✏️How to Write a K-Drama: Chapter Fifteen
The second male lead. 🧍🏻
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Jae Woon sighed and squatted down, suddenly feeling very tired. He had his hands full with these two, for sure. Just then, Da Young’s grip on Yul Hee “slipped” and she—mainly her foot—went flying in the air toward the old man in slow motion.
Won Joo was used to being the second male lead, both in K-dramas and in real life. That was how it had been for him since he had his first crush. Any woman he liked would always end up with another guy vying for her attention at the same time. They were always sweet men, but one time, the guy was so nice and cool even Won Joo supported him. He helped his rival-in-love plan a huge event to confess his feelings, working from dawn to dusk to decorate the pier right where the sun was going to set. Won Joo couldn’t help it. That guy was so nice and the two of them were really perfect for each other. How could he get in the way of true love? Plus, confrontation and conflict were not his thing. They sent him an invitation to their wedding only months later. It was beautiful. He even cried during the ceremony.
Sometimes, though, Won Joo couldn’t help but think there was something wrong with him. Did he have to be more assertive? He looked at the clouds outside the window, drifting by with no care in the world. He didn’t want to force anyone to like him, so he guessed he would be single no matter what. Even his fan base were mostly noonas who babied him. If they were his age or younger, they still seemed to see him as a friend, which was odd but he didn’t mind. He liked being a friend to his fans. They were all really nice and supportive, but even they didn’t get second lead syndrome when it came to his dramas.
Considering all that, Won Joo wasn’t surprised when he met up with the casting director for a new drama by Eun Joo Ni and the role they offered him was the second male lead.
“He’s trying to break into the main role, you see,” his own agent said rather noncommittally. It was like his whole agency was not resigned exactly but quite content with him being the second male lead for life. He had an uncanny knack for it. His agent figured Won Joo should at least try for more, but the agent’s attempt to get him more was obviously halfhearted.
“We understand,” the casting director said with a nod. It was like the two of them were simply reading a script. Even non-actors had to act in everyday life. “But we’ve already cast the main actors. The best role available at this moment, especially for Won Joo, is the second male lead.”
“We understand,” his agent replied with a lazy nod. “This Eun Joo Ni is a very talented writer and it would be an honor for him to be a part of that. Right, Won Joo?”
He nodded. “Yes, of course!” he replied brightly with his signature smile and smiling eyes, giving him the overall appearance of a cute puppy. The casting director melted and smiled back at him.
“And you’re okay with the schedule? I know it’s a bit abrupt, but we’re sure there will be no problem.”
“It’s very exciting!” insisted Won Joo enthusiastically.
“Perfect! Please, sign this contract.”
He looked over it and saw that he would be vying for the attention of Han Yul Hee’s character in the drama. He wouldn’t win, of course, but she seemed like a nice enough noona to work with. He signed his name and then left the room with his manager, Sung Ji Hoo, a hale man in his forties.
“Where were you last night?” Ji Hoo asked in friendly tones. He never had to worry about Won Joo, but he did like making conversation with the star, who was like a younger brother to him.
“I was wandering around looking for a good place that sells bungeoppang but got a bit lost,” he admitted sheepishly.
“You should’ve asked me!” exclaimed Ji Hoo, his eyebrows furrowed in worry. “I would’ve gotten you some.”
“It’s okay. These were ones I came across years ago, but I could never seem to find them again. They just hit different,” Won Joo explained. “But oh my god, hyung, it was so scary! There was a fight last night.”
Ji Hoo sighed. “You should be careful! What if you got involved?”
“I know you told me not to get involved in anything, and honestly, I didn’t even know who I’d help out,” he admitted. “This old man was being rude to these young women, but these young women were so scary I felt like I had to protect the old man…It was very confusing and kind of terrifying…”
–
During the night in question, Yul Hee’s foot kicked the air right next to the old man’s face and he fell backwards, falling onto his rump.
“Oh my god, Yul Hee,” whispered Da Young, “you missed.”
I don’t want to be here anymore, thought Jae Woon in despair, still squatting on the ground with a hand over his face.
“That was a warning shot, mister!” shouted Yul Hee.
“You’re very lucky, sir,” Da Young said to him, “that I don’t know martial arts like she does.”
Things only escalated from there. The old man got up and grabbed Yul Hee by the collar. Yul Hee wrapped her elbow around his neck, pulling him back and choking him. They barreled into Da Young, who tried to shove the old man off Yul Hee. Jae Woon stood up and tried to pull them all apart.
“Don’t worry, he’s a regular offender,” Da Young murmured to Jae Woon.
“I’m very worried for him,” he replied as the old man and Yul Hee grabbed each other by the hair.
“Be careful, mister!” Yul Hee shouted. “My hair’s worth way more than yours!”
“But I don’t have much left,” he whined.
Unbeknownst to them, Won Joo watched in horror from a distance.
–
Ji Hoo’s voice brought Won Joo back to the present moment. The scary incident from the night before was giving him goosebumps again.
“Well,” said Ji Hoo, “you be careful of Han Yul Hee.”
“What? Why?” asked Won Joo in surprise. “Isn’t she supposed to be the sweet girl-next-door type?”
“You might be one of the few celebrities whose public image matches your true self,” replied his manager. “I hear she’s a nightmare to work with, a complete diva. Makes the staff—even the director—cry at times. Try to be on your best behavior, okay? And maybe skirt around her as much as you can. It’s probably good you’re not the main lead here. Less screen time with her means less time with her in general.”
Won Joo nodded in deep thought and followed the manager to the van.
The news of the confirmed casting came out two days later with Yul Hee, Jae Woon, and Won Joo’s faces plastered at the top of every article. Ms. So called Da Young later in the day and excitedly said, “The project’s well underway! Everyone’s excited about the casting. Production’s already moving very quickly. They should be finalizing the locations for the first two episodes very soon. And we got word from the broadcasting station that a slot will be opening up for your drama.”
“Oh wow, we really are moving fast,” Da Young said a bit absentmindedly as she was working on tweaking the fourth episode.
“They love the script so far,” insisted Ms. So. “Things are going well with Jae Woon?”
“Mhm.”
“Great! You’ll have to keep it up while on set.”
Da Young’s ears perked up. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you’re a great writer even on-the-go. I know that’s how you generally work so I don’t foresee a problem, but they’re hoping to expedite the process.”
“What does that mean?”
A nervous edge seeped into Ms. So’s voice. “It means they’re hoping to do this more old-school. You’ll be on set for the filming, making any changes as needed, and we’ll probably be airing while we’re filming.”
“You mean like…we’ll be filming the last few episodes when the show starts to air, right?” That wasn’t so unusual these days. She could practically hear Ms. So shaking her head on the other line.
“No…another drama suddenly fell through and this is the only backup we have for airing. The drama premieres in one month. Filming starts next week.”
Next week on 🌟How to Write a K-Drama🌟
“I’m excited to work with you. I’m a fan,” he said. He was slender and tall with broad shoulders and a very calm facial expression and voice that indicated absolutely no excitement whatsoever but seemed respectful enough. Da Young gave him a small smile and shook his hand.