Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 407: Acting Practice (2)

[Video Call – (Jung Yoo-Jin)]

-Alright, I'll do that.

I had asked Yoo-Jin to perform Scene 11 from Episode 20 and record it on video.

Practicing acting is far more effective with a partner than doing it alone. If Deok-Bae could watch and practice alongside Yoo-Jin's performance through the video, it would be a great help to him.

If I had asked Ju Yung-In or Min Gyu-Ri for this in my past life, they would've cursed me out and questioned how a mere talent agent dared to make such a request.

However, kind-hearted Yoo-Jin readily agreed to record it for me. I was beyond grateful that she was an actress under my management.

[Video Call – (Jung Yoo-Jin)]

-Since Miso and I are done with the hot spring, I'll record it right away and send it over~

-Yeah! Uncle Yoon-Ho, I'll play the beggar!

The two were so excited that their energy eased some of the weight off my shoulders.

"Thanks, both of you."

Giggling, Yoo-Jin and Miso replied with bright smiles.

-Then hurry up and visit us soon~

"Alright!"

With one solution in place, it was now time to head to Choi Ji-Yung's house for Deok-Bae's lesson.

***

When I arrived at Choi Ji-Yung's house and rang the doorbell, Kang Si-Ah came running to the door.

"Mr. Jung!" Kang Si-Ah exclaimed with glee.

"Si-Ah, have you been practicing hard?" I asked with a smile.

"Yes! Ms. Choi made it so fun to learn!"

Jiri Mountain had already begun production and was progressing smoothly.

Young actress Kang Si-Ah was waiting for her first scene on set. After today's final lesson, she would join me tomorrow at the Jiri Mountain filming location.

I also planned to take Deok-Bae to the set because I thought seeing Lee Tae-Poong and Go Jae-Soo's acting would help him prepare better for his audition.

I was willing to do whatever it took to get Deok-Bae ready.

While exchanging greetings with Kang Si-Ah, her mother came out to welcome me warmly. "Mr. Jung, please come in."

Kang Si-Ah's mother had been speaking more clearly ever since she received her new hearing aids. She also seemed much more cheerful now that she was less burdened.

Every time I saw people whose lives had improved because of my efforts, I felt deeply moved.

"I can see you're doing much better now," I remarked.

"It's all thanks... to you, Mr. Jung."

We briefly clasped hands in greeting before Choi Ji-Yung stepped forward and spoke. "Mr. Jung, Si-Ah's lesson is done, so shall we start with Deok-Bae? You're welcome to join us today."

"Thank you, Ms. Choi."

Deok-Bae and I immediately followed Choi Ji-Yung to the practice room.

***

The practice room at Choi Ji-Yung's house was designed with three walls made of sound-absorbing material, one full-length mirrored wall, and equipment set up for monitoring performances.

Additionally, eight cameras were installed around the room to capture footage from various angles. There was even a refrigerator inside.

"This is seriously top-notch," I said as I looked around the room.

Choi Ji-Yung smiled and replied, "Isn't it a bit over the top?"

Park Woo-Min from Altoran Entertainment had made significant investments in the practice room to help Choi Ji-Yung quickly regain her skills.

"Over the top? If our company's practice rooms were like this, we'd have no complaints."

After all, the ability to objectively review one’s own performance on a monitor was invaluable.

Choi Ji-Yung turned to Deok-Bae. "Alright, let's get started."

"Okay."

Having already exchanged greetings earlier, Choi Ji-Yung addressed Deok-Bae by name in a friendly tone. "You're only working on two scenes, right?"

Deok-Bae swallowed nervously. "Yes."

"You've never taken acting lessons before?"

"No, never."

"Okay, let's start by reading through the lines from the script."

Deok-Bae opened the tablet and adjusted his posture.

At that moment, I decided to speak up. "Um, Ms. Choi. I don't mean to interrupt, but earlier, Deok-Bae practiced on his own. Could you take a look at that first?"

"Is that so? Alright, let's see what he's got."

