The Script-Eating Actor – Chapter 91

Ch 91

Although Do Jae-hee and the staff had left for the United States, L&K was still bustling.

“Currently, Team Leader Park Chan-ik is on an overseas business trip… Yes. Schedule confirmation is possible. I’ll call you back shortly…”

“We have to prepare the costumes? For a period drama? Just a moment. I’ll check. Hello? Team Leader Jang!”

“Who’s advancing to the US? Jae-hee? Ah, please wait. I’ll let you know when the time comes.”

Filling the void of someone’s absence, the company became even busier.

The atmosphere in the president’s office was not much different either.

Lee Mu-taek, Kwon Woo-chul.

In a place where the L&K presidents were gathered, the public relations team leader began the situation briefing.

“There are already articles in Japan saying that it’s practically a done deal that Miyamoto Ryo has been cast in a Hollywood movie.”

“I saw it too.”

“Miyamoto’s company, TK Tokyo, released a correction article saying that they are waiting for the audition results, but the local media is already acting like it’s confirmed. In the process, they also released news that a famous Korean actor was competing in the audition, whether intentionally leaked or not.”

At the public relations team leader’s words, President Lee Mu-taek’s face crumpled.

“Those crazy bastards.”

Rather, news of Do Jae-hee’s Hollywood move began to spread from Japan, and it started appearing frequently in domestic internet communities as well.

‘Rumors of Do Jae-hee’s advancement to the US.’

‘Hollywood musical movie audition?’

‘Nothing has been officially announced.’

Photos taken at the airport around the same time were decisive.

It was as if the plan to announce a surprise gift by releasing confirmed articles after the audition announcement had gone down the drain.

It’s not like giving a little heads up would be a big deal.

“It’s already a mess with people saying who’s going to get it and who’s going to be dropped. The reporters keep calling. ‘Star Magazine’ is even urging us, asking if we’re going to keep it a secret from them. What should we do?”

So many annoying things are happening.

President Lee Mu-taek said in a testy voice.

“Let’s keep our mouths shut for now. About a week? The results will be announced if we wait.”

“Understood.”

Then, President Kwon Woo-chul spoke.

“Since it’s come to this, how about we just go all in?”

“Huh?”

President Lee Mu-taek looked at President Kwon Woo-chul as if asking what he meant.

“What do you mean? Go all in?”

“You trust Jae-hee, right?”

“Of course, I do.”

“Then we release our confirmed articles as well. Saying that he beat out a Hong Kong movie star and the vocalists of famous Asian bands, and is now going to succeed in advancing to Hollywood.”

“….”

“….”

At President Kwon Woo-chul’s words, silence fell in the office.

“Is it not good?”

President Kwon Woo-chul mumbled, “I think it’s fun…” and lifted his green tea latte.

“Hmm, this smells good. Where’s this cafe? I don’t recognize the logo.”

“Ah, it’s a new place that opened in the alley over there.”

“Really? I should go check it out.”

“… What do you think, Team Leader Kim?”

“Yes?”

President Lee Mu-taek asked.

“Woo-chul’s opinion. As the L&K public relations team leader, what do you think?”

“Hmm.”

The public relations team leader’s face hardened slightly.

“It’s a double-edged sword. If he happens to fail, wouldn’t the hostile public try to twist the story… The evaluations of Jae-hee are clearly divided among domestic actors as well. An idol, or a jealous junior. If we leave a scar on his currently flawless career…”

“That’s right. It would be a disaster if we got ahead of ourselves and got cursed out behind our backs.”

“But, if he succeeds, the story changes. It’s a Paul Anthony film. He’s a director who did well in Korea with his previous work, , so he has a strong fan base… It would be interesting. It’s definitely provocative, right? It’s like getting a free publicity effect.”

The pros and cons are clear.

“Hmm.”

Since there are two presidents, their opinions often differ like this.

President Lee Mu-taek picked up the intercom.

“Call in team leaders 2 and 3.”

Therefore, there were no unilateral or reckless decisions. This was how L&K had survived in the industry.

