Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 184: In the Name of God Press Conference (2)

Murmur.

The press conference venue was filled with numerous entertainment reporters, about 100 in number.

Carefully looking at the faces, all the gathered reporters were those whom Kim Sung-Woon had carefully selected. I had also sent him a list of reporters with bad reputations in advance.

It was unusual for a supporting actor's talent agent to ask a director to screen reporters. But because I had helped to prevent a disaster by revealing the financial troubles of the original production company, Red Moon, Kim Sung-Woon gladly accepted my suggestion.

But there sat Reporter Kang Ill-Gu from 'Star Patch,' brazenly in attendance, even though he was on the no-entry list with a name tag that said Choi Tae-Yung.

'That guy really knows how to play dirty,' I thought to myself.

Kang Ill-Gu's nickname was Leech. Once he targeted someone, he would cling on tenaciously and drain them, hence the nickname.

I pondered, 'What should I do? He's bound to ask uncomfortable questions.'

Kim Sung-Woon and the production team were already on stage, so it was not possible to speak to them.

But then a way to block Kang Ill-Gu's questions flashed through my mind.

At that moment, I quickly moved toward the bottom of the stage.

***

Flash, flash!

The photo zone was crowded with many reporters continuously pressing their shutters.

I approached MC Kim Jung-Ju under the stage, who was waiting for the photo time to end.

"Hello, Mr. Kim Jung-Ju." I greeted him.

"Who are you?" Kim Jung-Ju asked, seemingly puzzled.

"I am Jung Yoon-Ho, the talent agent of actress Jung Yoo-Jin."

As soon as I mentioned Yoo-Jin's name, Kim Jung-Ju brightened up and took my business card.

"Ah, yes! Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Jung."

"It's an honor to meet Korea's top MC," I nodded and smiled.

"What an exaggeration. Ha ha ha." Kim Jung-Ju chuckled.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, I continued to shower Kim Jung-Ju with compliments. After all, they say flattery can even make a bear dance.

As the compliments continued, the corners of Kim Jung-Ju's mouth subtly rose.

I seized the opportunity and said, "By the way, I would like to consider you as my hyung-nim from now on."

Kim Jung-Ju smiled comfortably and said, "Ha ha ha. That's fine by me. Actually, I have something to ask about the agency. Do you have time?"

Kim Jung-Ju, a freelance MC, had a management contract with a medium-sized entertainment company called TMI Entertainment. But he approached me for advice having heard of my recent reputation in the industry.

"I'm always available for consultation for you, hyung-nim!" I replied brightly.

At that moment, Kim Jung-Ju's eyes sparkled. "How much does it cost to consult with the ace of Hoop Entertainment?"

"Consultation fee? No way. Just buy me a meal as an older brother would for a younger brother."

"Okay! Let's set a date soon."

Kim Jung-Ju was set to be a top MC for a long time. In my past life, he had never changed agencies. But he seemed to have some grievances with his agency like all broadcasters did.

Now that I've buttered him up, it was time to get to the main point.

"Hyung-nim, I have a favor to ask..." I asked hesitantly.

"Ah, speak comfortably. I'll surely help my younger brother," Kim Jung-Ju replied with a smile.

"During the Q&A session, I would appreciate it if you do not give the opportunity to speak to the reporter wearing horn-rimmed glasses in the middle of the third row."

Kim Jung-Ju tilted his head in confusion. "Why? I heard that the reporters here today were thoroughly screened?"

"Yes, but somehow he managed to appear here by changing his company’s name tag. He's a bit of a problematic reporter," I explained.

"Is that so? Hmm. Alright. If that's what my little brother wants."

Thanks to the groundwork I had laid earlier, Kim Jung-Ju readily nodded. "But I'll tell PD Kim later that it was your request."

"Yes. I'll speak to Mr. Kim separately about it."

With that, I had taken precautions against Kang Ill-Gu. I was about to return to my spot. But at that moment, Kim Jung-Ju hesitated and grabbed the lapel of my coat.

"By the way, Yoon-ho. Could I possibly get Miss Yoo-Jin and Miso's autographs?"

Kim Jung-Ju explained that his wife was a fan of Yoo-Jin while his daughter was a fan of Miso. He had apparently been warned that he shouldn't even think about coming home without their autographs.

I nodded. "Oh, of course. That's a piece of cake. I'll get it for you after the press conference."

Kim Jung-Ju grinned and scratched his head. "Thank you! Oh, I really owe you one."

'I guess I’ll need to get them to sign about ten each,' I thought to myself.

***

After finishing my conversation with Kim Jung-Ju, I returned to my spot just as Yoo-Jin and Miso were stepping into the photo zone.

