episode_0024

Rustle— Rustle—

The space was filled with silence, broken only by the occasional sound of turning pages. Kim Seon-il and Seo Yeon-ju were reading the script for ‘Sword.’

“Thought you weren’t going to do it.”

“I’m just reading the script, okay?”

“Then why’d you underline the Haryeong lines?”

“Hey, be quiet. Shut your mouth. Mind your own business.”

They were having a warm conversation as usual when both of them simultaneously turned their heads toward the door. A third party had entered.

“Hmm, heavier than I thought.”

Was it a girl? The one murmuring was a woman with a very small frame.

She was carrying such a high stack of documents that you couldn’t see anything from her belly button to her head.

She somehow managed to neatly set down the stack of documents. Immediately afterward, she wiped the sweat from her forehead.

“…Hoo, I was so nervous I’d drop them.”

Finally, her appearance was revealed.

Light brown hair like a barley field, with two large hairpins on her bangs. Below them, emotionless eyes were set like jewels.

She looked like a middle schooler at best, but the clothes she wore were all reminiscent of professors or detectives, creating a huge disconnect.

It looked like she had stolen her dad’s oversized clothes.

“You’re reading the script affectionately for once. Did you finally realize that bickering like siblings is childish?”

Now that I see it, it’s not just the clothes. The way she talks is also full of experience. She was truly a strange existence.

“…Affectionately? That kind of low-quality joke.”

“Representative, don’t talk nonsense as soon as you arrive.”

Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Seon-il said one thing each at the same time.

The woman called Representative just shook her head.

Surprisingly, this small woman was Kim I-seo, the representative of Mystic Entertainment, encompassing Kim Seon-il and Seo Yeon-ju.

“Inappropriate behavior for a representative. Refrain.”

A conversation that wasn’t very business-like. Something closer to friends exchanging banter.

But no one found this bizarre situation strange. That’s because, at ‘Mystic Entertainment,’ it was just an extremely normal moment.

Kim Seon-il, Seo Yeon-ju, Representative Kim I-seo.

Mystic Entertainment.

Although these three were the only members and their personalities were very different, they each did their jobs well, naturally creating a family-like atmosphere.

“Okay. Anyway, focus for a moment.”

Representative Kim I-seo tapped the documents piled almost up to her sternum. Her expression was full of pride.

“I’m planning to set up the schedule for next year in advance, so let’s pick what suits your tastes from among these. Advertisements, movies, dramas, entertainment shows… I’ve carefully selected only the good ones.”

“Um, Representative. Of course, these are good too, but…”

Seo Yeon-ju said, fixing her headband.

“Do you happen to know the short film ‘Sword’?”

“…Ah, are you questioning my qualifications as a representative? I know it. It’s an unfortunate work that I can’t not know about.”

Kim I-seo sneered slightly and raised her chin.

Moreover, she even put her hands on her waist and puffed out her chest.

She was like a flying squirrel.

“I personally rate Director Park Joon highly, but the situation is too bad, so I excluded it. I can’t throw my precious actors into a burning pit.”

Her confident voice continued.

“…You seem worried that I might have brought landmines, but I’m confident that there aren’t any among these. I’m saying this on my reputation as a representative.”

Then Kim Seon-il said.

“Seo Yeon-ju and I, we’re going to do that. Keep it in mind.”

“Yes. Take your time to look at it. And once you decide…”

However, Representative Kim I-seo’s words were interrupted.

It was as if something had gotten stuck in her throat, stopping her from speaking.

She blinked her eyes a few times.

“…”

A moment of silence flowed.

Soon, her flying squirrel-like body slowly shrank.

“…What did you say?”

.

.

.

.

.

A little later.

“…”

Representative Kim I-seo was lying on the floor with her eyes tightly closed. Her hands were respectfully gathered above her chest.

Like some kind of mummy.

“Have I not been good to you all this time? Yes. That must be it. That’s why you’re betraying me like this…”

Her muttering was truly pitiful.

Almost like the little match girl right before she dies.

“It’s fortunate that humans can die. Then I won’t have to see my actors jumping into hell themselves. I’m going to die. Don’t stop me.”

“Tell me when you’re done. I’m trying to focus on the script.”

“…”

Kim I-seo’s body twitched at Kim Seon-il’s words.

“…It’s really too much, no matter how you look at it.”

“Don’t make such a fuss like some little kid.”

“Little kid!”

Representative Kim I-seo shouted. Like a thunderstruck squirrel.

Anyway, Kim Seon-il’s provocation was definitely effective. The representative, who hadn’t even moved while lying down, immediately sat up.

“You’re all very busy right now. Besides, ‘Sword’ is already a dead project, so articles will pour out just from you expressing your intention to participate.”

Her plea was quite desperate.

“Once an article comes out, it’s hard to take back. It’s embarrassing to go back on your word and say you’re not doing it after the article has already been released, and it’s troublesome in many ways.”

