Chapter 87
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 087
Chapter Title: Tamra Script Reading (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A modern-day exorcism tale.
- Hellbound
It was a movie widely rumored to have easily claimed the box office number one spot even in his previous life.
Among the countless exorcism films from America, it stood out as one of the few genuine box office successes.
With the master of horror and thrillers, Kevin Peters, in the lead role, it was already halfway to success from the start.
As famous as it was, he'd watched Hellbound in his previous life too.
Quite a few times, in fact.
He'd even gone so far as to track down and read the script separately.
'It was fun.'
Shin Yi-han nodded as he recalled the contents of Hellbound.
It had left such a deep impression that he'd even included a homage scene from it in one of his much later scripts.
And now, for a movie like that...
"This is insane! An audition offer like this?!"
...an opportunity to appear in it had come knocking.
Not just some short film or weird project.
A box office guarantee featuring a Hollywood-recognized actor.
Shin Yi-han couldn't help but flash a grin without realizing it.
"Did someone from their team happen to see that short film with Bobby Park?! Or maybe because of Otherworld Hell?"
Na Seon-yong's excitement was totally understandable—he'd rushed straight to the house, buzzing with energy.
Shin Yi-han was genuinely surprised too.
Of course, it was just an audition invitation for now.
But that alone opened up a whole new possibility: breaking into Hollywood.
An unexpected windfall.
"Oh, right. This isn't the time for that."
And the shocking news didn't end there.
"Hyung! Here!"
Na Seon-yong hurriedly pulled out bundles of papers from his bag.
"The synopsis they sent and the role info! Take a look!"
He said the production team had emailed them to the agency.
And thanks to Bobby Park passing along the company email, contact had been swift.
'So that's it.'
Shin Yi-han's eyes widened slightly.
'The "good news" Bobby Park mentioned.'
It seemed Bobby had acted as the middleman, allowing the casting director to reach out directly.
'That was it.'
Shin Yi-han confirmed it as he checked the synopsis.
"Jackpot, right? Not just some cameo?!"
It really was great news.
- Recorder and Priest
- Yohan
The proposed role was a solid supporting character: a semi-lead exorcist monitoring the exiled protagonist exorcist.
'This role, seriously?'
It was exactly the kind of part that sparked that thought.
'Insane.'
Even without reading the synopsis properly yet.
Shin Yi-han, who already knew the role inside out, couldn't help but be even more shocked.
To outsiders unfamiliar with it, they might not get why he was so blown away by a single supporting role.
They had no idea how groundbreaking this was.
It wasn't just any supporting role.
Yohan was the one who died the coolest in the whole movie.
A righteous, noble part that Hollywood's dime-a-dozen white actors would riot over.
And that role had come to him.
To a Korean actor, no less.
Even in unpredictable Hollywood, where anything could happen, this was exceptional.
Someone must have been really impressed with him.
Maybe that person judging the short film contest.
Kevin Peters himself, perhaps.
Or someone else who'd stumbled on the Otherworld Hell short uploaded to Newtube.
Whoever it was didn't matter.
"What do you think? Accept it?"
With Na Seon-yong brimming with excitement, Shin Yi-han had only one answer.
"Yeah."
He definitely wanted in.
"Accept it."
Shin Yi-han nodded firmly.
He'd felt it even during that short film shoot.
From blending into an entirely new culture.
To matching breaths with overseas actors—and Kevin Peters himself.
And now a captivating role too.
His lips had been curved upward for a while now.
How could he not be excited?
Of course, it was just an audition chance; nothing was guaranteed after.
But with the possibility in hand, Shin Yi-han planned to seize it properly.
"Got it! I'll reply right away!"
Na Seon-yong lit up at Shin Yi-han's straightforward response.
As his manager, he was convinced whatever Shin Yi-han touched would turn to gold.
He was looking forward to it.
Especially since it was a chance to see Shin Yi-han's new side.
An opportunity too good to pass up.
'Shin Yi-han the actor says he wants in!'
'Knew it!'
Right after Shin Yi-han's acceptance came through.
Scheduling his US trip began immediately, of course.
'How long since debut? Hollywood?'
'Does this even make sense?'
'Exactly. It's totally crazy. For real!'
Winter Entertainment, led by CEO Choo Gyeo-ul, was in full festival mode.
Just one related article would blow up for sure.
Everyone cheered on Shin Yi-han's bold new challenge with excitement.
