Chapter 6

Next Stage Media Headquarters, 7th Floor – Audition Room

A young man in his early twenties sat alone on a chair placed in the center of the stage.

His shoulders were stiff and slightly hunched, as if something heavy was weighing him down.

As he slowly turned his head, the faces of the judges seated below the stage passed through his vision one by one.

A faint, uneven breath escaped from his slightly parted lips.

When he placed the script he was holding onto the floor, Director Kang So-hee, sitting at the far right, spoke in a cold tone.

“Let’s do Scene 8 on the first page again.”

Even her voice sounded indifferent and dry.

She absentmindedly played with the script in her hand, her face showing boredom and disappointment.

Without lifting her eyes from the script, she glanced toward the stage.

The wrinkles on her forehead deepened as her cold expression seemed almost icy.

The script reader waiting off to the side began reading the other character’s lines.

“Did you tell anyone else about that besides Director Kim?”

At that moment, the young man’s eyes shook.

He shook his head and answered.

“N-No… It’s not exactly… good news, so… I wouldn’t go around… t-telling everyone…”

His words became tangled.

Then he stopped completely.

His lips trembled as he struggled to remember the next line.

Soon his face turned red.

He awkwardly stood up and clasped his hands together toward the female director as if begging.

Even bits of saliva sprayed from his mouth as he spoke desperately.

“I-I’m sorry! I really worked hard for this! I’m not lying, I memorized all my lines! But wow… this is crazy. My mind suddenly went blank and I forgot everything. Please, just once! Just one more chance! Can I look at the script and try again?”

“No. That’s enough.”

Director Kang So-hee waved her hand coldly.

She didn’t even look at him.

“You’ve shown us enough. We’ll notify you of the results by email later. You may leave now.”

“…!”

The young man stared at her for a moment.

Then he bit his lower lip.

His audition was over.

There was nothing he could do to change it now.

“…Thank you. Then I’ll hope for good news.”

Unable to hide his disappointment, he rubbed his face repeatedly.

After bowing once more, he walked offstage.

Regret was written all over his eyes.

Watching him disappear backstage, the drama writer sighed deeply and shook her head.

“Haa… I guess expecting active idols to be good at acting too is asking too much. Their singing and dancing are excellent, but why is their acting always like this?”

The executive producer folded his arms and shook his head.

“Even so, how hard was that script? It was only four pages. If he can’t even memorize that, what is he doing here? This is an acting audition.”

Casting director Lee Min-young immediately replied.

“That’s because you don’t understand how idols live, PD Kim. They’re incredibly busy. They have to learn choreography, take vocal lessons, travel around the country performing on stages until dawn. Those kids work really hard. They look glamorous on the outside, but most of them barely have time to sleep. They say they nap in the car while traveling.”

“Oh, so that’s why they do things like that?”

The executive producer snorted.

“Wasn’t there a news article last week about some member of Eleven Meteors getting drunk in Gangnam, picking fights with regular people, and even getting into a fistfight? Didn’t he get sued?”

Lee Min-young smiled awkwardly.

“Of course there are people like that, but they’re a tiny minority. Most idols work harder than people imagine.”

The music director, who had been reviewing documents, joined the conversation.

“The last applicant is still waiting, but at this point, isn’t the lead role already decided?”

“…What?”

The writer frowned.

“I keep hearing industry people say it. They call it ‘Of course the lead is Shin Yeon-ho.’ Honestly, it doesn’t seem completely wrong. He’s tall, handsome, has good stage presence, and a huge fandom. Every other applicant today couldn’t even memorize their lines. What do they have to compete with? At least Shin Yeon-ho looked like he had memorized most of his script, even though he got parts wrong.”

“But he didn’t sing today.”

“And his acting was like an elementary school student reading a textbook.”

“That’s true, but let’s be honest. Once the show goes on Netflix, do foreign viewers really know whether the lead actor is acting well or just reading lines? His vocal skills are already proven. That’s why he was exempted. His poor condition has just lasted longer than expected.”

Lee Min-young chuckled.

“A lot of foreigners speak Korean these days.”

“Only everyday conversation. Do you think they’ll understand the subtle nuances of a script? The important things are visuals and stage performance.”

The music director sounded as if the decision had already been made.

The executive producer nodded in agreement.

Only Director Kang So-hee still looked uneasy.

