Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 821: She Was Beautiful Audition (1)

[Everyday V13]

[Date: April 17, 2021]

-10:00 p.m.: [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin]

<Entertainment Everywhere> "Top star Miss J explodes at girl group member turned actress on set."

[Baro Star] "A celebrity talent agent with unchecked power—terrifying even the director. We investigate the 'abuse of power' who dictates casting decisions."

[Entertainment All Times]: "Center Miss C of a girl group skips music show taping after being humiliated on set by a popular actress's abuse of power."

(Meeting Agenda: She Was Beautiful shoot suspended. Preparing countermeasures against Cha In-Hye's baseless defamation. Urgent clarification interview to be arranged.)

Yoo-Jin wasn't the type to let herself get pushed around, but she was even less the type to lash out first. I was the casting director for She Was Beautiful, but I was always wary of overstepping boundaries. I had never once exerted undue pressure on the director. Yet Everyday was warning me that due to Cha In-Hye's media tactics, filming would be completely halted.

There was just one thing I couldn't understand. Before the regression, Cha In-Hye had never caused a scandal of this magnitude. Her group, GX5, was reasonably well-known, and she had earned praise as an "acting-dol" for her talent.

And while she kept it under wraps, her family owned Hanjeong Corporation—a solid mid-tier company that supplied interior materials to LT Inc. In short, there was no real incentive for her to pull a stunt like this. With both skill and wealth, her future was essentially guaranteed.

However, that could change if Cha In-Hye and Yoo-Jin had a serious personal conflict, or if someone with power and influence had coaxed her into it. After all, people like former chairman Sung Hak-Soo or the siblings from Jinseong Inc. certainly had enough clout to orchestrate something like this.

Still, I stopped worrying. Whatever the motive or whoever was behind her, the solution was simple. Cha In-Hye just wouldn't get the role for Lee So-Mi.

Before the regression, Cha In-Hye had played Lee So-Mi in She Was Beautiful, and I had planned to go with her again. However, not anymore. That was no longer an option.

Just then, I heard Yoo-Jin's voice. "Oppa. What are you doing?"

Lost in thought, I turned to find Yoo-Jin peeking into my face. The soft scent of lilies snapped me out of it.

I leaned back and gave her a smile. She didn't need to know about any of this backstage drama.

"It's nothing. Really," I answered.

Yoo-Jin narrowed her eyes. "Hmm? That was super suspicious."

"You always say that."

Yoo-Jin stuck out her tongue with a snort. "Tch. Doesn't work, huh~"

"Try again in ten years. Anyway, what's up?"

"Oh, Ms. Lee and Mr. Shin said they want to see you."

Looking up, I saw President Shin Jong-Ki and Managing Director Lee Eun-Joo waving me over.

"Chief Jung~"

I quickly made my way to where they were standing with Cha In-Hye.

"Sorry. I'm a little late."

Shin Jong-Ki laughed heartily. "You're not late. I'm just early since this is my office, after all."

Then Cha In-Hye, leader of GX5, gave me a polite bow. "Hello, Mr. Jung. I've heard so much about you."

With her tanned skin and striking features, Cha In-Hye was nicknamed "the Exotic Princess." Confident, easygoing, and sociable, Cha In-Hye was someone who always got along well on set.

"Ah, nice to meet you. I've been following GX5's activities. Just a bit more effort and I think you could break into the top ten. Keep it up."

Cha In-Hye bowed brightly with a smile. "Thank you very much."

Yoo-Jin also offered a polite greeting. "Hello, Miss In-Hye. We've seen each other a few times at the station, right?"

Yoo-Jin was 25 this year. Cha In-Hye was 22, making Yoo-Jin three years older. Nevertheless, Cha In-Hye had debuted six months earlier, so they still used formal titles with each other.

"Yes. It's nice to see you here, Miss Yoo-Jin."

Their exchange was pleasant, but I couldn't let someone hiding such malicious intentions slide.

"Mr. Shin. Isn't this corridor supposed to be for judges only? If someone has personal contact before the audition, there could be a fairness issue," I said.

Regular audition applicants were supposed to use a separate elevator on the other side of the first floor to enter through a different door.

Scratching his head, Shin Jong-Ki began to explain on Cha In-Hye's behalf. "Oh, well... the thing is... In-Hye's actually a distant relative on my mother's side. She just came by to say hello."

