Taking an Audition
"Yoo-Jin. Do you remember when I told you not to believe everything you see?"
Yoo-Jin flinched at my words. "Don't tell me that sunbae is also someone who can't be trusted."
"Yes, she's someone you absolutely shouldn't trust. If we were to compile a list of everyone in this industry who's holding a grudge against Park Jin-Hee, it would fill a whole truck. You have no idea how well she backstabs people with that cute face."
Not only did Park Jin-Hee steal other actresses' roles, but she also stole their men to shake up her competitors.
"And there must be over 20 people who have had their boyfriends stolen by Park Jin-Hee."
Yoo-Jin looked at the door through which Park Jin-Hee left with a look of disbelief.
"But she really doesn't look like someone who would do that..."
"I'm speaking the truth. Anyway, be extra careful around her."
"Seriously, there's not a single trustworthy person in this entertainment industry, is there?"
"That's why I told you before that this industry is like a battlefield. Now, let's get going."
But suddenly, Yoo-Jin stopped and gave me a sidelong glance.
"Wait. Does that mean I shouldn't trust you either, oppa?"
"I'm the only exception. Trust no one but me."
"That sounds like a line I've heard before... but I'll let it slide."
I felt a twinge in response to Yoo-Jin's gaze but kept my expression unchanged and nodded.
"If an actress can't trust their talent agent, who can they trust? Right?"
"Yeah, yeah."
"Oh? You don't trust me?"
"I do trust you."
"Are you giving a half-hearted response again?"
Yoo-Jin put her hands to her forehead and slightly bowed from her waist, reminiscent of a character in a historical drama. "I sincerely believe in you, oppa! Please believe in my sincerity!"
I couldn't help but laugh at her dramatic gesture.
'I'll let it pass this time, seeing her earnest performance.'
***
As we headed to the audition room, I noticed a 30m by 30m audition stage set up with a camera for filming on one side. Staff members were positioned nearby to manage the scene.
"Miss Park Jin-Hee? Miss Jung Yoo-Jin?"
Park Jin-Hee and Yoo-Jin, who were sitting and waiting to be called, stood up and bowed their heads.
Jo Eung-Gu, the head of Blue Dragon, mumbled to himself with a satisfied look. "They both look better in person."
On the sides of Jo Eung-Gu sat Production Chief Cha Soo-Yeon, PD Kang Soo-Hoon, and Writer Kim Soll-Ip.
However, the last person sitting in the judges' seats was a real big shot—he was Jung Sam-Ryong, CP from SBC Broadcasting.
'Why would someone of his rank be here at this event?'
In the past five years, Jung Sam-Ryong had achieved over 20% viewership ratings for three consecutive dramas, positioning him as the top producer coveted by scouts from cable networks.
He was a star CP acknowledged by everyone. But he turned down lucrative scouting offers to stay in public broadcasting with the intention of eyeing the next director position at SBC's drama department.
In other words, having Jung Sam-Ryong at the audition for a supporting role in an outsourced drama was like having the Minister of Education attend an elementary school entrance ceremony.
"The drama time slot was suddenly decided, so we had to rush the auditions. I hope Miss Park Jin-Hee and Miss Jung Yoo-Jin will understand," explained Cha Soo-Yeon.
Park Jin-Hee responded with a light smile and waved her hands.
However, the exchange of glances between Cha Soo-Yeon and Park Jin-Hee seemed suspicious. Looking at Cha Soo-Yeon and Jo Eung-Gu whispering to each other, I quickly noticed that they were pushing for Park Jin-Hee.
Kim Soll-Ip was mouthing 'I didn't know either' toward my direction.
'It makes sense. She would have contacted me earlier if she had known this.'
I responded to her with a 'It's okay.' After all, it wasn't Kim Soll-Ip's fault that the production company changed their mind.
If the writer had a strong reputation like Lee Ji-Yeon, the production company wouldn't even consider replacing an actress that the writer had recommended. But such a situation was quite common for rookie writers.
Still, I had no intention of being brushed aside so easily.
"Now, the role of Kim Twilight was one that Ms. Kim put a lot of effort into. Both of you have memorized the script, right?"
Park Jin-Hee replied cheerfully to Cha Soo-Yeon's question. "Yes, Ms. Cha!"
"Miss Jin-Hee, it's very nice to see you full of energy."
Park Jin-Hee promptly stood up and bowed to the panel of judges. "Thank you."
Her ability to find the right timing for smiling and bowing was impeccable. Having debuted as a child actress and survived 17 years in this industry, she was undoubtedly a veteran.
"Shall we start the audition then? How about we start with Miss Jin-Hee first?"
Yoo-Jin nodded and responded. "Of course. Please go ahead, sunbae-nim."
Park Jin-Hee stepped onto the audition stage without hesitation.
"Okay. Shall we start with scene 12?"
The audition began with Kang Soo-Hoon's cue.
***
In scene 12 of Blue Sky, Kim Twilight, having returned from school, immediately threw off her school uniform and changed into her part-time worker uniform at Sky Pork Ribs.
As this was the first scene where Kim Twilight's character was introduced to the viewers, it was crucial to capture the lively spirit of a high school girl.
『I'm home~!』
Park Jin-Hee started her performance with a loud voice, striding across the stage and pretending to open the doors of the restaurant. The faces of the judges lit up at her vibrant expression and actions. Her acting skills, honed since her days as a child actress, were impressive, and her enunciation was also commendable.
Park Jin-Hee's next act flowed naturally as she entered through the door.
The more I watched, the more impressive her performance became. Like many child actresses, Park Jin-Hee had gone through a long slump after becoming an adult. But now, there was no awkwardness in her energetic portrayal of a waitress cleaning the tables, with rolled-up sleeves, after diners had finished eating.
'Wait. I'm sure she had never worked a part-time job since she was always busy as a child actress.'
As I shifted my gaze with a bad hunch, I noticed Cha Soo-Yeon sticking close to Jung Sam-Ryong in the judges' area, hyping up Park Jin-Hee's excellent performance.
At that moment, a thought crossed my mind.
'The audition scene was leaked.'
That was the only explanation for this situation.
'So everything's been decided already…this isn't right.'
As Park Jin-Hee's performance continued, the reactions from the judges' panel grew more enthusiastic.
"She's good, isn't she?"
"Yes, you can really see the acting skills honed from her child actress days."
"Does she actually have experience as a part-time worker? Her acting is so natural."
"Wasn't she born filthy rich?"
Since I was not too far away from the panel of judges, I could hear them talk even though they spoke in low voices.