Chapter 365
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 365
Chapter Title: A Superstar's Audition
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“Ugh. I didn’t think I’d be auditioning with Seojun…”
Kim Hansuk, who had been a little excited at the thought of possibly landing his first leading role, buried his face in his hands.
Kim Hansuk’s words shattered the frozen silence. The classroom erupted into an even bigger commotion than before, buzzing with the unimaginable news.
“This is the first time we're auditioning alongside him, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. We’ve auditioned for his projects before, but…”
“That was terrifying.”
The students from Yeoul Arts Middle School recalled the play ‘Mirror’.
Seojun, sitting in the judges' seats and watching their performances with sharp eyes, had been both intimidating and cool. Auditioning alongside a senior like him was unimaginable.
“Him as a rival… We’re in different grades, so we’ve never even had practical exams together.”
A few students who had been considering the audition nodded in agreement.
“For college entrance exams, we might take them together if we retake a year, but there’s no way he would. And once we're adults, competing for a lead role against him seems impossible since he's just too good.”
Competing with Seojun.
For these kids, who had grown up witnessing Seojun's greatness, it was something they had never even considered. After all, some of them had become actors after watching Seojun's performances.
“I don’t get why the final boss is showing up here.”
“I know, right? How do the second-year seniors manage to take practical exams with him?”
The first-years, who were the same age as Seojun and thus received the most public attention, suddenly saw the second-years—who had to take practical exams with him—in a new, impressive light.
“So… are you not going to do it?”
At someone’s question, the classroom fell silent. The students pondered with serious expressions. Auditioning alongside Seojun was daunting, but the audition wasn’t just for the main character.
“He… he’s probably going for the lead role, right? I’m aiming for a supporting role, so I’ll give it a shot.”
“Me too. I also want to be in the same movie as him.”
One by one, they voiced their intentions, but one student was still lost in thought. It was Kim Hansuk, who until just a moment ago had been aiming for the lead.
“Hansuk, what about you?”
“Ugh.”
This is such a shame.
Though it wasn't by choice, he had experienced a situation similar to the character's, and he thought he could really immerse himself in the role and act well.
‘But then Seojun had to show up.’
He didn't think Seojun would be bad at acting just because he hadn't personally experienced what the character went through.
‘No. He’ll be amazing.’
He'd played the ailing Grand Prince Seongnyeong in *Naeuiwon* so well, and his portrayal of Jin Natra suffering from his body's collapse was brilliant. And how insane did he look as Lee Hyunwoo in *The Survivors*?
His acting skills for roles he hadn't personally experienced were already at that level.
‘Still, even if I’m not as good as Seojun… I think I can do well.’
Kim Hansuk, who had been clutching his head and groaning, looked up. His resolute expression showed that he had made up his mind about something. The other students waited for him to speak.
“I’m going to do it. The audition.”
“Ooooh!”
At Kim Hansuk’s words, the students drummed on their desks and clapped, causing a ruckus.
Just then, a familiar voice was heard.
“The bell for class has rung.”
A chill running down their spines, the students slowly turned their heads toward the classroom door. A teacher holding a textbook stood there with a stern face. The students' eyes darted to the clock. They hadn't even realized the bell had rung.
“If you're done playing, sit down.”
Startled, the students scattered like a flock of sparrows, instantly returning to their seats and opening their textbooks. The teacher couldn't help but smile at the sight.
“If only you were that quick with your presentations.”
Ah, ahahaha.
The students laughed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact with the English teacher.
* * *
“Should I give it a try?”
Unlike the first-years, who needed a lot of thought and resolve, the second-years—accustomed to competing with Seojun not just in entrance exams but also in the annual midterms and finals—decided to join the audition without much hesitation.
They were confident in their skills, enough to be called the ‘Golden Generation’, and having the superstar Lee Seojun as their constant competition had made them bold.
Once most of them, aside from those who genuinely had no time, decided to participate, Yang Juhui, who had just come from Class 2, spoke up.
“The kids from Class 2 are joining the audition too. At this rate, won't the film set be filled with just our school's students?”
“That might just happen.”
Seojun looked around.
Jeon Sungmin, Kim Jukyung, Yang Juhui, and his other friends.
