The day after our last performance ended…
Kim Sang-cheol invited my parents and me to the artistic director’s office.
I sat on the couch next to Mom and Dad, swinging my legs. After a short wait, the door opened, and we finally saw the person we’d been waiting for: the head of Bi-Sang-Cheol-tto 777, Director Kim Sang-cheol.
“Siwoo, you like this, right?”
“Mm! Thank you!”
He offered me some chamomile tea, which I quickly slid in front of me. I’d nearly missed my daily tea time because of his invitation, so I was happy to see I wouldn’t have to skip it after all.
“Hmph.”
While I enjoyed the fragrant aroma of chamomile, Mom and Dad took their coffees, cheerfully chatting with Kim Sang-cheol.
“I really enjoyed your play. Thank you for arranging tickets for us…”
“Oh, it was nothing! Thanks to Siwoo, this production was even more successful. I feel bad that all I can offer in return are some tickets, haha!”
He waved his hand dismissively and let out a hearty laugh. He went on to say there were many fans who came specifically to see me. I smiled contentedly and nodded. It was a relief that even our director knew how popular I was.
“Thank you for looking after our Siwoo so well. I was worried I’d get in the way, so I had his uncle bring him, but… did he help at all?”
“Oh, of course. Siwoo’s actually helped us a great deal—he showed up to rehearsals eager to learn.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Dad let out a sigh of relief, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Dad, if you must know, I was the one who helped Uncle.
I couldn’t exactly say that, though, so I just sighed inwardly.
“Also, every time Siwoo comes back from the theater, he won’t stop singing about how nice everyone here is,” Mom said.
“Really? Siwoo, do you like the people here?”
“Mm! I like Director-nim, Sunwoo hyung, I-seop ajusshi, and all the noona actresses!”
“That’s good.”
At my answer, Kim Sang-cheol smiled warmly and nodded.
That’s what you call social skills.
I also returned a big, bright smile and slurped my chamomile tea. The aroma was especially nice today.
“So… the show’s over. May I ask why you wanted to see us? Is there something you’d like to discuss?”
“Ah, yes. I wanted to finalize Siwoo’s pay and also talk about a few other things, which is why I asked you to come.”
“Alright.”
“As I mentioned when you first joined us, our theater pays new actors fifty thousand won per performance. But since this run turned out so well thanks to our Siwoo, we included a little bonus, too.”
With that, Kim Sang-cheol handed an envelope to Mom and Dad.
“We’re well aware that our actors’ pay is pretty low. But, as you know, our entire industry is… well, in some other theaters, the rate is only half of what we pay. I’d love to give our actors more, but we also have to avoid creating problems for other theaters by setting a precedent. It may sound like an excuse, so I’m sorry.”
Even as he handed over the money, he lowered his head apologetically.
“Oh, no, don’t worry about it. We agreed on this from the start,” Mom replied, waving her hands.
“Besides, I’m not totally clueless about how this line of work operates, so I understand completely.”
“…Thank you so much for saying that.”
While he repeatedly apologized, I was doing some quick math in my head.
At fifty thousand won per performance…
I appeared in a total of twelve shows, so that’s 600,000 won.
I’ve gotten used to Korean currency by mentally comparing everything to the price of fried chicken, so that’s basically enough to buy 60 chickens.
It’s not a particularly big sum, but on the other hand, it also reflects that my role in the play was relatively small, so I could accept it.
I did wonder, though, how big the bonus might be.
I leaned slightly closer to Dad, who had taken the envelope, but then Kim Sang-cheol spoke again.
“Ahem. Our theater would like to keep taking care of Siwoo going forward. What do you think?”
“Pardon?”
Mom and Dad both looked startled at his sudden proposal.
Interesting.
I’m more curious about that than the money.
I straightened up and brightened my eyes.
I’d been wondering what I should do if I wanted to keep sticking around here…
But now the chance is presenting itself on a silver platter!
“Haha, I feel embarrassed saying this myself, but our troupe is often cited as one of the top places aspiring actors want to join in Daehak-ro these days. I’m pretty proud of it, so… what do you think?”
He looked embarrassed, but he sure said it clearly.
One of the most coveted troupes, he says.
I never imagined this weirdly named troupe could be that big of a deal.
I glanced around the director’s office again.