'What? Cha In-Hye is related to Shin Jong-Ki?'

That explained why Hanjeong Corporation, her family's company, relied so heavily on LT Inc. for contracts.

Just then, a name flashed through my mind.

'Wait a second. Doesn't that mean she's also related to President Shin Woo-Jin?'

Shin Woo-Jin, the second son of LT Inc, once tried to recruit me at a nighttime amusement park event. He asked me to abandon Shin Jong-Ki and back him instead, only to be humiliated when I turned him down. All the more, he was also locked in a succession battle with Shin Jong-Ki.

Suddenly, I couldn't shake the suspicion that Shin Woo-Jin might be backing Cha In-Hye from behind. As LT's second son, he certainly had the power to do it. Still, it was just a suspicion and nothing I could prove.

'Fine. I'll just make sure she doesn't get cast. Simple enough.'

The moment I solidified that decision, Lee Eun-Joo noticed my serious expression and stepped in to clarify. "Mr. Jung, don't worry. Our relationship with In-Hye won't influence the casting. Mr. Shin and I won't even score her audition."

Shin Jong-Ki agreed. "Right. We may be relatives, but personal ties have no place here."

'No. That's the worst possible move.'

If she was rejected in a way that stood out from other applicants, it would only invite controversy. Accusations of unfairness would be all over the news.

So I smiled even brighter and offered my input. "Ah, I'm sorry. I was just lost in thought. And you should judge her normally. If the family connection comes out later, it'll only make things worse. It's better to avoid personal contact and keep things above board."

"Hmm... you're right. Trying to cover it up might backfire. Got it. We'll do that." Then Shin Jong-Ki turned to Cha In-Hye. "In-Hye, you heard Chief Jung, right? Whether you get the role or not, don't drop by unannounced for a while. Don't contact the Managing Director either."

Cha In-Hye bit her lip softly. "I'm sorry. I was just happy to see you after so long... I wasn't thinking."

'Yeah right. Like that was an accident.'

The Cha In-Hye I knew before the regression wasn't the type to make thoughtless mistakes. She was smarter than average.

At that moment, Lee Eun-Joo checked her watch. "Okay, we have ten minutes left. Let's go. In-Hye, you head down too."

"Yes. I'll see you in the audition room."

Cha In-Hye bowed and headed to the elevator. Her expression had stiffened noticeably, probably because things didn't go her way.

Ding.

Cha In-Hye descended to the first floor.

Once the elevator doors closed, Lee Eun-Joo said, "Alright, then. Let's go."

"Sure."

Yoo-Jin and Lee Eun-Joo led the way. Shin Jong-Ki and I followed behind.

***

In the LT Entertainment audition room roughly 50 pyeong in size, a long table was set up along the left side facing the panel of judges.

Seated at the front was Director Yeo Ik-Hwan, who would be helming She Was Beautiful. Next was Writer Wang Mi-In, hoping to make her official debut with this project. Seated alongside them were Composer Bang Seon-Woo and Choreographer Park Seon-Nyeo, brought in to evaluate candidates auditioning for the idol roles.

With Shin Jong-Ki, Lee Eun-Joo, and myself included, there were seven of us on today's judging panel. Yoo-Jin wasn't here to judge, but rather as the lead actress and observer.

At the center of the room stood a standing mic, an unusual sight for most auditions. But for She Was Beautiful, where the main supporting roles belonged to girl group members in "Angel Wings," both acting and singing skills would be tested.

At that moment, Lee Eun-Joo handed out tablets and pens. "Today we're only auditioning for the role of Lee So-Mi, the main supporting character in Angel Wings. Tomorrow we'll cover the roles of Yoo Ji-Ae, Park Jin-Sol, and Ahn Sook-Hee. The tablets contain the profiles of the applicants who passed the first screening. During the audition, you'll use the tablet to score them."

I took the tablet and glanced over the profiles of the applicants who passed the first screening.

'Not bad.'

Some recognizable names appeared early in the lineup. Among them, four had the potential to rise and lead the future of Korean cinema with their acting skills. At this level, I doubted Cha In-Hye, number 20, could secure the role—especially if things played out naturally.

Lee Eun-Joo turned to the staff member by the door. "Since we've brought in such busy people, let's move quickly. First up is number 1, Jo Yung-Joo."

