Chapter 94 of "Top Star's Older Brother"

"Welcome, Yoon-seong."

Upon arriving at the broadcasting station for the meeting, the PD and writers greeted me warmly.

They were all people who had gathered for the drama production.

"Ah, yes. Hello."

This drama, one of the future hit works in Korea, originally had three male leads, but an additional role was added.

So, I was a bit anxious.

After all, adding an extra role could potentially change the future for the worse.

Isn't it true that adding a character to an existing story can only complicate the plot?

"This time, 'Teen School' became incredibly popular, right? I heard it was all thanks to you, Yoon-seong. I really enjoyed the drama too. And recently, you went abroad and created quite a buzz."

"That's right. I heard the Germans really love Yoon-seong?"

Before getting to the main topic, we chatted about various things.

Then, at the right moment, I asked:

"This time, you added an extra role. I mentioned this before, but won't this have a significant impact on the story...?"

At that, the writer, Kim Yu-mi, stepped forward as if she had been waiting for this question.

"No! You don't need to worry about that!"

Her voice was so confident that I couldn't think of any rebuttal.

"There's a saying that the heavens assign roles to writers."

Is there such a saying?

I had never heard of it before.

"When I saw Yoon-seong, I had that exact feeling. It felt like the heavens had assigned this role to you... It might sound strange to you, but after seeing you, the new role immediately came to mind."

She continued with an excited voice.

"I was very anxious while writing. I was struggling with how to fill in the gaps, and then the new role came to mind. It filled in all the gaps I had felt were missing. Through Yoon-seong, it all came together!"

Then, Kim Yu-mi strongly insisted:

"That's why I really want Yoon-seong to take on this role. No one else can do it."

In fact, I had read the script sent by the studio.

Fortunately, I didn't see any parts that would be ruined by the addition of the new role.

Moreover, since I'm not a writer, it was difficult to judge the quality of the script.

Thus, it was hard to tell if the script was really good or not.

But one thing I could tell was:

'His aura is no joke.'

It was the aura of the person I was dealing with.

From what I knew, Kim Yu-mi was known for consistently producing hit works.

Perhaps that's why her aura was strong and well-organized.

Just by looking at that, I could trust her.

"Do you know that I have no acting experience?"

"We are fully aware of that. And we've also heard quite a bit about you."

"......?"

"Yoon-seong, I heard you gave acting guidance to the actors on the 'Teen School' set? They say your acting skills are on par with veteran actors."

That's how the entertainment industry works.

Rumors spread quickly in this field.

"I'm not that good."

"Hehe. That humble attitude is also very admirable."

Then, the PD asked in a subtle tone:

"How about joining us in this production? We'll guide you well to ensure you're not lacking in any way."

"Yes, please. We need Yoon-seong in our production."

The PD and writers pleaded with me.

It wasn't necessary to beg.

The fact that I came here means I had already made up my mind to some extent.

"I'll do it."

"Wow-"

"Thank goodness."

They sighed in relief.

"We were really worried about what to do if Yoon-seong didn't do it."

"That's right. You're a very busy person. We'll sign the contract formally and gather the actors for a script reading. You can participate then."

Before starting the drama production, it's standard to gather the actors for a script reading to help them get a feel for the roles and practice.

"Yes. Please send the contract to our legal team. After discussing with my father... I mean, the CEO, I'll send it back to you."

"Understood. Let's do our best. Let's really make a drama that will stir up Korea."

PD Kim Gi-han smiled and extended his hand to me.

I also smiled and shook his hand.

A drama that will stir up Korea.

It was a story that appealed to me.

* * *

"The streets are full of flowers, so shouldn't our hearts also bloom now?"

Yoon-a tried to produce a deep, manly voice.

"How about it? Will you also try to bloom?"

Despite knowing she was putting in a lot of effort, I tried to hold back my laughter,

"Ha-"

But I couldn't help but burst out laughing at her cute attempt.

Yoon-a slapped me and shouted,

"Tsk! What's wrong! You were trying so hard!"

"Ah, thank you. But it's just too funny."

Once the laughter started, it was hard to stop.

"Ugh. If you keep this up, I won't do it."

"Ah, I understand. Sorry. I'll focus properly."

Yoon-a glared at me for a moment before helping me with the acting practice again.

"At this age, to be buried in books. I can't live like this!"

This drama became a hit because it had a different atmosphere from the historical dramas that had been shown before.

Typically, historical dramas use formal language and a heavy tone, but this drama had modernized dialogues and a light atmosphere, making it reminiscent of a Joseon version of 'Teen School.'

