NOVEL WEB Episode 59 - The Star Beyond the River - Audition
– Squeak. –
The door opened with a creepy sound in the dimly lit space.
– Click. –
The lights came on, and amidst the metallic noises, a voice echoed.
“I told you not to do this last time. Why are you waiting with the lights off?”
“Oh, sorry. I just like it dark…”
A man, raising his hand as if annoyed, opened his mouth.
“Enough of that. Kim Gyesik, come in.”
“Yes.”
As the man made a call somewhere, the door soon opened, and another man entered.
“You called?”
“Ah, Manager Kim, come and have a seat.”
The man in charge called, and Kim Gyesik quickly walked over and sat in front.
“Try to find something appropriate among those working with drugs and send it to the media.”
“What size should we send it, approximately…?”
The man stroking his chin with impatience uttered a metallic voice again.
“That CEO Yun son, right.”
“The one from Bongrim Construction?”
“No, the old man who builds ships.”
“Ah, is it Jung Yang Shipbuilding’s Yun Kwang-sun? But she is his daughter.”
The man in charge frowned upon hearing that.
“A daughter? They said something about overspeeding and a hit-and-run, so I thought it was the son. Anyway, we need to cover up that incident a bit.”
“Yes, then I’ll prepare it in that size.”
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Three days later, the day of the rescheduled audition arrived.
Yeon-woo was driving towards KBC in Min-soo’s car.
Team Leader Jung Hyuk, who was already in the car, asked Yeon-woo.
“Yeon-woo, did you prepare well?”
“I’m a professional in auditions.”
Yeon-woo replied with a sly smile to Team Leader Jung’s question.
“That’s right, you nailed it with Director Park Chan-hong, so I’m sure Jin Yu-han won’t be an easy opponent.”
“Yes, I found out when I looked at his works.”
As they arrived at the broadcasting station parking lot, a staff member approached, having already talked to Min-soo on the phone, and guided them.
As Yeon-woo’s group moved from the annex to the main building, fans waiting for idol singers coming for a music show recognized Yeon-woo from a distance.
“Wow, it’s Ryu Yeon-woo!”
“Wow, oppa!”
“Amazing. Look over here!”
Yeon-woo looked towards the direction of the sound, waving and greeting the fans.
“Please go inside, Actor Yeon-woo.”
Following the staff member who opened the main building’s door, Yeon-woo entered the waiting room of the hall for ‘The Star Beyond the River’, where Director Lee Sang-hoon and Writer Kim Jin-joo were in charge.
“Ah, welcome. Mr. Ryu Yeon-woo. I’m Director Lee Sang-hoon.”
“Hello, Director.”
Yeon-woo greeted the director and writer in turn. At that moment, the door opened, and Jin Yu-han and Enter Entertainment staff entered. The production team welcomed Jin Yu-han, and after the greetings, Jin Yu-han approached Yeon-woo.
Extending his hand, Yeon-woo greeted first.
“Nice to meet you. Today, we’re having a friendly competition.”
“Yes. We met at the awards ceremony. This role is so charming that I can’t afford to yield.”
Jin Yu-han smiled while greeting, but it seemed like an invisible tension was present. On the other hand, seemingly indifferent, Yeon-woo was only interested in meeting a fellow actor.
Manager Han Young-ho whispered to Jin Yu-han’s ear.
“Not an ordinary guy, huh? He didn’t even change his facial expression, he doesn’t seem nervous at all.”
Jin Yu-han shrugged as if he didn’t care.
“In the end, acting skills will determine the outcome.”
Confident in his acting abilities, Jin Yu-han didn’t doubt himself even a bit. Then, Director Lee Sang-hoon spoke up.
“Well, it might be better to proceed separately. Jin Yu-han, would it be okay for you to go first?”
“Yes. I’m fine going first.”
“I don’t mind.”
Director Sanghoon nodded.
“Then, Mr. Ryu Yeon-woo, please wait here. Jin Yu-han, let’s proceed to the stage first.”
Yeon-woo’s group sat in the waiting room chairs, and Jin Yu-han’s group went into the public hall where the stage located.
Team Leader Jung, watching Jin Yu-han enter, remarked.
“He does have a strong actor’s presence.”
“I think our Ryu actor has a much stronger presence.”
Seeing Yeon-woo might get discouraged, Min-soo defended him.
“Well, that’s true. of course.”
Team Leader Jung said urgently, looking at Min-soo.
Yeon-woo smiled at them.
About ten minutes later, Jin Yu-han’s group came out quickly.
Seeing Jin Yu-han’s bright expression, it seemed he did well as prepared.
Well, with a career of over ten years, starting as a child actor and slowly building up a career, it was strange if he couldn’t handle it.
Meanwhile, inside the stage hall, the production team was evaluating Jin Yu-han.
“Hmm, his skills are certainly verified.”
“Actually, it’s surprising to have such an actor doing our drama at this momentum. I thought he would only do movies from now on.”
The production team evaluated Jin Yu-han, who had just performed. There was no room for criticism. He had executed the acting perfectly, leaving no room for any complaints.
At that moment, Writer Kim Jin-joo, who had been quietly looking at the script, spoke up.
“He’s definitely a good actor, but he doesn’t show anything beyond the script.”
“Oh, come on, Writer Kim. We didn’t expect much from the beginning. That’s something the director can handle on set.”
At that moment, Yeon-woo’s group opened the door and entered. Min-soo and Team Leader Jung Hyuk sat in the chairs in front of the stage, while Yeon-woo went up on the stage.