The staff cracked open the door and called out.

"Number 1, Jo Young-Joo. Please come in."

Jo Yung-Joo had played the lead in the daily drama Us, Doori, Seoyi which drew 35% viewership ratings before the regression.

"Pleased to meet you."

Silently rooting for anyone but Cha In-Hye to win the part, I began evaluating with a sharp focus.

***

"Phew~ Good work, everyone."

We had just finished evaluating up to candidate 19. However, the panel wasn't looking optimistic. Some could act but couldn't sing. Others could sing but lacked acting skill. I thought this would be a simple fix, but of course, changing fate wasn't so easy.

"Alright then, bring in number 20, Cha In-Hye."

"Yes, ma'am."

As the staff opened the door, in came Cha In-Hye accompanied by Park Seo-Beom, the president of Yes Entertainment. With neatly combed white hair and thick horn-rimmed glasses, Park Seo-Beom was a veteran talent agent with 40 years of experience. He was three years older than Shin Jong-Ki and respected as a true industry heavyweight.

After exchanging a few words with Shin Jong-Ki, Park Seo-Beom stepped aside.

Cha In-Hye stood before the panel and declared with confidence, "Hello. I'm number 20, Cha In-Hye. Thank you for the opportunity!"

Yeo Ik-Hwan smiled. "Miss In-Hye, your group's new song is great. 'Wake Up,' right? Wake up~ when are you gonna grow up~ That song."

"Yes, that's right! Thank you so much for the acknowledgement!"

GX5's latest release, 'Wake Up,' was a bold dance track with a sharp beat and lyrics telling a clingy ex to get lost. It was sitting at number 25 on the charts, and with some momentum, it looked poised to break into the top 10. It would likely become their signature song.

"Just like Lee So-Mi, you have that bold energy."

In the film, Lee So-Mi was the rival of Yoo-Jin's character, Han Bit-Na. She was the second-in-command of Angel Wings, a member who stepped into the leader role after Han Bit-Na had to leave the group due to an accident. There was no doubt she was the key antagonist to the protagonist.

"Thank you, Mr. Yeo."

"You're welcome. Now, let's begin the audition for Lee So-Mi. Start with your prepared scene?"

"Yes, sir. I'll be doing Scene 22 where Lee So-Mi hears about Han Bit-Na's accident in the waiting room."

Scene 22 of She Was Beautiful showed the moment Lee So-Mi learned Han Bit-Na had been in an accident just an hour before their music show taping. It was a pivotal scene that underscored the conflict between the characters.

I flipped through the tablet to review Scene 22.

[Scene 22: Han Bit-Na's Accident]

One hour before the MBS music show taping.

Talent Agent Sung Chan-Sung rushes in with news that Han Bit-Na was in a car accident and their vehicle had slipped on a rain-slick road.

Lee So-Mi looks shocked for a moment, then quickly composes herself and declares she will now take the lead of Angel Wings.

Portraying a character who is secretly pleased when a colleague is injured was no easy task. Yet Cha In-Hye, determined to flaunt her acting chops, had deliberately chosen one of the most difficult scenes.

Yeo Ik-Hwan looked intrigued. "You've picked a scene that really captures the essence of the character. Good choice. You can read from the script if you'd like, so there's no need to be nervous."

"No, I've already memorized this part."

"Really? Then let's begin. I'll read Talent Agent Sung Chan-Sung's lines. You act accordingly."

"Yes, sir."

Cha In-Hye set down her script, took a deep breath, and launched into her performance.

『S-Sir... Is it true... that Bit-Na... Bit-Na... got into an accident?』

Cha In-Hye's entire body trembled as she spoke.

Her expressions, vocal control, body language, and even the way she drew attention proved there was no doubt honed from years of idol experience. Everything about her acting was sharp and deliberate. From head to fingertips, she delivered an impressively detailed performance. And with her pronounced facial features, her ability to convey emotion with just her face was arguably exceptional. It was certainly the most important skill for a screen actor.

Yeo Ik-Hwan continued with his line.

『Yeah. She injured her face badly. They say she'll never be able to perform as an idol again. Sigh~ and we're just an hour away from the music show. What the hell do we do? This is insane!』

That was when Cha In-Hye's expression shifted. The earlier look of shock vanished, replaced by a cold, ruthless stare. Her face hardened with a sharp, selfish gleam.

