Chapter 344: Audition (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 344: Audition (1)
Work is quite ill-mannered; it has a tendency to barge in unannounced and bring a whole crowd of its friends along.
This time was no different. Following a public service advertisement shoot I never expected and a re-appearance on a survival program, a new job came knocking. It was a role as a villain in a drama.
Looking at the script alone, I figured many actors would be gunning for this part even without me. While the screen time wasn't significant in the beginning, the character’s presence exploded in the latter half. I thought it would be attractive to actors who wanted to show a diverse range through a non-linear character.
However, the reality of the drama world seemed a bit different.
—What was the writer’s previous work?
“They don’t have one. I heard it’s their debut.”
—That’s probably why no one’s taking it. The drama market is tough lately, so getting a broadcast slot is a nightmare. If the programming is uncertain, most actors will shy away.
I had called Gu Ja-han just in case, and that was his take on the situation.
—Are you going to do it?
“We aren’t in a position to turn down work that comes our way. Since they made the offer, I plan to go to the audition.”
—Find out who the PD is and text me.
I did as he asked, and it wasn't long before Gu Ja-han called back.
—You won't lose anything by doing it.
“Is that so?”
—The PD has a good eye. We didn't get along, though.
I didn't ask why they didn't get along. There probably weren't many people who got along with the Gu Ja-han of the past.
The call ended with my thanks and a mention that I enjoyed his drama that aired recently.
I looked to the other members to ask for their understanding regarding my individual schedule, but there was no need. Jeong Seong-bin and Park Ju-woo were overwhelmed with final exam substitute assignments, and Kang Gi-yeon was nowhere to be seen, off playing his guitar whenever he had a spare moment. Even if I had brought them work, it would have fallen through because they couldn't find the time.
Thanks to that, I had to accept this overflow of work all by myself. My scheduler was becoming increasingly cramped.
PD Jeon was nursing a headache over the difficult casting process. In contrast to the actors' fees, which had skyrocketed into the hundreds of millions, orders from above to cut production costs at all costs were putting immense pressure on him.
‘The work itself is good, though.’
Thanks to a passionate rookie actress, the female lead was cast, but the male lead and major supporting roles remained vacant long after the scripts had been sent out.
Was it because it wasn't a romantic comedy with guaranteed success? PD Jeon sighed as he flipped through the script for the first episode.
People always complained that the Korean drama industry was being taken over by mass-produced rom-coms, yet the reality was that they wouldn't even look at a minor genre when one actually appeared.
At the very least, he was pinning his hopes on one of the villains. Though a mid-level boss, it was a charming character who displayed a different kind of charisma from the main villain.
PD Jeon had already set his sights on someone to play this character. Since the person wasn't an actor, it had been a bit difficult to convince the writer, but he was someone with the talent to flip the atmosphere with a single video clip.
The "Target" who received the highest praise during the last season of Act on for his quick wit and his ruthless elimination of anyone who stood in his way—Kim I-wol was that man.
It was last year when he first saw the variety show clips. After taking on this new drama and reviewing the script, Kim I-wol had flashed through his mind, prompting PD Jeon to binge-watch Act on that very night. This time, he observed Kim I-wol, dissecting every detail.
The power of immersion that allowed him to create a high-level atmosphere even without a script. An appearance that exuded an aura just by standing still.
With his tall stature, sharp features, and a harmony with suits that made it seem as if he’d been wearing them since birth, he was more than qualified to portray a villain in a drama.
“Shall I start by cutting off your limbs…?”
Added to this was a voice that possessed a charm—smooth yet cold as if covered in a thin layer of ice. By PD Jeon’s standards, these points more than met the passing grade.
‘There aren't many people as good as him.’
It wasn't as if he had zero acting experience. While the character Do Yeong-hwan didn't require extraordinary acting skills, one could tell from watching the drama In My Office that his acting instincts weren't bad.
The fact that he had a good character was also a plus. In the drama industry, where scandals frequently broke out and forced actor replacements, the private lives of the cast could not be ignored.
While some people had a good public image but were different in reality, Kim I-wol had a good reputation even within the broadcast industry. Some even argued that his attitude was undervalued simply because he was an idol.
Though, perhaps because his wholesome image was so firmly established, he had ended up filming a public service ad that directly contradicted the drama character right around the time PD Jeon made the casting offer. PD Jeon remembered beating his chest in frustration the day he saw Kim I-wol in a suit, smiling kindly and saying he would stand by everyone's side.
