Chapter 65: First Steps at AC Agency

Sunday morning, our family had a busy start to the day for the first time in a while.

Mom and Da-hye put a lot of effort into their appearance, while Dad and I put on the outfits Mom had picked out for us and waited for them to finish getting ready, watching TV in the meantime.

About an hour later.

“Let’s go.”

Mom came out to the living room in her most stylish outfit, her new luxury handbag—which Dad had recently gifted her—slung over her shoulder.

“......”
“......”

Dad and I stared blankly for a moment at Mom and Da-hye’s outfits, which could be called battle gear, then followed them outside in silence.

‘Honestly, women are creatures I just don’t understand. Right, son?’

Hearing Dad’s small voice, I nodded subtly up and down, trying not to make it obvious, then climbed into the Rexton. Our family, each carrying various feelings, set off for the agency.

“Oppa, aren’t you nervous?”

On the way, Da-hye asked me.

She must think I look no different from usual.

In fact, it was Da-hye whose face was tense with nervousness.

“We’re just going to take some photos, what’s there to be nervous about? I’m just thinking about which poses to try, that’s all.”

Maybe it’s because my wallet has gotten fatter and I’ve been living a string of successful days—my heart has grown larger and I’ve become bolder. Whatever I do, I feel confident and act the way I want, without worrying about others’ opinions.

It’s true—people’s actions and thoughts change depending on their sense of accomplishment and results.

“Wow, I get so embarrassed and shy in front of people when taking pictures. But not you, huh, Oppa......”
“You say that, but you want to be a model and actress?!”

Models and actors have to perform on stage before a lot of people.

You need a thick skin and considerable courage; that’s why it’s such a tough profession.

“That’s different from just wanting to do it.”

Da-hye pouted as she spoke.

“Well, you’re right. If it’s something you want to do, you end up doing it one way or another.”

Even among popular celebrities, I’ve seen many like that.

There was even an actress who talked about it on a variety show.

Usually shy, but when acting, she transformed into someone completely different—it amazed me every time.

That’s when I realized.

A true professional who makes a living from acting is different.

I believe Da-hye will become like that too.

“Seriously, Oppa, you have such a way with words.”

“I’m not sugarcoating it, it’s just the truth.”

Unlike me, Da-hye is an impressive younger sister.

Although she only graduated from a junior college, she kept studying non-stop to win the competition at work and eventually earned her degree, securing a promotion to section chief.

Just from that, it’s clear she has the potential to do anything she sets her mind to.

“We’re here. Let’s get out.”

While we were talking, we’d arrived at our destination.

The exterior of AC Agency, located in Cheongdam-dong, was cleaner than I expected. The sign was old, but the entrance was spotless, and the door was plastered with photos of models and actors. As we entered, bright lights welcomed us.

“It’s strange to think you’re auditioning here, Oppa.”

Da-hye’s sparkling eyes darted everywhere, overwhelmed.

It must be exciting to be in a place she’s always admired—her heart must be pounding.

“Strange? Heh.”

Does Da-hye realize? All of this is actually for her.

I smiled lightly and kept walking.

Now it was time to put on a show for Da-hye.

“Ah, Yoo Seung-hyun. Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you.”

A little further in, Manager Lee Yulgok—who had given me his business card—came out to greet us in front of the office.

“Hello. These are my parents and my sister.”

I made sure to put the spotlight on Da-hye first, then introduced my parents.

“Ah, the girl who was with you last time. She’s your sister? Nice to meet you. Hello, ma’am, sir. I’m Lee Yulgok, manager at AC Agency.”

As expected, Manager Lee scanned Da-hye first, then took out a business card he’d prepared and handed it to Dad.

“Thank you for taking such an interest in my son.”

Dad accepted the card and gave a polite thank-you.

“This way, please.”

Wearing a broad smile, Manager Lee led us to the meeting room.

A variety of drinks and light snacks were laid out inside.

We sat across from Manager Lee and took our seats.

“First, let me introduce our company. Our agency focuses on training professional models, and is expanding into acting, commercial modeling, and other fields.”

Manager Lee Yulgok continued with the company introduction.

He handed us files placed on the desk as he spoke.

“In the early days, we mainly worked with small-scale modeling activities, but now we’re consistently involved in drama supporting roles, CF ad shoots, magazine pictorials, and so on. The portfolios of our in-house models are also receiving positive reviews within the industry.”

His voice radiated pride in his company.

“At the initial contract stage, the agency takes a higher share of the profits. For new recruits, it typically starts at 80% for the agency and 20% for the model. That’s because a lot of upfront costs go into training, management, profile creation, portfolio photos, lessons, styling, and arranging ads. However, once certain standards are met or you become more well-known, the ratio changes.”

