Possessed 10 Million Actors

The meeting room of the distribution company LK E&M. The only thing shining in the dark room was the screen in front.

"2.53 million."

A man in front of the screen spoke.

"That's the first-week performance of this film."

2.53 million viewers. The director of LK E&M said, and everyone in the meeting room swallowed dryly.

"How much was the production cost for this?"

"Net production cost was 5.8 billion. Including P&A, it's 7.5 billion."

"Then… is the break-even point roughly 2.53 million viewers?"

"Approximately, yes."

Although the director spoke calmly, other staff couldn't hide their surprise.

"With this kind of performance, it's like a blockbuster overseas."

"Is there finally a domestic film reaching ten million viewers?"

"This film is not a family drama or action, and it wasn't released during the Golden Week. It seems challenging for the current target audience."

Opinions were divided on the success of "Absolute Unlicensed Counseling." However, the positive reactions continued with the expectations for future performance.

As the film succeeded, more money flowed back to the distribution company, benefiting everyone involved. It was a structure where the success returned as bonuses for the employees.

"But, Director…"

"Why?"

"Is there something wrong? You seem not in a good mood."

Like the other staff, the director also received bonuses based on the film's performance. As the highest-ranking employee, the director received a substantial bonus.

For someone like him to have such a composed expression, it was somewhat strange.

The employee who asked the question looked at the director and asked cautiously, "Is there something wrong? You seem not in a good mood."

The director looked at the employee for a moment and then said, "Well, even if the in-law buys land, it still hurts the stomach. If the cousin earns a lot, wouldn't your stomach ache or not?"

"Cousin? Does the Director have a cousin among the actors in this film?"

"No. Not among the actors, but among the directors."

"…?"

"Yeo Jaeyoon, the director, is my cousin. He's more like a friend than a distant relative."

The director had known him for a long time, but it was the first time he heard this story. The employee was surprised, and just as he was about to ask more questions, the director said with a bitter voice, "Invest if he makes a joke before entering the shoot. If I knew this would happen, I would have borrowed money to invest."

Even as he spoke, the director felt like he had just used the winning lottery ticket as toilet paper and flushed it down the toilet.

Time passed quickly.

Exactly one week after the release.

"Director, I've confirmed the figures for ‘Absolute Unlicensed Counseling' until today, and it's 2.53 million. There will be articles soon."

In a calm voice, Jang Sunho informed me, and I thought I must have misheard.

"What? How many people?"

"2.53 million."

"… ."

Misheard, indeed. With a puzzled expression, I looked at Jang Sunho and expressed my regret in a disappointed tone.

"I wish the first week had hit around 5 million, making it an unprecedented success."

"5 million? That's like mobilizing 10% of the entire nation, isn't it?"

Upon hearing that, I couldn't help but burst into laughter involuntarily.

"It doesn't seem that difficult. Let's aim for 5 million for the next film."

In Jang Sunho's voice, there was a sense of belief that "it's entirely possible." While I was overwhelmed by the number of 2.53 million viewers, it seemed far from enough for Jang Sunho.

While discussing the movie, the conversation shifted to the content of a call with Seo Yeonsoo. I immediately asked Jang Sunho.

"Oh, Manager. Can I go to a school event?"

"Yes. If you don't want to go, please feel free to tell me. I'll convey it to Seo Yeonsoo."

"No, no. It's not that, but I find it surprising that you allowed it. You know I was reluctant even to attend school classes."

Jang Sunho, after gently rubbing his chin for a moment, said meaningfully.

"I allowed it because there's a need to make your image more friendly to the public."

"Friendly?"

As I asked with a quizzical head tilt, Jang Sunho continued calmly.

"Do you remember the OS Entertainment audition judging you're scheduled for soon?"

"Yes, of course. I'm still not sure if I'm qualified to be a judge."

"You're more than qualified. Anyway, during a meeting with the responsible PD, they mentioned that the judging lineup consists of too many heavyweight figures. Min Kyungsoo is one, and so are Director Na Jinho, Manager Kwak Jinwook, and others."

"Isn't Min Kyungsoo considered a heavyweight in terms of image?"

"Although he has a playful and carefree personality, the majority of the roles he's played have been serious, giving him a heavy image in the eyes of the public."

"Really? I remember him appearing quite lively on ‘The Talk Show' in the past."

"That was the case until recently, but after playing a villain role in ‘The Way They Chose,' he got stuck with that image."

"Ah…"

Now that I thought about it, it made sense. In ‘The Way They Chose,' he played the role of a ‘boss,' and even before that, in ‘Dreams of the Sun Rising,' he portrayed a ‘bad hospital director.'

"Although holding the title of a judge brings weight, if all judges have that kind of image, the atmosphere of the program would become too serious. That's why the PD wants you to take on a lighter, stimulating role."

"I see… But what does creating a friendly image have to do with going to events? Not that I don't want to go. I actually want to."

