Chapter 104

Seoyeon was surprised twice at what General Manager Kang Tae-jin had said.

First, it was about the news that a variety show was being planned for the movie.

Second, it was due to the fact that she had never heard of such a variety show in her past life.

‘No matter how much I think about it, I couldn’t find a variety show similar to this.’

Thus, there was a high probability that it was entirely new for the movie.

A movie that Seoyeon did not know and had not existed in the past.

While being amazed at that, there was also a fluttering heart, because after all, all the movies Seoyeon had seen so far had been the ones she had already seen.

“By the way, the director is Director Han Ye-geun.”

As Kang Tae-jin said this quietly while looking into Seoyeon’s eyes, she had a vague memory of hearing the director’s name.

A director with a recognized skill in action direction.

Despite that, he was known to have high standards, a bit dictatorial, and someone with a definitive personal style.

“Hmm, you might not know this, but Director Han is a bit difficult to approach. Also, he has been active in the industry for a long time.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of him.”

“If so, we can skip some formalities.”

Kang Tae-jin was inwardly surprised, looking at the calm Seoyeon.

‘She certainly remains composed despite her young age.’

First off, there was no sign of panic or tension when dealing with him.

Was it because she was an actress?

Kang Tae-jin could easily pierce through others’ emotions.

However, Seoyeon was a complete mystery.

Just like Cha Soo-ah in the movies.

“Didn’t they call it ’emotion expression disorder’?”

When Kang Tae-jin was young, people told him he also had a dull sense of emotion.

He thought there might be some kind of ailment, but it turned out he was simply a little dull in emotions.

In any case, since he could somewhat empathize with Cha Soo-ah, “The Chaser” being entertaining was not a lie.

And highly evaluating Seoyeon and setting up this meeting was primarily initiated by Kang Tae-jin himself.

Of course, assessing Seoyeon as a commodity was not a subjective but an objective judgment.

“The movie title, though still tentative, is ‘Mine (魔人).’ It’s a modern fantasy featuring superhumans.”

Seoyeon slightly nodded her head; indeed, she didn’t know this movie either.

“Put simply, we’ve prepared a large-scale audition before filming the movie. This audition is to choose the lead of the movie.”

Was he asking her to participate in that audition? She looked at him speculatively.

“Yes, I would like Actress Joo Soo-yeon to definitely participate in this movie audition. Also, this variety show will be broadcast on major networks.”

It seemed they were seriously planning this audition variety show.

Still, the puzzling point was why they had specifically invited Seoyeon to take part in this audition. Usually, requests like these could have been made simply by contacting her agency.

“Of course, I understand that this could seem disconcerting from Actress Joo Soo-yeon’s perspective. This is about participating in the movie audition, not just appearing in the movie.”

“That’s…”

She was about to answer that it wasn’t exactly so, but Kang Tae-jin’s words came first.

“Because of ‘The Chaser,’ this project related to the movie could proceed.”

“Really?”

“After all, Mine is action-heavy and has thriller elements. Recently, with the stagnation in the South Korean film industry, it has been lingering in the planning stage.”

It appears that the representative of GH Group was deeply impressed by “The Chaser.”

“To be precise, Seoyeon is here because she was requested by our representative.”

“…”

It was certainly a much bigger deal than expected.

The fact that it was the representative of GH Group who personally wanted Seoyeon to act in this movie carried weight.

“Actually, we had various pieces of information. About things like the Cheonghong Action School… and the idea that Joo Soo-yeon could handle the audition splendidly.”

“Alright.”

“If you were to not make it through the audition but still show excellent performance, you wouldn’t have to worry too much about getting a role.”

This meant that Seoyeon would still be guaranteed a role even if she didn’t win the lead in the competitive audition.

“…”

It was certainly an appealing offer, but it strangely bruised her pride. Seeing the smirk on the manager’s face, it was unclear whether he was provoking her or truly trusting her capability.

“Superhero action movie.”

Now she understood why the filming was delayed.

This kind of movie was currently dominated by Western films.

Hero genre films, naturally inviting comparison to them.