Regardless, Kim I-wol accepted the audition offer. It was called an audition, but in reality, it was more of a process to see how he fit with the production team. Expressing his gratitude for the quick response, PD Jeon had worked hard to set up the meeting schedule.
‘Please, let this casting happen like a miracle. Let’s just fill at least one spot securely, please…’
PD Jeon prayed silently, hoping the heavens would recognize his desperation.
Was it because I’d experienced it once before? The atmosphere of the set felt much more comfortable than it did during In My Office. Knowing the internal situation to some extent probably helped as well.
Furthermore, the production staff were kinder than those at the In My Office audition.
—A villain is just as important as a lead, so if they contacted you first, they won't act out of line. They’re the ones who are desperate, so don't go bowing and scraping to them.
Gu Ja-han was right. So this is how you use a well-raised Gu Ja-han. Not that I was going to change my attitude just because I’d received advice.
“We explained this when we contacted you, and as you’ve seen from the synopsis, this is a villain role that requires emotional acting. The emotional lines will be more complex than the roles you’ve played before. Do you feel burdened by that?”
“My personal capability might be lacking, but I intend to do my best to match the image the writer and PD have envisioned.”
“You’re an idol; are you okay with playing a villain?”
“Since I have never engaged in illegal acts or shown an insincere attitude, I believe the fans will be able to distinguish my true self from my acting.”
“What are your activity plans for the second half of the year? There are many scenes to shoot, and many scenes that need to be coordinated with the leads, so it would be better if your schedule is flexible.”
“I’m scheduled to participate in a survival variety show, but it’s a program I went on last year. Since I know the system, I plan to put in as little effort as possible. As long as you can be considerate of the broadcast recording days, I will invest all my other time into the drama.”
Since the interview questions were within the expected range, answering them wasn't difficult.
“This isn't confirmed yet… but are you okay with upper body exposure? Just the back!”
Except for the sudden, unexpected question in the middle.
“My back?”
“The setting is that Cheon Yun-seong has a large tattoo on his back. It’s a device the writer included for characterization, so it’s not certain if it will remain in the final draft, but for now, there’s a scene around episode 10 where he shows his back while changing his shirt.”
I was momentarily taken aback. The son of a villainous chaebol chairman has a tattoo on his back…? Isn't that a bit old-fashioned? Am I just ignorant of the trends in the drama world?
“Has it been decided what kind of tattoo it is?”
“A dragon.”
…
The PD’s expression wasn't exactly bright either.
I could roughly imagine what kind of scene it would be. A mid-level boss, raised on injustice, with the night view of a massive city beneath his feet, would probably whip on a dress shirt, put on an expensive watch, and recite some despicable lines.
But a dragon tattoo seemed like it would only make the character Cheon Yun-seong look petty, no matter how I looked at it. If the name of Cheon Yun-seong’s group was Mir Group, I’d understand, but it wasn't even that.
Or was it that? A symbol of a tragic imugi that failed to become a dragon…? Even that was a very common metaphor by now.
“I have a scar on my back. If it’s a one-time thing, it might be okay, but if it’s multiple times, it will likely require a lot of work during the video editing process. We used a similar setup when filming a music video, and I heard then that the post-processing was difficult. I’m also not sure if it will result in a visual that looks good on screen.”
“Most scars aren't that hard to cover. Is the scar very large?”
“Yes. About this much…”
When I estimated the size with my hands, the PD’s mouth fell open.
“Were you in an accident? No, should I not be asking this?”
“It’s not from doing anything bad!”
“Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I’m sorry. My mouth ran away with me.”
The PD fell into thought. I waited quietly until he had organized his mind.
“Do you not want the scar to be shown? Be honest with me, because I won't decide whether you pass or fail based on this. I need to know so I can talk to the writer about removing or replacing the scene.”
Hmm.
Since I hadn't thought this far ahead, I took a moment to deliberate. Still, the answer wasn't difficult.
“As long as the viewers aren't uncomfortable, I don't mind.”
I’d felt the same way when filming the music video. It wasn't like I’d done anything wrong to get it.
“However, it is quite unsightly. If you’re going to ask the writer for their opinion, why don't you see it for yourself before discussing it?”
The PD looked flustered as he watched me undo the top two buttons of my shirt and pull the collar wide to create a space over my back. I might look like someone desperate to get picked, but I didn't want to cause trouble later by failing to explain things properly now.
The PD asked for my permission, stepped behind me, and pulled back the shirt collar. I heard a sharp intake of breath from above my head.
With everyone reacting the same way, I’m starting to think I really should get scar removal surgery before I meet my sister.