Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 817: Yeon Bo-Ra (4)

"It was because of the decision made by Jeon Woo-Ju, who was leading Space Planning at the time, that Sang-Jin never managed to escape obscurity."

Kang Gam-Chan began sharing a story from eighteen years ago with a troubled look on his face.

Yeon Sang-Jin, Yeon Bo-Ra's father, had immediately drawn public attention with his good looks when he debuted as an actor. Yet contrary to his handsome appearance, he had a shy and introverted personality which made it difficult for him to work with actresses.

Then, by chance, Kang Gam-Chan realized that Yeon Sang-Jin had genre preferences. He reported to the company president that Yeon Sang-Jin should be kept away from romance roles. Yeon Sang-Jin was well-suited for historical dramas, action, and hardboiled genres that demanded bold, masculine performances.

However, Jeon Woo-Ju ignored that advice and kept pushing him into romance dramas, since they were among the most profitable genres at the time.

As soon as filming began, it became clear that Yeon Sang-Jin wasn't suited for romance. Just as Kang Gam-Chan had warned, his emotional delivery was lacking, leading to repeated NGs, and he even got fired from a role by a director. His female co-stars often described him as stiff as a log.

Eventually, Yeon Sang-Jin became known in the industry as someone who couldn't act. He himself came to believe he wasn't cut out for acting.

Hearing this hidden story, Yoo Jung-Hee asked in a trembling voice, "Are you saying... my husband wasn't a talentless actor?"

Kang Gam-Chan shook his head. "Do you remember his debut role as the ship captain in 'The People of the Boat Village?' Back then, everyone praised his acting, not just his looks."

Yoo Jung-Hee paused briefly, then nodded. "Yes, I remember. That role made him a shooting star. But even so, he only appeared for six episodes."

Kang Gam-Chan shook his head. "No, appearing in six episodes was a big deal. Originally, the captain role Sang-Jin played was supposed to be a one-scene extra."

"What do you mean?"

"His talent agent at the time had a family emergency, so I went with Sang-Jin to the shoot. That day, Director Kim Ill-Cheol saw Sang-Jin act and immediately asked the writer to expand his role. I saw it with my own eyes."

The reason Yeon Sang-Jin became a shooting star in his debut was because he played the part of a masculine young captain exceptionally well.

"That's just unbelievable..." Yoo Jung-Hee murmured.

Kang Gam-Chan gave her a knowing look. "It sounds like Sang-Jin didn't talk much about those early days."

"No. He rarely shared stories from the set. He would just say whether he had a shoot that day or not. He was always quiet and introverted..."

"That personality was exactly why Sang-Jin struggled with romance roles. But I assure you, Sang-Jin had real talent. If he had only chosen the right roles, he could've easily become a star."

Even top stars sometimes chose roles that didn't suit them and faced harsh criticism. The range of roles any one actor could pull off is surprisingly narrow. Some actors shone in romance, others blended action and comedy for peak popularity. Others gained stardom through compelling villain roles.

Every actor had roles they were bad at and roles they excelled in. That was why actors and their agencies treated role and project selection like a matter of life and death. That was the reason I, too, put so much effort into choosing the right roles and projects.

But back in Yeon Sang-Jin's day, talent agents lacked professional insight. The concept of project curation barely existed. If an offer came in with good pay, they would just sign it blindly.

"I can't believe he went through all that..."

Yoo Jung-Hee began trembling all over, tears welling in her eyes. Everything she had believed about her husband's past had been completely wrong.

Kang Gam-Chan nodded in understanding. "The entertainment industry has always been like this. Even today, handsome actors often miss their shot at success simply because they're cast in the wrong projects. You know Lee Tae-Poong, one of our top stars, right? Even he didn't get proper recognition until he came under Chief Jung's management. Now he's a top-tier, ten-million-ticket actor. But back then, he was called 'Bad David.'"

At Kang Gam-Chan's explanation, large tears welled up in Yoo Jung-Hee's eyes. It meant that if things had gone just a bit differently for her husband, he could have found success like Lee Tae-Poong.

