Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 289 September, Deception and Scandal Set Sail Side by Side

The air of September lingers on the streets of Seoul, and the Han River reflects the changing clouds.

The publicity machine for "The Prosecutor's Chronicle" was running at full speed, with director Lee Il-hyung and his creative team shuttling between the studios of various television stations.

The lights in the dressing room stayed on all night, and laughter filled the interview room. A silent battle for box office success and critical acclaim had already begun.

Meanwhile, CJ's distribution team stirred up a storm in the online world.

Last month's "Train to Busan" made CJ a fortune, and the promotional resources invested in the film were even more substantial—

Full-width posters in subway stations, pop-up ads on portal websites, and topic marketing on social media.

Their ambition is obvious: they want to create another box office miracle.

The headlines of major entertainment media outlets were vying for attention with their own unique and eye-catching titles:
Chungmuro's strongest master and apprentice team up for the fifth time! Hwang Jung-min and Kang Jae-hoon set a new standard for crime comedy.

One person, a thousand faces! Kang Jae-hoon challenges himself with 6 different roles in "A Violent Prosecutor".

The Box Office Guarantee: Unveiling the Untold Synergy Between Hwang Jung-min and Kang Jae-hoon on Set

"Kang Jae-hoon's Metamorphosis: How an Actor Perfectly Portrays the Glamorous Transformation from Politician to Thug"

"Master-Disciple Showdown Turns into Teamwork? Hwang Jung-min Admits: This Time I Can Finally 'Bully' My Disciple Properly"

Can CJ Entertainment's gamble, "A Violent Prosecutor," replicate the box office miracle of "Train to Busan"?

Discussions on online forums are in full swing, and related topics remain high on Naver's trending search list.

The meme-worthy dance performed by Kang Jae-hoon in the trailer, reminiscent of a politician campaigning, has been turned into various emojis and is spreading wildly on social media.

Hwang Jung-min's quip, "Doesn't he look like a conman at first glance?" has become a classic meme that fans love to talk about.

Amidst the clamor, the number of pre-sale tickets for the movie soared, and everyone held their breath, waiting to see if this golden master and apprentice could recreate the miracle of Chungmuro.

……

September 10th.

The premiere of "A Violent Prosecutor" at the CGV Cinema in Apgujeong was a star-studded affair.

The lineup of media and celebrities in attendance was comparable to that of a year-end awards ceremony.

In addition to the members of Kang Jae-hoon's brotherhood "Jo Line" all being present, Gong Yoo, who reached a new career peak with "Train to Busan," also adjusted his schedule to come and support him, causing the fans at the scene to scream continuously.

Logically, Kang Jae-hoon should have taken the initiative to entertain this "newly crowned" top star.

Unfortunately, his mind was completely focused on winning over Li Xingmin.

A few days ago, when I went to Huang Zhengmin's house to tease Huang Zaiyu, he accidentally flipped through the script of "The Spy".

Set against the backdrop of the 90s inter-Korean espionage war, the story depicts a deadly struggle between a South Korean agent disguised as a businessman and a high-ranking North Korean official, navigating a conflict between interests and beliefs.

Even after just a cursory reading of the script, Kang Jae-hoon was struck by its profound historical weight and human tension—it is definitely a masterpiece worthy of awards.

Even better.

The other lead actor who plays opposite Hwang Jung-min is Lee Sung-min, who plays the main villain in this film.

Kang Jae-hoon had a premonition—

He will win Best Actor for this role, just as he believes Han Na's sister, Han Shaoxi, will become famous in the future.

and so.

How to secure this gem for Yijing Film Studio before Lee Sung-min is crowned has become Kang Jae-hoon's biggest concern.

To know.

In the entertainment industry, a place of fame and fortune, winning a Best Actor award after signing with a management company and changing management companies after winning a Best Actor award are two completely different things.

The former means that the company can enjoy the full-cycle benefits from incubation to explosive popularity; the latter means paying several times the signing fee and breach of contract penalty.

Just as Kang Jae-hoon was about to hide and call Yoon-ah to discuss the matter, he heard the commotion at the door grow even louder.

Turning my head to look—

Bae Suzy walked gracefully in her 10cm Jimmy Choo heels.

A Fendi horse-face skirt accentuated her graceful curves.

Her red lips were like fire, and her eyes were like knives.

Every step they took was under the spotlight of the media.

Lee Sung-kyung, standing beside him, opted for a completely different style.

A black suit dress paired with a sleek ponytail.

Her long, slender legs were partially revealed through the slit in her skirt, exuding a cool and alluring yet restrained sexiness.

The two walked side by side.

One was as fiery as fire, the other as icy as ice, instantly becoming the focus of the entire audience.

Flashes of light rained down as reporters scrambled forward.

When Kang Jae-hoon saw the two of them, his first reaction was that he was glad Yoona hadn't come today.

After a period of taking photos and opening for business.

The two women glanced around; the former was eager to try, while the latter was itching to get started.

"She didn't come?"

