GIJS

Chapter 194 I ended up becoming a fan myself.

Until just before the shoot began, the director, Kwak Young-joo, couldn't hide his nervousness.

"Ah... I really don't think this will work..."

Kwak Young-joo's motto was safety first. This was especially true when working with promising idols like 7IN.

Often, enthusiastic directors, agencies, and idol members would come up with overly ambitious plans. However, after shooting a few cuts on set, they would always end up scratching their heads and asking for revisions.

Could we change this part? It seems a bit risky.

The justification was always similar: since these are people who depend on their bodies for their career, any injury while filming would likely infuriate their fans.

Well, if that's a concern, why make such risky plans in the first place?

However, Kwak Young-joo did not grumble. His role was to deliver the best possible outcome based on the client's and director's vision.

But he could at least try to persuade them before the shoot began.

Until now, he had been lucky enough not to have any accidents on set. But this time, the plan was exceptionally challenging. Moreover, there was a group horseback riding scene involving all seven members.

Capturing a scene of running on horseback with a sense of speed is even more difficult than a car chase shoot. If the members do not move perfectly, it could consume a huge amount of time. Furthermore, if someone were to fall off a horse, it could result in serious injury.

Therefore, he suggested changing the plan. However, the director, Hyun Si-woo, was quite adamant.

"Hahaha, I want to shoot it as is~"

Despite Kwak Young-joo's attempts to raise concerns, Hyun Si-woo continued to laugh and insist that it would be fine, so Kwak Young-joo gave up on convincing him.

"I don't know, let's just shoot as directed..."

Seeing the grand set and beautiful overseas location, Kwak Young-joo felt regretful. Once the plan started to go awry, it would be impossible to fully utilize the beautiful backdrop. However, when the director and the stars are this stubborn, there's not much that can be done.

Wasting time, location, and money seemed inevitable, but Kwak Young-joo decided to follow Hyun Si-woo's instructions. After all, he had already received his payment in advance.

The reputable agency, Solarsystem, had never had issues with payments for external staff. It seems they are indeed a company known for paying well.

"We're ready for the shoot."

"Yes, then let's start with the first scene~"

True to its adventurous plan, the first scene involved various movements, including wire actions. The first scene featured Yu Gun-ja, who was known for his physical prowess.

Kwak Young-joo had seen many references and knew how well Gun-ja moved. Especially the rooftop action in [Mission ImpossiBuddha] showcased a level of quality that rivaled action movies.

However, to achieve such impressive action, there must have been numerous takes.

Kwak Young-joo was certain that no actor in Korea could deliver such complex action in a single take. At least, no one he knew could.

But as soon as the shoot began, Kwak Young-joo had to admit that his assumption was wrong.

Swish, swish, swish—

"...?"

"Cut, it's okay~"

The first take was completed in an instant. Gun-ja executed the movements exactly as director Hyun Si-woo had requested. From the starting point to the ending point, the angles, expressions, and even the details of his fingertips were perfect.

Even as he followed Gun-ja through the viewfinder, Kwak Young-joo couldn't believe his eyes.

Was this really not CGI or compositing but an actual performance by the actor? And not a professional actor or stuntman, but an active idol?

If he had lost his composure, he might have forgotten to follow the subject, but Kwak Young-joo's instincts and professionalism kept him from ruining the perfect performance due to technical staff mistakes.

"...Wow..."

It seemed that the first assistant director, who was holding the focus ring, shared Kwak Young-joo's sentiments. The secondary and tertiary staff were already starry-eyed.

"Director Kwak..."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Can you show us the shot we just took again?"

"Are you crazy? The director hasn't requested a playback yet."

Though he firmly refused the request to replay the shot, Kwak Young-joo was the most eager to see it again.

How can a human move so gracefully? Is this really a person?

As if reading Kwak Young-joo's mind, director Hyun Si-woo approached with a broad smile.

"Director Kwak~"

"Oh, yes...!"

"Haha, why are you so surprised~"

"It's not that..."

Even though Kwak Young-joo was a senior to Hyun Si-woo, he felt nothing but embarrassment at this moment. Embarrassedly scratching his head, Kwak Young-joo bowed to Hyun Si-woo.

"Director, I'm sorry."

"Huh? What for?"

"I only judged by the plan and thought the shoot would be difficult. I didn't fully understand the performer's capabilities and tried to take a safer route."

Though Kwak Young-joo's expression was serious, Si-woo maintained his cheerful smile.

