Chapter 18
Chapter 18
At Baek Seungchan’s words, spoken with a dazed expression, Kim Sungho tilted his head.
“What do you mean by that?”
“That director who called earlier… he’s apparently Director Park Taeho’s friend.”
The person he had assumed was a voice phishing scammer… was actually a real drama director.
“Really? What’s his name?”
“He said it’s Director Go Jinseok.”
“What! Go Jinseok?”
The moment he heard the name, Kim Sungho’s eyes widened in shock as he shouted.
“Why? Do you know him?”
“Of course I do. He’s a famous director in the industry.”
“Really? It’s my first time hearing his name.”
Baek Seungchan had only decided to pursue acting about a month ago.
On top of that, he hadn’t been particularly interested in dramas or films before.
So naturally, he wasn’t familiar with well-known figures in the industry.
The few names he did know were Na Wonseok PD, who created the famous variety show Three Meals a Day.
Writer Lee Eunsuk, known for producing hit dramas every time.
And Director Bong Jinho, who swept international film festivals with the movie Parasite.
They were figures so famous that practically every Korean knew them.
“That makes sense. He doesn’t have a massive hit yet, but his works are highly regarded, so he’s well respected within the industry.”
Kim Sungho nodded in understanding.
“Come to think of it, I saw an article saying he’s starting a new project. This must be it. This is great news, Seungchan.”
Kim Sungho looked genuinely happy, as if it were his own success.
“It’s not confirmed yet.”
“I guarantee it. If you get to audition, you’ll pass for sure.”
Kim Sungho spoke with absolute confidence.
Baek Seungchan didn’t bother to argue.
Just as he said, if he got the chance to audition, he was confident he could win the role.
Bzzzt—! Bzzzt—!
At that moment, his phone rang again.
An unregistered number. It was Director Go Jinseok.
“Is it Go Jinseok?”
“Yes, I’ll take this for a moment.”
“Go ahead, answer it.”
Smiling at Kim Sungho’s enthusiasm, Baek Seungchan picked up the call.
“Hello?”
“This is Go Jinseok. You heard from—no, from Director Park Taeho, right? I’m not a scam or anything.”
From the other end came the hurried voice of Director Go Jinseok.
“Yes, I heard from him. I’m sorry about earlier. There have been a lot of scams lately, so I misunderstood.”
“That’s completely understandable. Honestly, I would’ve hung up too if someone suddenly called claiming to be a drama director offering an audition.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Even without seeing him, Baek Seungchan could feel how amicable he was just from his voice.
“Anyway, I have a project I’m working on. Would you be willing to audition?”
“I’d be grateful for the opportunity.”
“Then are you available today?”
Director Go Jinseok sounded excited at the mention of an audition.
“I’m currently filming, so I can’t right now. I think I’ll be free in the evening.”
“Are you already working on another project?”
He asked cautiously.
“I’m just working as an extra right now.”
“I see.”
Relieved that there wouldn’t be scheduling conflicts, Director Go Jinseok relaxed.
“I’m not sure exactly when filming will end, so can I contact you after it’s over?”
“Of course. Even if it’s late, just call me when you’re done.”
“Alright, I’ll see you later.”
After hanging up, Baek Seungchan approached Kim Sungho, who was pacing anxiously near the bus.
“What did he say? Did he cast you?”
“Not casting—he wants me to audition first.”
“Ah, right. That’s just how Go Jinseok works. He values acting skills, so he always holds auditions.”
“I’m supposed to contact him after work today.”
“Great! We’ll finally get to see our Baek actor in a proper drama.”
Kim Sungho was already celebrating as if Baek Seungchan had passed.
Despite the earlier misunderstanding, Baek Seungchan had secured an audition opportunity.
5 PM. Filming wrapped up earlier than expected.
Baek Seungchan was on his way to Gangnam in Kim Sungho’s car.
“Team leader, I told you I can just take the subway.”
Even though he politely declined, Kim Sungho remained firm.
“What are you talking about? You’re going to an audition—you need to be in top condition. Just rest until we get there.”
In the end, Baek Seungchan gave in and sat in the passenger seat.
After a comfortable silence, Kim Sungho spoke.
“Seungchan, don’t feel too sorry. I won’t be able to do this for you much longer anyway.”
“What do you mean?”
“What do you think? You said you’re going to keep acting, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’ll eventually join an agency and get a manager.”
“Ah… that’s true.”
Baek Seungchan nodded.
So far, he had gotten lucky with a supporting role, and the rest of his work came from Kim Sungho’s efforts.