Bae Suzy looked around but couldn't find Im Yoona. Her red lips pouted slightly, and her tone carried an undisguised disappointment.

"Isn't your presence enough?"

Kang Jae-hoon went up to him and asked in return.

Bae Suzy pouted. On the surface, she and Lee Sung-kyung came to support Kang Jae-hoon's new movie, but in reality, they were there to challenge Im Yoon-ah to a battle.

After several encounters, Bae Suzy came to understand Im Yoona's tactics more and more.

It's nothing more than taking advantage of public occasions and their age to exert a devastating influence on themselves.

This tactic might not work well for Krystal Jung, but it has proven effective against Bae Suzy, who considers herself the "official wife."

As a result, Bae Suzy finally figured out a countermeasure—unfortunately, the main character was absent.

Where is Krystal Jung?

Bae Suzy's eyes darted around, and she pressed on relentlessly. Trying the same trick on someone else would have the same effect.

Kang Jae-hoon shook his head and chuckled, then reached out and poked her forehead:
"Go quickly and help me entertain Senior Gong Yoo."

Just as Bae Suzy was about to protest, Lee Sung-kyung naturally took her arm:

"Let's go, don't delay his business."

……

As guests took their seats, the cinema lights gradually dimmed.

The premiere of "A Violent Prosecutor" has officially begun.

After a brief period of darkness, the big screen suddenly lit up, and the CJ logo shone brightly in the darkness.

The film opens with the scene of prosecutor Byun Jae-wook, played by Hwang Jung-min, being falsely accused and imprisoned—a rainy night, handcuffs, a distorted judicial system, every shot is full of tension.

The scene then changes.

Kang Jae-hoon plays Han Ji-won, a handsome con man who is imprisoned for the tenth time for fraud.

When Byun Jae-wook discovers Han Ji-won's astonishing talent for fraud, a "prison training" program begins—

"Remember, the ultimate level of a liar is to even deceive himself."

"Isn't that just an actor?"

"The difference is that actors can get paid after they cheat, but you can only go to jail after you cheat."

"Ashi——"

Laughter erupted from the darkness.

The flickering light from the screen reflected on the audience's faces, illuminating Hwang Jung-min's twitching lips and Kang Jae-hoon's roguish wink—

The chemistry between the master and apprentice makes every scene they have together spark exciting moments.

As the plot progresses...

On the big screen, Kang Jae-hoon's "transformation show" officially begins—

Rogue, scumbag, politician, prosecutor... each transformation amazes the audience.

As the plot gradually builds to its climax.

Through a meticulously planned scam, Han Chi-won finally helped Byun Jae-wook obtain all the evidence to clear his name.

However, on the eve of the trial, Byun Jae-wook was stabbed in the prison bathroom by a bribed fellow inmate.

When the court hearing began, the plaintiff's seat was empty.

"This court hereby declares..."

Just as the judge's gavel was about to fall—

"boom!"

The door was flung open. Byun Jae-wook stood pale-faced in the doorway, bandages faintly visible from his suit collar. He dragged his injured body step by step toward the plaintiff's seat, each step feeling like walking on a knife's edge.

Lee Sung-min's portrayal of the villainous mayor's expression suddenly changed.

The next ten minutes were a textbook example of acting prowess—

Byun Jae-wook played the recording with trembling fingers, used coughing interruptions to lead into a trap, and finally used a forged "last testimony" to make the mayor lose control of his emotions in court and confess his crimes.

When the gavel finally fell.

The entire theater erupted in enthusiastic applause.

On the day of his release, there was no one outside the prison gates.

Byun Jae-wook, carrying his old leather suitcase, gazed at the falling withered leaves, a lonely smile curving his lips.

Sudden--

The roar of engines grew louder as a red convertible sports car came to a stop in front of him, its tail spinning.

Han Chiyuan pushed down his sunglasses and leaned against the car door with a roguish air:

"Welcome back, big brother!"

Byun Jae-wook took the tofu offered to him and glanced at the luxury car:
"Scammed?"

"Ani."

Han Chiyuan grinned: "My girlfriend gave it to me willingly, how can that be called deception?"

The engine roared as it sped into the distance.

When the end credits rolled, the applause was thunderous and prolonged.

The lights came back on, and the main production team stood up to acknowledge the audience. Kang Jae-hoon's gaze swept across the audience—

Cha Tae-hyun exaggeratedly gave two thumbs up, Lee Kwang-soo imitated his wink from the film, and Gong Yoo nodded gently with an appreciative smile.

Kang Jae-hoon's lips curled into a slight smile—he knew the movie was a sure thing.

The host walked onto the stage with a microphone in hand.
"Let's give another round of applause to the creative team behind 'The Prosecutor's Chronicle'!"

"Clap clap-"

The applause was continuous.

"First, Director Li Rijiong," the host turned to the director, "what made you decide to cast this golden duo?"

Lee Il-hyung smiled and looked at Kang Jae-hoon:
"When the script required a pretty boy who looked like a conman, this was the first guy I dialed on my phone."

"Then, it's Xunxi."

