NIS Agent Reincarnated as a Genius Actor

“Ah, Director Kim Han-soo. Thank you for your hard work. Congratulations.”

[Haha, I didn’t call to be congratulated. We’ve finished primary photography, but there’s so much VFX and color grading that it’s taking time…]

Director Kim Han-soo, who has grown fond of Ryu Yeon-woo while working on the project, went on and on.

Just as Yeon-woo was pondering how talkative the director was, the main point came up.

[So, I was hoping you’d attend the production announcement, Yeon-woo. You’ve played an important role, after all.]

Although it was a cameo role, Director Kim Han-soo had given him a considerable appearance fee through his agency.

It’s understandable since Yeon-woo, who is under LN Entertainment, filmed a movie produced by LN Media, but the fee was generous enough to consider him a main cast member.

“Director, of course. It would be an honor if you’d have me.”

[Eh, honor is a big word. I heard you’re joining a film by Director Park this time. The news isn’t out yet, but the directors in Chungmuro are all buzzing.]

“I was lucky. Director Park Chan-hong seems to think well of me.”

[It’s not luck, I know your skills since we’ve worked together. I was proud to hear the news. Anyway, let’s try to attend both the production announcement and the screening, as long as there are no conflicting schedules.]

“Yes, Director. I’ll see you then.”

Yeon-woo ended the call and thought that, despite appearances, the director had a warm heart.

However, it was only because Yeon-woo had won over Director Kim Han-soo that he received this favorable treatment. Other actors who had passed through the director’s strict scrutiny would have been skeptical if they’d heard what Yeon-woo said.

Meanwhile, the distributor was delighted to hear that Yeon-woo would be joining the official events.

“Yes! Things must be going well.”

Having Yeon-woo join was not only beneficial for Director Kim Han-soo but also for the distributor, especially since Ryu Yeon-woo, who is popular among the younger generation, recently became a hot topic because of his college entrance exam scores.

As “Spring Lovers” is a romance film targeting a young audience, from teens to thirties, the public relations manager was certain that Yeon-woo’s participation would be beneficial. The production announcement was set for January 3rd, and Yeon-woo submitted his college applications as the year came to an end.

[So, we’re finalizing it like this?]

“Yes, teacher. But I don’t think I’ll be able to engage much in college life.”

[I understand. But it’s a big honor for our high school to have another student entering Korea University.]

The first choice on the application that both the school and Yeon-woo submitted after much consideration was the Economics Department at Korea University.

In his previous life, Yeon-woo had often entered countries as a diplomat to carry out covert operations and had considered applying to the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy.

However, given his excellent scores, the school hoped he would apply to the Economics Department as a first choice and Political Science and Diplomacy as a fallback. Yeon-woo agreed.

Since he couldn’t fully commit to college life in this life, he intended to focus on his entertainment career, and therefore, chose a comfortable major. It would be different from the education he received 20 years ago, but he had graduated from a similar department in his past life.

Because of this, it was relatively easier to study compared to other fields.

If I pass, I’ll be re-entering the same department as a class of 19, even though I was originally class of 98.

“Come to think of it, it’s kind of fun.”

News articles poured out along with Yeon-woo’s application.

[Blue Chip “Ryu Yeon-woo” Applies for Korea University Economics Department]

[Will the “King” Emerge in Korea University’s Economics Department Known for Gathering Talents?]

[Drama Shows Model Department, Reality Shows Economic Department “Summer Promise” Cha Woo-Joo.]

Junsoo, who was searching for articles that could be fun to share with his friends, shook his head.

“When did ‘King’ become a trendy term?”

While shaking his head, Junsoo captured an article featuring a good picture of Ryu Yeon-woo and sent it to the group chat.

Junsoo had applied to Yeonha University’s Korean Language and Literature department.

He applied because his scores matched, but he also had quite an interest in writing.

Junsoo hoped to get into Yeonha University, but surprisingly, the smarter Seong-sik had even better scores and applied to the business department, where he was in a safe zone for admission.

“Yeon-woo will definitely get in, so all that’s left is for me to get in. Ugh.”

Junsoo felt weighed down by the burdens of love and friendship.

On the other hand, Yeon-woo got all dressed up with Min-soo from the morning and wore a nice checkered suit.

They arrived at a movie theater in Apgujeong.

This was where the production announcement for “Spring’s Lover” would take place.

After taking the staff elevator, Yeon-woo was led to the waiting room.

“Oh, Yeon-woo, you’re here.”

Director Kim Han-soo stood up to greet Yeon-woo.

“It’s been a while, Director.”

Yeon-woo quickly walked up to Director Kim Han-soo and greeted him with a deep bow.

Next to the director were lead actors Kang Joo-woon and Han Ye-jin.

