Chapter 70

70. Unexpected Casting

"Come in, Jinhyuk."

The meeting room's manager, Lee Kwang-soo, and writer Han Yoo-kyung greeted Jinhyuk warmly.

"Huh? But, where's Ji-an?"

When Lee Kwang-soo saw Jung Ji-an following behind, he was puzzled. Jung Ji-an smiled awkwardly and said,

"Ah, Jinhyuk said he would look at the synopsis."

Lee Kwang-soo's gaze turned to Jinhyuk.

"I thought it would be good if you also took a look, so I asked him. Writer, is that okay?"

"Of course, it's fine. Actor Jung Ji-an, this is our first meeting, right? Nice to meet you. I'm Han Yoo-kyung."

Jung Ji-an bowed deeply.

"Ah, Writer, it's an honor to meet you like this."

After straightening up, Jung Ji-an continued with an innocent smile.

"I'm really looking forward to it. Hehe. I also really enjoyed watching High School 2."

Once everyone was seated, Lee Kwang-soo began to speak.

"Actually, there's no need to read it. It's something we have to do no matter what, Jinhyuk. You might not understand the significance of KBC's Hong Gil-dong yet…."

Lee Kwang-soo turned to Han Yoo-kyung.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't think we'd have to talk about this with the writer here. It's a bit embarrassing."

"No, I just wanted to see Jinhyuk."

Han Yoo-kyung looked at Jinhyuk and said,

"And since Jinhyuk's ideas are a significant part of this synopsis, I wanted to hear it directly."

"Really? Significant part?"

"The synopsis is based on the ideas Jinhyuk provided."

"Huh?"

Lee Kwang-soo and the other employees were surprised by this unexpected news and looked at Jinhyuk, who was carefully reading the synopsis.

Han Yoo-kyung smiled and asked Jinhyuk,

"How does it look, Jinhyuk? Is it okay?"

Jinhyuk didn't answer but smiled and then asked Jung Ji-an, who was reading the synopsis with a serious expression,

"What do you think, Hyung?"

"Wow—"

Jung Ji-an was thoroughly engrossed in the synopsis.

"It's good. Really good."

Jung Ji-an laughed and then suddenly asked Jinhyuk,

"Jinhyuk, are you going to do this?"

Everyone's attention turned to Jinhyuk. Han Yoo-kyung, trying to hide her nervousness with a playful tone, said,

"Jinhyuk, if you refuse, I'll be hurt."

Jinhyuk smiled.

"I can't hurt the writer."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Indeed, you are Han Yoo-kyung. I really like the synopsis. I'm in."

Han Yoo-kyung beamed.

"Thank you, Jinhyuk! It feels like the drama is already half successful. Hehe."

"Ha-ha. Jinhyuk, you made a good decision."

Lee Kwang-soo also laughed, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

For such a major production, casting a newcomer with only one film credit as the lead should make the actor feel grateful.

But Jinhyuk was calm, and the people around him, including the writer, were so anxious.

Lee Kwang-soo looked at Jinhyuk again and sighed.

"Writer, can I ask you something?"

Jung Ji-an suddenly raised her hand and called out to Han Yoo-kyung. Everyone's attention turned to her.

"I want to do it too."

"Huh?!"

Han Yoo-kyung's eyes widened in surprise, and Lee Kwang-soo, equally flustered, quickly said,

"Ji-an, what do you mean? Are you going to compete with Jinhyuk for the lead role? That's a bit unethical…."

Lee Kwang-soo glanced at Jinhyuk, who didn't seem particularly upset by Jung Ji-an's words. That was a relief.

Ji-an, that kid, suddenly said something out of the blue….

At that moment, Jung Ji-an said something even more surprising.

"No, Jinhyuk should be the lead."

"Huh?"

"I'll take the supporting role."

"What?!"

Everyone was stunned by Jung Ji-an's absurd statement.

Jung Ji-an, a rising star in the film industry with two lead roles, was known as a once-in-a-decade genius actor.

Most importantly,

"Are you saying you'll take a supporting role in a drama?"

If Jung Ji-an were to appear in a drama, it would be her first. This alone would attract significant attention, and many producers were already interested.

But taking a supporting role in her first drama was unprecedented.

"Even if it's a supporting role…."

Jung Ji-an said with the enthusiasm of a child playing with an interesting toy.

"It's Hong Gil-dong, after all."

Ji-an smiled.

