, you wouldn’t trust me
Jang: Yes. But you will definitely trust in me. Trust me that with what you did just now, it will be fine. Just like you like singing and drinking with us. When you drink and sing, you were so happy. Although the ability may not be sufficient but it enough to throw into. No matter what others say. Be steadfast till the end. You just look like the 7 years old Eun Young then
Oh: You must be joking. I don’t even trust myself, how can I trust you
Jang: That…..is a kind of charisma, isn’t it?
Oh: But why didn’t you sing?
Jang: Both of you (Oh and Seo) wouldn’t let go of the mic
Oh: You could have asked it from us. Can’t you sing because you can’t that was why you didn’t sing?
Jang: Compare to you, I’m slightly better. If you want to listen, there will be an opportunity for you to listen to it
Oh: Who wants to hear it? Just asking in passing
Jang laughed
Jang: Eat slowly
Oh appreciated Jang’s care
Seo’s office. Seo heard some news from PD Yun. Seo asked “What?…Who. It is not Oh Seung Ah but Cherry who is boycotting the poster shoot?”. PD Yun confirmed it that Cherry said she was the main female lead and why Oh Seung Ah become the main concept, and adding Aden on to it will make matter worst. Cherry said “If it is so, she will not be participating in press conference”
Seo had enough “Oh is the one who started it, and every one is having a go at it. How about Oh Seung Ah, is she using the poster shoot to make news headlines.” PD Yun said she is in the hairdresser and will find time to contact them. But Jang said when we signed Aden’s contract, he mentioned that Oh can let go of everything else but they must allow him (Aden) to be in the poster shoot, so she wouldn’t have any opinion. Seo then said “Oh Seung Ah didn’t stir trouble but this time Cherry is doing it. She doesn’t want to it then she need not do it then. I want Cherry to be dropped out completely from the poster shoot. Tell her to take a good rest”
PD Yun wasn’t sure, remembered the money pumped in by Seo’s agent “Will it be too direct. CEO Jin, he is a bit….” Seo who doesn’t want to heard anymore and tell PD Yun that she will see her at tomorrow’s shoot. Seo said CEO Jin should know very well that once the drama shoot commence, he cannot offend the writer. Seo asked to revert this to CEO Jin as her suggestion “I very much want that concept. If he thinks he wants to offend the writer (Seo) that is up to him.” PD Yun is at end wits
Hairdresser
Cameo appearance by Kang Hye Jung, I think.
Oh went to the hairdresser and return to her seat where Kang Hye Jung was sitting on the next seat
Hairdresser: Please take a seat
Kang:Anyong Ha seyo
Oh: Anyong Ha seyo
Kang: I heard you will shooting a drama soon
Oh: yes it is
Kang: The script I have received it
Oh: So…..
Kang: Didn’t you know?
Oh: I’m not concern with other people’s matter
Kang: Oh! Other people?
Oh: What do you mean by that?
Kang: I heard from somewhere that it was mentioned before that because my declining the offer, you got the role. But of course I don’t believe all about rumours. It look like you definitely going to do well in this drama. What Kang Hye Jung decline, Oh Seung Ah is taking it on. Didn’t think that this casting would have receive such response from the press. I will regret this. You hair condition is so well. I envy you.
Oh managed a half smile at the somewhat praise by Kang, which got her more worried that she might not able to handle it.
Poster Shoot
Photographer taking the pictures, but Oh’s mind is wondering somewhere else, maybe from what Kang said at the hairdresser
Photographer: Cherry, please put your spectacles on
Cherry: Yes
Photographer: Beautiful. Good. The man please relax more. Alright?
Aden: Okay
Phtographer: Now everything is ready, everybody leave the set. Let’s start
Shooting started but Oh mind was wondering somewhere
Photographer: Oh Seung Ah, please give some expression. 7 years old sunshine and heart. That is good. Please look at the camera. be cheerful. More cheerful
Oh was cooperating. The photographer caught Oh’s attention. Oh realised and apologise and to gave a moment for herself to pepare and she was ready with the shot. The Poster was done.
