Possessed 10 Million Actors - Chapter 149:

Upon hearing that the director had contacted him directly, Jang Sunho let out a disappointed laugh and rubbed his forehead.

In the past few hours, he and his team had struggled to the point where it could be compared to a spy mission, and now it was resolved so easily that he felt drained.

“Well, good things are still good, I suppose.”

At Jang Sunho’s bitter laughter, Go Seoyoung, who had been watching him from the front, smirked. When she silently asked with her mouth, “What’s going on?” Jang Sunho showed her something written on paper.

– Director Katahiro called. He contacted actress Inoue Masaki.

As soon as Go Seoyoung saw the note, she clenched her fist lightly. It was a genuine joy at the good news that had come out of nowhere.

As Go Seoyoung told other staff about finding Inoue, Jang Sunho focused on the call with Katahiro.

“It’s fortunate that we found him quickly. Well, it’s a bit late today, so how about holding the audition tomorrow? Fortunately, Kang Jinseok doesn’t have any special schedules tomorrow either.”

[Oh, Team Leader. Actually, I have something to tell you about the audition.]

“Yes.”

[Inoue is a priority, but it still seems like a good idea to hold auditions for other actors.]

“Other actors?”

[Yes. Since it’s a production, I thought it would be good to test several actors. I would like to start shooting as soon as possible, but… Still, I think everything should be done perfectly.]

Jang Sunho nodded silently, listening to Katahiro’s words.

[We need to hold auditions not only for the lead but also for supporting roles.]

“So, are you planning to announce auditions and recruit applicants?”

[Oh, no, not that. I already have a list of actors that I’ve compiled before, so you just need to hold auditions. But the problem is…]

“?”

[Most of those actors, actually, all of them, are Japanese actors. So, it seems like you would have to conduct auditions in Japan to see them. However, I understand that Team Leader Jang Sunho is likely busy, and I apologize for the inconvenience of having to come to Japan for auditions. Also, Kang Jinseok, who agreed to judge the auditions with you, will also have to come to Japan…]

Unlike when he mentioned the contact from Inoue a while ago, Katahiro’s voice hesitated a bit.

Understandably, it had been regrettable for Katahiro to make Jang Sunho and Jinseok travel back and forth to Japan.

But Jang Sunho didn’t seem to mind much. As he had mentioned earlier, if it was for creating the work properly, a business trip to Japan was something he could easily manage.

‘I heard that actor popularity is remarkable in Japan these days. It might be good to take a break, manage popularity, and visit in person.’

Planning ahead in his mind, Jang Sunho smiled and spoke.

“All right, Director.”

[…?]

“Since we have the filming for ‘Let’s Become an Actor’ this week, it might be challenging. How about planning to depart next Wednesday?”

***

‘THE OS HOTEL Gangnam.’

Even on a regular day, this place saw a multitude of people coming and going for business, but today it was even busier. The reason was that the filming of ‘Let’s Become an Actor’ was taking place at the hotel’s Japanese restaurant.

Somehow, the fans of the cast had already gathered in front of the hotel, as if knowing in advance.

Except for guests and the production team, no one could enter the hotel, but the fans seemed reluctant to easily step back.

Amidst them, someone headed towards the hotel entrance. It was Park Kyunghong, Park Jinmo’s son.

‘I can’t believe I came all the way here… Finally removing the label of my father.’

Park Kyunghong, who applied for ‘Let’s Become an Actor,’ got the privilege of having a meal with Jinseok and Seoyeon, along with some other actors.

Throughout the audition, despite receiving a more rigorous evaluation due to the label of ‘Park Jinmo’s son,’ it was a meal he earned by overcoming all that.

Park Kyunghong adjusted his disheveled clothes and entered the hotel. At the entrance, a staff member tried to stop him, but as soon as they saw his face, they recognized him as Park Kyunghong and politely let him in.

When the entrance that had been quiet for a while opened, the attention of the staff in the lobby naturally turned towards the entrance.

“Oh? Isn’t that him… Park Jinmo’s son, right? From ‘Let’s Become an Actor.'”

“It seems so. I heard there’s some filming in the Japanese restaurant here today.”

“But even if he’s unknown, actors are different. He’s really good-looking.”

“Will Kang Jinseok come too?”

There were still many people who referred to him not as ‘Park Kyunghong’ but as ‘Park Jinmo’s son.’

However, Park Kyunghong didn’t mind. It was different from before; now people remembered his face.

‘It’s six fifty… Perfect timing.’

Park Kyunghong’s call time was at seven. Since they were shooting the judges separately before that, even if he arrived early, he couldn’t enter the restaurant.

“Sigh, hoo. Sigh, hoo.”

As he took the elevator up, Park Kyunghong repeatedly took deep breaths in and out.

‘Why am I so nervous about this?’

It’s just a meal. There’s no need to memorize a script like an audition, and there’s no need to simmer emotions for acting. Just enjoy the food.

But perhaps because it was a meal with the judges, Park Kyunghong couldn’t easily shake off the tension.

“[24th floor.]”

With a calm announcement, the elevator doors opened. Perhaps because it was the time when applicants were supposed to come up, staff members were waiting in front of the elevator.

“Oh, Mr. Kyunghong. Hello. You arrived right on time.”

“Yes. The PD told me not to come too early.”