"To create a friendly image, there are various ways for celebrities. Among them, the easiest is to show a natural side while mingling with fans. However, you can't just go anywhere. There needs to be a suitable ‘reason' for you to attend."

"Ah, I see."

"In that sense, this event is perfect. Your movie has just been released, and you'll be participating in a university event as a student. There couldn't be a better reason."

Although I didn't fully understand what Jang Sunho was saying, it seemed reasonable, and I agreed.

‘Wait, do I really have to go this far to change my image? Is my image really as heavy as others?'

Curious, I asked Jang Sunho.

"Manager, by any chance… How's my image? I mean, not personally, but how do the public see me?"

Unlike my cautious question, Jang Sunho's response was quick and straightforward.

"A handsome brother, a man of genius acting, and a young man with the right character. A dragon born in a stream. Despite achieving tremendous success shortly after debut, you don't boast, maintaining an appropriate air of mystery as an actor."

"… Who on earth is this perfect adult man?"

“It's you, actor.”

Jang Sunho said casually.

It was a relief that it wasn't a bad image. But with such an image, wasn't it friendly enough?

As I continued to struggle with understanding, Jang Sunho smiled and said.

"For this audition program, your role, Jinseok, is that of a ‘senior.' When other judges criticize the audition participants harshly, you comfort them and play a supportive role.”

"Ah… I get the feeling. There's always someone like that on audition programs. Someone playing that role.”

Thinking of some idol audition programs I had seen before, I said.

"But it seems too difficult for me. I've never comforted or encouraged anyone.”

"When you appeared on ‘Entertainment Diary' with Park Hayeon before, just handle it like covering a rumor. Listen and empathize.”

"That's all?"

"Yes. To unknown actors, Kang Jinseok comes across more as a ‘genius' than a ‘senior.' So, this time, while showing a good connection with other regular students, dilute the image of an ‘unapproachable genius.' The publicity team will write articles with that kind of vibe.”

Even though it was just attending a department event, so much preparation was being made behind the scenes. I was grateful for the various considerations for me, but somehow, I felt sorry for the other students.

It felt like using them for my image-making.

Even if it wasn't intentional on my part, the conclusion seemed to be heading in that direction.

"Don't think too hard about it; just enjoy it.”

"Yes?"

"Because you seem apologetic to the other students. Weren't you thinking of using them?"

"How did you know?"

"An actor's thoughts are written all over their face.”

Jang Sunho finished with a faint smile.

"Just having such thoughts makes you a good person, Jinseok.”

***

Near Seoguk University, at a pub named ‘Rest.'

This place, borrowed by the Theater Department for a day, was reaching its closing time.

"Hey, Yeonsoo. Would actor Kang Jinseok really come?"

Student council president Park Dongseop, who was overseeing the scene, asked Seo Yeonsoo.

"Well… yes. So, please stop asking. How many times have you asked? It feels like I've heard it more than a hundred times today."

"I only asked six times…”

Without listening to Park Dongseop's words to the end, Seo Yeonsoo turned around in frustration.

She seemed irritated by the repetitive questions, but, in fact, she felt better than she had in a long time.

"Jinseok Oppa… is it after two months?"

She had seen his face and news frequently through internet articles and YouTube, but it had been a long time since she saw him in person.

But she couldn't relax yet. A well-established actor like Jinseok could have a schedule at any time.

"Well… actually, even if it's not a schedule, coming to such an event doesn't make sense.”

At that moment, someone opened the door to the pub. Since it wasn't yet opening hours, Seo Yeonsoo turned towards the door and said.

"I'm sorry; we start at five, so could you wait outside for about 20 minutes?"

She spoke urgently, so she didn't confirm who it was. She checked the face of the person who entered the pub and was surprised.

"Yeonsoo, it's been a while. I tried to come earlier, but the traffic was jammed.”

Jinseok said as he took off his hat and mask. As he did, the busy students turned their attention towards Jinseok.

Even the students who were busy moving around noticed Jinseok and rushed over, each throwing in a word.

"Is it, is it really Kang Jinseok?"

"I wanted to take classes with you, so I gave up on Korea University and came to Seoguk University.”

"A precious person like you coming to such a humble place.”

Jinseok was dressed in three-line sportswear bottoms commonly seen on the streets, paired with a simple hoodie. Despite that, there seemed to be a radiance emanating from behind him.

"Hello, I'm Kang Jinseok. It feels like I've met some of you a few times, and there seem to be those I'm meeting for the first time today."

As Jinseok approached them, the students involuntarily exclaimed, "Wow…" and stepped back accordingly. Smiling lightly at their reaction, Jinseok asked, "I'm sorry, but I have a companion. They're waiting outside. Is it okay if I invite them in for a moment?"

"Companion? Yes, sure."

Park Dongseop replied hastily, and Jinseok opened the door again.

"I apologize. My younger sibling also works at the adjacent store today, so I dropped by while sightseeing."

Opening the door and entering was none other than Kwon Seokhoon, a top-tier actor who, even when compared to Jinseok, showed no signs of falling short.