Chapter 55
Chapter 55
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: The PD's Fiery Gaze
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People would probably think that once they heard Park Myungjin was directing the drama for this season of I Am an Actor.
"Oh, so he's a classmate from the same agency as Im Youngdo... Did their friendship lead to him signing on?"
Wrong.
"Why the hell would Writer Ryu team up with a punk like you?"
To begin with, there was nothing remotely "friendly" between Park Myungjin and Im Youngdo.
The two were bitter enemies who bared their teeth and growled every time they crossed paths. If Im Youngdo had shamelessly gone begging for help, Park Myungjin probably would've shot back with something like:
—You think I'd waste my time playing kids' games there?
Kids' games.
Honestly, that was about the level of Park Myungjin's impression of I Am an Actor.
It was like rounding up a bunch of green, undebuted rookies, slapping a half-baked story on them, and dressing them up to play pretend actors.
Sure, those struggles might drum up some commercial buzz... and even catch the public's eye.
But that was it. That was all it amounted to.
Putting people in front of a camera who had never even had proper coaching—what kind of real drama could come out of that? That was Park Myungjin's take.
And yet, the reason Park Myungjin accepted Im Youngdo's proposal boiled down to one thing.
Ryu.
"Two hundred million. That's what I offered per episode just to bring her on board. And she turned me down flat. So what's the deal? Why would someone like her get involved in kids' games?"
"Why? Don't like calling it kids' games? Then don't do it. Plenty of others would jump at the chance."
Im Youngdo shrugged, feigning nonchalance.
Of course, it was all bravado.
Park Myungjin's involvement was just as crucial to the show's success as Ryu herself. Looks aside, he had to respect the man's skills.
Park Myungjin ground his teeth.
"Plenty of others? Yeah, sure. Rookie PDs who don't even know how to yell 'action,' or washed-up has-beens desperate for a shot. You planning to pair Writer Ryu with trash like that? You nuts?"
"Why are you talking so much? You in or not? Just say that."
"......"
Park Myungjin couldn't bring himself to speak.
Working with Ryu had been one of his lifelong dreams.
He revered her.
Or worship was more like it.
Ryu was unrivaled in Korea right now when it came to capturing the raw essence of human nature.
Back when he was a junior PD, seeing her debut work... that shiver he felt was still unforgettable.
Thanks to that, his own directorial debut exploded into a massive hit drama, putting his name on the map. Ever since, every new project, he'd sent love calls to Ryu.
And every time, he'd been shot down.
He'd never even laid eyes on her...
"You... don't tell me you actually met Writer Ryu in person?"
"What do you think?"
"That smug-ass grin... You did. You actually did. Oh God, why her with a loser like you...!"
Im Youngdo smirked in satisfaction, watching Park Myungjin wail in jealousy.
He figured this memory alone would keep him smug for life.
"Well, who knows what she's thinking. Maybe she just thought it'd be fun?"
"...Yeah. Sounds like her."
Park Myungjin nodded glumly.
Ryu was as famous for her eccentric career choices as for her masterpieces.
She never showed her face to the public, rejected every award from film festivals, and always dropped bombshell material that rocked the industry.
So Park Myungjin had half-given up on ever directing a drama with her.
Dramas weren't exactly the place for that kind of experimental risk-taking, after all.
...This might be my one and only shot.
Once that thought hit, he couldn't say no.
...Even if it wasn't his last chance, he probably would've caved anyway. Directing a Ryu script was that huge.
No director, no PD would kick away an opportunity like that.
But...
"But can your show really handle Writer Ryu? Does it have actors up to the task?"
That was the issue.
"Kids' games" wasn't just a dig at Im Youngdo.
Even top actors in the industry struggled to digest the depths Ryu packed into her scripts.
And now, total noobs auditioning for a reality show... could they handle her?
Park Myungjin already knew the answer.
No way.
"Sure, you might get lucky and snag a few decent ones. But so what? Still amateurs. Still rookies."
"...Forgot already? Amateurs and rookies have shaken this industry plenty of times before."
"Anyone that good would've blown up already."
"Nah. I don't buy that."
Im Youngdo met Park Myungjin's eyes squarely.
"Some people just need the right chance to shine. Give 'em the spotlight, and they'll outglow anyone. What this industry needs isn't more good actors—it's good opportunities."
"......"
"So just answer this one thing."
In or out?
It probably wasn't all that surprising when Park Myungjin finally nodded.
But even after committing to direct the drama, he couldn't shake the nagging doubt.
