Audition Secured and a Sudden Killing Intent
Suhyeon arrived at the YK Building and headed straight to Manager Park's office. Park greeted him like a father welcoming home his long-lost daughter.
"Suhyeon, come on in. I heard from PD Hwang that the recording went great."
"Pardon? You've already heard from PD Hwang?"
"Of course. If things had gone even slightly wrong, I'd have had to grovel to Kim So-hee or Haiyu myself. You think that wouldn't be on my mind?"
"Why'd you make such a risky promise, then?"
"Look at you. If I hadn't, do you think a blockhead like you—famous for that—would've gotten on that show? No chance in hell. That bet I made is exactly why you got the spot."
"Sigh. Just don't make bets like that anymore. It stresses me out."
"If you're gonna bet, do it right. And in the end, I was spot on, wasn't I? I trust my eye for people. That's how I've survived this industry all these years."
"Yes, yes, I get it. So, my audition's set for tomorrow?"
"Yep. Head to Dream Pictures in Myeongdong tomorrow for the audition. It's for Moonlight Escort."
"I thought films like that don't cast total newbies like me because it's too risky. How'd you manage to get me in?"
"Word about you spread fast to that production company, so we barely squeezed it in. Obviously not the lead... You would've seen from the script, but the male lead is Kim Dong-su, the warrior escorting Princess Seonhwa—who was banished to her private estate by the king under the influence of his new concubine. Then there are the supporting male roles: Lee Tae-min, the Left Sword, and Song Hae-seop, the Right Sword, who escort alongside Kim Dong-su. Tomorrow's audition is for Lee Tae-min, the Left Sword. The warrior Kim Dong-su and Right Sword Song Hae-seop are already cast."
"Ah, I see."
"That supporting role will get way more eyes than a lead in some low-budget flick. Give it your all and nail it."
"Got it. I'll head there tomorrow and do my best."
Park glanced at Suhyeon with a matter-of-fact tone, as if it went without saying.
"The script... You can memorize it all in a day, right?"
"Haha, yes... I'll read it tonight and have it down."
Impressed by Suhyeon's confident reply, Park lightly slapped the desk a few times.
"As expected! Incredible talent. People who don't know better say, 'What's memory got to do with acting?'"
"Does it matter that much?"
"Huge. Think about it. Nowhere on earth has scripts flying around like in Korean dramas. You'll have a broadcast airing tonight, but a patched-up script arrives at dawn for shooting—that's the norm. If you're slow on memorizing because your head's not sharp, your acting suffers naturally. The actors stress out cramming lines, and PDs don't have time to experiment and edit the best takes."
"Ah, got it. But movies are a bit better off, right?"
"Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Film set rentals are limited, and there are tons of projects backed up. Once you book a slot, you gotta squeeze every drop out of it. Shooting on real streets or borrowing buildings is a race against time too. To try multiple angles on the director's shots in that window, actors need to be quick on the uptake. Keep NG-ing over a few line changes, and you can't even attempt takes. Time is money there—hundreds of staff per shoot. And crucially..."
"Crucially?"
"Acting improves with practice. Even talentless folks get better learning and gaining experience. But a dumb head? That's forever. No PD or director can fix that. Didn't you hear what veteran actress Lee Soon-jae—queen of the elders—said recently?"
"No idea."
"She's 83 this year. Physical decline past 80 can be offset by experience, but if your brain can't keep up and you can't memorize scripts, that's the end of your acting career. That's how vital it is. And just rote-memorizing your lines? You'll be called a wooden actor forever."
Park leaned forward, looking Suhyeon dead in the eye with utmost seriousness.
"To be called a good actor, you need to grasp the whole script, know everyone else's lines cold, especially your scene partners'. That's what makes solid acting possible. In that sense, you've got killer talent—something others would kill for. Like holding an absolute divine sword. Now you just need to learn how to swing it right."