Meanwhile Press reported reports that Aden was Oh Seung Ah’s man. Cherry was reading in the recording studio and burst out in anger because of the report the news made Oh looked like the main female lead. She asked CEO Jin to settle with the reporter by buying him drinks. CEO Jin wouldn’t hear any of it and asked whether her brain was in her head or more like whether it was functioning properly. “Shouting like that, be careful with your vocal chords, do you want to do the recording?”
Recording “Never Forever”. The singing was like chroaking. The sound engineer commented if she sang like that, it will never forever for her. CEO Jin who was listening wasn’t pleased and said that he was paying them and they were not working for free. Then the Sound engineer changed his subject.
PD Yun came in to the Fat lady agent’s office. There was a problem. CEO Jin was now recording the OST. the fat lady said that they have offer the copyright of the OST to Angie Music. PD Yun knew it well. The Fat lady said that everything CEO Jin had done was a pain in the butt. Fat lady said “It looks like CEO Jin has not encounter Seo Young Eun’s wrath, just yet” She recalled the previous project that Seo said the main theme was too old fashioned, that she went on to compose and lyrics the song herself. Fat lady assured PD Yun to stand aside and watch. Just as long as Lee and Seo don’t agree, then there is nothing CEO Jin can do. He was just wasting his money on this.
On the other matter, Fat lady asked whether PD Yun had settled the airlines arrangement. PD Yun did and was in a dilemma over the priority of the personnel. Who was to get seats on business class. Fat lady adviced her to look at the hierachy Directors, Artiste, CP if there is any or Studio Chief. PD Yun knew about it. But the previous encounter when Oh went to do the promotion in Taiwan, she brought managers, Chaffeurs, Hairdresser, Wardrobe Coordinator, Nutritionist. Let the executive personnel sit at business class but Oh may demand first class. Fat lady disagreed. PD Yun said it was up to Oh to decide. But if Cherry found out she may demand the same treatment. CEO Jin might just tagged along.
Fat lady advised PD Yun to be firm in all her decision. To give way to all their demands was not the way. There is a budget. Fat lady told her that one artiste can only bring 3 escorts. She need to steadfast and commented on the Nutritionist. We are going overseas to shoot a drama, not going there to open a restaurant. PD Yun got the drift
Fat lady told PD Yun that threading on nails can be tiring. PD Yun told that she was not the only person who is feeling this way. Fat lady agreed that this was the style or attittude PD Yun should abided. Writer, Director and Artiste can be high and mighty, but they can’t shoot a drama without the likes of people like you. Just small to say, without you, they can’t do anything. PD Yun understood what the Fat lady was trying to say. She made a commented of taking the group for hunting. Fat lady wished her well
Let me explained what was PD Yun’s job description PD Yun was. In the American and British Cinematography term, she is the Excutive Producer. She is a Production Manager, coordinator and runner who looked into the production from A to Z, usually these people are hired by studio as there was finance involved. In this case PD Yun who worked for the Fat lady as they were the people who sold the script to the studio. In Korea everybody is addressed as PD, which doesn’t show what they are by their job description. I will try to enlighten you once we come along when we meet them. So our poor PD Yun who look like a one man show having to coordinate the whole production on her own and to make her job easy, as she have many agendas to follow through including to entertain the whim and fancy of the artiste.
OST Marketing promo gimmick, with a song with a rap beat
Soap shop set
Lee and Seo was taken round the set with all the props and Director Hong (who in the business was called the camerman) is looking at the angles of shots. A cameraman handle all camera angles of what you see on screen.
Aden got a press interview, maybe hoping to be the next Ajumma killer. Jang was happy with the response
Oh going through her practice of her piano lesson. Usually the requirement was of posture. One tend to slouch during piano practice. Oh refered to the script to get a better constrast
Outdoor location recce. I think it was Eun Sok’s clinic or hospital. It was already Spring and the flower blossoms are just starting. There are still some cosmetics to do up for the location. Lee asked whether she was satisfy with the location. Seo then asked where to next.
He went to Bong Sik Chicken Shop. This guy we term his job description as Director of Photography. He does all lighting, usually will have a set of crew that follow him, gaffer, grip & electricians. Lee brought the recce unit to his shop.
