I Don’t Want to Play Villains Anymore - Chapter 50

ab*se in the Name of Art

“Ukiwat on the Block” is calm, but the cast is always glamorous.

They always bring in guests whose selection we can only imagine, creating anticipation every time a new episode (not a baseball game) comes out.

In this dopamine-driven world, it is one of the few shows that provide calm laughter.

It held high viewer ratings and a fixed fanbase.

– Breaking News) The next guest on “Ukiwat on the Block” is Baek Ha-neul!

– I think I’ve heard that name before; who is it?

– That famous child actress

– Let’s just see if she comes…

– I’m curious about how she’s been doing. She hasn’t been on much and has taken a break.

According to the information in the preview, this episode features Baek Ha-neul.

The hit dramas that have broken records and the genius whose work has been sensationalized.

Directors who have worked with her praised her, and other actors were always in admiration…

A prodigious talent.

Especially Suha from “Diary of a Villain,” who was famous for frightening parents who watched alone by saying it was too dangerous for children and for creating an incident where children watched it together with parents.

– But wasn’t there some controversy about her?

– A young actor’s controversy, lol. It’s about Gong Mu-heon; the role was too brutal.

– It’s terrifying to think I was living with that.

– She’s cute, haha. Where does she live?

However, since Haneul did not provide any answers and simply became an ordinary person, all lingering questions remained.

It could also be that she might be blocked from “Ukiwat.”

Typically, “Ukiwat” used to get viewer ratings of around 5%, but it was nearing 5.8% this time.

This indicates how much curiosity the public had about Baek Ha-neul, who had been shrouded in mystery, and their desire to know how that doll-like girl grew up.

And then, “Ukiwat” began.

The show’s unique gentle and emotional music flowed as the screen lit up.

The studio’s warm yellow lighting and neat set combined to create a soothing atmosphere for the viewers.

Woo Jae-sook smiled leisurely and brought out the usual opening lines.

[Hello, I’m Woo Jae-sook from “Ukiwat on the Block.”]

[Yes, hello! I’m Joo Se-han, responsible for the stylish glasses next to my hyung today!]

Laughter from the production crew could be faintly heard behind the camera.

The typical warm energy of the show was flowing.

[Se-han, we have a really special guest today, right?]

[That’s right! They said our producer cried after successfully booking her.]

[Cried, you say?]

[Yes, I saw it. She said she wanted to go home and cried.]

A light laugh passed.

However, unlike this cheerful atmosphere, viewers’ anticipation was gradually building.

– When?? Naughton???

– Was she abandoned as a child? Just hang in there.

– Will she really not come out like this?

A moment later, the screen slowly moved to the guest seat.

There sat Baek Ha-neul.

The image captured by the camera was quite different from the remnants of Suha from years ago.

Instead of the fierce and cold image of young Suha, she was now in a high school uniform, with her naturally cascading silver hair giving off a soft and gentle vibe.

And her face.

Describing Baek Ha-neul’s face in just one word was quite difficult.

This was because contrasting feelings that did not seem to match her face coexisted.

If someone saw her for the first time, they might gasp and freeze for a moment to take in her appearance.

Haneul had an appearance that seemed to embody the word “pure.”

Her fair skin was so clear that you could see the veins slightly through it.

When light hit her, a faint bluish hue would rise, making her look delicate enough to break at any moment.

Especially when you looked into her eyes, it was even more so.

Baek Ha-neul’s eyes had a deep and transparent blue, not merely beautiful and clear but…

Calm and chilly like a cold lake at dawn in midwinter.

When she silently gazed at someone with a neutral expression, it felt like you could be sucked into those blue irises.

In summary:

– Wow, amazing

– So stunning, right?

– Thank goodness she has grown up

– She’s seriously so pretty

– And she’s still a high school student, lol. A bundle of potential

This suggests that there was more than enough reason for such reactions.

Looking a bit stiff, Haneul rested her hands quietly on her lap.

