Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 49

The rumor that Kim Dong-hoo successfully filmed The Swordsman Baek Dong-su spread quickly. SKS Broadcasting, the production company behind the show, was buzzing with excitement.

"They say he didn’t make a single mistake during filming." "Are you serious? That can't be true, can it?" "It’s true! He handled the sword so well that even the martial arts director was impressed." "Who was the martial arts director again? Gi Seong-chan, right? That strict guy." "Yeah! He rarely gives compliments and always has that stern face!" "That’s really impressive."

Kim Dong-hoo, whose popularity is rapidly rising, had joined their ranks.

With his remarkable looks and acting skills, it had been painful to watch him excel on a rival network. But now that he was on their side, they couldn't have been happier.

"If things keep going this well, our ratings might hit thir—" "Shh! Don’t jinx it."

Although many people still watched TV, a 30% rating was on an entirely different level. A hit show like Secret Garden had achieved 35% ratings, so hitting 30% was considered the benchmark for a major success.

"Other shows are doing fine, but breaking 30% really makes a difference..." "Yeah, that’s when the big investments and advertisements start rolling in."

The rumor that Kim Dong-hoo hadn’t made a single mistake slowly evolved into speculation:

"Could Kim Dong-hoo be the key to breaking the 30% rating threshold?" While it was just a whisper below the surface, it was starting to spread. Who knew when someone might bring it into the open?

+++++

“Is Kim Dong-hoo really that impressive?”

In a salon for his schedule, Park Jin-hyuk, who played the child role of Baek Dong-su, pondered the rumors he had been hearing.

"I haven’t seen it firsthand, so I’m not sure."

The entertainment industry was as sensitive to rumors as it was quick to spread them. Even if you wanted to avoid it, you’d inevitably hear things in this business. The hottest rumor these days was Kim Dong-hoo's remarkable looks and talent. He knew Dong-hoo was handsome from watching High Dream, but he couldn’t make any quick judgments on his talent without seeing it for himself.

"Does he just seem impressive because he’s handsome, or is he really that good at acting?"

He had watched High Dream, though not very thoroughly, so Park Jin-hyuk was curious about meeting Kim Dong-hoo at the upcoming shoot.

Just then...

“Oh, sunbae-nim! Hello!” “Hmm? Jin-hyuk, huh? Are you preparing for the shoot?” “Yes, it’s for The Swordsman Baek Dong-su.” “Oh, right, right.”

Park Jin-hyuk greeted Han Tae-gun, the lead actor from Endless Frontline, whom he had bumped into at the same salon.

“Filming historical dramas is long and tough, but it’s rewarding once you’re done. Feels like experiencing the past, doesn’t it?” “It really does! I want to do even better this time since it’s a reshoot.” “A reshoot? Why?” “Oh, the child actor practicing swordsmanship got hurt, so they brought in another actor to film it again.”

The two continued chatting. Park Jin-hyuk admired Han Tae-gun beyond just being agency mates—he was truly captivated by Tae-gun’s intense, emotional acting.

“How can someone act that well?” Park Jin-hyuk often found himself thinking. Han Tae-gun was that kind of actor for him.

“Who’s the other actor?” “Oh, you might have heard of him. Kim Dong-hoo...” “Kim Dong-hoo? You mean that Kim Dong-hoo?” “Yes, wait, you know him?”

Han Tae-gun almost admitted he had worked on a film with Dong-hoo but stopped himself.

‘The recruit must stay a secret weapon until the very end.’

Secrecy was paramount. Kim Dong-hoo’s appearance, planned as the film’s ace, was not meant to be revealed yet.

‘And now he’s joined another drama?’

Han Tae-gun marveled at Kim Dong-hoo’s seemingly superhuman stamina. Based on timing alone, it didn’t seem like Dong-hoo had taken any significant breaks. Yet he was performing flawlessly in every project.

‘Come to think of it, he was flying solo during Endless Frontline too.’

Even if he was young, his level of activity was something that couldn't simply be explained by youth.

“Well, I’ve heard some things here and there,” Han Tae-gun said evasively, trying to change the subject quickly, worried he might slip and reveal something he shouldn’t.

However, Park Jin-hyuk’s next words stopped him cold.

“I’m actually going to be working with Kim Dong-hoo tomorrow, and I’m really curious. Is he really that good at acting?”

Park Jin-hyuk’s innocent curiosity ensnared Han Tae-gun.

“Jin-hyuk, do your best.” “Uh, what?” “If you don’t give it your all, things might get complicated. So seriously, put everything you’ve got into it.”

Han Tae-gun locked eyes with Park Jin-hyuk, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, emphasizing as gently as he could.

“Put your entire effort into it, and try to outshine Kim Dong-hoo in every way.”

Don’t just try to match him; never underestimate him. Han Tae-gun sincerely advised. He had years of acting experience that boosted his confidence, but...

‘Will young actors be able to muster their passion when they see Kim Dong-hoo?’

Han Tae-gun had watched all of High Dream with keen interest.

Kim Dong-hoo had burst onto the scene like a supernova, trampling everyone underfoot like a tyrant and naturally standing out on his own.

Han Tae-gun hoped Park Jin-hyuk wouldn’t have to experience something similar.

++++++

The morning after the first successful shoot, it was still cold enough to need a hot pack.

I was in the warm van, reviewing the script.

‘The weight and scope are entirely different.’

With High Dream, Endless Frontline, and even The Hero, none of these roles had significant screen time. Although my scenes as Lee Jae-yi increased towards the end, they were still short overall.

This time, however, I had at least eight episodes lined up. In terms of screen time, importance, and role, it was essentially a lead role.

‘I’m really looking forward to this.’

All that was left was filming, as I’d already immersed myself in the role.

“Dong-hoo, we’re here.” “Yes.”

As soon as Seok-ho opened the door, I stepped out.

“Hello!”

I made my presence known with a hearty greeting.

After greeting the director and my seniors, exchanging the usual pleasantries, I jumped right into preparations.

‘Today, I’m working with a senior actor.’

Cha Min-soo—a seasoned actor with a deep, impactful presence. I’d heard he practiced kendo regularly.

‘Who would’ve thought I’d get a chance to match swords with someone like him?’

Unlike High Dream, where our scenes had been mere dialogues, today we would be clashing emotions and synchronizing our breaths.

I was already excited.

“So, you’re Dong-hoo, right?”