Possessed 10 Million Actors

After the shooting.

When I got home, I was lying in the living room like a dried squid.

“···Entertainment is really not easy.”

I tried , but it wasn’t that hard. It was just a video of me doing what I usually do.

But entertainment like , which is densely packed from 1 to 100, was so difficult that it could make other activities impossible.

I don’t remember how the first shoot went. From the second or third one, I got used to it, but if it was as hectic as the first shoot, I might never have done entertainment again.

“But today, there’s no shooting, so I should rest at home for a long time.”

I thought I was resting, but I didn’t mean to just lie down and do nothing.

I had to check the CFs and magazine interviews that Jang Sunho left behind, and I had to fill the empty refrigerator and clean the house that I had put off for a while.

“First of all, I have to fill the refrigerator. How much does the mart in front of here deliver for free?”

I picked up a mart promotional paper that said ‘SALE!’ and sat on the living room sofa.

“Pork is on sale… Should I make bulgogi after a long time? If I season it and put it in the refrigerator, I can eat it for a while, so it’s okay. Even though kimchi is on sale, it’s expensive. It’s better to buy ingredients and make it.”

At that moment, when I was pondering with my chin, the mobile phone lying on the living room floor rang. I checked it out and it was Jang Sunho.

“Hello?”

[Actor. I’m sorry to bother you while you’re resting. Are you out?]

“No. I’m at home. Why?”

[Oh, I just wanted to talk to you for a moment. Can I go to your house now?]

“Yes, of course. Should I come if you’re busy?”

[Since I’m nearby, I’ll go.]

“Yes.”

As soon as I hung up the phone, I headed for the refrigerator. I knew it, but it was really empty.

I should give him something to drink when the guest comes.

‘I have to order delivery.’

I immediately ordered coffee from the delivery app. The expected delivery time was 15 minutes. I waited, hoping it would arrive faster than Jang Sunho.

Ring ring ring ring.

"But then, I heard someone opening the door lock. The only people who knew my house door lock password were me and Jang Sunho, so it must be Jang Sunho.

As expected, the door opened, and Jang Sunho came in with both hands full of something.

“Have you arrived? But what’s that?”

“I bought some drinks and side dishes for you to eat. I thought it was time to fill the fridge.”

Jang Sunho was definitely a ghost.

“Then excuse me.”

Jang Sunho put the coffee and fresh fruit juice on the living room table and headed for the refrigerator.

It was the largest garbage bag filled with something, but before I went to help, Jang Sunho had already finished organizing in the kitchen.

“I’m sorry to come suddenly when you must be very tired.”

“No, it’s okay. But what’s going on? Is there anything wrong with ?”

“It’s not that. Don’t worry too much. By the way, since it came up, let me tell you first. It’s about , and it has risen to second place in the Chinese box office. It seems difficult to get first place. Unfortunately, it overlaps with the sequel to .”

Jang Sunho sounded regretful, but I was more happy than regretful. If it’s second place, it means that my acting is recognized not only in Korea but also abroad.

“The reason I came to see you today is because of the next work.”

Jang Sunho continued to speak while taking a sip of coffee.

“A lot of movies have come in. Park Jongbin, Heo Chanwook, and Choi Jangsoo, among others.”

“Park Jongbin, Heo Chanwook, and Choi Jangsoo? Did their works come in at once?”

“Yes. It’s not surprising, but anyway.”

“…It’s not surprising?”

“Haha, yes. But compared to the reputation of the directors, the synopsis and script didn’t fit that well. I don’t know how the actual work will turn out, but in my judgment, the feeling is not good.”

While speaking calmly, Jang Sunho took out several scripts from his bag. They were all works of great directors whose names I had heard a little while ago.

“Can I take a look first?”

“Of course. If you have any roles or works that you like, please feel free to tell me.”

The script was accepted with gravity as if receiving a sacred offering. After reading each line of dialogue and description, the coffee I had ordered earlier arrived.

By the time the ice in the coffee bought by Jang Sunho and the newly arrived coffee had completely melted,

"Hmm…"

‘It's lacking compared to the director's reputation.' That statement was accurate. It's not bad, but there's a lack of that "wow" feeling.

The characters are unique, and the background and flow are interesting, but strangely, it didn't click. Casting strong actors with ticket power, given the director's name value, might make it okay…

While pondering which work to choose, I suddenly remembered a Japanese work that had come to me before.

"A bit of a different story, Manager-nim. What about ‘The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World'? What happened to that?"

"Oh, that…"

Jang Sunho hesitated, obscuring the details before finally speaking.

"The Japanese production company contacted us. They said it fell through. Oh, not that they're not casting you, but they decided not to make the film at all."

"That work? Why? It was so good."

"There are several complicated issues involved. I don't know everything. If you want, I can look into it in more detail."

"No, no. That won't be necessary."

Perhaps sensing my disappointment, Jang Sunho cautiously asked, "Were you considering that work?"

"Yes, that work was really good. Originally, if everything had gone according to schedule, wasn't I supposed to audition soon?"

"Yes. The production company also apologized, saying it was decided hastily."

"Yeah…"

The more I thought about it, the more regretful it seemed. Did he sense my feelings? Jang Sunho, with his index finger on his chin, bent towards me and asked carefully,

"If you're so disappointed, I can talk to the CEO once."

"Talk to the CEO?"

"Actor Kang Jinseok really has an alluring project, but the production company gave up on it. So, what if we bring it in and give it a try once OS Entertainment establishes itself to some extent? The CEO mentioned doing original works when the company is more stable."