Kang Gam-Chan gently pushed a box of tissues toward her and carefully continued. "And the morning of the day Sang-Jin had his accident, I had just finalized a move to Meteor Planning, which was the top agency at the time. I even asked Sang-Jin to come with me. Out of all the actors I've managed over the years, he was one of the rare raw gems with real potential to shine."

It was then that Yoo Jung-Hee's hand, which had been wiping her tears, suddenly trembled. "Then... that 'good news' he mentioned that day... Was that what he meant?"

Kang Gam-Chan tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Yoo Jung-Hee quickly pulled her phone from her pocket and tapped the screen a few times with shaking hands. Then she placed it on the table. From the phone's speaker, a low, deep male voice began to play.

-Honey~ You're not picking up. I guess Bo-Ra must be sick again and you took her to the hospital. I should be there with you, but I always leave everything to you... I'm sorry for that. I'm such a lousy, inadequate husband. I never feel like I deserve you. But don't worry anymore. From now on, good things will happen for our family. Ah~ I really want to tell you now... but instead of leaving it in a voicemail, I'd rather say it face to face. So I'll tell you when I get to Seoul. Ahem. And... I love you. Always have, always will, Jung-Hee~ And our Bo-Ra too~

Click.

The recording of Yeon Sang-Jin's tender voice from years ago came to an end.

Yoo Jung-Hee's tears now fell even more freely. "That voice message... it was from the day my husband passed away eighteen years ago. The 'good news' he mentioned... it must've been the job offer you talked about."

Kang Gam-Chan responded, his voice now shaking as well. "Yes... I believe so. When I suggested moving to the new company together, Sang-Jin told me he wanted to tell his wife first, in person."

That was when Yoo Jung-Hee clutched her phone and broke down sobbing. "Ughh... sob... honey..."

Yoo Jung-Hee had finally realized after eighteen long years that her husband hadn't lived in obscurity because he lacked talent. He had simply been an unfortunate actor who had ended up with the wrong talent agent. And now she understood what he had meant that day when he said something good was going to happen.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Yoo Jung-Hee's cries turned into uncontrollable sobs. Even the usually composed Kang Gam-Chan now had tears brimming in his eyes. Just like the deep connection I had with Yeon Bo-Ra in my past life, it seemed Kang Gam-Chan had his own bond with her father.

It felt like the Fortune of the Day I read earlier—You will meet whoever you're meant to meet. That is your destiny—wasn't just meant for me. It applied to Kang Gam-Chan as well.

A moment later, Kang Gam-Chan stood up and gently took Yoo Jung-Hee's hand. "I'm truly sorry I didn't come sooner. After I heard that you avoided anyone from the entertainment world after that day, I didn't dare approach you."

Yoo Jung-Hee gripped Kang Gam-Chan's hand and shook her head repeatedly. "No... Mr. Kang... it wasn't your fault... I was the one who'd lost my mind back then."

Watching the scene unfold, Yeon Bo-Ra too was crying her eyes out. I patted her trembling shoulder and handed her a tissue from the table, silently hoping these tears would wash away her pain.

And just then, my phone vibrated.

Buzz.

It was a notification from Everyday.

[Notification: Your Fortune of the Day has been updated.]

It felt oddly timed and almost inappropriate. But just in case, I checked the schedule entry.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: April 1, 2021]

[Fortune of the Day: All meetings end in parting, all partings lead to reunion.

(Deleted Fortune: You will meet whoever you're meant to meet. That is your destiny...)

Just like the line from the 'Lotus Sutra,' "All who meet must part, all who part shall return," these severed ties were being reconnected once more.

***

A little later, Yoo Jung-Hee finally stopped crying. She looked lighter as if she had let go of long-held sorrow through her tears.

"Just knowing my husband had real talent... that alone makes me feel so much better. Thank you for telling me, Mr. Kang."

"You're very welcome. That said... if you'd allow it, I'd like to take Bo-Ra under my wing and help fulfill Sang-Jin's dream so that she can become an actor like her father."