“I also think Shin Yeon-ho is the best among them. But something keeps bothering me. He refuses to sing live no matter what. They keep blaming his condition. Even his agency says they’ll record the songs separately later and send us the files. Honestly, I keep getting this strange feeling. Sometimes I even wonder… what if someone else is actually singing for him?”

The writer’s eyes widened.

“Come on, Director. That’s going too far.”

“Wow. That sounds like the plot of a novel. But in real life?”

Despite their reactions, Director Kang kept her arms folded.

“No. Something like that happened before. Remember the duo Milli Vanilli? They reached No. 1 on Billboard and even won a Grammy with songs sung by other people. When it was exposed, everything exploded. Because of them, Grammy winners were later required to perform live.”

The music director laughed.

“Haha, but this isn’t that era anymore. Who would do something so reckless?”

“You’re probably right.”

“Exactly. He’s probably just one of those perfectionist artists who refuses to sing unless the stage or studio setup is perfect. There are geniuses like that, obsessed with every little detail.”

“Well… that does sound like the most reasonable explanation.”

Just then, a staff member approached from the rear entrance and leaned toward Director Kang.

“The last applicant is ready.”

“Okay. Send him in.”

“Yes.”

After the staff member left, the music director looked down at the applicant list and smiled.

“Wow. Finally, here he comes. The only actor among all the applicants.”

“I heard he submitted his application right before the deadline. I don’t know where he got the confidence to apply for an idol drama. Singing and dancing are the main focus here.”

Out of more than a hundred applicants, most had already been eliminated during preliminary screening.

Only ten had reached the final round.

And nine of them were members of top-tier idol groups.

Being cast in this project was an opportunity to become part of a global phenomenon.

The worldwide popularity of K-POP Demon Slayers was still going strong.

When news of this new project was announced, international fans became even more excited.

If someone landed the lead role in this drama, it could instantly make them famous around the world.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If the show became a huge hit, it could launch a superstar.

Even if it only performed moderately well, nobody would lose anything.

On top of that, the project was directed by Kang So-hee, who had won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, and had Netflix’s full support.

It was practically a guaranteed success.

Naturally, every major idol agency wanted a piece of it.

That was why it was surprising enough that an actor had managed to reach the second round against all those idols.

“This guy’s face alone is incredible. How can someone look like that?”

The writer couldn’t help admiring his application photo.

“I know, right? His visuals are unreal.”

Casting director Lee Min-young smiled.

“But looks aren’t everything. When I first watched his self-tape, I was shocked. His singing and dancing are excellent too. And acting? That’s literally his profession.”

“Hah.”

The music director scoffed.

“Why?”

Lee Min-young looked at him.

He smiled.

“You don’t know Han Seo-jun?”

“The king of bad acting. A complete legend.”

He immediately imitated one of Seo-jun’s famous scenes.

With an exaggerated expression, he recited the line:

“Yeonha~ I can’t live without yooou~!”

Laughter spread through the room.

That scene had long ago become a meme.

It was endlessly mocked through clips, shorts, and online communities.

Of course Lee Min-young knew all about it.

She had laughed at those videos herself.

Even so, the Han Seo-jun she saw in the self-tape was a completely different person.

His acting was flawless.

His vocals were shockingly good.

His dancing was precise and complex.

And on top of all that, he was overwhelmingly handsome.

Wasn’t that enough reason to give him another chance and see him perform in person?

Talent could improve through effort.

Some people experienced breakthroughs that completely changed their level overnight.

Whether in entertainment or sports, unexpected stars always appeared.

And people loved surprises.

If a dark horse emerged from what seemed like a predictable audition?

That would create even more buzz.

At that moment, a man stepped out from behind the curtain.

He walked confidently to the center of the stage and bowed.

“Hello. I’m applicant Han Seo-jun.”

When he lifted his head and smiled at the judges—

“…Oh my God.”

The writer let out a quiet gasp.

She had never fully trusted appearances on television.

Actors were filmed under heavy makeup and editing.

But Han Seo-jun standing before them was different.

He had even arrived wearing a pure white outfit that looked perfect for the center position of an idol group.

“Hmm.”

Director Kang cleared her throat lightly.

“Did you prepare that outfit specifically for today?”

“Yes. The main character, Han Woo-hyun, performs on stage wearing a white military-style uniform many times.”