This attracted more young viewers, and from this drama, future historical dramas also adopted a modern feel.

"I'll throw away these books and set out to find freedom!"

Yoon-a threw the magazine she was holding and gave a passionate performance.

And I,

"Uh- Ha-"

Tried to suppress the laughter that was about to burst out, but it was no use.

I pinched my thigh to stop the laughter, but my cheeks were already puffed up.

I quickly apologized to Yoon-a, who was looking at me with a cold stare.

"Sorry, Yoon-a. It's all because I'm lacking."

But Yoon-a apologized instead.

"Sigh. No, it's because I can't act well."

"Ah, that's not true at all. You're such a good actor. If that scene had been on TV, people would have loved it."

Just from my reaction, you can tell.

Everyone would have smiled at Yoon-a's performance.

"But, big brother, I'm really nervous."

"Huh?"

"Many famous actors are coming to this script reading. 'Teen School' was mostly new actors, so the atmosphere was light and good, but this place is said to be very serious. I heard that from somewhere."

Just like there's a hierarchy among singers, there's also a hierarchy among actors.

Sometimes it's based on age, but often it's based on the number of years since debut, clearly distinguishing between seniors and juniors. So, I couldn't be too relaxed.

"So, big brother, you have to smile."

"Huh?"

"You're often expressionless and serious. Of course, fans love that, but to adults... it might look rude."

Yoon-a lifted my lips with her hand.

"Hehe. That looks good. Just do that."

I thought I was good at smiling, but apparently not according to Yoon-a.

Well, she's almost always smiling, except when she's sleeping.

"Got it. But don't you think they'll like it more if I focus on acting seriously?"

"Then don't smile and practice properly!"

"......It'll be hard, but I'll try."

I picked up the script again and started practicing with Yoon-a.

But the more we practiced, the harder it was to suppress the smiles that kept forming.

* * *

"Hello, senior."

"Ah, right. Min-hyuk. It's been a while?"

"Yes, senior. You're playing the king again this time."

"Haha. I must have been a king in my past life."

The actors participating in the script reading were exchanging greetings.

Here, Choi Su-yong, a veteran actor with many years of experience, patted the back of a junior actor who came to greet him.

"By the way, I heard a new actor is playing the lead this time?"

"Ah, yes."

"Even more, he's a singer, right? The 'Daily Siblings,' right?"

"Yes, I heard that too."

Was he annoyed that a non-actor, a singer, was taking the lead role?

But Choi Su-yong's expression didn't look annoyed at all.

"Ahem. By the way, Min-hyuk. That... the... the 'Daily Siblings.' The friend is coming to the script reading today. After the reading... well..."

What was he trying to say?

Choi Su-yong, who was usually straightforward, was hesitating.

"That friend. The 'Daily Siblings.' He's coming to the script reading today. After the reading... well..."

"Senior, just say it."

"Um. So, can I get an autograph from him... after the reading? Is that okay?"

"......?"

Jang Min-hyuk blinked, thinking he had misheard.

"Um... an autograph from Jung Yoon-seong?"

"Yes, an autograph. Singers usually sign their albums, right?"

Surprisingly, Choi Su-yong even brought an album CD.

"Can I ask him to sign this? Ah! Of course, I'm not doing it for myself. My daughter really likes 'Daily Siblings,' so I'm doing it for her. Haha."

It looked like he was doing it for himself, not his daughter.

"Since I'm the most senior actor here and there are many people watching, I don't want the atmosphere to be awkward because of an old man like me..."

Jang Min-hyuk smiled, understanding what he was worried about.

"It's fine, senior. That's a small favor. It's not a big deal."

"Right? Haha. Thanks."

Choi Su-yong patted Jang Min-hyuk's shoulder again and whistled as he walked away to another actor.

"Surprising."

He listens to music these days.

Well,

Jung Yoon-seong and Jung Yoon-a are popular among young people, but I heard they are also popular among adults because of their unique cuteness.

However,

"Min-hyuk."

"Ah, yes, senior."

It seemed that not only Choi Su-yong but also other actors here were fans of 'Daily Siblings.'

Kim Mi-ri, a middle-aged actor with a lot of experience, approached in a subtle tone.

"By the way, if Jung Yoon-seong comes, can you get an autograph for me? I don't want to look silly if I ask for an autograph with an album."

"......Ah, yes."

Jang Min-hyuk was already feeling the explosive popularity of Jung Yoon-seong even before the drama started.