Choi Ji-Yung nodded and suggested starting with what he had practiced. "Don't feel pressured, Deok-Bae. Just show me what you were working on earlier."

Deok-Bae set the tablet aside and took a deep breath. "I will start now..."

As soon as he got the go-ahead, Deok-Bae launched into his performance.

『You are... the renowned Princess Yu-Hwa?』

In that single line, Deok-Bae conveyed Kim Beop-Min's bittersweet realization that the person he had fallen for at first sight was also his political rival.

However, a flaw immediately stood out. 'His expression is too stiff and emotionless.'

Focused solely on delivering the lines, Deok-Bae's face had frozen into a rigid mask. I hadn't noticed that as I only heard his voice at home. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Choi Ji-Yung gave Deok-Bae a warm smile. "Okay, stop there."

She continued, "Interesting, Deok-Bae. It's clear this is your first time acting, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"But there's a surprising depth to your delivery. Have you been preparing a lot?"

The curious Choi Ji-Yung probed further. "How about trying a different version this time? You said you experimented with different takes at home, right?"

Deok-Bae nodded and delivered the same line again.

This time, the tone was completely different and exuded an almost predatory desire to embrace the other person immediately.

Hearing Deok-Bae's delivery, Choi Ji-Yung smiled again. "This is fun. Do you have any other versions?"

"I do."

"Keep going until I tell you to stop."

Deok-Bae nodded and performed the same line repeatedly, infusing it with a different emotion each time.

Though his expressions still lacked variety, his vocal delivery and emotional range weren't bad.

"Cut! That's enough!"

Choi Ji-Yung turned to me with a smile. "Mr. Jung, where did you find this kid? His facial expressions aren't there yet, and his breathing and tempo are unpolished... but his delivery is impressive. His voice is amazing as well."

Though there were many shortcomings, Choi Ji-Yung commented that Deok-Bae's lines carried weight and substance. She even noted that his pleasant voice made the same lines sound better.

After showering Deok-Bae with praise, Choi Ji-Yung asked curiously, "Be honest with me, Deok-Bae. How many times have you read through the audition scenes?"

"Uh... I actually don't remember."

"You don't remember?"

"I think I've gone through them dozens of times but I stopped counting after that."

Choi Ji-Yung looked impressed. "Wow~"

She clicked her tongue in disbelief and asked, "So you read the same line differently every single time?"

"Yes, because I didn't quite understand it."

Choi Ji-Yung looked at Deok-Bae with a satisfied smile. "You're already doing character research just like a professional would."

"Am I? I just didn't know what I was doing..."

As the flustered Deok-Bae fumbled for words, Choi Ji-Yung raised her hand. "It's fine. It's a compliment. But right now, that's not the way to practice."

"Then how should I do it?"

"First, let's pick just one interpretation of the character you've been working on."

"Just one?"

"Yes. Then, focus entirely on mastering that single version for the audition scenes."

The audition for the role of Kim Beop-Min in Hwaranjeon involved only two scenes: Scene 11 from Episode 20 with Princess Yu-Hwa for the general acting part and Scene 33 from Episode 20 with Guk-Seon for the action part.

I needed Choi Ji-Yung's help specifically for Scene 11 from Episode 20.

Choi Ji-Yung continued, "And the other candidates for Kim Beop-Min are in their late teens, right? Don't worry. With the skill you just showed, focusing on just one scene is enough."

Choi Ji-Yung believed that perfecting a single scene could give Deok-Bae a good chance at passing the audition.

Deok-Bae nodded with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to pass the audition!"

If Deok-Bae managed to secure the role of Kim Beop-Min, there would be a two-month gap before filming began. This was because Kim Beop-Min would only be introduced in episode 20, with his role gradually becoming more prominent from episode 25 onward.

This meant ample time to prepare after passing the audition. That timeline was the reason I believed Deok-Bae had a good shot at success. After all, we could tackle the other parts after passing the audition.