Yoo Jung-Hee looked quietly at Kang Gam-Chan. Though I had tried to scout Yeon Bo-Ra myself, if she signed with Hoop Entertainment, there would be no chance of her signing with Taeseong Entertainment.

Just then, Yoo Jung-Hee shook her head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kang."

'So it's not going to work after all?'

Since her daughter was aiming for medical school, it seemed no amount of persuasion—mine or Kang Gam-Chan's—would convince her to pursue a career in entertainment. Yet Everyday still showed the same outcome of Yeon Bo-Ra joining another company and meeting a tragic end.

So for the sake of saving Yeon Bo-Ra's life, I prepared to try persuading Yoo Jung-Hee once more.

At that moment, Yoo Jung-Hee turned to me with a smile. "No offense, Mr. Kang. But if by any chance my daughter ever decides she wants to act... I'd rather entrust her to Mr. Jung here."

Kang Gam-Chan looked stunned. He clearly hadn't expected her to choose a chief instead of the president.

"You want Chief Jung?"

"Yes."

I was just as surprised. "Not Mr. Kang, but... me?"

Yoo Jung-Hee nodded. "You were the one who wouldn't give up and kept trying to convince me even when I was being stubborn. Thanks to you, I was finally able to let go of a burden I've carried for years. I know I can never repay that fully... but for now, this is the best I can offer."

It was a more thoughtful choice than I had expected and I didn't know how to respond.

As I hesitated, Yoo Jung-Hee turned warmly to Yeon Bo-Ra and asked, "Bo-Ra, I'm sorry I stopped you from acting ever since you were little. I was scared you'd end up like your dad. But I was completely wrong. So tell me... do you want to become an actor like your father?"

Yeon Bo-Ra wiped her tears and nodded. "Yes!"

"Then who would you want to manage your career? Don't think about me and just choose who you want."

Yeon Bo-Ra thought for a moment, then looked at Kang Gam-Chan. "Mr. Kang, I'm really grateful for everything you did for my dad. But I'd like to work with Mr. Jung. He was the one who reached out to me first, and he also saved me from that rental scam today."

Even Yeon Bo-Ra had chosen me.

At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan's shoulders drooped. Then he let out a mock grumble, half-joking. "Ahem... I'm the company president and I still got rejected. Guess I really am past my prime."

Director Kang Ji-Yung chuckled and teased Kang Gam-Chan. "Even if you weren't past your prime, I bet you'd still want to hand her over to Chief Jung."

Kang Gam-Chan puffed up in protest. "Hey! Director Kang! I'm still in my prime!"

"I know, I know. But Mr. Kang, be honest... Do you think you could really outmatch Chief Jung right now?"

Kang Gam-Chan made a sour face and gave me a side glance. "Thanks to this monster, my pride's in tatters..."

'Wait, why am I the one getting blamed now?'

Kang Ji-Yung giggled and shook her head. "Seriously, when it comes to obsessing over talent, you and Mr. Jung are exactly the same."

She shook her head, then stepped up to help the uneasy Yoo Jung-Hee and Yeon Bo-Ra with a friendly smile.

"You can ignore our greedy president. At Hoop Entertainment, we let the actors choose their own talent agents."

Kang Gam-Chan also softened his expression, brushing off his earlier push as a joke. "Director Kang is right. No matter who manages Bo-Ra, we'll give it our all."

However, Kang Gam-Chan couldn't fully hide his lingering disappointment. It was clear he still wanted to nurture Yeon Sang-Jin's daughter himself. In that case, I had to step in with a compromise that would ease the regret lingering in Kang Gam-Chan's heart.

"Mr. Kang, what if we help Bo-Ra together?" I suggested,

Co-managing actors or singers was more common than people thought. Even Cherry Blossom was jointly managed by Singer Division 2 and Division Jung.

"You and me, Chief Jung?"

"Yes, sir. My division can handle the on-site management, while you oversee her career from a broader perspective."

