Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 182: What is Acting?

If someone were to ask, 'What is acting?' the answers would vary wildly.

Some might say it's about representing someone else's life or bringing to life a character that exists only in imagination. Just as there are various definitions of acting, the answers to 'How can one act well?' are equally diverse—thoroughly analyzing the character, trying to experience what the character experiences, and more.

However, there are those who transcend all conventional methods. Born with a remarkable and rare talent, they effortlessly pursue their desires without hesitation, as naturally as breathing.

And just like that, Miso's talents were blooming right before my eyes.

She waved a colored pencil topped with a Powertuff Girl figure as if it were a shaman's ritual tool. Jumping up and down, she danced with such joy that I found myself inadvertently nodding along to her rhythm without realizing it.

At that moment, Miso's eyes met mine and she shrunk back with a startled expression as I sat on the sofa.

『M-Mom?』

Miso was acting out a scene where Cheongmyung, who was performing a ritual and playing with spirits, was caught by Manshin Wol-Ah, a shaman who had hoped her daughter would not follow in her footsteps.

In the scene, the discovery that her daughter was also capable of communicating with spirits shocked Manshin Wol-Ah. Manshin Wol-Ah had warned young Cheongmyung never to mimic the shamanic rituals again. But lonely and longing for friends, the young Cheongmyung had once again played with the spirits and was caught by her mother.

『Okay, I'm sorry. I won't...I will never play with the spirits again,』

Miso whispered with her shoulders drooping weakly. Her frail shoulders began to tremble and her downcast eyes began to fill with sorrow.

That's when Miso slowly knelt down and spoke in a tear-choked voice.

『All I need is you, Mom. I don't need the spirits. So please...please don't hate me.』

Tears welled up in Miso's eyes as she lifted her head. Then suddenly, she clasped her tiny hands together and began to plead earnestly,

『Mom, please... don't abandon me. I'll be good, I promise. I'll listen to everything you say. Please...』

Her voice, filled with fear, trembled and resonated with me deeply, tugging at my heartstrings.

At the same time, I was transported back to memories of the past.

I remembered children clinging desperately to their parents and begging them not to abandon them in the orphanage. The image of them promising to be good and to listen to their parents was still vivid in my memories. The abandoned children would kneel at the dirty entrance of the orphanage, their faces smeared with tears and snot.

But the parents would push their child away without turning back for a single glance.

When those memories enveloped my mind, something surged up inside my chest.

That's when I hugged Miso tightly without realizing it.

"M-Miso, I will never abandon you! After everything I did to save you..." I cried out.

It was just an act, but I got so carried away that I had failed to separate performance from reality. Only when I felt the warmth of Miso in my arms did I finally come back to my senses.

I was utterly baffled and lost in my thoughts.

'Had I really been so moved by the acting of a mere seven-year-old, even for just a moment? This really isn’t fitting for a talent agent... No, that’s not it. It’s because Miso is just that good at acting.'

Comforting myself, I patted Miso’s back as she was still in my arms.

Miso also snapped out of her role and patted my back in return.

"Okay! Uncle Yoon-Ho, I won’t leave you either!" Miso exclaimed.

That was when Miso tilted her head with a puzzled expression. "Huh? Uncle Yoon-Ho, you’re crying. Why are you crying?"

'What? I'm crying?' I thought to myself, momentarily at a loss for words.

When I touched my cheek, I found it wet with tears just as Miso had said.

I snapped out of my thoughts and replied, "Ah, this is because of you, Miso."

"Because of me? Why?" Miso asked.

"Because you acted so well."

"He he he. Really?"

Miso beamed as I sincerely complimented her, causing me to smile in return.

Then suddenly, I felt like teasing Miso.

"Miso, did you know you'll grow hair on your butt if you cry and then laugh?"

Miso puffed her cheeks and held up seven fingers, looking adorably indignant. "That’s not true! I know that doesn’t happen! I’m already seven years old!"

'Aw, she has grown up so much,' I thought to myself.

We continued to hold each other and chat to calm our emotions until Yoo-Jin and Kim Soo-Hee came out and caught us in this state, looking utterly bewildered.

***

Kim Soo-Hee laughed heartily at me. "This is so touching. It’s like a reunion of a long-lost family!"

"Ah, well... uh..." I stuttered.

I found myself unable to explain that I had cried over Miso’s acting because it was too embarrassing. Though I was 27 years old in this life, I had essentially lived 37 years prior to traveling back in time..

I wondered, 'How could I possibly explain crying over a seven-year-old's performance?'

But truth had a way of revealing itself.

Miso, no longer in my arms, snuggled up to Yoo-Jin and began to chatter away.

"Mom, Uncle Yoon-Ho felt so sad watching me act that he cried. So I felt sad and cried too."

I felt like crying again.

'Miso, ever so good at summarizing,' I remarked inwardly.

