Touring the drama filming set was much more interesting than I had anticipated.
Perhaps because it was a drama produced by NHK, a public broadcasting station in Japan, it seemed that a tremendous amount of capital had been invested in just one drama.
Not only classrooms and hallways but also the apartment where the main character, the passionate teacher Akito, lived and the students’ homes were realistically created.
I knew that filming technology had advanced a lot recently, but I didn’t realize that all of this was a set.
I had assumed they rented similar places for the shooting.
When I reached the area piled with various props, perhaps the director had already informed them, as the staff offered me a few to handle, including rubber pipes, sugar glass bottles, and breakaway wooden sticks.
As I walked around the set, I saw the main and supporting actors of the drama performing in front of the camera.
As befits a youth drama broadcast nationwide, all the actors who played the roles were either popular idols, handsome and beautiful actors, or experienced middle-aged actors.
From a familiar-looking gentleman to an actress who always played elegant lady roles to idols who were currently doing well.
And among them, shining confidently, was Minato Naoya.“You don’t know me, Teacher! So don’t act like you know everything!”
“Sato!”
Minato, tears streaming down her face, ran away down the hallway, and the handsome actor playing the teacher watched her back with a distant look.
“Cut! That was excellent!”
As the director waved the rolled-up script and gave the cut sign, Minato, who had run far off, came running back with a smile and asked,
“How was my acting?”
“Minato’s acting is always great~”
Seemingly close, she exchanged feedback and joked around with the actor who played the enthusiastic teacher, Akito.
They looked like a perfect pair, making quite a picturesque scene for the viewers.
Probably even the director capturing the scene on camera would think so.
Observing from a non-intrusive distance with my arms crossed, I checked the time on my smartphone as my stomach rumbled.
Lost in watching them, it had already become 2 PM before I realized.
Usually, I would have eaten by this time.
Wondering how to sort out lunch here, I looked around. Suddenly, a person who seemed to be a drama staff member yelled at the director and actors.
“The food truck is ready! Everyone, go have your meal!”
Then, the filming site visibly began to buzz with life.
All the actors or staff, having skipped meals since morning and focused solely on filming, must be hungry.
Trying not to disturb the drama shooting, I had been observing from a distance, and now I turned my gaze in the direction where people were flocking.
There must be a food truck at the end.
I should follow them, eat, and then slowly head back to the waiting room.
After all, I heard the scene I was appearing in as an extra was going to be shot in the afternoon.
The food truck was parked outside the set in an open space.
It was already crowded—almost a sea of people, with many already lined up.
I took my place at the end of the line.
Immediately, curious glances from the people around me started piercing the back of my head.
“That’s the guy who’s been wandering around the set.”
“I heard he’s an extra, personally cast by the director.”
“He looks intense. Did they bring in a real gangster or something?”
“Look at those muscles. You can see them even through his clothes.”
“Doesn’t he have a bigger chest than you?”
“Hey! Want to die?”
Hearing that, I unconsciously adjusted my collar.
Despite this, the whispering from behind didn’t cease.
Pondering what to do, I eventually decided to speak up.
“Could you please be a little quieter?”
As I said this and turned around, the people in line behind me simultaneously clammed up.
As if they had made a pact.
Finally relieved from the annoying noise, I sighed lightly and looked forward.
‘Now I can finally relax.’
About 15 minutes later.
The people behind me, who had been whispering among themselves, fell silent after my remark.
The menu at the food truck was essentially like a buffet.
Thanks to this, I could get as much food as I wanted. In search of a quiet place to eat alone, I found a secluded table that was unoccupied.
After sitting down, just as I was about to take a spoonful, I heard a familiar voice.
“Ah! Senior! You’re here!”
“……”
Why can’t I even eat in peace?
Turning my head slightly, I saw Minato with a beaming smile and the handsome actor I had seen earlier, both holding their trays.
He was definitely the male actor playing the lead role of the passionate teacher Akito in this drama.
“Hello.”
As I said that and nodded slightly, the male actor asked with a gentle smile,
“What’s your name?”
“I’m Kim Yu-seong.”
