Superstar From Age 0

Chapter 320

Oh? Seo-jun was here?

Hi, Eden. Eun-sung. Hello, hyungs.

The trainees who were exhausted from dance practice came up to the first floor and found Seo-jun sitting in a corner of the lobby. 

Their tired faces brightened up when they saw Seo-jun. 

Seo-jun laughed at their expressions.

Are you having a hard time?

Yeah. But I feel better knowing that we have a debut schedule for next year.

Park Eden, a music major in his first year who had gotten a sports drink, said with a smile.

As Park Eden and another music major in his first year, Jung Eun-sung, sat down, the other trainees also surrounded Seo-jun. 

The trainees who had been cherishing every second of their break time relaxed and lay down on the sofa. 

Their faces looked comfortable.

This is a familiar scene.

It was a continuation of the old days, when Brown Black used to play with Seo-jun at Cocoa Entertainment and kill time during practice. 

White also used to make excuses to play with Seo-jun when he visited the company after his debut, when his practice was tough. 

Red Crown had been using Seo-jun as a shield to catch their breath since they were trainees.

I wish Seo-jun would come every day!

Seo-jun chuckled as he remembered what the Red Crown sisters had said.

It wasnt like they played for an hour or two, just 10 or 20 minutes.

They knew that the practice they were doing now would become their blood and flesh, so they only used the Lee Seo-jun card when they really needed to catch their breath. 

The staff members who knew that also let them go often.

Is your next work a Hollywood movie?

Yes.

Seo-jun nodded at the question of his senior trainee.

An article about the casting of Bear Rounds movie had come out.

It was only the beginning of the script, with only two actors cast, but the public seemed more curious about it.

Hows the Marine Corps reaction?

The other trainees perked up their ears at Jung Eun-sungs question. 

They were more curious about what was happening across the ocean. 

Seo-jun looked at their eyes and said.

From what I heard, theyre busy with finishing Assemble 4 and making new hero movies.

As Seo-jun said, Marine Corps was busy finishing Assemble 4 perfectly and opening the curtain for a new season. 

They seemed to have no time to care about anything else but box office.

Seo-juns words made Park Eden nod.

Well, they did so well with season 1, everyone must be looking forward to season 2.

Its going to be hard to satisfy them.

There arent many works that do better than season 1 when they make season 2 or 3. And if they change all the actors, its even worse.

Everyone nodded at the senior trainees words.

But why are you here at the company?

A guest came.

A guest?

The trainees tilted their heads as Seo-jun looked toward the entrance.

The person he was waiting for appeared.

Seo-jun smiled brightly and got up from his seat.

Welcome! Uncle Jong-ho.

Kim Jong-hos appearance stirred up the Cocoa Entertainment lobby.

It was surprising enough to see Seo-jun, who occasionally visited the company, but it was natural for everyones eyes to be drawn to the actor they only saw on television.

The trainees who had been talking to Seo-jun were staring at Kim Jong-ho with trembling eyes. 

They had seen Kim Jong-ho in dramas and movies since they were young, and he looked like he was on the other side of the television screen.

Seo-jun tapped on the sides of the trainees who were staring blankly and introduced them to Kim Jong-ho.

These are my seniors who will debut next year.

At Seo-juns words, the trainees who had taken a deep breath greeted Kim Jong-ho with tense faces.

Hello!

Kim Jong-ho smiled. 

The trainer who had come to get the trainees who had been playing with Seo-jun as an excuse for taking a break was stunned when he saw Kim Jong-ho and Seo-jun.

***

After sending off the trainees, Seo-jun and Kim Jong-ho went up to Seo-juns practice room.

This is your practice room?

Yes!

Kim Jong-ho looked around Seo-juns practice room.

One wall was entirely made of mirrors, and in one corner there were cameras mounted on tripods. 

There were also rails installed on the ceiling, and cameras hung from them.

Kim Jong-ho was amazed by the sight of cameras everywhere.