Yoo-Jin looked at me and smiled. "Oppa, Miso is good at acting, isn’t she?"

I mixed every superlative I knew in an exaggerated praise. "Oh, totally! She's amazing! Really—she’s the best!"

Yoo-Jin and Miso’s faces lit up with joy.

But Kim Soo-Hee looked almost regretful. "Like mother, like daughter...I guess Yoo-Jin has nothing more to learn from me either."

That meant Yoo-Jin's performance had finally satisfied Kim Soo-Hee. That’s why she had ended the lesson early, only to find Miso and me hugging and crying.

"We were going to skip lunch but we actually have some time now. How about we go eat something delicious? It's my treat," Kim Soo-Hee suggested.

But Yoo-Jin shook her head. "Mrs. Kim, let’s just make ramen. Ordering food is too expensive."

I was certain Yoo-Jin probably must be the only person in South Korea who would suggest ramen over ordering food because it's too expensive to Kim Soo-Hee. Most would be too intimidated to even speak to her.

But apparently, they had become close enough that Kim Soo-Hee immediately agreed with a nod.

"Ramen? Hmm, sometimes ramen is just fine. But I'm not sure if there's any in my house," said Kim Soo-Hee.

"There is. The housekeeper said she always keeps a few packs on the top cabinet," Yoo-Jin replied.

Kim Soo-Hee looked a little surprised. "When did you become friends with Mrs. An?"

"From the first day. Then I'll go and make it. I'm really good at cooking ramen," Yoo-Jin answered with a smile.

Kim Soo-Hee laughed, unable to hold back. "Unstoppable, aren’t you?"

In the meantime, Miso hurried to Yoo-Jin and grabbed the hem of her skirt. "Mom, me too! I want to cook ramen too!"

"Sure. Do you want to help me?" Yoo-Jin asked Miso.

"Yes!" Miso exclaimed excitedly.

The two excitedly headed to Kim Soo-Hee's kitchen.

At that moment, Kim Soo-Hee suddenly pointed to the front yard which was visible through the window.

"Team Lead Jung. I need to have a word with you privately."

***

I wondered what Kim Soo-Hee would want to talk about in the quiet front yard while Yoo-Jin and Miso were busy with ramen in the kitchen.

But Kim Soo-Hee began a conversation that seemed heavier than I had anticipated.

Kim Soo-Hee gave a disclaimer before starting. "Take this in without any misunderstanding."

I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

Kim Soo-Hee paused for a moment before continuing, "Team Lead Jung. Do you think you can handle Yoo-Jin?"

"What do you mean if I can...handle her?"

"Team Lead Jung, you might not fully grasp this given your inexperience...but Hoop Entertainment can't properly support Yoo-Jin. I'm not saying this to belittle them, but Hoop Entertainment has no experience sending actors to major festivals like Cannes or Berlin," Kim Soo-Hee explained.

Kim Soo-Hee made a serious expression and explained she could help propel Yoo-Jin to success.

"Of course, it's not going to be right away. It would be after she has built up enough experience. But with Yoo-Jin's talent, it's definitely something to aim for," she added.

Kim Soo-Hee revealed her intention to safeguard Yoo-Jin’s talent.

"So here’s what I'm thinking...Do you know about OnlyOne Actors?" Kim Soo-Hee asked.

I nodded. "I do."

OnlyOne Actors was an actor management company where Kim Soo-Hee served as an advisor. The company was known for its solid acting curriculum and excellent care for its actors, and it was projected to become the top agency in the field within five years. It was reputable enough that major Hollywood distributors targeting the Asian market trusted it as a partner.

Moreover, Jin Do-Hyun, who had won the Best Actress Award at Cannes, was represented by them.

"What if you, Yoo-Jin, and Miso all moved to OnlyOne Actors? If we want to aim for Cannes with Yoo-Jin, we need to start meticulous portfolio management now. I'll talk to President Kang, so don't worry about that part," said Kim Soo-Hee

I appreciated Kim Soo-Hee's concern and support, but she seemed to be misunderstanding what talent really means. Talent wasn’t something that could be cultivated or only brought out through practice—it was inherent.

And the ability to nurture that talent into stardom was something I could do better than the entirety of OnlyOne Actors, even with all their resources. My previous life's experience as Korea's top talent manager and my perfect understanding of Yoo-Jin's capabilities now gave me a unique advantage.

I tried to reassure the concerned Kim Soo-Hee with a smile, "I understand what you're saying, Mrs. Kim. But there's no need to switch agencies."

Kim Soo-Hee looked taken aback. "Team Lead Jung, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to steal Yoo-Jin away for profit..."

"I understand your deep concern. Why would I not know your support for Yoo-Jin?" I replied.

Kim Soo-Hee explained further, "It's not like I'm looking down on Hoop Entertainment, but they lack the respect for their actors."