Through meetings, they identify the shortcomings and highlight only the strengths.

Team leaders 2 and 3 were called to the president’s office. What started as a light briefing turned into a long meeting. But surprisingly, the answer was in a simple place.

“The answer was in director Paul Anthony’s previous work.”

“Huh?”

“Not the answer? Anyway, a solution?”

“Stop stalling and just say it.”

“. The actor who played the main character, ‘Angel’, did learn the piano, but they used a stand-in for the really difficult pieces.”

“Oh.”

They’re filming a musical movie, but.

The basic skill of an actor is ‘acting’.

“But that was the lead role. This time it’s a supporting role, right?”

“Most of the supporting roles were also actors who had nothing to do with music.”

“Could it be that it was difficult to cast famous musicians because it was his debut film? What if he actually wanted to use professional musicians?”

That’s a valid point.

By making a success, he formed a relationship with HighMount Pictures, which led to the creation of .

He made his previous work a success cheaply, and now director Paul Anthony is becoming more ambitious. You can tell by just looking at the name value of the actors being considered.

“Honestly, if you think about it that way, there’s nothing you can predict.”

“…. That’s, true.”

“Let’s think simply. It’s not an audition to pick a musician, so the chances are high. That Japanese guy can’t be a better actor than Jae-hee. And Elani O’connor is the music director. I don’t know what kind of relationship she has with Jae-hee, but isn’t he the actor that the artist who’s making the movie’s OST has already picked?”

“Oh, right! I forgot about that?”

The public is predicting Miyamoto Ryo’s advantage, but.

The actual possibilities are leaning towards Do Jae-hee.

It’s a situation worth having expectations for.

“What should we do? Should we go all in?”

At President Kwon Woo-chul’s urging, President Lee Mu-taek narrowed his eyes and asked.

“Let me ask you just one thing.”

“Yes?”

“How big do you think Jae-hee can grow?”

“… Hmm, that’s a difficult question.”

“I think he’s good enough in Korea. But, can he really do as well in the US as he does here?”

President Lee Mu-taek’s pure curiosity.

“There hasn’t been a single actor who has succeeded so far. It’s obvious, but that’s the land of the Americans. Jo Seung-hee also failed. I heard that even Senior Seol Gang-shik gets called in once every three years. Just for villain roles.”

The end of that question was directed to President Kwon Woo-chul.

“What makes you believe in him so much?”

“….”

I’ve been curious from the start.

Why does this guy keep taking Jae-hee’s side?

President Kwon Woo-chul smiled lightly and said.

“I’m also hurting inside. But what can I do? Jae-hee’s contract renewal condition was that we wouldn’t stop him from going to Hollywood.”

“Huh? Just for that reason?”

“Yes, well… Is it boring? Haha. Because I have to believe, I’m doing my best to believe.”

And then he smiled leisurely.

Of course, there was another reason, but.

The reason for believing in Do Jae-hee.

He had already vaguely felt it since the time he was competing for viewership ratings with Im Ju-won in the drama.

That he wasn’t an actor who would just play around with viewership ratings on a small stage.

Because he was an actor who had everything he had imagined as his ideal.

He hides his dirty greed, but he never settles for that position.

Fame rather than money.

Unusual competitiveness and tenacity.

“You asked how big Jae-hee could grow, right?”

“Yeah. Right. Let’s hear it.”

“Actually, I don’t know either. How big he can grow. I have no idea.”

“…Tsk. How bland.”

“Haha, so let’s just watch. While continuing to believe.”

The conversation was over.

“Let’s release the articles.”

At President Lee Mu-taek’s words, President Kwon Woo-chul spread his arms wide and sprawled on the sofa.

“Hoo, I should go home early today and pray. Pray for Jae-hee to pass the audition.”

“What a boring joke.”

“I’m serious? Alright, let’s get started.”

The public relations team leader said.

“I’ll gather the reporters.”

*

The morning in Hollywood, USA, I thought it would be something new, but it’s nothing special.

