Chapter 75:


    <i>Its here!</i>


    With hands sped together in anticipation, Lee Hyejin gazed intently at the television screen, her eyes sparkling.


    Since the first episode of "First Time With a Wandering Theater Troupe" airedst week, SNS was abuzz with excitement, spawning numerous memes.


    The first episode depicted Um Jiyoung, Moon Yuhwa, and Yoon Se enjoying a short trip in Munich, watching a y, and then the process of preparing for their own y as they moved to Berlin.


    The sight of the actors, notmonly seen on variety shows, enjoying their trip and engaging in cheerful conversations was therapeutic for viewers.


    However, the real thrill came after the mid-episodemercial break.


    The startled reaction of the production team upon coincidentally filming Yooil in Berlin was the starting signal.


    Is that Han Yooil?


    The shocked face of the second PD and the shaky camera were broadcasted unedited.


    Following their authentic reaction, Han Yooil appeared.


    His scene in a Berlin cafe, performing in English, spawned countless memes and captivated the audience with its well-crafted editing.


    The episode then broadcasted the process of PD Yoo Jihyuk securing Han Yooil''s participation in Korea a few days before the trip to Germany.


    [Just days before the trip to Germany, at JJ Entertainment]


    PD Yoo: Of course! We will also cover your return flight!


    Yooil: I''m interested.


    [Deal closed coolly]


    The humorous editing, suggesting Yooil''s decision was swayed by the offer of a flight ticket, became a hot topic, not just on Han Yooil''s fan ounts but also on other BlueChat ounts.


    This led up to the moment in the first episode where the three actors and Han Yooil met for the first time in Berlin.


    A weekter, the second episode aired with a tense atmosphere, contrasting the lively mood of the first episode.


    But is this really possible?


    I''ll be frank since it''s just us, but I think it''s going to be hard. Because it''s hard for me too. It''s not some acting workshop. We have to perform on stage.


    Hearing the serious conversation between Yoon Se and Moon Yuhwa, Hyejin started to worry.


    But her concerns quickly dissipated as the rehearsal began.


    Basil


    Han Yooil no, The Picture of Dorian Gray'' spoke for the first time.


    Hyejin''s eyes widened.


    <i>Wow.''</i>


    Even though it was an edited scene, the tension of that moment was palpable. Hyejin, who had nned to post livements on BlueChat during the broadcast, was so engrossed in the rehearsal that she forgot her initial intention.


    I am your creation. The soul of the beautiful Dorian Gray'' you love.


    The close-up shot of Moon Yuhwa''s eyes widening at the edge of the rehearsal room was justified by thepelling performance.


    Captivated by the rehearsal, Hyejin blinked rapidly as the credits suddenly appeared.


    [Next episode preview!]


    Hyejin stared nkly at the preview for the third episode of "First Time With a Wandering Theater Troupe."


    <i>Is it over already?''</i>


    In disbelief, she checked the clock, startled to realize that an hour had swiftly passed.


    In fact, "First Time With a Wandering Theater Troupe" was a challenging program for the actors. As they had to deliver genuine performances on stage, it was a far cry from thefort and ease of typical variety shows. That''s why the program mainly recruited actors with extensive experience in the industry.


    <i>Incredible''</i>


    Lee Hyejin, still feeling the lingering effect of the show, picked up her phone. Justst week, she often saw reactions like, "So why is Han Yooil in it?" But with a mix of worry and excitement, she started searching for updates.


    Watching Wandering Theater Troupe


    [I mean, Yoo Jihyuk is himself. Everyone seems unsure during individual practice, but the moment rehearsal starts, their chemistry is just amazing]


    Agree Of course, there''s some directing, but the rehearsal feels so satisfying


    Feels like watching a sports drama.


    Thrilling!


    Anyone watching Wandering Theater Troupe?? Got a question.


    [I only saw the 1st episode clips, but there was a scene from the trailer where Han Yooil was filming something on a terrace what was he filming? Wasn''t he there for a film festival?]


    Yeah, he went there for the film festival.


    But why was he filming?


    It was a personal short film project, not an official schedule!


    Yeah, he filmed it with two directors and one actor, got close during the after-party and decided to do it.


    Here''s the full video (link).


    Wow, thank you!


    I was shocked the moment I heard Amy Baumbeck''s name


    Not well-known in Korea, but Amy Baumbeck and Philippe Sciamma are pretty hot directors recently.


    But while watching Wandering Theater Troupe, I can''t help but feel


    [(Wandering Theater Troupe screenshot)


    Is it just me, or do Um Jiyoung and Moon Yuhwa look like Han Yooil''s parents?]


    Hyejin couldn''t help butugh at the attached screenshot.


    In the photo, Han Yooil sat in the middle, speaking earnestly, while Um Jiyoung and Moon Yuhwa on either side watched him with deep, affectionate eyes. It was a scene from the middle of episode 2, just before the rehearsal.


    LOL, look at that sweet gaze.


    Ahahaha


    But everyone seems to love Han Yooil


    Han Yooil seems more sociable than I thought.


    Yeah, even during breaks, he takes care of everyone so well. I would adore him too lol.


    As the show continued, Wandering Theater Troupe'' started trending in variousmunities.


    (Chat) Anyone watching Wandering Theater Troupe?


    [Just caught it while having ate dinner, it''s really entertaining~ Everyone acts sooo well..^^]


    Me! Today''s episode was really impressive


    Han Yooil? That guy''s acting is really good. Polite even to the elders~


    Is that young actor Han Yooil? Wondered where he came from~^^.


    Watched it too~~ Wish I could see the y in Korea~


    Wandering Theater Troupe is fun


    [Started watching because there was nothing else, but their acting is insane. Even the rehearsal gave me chills;;]


    Agree. Watching it made me think it would be great if Um Jiyoung, Moon Yuhwa, and Yoon Se starred in a movie together.