Because of that, he hadn’t thought deeply about agencies or managers.
But hearing this now, it made sense—it was a natural step for an actor.
“So until then, just say ‘thank you’ and accept it. And don’t feel sorry—I’m doing this because I want to.”
Kim Sungho smiled as he said it.
Though his tone was light as usual, there was a heavy sincerity behind it.
He could feel it.
That the time he could help Baek Seungchan like this wouldn’t last much longer.
And that moment would likely come when The Loser Legend was released.
Talent, like an awl in a pocket, could never stay hidden.
“Alright. Thank you. Then I’ll relax.”
“That’s right, Actor Baek. Just sit back and I’ll deliver you safely to Gangnam.”
Kim Sungho joked, and Baek Seungchan smiled along.
As he watched the scenery pass by outside the window, he thought quietly.
‘I wish Team Leader would become my manager.’
He didn’t even fully know what a manager did.
But being with Kim Sungho felt comfortable.
And to him, that alone seemed enough.
Still, he didn’t say it out loud.
The future was unpredictable, and he wasn’t the type to make promises he couldn’t guarantee.
‘For now, focus on what’s right in front of me.’
The audition was what mattered.
Everything else could wait.
Despite the traffic, Baek Seungchan arrived in Gangnam on time.
After parking, Kim Sungho smiled.
“Seungchan, fighting!”
“Thank you. Drive safe.”
“Call me when you’re done.”
“Yes, I will.”
Although Baek Seungchan insisted he didn’t need company, Kim Sungho left early, saying it might interfere with the audition.
Now alone, Baek Seungchan took out his phone to call Director Go Jinseok.
“Are you Baek Seungchan?”
Just as he was about to dial, a deep voice called out from beside him.
Turning his head, he saw a large, bearded middle-aged man wearing sunglasses.
He had a distinct aura, like someone deeply involved in the arts.
“Director Go Jinseok?”
Baek Seungchan immediately recognized him.
“Yes, that’s me. You’re tall—and even better looking in person than in the video.”
Director Go Jinseok smiled.
Seeing him in person, he felt Baek Seungchan fit the role he was casting perfectly.
“You’re friends with Director Park Taeho, so feel free to speak casually.”
“Is that alright?”
“Of course.”
“A handsome guy with a good personality too. Then I’ll speak comfortably.”
Baek Seungchan’s polite attitude made Go Jinseok like him even more.
“Seungchan, have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“How about tonkatsu? There’s an incredible place nearby.”
“I’m fine with that.”
As if it had been planned, Go Jinseok led him to a nearby tonkatsu restaurant.
As expected of a popular place, it was packed with customers.
“Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, under Go Jinseok.”
After checking, the staff guided them to a small private room.
“What will you have?”
“I’ll have the same as you.”
“Alright, I’ll order.”
He placed the order smoothly.
Then, while waiting, he began passionately talking about tonkatsu.
“The pork loin here is the best. The owner trained in Japan for years…”
He didn’t bring up the audition at all.
Baek Seungchan wondered if this was some kind of test, but there was no sign of it.
Even with his keen perception, he couldn’t detect anything.
The man was simply serious about tonkatsu.
“Your food is ready.”
Soon, steaming tonkatsu was served.
“Try it. It’ll be different from anything you’ve had.”
“Yes.”
Baek Seungchan picked up a piece, added a bit of salt and wasabi, and took a bite.
“Well? Good, right?”
“It’s really good.”
The crispy coating and tender meat were in perfect harmony.
There was no unpleasant smell—just the pure, fresh taste of the pork.
It was simple, yet flawlessly executed.
“Good meal.”
“Thank you for the food.”
After finishing, just as Baek Seungchan was wondering when the audition would begin, Go Jinseok spoke.
“We’ve eaten, so shall we start the audition?”
“Here?”
Though it was a private room, it wasn’t completely soundproof.
“Would that be uncomfortable? We can move somewhere quieter.”
Noticing the subtle change in his tone, Baek Seungchan realized—
the audition had already begun.
“I’m fine.”
“Good. Let’s start. I’ll give you a situation—just act the emotions.”
“Yes.”
“The situation is this: your abusive father has suddenly died in an accident. And…”
Go Jinseok paused, thinking.
“Let’s go with 30% sadness, 70% happiness.”
“Yes, understood.”
Baek Seungchan nodded and immediately immersed himself.
It was an unusual request—to divide emotions by percentages.
But he focused calmly, as always.
“Take your time. Fully immerse yourself before you begin.”
Go Jinseok watched him with keen interest.
His eyes were filled with anticipation.