Chapter 13: An Unexpected Opportunity

#13

It was not uncommon for the verbally agreed-upon direction of a production to shift considerably during its broadcast. Unless a drama was pre-produced, a writer’s convictions could easily waver in response to viewer feedback, or the influence of higher-ups might come into play.

Even a veteran writer, when working in a medium with immediate feedback like television dramas, was inevitably susceptible to such pressures.

“Writer Shim is quick. They’re already working on the latter half of the script.”

“Oh, really?”

Fortunately, Writer Shim possessed a firm resolve, fueled by a deep affection and sense of responsibility for their debut project. Their speed in writing was also a significant advantage.

Moreover, the absence of any potential disagreements between the director and the writer offered a sense of profound relief.

After a lengthy afternoon discussion, Writer Shim, whose writing schedule was particularly demanding, was the first to depart. Director Lim soon followed, leaving only Dohoon and the producer from the production company in the meeting room.

As the producer was in charge of casting, the conversation naturally drifted toward the roles that had yet to be filled.

“Casting is still a long way from being finalized, isn’t it?”

“The two main leads are locked in, and we’re just starting to hold auditions for supporting roles. We’re still receiving profiles, of course.”

Dohoon diligently reviewed the various roles outlined in the synopsis. There were quite a few parts that a young actor could potentially play.

Perhaps it was his fan’s heart speaking, but Dohoon found himself instinctively searching for a role that Jaejeong might be suitable for. He knew personal feelings shouldn’t interfere with work, yet after discovering Jaejeong’s potential the previous night, it was difficult to shake off the lingering thought.

“What about this royal guard, Haesu?”

“Yes.”

“Would the character be in their early to mid-twenties?”

“Precisely. Haesu has many scenes with Dohoon. Ideally, we’d like someone tall and physically capable.”

Haesu was a soldier belonging to the Royal Guard, deeply trusted by the king. Having watched the protagonist, Lee Seon, since childhood, Haesu was also the first to realize that another’s soul had entered Lee Seon’s body.

It was a crucial role, forming a major pillar in resolving the incidents alongside the protagonist, Lee Seon.

“Are you planning to cast them through auditions rather than direct offers?”

“The role has considerable weight, but the credit order is pushed back, so there’s a high chance of rejection if we make a direct offer. Honestly, it’s better to find a more promising talent through auditions in such cases.”

“Hmm. Is that so?”

This meant Jaejeong might have an opportunity. Of course, this was all predicated on Jaejeong actually auditioning.

It would be possible if the production company first extended an audition invitation to his agency. Whether he got the part or not was up to Jaejeong, but simply opening that small door could be a significant opportunity for him.

Dohoon, unaccustomed to such actions, nervously clenched and unclenched his fists. Unlike his usual composure when easing Writer Shim’s tension, he found himself utterly inept at calming his own nerves.

“Um… these days, there are a lot of tall idols.”

“Idols? Ah, yes. Young people nowadays seem to have excellent physiques.”

“I met an idol group called Face A at an event recently, and they were quite striking.”

“Oh, really?”

“Among them, there was one particularly tall member… his name was Jaejeong, I think.”

Feigning a sudden recollection, Dohoon murmured Jaejeong’s name and nonchalantly took a sip of coffee to wet his throat.

“I was looking at the roles, and that friend just came to mind.”

‘Was that okay? Was it natural? They won’t think it’s strange, will they? They didn’t find out I’m a Face A fan, did they?’ His mind raced with all sorts of conjectures, yet Dohoon’s outward expression remained utterly serene. Even Dohoon himself hadn’t realized his twelve years of experience would shine in such a moment.

“Jaejeong? I think I’ve heard the name. If Dohoon is recommending him, I’m certainly intrigued.”

“No, it’s not a recommendation. I just, well, he just came to mind.”

Fearing that word might spread about him using his influence, Dohoon quickly waved his hand in dismissal. Even if it didn’t lead to a direct casting, it would be enough if Jaejeong’s name simply lingered in the producer’s mind. Even if a connection wasn’t made with this drama, it would be good if the producer remembered Jaejeong someday.

****

After their current fourth full-length album promotions concluded, a repackage album was slated for release. It had been a long time since they had promoted a repackage album immediately following a regular one.

While the repackage activities would only last two weeks, it was undoubtedly welcome news for Face A’s fans. With regular activities ending in four weeks and repackage activities beginning a month later, any free days were invariably spent holed up in the practice room.

The members of Face A were all considerably exhausted, as their schedule was already packed with promotions. Typically, immediately after a comeback, their schedules were so demanding that no matter how much they ate, they rarely gained weight. This time, however, was even busier than before, causing them to actually lose weight.