When I was young, I practiced with just one camera and a script anywhere.

This can move like this.

Seo-jun controlled the camera on the ceiling with a remote control. 

Kim Jong-ho was amazed again by the camera that moved up and down, adjusting its height.

It can shoot front and back, left and right. It can also move along the rail.

Thats amazing, isnt it?

Kim Jong-ho looked at the camera that moved along the rail for a while and then tilted his head.

This camera isnt this the new camera that came to the broadcasting station?

Yes! PD Choi Min-sung said this camera was good, so I changed it.

Kim Jong-ho nodded at the appearance of Na-ui-won PD, who was famous for his visual beauty. 

And another camera caught Kim Jong-hos eye.

And this is for movies?

That one was recommended by Director Ryan.

As technology advanced, cameras also advanced. 

Depending on the camera, depending on the lens used, the feeling of the actor on the screen was different.

Of course, the final editing will determine the atmosphere.

That was up to the director, so Seo-jun couldnt do anything about it. 

So he decided to do his best to practice until the final editing, which was out of his hands.

So I change it whenever a new camera comes out. I think I can act better if I know how I look on camera.

Kim Jong-ho nodded at Seo-juns words.

He didnt use the cameras he didnt use anymore, but donated them to places that needed cameras.

Kim Jong-ho was impressed by Seo-juns words and saw a familiar camera in his sight.

Ive seen this camera a lot.

At Kim Jong-hos question, Seo-jun smiled and answered.

I dont think Ill always be shooting with a good camera. So Im also practicing with the most popular camera.

Youre very thorough.

Kim Jong-ho sincerely admired Seo-juns smile.

***

There were many cameras for dramas and movies, but Kim Jong-ho chose one of the most popular cameras.

They said they can only use the front camera for audition videos.

Really?

Seo-jun installed the front camera with a regretful face at Kim Jong-hos words.

Kim Jong-ho could tell from his familiar movements that Seo-jun had practiced moving cameras more than once or twice.

Seo-jun finished installing the camera and asked Kim Jong-ho.

Uncle. Did you print out the script? Or you can print it out here.

Seo-jun pointed to the printer next to the resting place and said.

Kim Jong-ho shook his head and showed him a few sheets of paper in his hand. 

He could see short writings in various colors of pens on the inside.

Here. I brought it.

Ah, I see. Then you dont need any water? I have juice too. Are you hungry? I have cookies and bread, do you want some?

Kim Jong-ho laughed as he saw Seo-jun, who was about to turn his steps toward the refrigerator on one side, and then changed his mind to get cookies and bread. 

He could feel Seo-juns restlessness very well.

Why are you more nervous than me, Seo-jun?

Uh. I dont know why Im shaking like this.

Are you worried that I might fail?

To be honest, yes.

Uncle Jong-hos acting was amazing, but he didnt know how Hollywood would react.

It would be easier if it was Marine, but oh well.

He thought Director Jeffrey would be fine, but he wasnt sure about Bearound.

Seo-jun hesitated and opened his mouth.

A little?

The actor who had been acting for longer than Seo-juns age and had experienced various things smiled at Seo-juns appearance.

Well, Im not sure if Ill pass either But whatever audition it is, an actor just has to do his best for the role hes given.

It wouldnt be easy, but he had to show an acting that would make the director or the production company think unconsciously, We have to cast this actor.

Hoo.

Kim Jong-ho let out a light breath.

A slight tension ran through his body. 

It had been a long time since he felt this way. 

He felt like he had gone back to the days when he was a fresh rookie who went around auditioning here and there.

Lets start then.

Yes.

A red light came on the camera.

Actor Kim Jong-hos head turned toward the camera lens.

***

A few days after Kim Jong-ho submitted his first audition video.

The name of the actor who was newly cast in [Survivors] came out.

Milan Chellen?

Park Sung-won thought that the name that came up in the article was somehow familiar.

Where have I heard it before Who is it?

He thought hard and remembered a two-shot.

