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Chapter 20
THE NEXT DAY, I’M WORKING ON SOME SCHOOLWORKwhen I get a call from Director Cha.
I do a double take when I see his name on my phone screen. I’d saved his number at the very beginning of shooting, but I never expected him to ever call me himself. Usually he gets an assistant director or a production assistant to contact us.
“Um, hello?” I brace myself.
“Hana-ssi? Hello, this is Director Cha,” he says. Compared to how informally he addresses us on set, I’m surprised by how polite he’s being now. Something must be really wrong.
“Yes, this is she,” I reply. “Is everything okay?”
Director Cha lets out a short sigh. “Okay, I’m going to cut to the chase. There was a slight problem with the editing on episode twelve, the one that will air tonight.”
“Problem? What sort of problem?”
“Remember how we became delayed right after Miss Park joined us? Fortunately, we were able to catch up fairly quickly,thanks to everyone’s hard work.”
Boy, do I remember. “Yes, I do. Is there something that needs to be re-shot?”
“No, no, nothing like that. The error is very slight, not worth reshooting. But it has to do with your Korean, which is why I’m giving you this call.”
“My Korean?”
I break into a cold sweat, and my palms feel clammy. Usually if my Korean sounds weird, someone from either the cast or crew points it out for me since everyone knows that Korean is my second language. No one has said anything so far. I’d assumed I was doing fine.
“There is this one moment in the dialogue with you and Minjee where your Korean sounds a bit... awkward. We tried to not use that take, but unfortunately, due to our rush to get back on track, we weren’t able to find a better one to replace it. I assure you it’s the best one in terms of your acting skills, however.”
My stomach feels like it’s dropped down to my feet. Sounding awkward on a television show with millions of viewers around the world is one of my worst nightmares. I’d just gotten over my fears of being an imposter, too.
“I apologize,” Director Cha continues. “Normally, we’d catch the error in time, but you have to understand, these little accidents happen on shows. We’re lucky that no one’s left a Starbucks cup lying around like they did onGame of Thrones,and we’re on a tighter schedule than they were!”
The joke is obviously meant to make me laugh, so I politely do, even though I have no idea what he’s talking about. I was five whenGame of Thronesfirst came out and never got around to watching it. I’ve never been as big on American TV shows as I am with K-dramas.
“But yes,” the director finally says, “the ADs and I will be more attentive next time so something like this doesn’t happen again.”
“Thanks for letting me know.”
After he hangs up, I call Sophia. She doesn’t pick up, but when I text her what’s wrong, she replies,Stay off social media for a bit and it’ll blow over. In the grand scheme of things, it’s just one line. Chances are, most people won’t notice, and the ones who decide to put you on blast for it aren’t people you want as your fans anyway. It’s not like it’s a secret that you were born in the States. Only petty or rude people would make a big deal out of it.
It’s solid advice, so I exhale a bit to try to calm myself down. It’s only a few hours before the episode airs. I might as well accept my fate.
The backlash thankfully isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but it’s still brutal. Although most people are understanding of my Korean since I’m a “jaemi gyopo”—a Korean American—others aren’t so nice. Some even make memes out of my mispronunciation, while others question how I endedup getting cast for the role in the first place. They ask why I, an American, was cast for this lead role when there are plenty of “actually Korean” stars out there who can do a better job.
After the episode ends, I get into bed early and read everyone’s comments online, my eyes prickling with tears. Even though I love acting and enjoy being a part ofFated Destiny, I feel more like an imposter than I’ve ever felt. Mom and Dad come into my room to check in on me after they get off work, but I tell them I want to be left alone.
Several hours of scrolling later, I’m about to finally try to get some sleep when I get a message from Minjee.
Hey, I heard about what happened. How are you holding up?
I’m too tired to even put my thoughts into words, so I just send her back three crying emojis. She responds with a sad face, and suddenly she’s calling me.
I reject her video chat request and call her back using audio only.
“Sorry,” I say quietly. My voice sounds so defeated even to my own ears. “I’m lying in my bed in the dark, so you wouldn’t have been able to see my face.”
“Aw, that’s okay,” Minjee replies. I hear shifting noises as she moves around before she continues, “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re not fit for this role. Sure, you weren’t born here, but that doesn’t mean you’re not Korean. You’re here now! Trying your best like the rest of us. And you’re asuper-talented actress, too! Heck, you beat me for this role! How dare they say you can’t act? Haters just love to hate, honestly.”
“Thanks for saying that.” I’ve started to cry again, and I try my best not to let her hear me sniffle.
I must not have been successful, because Minjee’s voice is noticeably softer and gentler when she continues, “Hey, I have an idea. Meet me at Gwanghwamun Square tomorrow at three in front of the King Sejong statue. Let’s have some fun.”
I’m pretty confused by what Minjee’s saying, but I’m far too exhausted to question her.
“Okay,” I say.
“Cool. See you then!”
I end the call, wondering what in the world I’ve signed myself up for.