After hours of intense choreography practice for their follow-up song, Jaejeong finally got a moment to rest and leaned against the wall as if he had been waiting for it. It was a habit he fell into whenever he was exhausted.

Before he could even wipe away the sweat streaming down his face, he stared blankly into space with a dazed expression. Just then, the practice room door opened slightly, and a company staff member peeked their head in.

“Jaejeong, the director wants to see you.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

A meeting with the director? Including his trainee days, he had been with this company for nearly ten years, yet opportunities to meet with high-ranking executives alone were surprisingly rare. Moreover, being specifically summoned by himself was a first.

With a bewildered expression, Jaejeong followed the staff member out.

“Noona, am I in trouble?”

“Did you do something wrong?”

“No.”

“Then why are you thinking you’re in trouble?”

“It’s just that being called for a ‘meeting’ makes me a little nervous.”

To Jaejeong, a ‘meeting’ usually meant the scolding sessions members occasionally received when they made minor or major mistakes. After enduring such a barrage, everyone would usually straighten up and behave for a while. Since he had never experienced it himself, even though he knew he hadn’t done anything wrong, he couldn’t help but feel a hidden dread.

“You said you didn’t do anything wrong. Just go on in.”

The staff member, looking unconcerned as if it were none of their business, opened the door. Hesitantly, Jaejeong slowly stepped inside. Director Kim, who had been sitting at his desk, rose upon seeing Jaejeong.

“Were you practicing?”

“I was practicing and just taking a short break.”

“Must be hot. Want something to drink?”

“No. I’m fine.”

The director’s office was merely a cramped room, furnished only with a small desk piled with miscellaneous documents and a worn, sagging three-seater sofa. Jaejeong looked around, unsure where to sit, until the director gestured towards the sofa with his chin.

As Jaejeong perched on the edge, the old sofa let out a creaking sound. Director Kim also sat on the same sofa, causing it to lurch once more.

“Jaejeong, have you ever taken acting lessons?”

“Briefly, during my trainee days.”

“None since your debut?”

“No.”

“Wow, that’s a shame.”

Director Kim clucked his tongue as if discussing someone else’s business, then glanced at Jaejeong’s face. Jaejeong remained silent, his lips pressed together.

“We received an offer for a drama audition. It’s not a direct casting, just an invitation to audition. Want to go?”

“For me?”

“Yes. Why, not confident?”

“No. Not at all.”

The fact that he, specifically, had been singled out for the offer, rather than another member, felt somehow unbelievable.

‘Do they know me?’

A foolish thought briefly crossed his mind.

“What drama is it?”

“It’s called ‘Yunseul.’ A fusion historical drama currently under discussion for TCN’s programming.”

“A historical drama?”

His first audition being for a historical drama. The burden somehow felt even heavier.

“With Han Dohoon as the lead and directed by Im Taehan, it’s guaranteed to be a hit, at the very least.”

“Han Dohoon…”

Jaejeong recalled Dohoon, whom he had met at an event not long ago. ‘So that’s what a top star feels like,’ he had thought. ‘It’s not something just anyone can become.’ Dohoon was an unforgettable figure who had made him realize the harsh reality of the industry more acutely. If he could appear in a production with him, if that became a reality…

“I thought about having your manager relay the message, but it’s good news, after all. Besides, you’ve never acted before, Jaejeong. I figured it would be better if I told you directly.”

“…”

Although he hadn’t done anything wrong, Jaejeong had entered the director’s office bracing for a scolding, only to be met with unexpected good fortune. He still couldn’t shake off his bewildered feelings.

“Do your best. It’s a great opportunity.”

“Yes.”

It wasn’t just a good opportunity. It was perhaps a chance to open a new chapter in his life, which felt so unstable, anxious, and utterly incomplete. Jaejeong was determined not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance. A sudden surge of ambition and longing swiftly consumed his mind.

****

As Dohoon scrolled through his ‘Tweety’ feed, just like any other day, he suddenly froze, startled by a familiar face. He had never imagined he would see his own face while fangirling.

A photo taken with Face A at the previous event had been uploaded to their official account and seemed to have made its way into Dohoon’s timeline. His heart pounded rapidly, as if he had committed a crime, unable to calm his surprise.

‘Still, the photo turned out well.’

Amidst his shock, he was quite pleased with the result. He had worried it might be blurry due to the dim lighting at the venue, but fortunately, the staff member’s phone seemed to be a newer model. Dohoon alternated between looking at Jaejeong, who stood at the edge, and himself in the center, then let out a silly laugh.

A whimsical thought suddenly struck him: ‘It was a good decision to become a celebrity.’ Thanks to his profession, he had coincidentally met his favorite singer and even managed to get a photo with them. People called this being a ‘successful fan,’ and it seemed he had indeed become one.