Rookie but One-in-a-Million Actor 129: Because of the Team Leader, and the Scene We Faced
This audition was starkly different from any he'd done before. For one thing, the sheer number of people involved was overwhelming. What was it she had said earlier? Something about team leaders, managers, section chiefs—all gathered here. And sure enough, there were easily over a dozen of them, by rough count.
"Oh, hey, it's Ha Moo-young?"
"Next up is Ha Moo-young?"
"Ah, the one Team Leader Kang Ok-kyeong recommended?"
They sat around a long, U-shaped table, flipping through documents. Kang Ok-kyeong patted Moo-young's shoulder encouragingly with a smile, then leaned in close, whispering so no one else could hear.
"Remember this. I'm a fan of yours, Ha Moo-young, and someone who respects actors. The planning and investment come from the company, but we handle production. Once we get the green light, we'll treat you like top industry royalty, no matter what."
"Ooh, can I hold you to that?"
"Exactly. So let's shake on it. There are as many pre-selected candidates here as there are people."
She whispered it like rapid-fire machine-gun fire, then slipped away to take a seat in the middle of the table. Caught off guard by her unexpected words, Moo-young watched her go.
A pre-selected candidate? Like me?
He was here on Kang Ok-kyeong's recommendation from the investment team, and earlier, Cha Seung-on had been pre-selected by the content business team. The hordes of actors outside were probably all called in by someone here too.
Maybe not all of them?
Hmm. Probably not. In a place where value was proven by results, company auditions were like mini battlefields. The actor you scouted with your own eye had to get picked, and then deliver results through them.
"Hello. I'm Ha Moo-young."
His only ally was Kang Ok-kyeong. This was going to be an audition hell-bent on picking apart flaws, not highlighting strengths.
"Nice to meet you."
He greeted them politely and looked for a chair. But there wasn't even a leg in sight.
"Ah, sorry, but could we do this standing?"
"Pardon?"
One of the staffers noticed and made the request like a favor.
"There's a lot of full-body CG and action scenes, so we want to check your overall physique. Your profile matches what's listed here, right? So many kids lie these days. Haha."
"Moo-young looks taller than that."
"Yeah, that's from last year."
A screen descended smoothly behind them. It felt less like an audition and more like a presentation—like a new hire pitching a proposal to the bosses. The conference room setting only amplified it.
Bzzz—
"Alright, alright. Nice to meet you, Ha Moo-young."
The man in the center grabbed a mic, formally kicking off the audition. Moo-young didn't know who he was, but he was clearly running the show.
"Looking at your filmography: Plague, You Are a Star, I Am a Star, and a bunch of commercials? Must've made bank."
"I'm currently working on a film called Streets' Sunlight. Set for release later this year."
"Ah, got it. Debuted and snagged a Baeksang Rookie Award right away? Drama category, shared nomination."
"Yes. Honored to win it for Plague."
"Acting chops—well, the rumors speak for themselves... so let's move on."
So let's move on?
Only then did Moo-young sense something off. He'd chalked it up to the unfamiliar setup, but no. Not a word about The Only Landlord, the project they were casting for? Shouldn't they be discussing the character?
Maybe it's still early.
"How's your second-half schedule? Movie release will keep you busy, right?"
"Yes. Time is what you make it."
"Good attitude. Haha."
"But damn, you're buffer than expected."
"Gonna look huge on screen, huh?"
They talked over him like he was merchandise on display. Moo-young glanced subtly at Kang Ok-kyeong.
'Sorry.'
She furrowed her brow slightly, conveying her apology. Moo-young sighed inwardly and flashed a bland smile. Fine. I followed the flower pollen here, so let's give it our best.
"Ha Moo-young."
"Yes?"
"Not much action in your filmography?"
"There were some crowd scenes and getting-hit moments in Plague, but if you're talking wire work or action-school prep, then no real experience."
Moo-young answered the barrage of questions earnestly. Most were about scheduling or past work.
"...Alright. Good enough. But we gotta hear some lines, right? Kim Team Leader?"
Finally, the script. Barely two pages, but still.
Moo-young skimmed it quickly, absorbing the info. Reclusive loner inherits a rundown building, lives a boring life—then the world ends? Turns out the building has special powers...
A survival story with the building as base camp. Oho. This could be fun. Novel adaptation?
He was up for the lead: Kim Ki-do.
"Shall I run the lines?"
"Yes. Ahem!"
He cleared his throat, grasping the context in a flash. A man who becomes god through the building's power—his word is law, truth itself.
His unmic'd voice rang out clear and strong.
"Enough! Anyone who causes another disturbance—"
"Whoa, scared me."
Mic in his gut or what? Voice like that?
Moo-young naturally used the space, pacing slowly. He swept a grave gaze over each face.