Kang Gam-Chan hesitated, stealing a glance for approval. "Ahem... it's a good idea, but only if she agrees to it..."

I immediately turned to Yoo Jung-Hee and Yeon Bo-Ra. "Thank you for trusting me. But truthfully, actors managed directly by a company president get treated much better in this industry. If you leave Bo-Ra to us, Mr. Kang and I will raise her properly together."

Yoo Jung-Hee smiled, clearly pleased. "If that's an option, then I'm all for it. I think my late husband would be happy too, knowing Mr. Kang is helping."

Yeon Bo-Ra nodded as well. "Me too."

At that, Kang Gam-Chan's face lit up with joy. Then he turned to Yeon Bo-Ra as if remembering something. "Since you're just starting out in this field, I think you should take lessons for about a year. So while you do that... let's prepare for college too. Weren't you aiming for med school?"

Kang Gam-Chan was trying to comfort Yoo Jung-Hee as well by suggesting Yeon Bo-Ra still attend university.

However, Yeon Bo-Ra gave a clear and firm answer. "No. I'm not planning to go to medical school."

"Why not?"

"Even if I got accepted, I wouldn't be able to attend properly once I start working as an actress. That would just be taking a medical spot away from someone who really wants to be a doctor. So instead, I want to study theater or film."

Yeon Bo-Ra was smart, kind, and thoughtful. Once again, I felt confident I had chosen the right person.

At that moment, even Kang Gam-Chan smiled in approval. "You're just like your father. So considerate."

Hearing that she was like her father, Yeon Bo-Ra's smile grew even brighter.

Kang Gam-Chan smiled. "Good. Then shall we move forward with the contract? 100 million won signing bonus, a room at the DH Villa, and a monthly stipend of two million won..."

When he rattled off an offer too generous to be found anywhere else, smiles spread across Yoo Jung-Hee and Yeon Bo-Ra's faces.

While Kang Gam-Chan finalized the contract, I took a moment to check Everyday.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: June 7, 2025]

-01:00 p.m.: <Schedule Entry Deleted>

(Deleted Schedule Entry: Recruitment of actress Yeon Bo-Ra. (Transferred from Taeseong Entertainment.))

[Everyday V13]

[Date: November 7, 2025]

-03:00 p.m.: <Schedule Entry Deleted>

(Deleted Schedule Entry: Visit to Seoul Memorial Park Crematorium. (Cremation of actress Yeon Bo-Ra.))

Yeon Bo-Ra's tragic fate as a lobby actress was finally being rewritten.

***

Before heading to DH Villa after signing the contract, Kang Gam-Chan told us to wait and pulled a new phone out of the drawer.

"Perfect timing. We just got this phone sponsored. It's yours now."

He opened the case to reveal a lavender-colored foldable phone.

Yeon Bo-Ra's eyes widened. "Isn't this really expensive?"

"Consider it a welcome gift. I heard your old phone was broken."

Before the hesitant Yeon Bo-Ra and Yoo Jung-Hee could speak, I stepped in. "Bo-Ra, just say thank you and take it. You can't be a celebrity without a phone."

Yeon Bo-Ra hugged the phone tightly and bowed her head. "Thank you!"

Excited, Yeon Bo-Ra pulled the SIM card out of her shattered phone and inserted it into the new one.

Just then, the phone began to ring.

"Huh? Who could it be?"

"Bo-Ra, let me answer it first. It might be a reporter."

"Okay!"

I took the phone Yeon Bo-Ra handed me and hit the call button.

-Ah, finally got through. Miss Yeon Bo-Ra? This is Chief Park Sang-Han from Taeseong Entertainment. Are you available to talk right now?

Chief Park Sang-Han was the scumbag talent agent who lured starry-eyed girls into the industry with promises of acting careers, only to exploit them as lobby actresses. He was the one who ruined Yeon Bo-Ra's life before the regression.

So the Fortune of the Day was correct once again. Our connection had come full circle.

'Let's end our cursed history in this life, Park Sang-Han.'