An Actor Who Has Lived For 10,000 Years [EN]: Chapter 342

342. Episode #62 – Influence (2)

With the release of ‘Karma,’ the internet and social media buzzed with discussions about the movie and Jin Heesung.

The excitement surrounding ‘Karma’ was palpable, captivating moviegoers across Korea and even beyond, reaching international Hollywood fans.

“Hello, which movie would you like to see?” a movie theater employee asked, offering a bright smile.

The couple at the front of the line immediately responded, “‘Karma,’ of course. Two tickets for the earliest showtime.”

The employee’s smile faltered. “I’m so sorry, but all showings of ‘Karma’ are completely sold out today. Would you like me to check availability for tomorrow, or perhaps suggest another film?”

The man’s eyes widened. “Sold out?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I thought I saw seats available online just a few hours ago…”

“‘Karma’ has been incredibly popular since its release. All tickets for today are gone.”

“Ah…”

Several customers behind them murmured in surprise.

“Crazy… already sold out?”

“No way, ‘Karma’ is playing every hour. And every showing is sold out?”

“Wow… we almost missed it if we hadn’t booked online!”

“Is it really that good?”

“Damn it, now I really want to see ‘Karma’! Let’s book tickets for tomorrow and come back.”

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Across movie theaters in Seoul, and indeed throughout the entire country, ‘Karma’ was selling out daily.

The film industry couldn’t ignore this phenomenon.

The internet and online communities were flooded with posts praising ‘Karma’ and Jin Heesung’s performance.

-How does Jin Heesung’s acting keep improving?

-Jin Heesung’s full potential has finally been unleashed in this role.

└Jin Heesung is always a great actor.

└I know, but he’s on another level this time.

└It’s like he reinvents his acting with every new project.

-Wow… I’ve watched it multiple times, and I keep noticing new things.

└Yeah, me too. I’m picking up on subtle nuances in Jin Heesung’s performance that I missed the first time.

└I’m going to watch it again after reading these comments.

-How did director Fabian manage to bring our *hyung* [older brother or respected male figure] from Korea? It was a stroke of genius.

-Jin Heesung is absolutely killing it! Song Yoona should pay more taxes! [A humorous expression implying someone is so talented they should contribute more to society].

└LOL. Song Yoona should pay more taxes, humanly speaking.

-Knock ’em dead in Hollywood, Jin Heesung!

-It’s a Hollywood movie, but I feel a sense of national pride seeing Jin Heesung on the screen.

└Me too, lol. Honestly, Callie and Robert are great, but Heesung *hyung* completely stole the show.

└Exactly! It’s not that the Korean actor was overshadowed; Jin Heesung dominated the entire film.

-Jin Heesung must have killed someone to get those eyes.

└I think I’d be terrified just looking into Jin Heesung’s eyes now….

While Jin Heesung already had a large female fanbase, this movie seemed to be attracting more male fans as well.

Moreover, international fans were also expressing their admiration for Jin Heesung.

-Heesung is on a god-like level.

-Mr. Jin♡

-Jin Heesung’s acting brings tears to my eyes.

-I’m definitely going to see Jin Heesung’s musical.

-I went to see ‘Karma’ because I’m a fan of Callie, but now I’m a Jin Heesung fan.

-Are all Korean actors this good?

└Korea is known for its dramas, probably because they have so many talented actors.

└Korean actors are generally good, but Jin Heesung seems exceptional.

Korea and Hollywood were swept up in the Jin Heesung craze.

WOM Entertainment seized the opportunity to promote his musical.

Jin Heesung’s face was plastered on electronic billboards in the Seoul subway, on skyscrapers, and even on the massive screen in Times Square, New York.

-The movie ‘Karma’ starring Jin Heesung is now playing!

-Don’t miss the musical ‘Karma’!

***

“Hello!”

The office door burst open, and Jang Hanmin, the team leader of IBH Investment, strode in.

“Oh, hello! Team Leader Jang,” CEO Kim said, rushing forward to greet him. The two men shook hands.

“It’s been a while, CEO Kim Jihoon.”

“Indeed. How have you been?”

“Oh, I’m doing wonderfully. I’m having very happy days, thanks to you, CEO Kim.”

CEO Kim beamed. “How is that because of me? It’s all thanks to our Heesung.”

“Haha, that’s right.”

“You must be tired from traveling so far. Please, come this way.”

The office was vastly different from when Jin Heesung and he had first established the company. They walked past numerous employees toward the CEO’s office.

Soon, a cup of tea was placed before Jang Hanmin.

“Team Leader Jang, please have some.”

“Yes, thank you.”

CEO Kim took a sip of his tea and began, “IBH Investment has earned its reputation for a reason.”

Jang Hanmin, understanding the implication, chuckled. “Of course. We invest in sure things.”

Team Leader Jang seemed to be lost in thought, reminiscing about the past. “I believe… I first met actor Jin Heesung at the script reading. I’ll never forget the moment Heesung recited his lines.”

CEO Kim smiled contentedly. “I have a lot of experience, but even though I’ve attended countless script readings, that was the first time I got goosebumps and felt a genuine thrill.”

“I’m glad you recognized Heesung’s potential.”

“Any investment firm would have jumped at the chance to invest in Heesung. He was that impressive.”

