Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Protagonist Treatment
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"This is totally protagonist editing, isn't it?"
Minhee's mutter spoke for everyone's feelings.
Protagonist. It was directed like he was the real deal, as if they were saying this was the reason to watch the show.
Seonwoo stared blankly at the screen, his face pale.
What is this?
A dream?
Why were they suddenly focusing on him like this?
And hadn't Im Youngdo called him a genius just yesterday? They'd already edited in footage from yesterday's shoot?
Their execution was truly impressive. The problem was that they'd used it to portray him as some once-in-a-century genius...
'Well, it's not unwarranted.'
Hyeseong wasn't surprised.
Having been in this industry for so long, he understood the logic that drove it.
The reason Seonwoo was getting this much push from the production team wasn't because he was a great actor.
It was star quality.
'Seonwoo really stands out.'
He'd felt it from the first time they met.
When Seonwoo had parachuted in out of nowhere, Hyeseong's reaction wasn't 'Who the hell is this guy?' but more 'What makes this guy tick?'
He had that something that drew people's eyes.
Like he had something to show... an aura that made you curious about him.
That must be what star quality is.
Im Youngdo must have seen it too.
With decades in broadcasting, he'd naturally have an eye for spotting stars.
Seonwoo did seem a bit burdened, though.
But it was a burden worth bearing.
If he overcame it, he wouldn't just be treated like a protagonist—he'd become one.
'Can't wait to see it.'
Seonwoo had already been sweating over Im Youngdo's single "genius" comment, vowing to do even better.
How hard would he push himself with this much spotlight?
And then,
"Whoa! The comments are already piling up!"
"How many? ...Over a hundred already!?"
The preview for [I Am an Actor] was already flooded with comments.
💬 Comments — BlueAngel Now there's even an audition show for actual actors. — Grumpy ⤷ It's about time. There haven't been any audition shows for actors until now. — Anon3 The stuff they mentioned in the preview is kinda worrying for real. Feels like it'll be full of terrible amateurs. — GangnamDumpling ⤷ That's what the video says. There are tons of talented people. — DowonMom ⤷ You trust the broadcaster? lol — Bruin What happened to the visuals? Thought I went blind for a sec. — Jot ⤷ Not cringy, not that bad. — Aquarius ⤷ Cringy no way in hell. You think regular people without management look that good easily? ⭐ Top Comment — sj97 But what's up with that guy at the end? They directed him like some final boss lololol — DriedCorn ⤷ Looks like the production team's subtly pushing him. — NorthStar ⤷ Face is top-tier, at least. — Ssook ⤷ That guy's from the theater scene in Daehakro. From the Cheongsong Troupe, which is blowing up right now. — DriedCorn ⤷ Oh, from Cheongsong? I used to go see their shows a lot in college. — DriedCorn ⤷ Whoa, their troupe poster has a killer face too... It was like that.
A quick glance showed comments about Seonwoo dominating.
And it made sense. With the production team blatantly directing him as the protagonist, eyes were bound to go there.
Seonwoo swallowed a sigh.
'...Now I really have to go all out.'
He'd never planned to half-ass it anyway.
But now the attention was overwhelming. Called a genius and all—if he put out mediocre acting, the backlash would be instant.
That was when it happened.
"Kim Seonwoo? Can we grab you for a quick interview?"
"Ah, sure."
The production team swooped in on him like they'd been waiting.
In the interview room, Im Youngdo grinned slyly at Seonwoo, as usual.
"Did you like the gift I prepared?"
"...You're not talking about the preview, are you?"
"Oh? But I am. Didn't it feel like a gift?"
"What if a friend suddenly gifted you a foreign luxury car?"
"Uh... it'd be great but kinda overwhelming?"
"That's how I feel right now."
Im Youngdo burst out chuckling at Seonwoo's honest reaction.
"I figured you'd say that. You've always seemed weak to praise."
"...Is there a reason you're pushing me like this?"
"Don't worry. It's not just to be nice to you. I'm a PD at the end of the day. I only do what's good for the show."
"Pushing me helps the show?"
"Hmm. Seonwoo, do you take good photos?"
Photos?
It was a bit out of left field, but Seonwoo nodded.
"I think I do okay."
"Isn't photography fascinating? Same shot, but shift the focus and the whole vibe changes."
"...Yeah, sure."
"Right now, I'm just finding the focus."
Im Youngdo stared straight through Seonwoo.