The domestic movies that attempted a similar concept had all failed.

Adding a thriller element would bring additional challenges.

“I’ll consider it positively.”

“Thank you.”

How truly appreciative he was, one could never really know.

Looking at him made her wonder if that was all.

“Then, let’s move on to the next topic.”

“Huh?”

Since the meeting invitation was about her participation in the movie audition, her gaze expressed curiosity.

“Didn’t I say earlier? That I have several propositions?”

Following this, Kang Tae-jin handed over a few documents.

“It’s an advertisement proposal.”

“Hmm?”

“The recent advertisement campaign by Éclat Étoile, was quite impressive.”

Kang Tae-jin observed Seoyeon.

A beauty that few, if any other celebrities, could rival. Her looks would only shine more when she reached adulthood.

Her potential as an actress was also there.

Taking all factors into account, Kang Tae-jin wanted to secure Seoyeon.

While others were still mulling it over, he acted on instinct.

There were still murmurs within GH Group, but Kang Tae-jin moved rapidly to claim Seoyeon first.

“I hope Miss Joo Soo-yeon will represent our GH Group.”

Kang Tae-jin had a goal:

To have her face grace every advertising board with the GH Group name across Seoul.

Of course, that would need preparation.

Performance records that would convince everyone within GH Group.

All these advertisements were the first steps towards that goal.

***

The day after the meeting with GH Group,

Seoyeon felt somewhat dazed.

After all, the contracts she had received yesterday left her with many thoughts.

While some advertisements were worth millions, three were suggested by Kang Tae-jin yesterday.

Although slightly lower in prestige compared to the big celebrities’ level, the compensation itself was impressive.

“Umm…”

Honestly, the feeling of pressure overpowered her.

Kang Tae-jin’s intentions were also difficult to grasp.

“Still, it’s not a bad opportunity, might as well go for it.”

They said that signing an advertisement didn’t have immediate obligations — perhaps next year.

Specifically, the filming would begin right after the release of “Mine,” indicating that the film’s success would be the trial for Joo Soo-yeon as an actress.

If the film did not perform well, these three ad campaigns might be the end of them.

“Mine…”

The movie had never been released, so it was difficult to gauge its potential.

And there was another big issue — one only Seoyeon knew:

Its release overlapped with “The Thief,” directed by Cho Min-tae, with whom she had grown up.

“The Thief” was a hit film that drew over ten million viewers.

Also, its star was Kim Jung-ha, with whom Seoyeon had worked for the first time.

They were definitely not to be underestimated.

While “The Chaser” had utterly crushed “Utopia,” “The Thief” presented another kind of story.

In fact, during the release of “The Thief,” another major film also premiered.

Remarkably, it was completely obliterated by “The Thief” to eventually achieve the ten million mark.

Competing with such a movie, it was hard to predict how well “Mine” would perform.

‘This, it seems, should be avoided.’

Honestly, she didn’t want to compete.

She didn’t wish to gamble, nor did she want to risk friction with those with whom she shared deep connections.

But life, alas, doesn’t always go as planned.

‘In any case.’

Lately, whenever Seoyeon went to school, she could feel people’s gazes trailing her.

Especially during the peak of “The Chaser’s” release; it was laced with a kind of fear.

As if Seoyeon was a cockroach, people would hurriedly stay away.

“Hey, you’re really popular these days?”

Jiyeon teased.

With a narrowed glare, Seoyeon looked at Jiyeon.

“Hey, that stare is kinda scary.”

“Just looked.”

Anyway, Jiyeon’s teasing began when episode 11 of “Dream Future” aired, and Seoyeon could sense that male students started to view her differently.

In the show, character Joo Ha-rin was very cute, and some of the boys overlapped that image with her.

‘But…’

Seoyeon glanced at Jiyeon.

As she recently watched Ramiel’s broadcasts, Jiyeon seemed to consistently keep up with Seoyeon’s dramas and films.

Her reviews were detailed and full of praise.

Seoyeon’s acting was also complimented a lot, making her feel embarrassed when she saw the comments.