I extended my hand directly into the overwhelming scale.

"While the project is tempting, it's a bit overwhelming. It would cost a lot too."

Jang Sunho, slightly surprised by my words, calmly said, "That's a bit surprising. It would be a burden, indeed."

“Actor. Not only , but usually romance works don’t cost that much to produce.”

“Even if it’s not big, doesn’t it cost more than 50 or 60 billion won? I think Director Yeo Jaeyoon said that this work cost about that much.”

“50, 60 billion… haha. That’s right. Hmm.”

Jang Sunho laughed awkwardly as if he didn’t know what to explain.

“5, 60 billion won is certainly a lot of money. But considering the size of OS International, it’s not that much money. Moreover, if you’re doing a project that the CEO is directing, 60 billion won is enough money to spend. You have to follow the procedures, but…”

“···.”

“And you’re saying that because you don’t know how much profit OS affiliates are making just by having raised Actor Kang Jinseok. Especially since has made an incredible profit since it exceeded 5 million viewers. Even if you invest in an original work once and fail, it won’t even show up.”

I nodded my head without realizing it at Jang Sunho’s comfortable voice.

“It’s not like you’re asking for something unreasonable, right? You’re investing in good work, and you can get it almost for free. If you want it, I’ll do my best.”

I felt sorry for Jang Sunho for making him do something difficult for me. When I couldn’t answer right away, Jang Sunho smiled as if it was okay.

“It’s not that difficult to bring up the story to the CEO, so I’ll just tell him. Don’t worry too much.”

OS International’s representative office. The wall, which used to be decorated with masterpieces and landscapes, is now filled with various drama and movie posters.

Jang Sunho, Secretary General Kang Kyungsik, and Oh Haneul were having tea time late at night in that representative office.

“So, our Actor Kang Jinseok wants a certain work?”

Oh Haneul asked, his eyes and head sparkling.

“Yes, Representative. It’s a work called , and it’s a work written by a Japanese director.”

“I see. And that work has now been completely canceled, right?”

“That’s right. When we looked into it in a hurry, it seemed that they had completely withdrawn from ‘Toho,’ which they had originally planned to produce.”

Oh Haneul drank the soup while listening to Jang Sunho’s explanation.

“The tea is good. It’s a tea that a Chinese samoyed who knows me well sent to me to have a meal with Actor Kang Jinseok.

"Yes? Oh, yes."

"Anyway, yes, about the project Kang Jinseok, the actor, wants… What do you think, Director Jang? Is that project suitable? Does it seem good?"

Though there was a playful tone, Jang Sunho nodded firmly in response to Oh Haneul's serious voice.

"It seems to be on par with ‘Breathtaking Reckless Driving.'"

"As you know, ‘Breathtaking Reckless Driving' could be the first romantic comedy film in South Korea to reach ten million. Nevertheless, any change in your thoughts?"

"Just by reading the script, it seems so. And depending on who acts in it, the dynamics might change, don't you think?"

"So, if Kang Jinseok acts, it might surpass ‘Breathtaking Reckless Driving'?"

"With the right release timing and appropriate marketing, I believe it's possible. The total production cost would be at least 7 billion, but in my judgment, the risk is not on the significant side."

Upon hearing this, Oh Haneul leaned back on the sofa, his forehead creased in contemplation. Jang Sunho couldn't help but feel doubtful.

"Why is he contemplating so much?"

Oh Haneul rarely engaged in ‘contemplation.' His decisions were usually based on the intuition and experience that came from being a shrewd businessman.

Because of this, he faced quite a few failures when he was younger, but now, as his stature indicated, he has achieved significant success.

‘Why is he pondering so much? Is he not particularly interested?'

Oh Haneul's extended contemplation, unusual for the bulldozer-like way he usually approached things, prompted Jang Sunho to cautiously sip his cooling tea, perhaps sensing something.

"If we take on that project, it will be the first original work for OS Entertainment, right?"

As Jang Sunho set his teacup down, Oh Haneul seemed to have resolved his contemplation and opened his mouth.

"Yes."

"In that case, it's a bit of a dilemma. The first step is crucial for future success. Well, fine. I trust the eyes of Kang Jinseok and Director Jang. Secretary Kang, since it's decided, please proceed."

Kang Kyungshik, sitting beside Oh Haneul, nodded.

"Understood."

"But where is the director who wrote that script? We can't just inform him out of the blue that we'll support him and expect him to make it. We might need to take a look first."

"Oh, yes. You're right. He's probably in Japan."

"Japan, huh? How about we go eat sushi in my hometown after a long time? It could be a good opportunity to meet the director."

In response, Kang Kyungshik firmly stated, "We don't have time for that, sir."

"Well, we have to eat to live, though."

"Still, we don't have time."

"I'll have it wrapped up and delivered."

Oh Haneul looked at Kang Kyungshik as if feeling disappointed. Jang Sunho, barely suppressing a smile, spoke to both of them.

"I have the director's contact information. Shall I call him now?"

"Please do."

As soon as permission was granted, Jang Sunho went to a corner of the executive office and made the call. In a short while, he returned to his place.

"Sir, I just spoke with him."

"Good. How will the meeting proceed?"

"He's heading to the airport right now. Conveniently, he was already in a taxi."

"Huh, the director seems to have affection for his work."

Satisfied with Jang Sunho's words, Oh Haneul smiled and said, "For that project, even if it costs a lot, make it big."