Seonwoo was momentarily startled by the look. He'd seen it before—when fellow actors talked passion, revealing the fire in their hearts.
"And this time, I focused it on you."
"...So, did you get a good shot?"
"Hmm, does that answer it?"
Im Youngdo smiled.
For a fleeting moment, his middle-aged face lit up with a boyish grin.
"I'd love for you to be my focus from here on out too..."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Back in the break room after the interview, the contestants' energy was electric.
They'd always been surrounded by cameras but hadn't truly felt it until now. It was sinking in—they were finally stepping out to the public.
"...Top ten. No more, no less—just make top ten."
"I dunno, I just wanna nail the remaining missions. Who knows? Maybe a director will like my acting and call me up."
"Stranger things have happened."
Regardless of scores, their motivation was reignited.
And naturally, their focus turned to...
"What's the next mission?"
"Yeah... We did emotional acting, so probably something else."
"Feels like it won't be solo again. Maybe full team battle this time?"
"Team battle's possible. But then you'd really need to pick good teammates..."
"Right. Teammates were key last time too."
Missions and teammates.
No one knew what the mission would be. But they could discuss teammates in advance.
That was why.
"Hey, Seonwoo, if the next one's a team mission... wanna team up with me?"
People started approaching Seonwoo, asking to be teammates.
From the contestants' perspective, no one was a more appealing pick. The PD was visibly backing him, after all.
Teaming with him meant more screen time.
Beyond the strategy, they also had high expectations for his skills.
Im Youngdo himself had called him a genius. Teaming up should guarantee a solid baseline, right?
And honestly, his acting was top-notch in their eyes too.
'What a headache.'
But for Seonwoo himself, it was a pain.
He appreciated the goodwill, but with so many requests, he couldn't say yes to everyone.
The best he could do was "depending on the situation."
Truth be told, he had someone else in mind.
'Teaming with Sion would be great.'
Sion's score was currently 5 points.
Clearly in the elimination zone.
Of course, in a competition, you couldn't afford to babysit others.
But teaming with Sion didn't seem like a stretch.
His acting wasn't terrible by any means.
'If he just gains some confidence, he could do really well.'
So, if possible, Seonwoo genuinely wanted to team up and help Sion.
Hadn't he himself benefited massively from Yeonwoo's help last mission?
If you receive help, you should give it too.
"Seonwoo, wanna team up again?"
He hadn't expected this one, though.
Seonwoo looked at Yeonwoo with a awkward expression.
"Suddenly?"
"Huh? Why the long face? We made a pretty good duo, didn't we?"
"It was a trio, exactly."
Minhee cut in with a dumbfounded look.
He wouldn't have minded if she wasn't there, but calling it a duo right in front of her?
Yeonwoo feigned shock and waved his hands.
"Oops, of course! Just a slip of the tongue! Don't misunderstand!"
"...No real misunderstanding. But why not ask me if you wanna team up?"
"Sis, you're kinda scary..."
"What's so scary about me?!"
He hadn't said cranky, exactly.
Seonwoo stayed quiet instead of inserting himself.
Still, it was fascinating.
'This guy's a psychopath.'
Not that it was shocking to have a movie-villain type nearby.
What was shocking was that all those expressions, actions, and speech came from someone lacking empathy.
Emotions are just technique, huh.
If he could absorb all of Yeonwoo's technique... That's when the thought hit.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ << We will now announce the next mission. >> The production team's voice echoed from the ceiling speakers.
A surprise mission drop.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ << The theme of the next mission is 'Co-Performance.' >> "Co-performance...?"
"They want us to do team play?"
"Shh, broadcast's still rolling."
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ << You will now divide into seven teams of five and compete. >> << Regardless of team members, everyone will receive the same script. For this mission, you can earn up to 10 individual points and 10 team points, for a maximum of 20. >> << You have 1 hour to form teams. >> << Form your teams within 1 hour. >> A barrage of info dumped in seconds.
But what to prioritize was clear. Seonwoo's eyes lit up.
'Gotta find teammates.'
Good ones, at that.
Team score was as crucial as individual. Pick wrong, and it could end like Jaewon's last time—regrettable.
So, who to team with? As Seonwoo turned,
He froze like a frog before a snake.
He had no choice.
"......"
A dozen or so pairs of eyes sparkled at him.
Their goal was simple: recruit him.
Seeing those burning eyes dead set on making him theirs, Seonwoo let out a hollow laugh.
'...Should I run?'
This was getting scary.