He continued, explaining that mid-level models receive 40~50%, and stars get up to 90%.

“This is a draft of an exclusive model contract for 2002.”

At the top of the contract were the terms of model activities, base fees, and contract period.

I also skimmed through it—the section stating that minors require parental consent.

“Nothing looks off here.”

I already knew the general content of such contracts, so I nodded.

If there was anything suspicious, I’d have asked my two older sisters, who work in the entertainment industry, but nothing stood out.

As I nodded, my parents quietly waited for the next part.

“The agency’s profit structure adjusts as the model grows. While it may feel disadvantageous at first, I want to stress again that we aim to grow together from a long-term perspective. Now, we’ll move on to the photo shoot. Please follow me to the studio.”

Emphasizing the profit-sharing again, Manager Lee led us to the studio.

Inside, bright lights illuminated the space. A camcorder was set up on one side, and the other was prepared for still photography.

“Please pose freely. We’ll start whenever you’re ready.”

Following Manager Lee’s cue, I took a deep breath and walked slowly toward the camera.

“Yes, I’m ready.”
“Great, we’re shooting.”

Though it felt a bit awkward, I moved confidently.

From basic poses—tilting one shoulder and putting a hand in my pocket—to lifting my chin and shifting my gaze for different facial expressions.

Whenever the photographer requested a pose, I tried it without hesitation.

“Good. Now, give us a gentle smile and look off to the side.”

I responded immediately to the photographer’s request.

I turned my head slightly, holding a soft smile and looking diagonally.

“This time, expressionless, and put your weight on one leg.”

The shutter clicked continuously, and the camcorder captured my movements. As if painting pictures in my mind, I struck various poses and expressions. Some parts were a bit clumsy, but I pushed through regardless.

Outside the studio, through the glass, my family watched me. Da-hye, especially, stared with a serious, almost breathless expression.

‘See, Da-hye? This is how it’s done.’

I whispered to myself as I struck the final pose and lowered my head.

“That’s it. Well done.”

The photographer announced the end of the shoot.

“So, what did you think?”

I walked over and asked Da-hye how it was to watch.

“I never knew you had that side to you, Oppa! That’s not something you’ve only done once or twice, right?”

Da-hye’s eyes sparkled as she showered me with praise.

“Anyone can do it if they just toughen up a bit. You can too.”

I subtly shifted the focus to Da-hye.

The whole reason I came here was for her, after all.

She was the real star here, not me.

“You think I can do it? Should I try?”
“Of course.”
“Hmm......”
“Want to give it a shot?”
“Me? Now?”
“Yeah.”
“But you got the invitation, not me.”
“Just wait here a second. I’ll go ask.”
“No, it’s fine. Really, I’m okay.”
“Have I ever said anything I didn’t mean?”

Da-hye hurriedly grabbed my hand.

I gently released her hand and smiled.

“Trust me and just wait.”

I told Da-hye to wait and walked over to where Manager Lee was.

“Manager.”

He was reviewing the footage on the camcorder.

“Yes? What is it?”
“Manager, could I... possibly meet the CEO?”
“The CEO?!”

When I asked for the CEO, surprise flashed across Manager Lee’s face.

“I actually have something important to discuss with him.”
“What is it about?”
“Honestly, I didn’t come here for the model audition—I’m here to discuss investment.”

I finally revealed the real reason I’d been hiding.

“Investment?”
“Yes. If the CEO will listen to my proposal, I’d like to invest 10 billion won in this company.”
“10 billion won?”

A high schooler mentioning 10 billion won made Manager Lee’s expression change in a strange way.

“My son is right. If you’ll listen to what he has to say, we’ll agree to invest.”

Dad backed me up immediately.

“Huh??”

Maybe my words had sounded like a joke, but Dad’s addition left Manager Lee’s jaw hanging.

“This isn’t a bad deal for the agency. We have no intention of interfering in management.”

As we’d discussed, Dad promised we weren’t interested in running the company.

“Could you wait just a moment, please? I’ll bring the CEO here.”

Looking flustered, Manager Lee hurried off to find the CEO.

“I did as you asked. Is this good enough?”

Dad turned to me, face genuinely bewildered, as soon as Manager Lee was out of sight.

“Yes. This is plenty.”

I could just buy an agency outright, but if I develop one properly, it’ll be worth more than ten agencies.

I’d decided to use my money to raise an agency from the ground up.

As I shared my future plans with Dad, we waited for the CEO.

Da-da-dak.

Not long after, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from nearby.

Dad and I stopped talking and turned our eyes toward the door that was about to open.