Choi Ji-Yung turned to me. "I can help with the general acting for Scene 11 where he would be acting with Yoo-Jin, but how are you handling the action scene?"

"I'll take care of that myself," I answered.

In my past life, Deok-Bae's action skills were among the best in the entire industry. That's why I decided to play to his strengths—minimizing action practice and maximizing focus on general acting, where he was weaker.

Choi Ji-Yung nodded in agreement. "Alright. Then I'll train him exclusively for Scene 11."

"Thank you."

"Oh. By the way, if he passes the audition, what's the plan after that?"

"I'd like to ask for your continued guidance."

Choi Ji-Yung smiled. "Got it. First, let's focus on getting him through the audition."

Bringing Choi Ji-Yung back to the industry was proving to be one of the best decisions of my life.

With a fiery look of determination, she turned to Deok-Bae. "Let's not waste time since we don't have a lot. From now on, think of me as Princess Yu-Hwa."

"Yes, ma'am!"

And with that, Choi Ji-Yung's lesson began.

***

In the practice room, Choi Ji-Yung took on the role of Princess Yu-Hwa to act alongside Deok-Bae.

However, she harshly pointed out Deok-Bae's mistakes whenever they took breaks in between.

"Do you call that a smile? Kim Beop-Min is far more expressive than that! Start over! From now on, you're not Choi Deok-Bae but you're Kim Beop-Min!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Again! Look at yourself in the mirror! Why do you think we have a mirror here? It's to see how you look when you act! See how awkward you look?"

"Yes!"

Even as Choi Ji-Yung repeatedly demanded corrections, Deok-Bae didn't show any sign of frustration.

In reality, making an actor perform the same scene repeatedly can be incredibly stressful. That's why even seasoned actors grow irritable after a series of NGs during shoots.

However, Deok-Bae accepted every critique without complaint and showed steady improvements.

Given that he hadn't slept properly for the last two days, his condition must have been utterly wrecked. Yet, he persevered.

Finally, after a long while, with Deok-Bae drenched in sweat, Choi Ji-Yung raised her hand and gasped for air. "I... I surrender. I can't anymore... I feel like I'm going to puke..."

Choi Ji-Yung collapsed into a chair and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

When I quickly handed her a bottle of cold water, she gulped it down in one go without even pausing to breathe.

After finishing the water, Choi Ji-Yung looked at Deok-Bae and said, "You're the most determined rookie I've ever seen in this industry. You're amazing, really."

They had gone over the same scene a hundred times. Choi Ji-Yung expressed her admiration and admitted that sheer stubbornness had kept her going.

When I handed water to Deok-Bae, he drank it just as quickly as if he was parched.

Choi Ji-Yung smiled and offered Deok-Bae advice. "From now on, practice on your own. And don't be afraid. No one expects perfection from rookies on set anyway. Plus, your senior actors will likely support you. So act with confidence, okay?"

"Okay!"

Hearing Choi Ju-Yung's advice, Deok-Bae immediately stood up, took a deep breath, and resumed practicing. His relentless dedication to improving was evident as his performance showed noticeable progress.

Inspired by Deok-Bae's unwavering determination, Choi Ji-Yung and Kang Si-Ah, who had been resting, quietly opened their scripts and started practicing alongside him.

Deok Bae's passion and effort were contagious, motivating those around him.

***

The next day, I arrived at the LT Tower rooftop helipad with my group as Shin Jong-Ki had arranged for a helicopter to transport us to the Jiri Mountain filming site.

As I waited with Team Lead Lee Eun-Joo, Kang Si-Ah, and her mother, I kept an eye on Deok-Bae.

Despite being on his third consecutive day of almost no sleep, Deok-Bae remained immersed in the script.

Deok-Bae had been occasionally playing the video Yoo-Jin had sent of Scene 11 from episode 20 and practiced in sync with her performance. Thanks to his persistent efforts, Deok-Bae's acting had noticeably improved since we began.

At that moment, the loud thud of helicopter rotors filled the air as it descended and stirred up a gust of wind.