CEO Kim nodded, smiling, as Team Leader Jang clicked his tongue and continued, “Now he’s a world-renowned actor, and this film is a massive box office success.”

CEO Kim pointed at Team Leader Jang. “Our Heesung hit the jackpot, and I made a lot of money. Team Leader Jang, IBH Investment also profited handsomely. It’s a win-win situation.”

“Haha, that’s right. It’s a happy outcome for everyone, thanks to Heesung.”

CEO Kim gazed at Jin Heesung’s photo hanging in his office and nodded. “Our Heesung is a lucky charm in my life.”

“I see. I heard you and Heesung have known each other for a long time.”

“That’s right. We’ve been together since our days at WG Entertainment.”

He recalled every moment he had shared with Jin Heesung, from their first meeting to the present, and his affection for the actor deepened.

***

“Heesung, what are you doing this weekend?” Robert asked, approaching me during a break in rehearsal.

I smiled, thinking about my plans. “Um… I have plans.”

“What? What kind of plans are making you smile like that?”

“It’s a secret.”

Robert narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Callie joined the conversation. “What are you two whispering about without me?”

“Callie, I was going to suggest the three of us go to a movie this weekend, but Heesung already has plans.”

“Really?”

I shrugged. “I do.”

“You don’t have any other friends in New York,” Robert teased.

I chuckled. “I have friends in New York, too.”

“Oh, aren’t we the only ones?”

They playfully surrounded me.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. “Callie and Robert, even if it weren’t you two, I have someone to meet. You two should hang out this weekend.”

“Hey, who are you meeting? I’ll let you off the hook if it’s your girlfriend,” Robert said, grabbing my arm. I shook him off and declared, “That’s right. I’m meeting my girlfriend.”

Callie and Robert fell silent, cleared their throats, and patted me on the shoulder. “Good for you.”

“Is Heesung’s girlfriend an actress? Is she coming to New York this weekend?”

I smiled, thinking of Song Yoona. “Yeah, she has two days off after a long time, so she decided to visit me in New York.”

“That’s great!” Callie showed me a photo on her phone. “Heesung, you’re incredibly popular in New York right now. If you go to Times Square with your girlfriend, it’ll be chaotic, right?”

“Do you think people will recognize me?”

“Of course! You’re the most famous Asian actor right now.”

Robert said dejectedly, “I was hoping to see ‘Karma’ with Heesung, but I guess I’ll have to go next week.”

“How many times are you planning to see ‘Karma’ in the theater, Robert?” I asked.

He smiled. “I love watching the movies I’m in with an audience.”

“Robert is so full of himself,” Callie joked.

Robert put his hand on Callie’s shoulder. “Callie, shall we go see a movie together this weekend?”

“Oh, no. Please, let’s not see each other this weekend. We see each other too much already.”

“Our movie is a hit! We have to witness the audience’s reactions firsthand!”

Callie and Robert continued their playful banter, but I left them to focus on rehearsal.

***

*Pop!*

The lights came on in the darkened movie theater.

Song Yoona and I quickly put on our hats and lowered our heads.

Song Yoona leaned in and whispered, “*Oppa* [term used by a female to address an older brother or boyfriend], the people next to us were talking about you the entire movie.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. They were saying Jin Heesung’s acting was amazing and gave them goosebumps.”

I barely suppressed a smile.

Song Yoona glanced at me and muttered, “Well… you were good.”

Like Robert, this wasn’t my first time watching ‘Karma’ in the theater. I enjoyed watching my movies with the audience.

It wasn’t out of vanity, but because it allowed me to observe the audience’s reactions in real-time.

I could see myself more objectively on the big screen, noting which scenes elicited cheers and how my acting appeared to the viewers.

Watching it for the third time today, I was struck by my own performance.

…Did I really act like that?

The realization that it turned out even better than I had anticipated made me feel incredibly proud.

Of course, the filming process had been incredibly immersive, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment at the unexpectedly powerful result.

As the audience began to leave the theater, Song Yoona and I finally rose from our seats when the end credits finished rolling.

Walking out of the theater together, I raised my eyebrows at Song Yoona’s intense gaze.

“Yoona, what is it?”

She stared at me intently. “I’m wondering if you’re the same Jin Heesung I used to know.”

I tilted my head. “What do you mean?”

“*Oppa*, do you remember that time?” Song Yoona seemed to be reminiscing, a slight frown on her face. “When we first met, you said you were cast in a minor role!”

“Ah… I remember.”

The drama I had first appeared in as a minor character. The role was so small it barely qualified as a minor one.

At the time, I had struggled to deliver even a single line. I suffered from camera shyness and ruined takes repeatedly with just one line.

The lead actress at the time was the popular Song Yoona.

“Can you believe you were that awkward, camera-shy actor back then?”

“Haha, you can’t compare me to that person anymore.”

“That’s right. Your acting is truly incredible now. It’s so amazing.”

Song Yoona’s eyes were filled with awe.

“I respect you not just as my boyfriend, but as an actor.”

“Wow… I’m honored to hear that from you, Yoona.”

At my words, Song Yoona stepped closer, stared at me, and said, “I only saw you throughout the movie.”

“Also as an actor?”