“Can we talk for a moment?”
Ham Dongho approached Han Seongtae, who had just returned from the restroom, and spoke to him.
“Yes, I can.”
Han Seongtae immediately nodded at his request for some time.
‘Minseok said it would take a little while to finish too.’
He was waiting for Kim Minseok, who was talking separately with Yeon Jaehoon, so he had plenty of time to spare.
“I saw Haru. Your acting was incredibly impressive.”
“I’m glad you liked it. Minseok and I worked really hard to show our best.”
“Yes, I could definitely tell you worked hard. It was really good.”
Han Seongtae smiled at Ham Dongho’s praise.
He felt quite pleased, perhaps because he was receiving praise for a film he’d made with his friend.
“Sure, Director Kim Minseok’s direction and editing were good too… but I found the actor’s performance stood out the most.”
“My acting?”
“Yes. It was immersive, I suppose. It’s been so long since I’ve seen acting like that. I wanted to talk about it.”
At those words, Han Seongtae turned his head to look at Ham Dongho’s face.
A face utterly sincere, without a trace of falsehood.
[‘The One Who Defined an Era’ is pleased, saying it wasn’t for nothing that he chose the professor.]
[‘The One with a Thousand Faces’ says Ham Dongho’s assessment is only natural.]
[‘The Founder of Jeet Kune Do’ says considering all your efforts, it’s certainly not an empty compliment.]
The acting gods were reacting with satisfaction, acknowledging Ham Dongho’s words as proof they could see clearly.
Seeing that message and Ham Dongho’s expression, Han Seongtae smiled.
“So, I have one thing I want to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I want to know who an actor learned acting from.”
Han Seongtae couldn’t help but pause at Ham Dongho’s next words.
“I’ve seen other works you’ve acted in. And each time, I felt that the techniques an actor displays when performing are outdated.”
“Ah…”
Acting methods used over ten years ago.
Ham Dongho was curious about why Han Seongtae used techniques that had evolved and changed over time, techniques no longer in use.
‘So that’s why he asked who I learned from.’
Though he understood Ham Dongho’s intent, Han Seongtae couldn’t answer right away.
Because he had no teacher.
No, even if he had, it was hard to speak of them.
[‘The One With a Thousand Faces’ quietly peeks out, listening to your conversation.]
[‘The Founder of Jeet Kune Do’ stares intently, waiting for your answer.]
How could he possibly explain?
That actors who once dominated an era, gods of acting, were now with him.
“These days, even if you want to do that, it inevitably feels awkward. But that actor did it so naturally. That’s why I was curious who you studied under.”
“That’s…”
Faced with Ham Dongho’s expectant gaze, Han Seongtae could only offer an awkward smile.
‘I feel like this has happened before.’
After a moment’s hesitation, Han Seongtae glanced at the gods’ messages and spoke.
“I taught myself.”
“You mean self-taught?”
“Yes, self-taught.”
Han Seongtae answered thus, observing the gods’ reactions.
[‘The One Who Lives and Dies by Speed’ looks downcast and fidgets with their fingers.]
[‘The Actor of Eternal Youth’ stares at you and opens their mouth.]
Seeing their seemingly disappointed reactions, Han Seongtae smiled and immediately continued.
“I studied by watching the performances of those I admire. That’s probably why you feel that way.”
[‘The One Who Defined an Era’ beams a bright smile, saying he believed in you.]
[‘The One with a Thousand Faces’ tilts his chin on his hand, twitching the corners of his mouth.]
[‘The Founder of Jeet Kune Do’ spreads his wings wide, saying he never doubted you.]
Han Seongtae laughed at the sight of the gods flipping their reactions like turning a palm with a single word.
Ham Dongho looked slightly startled by his words.
“You really taught yourself?”
“Yes. Honestly, my circumstances made it hard to attend an academy. So I practiced by watching videos on platforms like YouTube.”
“I see… That’s… a real answer. Practicing alone like that couldn’t have been easy.“
If it had been easy, I’d be lying.
Had he lived out his past life exactly as it was, Han Seongtae would have had a very high probability of dying as an actor unknown to anyone.
Almost 99.9%.
But now, after returning and meeting the gods of acting, it’s different.
His life changed, and his acting changed.
“Even if it’s not easy, I enjoy it.”
He was finding joy in watching his acting grow, bit by bit.
“…I see.”
Ham Dongho’s expression froze momentarily upon seeing Han Seongtae’s smile, then returned to normal.
“That’s cool.”
Han Seongtae, unaware of Ham Dongho’s expression, just smiled and nodded at his words.
“Mr. Actor. If you ever have a reason to visit our school next time, come find me. I’ll at least buy you a cup of tea.“
“Yes, I will.”
Han Seongtae smiled and nodded.
‘I was actually wondering how students at other schools practice.’
He didn’t know when it would happen, but it seemed like it would be a good opportunity.
The meeting with Yeon Jaehoon ended.
Jung Dusik, who had driven Han Seongtae and Kim Minseok home, immediately returned to the company.
“Dusik, let’s go to the conference room.”
At Min Najeong’s words, Jung Dusik nodded and immediately started walking.
