Flashback: Hypnotizing the Hollywood Master for Euna's Big Break
Past Recollection: Seo Euna, Han Ga-eun (Episode 13)
Christopher Spielberg. What more is there to say? He's the greatest film director of our era. If he's risen above fierce competitors to claim that title, that's all there is to it.
"It's been how many years since his last new film? Seven years?"
I recalled his previous work being from six or seven years ago. The long gap was because he prepared meticulously before shooting.
"A non-comic book hero story after so long—I'm really looking forward to it since you're directing. What's the reason for visiting Korea?"
"Yes. I'm looking for an actress who fits the protagonist."
When asked why he'd come to Korea, the director answered simply, microphone in hand. Even in that casual response, the aura of a true master shone through, impossible to hide.
"No matter how much I searched, I couldn't find an actress with the right image. The character starts inexperienced and gradually grows, so she needs to be in her early to mid-twenties at most. She must be agile yet strong, beautiful yet cute—combining all those qualities. And since it's an action film with lots of physical demands, athletic ability is essential..."
As he slowly described the ideal protagonist, the more I listened, the more I thought no one but Euna fit the bill.
This is a chance.
Yes, this was a golden opportunity. Unlike the rigged corporate film where she lost out, the people and situation were different here. Not some production team that couldn't ignore Chae Sua's fans—this was Christopher, who could turn any actor into a masterpiece. If she could just catch his eye once, all her past hardships would wash away.
It'd be a shame if she failed, but trying was better than not. Worst case, she'd lose nothing.
I grabbed my phone right away. It was the wee hours, so she might be asleep, but she'd see it when she woke. I sent the message.
Surprisingly, the "1" unread mark vanished immediately.
The photo Euna sent was a screenshot of an article.
"Huh?"
The content was straightforward: Auditions were only for established actors from major agencies like X Entertainment, not rookies.
Not eligible? If not Euna, then who could be the heroine of Heroes of the Night? She had the looks, action skills, and personality all ready—who else?
She was changing the subject, probably to keep me from feeling sorry for her. What a kind kid. So thoughtful and sensitive. That's why it hurt even more.
Shouldn't she at least get a shot?
I set the phone down.
Then there's only one way.
The next day, I headed back to the Empire Hotel, just like last time.
The media had been buzzing about Christopher's visit to Korea—articles everywhere about him staying at the Empire Hotel, heading back to the US soon, speculation on the cast even before official announcements...
Actually, that worked in my favor. That's how I got close so easily.
"Oh, it's that gentleman from before."
I ran into the same staff member I'd bumped into at the entrance last time, when I was meeting Taesan Group's Chairman Min. My hypnosis must've worked—his skin looked much better.
"Hello."
"Yes, yes. Is Director Christopher in?"
"Yes, room 703."
"Okay, thanks."
Like before, I got the master key from the manager and headed straight to 703, unlocking the door.
A man with a thick beard—Director Christopher. In his hand was probably a storyboard or script. Even just for auditions, he was double- and triple-checking everything thoroughly.
"WTF?!"
"Take a look at this."
Show him the screen, and like everyone else under hypnosis, he froze blankly. No racial differences or anything—it worked perfectly.
Great. If I set it so rookies could audition too and make sure Euna passes...
No, that won't do.
I almost messed up. Euna didn't want handouts or easy paths from anyone. She chose the thorny road to become an actress on her own merits. That's why she turned down Chairman Min's help.
I'd respected her will back then. Doing this now would just disrespect her.
No. Can't do that.
"Director. The established actors from agencies are great, sure. But this country has tons of hidden rookie gems. They might fit your vision perfectly. So give rookies a fair shot too. Hold auditions openly and find the one you want."
Perfect. This way, I'm providing equal opportunity. It helps Euna without going against her wishes. No disrespect, no parachute drop via connections. I'm giving everyone a fair chance.
I'll stop helping here. Even if another actress gets the lead instead of Euna, I won't interfere. That's what she'd want too.
"Got it? When I snap my fingers, you'll wake from hypnosis."
Usually they'd nod or respond, but he just stayed still. Weird. Never happened before.
"Raise your hand."
"......"
No response. Wait...
Does he not understand Korean?
"Uh... jump!"
*Hop.*
"Run! Jump up high!"
No jump.
"Jump!"
*Jump.*
"Damn it."
Hypnosis makes them obey commands perfectly. But only if they understand them. No point giving Korean orders to someone who doesn't speak it.
"Translator app!"