As Yeon-woo ascended the stage, the production team opened their mouths one by one, observing him.
“His appearance is certainly top-tier. I was surprised earlier as well.”
“His previous work was successful, but it didn’t showcase much acting skill.”
“He only had a cameo in movies.”
“Still, Director Park Chan-hong must have seen something to cast him as the lead, right?”
Nodding in agreement with the casting director’s words, the production team seemed impressed.
At that moment, Director Lee Sang-hoon, who was already somewhat intrigued by Jin Yu-han’s state of mind, spoke up.
“Now, let’s begin the private audition for the role of Seo Hee in ‘The Star Beyond the River’.”
“Yes, I’m ready.”
Yeon-woo stood in front of the stage’s camera, stretching his body, while the production team looked at him through monitors and with their naked eyes.
“Please start with the first script.”
At Director Lee Sang-hoon’s words, Yeon-woo grasped the emotions. The expression on Yeon-woo’s face, reflected on the monitor, changed subtly.
“If we have to enter into a arranged marriage, wouldn’t it be proof that our house lacks as much power as that of the Goryeo land?”
A line that sounded like the tantrum of an immature chaebol’s youngest, yet it was the complete opposite of Jin Yu-han, who delivered the lines with a strong and thick voice, given his historical figure status and being the male lead of the drama.
The production team showed interest in the different vocalizations of the same lines.
“Father, I don’t think our prestigious house of national merit needs to do that.”
This time, slightly persuasive, confidently expressing the dignity that their family is above the Goryeo land, Yeon-woo stimulated the response from his father Seo Pil with his compelling lines.
Then, Yeon-woo concluded the lines with a stronger vocalization than before.
“Please consider revealing the prosperity of the Seo family through my free marriage.”
The production team, initially sitting comfortably, started changing their expressions and posture, leaning forward, listening more seriously as Yeon-woo continued to deliver convincing lines.
“…Director Park Chan-hong must have seen something. It’s not just a random pick.”
“The details are incredible. He seems like a very intelligent actor.”
“He got into Korea University.”
“Wow, really?”
Observing the murmuring production team and then looking back at Yeon-woo, Director Lee Sang-hoon finally spoke.
“It was a great performance. Are you ready for the second script?”
“Yes, of course.”
Yeon-woo stretched his neck and focused on the emotions again. If the first script had some context, the second one was a single line with no explanation.
With a gleam in her eyes, Writer Kim Jin-joo, who had been quietly watching the script, spoke up.
“I’ll start acting now.”
As Yeon-woo signaled the start, he began the lines with a fierce face, portraying strong emotions, and on one side, a disappointed expression.
At a young age, Yeon-woo displayed a deep resonance with authority and majesty, as if embodying Seo Hee, who confronted unjust courtiers and became the king’s favorite in the Goryeo royal court.
However, his acting, while impressive, bore a striking resemblance to Jin Yu-han’s performance.
It was not only surprising that Yeon-woo, with a career of over a year, delivered a performance on par with Jin Yu-han, who had acted for more than half of his life, but also somewhat disappointing to the production team, expecting a slight difference.
Writer Kim seemed somewhat disappointed as Yeon-woo interpreted the lines similarly to Jin Yu-han. Just as the director was about to compliment, Yeon-woo spoke again.
“I’ll start the second performance of the second script.”
Initially given only one second script, the casting director and interested writer and director were intrigued when Yeon-woo announced starting a second performance.
Yeon-woo had thought this script could be used in two specific places in the work based on his audition script and treatment.
The first instance would be similar to Yeon-woo’s first performance and Jin Yu-han’s interpretation, addressing bureaucrats advocating surrender in a confrontation between Yuan and Goryeo in the latter part.
The second instance was happening now.
“Hmm.”
Yeon-woo, declaring the start of the performance, looked up at the sky while pacing back and forth slowly. His face expressed deep contemplation.
“I’m so helpless, so helpless.”
Recently, Seo Hee, who found out that not only him but also his close friend, Lee Ji-baek, secretly loved Hong Ui-yeon, had to decide whether to choose friendship with Ji-baek or pursue his love. He had been avoiding Hong Ui-yeon and Lee Ji-baek lately, contemplating the dilemma.
“Taking another step back?”
Contemplating with his gaze on his own feet, Yeon-woo expressed Seo Hee’s inner turmoil. After a while, as if making a decision, he revealed a determined expression.
“If I take one step back, I will have to take 10,000 steps back.”
Then, releasing the hand that had been holding back, Seo Hee confidently took a step toward someone.
The same lines were said, but the tone was changed, and appropriate actions were added, so the production team saw not the old Seo Hee they had seen before, but a young man in love for the first time.
The invisible story of this young man seemed to be conveyed entirely and distinctly.
“That’s it.”
Writer Kim Jin-joo, who had been silently observing Yeon-woo, spoke up.
“… If it’s not this actor, I don’t want to do the project.”
Director Sang-hoon, looking at Writer Kim, raised both hands and shrugged his shoulders.
“Don’t worry. I’m having the same thought right now.”
Director Lee Sang-hoon stood up and approached the stage. Going up, he extended his hand for a handshake with Yeon-woo.
“Please join us. After seeing it in person, I understand Director Park Chan-hong’s choice.”
Only then did Yeon-woo smile broadly.
“I’ll repay with good acting.”
As Yeon-woo was smiling, Director Sang-hoon’s expression gradually changed to a slightly troubled one.