At his calm answer, Director Kang examined him again.

The white uniform perfectly highlighted his balanced physique.

Golden chains draped over his shoulders.

The detailed buttons matched the costume described in the original novel.

He looked like he belonged in a photoshoot.

As she nodded slightly, something suddenly caught her attention.

She looked down at the audition script.

Then back up at him.

“We never included information about the main character wearing a white uniform during performances. Where did you get that information?”

The writer immediately added:

“Did you read the original web novel?”

“Yes.”

“How much did you read?”

“I read everything through the end of Part 2. Including the final concert scene.”

“…!”

The judges’ expressions changed instantly.

Unlike the skeptical music director, the writer and Lee Min-young smiled noticeably.

It might sound simple.

But the novel was longer than eight printed volumes.

Reading the entire thing was not a small commitment.

Not one of the previous nine idols had read it.

Even though they all knew the drama was based on a web novel.

“You prepared quite seriously.”

Director Kang tried to sound casual.

But her tone showed genuine interest for the first time.

At first she had only planned to give him a quick look because he had passed the first round.

Now things were different.

“Good. Let’s start with acting. Singing and dancing afterward.”

“Yes.”

“Then start from Scene 14 on page two.”

At her instruction, the script reader began reading the other character’s lines.

Han Seo-jun sat calmly in the chair, crossing one leg over the other.

“You bastard! Even when criticizing someone, there are lines you shouldn’t cross!”

As soon as the line was spoken, a cold smile appeared on Seo-jun’s lips.

Without taking his eyes off the judges, he slowly stood up.

As if picking up a jacket hanging on a chair, he casually reached into empty air.

“I completely agree with what you just said. There are lines that shouldn’t be crossed when attacking another person.”

His tone was restrained.

He wasn’t provoking anyone.

Yet his emotions were clearly visible.

“That’s why I’ve always lived my life without crossing those lines.”

Then his eyes sharpened.

Even with his calm voice, every word carried weight.

“But if anyone crosses that line…”

His gaze turned fierce.

“I’ll chase them to the very end. I’ll bite into their heels with sharp teeth and bark until they collapse.”

The corner of his mouth lifted.

And in that instant, a spark seemed to flash from his eyes.

Goosebumps spread across Director Kang’s arms.

“If I were Han Woo-hyun…”

His voice remained calm and low.

Yet his determination was unmistakable.

“I’d make sure they never forget me.”

The audition room fell silent.

The charisma radiating from him made it difficult even to breathe.

“Haa…”

The writer and Lee Min-young unconsciously gasped.

Even the music director looked stunned.

“…Let’s see one more.”

Without taking his eyes off Seo-jun, the executive producer spoke.

“Let’s do another scene.”

Director Kang nodded.

She flipped through the script and stopped at a page.

“Okay. Scene 17 from Part 2.”

The script reader immediately began.

“Hey. I know the son I gave birth to. You’re definitely not my son.”

A bright smile appeared on Han Seo-jun’s face.

“Mom, I am your son. Just look at me. I clearly take after you.”

He responded playfully.

Then he tilted his head slightly toward the judges.

A teasing smile formed on his lips.

“You’re the Queen of Greed who’d even sell her own son for money.”

“And I’m the crafty prince who always slips away while laughing at you.”

He smiled casually.

“We’re obviously mother and son.”

Director Kang swallowed hard.

The “King of Bad Acting” she knew from television was nowhere to be seen.

His pronunciation was flawless.

His diction was precise.

His expressions and emotions were completely immersed in the scene.

Everything flowed naturally without interruption.

If he could create performances like this so effortlessly, he was unquestionably a professional actor.

Not just a professional.

He felt like a veteran with years of experience.

As his performance continued, the executive producer clicked his tongue in amazement.

“Wow… At this point, there’s really nothing more to say.”

The music director, still stunned, muttered:

“We still haven’t seen his singing or dancing.”

“Then let’s see them.”

The writer spoke eagerly.

She looked completely captivated.

“Hurry up. I can’t wait to see how good he really is.”

Director Kang felt the same way.

She raised her hand toward the stage.

“Let’s move on to the assigned song. Tell us when you’re ready and we’ll play the accompaniment.”

The staff quickly removed the chair from the stage.

Now Han Seo-jun stood alone in the center.

He raised his head and smiled.

“I’m ready.”