Seo-jun and a black actor shaking hands on the red carpet.

Ah!

Everyone expected him to be nominated, but he didnt make it in the end.

The black actor who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor with Seo-jun, Milan Chellen!

[Survivors Davis GarrettLee Seo-junMilan Chellen!]

[How did this combination happen?! Im curious about the work that captivated the three actors!]

[The most anticipated movies, Assemble4, Survivors]

-Milan Chellen! I remember him!

=I watched the video of him telling his daughter that he was nominated again

=22 I cry every time I watch it

=I thought it would be nice to work with Seo-jun when I saw him at the awards ceremony, and they met like this!

-Bearound is crazy. How did they cast these three actors?

=22 They seem really determined.

-So when is this movie coming out?

=They havent even started filming yet;;;

-Amazing Everyone is posting that they are looking forward to it even though only the title and three actors are known

=Thats because those three actors are no joke.

=At this point, I dont think there will be any more surprises.

***

A few days later.

When the publics attention was focused on [Survivors], which cast Davis Garrett, Lee Seo-jun, and Milan Chellen, actor Kim Jong-ho was on a plane to LA.

<Im leaving now.

Lee Seo-jun: Uncle Jong-ho fighting!

Lee Seo-jun: There will be a staff member from Kings Agency at the airport!

Lee Seo-jun: He speaks Korean well!

<Thank you. Seo-jun.

Park Do-hoon: Uncle! Just show them what you usually do!

Lee Ji-seok: If you pass, Korean beef

Lee Da-jin: Turn the audition place upside down!

Lee Da-jin: (Cheering bear emoticon)

Kim Jong-ho smiled at the pouring messages.

[The plane to LA will take off soon. Please fasten your seat belts]

Kim Jong-ho fastened his seat belt and looked out the window.

Hollywood.

The young actors of today might have felt Hollywood close by thanks to the actor Lee Seo-jun who was active in Hollywood.

Korean works were released simultaneously around the world and overseas fans increased through a streaming service called Plus+. 

That made it even more so. 

There were many actors who easily challenged Hollywood because of that.

But Kim Jong-hos generation was different.

At that time, Hollywood was an object of longing and actors wanted to appear in Hollywood movies at least once. 

Kim Jong-ho also dreamed of such a dream when he was young, watching Hollywood movies that filled the screen.

Lets do well.

He always felt nervous before an audition, like he did when he was a rookie, and he made a resolution to himself like that.

***

Should I put up some holy water and pray?

The four actors laughed at Lee Ji-seoks words.

The four actors who saw Kim Jong-ho off headed to Park Do-hoons favorite dumpling hot pot restaurant for lunch. They had a separate room where they could comfortably chat.

Well, Uncle Jong-ho wouldnt fail, but He might be unlucky and have a bad condition on the audition day, or some amazing actor might show up out of nowhere.

Lee Ji-seok, who sent a light message saying If you pass, Korean beef, shook his legs nervously. 

Seo-jun, Park Do-hoon, and Lee Da-jin laughed again at his appearance.

Dont foreigners have a hard time distinguishing Asian faces? We do too.

Park Do-hoon put a large meat dumpling on each of the plates in front of Seo-jun and the two actors and said.

But we can tell Evan Block or Rachel Hill apart. Uncle Jong-ho will be like that too. This kimchi is freshly made every day, so its delicious.

Thank you. Do-hoon oppa.

Oppa. Should we order some kimchi dumplings too?

Am I the only one whos nervous?

Lee Ji-seok said in a puzzled voice, looking at the relaxed three actors.

Its Uncle Jong-ho, not someone else. Hell do well in Hollywood too.

And it doesnt seem possible that Uncle Jong-ho would fail, does it?

Park Do-hoon and Lee Da-jin said with a smile.

Itll be fine.

When Seo-jun said that too, Lee Ji-seoks trembling legs gradually subsided.

Yeah. Uncle Jong-ho will do well.