“Haha, I see. Please follow me. Since everyone else is already here, we can all go in together.”

Park Kyunghong led the way, followed by the staff. Soon, familiar faces appeared.

Upon his arrival, the actors warmly greeted him.

“You’re here? But… Oh, why are you dressed like this? I just came comfortably.”

“Senior Kwon Seokhoon can look cool even dressed casually, but I need to dress up a bit to look presentable.”

“What do you mean cool? You should be at Kang Jinseok’s level to be considered cool even if you dress casually.”

The camera, indicating that filming was in progress, had a red light on. Park Kyunghong, glancing at it, playfully stuck his tongue out internally.

‘As expected of Senior Kwon Seokhoon. He’s not nervous at all.’

Indeed, it would be even strange if Kwon Seokhoon was nervous. He was a level of actor more suited for a judge than an applicant.

In fact, he had shown a different level of acting than other applicants throughout this audition program.

Observing the slightly tense Park Kyunghong, Kwon Seokhoon looked around at the other actors.

‘Other actors seem a bit nervous, just like me.’

Everyone seemed like new employees at their first company dinner, some even sneaking a sip of herbal medicine in a corner.

Kwon Seokhoon admired his outfit, but there were actors who had put in much more effort.

‘And that person seems particularly nervous.’

In one corner, there was someone who seemed exceptionally tense, with a pale face. It was Seo Yeonsoo, wearing a white sweater and a red skirt.

“Ms. Seo Yeonsoo, are you okay? You seem a bit shaky.”

Approaching Park Kyunghong, Seo Yeonsoo said, “Huh?! Oh, yes. I’m fine!”

Startled by being called suddenly, Seo Yeonsoo responded with a clattering voice. When her voice echoed in the quiet hallway, people’s attention turned to Seo Yeonsoo and Park Kyunghong.

Seo Yeonsoo signaled ‘sorry’ with an awkward gesture.

“Actually… it’s my first time eating at such a fancy place. Plus, I’m nervous because I’m having a meal with the judges. It might be awkward, hehe.”

Feeling awkward due to the sudden attention, Seo Yeonsoo scratched her cheek and continued, “It might be awkward. I feel that way too. Other actors seem nervous too. Senior Kwon Seokhoon seems to be the only one relaxed.”

“Is that so? When I saw it, everyone seemed relaxed.”

“Ms. Seo Yeonsoo, you might seem that way to the viewers.”

Unexpectedly, a camera had approached them, capturing their conversation. Throughout the audition program, the staff frequently featured Seo Yeonsoo and Park Kyunghong, unintentionally creating a friendly image.

In reality, they had become subtly closer during the filming.

Park Kyunghong stood next to Seo Yeonsoo, looking at the still-closed entrance of the restaurant.

‘Inside, there’s probably Kang Jinseok, Min Kyungsoo, Park Woohyun, and Lee Narin.’

Except for Jinseok, all the judges were genuinely intimidating. Min Kyungsoo had a record of reacting strongly even to small mistakes, making several applicants cry.

Park Kyunghong had also been scolded quite loudly a few times.

‘Since it’s a revolving sushi restaurant, let’s sit far away from Min Kyungsoo. Just to be safe from making mistakes nearby.’

The best seat would undoubtedly be next to Jinseok. However, he couldn’t blatantly rush to that spot. The camera and the other judges would be watching.

Glancing around discreetly and quickly, it was crucial to subtly and swiftly take the seat next to Jinseok.

Of course, it wasn’t that Park Kyunghong disliked Min Kyungsoo. As a fan, he supported and liked Min Kyungsoo.

But as a judge and participant, he was just terrifying.

“We will now escort the applicants inside.”

The PD and the staff inside communicated via walkie-talkie.

Looking at the slowly opening restaurant door, Park Kyunghong took a deep breath, trying to minimize his tension.

‘Probably, everyone inside is in a very formal atmosphere. Let’s quietly enter. And once we’re inside, confirm where Kang Jinseok is.’

Considering the atmosphere of the judges he had seen at the filming site, he could roughly anticipate the atmosphere during their meal.

With that thought, Park Kyunghong, in an attempt to reduce tension, was the first to enter the restaurant. Despite his efforts not to show signs of nervousness, his face couldn’t hide the tension completely.

“Hey, Park Woohyun! I’ve been eyeing that since earlier, planning to eat it!”

“Where’s that in revolving sushi? The one who grabs it first owns it. Didn’t you hear what Jinseok said earlier? ‘Revolving sushi is like a good piece of work. The moment you hesitate, another actor takes it.’ Come on… Hyungnim, try the rolled omelet. It’s delicious.”

“Are you telling me to eat a rolled omelet after coming all the way here? Wow, look at him talking. Jinseok put this plate in front of Park Woohyun. He’s going to foot the bill.”

“Haha…”

“In the end, it’s useless. Anyway, today’s treat is from Representative Oh Haneul.”

“…Seniors, please maintain some dignity. What are we going to do with our image once this airs?”

“Is image important right now? He keeps picking only the tuna! What’s the point?!”

“Mmm~ It’s so delicious. It melts in your mouth. Is this what Kyungsoo Hyung was aiming for?”

Park Kyunghong, along with the other applicants, found themselves in a conversation completely unexpected.