In the sprawling metropolis of Seoul, where dreams collide with reality, Minjoon found himself entangled in the glimmering world of the film industry. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange hue over the city, he navigated the bustling streets, his mind filled with aspirations of cinematic glory.
Minjoon's early life was a tale of hardship and determination. Abandoned by his family at a young age, he found himself placed in the care of an orphanage on the outskirts of Seoul. The walls of the institution echoed with the laughter and tears of countless children, all yearning for a place to call home. It was within these confines that Minjoon discovered his affinity for the arts. Even as a child, Minjoon possessed a natural charisma that drew others toward him. Growing up, Minjoon developed a shy personality and often kept to himself. However, the films and TV dramas that he watched with the other children at the orphanage always fascinated him. However, life within those walls was not easy. Determined to escape the cycle of despair, Minjoon vowed to pursue his dreams and never settle for less.
From a young age, Minjoon displayed a relentless work ethic. As soon as he was old enough, he took on odd jobs in the city, juggling multiple responsibilities to support himself and fund his artistic endeavors. He worked tirelessly as a delivery boy during the day; ensuring packages reached their destinations promptly. In the evenings, he donned the uniform of a restaurant server, expertly navigating crowded tables and serving patrons with a polite demeanor. Nevertheless, it was during the late hours of the night that Minjoon truly flourished. In the dimly lit theaters and rehearsal spaces scattered throughout the city, he immersed himself in the world of acting. He attended acting classes, studying the techniques of the greats and refining his own craft. Whether it was the portrayal of a tragic hero or a comedic sidekick, Minjoon poured his heart and soul into every role, embracing the power of storytelling as his own.
However, Minjoon soon realized that acting school was not easy. Despite his natural talent for acting, he struggled with rigorous training and a demanding schedule. He also faced discrimination and bullying from some of the other students who were jealous of his good looks and talent. Despite these challenges, Minjoon persevered and gradually improved his acting skills. He participated in numerous student productions and even participated in local theatre club plays. However, his dream of becoming a successful actor still seemed far out of reach.
After completing his training at acting school, Minjoon started auditioning for roles. However, due to his lack of experience and connections, he found it difficult to land major roles. With each passing audition, Minjoon faced rejection and disappointment. Despite this, he persevered and continued to attend auditions, even if it meant playing minor roles. Yet, he refused to let setbacks deter him. He learned from each experience, adapting his approach, and honing his skills.
Minjoon eventually landed his first role in the film industry. A high school drama called The Last First Kiss has a background character who had few lines. Although it was a small part, he was thrilled to be on set and learn from experienced actors. From there, he continued to land minor roles in similar genre films such as Love-struck, The Story of Us, and Only You. However, he never got a leading role or a significant role with a substantial amount of lines.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
As he continued to audition and work on his craft, Minjoon faced challenges with typecasting. Because of his good looks and youthful appearance, he was often cast in stereotypical roles such as flower boy, naive boy, or class president. Despite his dissatisfaction with these roles, he knew that any work in the industry was valuable and continued to give his best performance. During this time, Minjoon also faced financial challenges. He worked multiple jobs to support himself and pay for his ongoing acting classes, which he felt were necessary to improve his craft. He often struggled to make ends meet and had to sacrifice many necessities to continue pursuing his dream.
Nevertheless, faced with a prolonged period of unemployment, Minjoon made a pivotal decision to explore opportunities beyond his usual genre. Encouraged by his acting center mentor, who suggested that learning additional languages could significantly enhance his prospects, he embarked on this new path. Consequently, his linguistic prowess earned him a coveted position as a stand-in for a captivating wuxia drama film titled Swords of Honor. Following that, he proceeded to secure roles in comparable genre movies like The Warrior's Path, The Hidden Blade, and The Martial Arts Master.
In the captivating palace drama The Empress's Serenade: Secrets of the Forbidden Palace, Minjoon's portrayal of an ailing and illegitimate son of Prince Ling becomes the defining moment of his acting journey. Despite appearing in a mere six episodes, with a scant total of three minutes and forty-five seconds of dialogue, his poignant depiction of the boy's struggle for survival and heartbreaking sorrow resonates deeply with the audience, encapsulating their profound emotions.
Recognizing Minjoon's innate talent, the director of the drama, renowned for helming numerous acclaimed historical series, was deeply impressed. Determined to allow him to shine, the director faced constraints imposed by the limited scope of Minjoon's role, resulting in a modest allocation of screen time and a handful of unforgettable moments. Nevertheless, even within this brief appearance, Minjoon left an indelible mark on viewers, captivating them with his effortless charm and remarkable acting prowess. Fans marveled at his ability to convey a multitude of emotions through just a few carefully chosen lines, eagerly anticipating more of his captivating performances in the times to come.
Then, fate intervened. With the help of the recommendation of the director The Empress's Serenade: Secrets of the Forbidden Palace, Minjoon's talent caught the attention of a renowned director Kim Minjae, who recognized the raw potential within him. It was through this serendipitous encounter that Minjoon's journey took a dramatic turn. The doors of opportunity swung open as he secured a place in the highly anticipated film, Flower and Sword.
Kim Minjae, a veteran of the film industry for nearly four decades, embarked on what would become his swan song. The culmination of his illustrious career came in the form of his magnum opus, Flower and Sword, thanks to his extensive network and influential sponsors. This internationally co-produced masterpiece, in collaboration with China, attracted esteemed individuals who were eager to invest in the project. The esteemed costume designer, Li Meiying, and the accomplished screenwriter, Lee Jihyun, both renowned in their respective fields, joined forces for this monumental endeavor. The realization that Minjoon would have the privilege of working alongside such luminaries filled him with overwhelming gratitude, and he expressed his heartfelt thanks to the heavens countless times.