Script Selections and Quiz Panic
Suhyeon had dreamed of packing the house in one go with a massive publicity stunt through fishing content, but unexpected intruders had turned it into only half a success. Two days had already passed since then.
During that time, he'd sorted through the scenarios he'd been reading in his spare moments and headed to Actor Team 1 in the morning to meet Park Dongju.
"Oh, our Suhyeon's here. So, what do you think? Did you read them all and review them? Were there a lot that caught your eye? How many did you pick?"
Park Dongju bombarded him with questions like he'd been waiting impatiently just for Suhyeon to show up. Suhyeon gave a wry smile in response.
"Have you been well? Yes, I read them all and reviewed them. I picked three for now."
A flicker of admiration crossed Park Dongju's face at Suhyeon's smooth reply.
"You really went through that huge stack in this short time, huh. I had a feeling from what you said that day, but seeing it actually happen hits different..."
"It's nothing much."
"There you go again. I told you not to hide your light under a bushel. Humility's fine and all, but at your age, showing off your talents isn't a bad thing. And you're an entertainer by trade—not some average Joe. You've got a duty to shine for the public. Even if you don't, you have to act like you do. That's the job."
"Got it. I'll be more mindful going forward."
"I know you'll handle it, so I'll cut the nagging. Alright, let's take a look at the ones you picked. Hmm, just three? Fewer than I expected..."
"Yes. Those are the three that really appealed to me."
Moonlight Escort—that's a full-on period action flick... No Reason for the Dying—story of a guy with an incurable disease... And last, Sting: A Report on That Beauty—about a con artist... Hmm. Tell me why you chose each one. Why Moonlight Escort?"
"For Moonlight Escort, it seems like a role that uses the body a lot. I'm confident I can handle that side of things. And since it's my first film, I figured it'd be better to go with something physical rather than subtle emotional acting."
"I see... Then why No Reason for the Dying? You just said you're not confident with nuanced emotions yet. What's so special about this one? It demands top-notch internal acting and eye work."
"Not sure about the rest, but the terminally ill patient role? I strangely feel confident I can pull that off. That's all—picked it purely on that."
"Hmm. You don't... have some chronic condition yourself, do you?"
"No way. I'm in the prime of health—could chew nails."
"Good. Still makes me uneasy... Might schedule full health checkups for all of BBG soon. Last one—why Sting: A Report on That Beauty?"
"Reading the script, the protagonist's a con man who kills and saves people with words. I've got a decent silver tongue myself. Thought I could nail it."
"Hmm, alright. Now for my take. First, Moonlight Escort is blockbuster territory. At least 20 billion won investment. They never cast rookies as leads in those—too much risk with the budget. Second, No Reason for the Dying is indie-level. Tops out at 2 billion. Plenty of chance for you as lead. If our agency chips in funding and pushes you, even better. And finally..."
Park Dongju paused, gathering his thoughts.
"Hmm... Sting is tricky. Not a simple con flick—lots of overseas shoots mean high costs. Heard it's delayed 'cause no investors yet. Budget's too steep for the projected audience."
"So I audition for the second one?"
"Huh? What're you on about?"
"Blockbuster won't take me, Sting's dragging... Only the second one's left, right?"
"What kinda logic is that? You audition for all of 'em."
"Pardon? All three?"
"Of course. No guarantee you'll land any just by auditioning. Rookies don't get to pick and choose. Do 'em all. I'll check dates and let you know—go nail every one."
".....Hoo. Understood."
After the meeting, Suhyeon headed down to BBG's practice room. The other five members, now much closer after a few days, were huddled together in heated debate over their new track.
As Suhyeon entered, they spotted him and all flinched in surprise.
Huh? Why're they startled at me? Thought we'd gotten pretty tight since that day... Was it just me? Can't have them still acting distant.
Suhyeon approached Marvin, placing a hand on his shoulder to show their bond. Marvin's body shivered under his touch. Then, every other member scooted their butts back, distancing themselves from Suhyeon.
What's their deal? Treating me like a plague carrier... Gotta fix this distance. Might need a new strategy.
As Suhyeon pondered, Marvin cried out in a trembling voice.
"I... I grew up in England!!"
"Huh? Who doesn't know that..."
"Koreans... I can never get Korean quizzes right!!"
"Eh?"
Kevin, sitting back, took over in desperation.
"Robin and I grew up in England too... You're going to Problematic Human today, right? If we went on a show like that, we'd just sit there mum like fools and come back empty-handed..."
"Haa... Now I get why these idiots are avoiding me like the plague."
Suhyeon finally understood. He rubbed his forehead and eyed each one.
Seongbin, catching his gaze, pleaded desperately.
"I only danced at Marronnier Park in Daehangno during school. No good... Please, Suhyeon."
Gyeongbin next to him protested like it was nonsense.
"Seongbin at least hung around Daehangno, so he probably studied some... I only practiced rap in clubs. Suhyeon, not me. I don't qualify. Forgive me."
Suhyeon snapped irritably.
"You lot... Fine, shut it! I'll go alone—no worries. Buncha teammates..."
Relieved sighs echoed around, lightening the mood. Kevin approached with a beaming smile.
"Suhyeon, I wrote lyrics to that track from before. Wanna check 'em?"
"Haa... Yeah, let's see. Hope it's not cheesy like our old London Night With You or Sudden Love Mode."
"Misunderstanding. You weren't interested then... Originals were London Night With You and Suddenly Love Mode. Higher-ups changed 'em to full Korean."
"Huh? Yours sound way better... Why change when our edge is three native English speakers?"
Suhyeon replied but sensed something off.
"Wait... Am I missing something here?"
Soon after, Suhyeon boarded the van driven by Baek Seongcheol and headed to TVM studio for Problematic Human recording.
"Suhyeon, you sure solo's okay? Should've dragged a smart one along."
"Haa... They freaked out. Would've cried if I asked. Not a tough show—I'll zip through."
"Seen it a few times. If you miss a problem, no going home till solved. Pulled all-nighters... Intense vibe."
"Really?"
"You haven't watched?"
"Quit after one ep. No need."
"Huh. Better wrap quick so we can head home early."
"Think five or six problems ends it? Piece of cake."
Suhyeon gazed at the passing scenery, lost in thought.
More importantly... How do I handle this trash human so word spreads I did good...