The conference room, where only the two of them entered.
In the silence, Min Najeong spoke first.
“How did the meeting go?”
At her question, Jung Dusik picked up the bottled water beside him and took a sip.
He hadn’t had time to drink water since he’d moved immediately after the meeting ended.
“Director Yeon Jaehoon proposed making Haru into a series. Naturally, we agreed.”
“Yes.”
“If it gets produced, Director Yeon Jaehoon will direct, and Director Kim Minseok will likely join as an assistant director.”
Jung Dusik calmly recounted what had transpired during his meeting with Yeon Jaehoon.
What had happened and what discussions had taken place.
“The lead actors will remain the same.”
“If they remain the same, does that mean actor Han Seongtae and Harin?”
“Yes, those two are fixed. They said they’ll cast additional actors beyond that.”
Min Najeong showed a moment of hesitation at his words.
Within the industry, Yeon Jaehoon was a director with a certain level of recognition.
Good directing skills and good editing skills.
People in the industry were watching him closely, especially since he even had connections.
“And we’ve scheduled a meeting with Netflix.”
“Ah…”
Above all, the biggest reason Yeon Jaehoon was famous was his connection to Netflix.
Netflix-affiliated director, Yeon Jaehoon.
He was someone with significant influence even within Netflix.
“We’ll need to confirm the details during the meeting, but judging by the atmosphere, the probability of working with Netflix is quite high.”
“That high?”
“Yes, since Director Yeon Jaehoon himself arranged the meeting. It would be stranger if it were impossible.”
Netflix, which had cornered most of the overseas market.
Partnering with them could be seen as securing a foothold for overseas expansion.
After all, it meant any work distributed by Netflix could be shown to its members worldwide.
“With Netflix, the number of domestic users is also substantial. If done right, it could skyrocket overnight.”
“Yes. With Seongtae’s acting, it would be strange if he didn’t become famous.”
Considering the acting Han Seongtae has done so far, it would be strange if he didn’t become famous.
There was only one reason Han Seongtae hadn’t become famous until now.
He hadn’t had the opportunity to show his acting.
If he partners with Netflix.
‘Just imagining it is incredible.’
Just imagining what Han Seongtae would show us going forward gave me goosebumps.
“Mr. Dusik, your role will become much more important from now on. Please take good care of actor Han Seongtae.”
“Yes.”
“The actors you’re currently handling… there are quite a few, huh. Hmm… If he signs with Netflix, you’ll have to focus all your attention there. I’ll handle that part.“
“Yes, thank you.“
”Don’t thank me. It’s only natural. Instead, you must keep a tight grip on actor Han Seongtae. If he needs anything, report it immediately.”
Jung Dusik nodded at Min Najeong’s words and let out a laugh.
Seeing everyone recognize Han Seongtae, whom he had brought in, made him feel good all over.
“I need to have a meeting with the CEO.”
Listening to Min Najeong’s muttering voice, Jung Dusik tapped his smartphone lightly.
‘Things are going to get pretty busy from now on.’
A faint smile lingered on his lips as he imagined the future.
Flip, flip.
The sound of pages turning reached his ears.
Han Seongtae sat in the office, reading his script.
“Seongtae, doesn’t he look even more handsome?”
“Exactly. Look how focused he is. Even I, a guy, think he’s incredibly sexy.”
“Hey. Do you know where he got that outfit? I want to buy something like that too.”
Amidst the rustling of pages, the kids’ chatter could also be heard.
[‘The One Who Defined an Era’ curled the corners of his mouth, acknowledging their taste wasn’t bad.]
[‘The One with a Thousand Faces’ suggested they find another place, saying this wasn’t an environment conducive to concentration.]
Ignoring the children’s voices and the gods’ messages, Han Seongtae focused on his script.
How much time had passed like that?
Tap, tap.
Turning his head at the sensation of someone tapping his shoulder, Han Seongtae found Ahn Jaewoo sitting beside him.
“Doesn’t your eyes hurt? Take a break.”
“I’m fine. What’s up?”
“Nothing major. The first-years are doing a musical, right? I’m trying to help out. Got time?”
“Hmm. I’d have to see how things are. I’m not sure right now.“
He didn’t know when filming would be scheduled.
His schedule could change depending on filming, so he couldn’t give a definite answer.
“Yeah. I figured. I’m not saying you have to make time. Just come by sometime when you can. The kids would love it if you came. They’d be like, ‘A celebrity came!’”
“Celebrity? Whatever. Got it. I’ll stop by when I have time.”
“Alright. I’ll let you know the date and time once it’s set. Check your schedule and let me know.”
“Got it.”
He answered, but Han Seongtae knew he wouldn’t have many chances to participate in rehearsals.
He had to film Baeknyeoncho and attend meetings for Haru.
If he signed for Haru too, things would get really hectic.
‘A first-year musical, huh…’
As Han Seongtae looked over the script, he suddenly thought of someone.
Would that person be on stage too?
“Jaewoo. How are the first-year members shaping up?”
Han Seongtae gave a strange smile at Ahn Jaewoo’s reply.
This year’s first-year musical seemed worth looking forward to.
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