***

As Han Yoo-kyung left the WP Entertainment building, her heart was pounding.

The most concerning part while developing the idea of two Hong Gil-dongs was the balance between the lead, Jinhyuk, and the antagonist.

The acting skills required for Hong Gil-dong, who must portray intense inner conflict, were significant, and the other Hong Gil-dong, as the villain, also demanded exceptional acting.

Even as a supporting role, it was almost a lead role.

Finding an actor of Jinhyuk's caliber and acting ability was difficult, and she had been considering a more seasoned supporting actor.

But with Jinhyuk and Jung Ji-an?

This was a real coup.

The thought of these two geniuses of the same generation competing in a fiery acting battle made her shiver with excitement.

'Ugh… Writer, Ji-an's words are confusing us… We'll discuss it internally and get back to you.'

Lee Kwang-soo's flustered words were understandable.

Even if it was a supporting role close to a lead, a supporting role was still a supporting role.

Jung Ji-an was a key actor that WP Entertainment was carefully nurturing.

It was said that the CEO, Lee Seung-soo, was directly involved in her management.

Deciding to cast her in a supporting role in her first drama, especially one where a junior from the same company was the lead, was illogical.

But… if it could happen…

Jinhyuk vs. Jung Ji-an. Wow.

If it could happen, Han Yoo-kyung would beg on her knees to make it happen.

The pairing of these two would undoubtedly create a significant promotional effect for the drama's success.

But beyond the drama's success, the desire to see two acting geniuses perform on her script was a wish any writer would have.

As Han Yoo-kyung left the WP Entertainment building, her heart pounding, the meeting room she had just left was filled with a heavy atmosphere.

After dismissing everyone else, Lee Kwang-soo and Jung Ji-an were alone.

Lee Kwang-soo broke the silence and asked,

"Ji-an, why did you say that suddenly?"

"What do you mean, Manager? If an actor finds a role appealing, it's natural to want to try it."

"So, you found the role appealing?"

Lee Kwang-soo asked, and Jung Ji-an scratched her head and said,

"The role itself was appealing, but honestly, that alone wouldn't have made me want to do it."

"Then?"

"More importantly, it's a role where I can create a great picture with Jinhyuk. I've always wanted to work with Jinhyuk someday."

Perhaps it was fate.

Jung Ji-an had accepted it that way.

When she first saw Jinhyuk's performance at the Busan Youth Theater Festival, she thought they would eventually face each other on stage.

She didn't expect the opportunity to come so quickly and unexpectedly.

The moment she saw the role, she knew this was it.

Lee Kwang-soo, half-joking and half-serious, scolded her,

"Hey, your junior wants to shine as the lead in a drama. Do you have to take that away from him?"

In reality, it was inevitable. Although Jinhyuk had gained attention from High School 2, he still lacked the gravitas of Jung Ji-an.

If it were Jung Ji-an's first drama, a significant portion of the attention that would have gone to Jinhyuk would likely go to Ji-an.

Moreover, with Jung Ji-an's acting skills, there was a real possibility that the lead could be overshadowed by the supporting role.

Even if that didn't happen, from a management perspective, it was best to avoid such a risk.

Even if they both wanted it, with two leads available, there was no reason to set one as a supporting role and create an unstable situation.

The concern about instability outweighed the excitement about the potential synergy.

"I'm not trying to take it away. I'd be lucky if I don't get overshadowed."

"What? Kid…."

Lee Kwang-soo shook his head. Despite Jinhyuk's outstanding acting skills and presence, the idea of him overshadowing Jung Ji-an was still hard to imagine.

"So, are you really going to do it?"

Lee Kwang-soo looked at Jung Ji-an seriously, trying to gauge her sincerity.

And the sparkling look in Ji-an's eyes confirmed that she was truly invested.

"Would I joke about something like this with you, Manager?"

"Kid, you haven't even been to the military, and you're talking about experience."

Lee Kwang-soo chuckled. Seeing the determination on Jung Ji-an's face, he knew he couldn't stop her.

Geniuses were unpredictable.

"Is this your first drama? You know that, right?"

"Of course, I do."

"Ah, I'm going to die before my time."

Lee Kwang-soo rubbed his face.

"Alright, I'll talk to the CEO. But I can't promise anything."

"Come on, Manager Lee, you're the great Lee Kwang-soo."

Jung Ji-an smiled.

***

"Hyung, are you really okay with this?"