Then Seo Yeon-ju said casually.

“Still, we have to do it. The kid who took on the role of Wi Ji-hye is amazing.”

“You have to tell me who took it.”

“You wouldn’t know even if I told you her name.”

“…Are you kidding me? You should be trying to persuade me.”

“But I can tell you this much.”

Seo Yeon-ju said, narrowing her eyes confidently.

“She’s the one who landed the role of Kim Yu-han in Special Mobile Unit 808.”

“…?”

Kim Yu-han of Special Mobile Unit 808.

It was bait that even Kim I-seo, who usually maintained a poker face, couldn’t help but be interested in. But soon, a question struck the back of her head.

Kim I-seo’s head tilted slightly.

“…The role of Wi Ji-hye is a woman, the role of Kim Yu-han is a man. Did I not hear something and miss it? This defies logical understanding.”

Afterward, Kim Seon-il and Seo Yeon-ju’s presentation followed.

“Our first meeting was at ‘I Became an Actor Like This’—”

“She declared that acting was just a hobby and suddenly dropped out—”

Their first meeting with Lee Soo-ah, her sudden departure, the process of being cast in the drama, her lukewarm reaction, her actions that were too bold for a rookie….

There was quite a lot to explain.

The two revealed everything in detail, including that Lee Soo-ah had no experience at all and that she didn’t belong to any agency.

“…So that’s what happened.”

When Seo Yeon-ju finished explaining, nodding her head.

“…”

There was only silence.

“…”

There was silence for a long time after that.

Eventually.

Kim I-seo’s bewildered gaze turned to the two actors.

“You want me to believe this?”

But she soon shook her head on her own.

“No, no. There’s no reason for them to lie. More than that.”

Representative Kim I-seo. She focused on another factor.

“…That kind of rookie, and she doesn’t have an agency yet?”

◈◈◈◈◈

Meanwhile, Soo-ah was on the phone with Park Joon again today.

Perhaps he felt very grateful that Soo-ah had taken on the role of Wi Ji-hye.

Park Joon was trying to tell her even the smallest things, and he called to report every change as it happened. Like some kind of graduate student.

Of course, it wasn’t unpleasant for Soo-ah either.

It didn’t feel bad to be treated so well by the other party, and most of all, there was no pressure because they weren’t actually meeting.

‘If we actually met, it would be so hard to act with my expressions.’

But when talking on the phone, you just have to lower your voice roughly, and that’s it. Easy.

Soo-ah repeated.

Image management, image management….

An actress who works hard but is difficult privately. A crazy woman who bites if you try to do anything bad to me. A cool unnie who earns respect with her charisma….

Soo-ah brainwashed herself with those things and spoke.

“…What’s the matter today?”

A cool tone that was gradually becoming stable.

Fidget, fidget….

Of course, she was timidly touching the ears of the rabbit doll. Doing this calms her down, so her voice comes out better….

“Ah, I’m sorry. I’ve been contacting you too much lately. Were you perhaps quite uncomfortable? Should I just send reports from now on?”

“Not at all. Besides, why would you send a report about something like this…”

“I should do anything for Soo-ah-ssi. Anything.”

Park Joon emphasized in a serious tone and continued.

“Soo-ah-ssi, the story I’m going to tell you today is simple. You’re the same kind of person as me, so you’ll definitely understand.”

“The same kind of person?”

“Yes. People like us have no compromise or concession the moment we get hooked on something. We have to see it through to the end. Even if the other party is ourselves! Isn’t that right!”

“…”

Soo-ah briefly looked back on her past.

Even when playing games, she would quickly press the surrender button….

“For me, it’s artistry. I know that popularity gives you a warm belly, but I can’t give it up. I chose the path of a director to be recognized for my artistry in the first place.”

“I see.”

Soo-ah nodded her head first.

It was a story that she couldn’t understand at all, but there was something that made Soo-ah nod her head anyway.

It was none other than the change in the special perks.

[Short Film ‘Sword’]

▶ Sufficient Implementation Elements

▶ Completed Experience / Grade 1

How long had it been since she cheered at seeing Grade 1.5, and now it was a whopping Grade 1. For Soo-ah, it was just a very surprising thing.

‘Does the grade only refer to viewership ratings?’

There were several reasons that were speculated.

‘Is it because Director Park’s will is burning? Or is it because Yang Ha-rin left, so there’s no chance for me to argue? Well, anyway, it must have become more advantageous for me. I should find out more about it later.’

Even while Soo-ah was worried, Park Joon’s enthusiastic words continued.

“My film ‘Sword’ is not a work that aims for popular success. It’s a work that exists to win awards.”

“Awards?”

“Yes. Therefore, we are aiming for the Busan International Short Film Festival.”

“International Short Film Festival…?”

At that moment, Soo-ah squeezed the rabbit ear without realizing it. International? Then does that mean works from all over the world are gathered?