Attending the same school and taking the same classes, he knew the skill level of each person. They were all good enough to deserve the title ‘Golden Generation’.
‘This should be fun.’
It felt somewhat similar to a violin competition.
‘Of course, a violin competition has sheet music you have to follow.’
Acting was subjective.
Even when portraying the same sorrow, different directors would prefer different performances.
Showing your best performance, filled with your own interpretation, in front of the judges.
That performance must match the image held by the director, who would be the judge.
‘Or, you could deliver a performance so powerful it changes the director's image entirely.’
An audition, in a way, was a competition of acting.
The thought made his heart flutter with anticipation.
‘I can’t just stand by either.’
Seojun, who had no intention of losing to anyone, smiled brightly.
Seeing Seojun's dazzling smile, Kim Jukyung screamed.
“…Crazy! Looks like he’s planning to go all out!”
“You can take it easy!”
“Ahahaha!”
“Don’t laugh!”
* * *
-Heard Lee Seojun is doing an audition.
=Seojun's auditioning? Our Seojun?
=Isn't it someone with the same name?
=Nah, it's Jin Natra Lee Seojun.
=Whoa. What kind of movie is it that Lee Seojun has to audition?
News of Seojun's audition slowly spread. Reporters who heard the news contacted Cocoa Entertainment for confirmation, and Cocoa Entertainment, having already discussed it with Danhong, confirmed it was true.
And not even a few minutes later, articles were published.
[A Superstar's Audition? Actor Lee Seojun to Audition!]
[Why is Actor Lee Seojun Auditioning?]
[The Next Project from Danhong, Producers of the Movie 'Yeok (Reverse)'!]
[Director Min Heekyung? Let's Find Out More About Director Min Heekyung!]
[Actor Lee Seojun's Light Stick Design Contest Ends! When is the Announcement?]
-Whoa. I thought it was a baseless rumor, but he's really auditioning?
=Last year it was Kim Jongho auditioning, this year it's Lee Seojun lol
=But Kim Jongho's was a Hollywood audition.
=^^ Actor Kim Jongho auditioned because he had no foundation or fame in Hollywood, but that's not the case for Lee Seojun.
=^^^ He's a superstar in both Korea and Hollywood.
-Isn't this all pre-arranged? Of course Lee Seojun will get picked.
=If that were the case, it'd be better for publicity to just announce "Lee Seojun confirmed to star!"
=^^ That's why Plus+ hasn't invested yet, because it's not confirmed.
=Everyone thinks Lee Seojun will be chosen, but... if by some chance the production company goes crazy and doesn't pick him for the lead, it'd be a huge deal haha
-But the competition must be insane.
=Why? Anyone who can objectively judge their own skills would know they're not better than Lee Seojun, right? So shouldn't fewer people apply?
=Nah, if it were only for the lead role, maybe. But they're casting supporting roles too. Most people will probably apply for supporting roles rather than the lead.
=That's true. If Seojun gets the lead, the movie is guaranteed to be a hit. And if you get even one line and some screen time, it'll be easy to get your face out there.
=Like the kids who were in Escape.
=They've been getting good roles in dramas and movies.
=And they're all good actors.
=Plus, the most attractive part is that the audience isn't just Korean. It's amazing that a movie filmed in Korea gets screened overseas haha
=And later, being able to say you were in a movie with Lee Seojun will be a great addition to your resume.
-But what's the movie about?
=I'm going in blind.
=^^ I heard the audition site has descriptions of the characters they're casting, but I'm not looking.
=^^^ It's more fun when you don't know anything.
-(Even though the audition is still left) I'm so happy Seojun's next project is coming out hehe
=(Even though it's not confirmed yet) I hope the light stick comes out before his next project.
=The design contest is over now, so it should be out soon.
-Come out soon! I want to take it to the movie theater! (Of course, I'll put it in my bag once the movie starts)
-Gotta buy two!! One for my collection, one for actual use!!
=But the design with the most recommendations has a lot of versions, so it'll be hard to buy two of each lol I love that one! Love it so much! I'm buying two of each!
=^^ I recommended that one too, but if it actually comes out, I'll be broke (stares at my soon-to-be-empty bank account ㅠ)
=^^^ The movie, the light sticks... so many things to spend money on lol ㅠㅠ
=^^^^ Money... Let's save money...!
