Chapter 53

“The movie title is ‘The Chaser.’ They contacted us saying they specifically want to cast Miss Seoyeon.”

‘The Chaser.’

The title mentioned by Jo Do-yul was identical to a movie Seoyeon remembered from the past.

As for the past performance of this movie:

During its release period, it attracted a total of 2.5 million viewers.

It wasn’t an overly great achievement, nor was it bad—it was a decent score.

However, considering the circumstances behind this score, it was quite impressive.

“This isn’t really my place to say, but it’s such a great opportunity that I think Miss Seoyeon should consider it.”

Jo Do-yul seemed quite taken by Seoyeon, leaving such comments behind.

That was understandable.

‘The Chaser’ had originally been a highly anticipated movie project from GH Group.

They had invested heavily and gathered a respectable lineup of actors.

Still…

“Joo Seoyeon?”

Jiyeon looked strangely at Seoyeon.

Her eyes asked: What’s going on?

“Hmm.”

Seoyeon gently tapped her cheeks with her palms and then turned her gaze toward Jiyeon.

However, there was something that needed to be done before anything else—finding an agency.

A variety of possible scenarios flickered through her mind.

Might there be a better option out there?

But, just because an agency was better, it didn’t mean it would be better for her.

So…

“By any chance, can I speak with the president today?”

It was time to make a decision on something she had been delaying for too long.

***

“Did you hear? Joo Seoyeon is back.”

“Yeah, did you see that play? I did. Wow, that was intense atmosphere, wasn’t it?”

“No, it’s not that.”

One of Korea’s top three agencies: RY Entertainment.

Known for its aggressive expansion and its current aggressive recruitment of all the popular stars, they had heard whispers about an available actress recently.

“It seems she doesn’t have an agency.”

“Really? Are you talking about Joo Seoyeon?”

The performance she gave in this play was unlike anything expected from someone of her age.

It was the first time he had felt such a thrill from a young actor.

Young actors like Park Jung-woo, Jo Seohui, or recent rising talents close to their level—honestly, it was something.

The question was…

An actress like that, still without an agency?

How many agencies would remain passive upon hearing that?

“Manager Song.”

Indeed, over at the RY Entertainment’s “Actor Management Department,” they were already discussing the matter.

“How’s Joo Seoyeon as an actress?”

“Hmm, we’ve only seen her in theater so far, so we can’t be certain yet, but she’s promising.”

First, the impact she showed on the recent variety show [Looking Back at the Past, Memories] was significant.

She had doubled the show’s viewership, which was struggling with low ratings.

However…

Due to how low the ratings were, the increase didn’t feel as impactful.

“There are a lot of talks, a lot of articles being published, so chances are her name value might be at its highest right now.”

“Yeah, but the premium she brought back from her return is gone now, hmm.”

The head of the Actor Management Department, Lee Hwi-rok, scratched his chin, deep in thought.

“That said, it’d be a waste to let her go to someone else. Her face is good, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. She was cute as a kid, too, and she grew up beautifully without much change.”

“Her acting seems decent. If she picks a good piece, the package could look quite strong.”

With that, he made his decision.

There was no reason not to snatch a promising talent that had caught much recent attention.

And securing a trending actress could surely affect stock prices as well.

“Manager Song, so I’m leaving this in your good hands. Right? As for the conditions—let’s see… offering her an advance on par with an A-class actor seems excessive.”

“Right around between B and C-level then?”

“Yeah. B is already too much. C. Just keep in mind it’s a number inflated because of her recent popularity.”

“Of course.”

A bit better than C.

He said that and gave an ‘okay’ signal.

Typically, an advance is set based on about 30% of the expected income the actor could make during their contract period.

Actors are usually classified into 18 grades, and child actors typically occupy the lowest levels, ranging from grades 1 to 5.

As Seoyeon’s career was entirely as a child actor, and she had only returned after 10 years, her grade was naturally expected to be low.

If anything, they were offering a generous amount.

“Given that we’re likely the only ones from the top three agencies stepping forward, I think we have a good shot at sealing the deal.”

“Right, and the way you talk makes you seem sharp and efficient.”

They laughed, feeling as though the deal was already secured.

Of course, that was inevitable.

Who wouldn’t want to join one of the top three agencies that everyone recognized?

For a newcomer like Seoyeon, joining would be like bowing down just to get in.

Thus, the agency’s confidence was justified—at least until then.

***

Nova Entertainment.

It was the management company to which Jiyeon belonged, and in the industry, it ranked around the third tier.

Even being in the third tier was quite commendable.

After all, there were countless management companies whose names weren’t even known.

“Wow, is our Seoyeon finally thinking about signing a contract?”

When she arrived at Nova Entertainment, the president, Kang Chan-yul, enthusiastically greeted her.

Although he was just over forty, his youthful appearance made him look in his early thirties.

With bright blonde hair, Seoyeon thought to herself how he always seemed so young.

“Hello.”

“Ah, come on. Jiyeon told me already. You’re looking for an agency?”

Seoyeon nodded at Kang Chan-yul’s friendly inquiry.

After all, it had been ten years since they’d first met each other.

Even without a formal contract, she would follow Jiyeon around, often visiting the agency, making their acquaintance inevitable.