From the looks of it, you’d never guess, but if I think about how skilled Kang Yong-hwi and the other actors are—and how many people come to see our shows—it does make some sense.
It seems like a decent place for a five-year-old like me to settle.
I secretly clenched a fist.
Alright, no matter what, I’m staying here.
“Sounds good!”
“Siwoo?”
Mom and Dad were hesitating, so I answered for them.
I was lucky enough to be onstage this time, but I was worrying about how I’d keep acting afterward. This was perfect.
I can use Kim Sang-cheol’s offer to convince Mom and Dad!
Then they’ll feel reassured!
And I can continue acting!
It’s flawless.
“Haha, thanks, Siwoo. And Mom and Dad, don’t feel pressured—just think it over. When I say we’ll take care of him, I don’t mean any kind of exclusive contract. I only mean that Siwoo can come by whenever he wants to rehearse, read other scripts, and build up experience and opportunities.”
“Oh… I see. It’s true, Siwoo can’t really practice freely at home,” Mom replied, tilting her head thoughtfully.
Good, she doesn’t seem to mind.
“Yes, exactly. I heard Siwoo was interested in trying out new scripts, so I was thinking he could come here to gain experience while waiting for other opportunities to appear. Of course, it’s not a rule that he can only appear on this troupe’s stage. Given how young Siwoo is, we have to be flexible if another opportunity comes along.”
“So it’s not an exclusive contract. But this isn’t an entertainment agency, is it? Is it alright for a theater troupe to take in our Siwoo that way?” Mom asked, sounding curious.
An entertainment agency?
I guess that’s something else I need to ask Uncle about.
I tucked the thought away for later and glanced at Kim Sang-cheol.
Please, dear director, persuade her well.
When he heard Mom’s question, he let out a soft “ha” of surprise.
“You know quite a bit about this industry, ma’am,” he said.
“Oh, not too much… I did some reporting a while back about idol contracts, so I know a little.”
“I see. I do understand your concerns. I’ve spent years in show business, and I’ve seen a lot of young actors treated badly right in front of my eyes.”
He looked faintly bitter as he took a small sip of his tea and continued.
“That’s precisely why I’m making this offer. Because I don’t ever want such a valuable talent—like Siwoo—to go through those experiences. I’ve seen far too many promising talents snuffed out before they could shine, and that’s also why I started and continue to run this theater.”
At those words, Mom fell silent, just nodding slowly. This time, Dad took over.
“I see. Yes, you were quite a famous actor yourself, Director. I’ve watched many of the films you starred in.”
“Ah, is that so? I’m honored.”
“So, from your perspective, you truly believe our Siwoo has real talent?”
Dad asked, his voice tinged with worry. In response, Kim Sang-cheol gave a deep, satisfied grin and nodded firmly.
“I can say with absolute confidence, sir. Siwoo is a born genius. I was blown away, and so was Kang Yong-hwi, who directed the show. Honestly, while my intentions are genuine, I’ll admit I’m also being a bit selfish. I want to watch Siwoo grow in the right direction with my own two eyes.”
“You really… think that highly of our son?”
“Yes. I’d stake my 30-year acting career on it.”
Great job!
I silently pumped both fists in celebration. I practically applauded his speech in my mind.
And it seemed to work: Dad, who had been on the fence, started to look more convinced.
“Oh, and besides me, there’s also someone else who wants to meet Siwoo.”
“Mm?”
What’s this now?
“Who is that?”
“Another director?”
Mom and Dad both seemed curious, watching him closely.
But Kim Sang-cheol just glanced at me with a mysterious smile.
“That’s still a secret.”
“Boo…”
I was curious, but seeing the director’s expression, it was obvious he wasn’t going to tell us yet. I’m sure he’ll introduce me eventually.
In any case, he’s saying I can keep coming here to rehearse. But the show just ended, so I heard we’d be on a rehearsal break for a few days.
That’s no good…
I racked my brains and remembered something I’d heard while chatting with Kang Yong-hwi and Kim Sunwoo. They mentioned there was a way to watch other plays recorded on video.
“Director!”
“Huh? What is it, Siwoo?”
“Since I’ll be coming here every day, can you give me that?”
“That? What do you mean?”
“Video!”