    Didn''t expect much, but it''s entertaining. The young male actor''s performance is really good.


    Thought he was just a pretty face, but was surprised by his acting skills. lol


    * * *


    While various reactions to "First Time With a Wandering Theater Troupe" poured in on SNS, Han Yooil was in the practice room. Recently, Yooil had beenmuting to the set for five shoots, and on non-shooting days, he mostly spent his time practicing. Thepany-provided apartment''s close proximity to thepany made it convenient for him to reach the practice room without any hassle.


    Regardless of Yooil''s state, the shooting itself was smooth. Director Won Heesu was satisfied with every shoot, but ever since Seo Hyunju''sment, Yooil found it hard to immerse himselfpletely in the shoots.


    Currently, they were filming the part where Kiwoon'' cautiously approaches Jinhee, and, ironically, Yooil''s felt alienation and awkwardness matched well with the drama.


    Yooil furrowed his brow in thought when Brion V.15''s voice was heard.


    Actually, the issue with Yooil''s current goal is not significantly problematic in the context of acting.


    Brion quickly continued,


    For instance, in Meisner''s view, an actor''s subconscious ambition and desire for power can form a unique basis for character interpretation within the overall flow of the y.


    Can desperation be helpful?


    As Yooil pondered with a half-convinced expression, Brion''s voice was heard again.


    More precisely, your will to survive'' can also sufficiently assist in your aplishments as an actor.


    A detedugh escaped from Yooil''s lips.


    In other words, this also meant that the current Yooil was not managing to do so.


    Something else was needed.


    Something different from the practices he was currently undertaking.


    If you wish, Yooil, we can attempt Background Immersion'' training, allowing you to experience the script''s setting in advance.


    Han Yooil''s eyes widened at the unexpected suggestion.


    "Background Immersion''?"


    It involves acting out your role within a background'' created based on the script, epassing visual, auditory, and tactile illusions.


    Kind of like a virtual experience.


    "I''ll try it."


    Nodding, Yooil frowned at a sudden thought.


    Why haven''t they informed me about this until now?


    We willmence Background Immersion'' for Scene 21.


    In that moment, Yooil''s vision was engulfed in white.


    * * *


    Han Yooil slowly blinked.


    Gradually, his vision started to clear.


    "This is"


    It was a cafe.


    Moreover, it was a cafe identical to the set he had been filming in until yesterday.


    The cafe from the 1980s where Kiwoon and Jinhee met and conversed, without the surrounding film equipment and staff members constantly watching over him.


    Yooil surveyed the interior, with its checkered tablecloths and red thick chairs lined up. In the center of the cafe, an unnamed singer was performing a folk song with a guitar.


    Yooil slowly sat down on a chair. It felt just like sitting on any ordinary chair. He raised his hand and gently brushed the tablecloth.


    "Is all of this an illusion?"


    It wasn''t just about seeing the background; it felt like he had truly entered into it.


    While Yooil was astonished by the incredible sight, someone approached him.


    Upon seeing the face, Yooil inhaled sharply.


    "!"


    A woman was walking toward him. A woman with a bob cut, wearing an elegant, light purple dress, slowly entering the cafe.


    Despite her quick and confident steps, her expression was anxious.


    "This is Jinhee,'' as Yooil imagined while reading the script."


    Jinhee was the face of a young Ha Sunwook.


    The Jinhee'' Yooil had admired and seen numerous times was right before his eyes.


    "We meet again here."


    As Jinhee spoke, Yooil responded without realizing.


    The lines of Kiwoon,'' which he had recited over and over, flowed from his lips.


    "I have been waiting for you."


    "You were waiting for me?"


    "Jinhee."


    "Please don''t say any more."


    Jinhee coldly responded and cast her gaze towards the window. Yooil followed her gaze outside. Where there was once a green screen in the set, he could now see the scenery beyond the window in full.


    A woman with permed hair and wide pants passed by, and a man with round,rge sses. A yellow personal taxi drove by on the narrow road. As Yooil watched the passersby, he slowly opened his mouth.


    "Have you ever traveled?"


    At Yooil''s question, Jinhee''s eyes slightly wavered. After a moment''s hesitation, she slowly spoke.


    "Yes. With my family, when I was young."


    "Go with me too."


    "What are you talking about"


    Startled, Jinhee looked around, but no one was paying attention to them. Yooil was about to continue his line when suddenly his breathing becamebored.


    !''


    Yooil felt dizzy and leaned on the table.


    Heart rate down 19 bpm. Body temperature down 1.5C. Oxygen saturation at 93.8%. Be cautious of hypoxia. Terminating Background Immersion'' for Scene 21.


    As Brion''s voice sounded, Yooil''s vision went dark.


    Han Yooil slowly opened his eyes. The scenery of the 1980s he had just seen vanished, reced by a practice room covered in mirrors.


    "Ha."


    A breath he didn''t realize he was holding escaped from Yooil.


    It felt like he had woken up from a long dream.


    Yooil slowly stood up, but as soon as he put weight on his legs, they gave way.


    Excessive use of Background Immersion'' can lead to fatigue, hypoxia, headaches, and chest pain.


    So that''s why they hadn''t mentioned it until now.


    Yooil looked at his reflection in the mirror. Hisplexion was far from good.


    <i>But''</i>


    Never before had he acted with all his senses so heightened.


    It seemed like through this, he might find the key to fully immerse himself in his acting.


    "Can''t do it often, though."


    Yooil gave up trying to stand andy down on the floor.


    <i>I should feel better after some rest.''</i>


    But then, an unexpected voice was heard.


    "Yooil?"


    Kim Suna was standing at the entrance of the practice room.


    Pale as a ghost.