He asked Lee had nothing to esle to do but to come here to make trouble. The chicken shop PD was not pleased to see Lee, even though Lee was giving him business. Seo is surprised that Lee address him as PD. Seo told them that the the script for the overseas location just have some last minute touches to it and it will be completed. She said the the ending has three versions. I supposed it was all depending on what the viewers comment. Seo wanted all the 3 versions to be shot, but Lee said she wanted it, so that she will not be blame for a bad ending. What kind of version. Seo gave a dramatic performances
First Eun Sok elegantly let go off Eun Young to Australia. “Dong Seng, Anyo. You need to be happy”
Second Eun Sok hold to her pain and grief, leave alone by herself. “Onni Anyo You need to be happy”
Third. Both of them don’t want to leave each other and then lives happily ever after. No emotion tussle, very pleasant. It is really a goodbye.
Lee looked blank at Seo’s suggestions.
PD Yun chose 2nd. “I’ll imagine Eun Young elegantly leaves will remain in the memories of viewers, that is why Eun Young can really be mature then
Asst Choe doesn’t think so, that it shouldn’t put it the perspectives of an adults context. Even Eun Young is already being seen as an adult. This point they cannot give it a miss. Most viewers will favour the 3rd version. He liked happy endings
Director Hong. “What are you saying? I see it as the 1st version. Elegantly to return to the places they belong to. What century is this to be so draggy?”
Seo asked Lee on his opinion. Lee asked Seo whether there is any 4th or 5th even 6th as it would be better. Seo wasn’t happy with the remark, as she need to go back to the drawing board. Then the chicken shop PD asked whether Seo was Seo Young Eun, in which she acknowledges and asked why he should asked. He wanted her to pay the bill in cash, looking at her, she have some earning power and doesn’t want to swipe credit card. He told Director Hong that he was going out out to send a take away and will go home from there. He asked Director Hong to close up once they are finished. Lee tried to hold him, Chicken shop PD said that his guess was too way off. Before asking the writer for 4th 5th 6th, you must first need to examine your own self, then only 4th 5th 6th. He walked off
Seo was curious about him and asked who he was. Lee just said to just come back to their discussion and keep things in focus. He asked Seo that he need to have a theme to each episode. Seo was shocked “Each episode….what. You are doing this on purpose…to make my life difficult?” Lee tells Seo that the middle of the script was not written with much substance so how is he going to know how to shoot an ending without it.
Actors who knew about the ending will be able to feel for it and performed better. Seo asked without knowing the middle of the story, how to write the ending. From Episode 7-15, she had already written an outline synopsis for it. A total of 3 pages. Lee asked only with 3 pages, it was considered as done, with such a limited materials to work on, how was he going to shoot the drama. Seo asked why it can’t be shot, when others have done just with that, some even without the 3 pages and had shot it well. Seo did not want to debate about anymore, paid the bill, asked Director Hong for the receipt and left
Lee continued with the other crew members. Lee wanted to shoot the title shots this weekend and asked Director Hong to bear in mind the weight of equipments, to decide what to bring. Director Hong told Lee’s attitude was one of a kind. Recently, who goes outdoor to shoot 30 secs titles, suggested to pull out a few shots from the drama and just use it. Lee then asked Director Hong why he always doesn’t complete his sentence. Director Hong had a way of saying this and that in halves and you are to undersatnd it to complete, in order to know what he meant. Director Hong got offended and went on the defensive and started to use honorific words at Lee. Lee remained steadfast on his view that he will let Director Hong know of the concepts for him to make the necessary preparation. Lee left and asked them to finish up. Director Hong thought that Lee was absurd. Director Hong tried to get some assurances about his speech, which Asst PD Choe kindly said it wasn’t so.
Chicken Shop PD went to the station to deliver his take away, and when he meet one of the staff PD. This was the one who yankedLee’s crew off him earlier. He was surprised to see Chicken Shop PD and Chicken Shop PD asked him about Lee. The Staff PD asked whether he was going to make a comeback on Lee’s drama, and went on to add salt into the wound to dissuade from doing so. The Staff Pd then gossiped that Lee stalked the writer overseas for his job, and he was almost rooming with the writer and brushing the writer’s ass and was seldom seen in the station. Bought himself only a hamburger while he bought sushi for her. Having heard enough rubbish from the Staff PD and using his best judgement, Chicken PD realised that Lee was a man worth working for, although the Staff PD wanted to persuade him to make a comeback on his own project, to asked him to answer his calls. Chicken Shop PD wasn’t taking any heed of what he was trying to say.