Luckily, modern translation apps were top-notch. It took a bit of fiddling, but I successfully conveyed my intent.
I left the hotel after hypnotizing him properly.
A few hours later, an interview aired where he announced auditions would be open to rookies too. Grinning, I messaged Euna.
She came at me sharply. I did do something, but from here on, it's her turf.
The "1" vanished, but no reply. What was she pondering?
That's my girl!
Audition day. Euna, all dolled up prettily, and I in my cleanest clothes, arrived at the venue. Since the director—that Christopher—had publicly opened it to rookies, the place was packed.
"Ughhh, I'm so nervous."
Unlike her usual confidence, Euna's legs were shaking. We'd practiced yesterday, but real auditions were new, and the judge was who he was.
So?
"Euna, look at this."
"Ah..."
"No need to tense up. Just show what you can do."
I hypnotized her to ease the nerves. Hypnosis was truly all-purpose. Long live hypnosis.
"Oh my, Euna, you're here for the audition too?"
As we waited, a thin, feminine voice suddenly rang out. It was a famous face I recognized.
"S-Su, Sua sunbae-nim."
Chae Sua, one of Korea's top actresses. Like many beauties, she looked even better in person than on screen.
"Why would I be your sun—oh."
She started to snap at Euna, then spotted me and faltered. Clearing her throat, she flashed her brightest smile ever, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"So, who's the guy next to you? Euna's boyfriend?"
Her voice dripped with sweetness, emphasizing each word. But I was just the casual hiking uncle. I was about to deny it when—
"Yes. My boyfriend."
Euna suddenly latched onto my arm. Caught off guard by her sudden move, I forced a poker face.
"Really?"
"Um... yes."
The vibe demanded agreement, so I went with it. Sua's expression cracked briefly at my reply but quickly recovered.
"Ah, I see? Euna, come with me a sec. Got something to say."
"Okay. Wait here, mister. I'll talk to sunbae-nim and be right back..."
I didn't answer. Euna's face had darkened upon seeing Sua. Once they were far enough, I quietly followed.
They left the waiting room and stopped at a stairwell corner.
"I told you not to do auditions like this. And a boyfriend? What boyfriend? As if trash like you could land a guy like that."
"......"
"Just quit acting already? Doesn't that make sense?"
I'd wondered why they went somewhere secluded—yep, sabotage. Now I got why Euna hadn't broken through. With someone like Chae Sua blocking her, how could she?
But picking a fight like that—what if Euna exposed her?
"Sunbae-nim. Acting is my dream."
"Only yours?"
"You're already at the top..."
"Whatever. Get lost."
"Sunbae-nim..."
Even as Sua kept pushing her to leave, I rushed in and shoved the hypnosis app in her face.
"Wha... huh...?"
She froze before she could speak.
"Euna, give me a sec with Sua."
"M-Mister...?"
Euna tried to say something, but—
"-Number 123, actress Seo Euna!"
The announcement blared perfectly timed. Even the heavens were on my side.
"Go nail it. Show your best."
"Y-Yes."
Euna hurried off. I turned to Sua's small face, gazing at it calmly. Pretty. Delicate features on that petite visage, a touch neurotic but charming in its own way. Even under her coat, her prominent chest screamed ample bust. No one around. Just to be safe, I locked the entrance door.
Instead of shoving her against the wall and stripping her like some creep, I questioned her.
"Answer my questions truthfully. Why mess with Euna?"
"Jealousy... got the better of me."
"Jealousy? Why?"
"She's younger than me but better at acting, prettier... It made me feel threatened... so I did it."
Putting on a sweet act for cameras while trying to boot a junior out of the industry over petty jealousy? Unacceptable. Time for a mental overhaul.
"Attention!"
"At-Attention."
"You're plenty pretty—why the jealousy? Euna's pretty, sure, but that doesn't make you ugly! You've got a face that works anywhere—quit wasting it on pointless envy! And your acting's top-tier! Think I don't know you swept all those awards? Have some confidence! Ditch useless emotions like jealousy and stop blocking juniors' paths!"
"......"
"No more jealousy toward Euna or any juniors! As a senior, guide them, hone your skills, and keep growing! Apologize to Euna too!"
Sua nodded.
"Right. No jealousy—be friends. Lead as a senior. Plenty of directors will come calling even if she succeeds. Got it?"
"Yes, got it♡"
I released the hypnosis on Sua and returned to my seat. Her face seemed a bit flushed, but whatever. Probably the good heating making it warm.