I've heard I was pretty good with blades since I was a kid...
"That's why from now on, just put in the work. Like I said before, time to spread your wings and soar."
Sigh. This guy's got more passion at his age than most youngsters. Guess I better step it up too.
"Yes, sir. I'll give it everything."
After wrapping up with Park, Suhyeon headed down to BBG's practice room.
Wonder who's there? Need to discuss that issue with AR Team Leader Jeong...
He opened the door to find Marvin and Kevin deep in discussion.
Others must be out. Perfect. We can talk as a trio.
Seeing Suhyeon, Marvin and Kevin waved. He waved back.
"Hey. Where's everyone else?"
"Two got called for a photoshoot, and Gyeongbin tagged along to watch."
Suhyeon nodded at Marvin's explanation.
"You two haven't eaten dinner yet, right? I'll buy samgyeopsal. Let's go."
"You're buying dinner? Wait... Did you bomb Problematic Human and not solve a single problem? Trying to drag one of us back for a re-record?"
Suhyeon snapped irritably at Marvin.
"Idiots! Not taking you guys! How many times do I have to say it? Shooting went fine, so quit worrying and let's eat."
Soon, they were at a restaurant near YK, with Suhyeon grilling the meat. Tong in hand, flipping pieces, he broached carefully.
"Kevin. I've been thinking about your stolen lyrics copyright issue. It'll take time to resolve."
Kevin shrugged nonchalantly.
"Don't sweat it. Past is past—fine either way. Don't push too hard on my account. You're doing leader stuff out of guilt since you snapped out of it... But I'm worried you'll get hurt."
"Hmm. Not charging in blindly. Wait at ease for the fatigued enemy—Sun Tzu said that. If we're weak, wait till they weaken. For now, build our strength and bide for opportunity. Can't rush it."
Marvin patted Suhyeon's shoulder in agreement.
"Yeah, yeah. Got it—shelve that. Meat's done; let's chow. First time getting fed by you... I'm touched."
"I'll buy often from now on. As leader, it's only right. Haha."
Suhyeon cut the meat for them, then popped a piece in his mouth. After one chew, his face paled and stiffened.
What the...?
Marvin tilted his head at Suhyeon's frozen expression.
"What's up? Undercooked?"
"Nah. Bit my tongue rushing. I'm fine—don't worry."
Suhyeon relaxed his face for Marvin, casually chewing again outwardly while tensing inwardly.
This... First refined killing intent I've felt since coming here. Aimed at who? Me, or...?
Suhyeon glanced back at the counter, calling out.
"Auntie, two bottles of soju here, please."
Turning forward, he grabbed meat.
Damn... Can't pinpoint who. If I'd washed my meridians, I'd sense it instantly. Sigh... Senses are way duller than before. Need another way.
"Guys, photo for the memories."
Suhyeon leaned into Kevin on his right, arm around shoulder, snapped a selfie.
Hmm. Not Kevin...
Then Marvin on the left, same.
It's him. Target's Marvin... How'd this kid piss off someone bad enough for a pro killer? That refined killing intent screams top-tier assassin from some city's underworld. Why stick a heavy hitter on a regular idol?
Suhyeon studied the selfies calmly.
Ah, this guy. Plain face, baggy clothes hiding a trained build... But those eyes—killer's eyes, seen plenty of death. Leagues beyond street thugs.
The intent faded, then vanished.
Gone. Scouting the target? Intel gathering? Surveillance?
Suhyeon sighed deeply.
Back then, I'd slice through a mob easy. Now? Even one-on-one, can't guarantee a win... Been too lax in this world. Gotta focus more on martial arts from here on.
As Suhyeon pondered, Marvin tsked pityingly, pouring soju into his glass.
"Young buck like you, what worries? Just drink."
Damn it... This guy's the reason! Because of you! Clueless...
Suhyeon downed the shot Marvin poured, plotting ahead.
For starters, from tomorrow...