Seo’s office. Assistant woke up to see that Seo had change the office curtains, the sheets and covers. Assistant asked if Seo was upset over something. Seo said probably. While looking at the new hung curtain in the open window Spring breeze, Lee came in and saw the changes made. Seo said it was Spring and asked on the script changes she will do it tomorrow as she wanted a day to rest. Lee asked if she was tired, she said yes. “Oh Seung Ah’s taste in life was eating on to me. Aden looked as though he is an EBS English tutor (EBS is a education channel in Korea). Cherry from the start I never like her. Now I really depised her. But this was all my own doing, I can’t blame anyone. PD that don’t trust the writer, that every episode he need to have it examined and give guidance. Now even if there is a fault, he don’t want to say anymore. It was best I stick to Cinderella Millionaire, Incurable disease dramas. Why need to write such lofty dramas? I should have stick to simple ones. This is what I feel.”
Lee asked if she wanted to look at blossoms. Lee invited her to see the blossom with everybody. It would give everybody some breath of fresh air. Seo wondered who this “everybody” were. A convoy of buses and lorries went onto the outdoor location. It looked like a school excursion. Everbody was pleased with the sight of the blossoms scenery. Oh looking pleased while looking on by Jang’s shades. Seo looking the blossoms and saw Lee talking with the crew on the schedules. Lee turned to see Seo admiring the blossoms.
Director took up the camera and asked the crew to give him a white bar. “White bar” is a signal where focus & colour constrast is measure. It is commonly use with video digital equipment.
Cast and crew were taking group photos. Cherry gate crashed into it dragging Aden along and made “V’ sign. Aden looked very reluctant
Asst PD Choe called out to the cast and crew that the accomadation was about 10 minutes drive from here and informed them after the shoot wrap up, all will proceed there. As Asst PD Choe was distributing the schedule, he said the would shoot start at 3pm and everybody needs to get ready. Actors should be on set by 2:30pm. Seo’s Assistant came by giving her the eyes in which she took no heed and went to ask Lee where the camera position was going to be set up. Lee showed him. Lee looked Oh walking away and Seo witnessed this.
At the lake. It reminded me of London’s Hyde Park with had a Serpentine lake and it was surrounded by blossoms.
Oh was standing there looking towards the lake and recalled Jang wiping her sweat off with a towel in a jogging trip in Taiwan
Jang: My little girl. Why so disobedient?…..I missed you
Jang came by
Jang: The title concept, have you seen it?
Oh: No
Jang: Blossoms, little girls and picnics can fly over the moon. PD Lee didn’t depend on luck to win the awards. He is not bad.
Oh: What do you mean not bad? Isn’t it simple to say that he seized the cloud?
Jang: Why? Clouds are not easy for anybody to seize. Here…now feels it is missing from this clear sky is a moon. Isn’t it? There is blossoms….little girls. Big wide eyes are said to be timid.
(It is a Korean saying that if you have big wide eyes you tend to be timid. I can’t say that this saying is deem obselete when Korean are enlarging their eyes by cosmetic surgery for it.).
Jang: Sesame seed leaf hairstyle (that was what Oh had when she first came by his office some 15 years ago, remember her fan club president had the same hairdo) that is most suitable. My second foreign language Russian is making of good use (Don’t know why he brought that up)
Oh was feeling uneasy
Jang: My skinny girl, I know of one. It will be best I should only have keep her in my memories. Go and find a better Management agency.
Oh was surprise at the suggestion
Jang: I understand myself all too well, that it is right to trust myself, so strong is that, that I force people to do what I say. No matter what force them to do it my way. I thought I was so right….before I met you. But ….bankrupt….there must be a reason. My capabilities only reaches here. Go find a better and bigger Management agency
Oh: What time is it? I asked you what time is it. Didn’t they say all actors should met on the set by 2:30pm? As my Manager why aren’t you on top of it. This matter is the Manager’s job. When did I say that you have done wrong. I didn’t say that. I only asked you not to bend your knees (humble yourself or beg). Let me do the begging. let me do it.