"What could be wrong? Why wouldn't Jinhyuk want to work with me?"

"Of course not."

Jinhyuk chuckled.

Meeting Jung Ji-an in the lobby on the day they were supposed to look at the synopsis was a coincidence. But asking her to come along was not.

It would be a lie to say he had no expectations. The two Hong Gil-dongs were born from Jinhyuk's ideas.

He had hoped Jung Ji-an might find it interesting.

"Phew— Did you invite me along because you knew I'd react like this?"

"..."

Jinhyuk felt a pang but quickly changed his mind. It wasn't something to feel guilty about.

"Frankly, I hoped you'd be interested. But the idea of you taking a supporting role while I take the lead is a bit unrealistic."

"Indeed, indeed, Jinhyuk, you're a surprising kid."

Jung Ji-an didn't look upset; rather, she seemed excited.

"So, when you mentioned it in the meeting room, if you really wanted to do this, I was willing to give up the lead role."

"What?"

"I think the second Hong Gil-dong is also a very appealing character."

Jinhyuk was sincere. Whether he played the lead or the supporting role, the chance to act with Jung Ji-an would outweigh any differences.

"Wow, look at this kid? Offering the lead role of a major drama? And the first lead role opportunity at that?"

"If you really wanted to do it, Hyung."

"Why? Why did you want to involve me so much?"

Jinhyuk smiled.

"Because I thought it would be fun to work with you."

"What?"

Jung Ji-an, initially flustered, burst into laughter.

"Ha-ha! Indeed, indeed, Jinhyuk, you're a really fun kid."

Jung Ji-an, still smiling, said,

"But I have no intention of taking away a junior's first lead role."

"..."

"I think the second Hong Gil-dong is enough for me. However—"

Her smile remained, but her eyes were serious.

"The question of whether the lead can hold their own is something I can't control. Are you okay with that?"

A declaration of war. Acknowledging that being overshadowed by acting skills was inevitable.

An uncontrollable excitement and competitive spirit rose in Jinhyuk's chest.

"If I had given you the lead role, you would have said the same thing, right?"

Seeing Jinhyuk's calm smile, Jung Ji-an burst into laughter again.

"Ha-ha. It's fun. It's really fun. Jinhyuk, you're a great kid. Then, I'll do it with a clear conscience—"

Jung Ji-an, in high spirits, put Jinhyuk in a headlock.

"..."

Headlock... The war had already begun.

***

Ding-dong—

The doorbell rang cheerfully.

The SH Acting Academy, which Jinhyuk hadn't visited in a while, was bustling with students. As soon as Jinhyuk entered the lobby, everyone's eyes turned to him.

Some students were familiar, but they were all intimidated by Jinhyuk's presence and couldn't even greet him.

Jinhyuk smiled and nodded at them. The students' mouths dropped open.

Jinhyuk headed for the principal's office.

"Jinhyuk! Come in. You must be very busy."

The principal, Sung Hoon, greeted Jinhyuk with a bright smile as he entered the office.

Jinhyuk and Sung Hoon sat on the sofa facing each other.

"I'm sorry. It's been a while since I've been to the academy."

"Don't be sorry. Being busy is a good thing."

"But I'll come more often now."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Sung Hoon's eyes widened as he understood the implication. Coming to the academy more often meant needing more acting practice. In other words,

"Have you decided on your next project?"

"Yes."

"Wow! I'm curious. What project did you choose?"

"KBC's Hong Gil-dong."

"What?"

Sung Hoon's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wow. You're joining a major production. And it's a period drama… It's a new challenge. But, is it a significant role?"

Sung Hoon looked at Jinhyuk with anticipation. Jinhyuk replied calmly,

"I've been cast as Hong Gil-dong."

"What?!"

Sung Hoon, surprised, blinked and asked,

"You're playing the lead?"

"Yes."

"..."

Sung Hoon, at a loss for words, hesitated before finally speaking,

"KBC must be determined. Such a bold casting choice. Of course, I'm sure you'll do a great job, Jinhyuk. Ha-ha. I'm getting excited too. Let's work hard and surprise everyone."

"Yes, I'll have to work very hard."

"Of course, this isn't just any role!"

Jinhyuk smiled.

"Also, I think Jung Ji-an will be joining me."

"What?!"

"If I don't do a good job, I'll be compared a lot."

Despite his words, Jinhyuk seemed relaxed.

But Sung Hoon, confused by what this meant, could only blink.