What was more surprising was how Kang Chan-yul continued to warmly welcome her as if nothing had changed.

‘Surely, I’m not worth such enthusiasm these days.’

Back when Jiyeon first joined, Nova Entertainment was much smaller.

Although larger than the ‘Eunha Entertainment’ Jiyeon had belonged to at the time, it was one of many mid-level management companies.

Jiyeon herself would have been given decent treatment at that level.

However, over the ten years, they managed to grow small yet steady, achieving a level worthy of entering the third tier.

They now had nearly forty actors and singers under contract.

Among them, several mid-career actors, and a few who could even classify as A-level entertainment figures.

Their marquee celebrity was Hwang Min-hwa.

She appeared in a 10 million viewership movie and her reputation skyrocketed.

‘Later, an idol would explode in popularity, bringing them up to the second tier.’

But that time was still ahead.

Nova Entertainment was a company that would rise higher in Seoyeon’s previous life.

Not quite making it to the top tier but maintaining a good reputation without scandals.

A few incidents that could have caused them trouble were not impossible to overcome.

“The conditions are exactly what we discussed earlier.”

“…Really?”

“I mean, this isn’t just because of our personal connection. It’s a serious offer.”

They sat across from each other in a reception room inside the company.

Jiyeon was waiting outside, leaving only Seoyeon and Kang Chan-yul for this discussion.

Unlike his usual light-hearted demeanor, President Kang was now calm as he continued speaking.

“I may not have much, but there’s one thing I’m confident about.”

Kang Chan-yul.

Once a high-ranking figure in XN Entertainment, one of the top three agencies, he had seen countless celebrities since entering the industry and starting his own company.

“My keen eye for talent.”

“…Is that so?”

Seoyeon’s somewhat enigmatic reaction drew a wry smile from him.

“I once had a conversation with actor Park Sun-woong, who said the star’s talent was like starlight.”

“Star.”

That fundamental potential that celebrities possess.

The ability to draw the eyes of others, to attract and captivate.

He called it starlight.

“A rather abstract expression.”

Being an actor, Park Sun-woong liked to speak this way, as though he was performing in theater.

“A person bearing a spark and one holding starlight.”

Both were qualities of stardom.

“But…”

Kang Chan-yul had once discussed Seoyeon with Park Sun-woong.

He was curious if Park had noticed what he had seen in Seoyeon.

And Park had confirmed that.

A starlight child.

“This is an investment.”

Kang Chan-yul proclaimed.

“I personally see a lot of potential in Joo Seoyeon, and this is the investment I’m willing to make. So the terms… remain completely the same as before.”

An advance comparable to that of an A-class actor.

Frankly, his heart wanted to offer S-class, but the board of directors would oppose it, so this was the maximum he could extend.

However, once she gained some accomplishments, elevating her to S-class would be straightforward. That was the nature of their industry.

“…”

Though Seoyeon had already made up her mind, she still hesitated.

Perhaps because of their personal connection, she hesitated more than she should.

She was fully aware of how good his offer was.

Even the profit-sharing ratio was 8:2.

Typically, artists sign a 7:3 ratio with their agencies.

80% for the artist and 20% for the agency was exceptionally rare.

Moreover, there was room to negotiate an even better ratio.

Seoyeon honestly believed in herself.

Her talent.

She was confident she possessed it.

“Just…”

Starlight.

She wasn’t certain if she held the grand talent that Kang Chan-yul and Park Sun-woong mentioned.

Her previous life experience.

And her reincarnation as Joo Seoyeon.

The knowledge of what movies would succeed—future insights.

Still, residual instinctive fears lingered.

“…Yes. I’ve decided.”

Seoyeon looked at Kang Chan-yul and spoke.

There could be no more hesitation.

She thought back to the two people who had approached her after her theater performance sometime ago.

Ten years earlier.

Only connected through one shared project.

People she could no longer compare herself to due to their achievements.

Ambition.

Perhaps the spark within her heart was ignited by their presence.

And then…

“Going forward, please take good care of me.”

Top star.

A promise made long ago with a friend.

Now was the time to run toward fulfilling that promise.

***

The next day…

“Hello.”

A man approached Seoyeon after she finished class and was heading out for her theater practice.

Dressed elegantly in a black suit with a crisp demeanor, he offered a radiant smile after quickly scanning her.

“I’m Shin Min-cheol, an agent from RY Entertainment.”

“Ah, yes.”

He handed over a business card and continued.

“Her appearance alone is definitely valuable.”

If coupled with the acting skills she’d showcased on TV, she’d easily grow as an actress.

Shin Min-cheol, after briefly contemplating this, cleared his throat and spoke.

“We were deeply impressed by your work in ‘Close Your Eyes’ and the recent show [Looking Back at the Past, Memories], which is why I’m here.”

At this, Seoyeon simply stared blankly at him.

‘Why is she doing this?’

She should be thrilled, practically jumping with joy.

Though Shin Min-cheol thought for a moment that her lack of reaction was due to surprise.

“So, allow me to say this: at RY Entertainment, we’re looking to—”

“I’ve already signed with an agency.”

Before Shin Min-cheol could finish his sentence, Seoyeon calmly replied.

How he reacted upon hearing this?

“…Eh?”

He was left utterly speechless, momentarily frozen in shock.

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