Woo Jae-sook looked at Haneul and began the discussion with a gentle smile.

[The guest we have today, we don’t need an introduction. She’s one of the most influential actresses in Korea. Today, we will help unveil some of the mysteries surrounding her. Now, can you please introduce yourself?]

At Woo Jae-sook’s words, Haneul slowly raised her gaze to the camera, the nervousness filling her eyes overflowing the screen.

[Hello, I’m actress Baek Ha-neul.]

Though it was a brief introduction, that one sentence quickly garnered responses online.

– Wow, Shin Sound, haha.

– Is she that princess who used to have a short tongue? She’s really matured…

– Pure yet somehow cold; I can’t quite explain.

– One thing is certain: she’s really great, uh-huh.

– Are they seriously going to make that pretty girl act in a horror series? What a twisted year.

– I’m sorry, Haneul. I misunderstood…

While the community buzzed with excitement, questions began in the studio.

[Haneul, it was really hard to get you here.]

[Um… I’m sorry. I haven’t appeared much lately…]

When Haneul smiled shyly, Joo Se-han burst into laughter.

[Ah, it seems our producer really cried, didn’t they? Haneul, you need to take responsibility.]

[Uh… what? How can I… ]

[Haha, just kidding! We’re also Hanul’s fans!]

A smile spread across Haneul’s face. Her defenses seemed to relax just a little.

[You haven’t been very active lately. Was there a reason?]

In response to Woo Jae-sook’s cautious question, Haneul slowly composed her thoughts before speaking.

[I wanted to… take a break.]

The studio momentarily fell silent.

Haneul took a breath and continued.

[I wanted to go to school. I felt like if I kept taking heavy roles, I would lose a bit of myself… ]

Woo Jae-sook nodded quietly.

His eyes looked filled with earnest understanding.

[The role of Suha in “Diary of a Villain” was like that, right? I remember some parents cried while watching it at home because it was so difficult to watch. How was it for you, Haneul?]

Haneul slightly lowered her gaze, offering a faint smile.

[Suha was… scary. While filming, I was absorbed in the role, but after it finished, I realized, ‘Oh, I was doing that.’ ]

Shin Sound trembled slightly. She looked down at her hands.

[I’m really sorry to the director… but honestly, it was hard.]

Then she ignited the atmosphere.

– Isn’t Gong Mu-heon living well these days?

– I heard he’s planning on shooting a new drama.

– It’s about time they meet again.

Woo Jae-sook was a professional broadcaster.

Even without being a professional, he understood what kind of reactions Haneul’s words would bring.

And in consideration of this, they had prepared a video message in advance.

Woo Jae-sook internally smiled and excitedly shouted.

[In that sense! A video letter from Director Gong Mu-heon, who has been criticized, will be unveiled!]

[… What?]

– Suddenly a wild twist, lol

– Mu-heon, it’s your last chance…

– For real, if this flops, he becomes the crazy perverted director.

Click…

The video activation sound was heard, and the camera came to focus on the now slightly wrinkled Gong Mu-heon, who was adjusting his glasses in front of the camera.

Gong Mu-heon looked cautious, unlike his usual confident self, and the online community was already buzzing.

– Lol, Mu-heon looks so nervous.

– Look at his trembling hands. Did he get sued?

– Wasn’t Gong Mu-heon usually quite confident? Lmao

– Haneul’s one word and he’s making this video in front of everyone, lol.

Gong Mu-heon cleared his throat once again and began to speak cautiously, like someone narrating a formal apology.

[Hello… I’m Gong Mu-heon. Um… I hastily made this video because I was told I would be appearing on “Ukiwat” today.]

He adjusted his glasses once more.

A brief silence followed. Gong Mu-heon took a deep breath and looked directly at the camera with serious eyes.

[Haneul… First of all… I’m truly sorry.]

It was a short statement, but that one sentence froze everyone watching the broadcast.

– Wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing Gong Mu-heon apologize.

– Honestly, I thought he’d never apologize, given his personality.

– Haneul endured so much, and this is all he says?

– Is Haneul your parent?

Gong Mu-heon seemed to be pondering how he should continue.

He bowed his head slightly, pausing for a moment before continuing slowly.

[While filming “Diary of a Villain”… to be honest, I always believed in Haneul. I thought she was the only one who could portray Suha in that age group. I’m a director who will never compromise on any work, so I never compromised on the role of Suha. But…]

His voice trembled slightly.

[… for me, it became art.]

Gong Mu-heon’s eyes reddened slightly.

He cleared his throat again and seemed to try and suppress his emotions by covering his face with his hands while taking off his glasses.

– What kind of dramatic twist is this, lol.

– This guy still hasn’t gotten past that artist sickness…

– But being an artist and making excuses like that is so pathetic.

Gong Mu-heon looked up again. His eyes were now filled with serious remorse.

[But at that time, I was ignorant. I realized Haneul was a young actress, but ultimately… just a young child. No matter how talented an actor, no matter how suitable the role, I placed too much burden on Haneul… That was my fault.]

The mood became somber, but his heartfelt expression was gradually shifting the online community’s mood.

– Even so, Gong Mu-heon seems genuine…

– Hearing Haneul’s struggles made him feel suddenly guilty, doesn’t it?

– Honestly, as a director, it’s impressive. It was because of him that Haneul’s acting could truly shine, right?

Gong Mu-heon took a deep breath again.

[Haneul, once again, I apologize. I was truly ignorant. Under the name of direction, under the name of art… I was injuring you. I was just focused on directing.]

His words were soaked with deep sorrow.

[Thank you and I’m sorry for portraying Suha so perfectly. Haneul, you’re already a wonderful actress, but I’m sure you will become an even more amazing actress in the future. And… I hope we can work together again someday. I sincerely wish it to be in a good project.]

– Wow, check out those apology skills; he truly is a world-class director.

– For real, he’s going to win an Oscar someday.

– It’s wild how he can play with emotions; he’s really a genius.

Once his words ended, the screen momentarily froze before returning to the “Ukiwat” studio.

Baek Ha-neul’s face showed a mix of shock, surprise, and complex emotions.

She seemed at a loss for words, quietly fidgeting with her fingertips.

Woo Jae-sook spoke softly, seemingly trying to ease the situation.

[Haneul, are you okay?]

Haneul bowed her head slightly and then slowly lifted it, gazing into the camera.

In that instant, her eyes were incredibly delicate and profound.

[I don’t blame the director. At that time, both the director and I were too invested in the role of Suha. But hearing you say this brings me great comfort. Thank you.]

Haneul’s calm response created a stir online again.

– Wow, Haneul’s so cool…

– Look at that poise.

– Baek Ha-neul is incredibly mature.

– It’s touching to see Mu-heon and Haneul reconcile.

– Saying that makes it sound like something from “Animal Farm.”

Joo Se-han attempted to lighten the mood with a joke.

[Alright, we wrapped up this controversial relationship with the director beautifully! As expected, our “Ukiwat” is an integrative program!]

Laughter from the production team was heard, and a smile returned to Haneul’s face.

[Now for the final question: have you decided on your next steps…?]

[… Ah. For my next project.]

A sly smile appeared.

Haneul looked like a child who had just come up with a mischievous joke rather than maintaining her adult-like demeanor.

– What is it?

– This feels uneasy.

– Are we really not getting another drama?

– Please let it be a drama, please let it be a drama, please let it be a drama, please let it be a drama, please let it be a drama, lol…

[I will delay answering, refuse, and actively defend against legal inquiries.]

[What? Haneul, we’re uncles, so we don’t say that well.]

[I feel like I’m being insulted…]

[This could be a hint. I won’t reveal the answer, so how about waiting until the movie comes out?]

All day long.