Jang have been apologising on Oh’s behalf….(refering to previous occasion when he had to go to Seo with a can of coffee to say, he was sorry for Oh’s misbehaviour. She squated down sobbing, Jang tried to console but retracted his hand and let Oh cries to her heart content.
Back on the set. The crew were getting ready. Director Hong asked that the Video Cam is ready and asked to look at the colour constrast.
Video Cam or Video Assist (the term I know) is a recording of what the camera is shooting. It is usual practise that the Director, here the PD used this to direct his drama, unlike the old Hollywood movies, Director with beret caps seating on a high deck chair with the horn shouting “Action”. From the video Assist usually you can get a rough edit done on a console of the footages pieces to gether to get some feel of the scene. A scene may contain different cuts in it. I will explain when we come to it.
Lee said that the colour constrast was fine and asked the Actors to take their position. Director Hong then complained if Lee was not in his right mind to call for his shoot, since there isn’t any lighting done on the set for it to be shot. Director Hong said that the Chicken Shop PD (I must get hold his name) had said he said he was not coming, If he wanted to, he would had been here by now.
Then a honk from a van. It was Chicken Shop PD with his lighting crew in the Chicken shop van. He then went to Lee to complain what kind of a rubbish map did Lee gave him and he had been circling round for hours looking for the place. Lee was happy that his gamble paid off.
Chicken Shop PD was looking at the set “Look at you, guys, even without lighting you are going to shoot title shoot. Lee replied he was waiting for him and knew he would here so he left it for him to do it. Chicken Shop PD said from all his experience, he is the worst PD he had worked with and a man to waste time. Lee asked everybody to be ready in 10 minutes for the shoot.
Title Shoot
Mid range shot panning right to see blossoms flying and see Eun Young happily catching petals as she looked right. Cut to a mid range shot of Eun Sok looking to her left. Cut to the full shot of both sisters sitting on the park bench
Lee asking the crew to give more density to the blossoms. Lee giving directions to the actors on what he want them to do. Title shoot complete.
Picnic with BBQ. A roasted pig rolling on the fire looked good. Jang entertaining the crowd with his stories. Lee and Chicken Shop PD carried more firewood for the BBQ
Everybody had a fine time listening to Jang. Director Hong added in his stories to the crowd as well. Jang went back to sit down next to Oh. Although she took no notice of the storytelling and looked to see Jang next to her. She finished her drink and stretched out her cup to sinal she wanted a refill.
Nightfall campfire. Chicken Shop PD was strumming the guitar and Jang finally sang. (Lee Beum Soo singing voice was really good because I heard him sang in Kim Jung Eun’s music show - Chocolate). His song was actually a senerade to Oh, and Oh knew it. It was just him first then background music set in.
I don’t know whether my translation of the lyrics is right. But here it goes
Yes it is. Perhaps I might say that I’m drunk. Perhaps I might say that I’m at fault. Perhaps when morning comes, I would have forgotten it all and not feel uneasy. But tonight definitely I need to tell you this word that I’m sorry that I let you be beside someone who is so weak and not to treat my word as nonsense from alcohol. As I have prepare to tell you this but yet when I see you I say exactly the opposite and turn away in regret. I want to reveal the truth. From the begining, I have always love you, just love you. I will not amend my words although it is a bit old fashion, Even if it sounded too direct, it not just saying it in passing. There never been a love like this, I will wait till dawn holding you in my arms and said “I love you”
Everybody cheered after Jang finished his song. The crowd cheerd for Oh to sing. Oh stood up to take her stand. As Jang was passing the “mic” Seo quickly came to grabbed it from her, followed by Lee behind or on the top of her grabbing her hand. Seo pleaded with her by shaking her head not to sing. Remember during the Karaoke Session, Oh sang horribly (I don’t know if Kim Ha Neul sang it intentionally like that). Oh who saw this refused to give in and the ladies had a tug of war at the “mic”, when Cherry cames in and took it off them and told them that she will sing.
Cherry started chroaking and everybody decided to leave. Seo then saw that Lee on top of her, still grabbing her hand and asked Lee release her.
Campfire, the last ones to remain were Jang, Lee, Cherry, Aden, Seo and Oh. All of them having soju. Oh felt a chill and on seeing this, both Lee and Jang decided to offer her their jacket, but hesitate when they see each other doing the same thing. Seo saw how comical the men can get, but it was Seo who took Aden’s jacket from the chair and wrapped it round Oh. Cherry decided to come up with a drinking game. It was a game where a question was asked and you must answered it truthfully. The forefit was to drink a bowl of soju. Cherry has many things to ask, Aden was curious about the game. Seo shugged off as childish but decided to join in for the fun of it. Saying that she hasn’t play this game since University because it was childish. Jang then said if it so, why play it? Seo said she also had questions to ask. It was her point of view, that childish in her hand might sometimes made out to be something special. She asked what others who are present thought of this game
Cherry: Let’s play. I will start. If you wouldn’t answer, you need to drink this up. First person to question, direct to Oh Seung Ah. It is said that my appearance in the scene is a rival to you
Lightning answer by Oh
Oh: No.
Cherry: Why are you so quick to answer? You should give it some thought and answer truthfully. Then let the rival issue pass. Have you ever envy me?
Oh: Please asked something that is more comprehensive. I have one question directed to PD Lee. From then till now, during pre-production to shoot, working with Writer Seo and Actress, have you ever see or treat them as women? (love interest)
Lee didn’t answered and asked for the bowl
Lee: Let me have it
Lee drank it up
Lee: Writer Seo, I have a question.
Seo was taken in by surprise
Seo: What a fright! (prepare to be question)
Lee: That time when I help you to find your ring. What is the meaning behind it?
Seo was blank
Seo: I will drink this
Cherry: What are you all doing. Why are you just drinking?
Seo: When you are more matured, you will know.
Seo finished the drink
Seo: Jang, I have a question.
Jang: Me?
Seo: Those day when you were eating the gimbaps, you said you have someone you like. That person, who was it?
Jang didn’t answered as well
Jang: I will drink. Tt is not that I don’t want to, but tonight drinks is rather nice to my pallate
Oh: Black rose.
(Black rose was woman incognito who fight crime. Popular French classic)
Oh stood up took off the jacket and went to Jang to take the bowl of him. She went back to sit down to drink it up
Oh: Although it is the Black Rose, I accept a question.
Cherry: I….I asked
Oh: You are exempted. If there isn’t any, we end this here.
Oh left.
Jang: What is the reason….The reason that you sign the contract with me.
Oh: Even that I don’t know the reason, fool
Oh left.
Jang was left to ponder in bed tossing and Lee was not seen in bed
Seo was having a stroll in the night then saw a shine on her shoes. As she move forward, the shine followed her, she turned round and it was Lee with the torch light. She asked why was he following her. Lee replied he wanted to see the blossoms with her. It was always said it was more with two people than one. She agreed. Lee apologised to her for the previous incident and said actually her overseas script was not too bad, but he was greedy, so hope to do well, to do better each time, that what he always thought. Seo told him if he was to continue with this attitude, she will deliver 4th 5th & 6th epiosdes to him. Lee lighted up the blossom with his torch light for Seo to see. Seo mentioned ” She had the time to see the blossoms this year”
Get up…get up. Half an hour to assemble in the field.
The crew and cast was split into two groups for a soccer match. They looked more like rival gangsters group in a territorial dispute. Seo rolled up her trousers. Lee kicked the dirt off his shoes with his hands. Jang showed off his biceps. Oh just tapped her hand on Lee’s shoulder. Jang wasn’t pleased.
Let the games begin. Asst PD Choe asked who was referee and the Station chief and the fat lady agent came to cheer them up. The chief told whoever won will have a prize and asked them to do well
It looks more like rugby than a soccer match, with all the shirt pulling. I bet the actors and actresses had a fine time on the field. 70% of the reactions were not acting just having pure fun.
The result was Jang 5 Lee 3
Preparation of shoot.
Before a drama began, they usually have a prayer ritual for safety and success. Here they use a shaman ritual where they make offering to the pig’s head. Someone can also enlighten us what the ritual actually means. I have no idea what is the significant of putting money onto the pig’s mouth and offering wine to it. In Hong Kong at least it is an offering of a roast pig, which you eventually you get to eat it.