Flash! Flash!

With loud shutter sounds, flashes went off continuously.

"Ladies, please look this way!"

"Miss Yoo-Jin, your outfit is absolutely stunning today!"

At that moment, the lace on the dress prepared by Stylist Lee Mi-Ri started to sparkle.

'What's that?' I wondered.

A faint light reflected from various parts of Yoo-Jin’s dress with every flash. The twinkling light from the pink see-through dress created a scene as if baby's breath flowers were blossoming from the fabric.

"Wow!"

The reporters collectively exclaimed in admiration. Some even paused their shooting to check the photos on their cameras.

Lee Mi-Ri's confidence wasn't just because the dress was pretty.

'I didn't know the outfit had a luminescent effect.'

But it wasn't just the dress that illuminated Yoo-Jin.

Miso, smiling while holding Yoo-Jin's hand and dressed in a beautiful hanbok, was shining brighter than any accessory.

"Miso, could you look over here?"

"Why don't you two strike the same pose? Yes, just like that!"

Yoo-Jin and Miso placed their hands beside their faces and started smiling broadly.

"Miso looks the prettiest today, doesn’t she?"

"Thank you!" Miso replied in a lively tone that brought smiles to the faces of the reporters.

***

After the photo-taking session ended, the actors moved to a stage set with tables.

Kim Myung-Hak started with a light remark. "Why did so many of you come? Hotel meals are expensive, you know."

Kim Myung-Hak's humor was met with a playful response from Kim Yi-Song, a reporter from Star Gossip. "Aren't you making too much of a fuss over a bowl of galbitang[1], Mr. Kim?"

"Hey, Reporter Kim! What do you take us for? Just wait and see, there will be a course meal!" Kim Myung-Hak replied playfully while rolling up his sleeves, causing the reporters to burst into laughter.

After easing the tense atmosphere, Kim Myung-Hak left a plea for good articles and passed the microphone to Kim Sung-Woon.

Kim Sung-Woon began discussing the drama with an animated expression.

"Our drama In the Name of God has launched after many difficulties. But we promise it will meet the expectations you've been waiting for!"

He began to unravel some of the drama's overarching story and teasers to the reporters.

Shortly after, the time for interviews with the actors arrived.

Kim Jung-Ju first pointed to Choi Ahn-Jin, who had raised her hand. "Yes, Ms. Choi Anh-Jin. Please ask your question."

Choi Ahn-Jin quickly took the microphone and directed her question to Ju Yung-In, the main lead.

"Miss Ju Yung-In! As you predicted, you became the lead actress despite the odds of 2,500 to 1. Could you share your thoughts?"

Ju Yung-In ran her fingers through her short bob and took the microphone. "If I hadn't set a goal, it would have been impossible. The audition was that challenging."

"A goal?"

"Yes. After becoming friends with Miss Jung Yoo-Jin in Blue Sky, we promised to work together on the next project. Keeping a promise to a friend was my first goal," Ju Yung-In explained.

Ju Yung-In was now officially referring to Yoo-Jin as a friend in public appearances.

"But aren't you two also competitors?" Choi Ahn-Jin asked.

"Of course. This time, I gritted my teeth not to lose to Yoo-Jin. Look, I even cut my hair short," Ju Yung-In responded, running her fingers through her hair.

The reporters didn’t miss this moment and started snapping pictures relentlessly. After all, it was the first time Ju Yung-In had gone for a bob cut since her debut.

"Miss Yung-In. This is your first bob cut since debut, isn't it?"

"Miss Yung-In, please look this way! Yes, that's great."

"Wow, short hair really suits Miss Yung-In."

I always felt it, but Ju Yung-In’s ability to draw attention was truly remarkable.

During the ongoing Q&A, Kang Ill-Gu from StarPatch, whom I kept close eyes on, raised his hand to ask a question.

When I quickly made an 'X' gesture toward Kim Jung-Ju, he promptly redirected the speaking opportunity to another reporter as if he had been waiting for it.

"Yes, Mr. Jang Moon-Ki from Weekly Star, please ask your question."

Kang Ill-Gu looked puzzled when Kim Jung-Ju turned away when he clearly made eye contact.

'You're not asking any question today, Kang Ill-Gu,' I thought to myself.

As the other reporters lowered their hands, Jang Moon-Ki asked his question directed at Yoo-Jin.

"Miss Jung Yoo-Jin, do you feel any pressure about your role? A college student who is also a shaman. It seems like a challenging role for a rookie with little acting experience."

"I understand why you might think that, but I will do my best to meet the audience's expectations with my performance," Yoo-Jin replied confidently.

