Chapter 38
“You know ‘Spring of Reconciliation,’ right? The drama that aired last year.”
“Of course. It hit 30% viewership ratings, didn’t it?”
Cheong-yeon nodded while nervously swallowing.
“Director Yang Jung-hak, who directed it, is filming a new project and looking for a supporting actor who appears in two episodes. It’s a role that suits you perfectly, so as soon as I heard about it, I begged and pleaded to get you considered.”
“Director Yang Jung-hak? Appearing in two episodes? What kind of role is it… Nothing’s been confirmed yet, right?”
Cheong-yeon asked hopefully, thinking that even just an audition opportunity would be something.
“It’s not confirmed, but the director seemed to like your profile. You know how it is, right? With directors like him, it’s hard to even get an audition slot.”
“Of course I know.”
‘Spring of Reconciliation’ had been a sensation last year. It was Director Yang Jung-hak’s mega-hit that had not only been successful in Southeast Asia but was also rumored to be getting an American remake.
Seeing Cheong-yeon’s brightened expression, Manager Kim Kyung-seop straightened his shoulders and picked up his coffee cup.
“Give me the script. I’ll practice intensively before going.”
Even if he didn’t get cast, the experience of just setting foot in an audition for such a famous director’s work was a rare opportunity for a rookie actor.
“Ah, about that. They’re not disclosing the full script to anyone except the lead actors due to the risk of leaks.”
“Then how am I supposed to audition?”
“You’ll have to memorize the lines on the spot when they give them to you at the audition.”
“Surely… the audition isn’t today, is it?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Phew, that’s a relief.”
Cheong-yeon sighed, stroking his chest. However, he had to catch his breath again at Manager Kim’s next words.
“It’s tomorrow afternoon.”
“What? Tomorrow afternoon?”
Cheong-yeon asked repeatedly, thinking he must have misheard.
“Why is the schedule so rushed?”
“That’s why I’m telling you to take good care of your face. Do something about those eyes by tomorrow.”
“With my eyes like this, do you think they’ll select me? Oh, this is terrible.”
Despair washed over him at the news that the audition was truly tomorrow.
*Why did I drink? Why did I argue with Moon Do-heon, who’s practically a stranger to me now? No, the problem began when my pheromones went haywire and I had sex with that man.*
“From what I’ve heard, there are a few dance scenes, so they’re looking for someone with an idol background. I think you have potential.”
“That may be true, but DEX was too much of a failure to highlight in my career. You were our manager, so you know that.”
Not just a failure, but a complete disaster. Cheong-yeon swallowed the last part, unable to speak it aloud.
“Still, among former idols who could become actors, you’re the only one with the right look.”
“There are plenty of successful ones out there…”
“Why would successful idols bother appearing in a supporting role? Besides, acting skills are important, and those with poor acting can’t get in. You’re decent at acting.”
For some reason, Manager Kim’s voice was full of confidence. He sounded so assured that anyone would think Cheong-yeon had already been cast and had signed the contract.
“How do you know I’m decent at acting?”
“When I had you act for that fan meeting, the staff were all impressed. Your current acting school teacher praises you too, doesn’t he?”
“You know my acting school teacher?”
“Everyone in this industry is connected, one way or another. Anyway, I believe you’ll get the part. Don’t underestimate my instincts.”
Cheong-yeon awkwardly averted his eyes, uncomfortable with Manager Kim’s fiery, determined gaze. It was puzzling why the agency CEO was making such a fuss when Cheong-yeon, the one who actually had to audition, lacked confidence.
“But there are many former idols doing much better than me, even if we exclude active ones.”
“They’re all past their prime now. Director Yang is furious because there aren’t any well-maintained faces. You know?”
Manager Kim passionately gestured in the air as he spoke.
“Hmm. That makes sense.”
Cheong-yeon nodded, arrogantly stroking his still-firm face and jawline.
“Anyway, I’ll send you the audition location via KakaoTalk, so don’t be late.”
“I understand.”
“As for those eyes… Haah. Fine, just handle it yourself.”
“Of course.”