Though she wanted to express her gratitude, she didn’t know how.

So, in an attempt to repay her somehow…

“You’re late.”

“…”

Just then, Seohui Jo arrived, dressed in her high school uniform.

‘Even with so many options, why does she wear school uniforms outside?’

Jo Seohui visiting the school was no longer surprising.

How many times had this happened now?

The fact that she still wore her school uniform whenever she came, though, was notable.

“Well, I came right after school finished, so it’s normal like that.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course.”

Jo Seohui folded her arms.

Her posture alone made her look like the arrogant and overbearing antagonist in some melodramas.

Honestly, the school uniform didn’t quite suit her.

Or maybe it did, surprisingly.

“Anyway…”

The three moved to a nearby café before beginning a genuine conversation.

‘Why do I always end up having these kinds of discussions?’

Jo Seohui, in truth, felt a bit nervous, as this meeting was related to “Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo.”

‘Why out of all things this?’

To be clear, Jo Seohui didn’t harbor any prejudice against same-sex love but facing it in a role was problematic for her.

First and foremost, she had never acted in a romantic scene before.

The films that had made her famous were mainly disaster movies. She had no experience acting in soft, melodramatic dramas like “Dream Future.”

Due to her strong and serious demeanor, she rarely received roles involving romantic and tender love interests.

And now, her debut romantic movie was set to be a same-sex love movie.

‘Why is this girl so calm?’

As she stared at Seoyeon standing there blankly, Jo Seohui couldn’t help but feel nervous herself, despite trying not to show it.

Her crossed arms and raised chin were simply part of the act.

‘Cha Soo-ah…’

She recalled the “The Chaser” she had recently watched.

Seoyeon’s acting in that movie deeply moved Seohui.

She was astonished at how realistic ‘Cha Soo-ah’s’ character portrayed by Seoyeon appeared. She even wondered if Seoyeon had personally experienced the condition she portrayed.

‘Of course not.’

After researching, she learned it wasn’t a condition that could be cured anyway.

It made her even more amazed that she could act so convincingly.

So Seohui started her honest review of “The Chaser” and “Dream Future.”

Also…

“The casting for the ‘Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo’ will start soon. Are you going to check it out?”

“Yes, didn’t I mention that?”

Seoyeon said it calmly. It was impossible to tell what she was thinking.

“Why does she only use formal language with me?”

Jo Seohui was hurt.

She really was.

We’re the same age!

“And… are you suggesting that the person here with me should also check it out?”

“…”

This strange question from Seohui made Jiyeon look at Seoyeon, wondering what it meant.

Jiyeon felt Seohui’s presence was already enough to disrupt things, but now she was suggesting they also work in the same movie?

‘Why is she glaring at me like that?’

Jo Seohui also looked at Jiyeon and felt some affinity with her. Neither seemed to have a very amiable personality.

“What kind of movie is it?”

Nevertheless, as Jiyeon was Seoyeon’s friend, Seohui couldn’t afford to act unfriendly.

“Speak freely.”

“What kind of movie is it?”

“…”

Jiyeon immediately let down her polite tone when Seohui said to speak freely, which was a bit surprising.

‘Perhaps…’

Seohui looked at Seoyeon with anticipation, hoping that once her friend had let go of formalities, Seoyeon might naturally follow suit.

“It’s called ‘Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo,’ directed by Director Baek Min.”

“Oh, the one you mentioned before?”

“Yup, our senior Seohui introduced it.”

As she heard Seoyeon calling her ‘senior,’ Seohui felt it wasn’t bad.

‘So, we’ve discussed it to some extent then?’

Thinking about how freely Seoyeon could talk about a gay movie even to her friends, Seohui had an impression of open-mindedness.

The moment, however…

“By the way, it’s a same-sex love movie.”

“Ah, okay, I—…”

Jiyeon’s words faltered in mid-sentence due to Seoyeon’s too-calm response.

“…What?”

Jiyeon’s expression changed.

Seohui, seeing this, sipped her warm tea.

“Ah, she wasn’t fully informed.”

Looking at the two, Seohui found herself increasingly interested.

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