Breaking the Shell
Suhyeon mulled over the conversation he'd had with Park Sil-jang before leaving, as he rode toward Chungmuro.
"Suhyeon. No matter how much power YK has, with your current image, we can't push you into any movie. The idiot who can't memorize even two lines of dialogue—that image has to be shattered as quickly as possible."
"Yeah, I suppose it does."
"The TV cameo from yesterday should be generating some buzz by now. We need to spread the word in the film industry fast too. That's why we scheduled today's audition—go in there and don't hold back. Show them everything you've got. If you're born into this world, you ought to soar high once, right? Suhyeon, stop hiding. Break out of that shell and step into the spotlight."
Finishing the recollection, Suhyeon murmured softly to himself.
"Hiding, huh... Aside from the fact that I've reincarnated, I haven't really been hiding anything special... But he's right in principle. Since I've been reborn, I might as well live boldly. From now on, it's time to reveal myself to the world and make my mark. An entertainer loved and noticed by everyone... Sounds worth living for."
Suhyeon steeled his resolve, firming up his determination.
Moments later, he arrived at Myeongseong Studio, a film company in Chungmuro, and opened the door to the second-floor audition waiting room.
Six men, presumably the other auditionees, were seated. As Suhyeon entered, their eyes locked onto him, and soon a wave of hostility rippled through the room.
They all recognize me. With the rumors about me being unable to memorize lines spreading through the industry... They must see me as some company-backed hack trying to snag a role.
A smile never left Suhyeon's lips.
Yes, this is it. The killing intent and enmity washing over me. Wills as firm as slicing off my limbs, gutting me, and sending my head flying. Now it finally feels like I've arrived in a world where people truly live. Like coming home...
As Suhyeon kept smiling and took a seat in an empty chair, the men's hostility thickened even more.
Perfect... Reminds me of that time crossing Mount Chok in Sichuan territory alone. When those Black Tiger Bandits from the Eighteen Bandit Strongholds swarmed out for a fight. Felt just like this. I took them all down with exactly two swings...
Suhyeon was lost in pleasant reminiscence when a woman in black horn-rimmed glasses, apparently a studio staffer, entered with a stack of papers that looked like scripts.
"Audition applicants, let me briefly explain the schedule. First, take one script each."
She handed out two-sheet A4 scripts, then continued.
"The role we're auditioning for today is from a scene where the protagonist's mother, who's spent her life as a homemaker, seeks free legal advice to clear her son's wrongful murder charge. It's a pivotal turning point in the film, where she realizes just how cruel and merciless the world is to someone with nothing."
She paused briefly.
"The first scene is the counselor gently persuading the mother. The second is the next day, when she returns, and he turns cold, forcing her to give up. It's just these two scenes, but the dialogue is long, packed with legal terms, so it's tough to deliver. Chief Director Seong Yeong-sik wants to shoot them in full takes, one shot each. That's why we urgently asked various agencies to recommend only those with exceptional memorization and acting skills. Of course, with just two scenes, the pay... won't be much. Please understand."
She caught her breath and went on.
"Anyone who's memorized the script, just open that door and head into the audition room for the panel's test. Good luck to you all."
As the horn-rimmed woman turned to leave, Suhyeon shot his hand up.
"Yes. Questions? Fire away."
"If I've memorized the script, can I go straight into the audition room without any special procedure?"
"Yes, just go right in once you're memorized."
"Got it."
Suhyeon sprang from his chair and headed for the audition room. The startled studio staffer grabbed his arm.
"Where are you going?"
"To audition."
"You have to memorize the script first. Are you joking? If the role doesn't suit you, just leave. We understand how tough it is, so we won't stop you."
"I've already memorized the script you handed out."
A hush fell over the waiting room at Suhyeon's words. Then the curses erupted.
"Fuck..."
"He must've gotten the script leaked ahead..."
"YK's total trash..."
"Filthy industry..."
"The guy who can't handle two lines on set..."
Hearing the curses flying from all sides, Suhyeon grinned wide, like a sunflower basking in midsummer sun.
That's right... This is it... The reaction I saw endlessly in my past life. How uniform ordinary people are when faced with something beyond their capabilities. I thought this world was different from my homeland, but that was my illusion. They're the same world...
Flushed with excitement, the studio staffer challenged him.
"You memorized all that dialogue just now? Impossible! This script was revised last night—I printed it myself this morning! No leaks possible! Don't lie!"
To convince the doubting woman, Suhyeon slowly recited the script's lines from memory.
Moments later, he strode into the audition room. The horn-rimmed staffer dashed about frantically, rounding up the judges who'd stepped out to smoke, use the bathroom, or make calls.
The audition began. Suhyeon delivered his lines without a single stumble or mistake, calmly wrapping up the performance.
Ignoring the judges' stunned gazes at the unbelievable display, he left the room, got in the car with his manager, and returned to the YK building to see Park Sil-jang.
Inside the office, Park was laughing maniacally to himself. Suhyeon opened the door.
"Hahaha! Suhyeon, you're here? Chief Director Seong just called, crying."
"Crying? So, did I pass the audition?"
"Nah, you failed."
"What? Why? I thought I did pretty well... Especially the cold scene—I figured it'd be solid. I've got someone around me who's top-tier at that kind of thing..."
"He said your acting was excellent. But... you're too damn handsome to use as a supporting character. It'd disrupt the film's flow or something."
"If I failed, why's the chief director calling you in tears?"
"He wants to cast you in another role. I told him no for now. The buzz we aimed for will spread like wildfire through the industry... Now we can go for proper roles. Did you read the scenarios I gave you?"
"Been busy lately—might take another four or five days."
"Hmm... Well, it'll take a few days for the word to spread anyway. In the meantime, let's get you on one TV show."
"TV show?"
"Yeah. Time to flaunt that brilliant brain of yours far and wide. You've got to make full use of your talents to smash that old image of yours to pieces..."
Park Sil-jang stroked his head, organizing his thoughts.
"Once the buzz hits and you nail this appearance, we can push you into any role from the agency."
"What program?"
"Sunday Night Fun... Ever seen it? Problematic Human..."
Suhyeon rummaged through his body's previous owner's memories.
"Never seen it, first time hearing the name."
"No worries. No special prep needed. Just show up... You'll be fine. Can't wait to see everyone go wide-eyed like startled rabbits. This is gonna be good. Hahaha!"
Listening to Park Sil-jang's booming laughter, Suhyeon sank into thought.
He's laughing a lot today. Looks in a great mood... Problematic Human... A show for people with lots of issues, huh. Well, as a reincarnated guy, I've got plenty... I'll look it up when I get home.