I almost slipped into my adult pronunciation there, but I managed to stop myself. I remembered how, back when I told Uncle to quit drinking so much coffee, the actors freaked out over my English pronunciation.
“Video? Ah, you mean the recorded footage of plays! Sure, I can give you that.”
“Wow!”
Overjoyed, I clapped my hands eagerly. That was my best possible reaction.
All three adults laughed at my excitement.
This way, I can make up for missing a few days of rehearsal.
“You just finished a show, but you’re already working hard for the next one. I’m glad to have someone like you under my care, haha.”
He seemed pleased with my enthusiasm. All that remained now was getting my parents’ approval.
I gazed at Mom with bright, hopeful eyes. When she met my stare, she offered a small smile, then turned back to Director Kim.
“Alright, Director, we’ll trust you. Siwoo’s uncle is always saying there’s nobody else like you in the business.”
“Haha, is that so? Well, I’ll have to buy your uncle another meal someday.”
Finally, Mom gave a clear sign of agreement. Nice job, Uncle! For the first time in a while, you’ve really come through. I’ll have to reward him by giving his back a good stomp when we get home.
“We’ll be counting on you to look after our Siwoo.”
“Yes, please take good care of him.”
They both stood and bowed.
“I’ll do my very best for him.”
Kim Sang-cheol immediately stood and bowed in return.
As the main character in all this, I couldn’t just sit by idly.
“Thank you! Dee-rector!”
I chimed in with the brightest voice I’d ever used.
So, it was decided that I would remain at Bi-Sang-Cheol-tto 777. Director Kim gave me a big stack of videos, and I brought them home.
Apparently, he has an official recording of countless plays from the past few years— not just works performed by Bi-Sang-Cheol-tto 777, but other large and small productions as well.
It’s a shame I can’t see these shows in person, but even watching them on video is turning out to be great practice.
Still…
“Haa… he really is handsome.”
For some reason, Mom is watching the TV more intently than I am at the moment. The object of her rapt attention is the lead actor in the play we’re watching.
His name is Moon Hee-seong.
He’s quite the handsome actor, with chiseled features and a sharp jawline—almost European-looking.
In my eyes, Mom and Dad are already pretty good-looking. I never realized it at home, but now that I go to the theater and see so many people on the streets, I’ve started to notice things like that.
Even so, it looks like Mom thinks Moon Hee-seong is on another level.
Well… he is good-looking.
But I’m more interested in his acting than his face.
The play in this particular video, which is about ten years old, is Romeo and Juliet.
So I haven’t escaped Shakespeare in this life either, huh?
I’d figured Shakespeare was a legend back in my day, but even after four centuries, his name still resonates.
And here in Korea, on the other side of the world, no less.
Truly impressive.
If only I’d been able to chat more with him while he was alive…
I let myself drift into sentimental thoughts for a moment, then forced my focus back to the screen.
Onstage, Moon Hee-seong—playing Romeo—was meeting Juliet for the first time.
Something about his face was naggingly familiar.
Then I realized I’d seen him plenty of times on modern TV.
He’s the male lead in a drama I watch, and I’ve also seen him in a number of films.
“Mom.”
“Huh…?”
Mom, who was basically swooning over Moon Hee-seong’s face, snapped out of it when I tapped her arm.
“Mom, how old is he?”
“Huh? Oh, Moon Hee-seong? He’s pushing fifty now, I think. Actually… oh my, he’s in his late forties, Siwoo.”
Then that means he was, at best, in his mid-thirties in this video.
Even taking into account that Koreans often look younger than their age, he doesn’t seem older than his early thirties here.
Yet he already had such incredible skill.
Come to think of it…
I mulled it over.
Right now, one of the top actors in Korea, who just so happens to be playing Romeo— and whose acting I personally admire—makes me think of just one person:
Richard Burbage.
He was my senior colleague back in the Oscar Troupe (in my previous life) and starred in the very first play I ever saw, Hamlet.
He was considered London’s finest actor, once gaining fame for his portrayal of Romeo as well. That’s why I trusted and followed him.
It’s fascinating.
I never imagined I’d see someone who shares Richard’s near-bizarre level of talent and aura.
“Hmm.”
Watching Moon Hee-seong extend his arm in a display of rapturous devotion, I thought:
I’d like to meet him in person someday.
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