"......"

On the first day of filming, Seoyeon stared in shock at the large pig’s head in front of her.

"Alright, Seoyeon, it’s your turn."

"Ah, yes."

Seoyeon joined several other actors in bowing deeply before the pig’s head.

Before the start of a film or drama, it’s common to hold a ritual wishing for success—a kind of good luck ceremony. Seoyeon had never experienced this during [The Sun Hidden by the Moon], so this was new to her.

'A pig’s head...'

Looking at the pig’s head smiling up at her, Seoyeon felt an odd, indescribable sensation. She recalled the creature she had seen in [The King of Games].

'Could it be... am I actually a scaredy-cat?'

Seoyeon had never thought of herself as someone with a weak mentality, but this was the first time she had truly felt fear. It had left a lingering impact, and it would likely take some time to fully shake off the feeling.

"Seoyeon, you’re feeling okay, right?"

"Yes."

Seoyeon nodded at her manager, Park Eunha. To others, she seemed perfectly composed, with an unchanged expression. Despite being startled by the pig’s head, her only reaction was a slight flicker in her eyes.

'Indeed...'

Park Eunha stared at Seoyeon closely. Actors truly have something unique about them—especially exceptional actors.

Hwang Min-hwa, whom Eunha had previously managed, had a similar quality—a luxurious aura, a presence that naturally overwhelmed others. Speaking openly around her felt difficult and intimidating.

And with Seoyeon, it was... well, different.

"You’ll be shooting for a while, so go rest in the van."

"Um, it doesn’t matter to me."

"Just focus on the filming."

Eunha chuckled as she replied.

[The Chaser] was Seoyeon’s first movie, and its release date was set to coincide with Hwang Min-hwa’s upcoming film, [Utopia]. Just as GH Group was putting all they had into [The Chaser], [Utopia] was also backed by a massive corporation. In terms of budget alone, [Utopia] likely surpassed them, especially with foreign investments. While [The Chaser] had a better-known director, [Utopia] boasted more top-tier actors. Though [The Chaser] wasn’t lacking in its own right, [Utopia] was a massive blockbuster.

‘But still…’

Eunha silently hoped as she watched Seoyeon warming up. She genuinely wanted Seoyeon to surpass Hwang Minhwa. She truly believed she could.

***

"Today, we’re filming the scene where Detective Im Seungcheol chases Cha Seoa after accidentally catching her escaping from the scene of a murder."

It was Scene #30. In the scene, Detective Im encounters Cha Seoa at night during his patrol after their initial encounter at the bus stop.

'So we’re not filming in order...'

Hearing that it was Scene #30, Seoyeon checked her condition. She hadn’t expected her first day to involve running. Each director has a different filming style. Director Gong Jungtae from [The Sun Hidden by the Moon] had preferred shooting in chronological order. Director Bae Jin-hwan from [The Chaser], on the other hand, based the schedule on what suited that day’s conditions or tackled difficult scenes first. Today was clearly the latter.

"Are you sure you’re okay with this, Seoyeon? Are you sure you don’t want a double?"

"I’m fine."

It’s common for actresses to use a stunt double for physical scenes—not just for intense action, but to keep things visually appealing. This was especially true for chase scenes, where speed was crucial. As Cha Seoa often wore clothing like hoodies or raincoats to obscure her identity, it would’ve been easy to use a double.

"Alright, but if you need to, feel free to swap out."

"Understood."

Truthfully, today’s running scene wasn’t particularly difficult. It was the fourth murder case Cha Seoa committed. Detective Im Seungcheol encounters her just as she’s about to leave the crime scene.

"Whew, starting off intense, huh?"

"Well, a tough beginning makes it easier later on, doesn’t it?"

One of the staff spoke in a regional dialect.

‘She’s got her work cut out for her.’

Those who were familiar with Bae Jin-hwan’s directing style clicked their tongues as they glanced at Seoyeon. The director was known for being a perfectionist. When he had a particular shot in mind, it had to match his vision exactly. So when it came to physical scenes, actors often lost stamina fast, despite initially being eager to tackle them themselves.

Chase scenes, in particular, could come off as useless if not done right. A villain who can’t even run properly? Naturally, Director Bae wouldn’t allow it.