“Yes. After all, the Busan International Short Film Festival is the biggest in Korea, isn’t it? Well, Soo-ah-ssi knows that better than I do.”

She was just finding out now.

She only knew Haeundae in Busan….

“Of course, we can’t aim for the international competition section. Since the situation is so poor, we plan to aim for the Korean competition section first.”

“Ah.”

Then she’s not competing with works from all over the world. The tension eased slightly.

“It would be best to win an award, but in fact, just making it to the finals is great. That alone can become a stepping stone to challenge the international section, and it’s a big spec when working inside Korea.”

“I understand perfectly.”

She didn’t understand at all, actually.

‘Anyway, it’s beneficial even if you just pass the finals?’

That’s what Park Joon said. If you just get through the finals somehow, a very solid line will be added to your filmography.

“But, would it be very difficult to get into the finals with that level?”

“It is, after all. They say they’ve gathered veteran judges especially this year, and their eyes are very high. They evaluate the acting in great detail, for example, overseas—”

Park Joon’s explanation continued for a long time after that, and Soo-ah listened fairly well.

Anyway, there was only one thing Soo-ah could say.

The grade of the short film ‘Sword’ is still rising!

“I think Director Park is doing just fine as it is.”

Yeah, she doesn’t know much, but Director Park is doing very well.

But.

“…”

After that, there were no words for a while.

What, did the phone cut off?

Soo-ah turned the phone volume to the maximum at that moment.

“Soo-ah-ssi—!”

“Eu-bed.”

A tremendous sound that struck her ear.

Soo-ah trembled as if she had been electrocuted. At the same time, she caught the phone that had escaped her grasp in the air.

“Ugh, why, why are you doing this?”

“I’m so touched! I’ll work hard in the future too! The grace of choosing my work over other luxurious projects! I’ll definitely repay you!”

It’s just that ‘Sword’ had the highest grade!

Soo-ah hugged the rabbit doll tightly with her legs and said.

“…But please don’t shout.”

Her heart hurts. Her heart….

◈◈◈◈◈

The representative’s office of CT Entertainment.

“Director Park, has he finally gone crazy?”

A sneer hung on the representative’s lips.

The reason was simple. Director Park Joon’s short film ‘Sword’ had posted a job posting for actors, and they had just discovered it.

“Director Park, he seems to have a lot of attachment to this work. Is he now snooping around sites that recruit beginners? He must really want to save it.”

“I wonder if he mistook it for a part-time job recruitment.”

Yang Ha-rin agreed in a cynical voice.

She was sitting on the sofa again today, her eyes fixed on her phone. Her hands, indulging in posts related to herself, were very busy.

“How many good guys would gather if you looked there? They’ll probably just make videos at the level of a university club.”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

Of course, CT Entertainment’s reaction didn’t stop at ridicule.

[How did Park Joon fall so far?]

[Short Film ‘Sword’…. Now even open recruitment?]

They are diligently tearing apart every action of Park Joon, who turned their back on them. They had no intention of letting go until the work completely collapsed.

“But, Representative.”

It was then that Yang Ha-rin opened her mouth.

“It’s strange.”

“What is?”

Ha-rin displayed the recruitment window on her phone and held it out.

“This announcement I mean.”

“It’s just a normal announcement?”

“Look closely. They’re not looking for the role of Wi Ji-hye.”

“…Um?”

The representative’s eyebrows twitched.

“I, who played the role of Wi Ji-hye, dropped out. In other words, Director Park is inevitably in a position to recruit for the role of Wi Ji-hye…”

“He’s not recruiting at all, which means.”

The representative reacted as if he had realized it.

“…He already found her. Could it be that he’s messing around with that rookie Lee Soo-ah or whatever? Is he really out of his mind?”

A moment of silence flowed.

Silence was confirmation. There was no other possibility.

“Has this guy lost his mind?”

Soon, the representative of CT Entertainment loosened his shoulders with a grim face.

The situation of simply struggling to revive the work and the situation of putting Lee Soo-ah in the lead role. The difference is as big as the sky and the earth.

…Isn’t it a situation where it might look like Yang Ha-rin was pushed out by a rookie in someone’s eyes?

The representative gnashed his teeth.

“I need to put out some more articles. I’ll put some pressure on the topic of who he dumped Yang Ha-rin for. He’s going to go crazy, right? The actors will be so nervous that they won’t be able to act.”

Ha-rin didn’t answer.

“Why, Ha-rin, is this not enough? Should I look into something else?”

“…No, wait a minute.”

However, she raised one hand slightly as if something had come to mind.

Then she made a face as if she was convinced.

She shook her head slightly as if she had made some kind of decision.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to go that far. Rather, let Director Park make a short film.”

“What? So we’re just going to watch this with our arms crossed?”

“Of course not.”

Her eyes flashed.

“I’ll go with a different project too. The short film festival.”