Chapter 210: To Reach for the Stars, or to Become One (2)
TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir
“Err, uh, err, maybe not?”
The actress poked the actor next to her.
“Isn’t he that person?”
“What? Who?”
“Jung Sunwoo!”
My name was suddenly mentioned. It was too loud to consider it a whisper.
The theatre company members, who were examining Chief Lee Kyojin and wondering if he was one of those common scammers, quickly turned to look at me. Thinking this would be fast, I took off my glasses and hat. I even took off the university jacket I used for my disguise. This was a bit of a shame. I felt younger with it.
“Hello.”
“Ah, yes, hello…!”
The theatre members greeted me back before simultaneously reacting like they were on cue. I have become used this after my face became known, but it was strange considering it was actual actors reacting this way.
A few more sociable members approached us.
“What a surprise! You really came regarding an audition?”
“Wow, you shocked me. I was 80% sure that this was a scam!”
“It’s for City Jungle, right? Mr. Nam Joyoon and Ms. Lee Songha as the leads. The film being made by SBE Film! I saw an announcement for supporting and minor roles on the community site, so I was thinking about sending in my profile or not.”
Chief Lee Kyojin, who retreated back at some point, crossed his arms.
“… It seems there is no need for any further explanation. This gives me a strange sense of shame.”
“Same here.”
Kim Hyunsup, who was leaning on one foot, tapped Nam Joyoon’s arm.
“Just take off your mask and hat. There’s no point since no one can recognize you.”
Nam Joyoon took off his hat and mask as if he had been waiting for those words. The theatre members reacted even more loudly than before. Sort of like an idol holding a fan meeting? Their reaction was so cheerful and positive that it was strange.
“The story behind you two is quite famous in our industry.”
“A story where an unknown actor meets a manager and they both support each other and succeed. It’s romantic. I really hope you do well, Mr. Nam Joyoon. That way, people like us who threw away their lives to chase their dreams can continue with hope!”
“Park Hyejae! You become a film scene-stealer next year and get married!”
Following this mood, we ended up in a snack stall. After a round of drinks, the theatre members became even rowdier. The captain of the group placed his arm around Park Hyejae, who was drinking with a complicated face.
“This bastard hasn’t been able to get married for three years due to his to-be in-laws’ refusal. That they couldn’t give their daughter to a guy who can barely make ends meet acting in a small theatre company.”
“Stop it. That’s not something to brag about.”
Park Hyejae looked at me and Chief Lee Kyojin before asking,
“What kind of role is it? Is it a minor one?”
“It’s a supporting role. There are a lot of lines, and it’s a very important role.”
“All casting directors seem to say that though.”
Park Hyejae said bitterly at Chief Lee Kyojin’s reply. The theatre members chimed in.
“When we have high hopes that it’s a good role and go, there really are a lot of weird ones.”
“I was tricked by a casting director and auditioned for an erotic film.”
“Why are you all so negative? There was one time when I was introduced to a really good role. I passed the audition and attended a reading session, but they told me to leave after casting an actor that was more famous than me. Bastards.”
“Tons of movies and dramas come out every quarter, so why aren’t there any roles for me?!”
“I guess it’s like how there are apartments everywhere, you can’t afford one.”
The theatre members’ lives were all dramatic. Dramas that kept twirling down with no end in sight. Nam Joyoon and Kim Hyunsup joined in. Nam Joyoon’s life’s hardships didn’t lose out to anyone. His life was a hardcore drama.
Sitting with Park Hyejae, we talked to his agency and scheduled an audition date.
He didn’t seem to have much hope for it.
“We saw hundreds of profile pictures again and again, and you stood out to us.”
He stopped his glass halfway at my words.
“Your acting skills were better than expected, and I could visualize the film scene in my head as I saw the play. Although you’ll be confirmed after an official audition, I’ll cheer for you.”
Park Hyejae’s neck reddened.
The theatre members gave him ‘energy’ by shoving more boilermakers down his throat.
We met multiple actors since that day.
Some were recommended by Chief Lee Kyojin, and others stood out to me. Their charisma and skills were diverse. There were cases where I thought, ‘that person’s the one,’ when I saw them act, and other times when I experienced shock and horror.
There were a lot more of the latter. A lot more.
“It’s because she’s nervous!”
The director of an acting school clung to Chief Lee Kyojin’s waist.
Chief Lee Kyojin snorted.
“Rather than being nervous, she was unbelievably confident. It’s like she not even reading off actual literature but a children’s book. Why did Director Yoon recommend someone like her?”
“It’s because I haven’t been learning for long.”
The female high schooler, whose terrible performance rivaled Im Seoyoung, defended herself.
“I wasn’t fully prepared for the audition. If you give me some more time to practice, I’m confident I can act as good as Lee Songha unni! Also, to be honest, my face is better. She seems to benefit from the camera.”
“Yes, she had the looks! Her face doesn’t lose out…!”
The director stopped talking.
Lee Songha, who was standing there completely disguised as a film company employee, took off her hat. Her tied up hair fell loosely. After taking off her mask, her face was completely unveiled. The blankly staring director and high schooler shrunk back.