Jang Moon-Ki continued with various questions, but Yoo-Jin maintained a confident demeanor throughout the interview.

I smiled as I remarked inwardly, 'Well done, Yoo-Jin.'

She might not have grabbed attention instantly like the experienced Ju Yung-In, but she gave a solid and steady interview. And despite it being her first press conference, she wasn't even trembling.

At that moment, Miso gently tugged on Yoo-Jin’s arm while she was being interviewed. When Yoo-Jin put down the microphone and turned her head, Miso whispered something into her Yoo-Jin's ear.

'What is Miso doing?' I wondered.

After hearing what Miso said, Yoo-Jin nodded repeatedly. Then she grabbed the microphone and asked Jang Moon-Ki, "Mr. Jang, aren't you curious about anything regarding Miso?"

'Was she asking because she also wanted to be interviewed?' I pondered.

The reporters burst into laughter seeing this.

The usually stern Jang Moon-Ki smiled warmly and asked his question, "Miss Miso, you’ve taken on a very important role right at your debut. Could we hear your thoughts?"

Miso's face brightened up. "Hello! I'm Jung Miso from Lila Kindergarten! I'm playing the role of young Cheongmyung. I plan to act my best. Please watch me fondly!"

I made a silent observation. 'How exactly had her kindergarten teacher taught her to always mention Lila Kindergarten during greetings? At this rate, the kindergarten should probably pay her for advertising.'

Thanks to Miso, the atmosphere on site became brighter than ever.

Reporters eagerly raised their hands to throw Miso some softball questions. When asked about her favorite color, she answered pink. When asked about her favorite song, she stood up and danced while singing to Cherry Blossom's 'Hurry Up!'

'Miso truly is the best,' I thought to myself.

Finally, a flurry of questions came for Lee Ji-Yeon.

Knowing her personality, the reporters were cautious with the questions they asked.

"Ms. Lee, could you share a word with us?"

Lee Ji-Yeon scanned the reporters and said, "You all know me, right?"

"Of course. Who doesn’t know you, Mrs. Lee?"

"That's right, I'm Lee Ji-Yeon. And I really did my best on this work. Whether it's Yung-In or Yoo-Jin here, every character from the leads to the villain has been meticulously crafted. So, here’s the thing..."

Lee Ji-Yeon paused for a moment.

As the reporters looked puzzled, Lee Ji-Yeon dropped a bombshell.

"I might as well retire if the viewership ratings don't surpass that of my student Kim Soll-Ip's Blue Sky."

"What?"

"M-Ms. Lee. What do you mean by that..."

At that moment, the reporters' jaws dropped and flashes began to go off intensely. Lee Ji-Yeon's mere mention of retirement was enough to make headlines.

"Ms. Lee! Are you seriously considering retirement?"

"Ms. Lee! Is it true?"

The reporters bombarded her with questions, to which Lee Ji-Yeon only smiled coyly.

Finally, just when the reporters were about to burst from anticipation, she grabbed the microphone and spoke.

"Shut up~. Why are you all acting like this? Didn't you hear the condition? I said if the viewership ratings for Blue Sky aren't surpassed!' If they are, of course, I’ll continue working. Do you all hope I retire because the viewership ratings are low?"

The reporters erupted into laughter. But they likely had already drafted headlines like "Lee Ji-Yeon Declares Retirement."

Thanks to this, In the Name of God quickly became the center of attention.

But despite the enjoyable time at the press conference, Kang Ill-Gu did not get his chance to speak.

He even stood up and raised his hand at one point but to no avail.

***

After the press conference ended, Kim Myung-Hak called the main cast to the waiting room and asked, "M-Ms. Lee, you're not really going to retire, are you?"

Lee Ji-Yeon smiled at Kim Myung-Hak's question. "CP Kim, why are you so nervous? We need the reporters to write sensational articles, don’t we? It was all part of the plan."

Only then did Kim Myung-Hak exhale a sigh of relief. "I was worried... Ha ha ha. Maybe I'm getting more fearful with age."

"Yes, maybe that's it."

As Lee Ji-Yeon laughed, Kim Myung-Hak finally relaxed and celebrated the successful conduct of the press conference.

"Everyone worked hard today, so thank you for that. And remember, script reading is on June 27th. The shoot starts on July 1st. Talent agents, please make sure the schedules are clear."

As they were about to disperse after the meeting, Ju Yung-In asked out of curiosity.

"By the way, who is playing the role of Manshin Wol-ah? I saw it's a major supporting role in the script but they weren’t here today, were they?"

All the cast members paused and froze in place at Ju Yung-In's clear voice.

1. Beef rib soup ☜