Manager Kim, looking at Cheong-yeon’s puffy eyes with a flat expression, eventually waved his hand as if too tired to say more.
“My head hurts looking at you any longer, so hurry up and go.”
*
The casting director immediately praised Cheong-yeon, saying his image was perfect for the drama. After he memorized lines on the spot, performed them, and even completed the dance they requested, the atmosphere became cheerful, as if they had almost decided to cast him.
The drama staff who came to observe the audition also seemed pleased with Cheong-yeon. They wanted to quickly sign a contract through his agency CEO and began discussing among themselves how to add and modify scenes featuring Cheong-yeon.
Intoxicated with the joy of having his skills recognized for the first time, Cheong-yeon failed to notice anything strange about the process. The drama had already received an enormous investment of 50 billion won and featured a director, writer, and lead actors who were all well-known industry figures.
It was difficult to maintain composure when a rookie actor who had just started acting was cast in a supporting role for such a blockbuster drama.
Moreover, Cheong-yeon’s first filming date was set remarkably early. It was somewhat puzzling that the schedule from casting to filming was so tight, even for a supporting role, but Cheong-yeon quickly dismissed such minor doubts. He assumed that such a large-scale drama must have its own production plans.
Thanks to this, everything proceeded smoothly, and time flew by until Cheong-yeon’s first day of filming arrived.
“Did you sleep well last night?”
The person doing Cheong-yeon’s hair in the waiting room asked while spraying hairspray for the finishing touch.
Cheong-yeon shook his head with a dazed expression, as if he still couldn’t believe it.
“No, I barely slept. I was too nervous…”
“Everyone’s like that. Oh, I heard it might rain this afternoon, so I’ve fixed your hair firmly. Please bear with it even if it’s uncomfortable.”
“I understand.”
“Fixing it like this makes you look like a real idol. So pretty, so pretty.”
Cheong-yeon took a deep breath and stared at himself in the mirror. The hairstyle and makeup were quite similar to when he was active as a member of DEX.
Only after checking the partial script did Cheong-yeon understand why the director wanted an actor with an idol background. Though not technically difficult, he needed to learn a temporary choreography created for the drama before filming, and it was certainly advantageous for a former idol to perform the choreography naturally in costume in front of the camera.
*Is this what they mean when they say opportunities come to those who are prepared?* At first, he was somewhat dazed by the sudden good fortune, but gradually his desire to do well ignited.
Even though he hadn’t succeeded as an idol, Cheong-yeon felt profoundly moved that all the sweat and effort he had put in for success back then was finally being recognized in this way.
“Cheong-yeon oppa! Hello!”
Just as he finished hair and makeup, someone called out to him from behind. When he turned around, Min Hye-rin, whom he had met by chance during the provincial filming, was standing there with a flushed face.
“Oh? Min… Hye-rin?”
“Wow, oppa. H-how do you know my name… Thank you for remembering me. I’m here to handle your costume today.”
“My costume?”
As Cheong-yeon widened his eyes in surprise, Min Hye-rin, though stammering, earnestly explained the situation.
As it turned out, the stylist team that Min Hye-rin belonged to also occasionally worked with actors from Cheong-yeon’s agency. Although it was her day off, after hearing that Cheong-yeon was filming, she had voluntarily given up her free time to handle props and costumes.
“Wow, that’s really kind and… amazing.”
Cheong-yeon’s eyes welled up with emotion at the fact that she had come in voluntarily on her day off. He felt like he could see wings behind Min Hye-rin.
“Oh, oppa. Please just speak casually with me. And I’m the one who’s amazed. I hadn’t heard any news about you for a while, so I thought you weren’t acting anymore.”
While unable to hide her excitement, raising her voice, Min Hye-rin busily moved around the waiting room, transporting the costumes she had brought. Despite the day’s filming not being extensive, she had brought no less than four outfits for Cheong-yeon to wear.
“I think you should wear this set before we leave. And after the filming is over, could you… give me just one autograph?”
“I’ve forgotten how to sign, but I could give you ten.”
“Oh my god. Really. I’m so happy. What should I do?”
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