* * *
Danhong Film Production.
The planning team staff were printing and sorting audition applications that came in via email. There were also applications that arrived by mail.
“I don’t know… I thought fewer people would apply since actor Lee Seojun is participating, but is it just my imagination, or are there more?”
“No. There are a lot. A whole lot.”
Lee Yunjoo, who was replacing the A4 paper for the nth time that day, shook her head.
“It’s going to take a while to go through all of these.”
“Tell me about it. But I heard Director Min is also doing the document screening?”
“Yeah. She said she’ll look through all of them.”
“…All of this?”
The applications were neatly stacked in boxes sorted by experience level. Lee Yunjoo sighed lightly and spoke.
“Don’t you think Director Min has a specific actor in mind?”
“I thought so too, right? She won’t tell us the name. If we at least knew the name, we could pay closer attention.”
Lee Yunjoo gathered and organized the applications before putting them in a box. This box would now be delivered to Director Min Heekyung, who was meticulously refining the script.
“You’re the one who posted that, right?”
Her colleague, who was sorting applications with her, spoke up.
“That?”
“The light stick design with the most recommendations.”
At those words, Lee Yunjoo giggled and nodded. Her colleague smiled back.
“If you win first place, treat me to something good.”
“Of course! I’ll treat you to a full course meal!”
* * *
A few days later.
The audition application period had ended.
The boxes organized by Danhong Film Production were delivered to Director Min Heekyung's studio. Since her home was small, Danhong had provided her with a workspace.
“Please put the applications you've reviewed over here.”
At the planning team leader's words, Director Min Heekyung, looking haggard from perfecting the script, nodded.
“Please take it easy.”
“Yes. Don't worry.”
After the team leader left, Director Min Heekyung took out the applications from the box with the least experience, among the boxes sorted by career level.
Despite the news that actor Lee Seojun was auditioning, there were actually more applications. It seemed that people were submitting their resumes on a 'nothing to lose' basis, knowing they could also be cast in supporting or extra roles.
Whatever the reason, Director Min Heekyung planned to call in any actor who matched the image she had in mind for an audition.
Director Min Heekyung picked up an application. First, she looked at the photo. She scanned the attached profile pictures, looking for someone who resembled the character in her mind, then set it aside. She looked and set it down, looked and set it down. As the stack of applications in the box dwindled one by one, her hand moved slower and slower.
The bottom of the box was getting closer.
And just like that, one box was completely empty.
“He’s not here…!”
Staring at the empty box, Director Min Heekyung despaired.
She had assumed the boy in the black hat she met at the Han River would be in this 'Experience: 0' box, since she had never seen him act before, but he was nowhere to be found.
‘Did he not see my name?’
Or maybe he didn't think the script he saw at the Han River would change in just a few months.
What was posted on the audition notice wasn't the full script, but a short character introduction. Since it was a film slated for release, they couldn't reveal the script. Briefly recalling the boy who said he chose roles based on the script, Director Min Heekyung rubbed her face with a gloomy expression.
“No. It’s just that I didn’t know.”
Director Min Heekyung, who had been despairing, forced herself to hold on to hope and moved her gaze to the next box. This one was the 'Experience: 1' box, containing applications from actors who had appeared in one project.
There was no way Director Min Heekyung could have seen every single one of the countless productions out there. There were major commercial films, small independent films, web dramas on N-tube, and even commercials.
“He could have been in one of those.”
Director Min Heekyung took a breath and opened the box. She looked at the photos first, and after being disappointed, she considered if they had played any characters similar to the image in her film.
As she went through the applications—Experience 1, Experience 2, Experience 3—Director Min Heekyung's shoulders slumped lower and lower. In the end, after looking through all the applications in the boxes, she still hadn't found the boy in the black hat from the Han River.
“…It can’t be helped.”
Director Min Heekyung had already done her best just by holding this audition while putting actor Lee Seojun on hold.
“Even if it's not for this project, I'm sure we can film something together someday.”
Still, with a heavy heart, Director Min Heekyung let out a deep sigh and began sorting through the actors who fit the images of the supporting and extra roles for [Working Title: Journey].
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