It's finally Friday – The photoshoot day!
On this day, the two Action Entertainment agents will shine even brighter. The public will not only be introduced to the charisma and beauty of these young people who aspire to life behind the screen, but the story of who they are behind the camera will also be told.
Pâtisserie Mode 1896 was somehow entwined with their lives, particularly for Hwang Jin Young, which is why he had chosen this location. This day marks a milestone for both the actors and for Mode 1896, both of which continue to expand their horizons.
The Pâtisserie team is ready and waiting for the professionals who took part in the rehearsal. Ra On the manager, Ha Neul, So Hee, Ah Reum and Lady Byeol, owner and pastry chef of Mode 1896.
The setting at Mode was even more impeccable; the cameras had to capture the essence of the place. It was about more than just sharing exquisite confectionery; it was about embarking on a flavorful journey that spanned across different countries, all while being right there!
"They've arrived! Ensure that the team has everything they need," Ra On instructed.
The entire team was already in place, including the interviewers. Soon, the models Jin Young and Hyun Ah arrived, accompanied by their agents.
"How beautiful! They look like they were made for each other!" So Hee exclaimed on seeing Jin Young and Hyun Ah in person.
Ah Reum and Ha Neul looked at her strangely and disdain.
"She's really beautiful!" Ah Reum thought.
Chef Byeol had prepared an elegant brunch for the day, so the crew could enjoy a high-quality meal throughout the shoot.
Ah Reum directs the team to the party room (a new project by Mode 1896), a place prepared by the Pâtisserie team to serve them, since the confectionery lounge will be the stage for the shoot.
"Excuse me, a table has been set up in the party room for the crew and actors. If you'd like something here too, we're at your service!"
Jin Young leaned closer to Ah Reum and whispered: "I'll walk you home today."
He whispered so softly that Ah Reum only noticed his lips moving.
A bewildered thought crossed her mind, "What? Is he suggesting we have dinner at my place?"
They continue.
The ballroom was absolutely splendid, a modern and elegant space following the Mode 1896 pattern.
Hyun Ah called out to Ah Reum, and she approached with a polite smile. "What can I do for you?"
"Could you please bring me some peach juice?" Hyun Ah requested.
"Of course! Is there anything else you'd like?"
"No, thank you! Oh, what's your name again?"
"It's Ah Reum."
"Hmm, Ah Reum! It's a beautiful name! Alright, you may go," Hyun Ah said with an air of self-importance.
As the preparations are complete, the shoot is ready to begin, divided into four distinct parts. The anticipation builds for the solo photos, solo interviews, joint photos, and the short joint interview, promising a captivating and exciting session ahead.
Hyun Ah looks absolutely captivating in the first outfit, reminiscent of old Parisian fashion. The timeless elegance and beauty shine through as the photo shoot gets underway. The camera captures every detail, and the images are bound to be truly stunning.
Jin Young's choice of a beautiful burgundy overcoat adds an air of sophistication to his interview. As he shares his thoughts and answers questions, his style complements his words, creating a visually pleasing and engaging experience for the audience.
Jin Young listens intently as the main question is posed to him. The anticipation in the room grows as everyone awaits his response.
The interviewer asked, "All the participants selected for the last phase of the test were able to choose places that we would say are a part of you. A place that told a part of their story, and here we are! So obviously, the main question fans want to ask is, why this place, and what does it say about you?"
Jin Young smiles softly as he looks through the huge windows of the Pâtisserie. "This place makes me go back in time, travel between my past, present and why not say that it also... allows me to go to the future?" He smiled happily.
"It reminds me of when I was just a boy in love with acting wanting to discover the world, running around and learning...wanting to show that he was also good, but that's the point.
Being in a place that is one of the biggest global centers of art shows that being good is just something like your obligation, that was a turning point for me, as a human being and as an actor.
It and be here also makes me think of the person I am today, more passionate about acting and the stories we tell, but now a man. I've learned a lot! I think I've become a bit more than good lol." He joked.
He continues: "And yet me think...about the man I'll be in the future, about the actor Hwang Jin Young and the person Jin Young is. Facing even greater challenges, overcoming myself and learning. Acting is learning!
Each new character is a lifetime of learning. The baggage of this new life... is immense!" He shakes his head in agreement.
"I've had such thoughts... ever since I was that boy. I remember sitting in a beautiful, cozy Pâtisserie in Paris, and like now, I would look out and reflect, dream...a feeling of nostalgia and aspieation for the future, a beautiful future!