Jang took his card and swiped it on the pig’s mouth to said it was his treat. Everybody cheer (Pig also take up credit card transaction too. Very modern)
First day of shoot
Lee called to Seo to say they are about to shoot. Seo said it would be a rough road from here now, to do well and not to panic. Lee thanked her for her encouragement.
Shooting start. Problems already arising when Oh and Cherry were seen in similar clothes. A stand off . Chicken Shop PD asked Lee to choose wisely who would be the one going back to change their clothes. Lee chosed Oh to do it.
oooh.. thank you so much… i’ve been checking this site every hour!! thanks
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thank you so much…i’ve been waiting for this.
but you did not finish this episode summary.
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I like to apologise the oversight at my end but due to a technical downtime on my broadband connection, I am only able to just have it up now. Please enjoy!
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you don’t have to apologise… we’re lucky enough that there is a kind soul like you who put summaries fo reach episode in on air… btw, can i ask a question? do you work in a profession related to on air? you know, in a production or something?
Thanks a million!!
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Your welcome!
I graduated in film studies from London back in 1991 and I worked 4 years in production houses producing local TV commercials. I am not in the film industry any longer although I am still in the advertising line. On Air does bring back memories of my much younger days and they are right, it is a profession that required a vocation and it is not an occupation.
I was fortunate enough to have worked with some famous people such as Maggie Cheung and even the late Sir Edmund Hilary (the first Caucasian man who conquered Mount Everest and is the face on the New Zealand five dollar note) to name a few.
I was like you too, happy for anyone who gave me an english source to the k-drama that I liked as we all faced a language barrier. I am happy to be able to do something in return the favours of those who now and earlier gave me the same happiness.
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no need to apologize. I’m glad it’s complete now…
i really appreciate the fact that you sacrifice your time to do this for us k-drama lovers. it is well appreciated.
thank you so much!!!
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Thank you so much for the summary. So far, there’s still not romance spark between the 4 characters, right? Still one coincidence/incident that lead us in guessing who will end with who, right?
I’m amazed about your experience. Work with Maggie Cheung. She’s like my all time fav HK actres.
And with your expertise, your summary is very rich. I can know more about the film techies word now.
One small correction, though. I think YE who gave SA the jacket when she felt cold and YE took Aden’s jacket.
Once again, thank you for the summary….
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Your welcome!
I must say that Maggie Cheung is really professional and she is always on time for shoot. We never had to wait for her, she will always be there waiting for us instead.
Sir Edmund was really a gentleman who rather we called him Ed instead of Sir Edmund. I think it was my only time working with a real knight.
I thought that there was a need to share the film terms and technics to make it more livelier summary and I am glad you enjoyed it.
Aha! My office went for a pitch for a launch for a cosmetics company and if we get it, I will be able to attend a launch mixed with the attendance of local celebrities. I think that will be fun to get all dressed for an event. I might get to feel what it is like to be a star that night myself. He! He!
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i can’t thank you enough for all your hard work, generosity, and insight. it’s so enlightening and more enjoyable to watch this kdrama. at least now with your explanations of how things are done, i understand the quirks of the industry and how they tick. pls keep us posted and continue sharing your insights of this drama. have a good weekend….
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I like how you explain the terminology. Those “PD” stuffs are indeed confusing.
Just my two cents, I know that it’s hard to summarize one long episode. But if you could, somehow, make the dialogs a bit more clear like separating them few spaces from the paragraph. Also, why don’t you refer to them by their first name ? A lot of Koreans share the same last name and it’s kind hard to keep tracks of who says what.
Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate your hard work, really.
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Oh OMG, just reading from your comment I got all excited. You’re really really LUCKY and have the best job.
I got inside story.
Love more to Maggie Cheung from ur story. Pls tell me mor about other celebs you met, yes? I love to hear more… ^^
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Blue Sunflowers,
Actually, I have not got anymore such stories to tell. I did worked with one young talent and she ended as a second runner up in a Miss World contest. Would you consider that as a count?
Pully,
Note take on your comment and for Episode 13 Summary, I have given the PDs their names. As I started on the road using their surname (as there isn’t a double surnamed character, so it is just fine).
For Last Scandal, I wrote the character’s name in full though.
Plaese Enjoy!
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thanks so much!
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