He just couldn't get past his worries about the cast.
So even after filming for I Am an Actor kicked off, he deliberately avoided paying attention.
Focusing on it would just stress him out more.
Park Myungjin only started looking into the actors once the TOP 10 was set and the drama cast confirmed.
"...Just these ten?"
"Yup. Seen any of their acting?"
"Nah. Haven't even watched episode one."
"Figured. That's why I brought the highlight reels."
Im Youngdo looked pretty pleased with himself.
It only made Park Myungjin's blood boil more.
This guy's so chill 'cause he's not directing it himself.
Still, if he was that confident... the acting couldn't be a total disaster.
With that in mind, the first clip Park Myungjin saw... was none other than Minhee's.
Specifically, her preliminary round performance.
"Here we go—our leading lady."
"...Pretty. She'd stand out among the female contestants, huh?"
"Eh... there's one other, but for a classic heroine vibe, this one's the best fit."
Fair point.
Classic leading lady type. Cool, aloof aura—perfect for current trends.
And her acting... not bad?
Truth be told, Park Myungjin was a little shocked when he saw Minhee act.
He'd expected something way worse. But this? She could hold her own against mid-tier active actresses.
Maybe a touch light on the glamour looks... but good styling could fix that easy.
She had that "it" factor.
Agencies scouting her right now were probably digging for her contact info. Maybe even approached her already.
Made sense for Im Youngdo to lead with her.
But...
Is she the best you've got?
Not bad.
She could handle a solid supporting role right now, no problem.
A bit more experience... and lead roles wouldn't be out of reach. It was obvious.
But could she handle Ryu's work? Hell no. If this was the top, they were screwed. They needed better.
Probably wishful thinking, though.
She was likely Im Youngdo's ace.
That was before...
Im Youngdo showed Minhee's "full emotional range" scene—the one with Yeonwoo and Seonwoo. Park Myungjin's face hardened.
"Hold up."
"Yeah? What?"
"Those two next to her... they survived too?"
"Sharp eye."
Im Youngdo nodded, pleased.
"Spot on. Both made it. Girl's Lee Yeonwoo, guy's Kim Seonwoo."
"......"
Park Myungjin fell silent.
Way better than expected. Minhee was pro-level already, and those two didn't lag behind at all.
Especially...
"Kim Seonwoo."
"Yeah?"
"Show me more of Kim Seonwoo."
He couldn't say why.
Her acting wasn't head-and-shoulders above the others... but his eyes kept drifting back.
Im Youngdo puffed out his chest and nodded.
"You got it."
Im Youngdo paused to think.
What Seonwoo clip to show? But there was only one choice. Nothing else packed that punch.
[Those in the Locked Room]
Seonwoo's mute performance.
Im Youngdo hit play without extra commentary.
Wonder what Park Myungjin would say to this.
You said this show would only have posers.
He'd denied it, but Im Youngdo had his doubts too.
That's why he'd gone all the way to Cheongsong and recruited their troupe members. More high-caliber contestants meant better odds for the show.
Looking back now... damn good call.
Half the TOP 10 were from Cheongsong.
Hyeseong, Minhee, Jaewon, Jinwook, and... Seonwoo.
Im Youngdo wondered for a moment.
If he hadn't gone to Cheongsong... if these guys weren't here, would I Am an Actor have this buzz?
No. No way.
They were practically the stars of the show.
Just look at Park Myungjin's face.
The same mouth that'd complained about no real talent... was trembling in shock now.
And the reason was simple.
Seonwoo.
Some might say, "What's the big deal? No lines."
But that's exactly why. Acting without a single line, stirring that much emotion and impact?
Give an actor like that the right stage... what couldn't they do?
As a PD, Park Myungjin's mind raced with possibilities.
How to use Seonwoo. The scenes he could craft...
Beautiful. They'd be beautiful.
That was why.
After the clip ended and a long silence... Park Myungjin glared at Im Youngdo, eyes blazing.
"What the hell are you?"
"What?"
"You..."
Park Myungjin paused.
He had to pick words that wouldn't stroke Im Youngdo's ego too much. No way he was handing him that win.
"How are you this goddamn lucky?"
And Im Youngdo, smug as ever, replied:
"Be grateful. This time, I'm sharing that luck with you."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ And so, on the day of the script reading.
Seonwoo finally came face-to-face with PD Park Myungjin... and inwardly broke a sweat.
...Why's he staring at me like that? So intense.
Did I screw up or something?