“Oh, you must be Korean.”
“Yes. I’m a second-generation Zainichi Korean.” 1
After exchanging brief greetings, as I was about to resume eating, the two naturally joined me at my table.
“Judging by your outfit, it seems you’re appearing in the scene where Minato gets captured by thugs today.”
“Yes. Somehow, I ended up appearing as an extra.”
“Then, it looks like we’ll be working together today. Let’s do our best!”
After saying that, he extended his right hand to me.
It seemed like he wanted a handshake, so I lightly shook his hand.
Afterward, they chatted about various things, including the drama shooting.
Well, I didn’t understand much, so I just ate my meal quietly.
Having quickly finished my meal and about to leave the uncomfortable spot, Minato exclaimed in surprise upon seeing me.
“Eh? Senior? Have you already finished eating?”
“I was a bit hungry since I ate breakfast early.”
“Then let’s go together! I’m on a diet these days, so I don’t have much appetite.”
Saying so, Minato attempted to stand up with her half-eaten tray, but I declined, indicating it was okay.
“You should eat well to stay healthy. You don’t seem like you need to lose weight, so don’t overdo the diet and eat properly.”
Then, Minato looked up at me with a suddenly touched expression.
“Senior…”
Wondering if I had been unnecessarily intrusive, I regretted my words a bit too late and said, pressing down on my cap,
“I’m going. Take your time eating.”
“Yes! I’ll definitely finish it all!”
I nodded to the male actor playing Akito and then headed toward the food truck to return my empty tray.
After lunch, I returned to the container and began to wait indefinitely.
I had already seen everything of interest in the morning, and wandering around further seemed awkward.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the staff called out.
“Actors playing thugs today, please get ready!”
“Yes!”
At the staff’s call, actors like me, dressed in black gakuran, one by one rose from their seats.
Unlike me, who was dressed in a modified gakuran reminiscent of the delinquents from the ’80s and ’90s Banchō films, everyone else was wearing an ordinary gakuran. 2
Seeing the contrast felt a bit unfair, but I thought it made sense to easily distinguish myself as the gang leader.
Following the staff’s guidance, I headed to the filming location.
The set resembled a dimly lit warehouse, with oil drums scattered around, some filled with burning wood and newspapers.
The walls were adorned with colorful graffiti, giving it the undeniable look of a delinquent’s hideout.
After waiting for a bit, the actors, staff, and the director, apparently having finished another shoot, entered one after the other.
Minato waved at me happily upon seeing me, but due to the serious atmosphere of the set, I just nodded lightly in response.
Then, a filming staff member approached and began explaining the situation to each actor.
Meanwhile, the director came over to me and said,
“Kim, just being still is enough to set the mood. Once filming starts, sit on the box and lean against the wall. When I give the signal, slowly stand up.”
“What should I do next?”
“When the thug has finished blabbering, simply say ‘Let him go,’ and that’s it.”
“…Understood. I’ll give it a try.”
With all the explanations complete, the actual drama shooting began.
Minato, presumably captured by the thugs who were the underlings of my character, was thrown to the ground, tied up with ropes. Following that, the actor playing the passionate teacher, Akito, entered, shouting angrily.
“What are you doing?! That person is my student!”
Then, as the other extras and the protagonist were grappling with each other, the director gave a signal by shaking the script in his hand.
In sync with that, I slowly rose from the wooden box, my right hand in my trouser pocket.
And when everyone’s gaze in the warehouse turned to me, I uttered just one line, as the director had requested.
“Let him go.”
ED/N: "Zainichi Korean" is a term for ethnic Koreans living in Japan, including those who have become Japanese citizens and those who remain citizens of South Korea or North Korea. The word "Zainichi" means "staying in Japan" and is used for Koreans who have been in Japan for many generations. ️
ED/N: The gakuran is a traditional Japanese school uniform worn by male students, known for its dark color and formal style resembling European naval officers' uniforms. On the other hand, the "bancho gakuran" is a modified version often worn by student gang leaders or delinquents in manga and anime. It features personalized accessories and styling, reflecting a rebellious or authoritative personality. ️
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter