“You already decided? Without even reading the script?”
“No, I read all of it.”
Kang Sojeong blinked in surprise, as if this was even more unexpected.
Taeha squeezed his now warm hands together and then opened them again.
He knew Kang Sojeong would be surprised, but he wanted to say right away that he wanted to do this project.
That’s just how good the script was.
“How could someone write something like this?”
Honestly, his memories as a writer still felt more vivid than those as an actor.
“As a writer, I’m almost jealous.”
He had gained Immersion Ability while writing , and thanks to it, he could write scripts as vivid as blazing flames.
But that didn’t mean was a perfect work.
Immersion Ability could only draw out one’s own skills to their limits.
He couldn’t write beyond what he had.
For example, things like subject matter.
“I’ve never even thought about this kind of subject or these kinds of characters before. And to weave them together in such an appealing way— that’s amazing.”
While Taeha was thinking this, Kang Sojeong asked,
“So, which one do you want to do? Is it this one?”
The script Kang Sojeong referred to was Jung Ha-na’s .
“It’s a legal thriller about a prosecutor who can read the memories contained in objects he touches, and how he solves cases…”
Legal Thriller was Jung Ha-na’s specialty, known as a box office guarantee after three consecutive hits.
Among those works, one was also Kang Sojeong’s first appearance as a Supporting Role in a network drama.
“Already her fourth work.”
From the perspective of someone who wrote just one piece and died from overwork, he could only be envious.
And the role Kang Sojeong recommended in this work was that of the Secretary to the Chaebol Third Generation Female Lead.
Since it was a role that stuck close to the Female Lead, it was a Supporting Role with a fairly large portion even for a rookie.
Just judging by parts 1 and 2, it was a sizable role, and given the content, it seemed there would be opportunities for independent action later in the series as well.
Even the character wasn’t the usual stiff secretary, but rather had a bit of a naïve, cute, and likable side.
“For a new male actor in his early twenties, this is a really good part.”
But what Taeha picked up was the script next to it.
“No, the one I want to do is this. Heureojeo Itdeon Saramdeul.”
was a Thriller with Occult Element, where the male Main Character, a former Catholic Priest, uncovers bizarre cases.
“Really?”
Kang Sojeong asked again, genuinely surprised.
She had brought two scripts to widen Taeha’s options, but she thought the outcome was already set.
“Well… It’s true this script has a good reputation. The casting for the male lead is strong, which is why I brought it. But honestly, looking at the writer’s name and the role, doesn’t seem better? The director for this one isn’t even decided yet.”
The writer of was Kim Jeong-sik.
He, like Jung Ha-na, had already written three works, and was fairly skilled, but his name recognition was worlds apart.
“The results of his previous works haven’t been great…”
And in , the role Taeha would audition for was a Subdeacon with a speech impediment.
The script referred to the role as an apprentice priest.
It was a mechanism-like role that created a Mystery Atmosphere by appearing occasionally, with little screen time and, naturally, no lines.
“But I can tell even without reading further— this character is definitely the Key to the latter half. That’s why there’s an audition for it.”
He could tell from a writer’s perspective.
“And the writer’s name isn’t important. It matters when you’re getting on a schedule or being cast, but once a work is out in the world, what really determines success is how fun the script is.”
That’s why unexpected works could suddenly become huge hits, while those hyped by star casting and Investment could flop.
“In that sense, is a little lacking.”
Since it was by Jung Ha-na, the composition was solid and the development refreshing.
But he couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was just… adequate.
“I’m sure it’ll succeed to some degree, but… even after reading it pretty closely, it didn’t make my blood boil.”
On the other hand, made him jealous.
People might just think, ‘This is a well-written script,’ but thanks to his Immersion Ability, the enjoyment Taeha felt analyzing the script was beyond that.
“Still, this is the work I really want to do. To me, it’s just more fun.”
“You like this genre, huh? Well, it does divide opinions, but it definitely has a core fanbase.”
Contrary to Kang Sojeong’s guess, Occult Element wasn’t originally Taeha’s taste.
But even he found it entertaining, so it seemed it could appeal not just to the mania but also to the general public.
“Then I’ll pass your Portfolio for this one, the one you sent last time, right? Ah, and give me your Manager’s contact too. I’ll have them direct all future contact that way.”
“Okay.”
“I’m close with the producing PD, so I’ll put in a good word. In the end, you have to show your acting, though.”
“Just getting an Audition opportunity is enough. Thanks for helping, noona.”
“What’s with the thanks? If you’d told me earlier, I could have introduced you to a Planning Company…”
“No, if not for my Manager, I wouldn’t have even started acting.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Anyway, if things go well later, I’ll—”
“Treat me to something?”
“No? You make more money than me, I can’t do that. I’ll repay you another way.”
“Another way?”
“There’s something.”
“What is it?”
Sojeong pursed her lips, saying the kid had brightened but become a bit mysterious.
Taeha smiled lightly and continued.
“Oh, and there’s one more thing I wanted to discuss…”
***
set.
It was Taeha’s last day of filming.
Today, the day Byun Kwang-ja 2, a minor character, is killed by the Main Character, who has transformed into a devil for revenge.
Having gotten fairly used to the set after several shoots, Taeha slipped between the cameras.
“Taeha, let’s do well again today.”
Main Character Han Yun-seong greeted him, and Taeha replied playfully.
“I look forward to working with you. Please kill me cleanly and painlessly.”
Han Yun-seong chuckled.