And Shin Yi-han was just as thrilled.
Excitement over the Hellbound audition was a given.
But today's hype didn't stop there.
- Tamra script reading
He set aside his excitement over the good news for now.
Shin Yi-han arrived at Red Film, the film company where Kwak Hoon was, with his manager Na Seon-yong.
"Yi-han!"
As they entered the script reading room set up in Red Film's conference room.
"C-come on in!"
Kwak Hoon, looking incredibly tense, greeted him hurriedly.
Shin Yi-han couldn't help but smile.
It was a far cry from the rookie director buzzing with excitement during their first project.
Now, with a more director-like glint in his eyes, he was still shaking like a leaf.
"Yi-han, what do I do? It's starting now! Ugh!"
In the empty script reading room with only Shin Yi-han so far, Kwak Hoon was freaking out.
"Yeah, it's starting. Gonna be super fun, I bet."
"...Y-yeah, but still."
Instead of empathy, Shin Yi-han just grinned, making Kwak Hoon swallow his tears.
Kwak Hoon was genuinely terrified.
Unlike his diligently prepped indie film, this was a full commercial movie...
Shin Yi-han, Yu Na-bi, Choi Man-cheol.
The lineup alone was insane...!
"I'm so nervous!"
Yi-han would be fine—he was Yi-han, after all. But the other two? What if he burdened them as director?
Especially Choi Man-cheol.
Just thinking about facing that heavy charisma made him tense already.
"Eh, you'll do great anyway."
Still, a few words from Shin Yi-han melted Kwak Hoon like butter.
"And the project rocks—what's to worry about?"
"...!"
The conviction from the writer-slash-lead actor moved him to tears.
"Sniff! Yi-han!"
Kwak Hoon lunged at Shin Yi-han.
"...Huh?"
But the once-hot potato Kwak Hoon now faced empty air.
Shin Yi-han had already turned to greet the arriving child actor.
"Yi-han hyung!"
"...!"
Do-ha spotted him and came toddling over happily.
"Do-ha!"
Shin Yi-han scooped up Lee Do-ha with outstretched arms.
"When'd you get to Seoul?"
"Yesterday!"
"For real?"
Lee Do-ha beamed at Shin Yi-han's question.
"Yeah! Ate yummy food with manager uncle, then went to his house and made a friend!"
Seemed he'd come up early yesterday and stayed at his manager's place.
His bright expression said it had been a blast.
Shin Yi-han smiled in relief.
Good to hear—the director had been discharged recently, but no worries judging by Do-ha's vibe.
"Huh? What's this, Shin Yi-han."
Ah.
If there was anything worrisome, it was the thuggish face of newly arrived Park Mu-gang.
"Your little bro?"
Park Mu-gang, who'd turned down another offer on Shin Yi-han's suggestion and jumped straight into Tamra.
Shin Yi-han gave a casual wave as he entered the reading room.
Park Mu-gang approached happily.
'Huh? Super cute kid.'
He just grinned wide at Lee Do-ha in Shin Yi-han's arm.
But Do-ha flinched at Park Mu-gang's rough-edged smile.
"Y-Yi-han hyung."
Lee Do-ha whispered cautiously to Shin Yi-han.
"...There's a really scary guy here."
Pfft!
Shin Yi-han burst out laughing.
Do-ha thought he'd whispered quietly, but it carried straight to Park Mu-gang right there.
"...?!"
Park Mu-gang jumped and waved his hands frantically.
"N-no!"
No! I'm not scary!
Not sure how convincing it was with all those piercings in his ears and lip.
Shin Yi-han kept cracking up at Park Mu-gang's harmless attempt—still looked tough as nails.
What kind of face is that?
"Hyung's friends with Yi-han! Friends!"
"Really?"
The staff chuckled as innocent Do-ha relaxed at the "friends" line.
Everyone found Do-ha adorable.
"Ch-chocolate?"
Park Mu-gang pulled snacks from his pocket to win him over.
"Yes please!"
Do-ha nodded eagerly and stuck out his hand bravely.
"...He really is cute."
Park Mu-gang chuckled handing over the chocolate.
"Cute, huh? Thanks."
"Not you!"
Shin Yi-han's tease left him dumbfounded.
The staff finally burst into laughter at his over-the-top reaction.
Hahaha!
Park Mu-gang the actor—total comedy gold?
It was hilarious all around.