After finishing breakfast at the hotel’s breakfast buffet, I looked at the Hollywood sign visible through the glass window.

Hmm, I came to America to see that.

My condition is perfect.

After checking Miyamoto Ryo’s face last night, I feel strangely more confident.

If he looked like the friendly and witty genius musician that the Japanese media had created, I would have been more worried.

The way he acts, he’s just a nouveau riche star who likes to show off and reveal himself. It’s enough to guess his level.

I finished my meal and started the day with stretching.

It’s nice that the room is spacious.

Eetchah!

I tried to split my legs, even though they wouldn’t split, and I loosened my stiff neck while showering.

I applied skin lotion and loosened my facial muscles as much as possible.

I put on the clothes that stylist Team Leader Jang had chosen.

A striped cardigan over a white dress shirt. A dark purple long coat with black cotton pants. And I came out in front of the hotel on time.

“Oh! Here!”

Our staff members are lined up.

And not far away, Miyamoto Ryo’s crew and stars from all over East Asia who had gathered for the audition were waiting.

It feels strange.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Hmm, I’m nervous.”

It feels like we’re competing in a national match.

Stylist Team Leader Jang asked as she fixed my bangs that were parting in the wind.

“Jae-hee, do you smile when you’re nervous?”

Then, Jae-ik Hyung said with a smile.

“He’s a bit weird sometimes.”

“….”

Thanks a lot.

Agent Bill arrived with two limousine vans as promised at the agreed time.

“Let’s go.”

“Thank you.”

We split into two cars and left West Hollywood, heading deep into Hollywood.

A place that is absolutely essential in the American film industry.

HighMount Pictures, one of the three major Hollywood film companies, whose movie opening logos are familiar to us, was not far away.

“There are also courses for tourists.”

Like Disneyland, this place, which has become a landmark representing LA, had spaces open to tourists.

There were dozens of huge studios, three or four in Korea, and the streets inside the studio were like outdoor movie sets.

Just by filming here, you could film several different genres of movies, it was a huge movie empire.

“It’s incomparable to Korea.”

“That’s right, I hate to admit it… It’s incomparable.”

Even in Jeonju, Korea, the indoor set for <7 Years of Memory> is being built. The scale and set quality itself is incomparable.

“So this is why they say Hollywood, Hollywood.”

At that moment, Team Leader Park Chan-ik checked his cell phone and said.

“Jae-hee, they’re going to release articles about you auditioning? It seems like the source leaked from Japan first, so they decided to make it public. If Jae-hee is okay with it, they’ll gather the reporters right away.”

“Huh, really?”

Everyone except me looked surprised.

But, I nodded obediently.

“I don’t mind. There must be a reason.”

“Okay, then!”

An audition is a blind date.

When you actually open the lid, you might be disappointed if the blind date doesn’t match you, or you might refuse first.

But, if that person is the only marriage partner in the world, the story changes.

You have to fight to the death to win.

You have to try everything you can.

“There’s going to be a lot of hype in Korea. I have to win no matter what!”

“Jae-hee! Let’s go!”

“….”

Because today’s fight was no longer just my personal audition.

I got out of the car and entered the 3rd set where the HighMount Pictures audition was being held. I’ll use the 3rd set’s dressing room. The audition will be held in the 4th set.

“Jae-hee, let’s do your hair.”

At Team Leader Jang’s words that she would style my hair to look a bit rough and messy, I followed her into the dressing room.

Inside the dressing room, Miyamoto Ryo and his crew were already sitting in a crowd. And they started chattering in Japanese as they saw us enter.

Miyamoto Ryo with his hair puffed up with a lot of volume. Dark smoky makeup on his eyes.

Just by looking at the makeup, I can see how he’s going to do the audition.

I’m the star of Asia.

But I’m the opposite.

‘With the heart of a rookie.’

I plan to approach the audition with the perfect attitude of a rookie.

Because Do Jae-hee is just a name that works in Korea.

“Let’s start.”

The warm air from the hair dryer wet my hair.