Every time he saw Taeha, he was surprised by how mature he seemed for his age.
“Your personality is like a kindly uncle. Doesn’t match your face at all.”
That gap was amusing.
Honestly, even Han Yun-seong, now the central lead, didn’t have the knack for lightening the mood like this.
Right before filming, he was usually too focused on acting to joke around, and he was naturally shy.
For a lead to envy a minor actor seemed ridiculous, but to be honest, Han Yun-seong did envy Taeha’s personality.
Of course, if his acting were poor, he’d just be seen as frivolous, but that wasn’t the case.
“Even now…”
The moment “cue” was called, Taeha’s eyes completely changed.
“It’s amazing how quickly he can bring up his emotions.”
Thanks to that, Han Yun-seong also quickly fell into his role.
***
Part 4, Scene 22.
A Singing Room in the neighborhood where the delinquent perpetrators operated.
The loud music was enough to hide the sounds of violence, and the victim had to endure a beating, covered in blood, in that noise.
For others, it was a space for entertainment, but for the Main Character, the thick Singing Room book and the jangling sound of the Tambourine became the stage for horror.
By chance, the perpetrators and Byun Kwang-ja 2, who happened to visit that Singing Room again.
As Byun Kwang-ja 2 returns from the bathroom, walking down the corridor,
“Huh?”
Byun Kwang-ja 2 spots a familiar figure walking at the end of the corridor.
The Main Character’s eyes shine coldly.
Before he can even sense anything is wrong—thud, a knife is plunged into Byun Kwang-ja 2’s stomach.
“Hyuk…! Why me…!”
Thud, Byun Kwang-ja 2 collapses to the floor in pain.
He looks up at the Main Character’s face, which feels strangely enormous.
He can’t accept that he’s been stabbed, but sharp pain spreads throughout his body.
Taeha expressed this fleeting confusion of Byun Kwang-ja 2 with his facial expression.
With Taeha’s acting, looking as if he truly couldn’t understand why he had to die, Han Yun-seong could glare at him with genuine contempt.
“Yeah. Until the end. Die not knowing, scum. That suits you.”
As if even deep hatred would be a waste, Han Yun-seong spoke dryly.
Taeha, belatedly fumbling his lips to call for help.
But soon, he loses consciousness and closes his eyes.
Just like that, the Main Character dispatches Byun Kwang-ja 2 in an instant, and walks away coolly.
[From the open door of Room 9, a lively instrumental flows.
It’s an old song that Byun Kwang-ja 2 used to sing at the site of past beatings.
The blood Byun Kwang-ja 2 shed spreads across the corridor…]
“Cut! Okay!”
With the voice of Director Lee Hae-ik, today’s filming—Taeha’s filming—came to an end.
Even after several takes today, each time, Taeha showed amazing focus, satisfying Director Lee Hae-ik.
And gave him confidence.
“Thank you for your hard work!”
Hearing Han Yun-seong’s greeting, Taeha, who had been lying on the floor with his eyes closed, blinked and stood up.
The fake blood used for filming was sticky on his hands and clothes, making him feel uncomfortable.
His hands felt even hotter from focusing on the acting, making it even more unpleasant.
As Taeha came off camera and received some tissues from Im Chan-hyung, roughly wiping the blood from his body—
Director Lee Hae-ik called to him.
“Kang Taeha. Today’s your last day, right?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have your next project lined up?”
“My next project?”
“Yeah. I have a new project that was just decided, and there’s a role I’d really like you for.”
Im Chan-hyung’s eyes grew round as he listened.
No wonder—Director Lee Hae-ik himself was reaching out to cast Taeha, who had only played a minor role.
Regardless of the part, it was clear the director had noticed him.
Even before all the details were discussed, Im Chan-hyung’s lips curled up, but Taeha looked a little surprised, then calmly asked,
“Your next project, Director?”
“Yes. It’s not my decision alone, so I’d like you to audition. The audition is next week.”
“Ah.”
Taeha made a troubled face.
Next week, he had the audition for .
Im Chan-hyung, knowing why he hesitated, looked at Taeha with a helpless expression.
He didn’t even know if he’d pass the audition.
Director Lee Hae-ik said it wasn’t his decision alone, but with his recommendation, it was as good as secured.
For a rookie like Taeha, being in the next work of someone like Director Lee Hae-ik was a great opportunity.
There was no reason to turn it down.
But Taeha thought differently.
He knew Director Lee Hae-ik’s skill and reputation were outstanding, but for Taeha, the most important thing was the fun of the script.
“Even if the script for the director’s project is good… the timing just doesn’t work.”
No matter how good his Immersion Ability, preparing for two roles and giving his all to one would make a world of difference in quality.
“I need to keep my work-life balance, too.”
“Ah, I actually have an audition for another project at that time. Thank you for the offer, but… I’m sorry.”
Director Lee Hae-ik was taken aback by the unexpected refusal.
Im Chan-hyung stared at Taeha as if he’d lost his mind, but Taeha was unfazed.
Director Lee Hae-ik wasn’t the type to be offended by something like this.
“If another opportunity comes up, please call me. I’m really sorry.”
“No, it was too sudden of me anyway. So, you’re only not available next week?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
He wondered if the audition date would get changed because of him, but Taeha quickly answered.
“Alright. Let’s see each other again if fate allows.”
“Thank you, Director. You worked hard, too.”
***
A week later.
The audition hall for .
As Taeha arrived at the audition hall, he found himself regretting having turned down Director Lee Hae-ik’s offer.