“I saw the initial footage you shot. Thank you for raising the quality of our film,” said Kang Joo-woon, using his unique tone that Yeon-woo had often imitated during analysis.

“It’s an honor, Senior.”

Yeon-woo shook hands with Joo-woon and felt strange emotions. Joo-woon was a great actor with an impressive filmography.

Han Ye-jin, the actress next to him, and the seasoned actor Yoo Hae-sik were no different.

Just as Yeon-woo was taking turns greeting his senior actors, someone tapped him from behind.

“Yeon-woo.”

He turned around to see an awkwardly smiling Jeong Soo-yeon.

They had talked quite a bit through mobile, but this was the first time they were seeing each other since shooting.

“Ah, Soo-yeon. Long time no see.”

Yeon-woo also responded with a slightly awkward smile and moved to sit next to her.

“Wow, are you two close?”

Han Ye-jin, who was playing the role of an adult Ha Ye-ri that Jeong Soo-yeon was portraying, asked with interest.

“No, we exchanged numbers during the last shoot. This is only the second time we’re meeting.”

Everyone in the waiting room, who had nothing better to do, looked at them.

“Ah, so Yeon-woo is a man?”

Director Kim Han-soo made a joking comment.

Yeon-woo deflected it with a smile, avoiding the fact that it was actually Soo-yeon who had asked for his number first.

“By the way, Director Kim really seems to cherish you, Yeon-woo.”

Kang Joo-woon made a comment as if jokingly complaining to the director.

“Why don’t you also work with Yeon-woo someday? He’s a very charming friend, both as a person and as an actor.”

At Director Kim Han-soo’s high praise, both Han Ye-jin and Yoo Hae-sik looked surprised.

Everyone knew that Director Kim wasn’t usually generous with his compliments.

That’s when the staff opened the door to announce that it was time to enter.

The director led the way, and the actors followed him. After a brief photo wall event, they entered the production announcement hall.

This production announcement conference has a well-organized atmosphere since it is held in a report meeting format, attended only by the press and related personnel. Unlike the ‘Summer Promise’ time, there is no online live broadcast, making the scene calm. Yeon-woo felt a different atmosphere and sat in the last row with Soo-yeon.

“Is the atmosphere usually this heavy?”

Soo-yeon whispered to Yeon-woo. This is Soo-yeon’s first time attending a commercial film production announcement as she had only worked in web dramas. Yeon-woo was the same, having only worked in dramas.

The MC, a comedian, started speaking after receiving the cue from the staff.

“Hello everyone, thank you for attending today, journalists, personnel, and actors.”

The MC paused for a beat and then continued.

“I am Kim Young-hwan, the host for the production announcement of the movie that will make our hearts flutter from the start, ‘Spring’s Lover’. Nice to meet you.”

Applause broke out from the staff and personnel, and the actors also quietly clapped.

“Before introducing the director and the actors, let’s first watch a short teaser of the movie.”

The lights dimmed, and a teaser of the film started playing on the screen behind them.

From the first scene, Yeon-woo and Soo-yeon appeared.

The scenes flowed in reverse order from Yeon-woo’s school life and finally quickly transitioned to a scene by a water faucet.

“Are you too surprised? Why aren’t you speaking? Are you okay?”

Yeon-woo’s voice faded out, and Kang Joo-woon, dressed as a firefighter, fighting flames appeared.

“Are you okay? Are you?”

The voice of Jiwoo Hyuk, not Kang Joo-woon, chiding a disoriented new recruit at the fire scene was heard. The voice of ‘young Jiwoo Hyuk’ Yeon-woo from the previous scene strangely connected with the same tone.

“Wow, they edited it like this. Nice.”

Yeon-woo was also satisfied with the editing that properly showcased her efforts.

The movie ‘Spring’s Lover’ follows Jiwoo Hyuk, who grew up in a rural village and later works as a firefighter in the city. Physically and mentally worn out, Jiwoo Hyuk experiences Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after an accident. Seeing his pitiable state, his older brother who had moved to the city earlier became emotional. So, Jiwoo Hyuk comes to his parents’ house in the hometown with his young nephew for a short break. The female lead Ha yeri is the teacher of the kindergarten that the nephew newly attends, and the two encounter each other again.

The host Kim Young-hwan started speaking again as the teaser ended.

“After watching the video, I can’t help but feel excited. Haha. It must be the magic of Director Kim Han-soo, who is in charge of this work.”

He paused and looked at Director Kim Han-soo before speaking again.

“Director Kim Han-soo, the character Jiwoo Hyuk in this work feels quite different. Could you briefly explain about Jiwoo Hyuk?”

Director Kim Han-soo picked up the microphone in front of him and smiled.