The Director's Irresistible Offer
Yang Jin-hyung fixed his gaze on the girl before him. His first impression was, honestly, overwhelming. Not just her looks, but that unique aura she exuded. Even sitting there quietly, she felt like a scene straight out of a movie. There was nothing left to debate about her visuals. If this had been an idol audition, she'd have passed on appearance alone.
But this was an acting audition. No matter how pretty or popular you were, if the acting fell flat, it was game over. At least, that's how Yang Jin-hyung saw it.
"Well then..."
Kim Si-woo, the screenwriter sitting in as an interviewer alongside him, smoothly took the lead. "O-okay, let's start the audition. Take your time—no need to be too nervous."
He said that, but his own hands were shaking. It was understandable. She was a top-tier idol, after all. It probably felt like he was the one being auditioned.
Tsk. These so-called interviewers. Yang Jin-hyung clicked his tongue inwardly. He turned his attention back to the girl.
She took a few deep breaths and stared straight ahead. Not a trace of tension on her face.
Confidence like that is something else. But how's her actual acting...?
His junior, Lee Jin-su, had raved about her skills. Coming from someone well-connected in the industry, it wasn't likely empty hype. There had even been talk of skipping the audition and casting her outright. Yang Jin-hyung had shot it down, insisting on seeing her perform.
The reason lay in the role she was auditioning for: the female lead, Lee Ha-eun. A character so dark and gloomy she could depress anyone watching. In contrast, the girl before him radiated the exact opposite—bright, lively, the kind of vibrant energy that lifted your spirits just by looking at her. With looks like that, she'd probably been showered with love her whole life. Could someone like her really pull off such a role? Digesting a character the polar opposite of your own image was tough even for seasoned pros. He couldn't imagine a 17-year-old kid managing it.
Well, we'll see soon enough.
Yang Jin-hyung watched silently as she began. The girl stared down at the floor without a word. The shift in her atmosphere alone told him she'd slipped into the role. Her emotions weren't over-the-top; they were subdued, almost quiet. And that stillness? It made everything feel even more heartbreaking.
Before he knew it, Yang Jin-hyung was captivated by her performance. She hadn't spoken a single line yet. Just with facial expressions, she'd completely transformed the air around her. It was like she was an entirely different person from moments ago.
...Can an image really be changed that easily?
The stronger your image, the harder it was to shake it off. He'd assumed the same for her—her idol persona was too ingrained for other roles. But no. What stood before him now wasn't a dazzling idol, but a high school girl wrestling with deep anguish. Her acting flowed so naturally, like water. It was so convincing you almost wondered if her earlier self had been the fake one, and this was the real her.
It was perfect. That's when his junior's words echoed in his mind.
"That kid's the real deal, I tell you."
He hadn't believed it at first. Even if true, there had to be some exaggeration. But reality proved the opposite.
Yang Jin-hyung readily admitted defeat. "That's enough..."
He was about to declare her passed when he stopped. Suddenly, he wondered just how far she could take Lee Ha-eun.
The female lead, Lee Ha-eun: outwardly expressionless and brooding, but inwardly purer and more considerate than anyone. That was the script's sole line of character info. With just that, what kind of Lee Ha-eun would she show?
Curiosity burned. Yang Jin-hyung quietly administered the final test.
"Finally, could you physically embody what kind of character Lee Ha-eun is?"
"Physically?"
"Yes. You can add lines if you want, or just actions. Whatever feels natural."
She pondered, stroking her chin briefly. Then, as if struck by inspiration, she adjusted her posture.
"...!?"
What she showed was a single warm smile. That was it. No lines, no gestures—just a simple smile. Yet it flipped the entire room's atmosphere. Like clouds parting from a dreary sky, letting gentle sunlight pour in. That quiet shift lit up something deep inside everyone watching.
The warm heart hidden behind the darkness. Was that what she wanted to express?
Yang Jin-hyung was speechless for a moment. Want to Reach You was his original work. Naturally, he'd created Lee Ha-eun himself. Even he, the creator, hadn't imagined interpreting her that way.
"It would've been hard to think of smiling to portray a depressed character. How'd you come up with it?"
She answered the man's question with a calm expression. "I just thought a smiling face would be the prettiest."
After the audition, Yang Jin-hyung slumped in his chair, his face blank. Like a man who'd burned everything white in a blaze.
"From that look, I take it you're satisfied?"
"If that doesn't satisfy you, you're just insane."
She'd been Lee Ha-eun. He was certain no one could embody the role better. "Cast her, no matter what."
"Wow, she really hit it off with you, Director."
"Who wouldn't?"
Yang Jin-hyung recalled her Lee Ha-eun again. It was bewitching acting that stole hearts.
"...I might've fallen for it."
His offhand mutter chilled the room. Colleagues hastily distanced themselves.
"Director, she's only 17... Even if she's gorgeous, targeting a high schooler...?"
Sensing the misunderstanding, Yang Jin-hyung hurriedly corrected himself. "F-for her acting! Who wants to see anyone in handcuffs!?"
"We're kidding."
"Ugh, whatever. Contact Ms. Ruti and see if she can make time."
"Ms. Ruti? For what?"
"I've got something to discuss. Ask if she can spare a moment."
Watching her act had sparked a tiny greed. A very tiny one.
A request came from the director's side for a private dinner. Probably to discuss my future schedule. I didn't mind and set it up right away.
"This the place...?"
I arrived at the address from the text. A large building loomed ahead. The sign was in Japanese, and it looked like a classic Japanese restaurant. Inside was quiet and private. But the dim vibe made me uneasy for some reason.
"...No way that's happening."
Even if it was, it wouldn't be an issue. Agency staff were waiting outside.
"Excuse me."
I opened the door at the end of the hall. A Japanese-style dining room appeared. Director Yang Jin-hyung, already waiting, waved happily at me.
"Thanks for making time despite your busy schedule."
"No problem. And drop the formalities—we're working together from now on."
"You sure...? Alright, looking forward to it, Ms. Ruti."
We exchanged greetings and sat side by side at the table. Soon, a man who looked like a sushi artisan began preparing it right in front of us. I cut to the chase.
"So, what'd you want to talk about?"
"Lots to say, but first..."
The director took a sip of barley tea and continued. "That acting you showed last time? It blew me away."
"You're too kind."
"No, really. Your Lee Ha-eun exceeded anything I imagined. Just thinking back..."
He showered me with praise. A total different person from our first meeting. I scratched the back of my head, embarrassed.
"That's why..."
His tone shifted abruptly. "Your talent's too precious to waste."
"What do you...?"
"It shines brightest not on stage, but in front of the camera."
The director's words were deadly serious. What started as light chit-chat suddenly felt heavy. Then came the clincher.
"Why not try the actor's path? You could be the best. I guarantee it."
"You mean... switch to acting full-time?"
"Exactly. You're not just someone who can act—you're someone who must. It's what this industry needs."
There was no waver in the director's eyes. Just unyielding determination to convince me.