"—will be expelled. No violence, lies, or slander in this building. Got it?"
It felt like watching a play. Rumors of his talent were true, but this charisma at his age?
Even those primed to nitpick paused in surprise.
"I'm the owner of this building."
No podium, just standing there delivering lines. No fidgeting hands or awkward posture—Moo-young was ramrod straight. That immersive pull sucked them right in. They felt like tenants in the drama, cowering under Landlord Kim Ki-do's rebuke.
"And you're people living in my building. Don't like it? Get out. I won't stop you."
Short lines. Moo-young grinned, lowering his pointing finger.
Kang Ok-kyeong reacted first, clapping lightly and asking coolly,
"As expected, great acting. Done theater?"
Playing dumb, like she knew nothing about her own pick.
"No. My teacher was from theater. Learned a lot from him."
"What's the biggest strength in your acting?"
"Hm. For me..."
Moo-young pondered. Strengths in his acting?
"Taking too long to think? Haha."
A dazed guy jumped in laughing, implying no real strengths.
But Moo-young shot back firmly,
"So many, I wasn't sure where to start. Easier to list weaknesses: just two years in. Still tons to learn on set."
Kang Ok-kyeong raised her brows, impressed. College kid probably hadn't job-hunted much, but that answer was gold. Textbook: admit flaws, frame as external, imply natural resolution with time.
"Ah, two years. Yeah, rookie. Explains the rough edges."
"...?"
"...!"
The mutter drew all eyes. Park Team Leader, another investment head like Kang Ok-kyeong.
No conscience. After that performance?
Park's got no taste.
Who'd he bring that he's acting like this?
"Give me time to prep the script, and I'll show better. One strength: immersion. I make any situation feel real. Crucial for fantasy, I think."
Park sneered at Moo-young's sharp retort.
"Unlimited time? Anyone could nail it. Limited time needs pros. Can't show it now, can't do it period."
As Kang Ok-kyeong geared up to defend,
Moo-young smiled and countered,
"If I show you, you'll pick me?"
"Haha! If you can. But I doubt it."
No performance would sway him—he'd nitpick anyway. Opposition for opposition's sake.
Kang Ok-kyeong rubbed her mouth, swallowing irritation. Wasting energy on trash.
She was certain: no actor shone brighter now or in the future than Ha Moo-young.
As she opened her mouth again,
"Hah— hah—"
Moo-young, standing still, gripped the table edge, breathing raggedly. Like no matter how deep he inhaled, it wouldn't clear. Lungs clogged with a filter?
His breaths grew erratic.
"Ha Moo-young?"
"Haha, playing sick now?"
Kang Ok-kyeong called worriedly; Park laughed knowingly. Throw your fit! I ain't budging!
"...I'm fine. I... get like this sometimes."
"Feeling off? Your face..."
"Ah..."
Moo-young clutched his chest, slowly crumpling forward. Legs buckled, then gave out completely.
Thud!
"Oh my!"
Tremors rippled from fingertips to toes. Eyes rolled back, face turning deathly blue. Grotesque groans mixed with drool dripping from his mouth.
"Guhk... ughhh..."
"P-Park Team Leader?"
A coworker called to him, eyes pleading what to do. Park panicked but crossed his arms coolly. What the—? What's with him suddenly?
He knew it was acting. Knew it... but that nagging what if? crept in.
Everyone watched Moo-young, stealing glances at Park.
"He-help... help..."
"Moo-young!"
Kang Ok-kyeong bolted up and rushed to him. A few followed.
"Grahk—! Kk!"
"Breathe! Get some air outside!"
"Someone get medical!"
"119! Call 119!"
Finally, others swarmed to check him. Unfocused pupils, limbs shaking like aspen leaves. Body rigid like electrocuted.
"Wh-what? For real?"
Even Park edged closer, worried now. No way. Healthy guy collapses like this?
"T-tea... Team Leader..."
His left eye's pupil flickered back. Moo-young slowly reached toward Park.
"Not... because of you, Team Leader?"
"What? What'd I do?"
Park yelled at the accusation.
"Some people seize from stress, right?"
"What nonsense is that!"
"Why yell? Just saying."
"There's appropriate and inappropriate talk!"
Blame could swing his way. Park ranted it was bullshit; staff restrained him, insisting he hold still.
"Team Leader. Ha Moo-young..."
Moo-young's trembling hand still hovered. Park approached grudgingly. Fuck, if he spouts crap here, I'm screwed. 'What if it's me?' Nah, no way. Actor's not some weakling—
"It... it's because of you, Team Leader..."
"What?"
Moo-young yanked his tie with a whoosh, whispering. Serene smile, like no seizure ever. Wiping drool with the tie, he beamed.
"You knew it was acting but bought it anyway—so you admitting it now?"