As soon as I returned to Korea, coincidence or fate, who knows? I was exploring the city after a long time, when I realized I was standing in front of this place, a flashback went through my head, of all the times I've been to Paris, the feeling that place brings me, the feeling that the actingbrings me...the thoughts of that day and the reflections of today, here, at Mode 1896..."
The entire team was deeply moved by Jin Young's heartfelt response. He hadn't come this far by chance; recognizing the fundamentals and striving to be better, even the best, is a task not everyone can accomplish. That young man had truly transformed into a remarkable individual.
"I told you he was the coolest," Ah Reum thought with satisfaction.
Many times, Jin Young pondered what it would have been like if he had accepted a role earlier. However, for him, the best decision was still the one he made, even if it took a little longer. He aimed to be much more than just good; he aspired to be perfect. He wanted to be more than a beautiful face on the screen; he wanted to be the one who went through all the challenges with dedication and emerged as the best. Such an opportunity appeared just when he felt he was finally prepared.
On the same day as the drama's release, Netflix will also launch a documentary, showcasing the step-by-step process of selecting the actors.
This documentary will include interviews with each finalist and behind-the-scenes footage of the drama itself. On social media, a sneak peek of the interviews and rehearsal photos will be shared.
The rehearsal continues throughout the day, with all the costumes exclusively designed for them and this location.
During the joint session, it becomes evident just how well they complement each other, leading the team to speculate whether the two agents from Action Entertainment will have a successful debut together.
During his interview, Hyun An also provides an explanation for his choice of this location.
"Do you know what I'm wearing right now? That's right, it's Mode 1896! It's always been my favorite brand, with its unique fusion of Korean and global styles, along with that touch of French influence. I absolutely adore their concept. Mode has maintained this exceptional blend for nearly a century. Just as Mode epitomizes elegance and authenticity, I aspire to be the best for my fans. I hope that even a hundred years from now, I will be remembered for my incredible performances."
Here, we arrive at an intriguing aspect of our beloved Mode 1896. The Pâtisserie is named after one of Asia's most renowned fashion brands.
Founded nearly a century ago, Lady Byeol, the great-granddaughter of the brand's founder, shares the same name with her ancestor.
Despite being the heir to a fashion empire, her true passion lay in the world of confectionery.
In short, that's how Pâtisserie Mode 1896 came into existence. While fashion and confectionery may appear as contrasting domains, there's no doubt that this place embodies the very essence of its name.
In their joint interview, they discuss the reasons behind their decision to rehearse together.
"Well, we actually have quite a few reasons," Hyun Ah replied enthusiastically with a laugh.
Jin Young added, "Firstly, we're both from the same agency, and we're the only contestants from our company to make it to the finals. If we win, we'll have the opportunity to act together, so we thought it'd be a great chance to show the public how well we get along, both behind and in front of the camera," he explained calmly."
"We studied together in New York and also joined Action Entertainment together," Hyun An continued. "It would be fantastic to kickstart my career with such a good friend. So, everyone, please show Hyun Ah and Jin Young plenty of support."
Jin Young chimed in, "Indeed, we share a long-standing friendship and have nurtured dreams of debuting together for a while. We're truly relying on your support!" He flashed a captivating smile at the camera.
The team remarked on the evident chemistry between the two actors. "They studied together, embarked on this journey at the same company... What else have they done together? Could there be something more to their connection?"
"It's hard not to notice how great they look together, undeniably a beautiful friendship. Yes, she probably has feelings for him, but it's just her, rest assured. It's just friendship for him, you know that, don't you?" Lady Byeol maintained her trademark sincerity and charisma.
Ah Reum's eyes, both small and big, widened upon hearing Lady Byeol's words, and she felt a bit embarrassed.
Lady Byeol continues: "You don't need to react like that. I understand how you feel, and I'm pretty sure everyone does, right? lol," Lady Byeol teased, leaning closer to Ah Reum.
She then whispered in Ah Reum's ear, "He looks better with you!"
Ah Reum looked at her with another surprised expression while Lady Byeol nodded in agreement and both of them tried to stifle their laughter discreetly.
The rehearsal continued into the evening as they worked to finalize everything.
Ha Neul and So Hee stayed until the very end, but Ah Reum had to leave for another commitment, so she departed at her usual time.