'Respect for the actors, huh?' I wondered.

That was exactly why OnlyOne Actors wasn't a considerable option for us. Being a company that followed artistic integrity, they often made choices that may not align with mainstream popularity.

And that wasn’t what Yoo-Jin was looking for. I recalled what Yoo-Jin had once said to me.

-Oppa. I think I'm slowly getting the idea of what I really want. I want to show Miso a version of myself that's loved by the masses...Do you think that's possible?

Yoo-Jin prioritized mainstream appeal, partly to make more money to secure a stable future for Miso. I wanted to support her life plans in any way I could. Besides, if she continued acting as she was right now, the awards Kim Soo-Hee mentioned would certainly be within reach anyway.

After a brief pause, I replied, "I'll take your concern to heart, Mrs. Kim."

Kim Soo-Hee stomped her foot lightly in exasperation. "Oh, this is so frustrating. Why won't you consider moving agencies?"

I answered confidently, "Hoop Entertainment may lack the ability to develop Yoo-Jin as you said, but I don't."

"Are you saying you can make her a great actress yourself?" Kim Soo-Hee asked.

I nodded firmly. "Yes, I can."

"How!?" Kim Soo-Hee responded in exasperation.

"I can't explain right now. But could you just watch and see?"

I couldn't reveal that I had traveled back in time, nor could I fully convince her just as a mere talent agent without any actor training. As such, I had only one card left to play—to show confidence.

"I'll say just one thing. There is no talent agent in this world who understands and cares for Yoo-Jin as much as I do," I said in a serious tone.

Just then, I saw Yoo-Jin's anxious face through the glass window. Her expression seemed to ask, 'When will this conversation end? The ramen will get soggy and cold.'

'How many people in this world could read her like I do just by looking her in the eye?' I remarked inwardly.

Such thoughts made me feel a bit more confident.

My firm attitude caused Kim Soo-Hee to sigh. "Alright. But if Hoop Entertainment starts exploiting Yoo-Jin for quick profits, then you'll have to listen to me. Got it?"

Honestly, Yoo-Jin herself was more interested in making money than the company. But now was not the time to say that.

I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"She's a gem of an actress. Make sure she doesn't pick up any bad habits. You can manage that much, right?" Kim Soo-Hee looked at me and asked.

"I definitely can."

At that moment, Yoo-Jin could no longer hold back and pressed her face against the glass window. Her expression looked like a time bomb about to explode in five seconds, indicating the ramen was overcooked.

Amidst this, Miso was going back and forth between the table and Yoo-Jin to check on the ramen.

It was time to end the conversation.

"Mrs. Kim, it seems my actresses are more worried about their ramen getting soggy right now."

Kim Soo-Hee looked through the window into the living room and burst out laughing. "Ha ha! What are they even doing?"

"They seem curious about when we'll come in. They say the ramen is ready."

"Let's go inside then. I don't want my students to hate me."

By spending time with Yoo-Jin, Kim Soo-Hee had become much kinder and softer.

But just as we were about to enter the hall, Kim Soo-Hee spoke with a mischievous expression. "Actually, I told Yoo-Jin about my thoughts and she said she wouldn't want to act if it wasn't with you, Team Lead Jung. She'd rather work at Burger Queen, she says."

Her offhand comment made my heart pound with excitement. There was nothing more gratifying for a talent agent than to be chosen by their actor. After all, a talent agent's job was only complete with a celebrity.

"That's nice to hear," I replied.

"That's why I said it," Kim Soo-Hee responded.

Slurp!

The noodles were slightly overcooked, but all I could taste was happiness.

***

The day of the press conference for In the Name of God had arrived. At 9 AM, I brought Yoo-Jin and Miso to the Intercontinental Hotel in Samseong-dong.

I looked at her and said, "Yoo-Jin, relax."

Yoo-Jin replied mischievously, "Soy sauce?[1]"

Her joke showed she wasn't nervous at all. She was a future great actress indeed.

'She might not be good at comedy, but what does that matter? She's my actress.' I thought to myself.

In In the Name of God, the role of the young college shaman Cheongmyung was a major supporting character. Miso, who was playing the young Cheongmyung, was to appear in flashback scenes with a quite significant role as well.

"Alright, shall we go in with spirit?" I asked.

Miso crossed her arms over her chest in an X shape.

'Oh, she's about to do that thing,' I thought to myself.

"Then you shout first, Miso. Uncle Yoon-Ho and I will follow," Yoo-Jin said with a smile.

The excited Miso nodded energetically and shouted the cheer.

"Powertuff!"

Following Miso's lead, Yoo-Jin and I also shouted with vigor.

"Powertuff!"

After shouting the cheer, we got out of the car and headed straight to the green room.

But there, we were greeted by people with haggard faces waiting for us.

1. Pronunciation for relax and soy sauce is only one vowel different ☜