Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 52

The Change is Rapid (1)

* * *

Human lives change.

From walking on four legs to two, from relying solely on strong legs to riding expensive foreign cars.

Sometimes a month’s change is greater than the changes of twenty years.

Like Park Geon now.

“Oppa, you’re Park Geon, right!”

He was caught just as he slipped out at dawn. When Park Geon, wearing a hat, stopped, a fan who looked like a high school student ran up and grabbed his chest, starstruck.

“Wow, how… I heard that Oppa [term of endearment used by younger women to address older brothers or male figures] lives in our neighborhood, but I never thought I’d run into you on my way to morning self-study. I feel like my heart is going to explode.”

“Thank you for recognizing me. I’ll work harder.”

“Can I have a picture…”

“Of course. Oh, and please keep where you saw me a secret.”

“Of course! I’m very perceptive!”

Now, even with a hat, he can’t even go to the neighborhood convenience store in broad daylight. No matter how much he disguises himself, he is often recognized because of his uncommon physique and eyes.

So he orders delivery, or if he really needs to go out, he goes out in the car his mother bought him.

There is a saying that the measure of popularity is money and work. Although it includes re-watches, one-tenth of the nation has seen his starring movie, so his work is overflowing.

Interviews, advertisements, collaborations, and appearance offers from companies are pouring in every day.

‘Wow, I’m glad I got an agency without being late. I would have been in big trouble if I was alone.’

Park Seon seems to be quite exhausted, so he comes in completely worn out.

Other ‘Black Exorcist’ members are already active in various media.

[#RadioMagazine] ╂BlackExorcist╂ Collection of moments from the exorcism team members on Radio Magazine.zip #KimRyul #LeeJangmi #JangSeonghwa

Highlight films of Kim Ryul’s team appearing on an MBS talk show were uploaded to the group chat room, and the room was noisy for a while.

The main character himself refused all entertainment show offers. The hero of a chaotic world has no need to rush.

‘You thought well. Going on entertainment shows, talking about your family, your unknown days, and your military service, it’s all forced for promotion. Does Actor Park like talking about himself?’

‘No, not really.’

‘Then just do the work. The more you do that, the more each word you say later will become a hot topic.’

Instead, there is plenty to do in terms of advertising. Gong, the public relations team leader, put his head together with Park Seon and picked out the two best-looking advertisements.

‘One is luxury goods, the other is electronics. Both are exclusive and for two years each. The unit price is also set at A-class or higher, and the brand image matches Actor Park well, so I picked them out.’

Advertisements poured in even after ‘The Dog of Seoul’ ended, but it was nothing compared to now. The staff is suffering from the flood of inquiries.

‘I don’t know why so many are coming in. It’s just one movie that hit it big.’

Team Leader Gong looked at the two brothers alternately with adoring eyes.

‘How difficult is it to hit that one movie in a row? Besides, Actor Park, do you know how many viewers there are now?’

‘I don’t know because I haven’t looked it up separately.’

The public relations team always checks the numbers. Team Leader Gong held up six fingers.

‘Six million in today’s market is crazy. Besides, they have a small production cost.’

It’s a whopping 6.15 million.

The Black Exorcist’s rise, which had been pushing upwards with unstoppable momentum, began to slow down only after reaching 6 million cumulative viewers.

Thanks to the fact that even Christmas and New Year’s, which were the most worrying, sold 300,000 tickets a day, they were able to defend well.

The production costs were recovered a long time ago, but everyone cheered and celebrated each time the first digit changed.

My friends’ reactions are also intense.

Seo Seung-ah: [Link to the Grand Bell Awards article]

Seo Seung-ah: [Link to the ‘Black Exorcist’ YouTube shorts]

Seo Seung-ah: [Link to the JNBC Drama Awards article]

Bae Young-ho: [Hey, a little]

Seo Seung-ah: [Wow, Bae Young-ho ㅡㅡ Your friend won an award, and you don’t congratulate him, just ‘Hey, a little’???]