『What do you mean, "what do we do"? We go on without Bit-Na.』

『What? You want to go onstage in this situation?』

『I'm upset Bit-Na got hurt too. But what, are we supposed to throw the whole stage away? Her life is her life, but what about ours? We can rework the choreography in an hour. We can do it without Bit-Na. I'll take charge of the girls!』

Cha In-Hye's intense portrayal of Lee So-Mi's calculating ambition seemed to impress everyone. The judges began whispering to each other.

-Not bad, right?

-She's way better than I expected.

-Yes, I agree. Way better than the earlier girls.

Praise was spreading all around.

At that moment, Yeo Ik-Hwan clapped with a smirk. "Okay! That's good."

Scratch scratch.

The judges started scoring on their tablets. I also had no choice but to give her high marks. After all, Cha In-Hye had clearly prepared more than expected for the audition.

Just then, Yeo Ik-Hwan leaned in and whispered, "I really like Cha In-Hye. She's an idol, so I don't even need to hear her sing. Honestly, I think we could just cast her as Lee So-Mi now."

Wang Mi-In chimed in cautiously, "With that level of balance between singing and acting, I doubt we'll find better. I really like her too."

Even Shin Jong-Ki seemed inclined to agree. "Hm~ If she's this good, we might as well wrap up the auditions."

'Wait, they're seriously thinking of ending it now?'

Because the earlier top contenders had all underperformed, it seemed they were ready to call it here. But if that happened, Cha In-Hye would land the role. Then she would drag Yoo-Jin and I into ruin.

I immediately checked the profiles of the remaining candidates. Then one name caught my eye.

[Applicant No. 50: Han Soo-Bin]

-Age: 20

-Agency: Grassroots Entertainment

-Actor trainee

-Specialties: Traditional Korean singing, folk songs, impersonations

Five years from now, Han Soo-Bin would star in Mother's River and win the Grand Prize for acting. While Yoo-Jin would be expanding overseas, Han Soo-Bin would dominate the domestic scene with her immense talent. If she could show even a fraction of that promise today, she could absolutely outshine Cha In-Hye.

I immediately turned to the side and whispered my persuasion. "But everyone came all this way with such effort. Cutting the audition short here doesn't seem right. Don't you think the remaining applicants deserve a fair chance?"

However, the earlier participants had been so underwhelming that the judges were clearly torn. In the end, I tried once more to persuade the final decision-maker, Shin Jong-Ki.

"Mr. Shin. If you really feel that way, could we at least see just one more person?"

Shin Jong-Ki whispered quietly. "Why? Do you know someone among the applicants, Chief Jung?"

"Yes. Number 50, Han Soo-Bin."

Everyone tilted their heads slightly as if they had never heard the name before. At that moment, Shin Jong-Ki simply nodded thanks to the unwavering he had in me.

He turned to Cha In-Hye and said, "Miss In-Hye, you're such a strong actor... So I'd really like to compare you directly with just one other person. Would that be alright?"

In an audition setting, 'Would that be alright?' was just a polite way of saying, 'This is what we're doing.'

Still, Cha In-Hye brimmed with confidence and responded without hesitation. "Of course. Once you see us side by side, you'll see I'm better."

Her bold attitude, so fitting for her role as Lee So-Mi, earned her extra points once again.

"Okay. Contestant number 50, Han Soo-Bin. Bring her in."

"Yes, sir."

Creak.

A staff member opened the door and called out to Han Soo-Bin. "Miss Han Soo-Bin, you can come in now."

"O-Okay~~~"

Han Soo-Bin's voice quivered like a bleating lamb from nerves. Moments later, Han Soo-Bin entered with President Song Jin-Man of Grassroots Entertainment. She had a round face and a gentle impression. Still a green amateur, she couldn't hide her nerves as she trembled visibly.

Even Cha In-Hye, who felt some tension at the thought of being compared, gave a small relieved smile at the sight of Han Soo-Bin's awkward demeanor. The rest of the judges looked puzzled, not understanding why I had brought in someone who seemed so unpolished.

However, I alone knew Han Soo-Bin's true nature. The moment she started acting, she would become someone else entirely—a powerful actress with the face of Janus.

'The real audition begins now, everyone.'