The host then looked at him and asked:

What is the biggest challenge in playing multiple roles?

Kang Jae-hoon took the microphone:
"Actually, it's a matter of physical strength. Every time I change my hairstyle, I have to redo my hair. The makeup artist said my hairline is receding."

Amid laughter, the host looked at Hwang Jung-min and asked a final question:
"If the number of viewers exceeds ten million, are the two of you really going to dance to 'Russian Roulette'?"

Hwang Jung-min immediately put on a stern face:

"I never agreed to that."

Kang Jae-hoon smiled slyly: "Please give us your support, viewers, so that my master can keep his promise!"

……

Amid cheers, the creative team bowed in farewell. As Kang Jae-hoon gazed at the countless cell phone flashlights illuminating the audience, he seemed to see countless possibilities for the future shining brightly in the darkness.

After the premiere.

Representatives from CJ Pictures hosted a banquet for the main creative team at a high-end Japanese restaurant.

Bae Suzy, arm in arm with Lee Sung-kyung, followed gracefully behind Kang Jae-hoon in her high heels.
"Oppa, don't even think about escaping tonight."

Lee Sung-kyung gently tapped his back with her fingertip:
"Haven't seen each other for a month, shouldn't some people 'make it up to' us?"

Kang Jae-hoon paused, turned around and met two pairs of burning eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily.
"I have a roadshow tomorrow."

"Don't worry," Bae Suzy smiled sweetly, lightly hooking his tie with her fingertip, "we're very 'considerate' and won't interfere with your work."

Lee Sung-kyung added:
"At most, it'll just make your legs weak tomorrow morning."

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

The CJ representative was still talking non-stop about the follow-up promotional plans, completely unaware of the increasingly stiff back of one of the lead actors behind them.

……

Inside the Japanese-style private room, the rich aroma of sake mingled with the fresh sweetness of sashimi.

After three rounds of drinking.

Taking advantage of going to the restroom, Kang Jae-hoon hid in the fire escape at the end of the corridor.

The cool light from the phone screen reflected on his slightly tipsy face.
"Yoona, if I want to sign Lee Sung-min..."

The screen showed her resting her chin on her hand, deep in thought.

"See if he wants fame or fortune."

Yoona's voice suddenly became professional:

"If you want fame, just promise him the title of Best Actor at the three major Chinese film festivals and even the three major European film festivals. Yijing Pictures' award-winning plans for the next three years are enough to tempt any actor."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded unconsciously:
"What about profit?"

“Establish an actor partnership shareholding platform.”

Her speech quickened, and her thoughts became clear: "This platform holds a certain percentage of the company's shares. Giving Senior Li Xingmin platform shares instead of direct company shares—it seems more sophisticated, and it won't dilute your control."

The corridor lights suddenly seemed brighter in Kang Jae-hoon's eyes.

"Wonderful."

He couldn't help but admire:

"This way, we can use this platform to sign other Best Actor and Actress winners in the future."

"clever."

On the other side of the screen, Yoona's eyes curved into crescent moons:

"I understand immediately."

Kang Jae-hoon raised an eyebrow smugly:

"I won't go back tonight. I need to sleep next to Senior Li Xingmin and have a good talk about this matter."

"Just by chance."

Yoona turned around and looked behind her: "I'm staying at Taeyeon unnie's house tonight."

What are you going to do there?

Im Yoona suddenly turned the camera and focused it on Kim Tae-yeon, who was holding a calico cat:
"Of course, we'll get 'Taiwanese Music' to sing the OST for our 'Queen Cheonin'!"

Upon hearing this, Kim Tae-yeon made a face at Kang Jae-hoon on the screen:

"Your partner is becoming more and more like a shrewd businessman lately, even scheming against his own teammates!"

Im Yoona immediately retaliated:
"Last time, when my unnie got drunk, she said she would write a song for me, but the next day she pretended to have amnesia!"

"That's because the song title you requested is too weird! 'What to do when my boyfriend has too many girlfriends'? What kind of title is that!"

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

"Remember not to drink too much."

Yoona gave a final word of advice, lightly tapping the screen with her fingertip:
"Good night."

……

The lingering aftertaste of the sake gradually faded from the lips and teeth, and the hustle and bustle of the banquet turned into scattered farewells.

Taking advantage of his slight intoxication, Kang Jae-hoon subtly stopped Lee Sung-min from leaving the table:

"Senior, how about we find a quiet place to have another drink?"

When Bae Suzy chased after them out of the private room in her high heels, she only saw the two figures chatting happily disappearing behind the elevator doors.

"Damn! This older man is even more charming than me, isn't he!"

She stomped her foot in anger, then suddenly grabbed Lee Sung-kyung's arm:

"Unnie, let's play by ourselves tonight and ignore that jerk."

Lee Sung-kyung's ears turned slightly red: "No."

"You really liked it last time, didn't you?"

"Go to hell!"

The night breeze carried the lingering embarrassment and annoyance of Lee Sung-kyung across the terrace.

(End of this chapter)