On top of that, this was a nighttime shoot, which suited Seoyeon’s schedule since she still had school, but it was exhausting for the crew.

‘I’m probably pulling an all-nighter tonight.’

This had nothing to do with her acting ability. It was simply more practical to use a double. But when an actor is set on doing it themselves, what else can they do?

"Get the clapper ready."

The assistant director readied the clapperboard. Soon, the shoot would begin. After calling out to confirm the sound and camera, Director Bae scanned the alleyway set.

There were two actors in this scene: Seoyeon as Cha Seoa and Kim Daeheon as Detective Im Seungcheol.

'Finally.'

Director Bae swallowed nervously. Even directors aren’t immune to nerves. GH Group had granted him absolute freedom for this project, meaning he could choose his cast based solely on his vision, not their reputations.

Kim Daeheon was known as a skilled actor but rarely took on leading roles. He often portrayed villains or generals in historical dramas. But Director Bae believed there was more to Kim’s potential and that it was his job to bring it out.

‘And then there’s Ju Seoyeon.’

Her entire career as an actress consisted of two roles. To be blunt, casting her as such a major character had raised eyebrows. Despite her talent, higher-ups only see numbers. A hit drama with only three episodes. A highly successful theater run, but such achievements rarely impressed executives.

[Looking Back on the Past and Memories] had a notable impact, or Seoyeon might not have been cast. CF-less and inexperienced, she was essentially an untested lottery ticket to them.

‘Well, a lottery ticket…’

Yes, that was how they put it. A lottery ticket—promising but with high chances of failure.

‘I trust my judgment.’

The raw performance he had seen from Seoyeon in [Close Your Eyes], and her impressive table read… the glimmers he saw there couldn’t have been by chance.

"Action!"

Scene #30. The first chase scene of [The Chaser].

The filming started in the moonlit alley.

Clang!

A pile of trash cans toppled over beside a telephone pole, making a loud noise. Detective Im Seungcheol glanced around quickly.

"Where are you… Where could you be?"

He glanced down at his worn-out cell phone, confirming the time of the report. It had been a frantic late-night call, with a panicked voice saying someone had broken into their house. They hadn’t even managed to give their full address before screaming cut off the line.

Without even waking his sleeping coworkers, Im Seungcheol had rushed out alone.

In the dark alleys, he was running blind, navigating through tightly packed residential streets.

Ten minutes had passed since the call. It could already be too late. He shook his head, forcing himself to push those thoughts away. After rounding an unknown number of corners—

"……"

There stood a figure in a yellow raincoat.

Despite the clear sky, they wore a raincoat. They were small, making it difficult to tell their gender. An eerie aura seemed to swallow the darkness around them.

Im Seungcheol’s eyes widened when he noticed the blood dripping from the yellow raincoat.

It didn’t take a genius to guess whose blood it was.

"You bastard!"

With a roar, Im Seungcheol dashed toward the figure, leaping over scattered garbage as the figure turned. Though the weapon was gone, given the height difference, the figure had no chance in a fight and opted to flee.

And then—

"……?"

The figure vanished in an instant.

Kim Daeheon, playing Detective Im Seungcheol, halted in his tracks, stunned.

‘How… how is she that fast?’

Oh, now he understood why the character hadn’t been caught until now.

"Cut, cut, cut!!"

Director Bae shouted, urgently calling out to Seoyeon, who had already disappeared around the corner.

"Seoyeon!"

"Yes?"

"Could you, um, slow down a bit?"

It made sense that the character would run fast, but still… within reason.

"Seoyeon, did you do track and field?"

"Ah, no."

Seoyeon denied it, but that’s certainly what it looked like.

Clearly, they hadn’t cast her without reason.

"Alright, let’s try pacing together this time."

Director Bae clapped his hands to encourage everyone.

Then, the retake began.

This time, everyone was ready for Seoyeon’s startling speed, and…

"Wow, that shot came out perfectly."

"That’s what we needed. It all clicks."

Scene #30.

With everyone satisfied, the shoot concluded smoothly. No one had to stay up all night, thanks to Seoyeon’s efficiency.

The first chase scene that would set the tone for [The Chaser] was a triumphant success, and Director Bae’s smile couldn’t have been broader.

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