"Director Kwak, it's okay~ I'm surprised every time I see Gun-ja too~"

"...Yes, it was quite surprising..."

"You were trying to ensure the safety of the shoot, and we all appreciate that~"

"Well... that was part of it, but..."

"Hahaha, you seem like a good person, Director Kwak~"

Seeing Si-woo's pure smile, Kwak Young-joo felt somehow cleansed. Just then, Gun-ja, who had finished with the wires, came over to the monitor and requested a playback.

"Si-woo, can we see the shot we just filmed again?"

"Haha, sure! Is there something bothering you?"

"Uh, the landing posture seems a bit off."

"Well, I thought it was fine~ Should we try it again?"

"Is that possible?"

"Of course~ Director Kwak, please request the playback one more time~"

"Yes, understood."

Nodding loyally, Kwak Young-joo hurried with the camera team towards the main camera.

Having developed a certain prejudice against idols through his work with many of them, Kwak Young-joo found that Gun-ja and the 7IN members were different from those he had seen before.

"Byung-hoon."

"Yes, Director."

"I think I might become a fan of these kids."

"Wow, really? You usually don't like idols much."

"That's true. But... don't they seem a bit different?"

"Yes, they do. Our kids are already following them on SNS."

"SNS? Like Twitty? How does that work?"

"Yes, there's Twitty, and also something called J-App."

"J-App? What's that?"

"It's... oh, never mind. Hyo-jung! Please install J-App for Director Kwak!"

"Okay? J-App?"

"Yes, our Director Kwak says he might become a fan of Chillin!"

"Wow! Is that true?"

"Hey, be quiet about it!"

***

The filming of the two title tracks' music videos was completed smoothly without any trouble. The flashy action scenes and horseback riding scenes, which had been a concern, turned out even better than anticipated.

The second title track, with a softer feel compared to the intense first title track, showcased a bright early spring atmosphere. Despite being two completely contrasting concepts, the members seamlessly embodied the mood and satisfied everyone on set.

"Great job—!!"

"Yes, thank you—!!"

Most of the on-site staff, including director Kwak Young-joo, became fans of 7IN. Wherever they went, 7IN seemed to cast a spell that made everyone fall in love with them.

Soon, rough edits of the two title tracks were released. Not only was Hyun Si-woo proactive in the shooting, but he also took a leading role in editing, making significant contributions to the overall direction of the music videos.

"Haha, this is still an uncorrected version, so please view it lightly~"

Although it was a rough quality due to the lack of detailed color correction, it was enough to leave the Solar system executives and members in awe.

"Wow, wow..."

"Wow, this turned out amazing!?"

"Hyun Si-woo—!! Why did you make me look so handsome—!!"

"Hahaha, Gun-ja~ I'm breathless~"

As the team leader, Seo Eun-woo was 120% satisfied with the results.

Even though Si-woo had shown his skills on the [Mission ImpossiBuddha] set, Seo Eun-woo, who was initially concerned because it was Si-woo's first time directing a music video, trusted him with the role. Si-woo exceeded expectations and perfectly fulfilled that trust. Of course, the efforts of the members who followed Si-woo's direction flawlessly were also highly praised.

"This is really... truly beyond expectations. This music video is almost entirely the result of your and the on-site staff's efforts."

"Haha, the company also helped a lot~"

"That's right. The set was really amazing!"

"No, we just spent money."

"Haha, money is a skill too~"

Si-woo humbly downplayed his contributions, but Seo Eun-woo and Lee Yong-jung had looks of admiration, as if they thought their members were just perfect.

How can they do everything so well? Aren't our members absolute geniuses?

It felt like the two were acting like proud parents.

However, there was still business to address. The album recording, dance practice, and music video filming had been challenging, but now the most important showcase and solo concert awaited them.

"The showcase is just around the corner. We've been racing breathlessly so far, but now it's time to really focus."

"Yes, team leader!"

"You've probably heard from Lee Yong-jung, but the concert tickets have long been sold out. All 25,000 seats at Sky Dome, without a single one left."

"Wow..."

"On the day of the performance, there will be about three times as many spectators waiting for you compared to the [Dynasty] finals. And it will be only for you, not eight competing teams."

Some members with vivid imaginations already shivered with excitement, brushing off their arms. Gun-ja also looked nervous but was excited about meeting so many fans.

"Let's hang in there a bit longer. Since it's our first solo concert in Korea, we need to meet the fans in the most splendid way possible."

"Yes!"

D-14. Just two weeks left until the first solo concert and comeback.

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