As the helicopter landed, the rooftop door opened and Shin Jong-Ki entered with his secretary. "Team Lead Jung! Hop in right away."

"Yes, sir!"

After a quick greeting with Shin Jong-Ki, I stepped into the helicopter through its open rear door followed by the others. Once seated, we put on headsets which muffled the roaring noise of the rotors.

Shin Jong-Ki spoke through the headset.

-Team Lead Jung, is the young man next to you the new recruit?

"Yes, Mr. Shin."

-He has a rugged, masculine look. Are you planning to cast him in one of our films as well?

Deok-Bae's appearance alone had captured Shin Jong-Ki's attention. However, with the weight of the Hwaranjeon audition for Kim Beop-Min already on Deok-Bae's shoulders, it was impossible to consider another role at this point.

"Unfortunately, he's still a rookie and isn't ready for that yet."

-Hmm... is that so? What a pity. But you'll make sure he gets a role in the next film, right?

There was no issue with future opportunities.

"Of course, sir."

About 50 minutes later, the Jiri Mountain filming location, Cheonwang Mountain Lodge, came into view through the helicopter windows.

Here, I planned to provide Deok-Bae with his second lesson.

***

The helicopter touched down in the open field in front of Cheonwang Mountain Lodge.

After dropping us off, it carried a few staff members and lifted back into the air.

The swirling rotors scattered artificial snow in all directions. As it hadn't snowed yet this season, artificial snow had been created with machines to simulate a blizzard for the scene.

As the helicopter noise faded, Park Sun-Jae and his wife, Production Chief Ahn Yoo-Joo, came out to greet us. "Welcome, Mr. Shin."

Shin Jong-Ki responded with a smile. "I hope I'm not interfering by showing up again."

It wasn't common for the head of a production and distribution company to visit the set frequently. However, with Lee Tae-Poong drawing fourteen million viewers through Beyond the Boundary, Shin Jong-Ki often visited this location.

"Now, let's see... where is our lead actor?"

"He's waiting inside the lodge for the next scene. It's a short break."

"Ah, I see."

Though Shin Jong-Ki looked eager to head inside immediately, he politely stepped aside to allow greetings to continue.

This gave me the chance to greet Park Sun-Jae. "I'm sorry for being late, Mr. Park."

Bowing my head, I apologized for not visiting earlier as several days had passed since production began.

"Not at all. I heard from the Hoop Entertainment's talent agents that you've been very busy."

"I have been. But I'll make sure to carve out more time and visit regularly from now on."

Park Sun-Jae waved it off with a smile, then turned his attention to Kang Si-Ah accompanying me. "Si-Ah, you're here too."

Kang Si-Ah bowed as she greeted him. "Hello, Mr. Park!"

"Good to see you. So, have you been practicing your acting?" Park Sun-Jae asked.

"Yes! I've learned so much from Ms. Choi Ji-Yung!" Kang Si-Ah exclaimed excitedly.

After the introductions, Park Sun-Jae glanced at the tall young man beside me. "And who is this striking young man?"

Park Sun-Jae eyed Deok-Bae with interest.

With Deok-Bae's tall stature, distinct features, and deep gaze, it was clear that Park Sun-Jae was already imagining him in a movie role.

"Oh, he's a new recruit I brought along today to observe the set."

"Well, since he's here, how about giving him a small role? Practical experience is far more valuable than just observing..."

I smiled and shook my head. "Thank you so much, but he doesn't have any acting experience yet..."

While giving him experience on set wasn't a bad idea, Deok-Bae's audition was tomorrow and it wasn't feasible.

Park Sun-Jae looked disappointed. "I see. I guess I'll have to wait for the next opportunity. Alright, everyone. Let's head inside. They're waiting for us."

"Yes, Mr. Park."

Following Park Sun-Jae, we made our way into the Cheonwang Mountain Lodge.

The moment we stepped inside, an absurd situation unfolded before our eyes.