Thanks to the familiar, friendly staff and actors from past projects.
The reading room buzzed with fun vibes.
Then Yu Na-bi, taking the semi-lead, arrived.
"Welcome! Yu Na-bi actor!"
"Great to see you!"
The staff and Kwak Hoon greeted the A-list actress first.
"Nice to meet everyone. Looking forward to working together."
Yu Na-bi dialed up the poise.
First impressions demanded politeness, right? She tucked her glamorous wavy hair behind her ear with a ladylike "hohoho."
Her gaze, though, wasn't so polite. She scanned the room casually.
Definitely a different vibe from the massive studio offices for her last big film.
Tiny.
Worn-out.
'Hm.'
Warm and lively.
'Perfect.'
Yu Na-bi smirked. The shabby building oddly appealed to her.
Such a great atmosphere— hadn't felt this in ages.
And today's highlight?
'Where's Shin Yi-han?'
Shin Yi-han.
She was pumped to meet him.
The rising star was unavoidable buzz among actors.
Every project he joined exploded, yet he was like a unicorn—hard to spot.
Word was his real-life looks were insane.
'Wonder what he's like in person...!'
Yu Na-bi licked her lips searching for him.
There—right in front of Park Mu-gang.
"Whoa."
Her jaw dropped as she blurted it out.
"...He looks like he couldn't act to save his life."
Her manager flinched and glanced around.
"N-Na-bi? Think stuff like that to yourself! What if someone hears?!"
Harsh words, but pure admiration underneath.
"Come on, honestly. That face and he acts well too?"
She knew his acting wasn't bad.
But she couldn't tear her eyes off Shin Yi-han.
He'd looked so young in Murder's Delusion.
Sharp and prickly handsome in Innocent Boy.
But in person? Totally different!
His looks had been overshadowed by the characters before, but this?
Hold up. He's huge too.
Bulked up or what? Crazy.
"Legit fresh-faced hottie."
"Na-bi... Actresses use pretty words."
Whatever her manager said, Yu Na-bi's eyes sparkled on their own.
"Think he'd fall for a flirt?"
"Na-bi!"
"Kidding."
Half-serious, actually.
First-sight crush— a first for her. She already liked Shin Yi-han.
Unlike immature Park Mu-gang.
Mature?
Just watching him chat with Park Mu-gang screamed it.
A maturity she'd never felt from same-age guys. Super attractive.
Yu Na-bi headed straight for him.
"Hi! I'm Yu Na-bi!"
She crinkled her eyes in a big smile, hand extended.
"Shin Yi-han. Nice to meet you."
Spotting her, he shook lightly with a grin.
A soft smile. She muttered to herself again.
"Damn."
"Na-bi...!"
Her manager fidgeted.
Heh heh. Yu Na-bi just laughed at his straightforward greeting.
She turned to greet child actor Lee Do-ha nearby too.
"Hi?"
"Hello!"
Do-ha bowed from the waist; she covered her mouth giggling.
"What's baby's name? I'm Yu Na-bi!"
"I'm Lee Do-ha!"
"Ooh, gotta remember that. Do-ha."
Quick greeting done, she flashed her prettiest smile.
"Oh, wait."
Then cozied up to her real target, Shin Yi-han.
"We're totally a visual feast confirmed, right?"
Me and Do-ha, and you too!
But as she slyly reached to touch his arm with a grin...
"Yeah, true."
Park Mu-gang wedged between them; her eyes iced over.
This guy...?
"Nah. Visual movie canceled. Park Mu-gang kills it."
"Excuse me?"
Hey?! Park Mu-gang bristled at her words, ending the chat with Shin Yi-han.
"Bare-face showdown instead...! My visuals would slaughter yours, Yu Na-bi."
"Yeah, yours are killer for sure."
"...?!"
Shin Yi-han couldn't hold back his laugh.
Seemed like set vibes would be fine.
Same agency, same age— their bickering looked tight.
Visuals though?
Shin Yi-han shrugged.
'Covered in mud and blood most of the time... Visual movie? Tough.'
Thinking of future shoots, he chuckled softly.
Then.
As actors arrived and the room stayed lively...
"...!"
"Gasp. Actor! Welcome!"
The final actor entered the script reading room.
Everyone had to stand.
Superstar Choi Man-cheol.
The villain and mastermind had arrived.
"Good to see you all."
For the first time, a heavy presence filled the script reading room.