Bae Young-ho: [God Ji-yu link too]

Bae Young-ho: [Post it together; why are you biased towards your agency’s actors]

Park Geon: [Thank you, everyone.]

Bae Young-ho: [Geon, do you have any pictures? A direct shot from the side or a picture without you]

Bae Young-ho: [I want to use it as my background, but it’s a bit creepy to have a picture of my friend on it]

Seo Seung-ah: [You’re crazy]

Park Geon’s Instagram was also a mess. He surpassed 800,000 followers and got a blue check mark proving he was a celebrity. Because DMs and alarms were constantly increasing, a public relations team employee other than Park Seon was managing the account.

You can feel the popularity from the personal contacts you receive. A guy who was a childhood friend from daycare, a guy who asked if he remembered lending him 50,000 won [approximately $40 USD], a guy who ate bread together in the next platoon at the training center…

Park Seon cut off all the nonsense with his meticulous work.

“Ah, thank you. If you need anything else, please send a certified copy to the company. We will contact you again after checking, yes.”

My parents were also smiling. Han Young-joo said she was full even if she didn’t eat, and uploaded pictures of her sons taken by fans to the family group chat room.

Recently, Gong’s team leader strongly recommended uploading the two brothers’ suits at the awards ceremony, and she seemed to like it.

“Where are you going today?”

“Ah, to the company. I have a schedule with Seon.”

Today’s destination is not the 7th floor public relations office, but the 14th floor CEO’s office. It’s CEO Noh Jung-man’s call for the first time in a while.

“He’s probably going to give you something. You hit home runs in a row, so wouldn’t there be praise and even a bonus?”

Unlike his excited younger brother, Geon had a few simulations in mind before going.

In case he subtly brings up contract extension.

In case he asks about contract renewal openly.

In case he puts subtle pressure on the next work.

All three are not very pleasant assumptions.

Greed sometimes changes people. Geon had a favorable impression of Noh Jung-man, but human aspects and business are separate.

‘I hope he continues to be a good person.’

It wasn’t long ago that he went back to the past with a set point, more than hundreds of times. It’s annoying to move agencies and adapt even in reality.

‘Or I can’t help it.’

*

The top two people from Roman were in the CEO’s office. CEO Noh Jung-man and Director Lee Sang-cheol, who were drinking tea, greeted the brothers happily.

“It’s been a while for both of you.”

“It’s been less time for me than for the CEO, right? I saw you at Director Kim’s studio back then.”

“Yes. Thank you last time.”

Director Lee Sang-cheol winked playfully.

“Now you’re the company’s signboard, so that’s the least I can do. The CEO worked harder than me.”

“What hard work, I just said a few words in front of the reporters.”

“Thanks to you, the company was noisy. You have to go out like this once in a while.”

Fortunately, the two did not mention the contract at all.

Light words of congratulations and small talk came and went, and the topic flowed to talk about new works.

“Is there any work you want to film separately?”

The director supported CEO Noh’s question.

“Whatever it is, just say it. If there’s a work, we’ll make a place for you, and if there’s no work, we’ll bring a writer and have them write it for you.”

“Thank you for your kind words. The work we’ve been watching is…”

This side’s breathing is also top-notch. When Park Seon started with a grateful expression, Geon skillfully took over.

“Not right now. I’m going to rest a little and slowly look at the scenarios and choose.”

CEO Noh nodded.

“Then, the actor has to do what he wants. That’s the contract in the first place.”

“Oh, there’s one thing I wanted to ask.”

“What?”

“Which company do the paparazzi who broke the Lee Jang-mi article this time belong to?”

“Paparazzi, you mean…”

“It was quite malicious to find a topic. It felt like they had been targeting this side for a long time.”

“Hmm.”

The director, who was showing a worried look, looked at CEO Noh.

“The CEO should tell you this. Isn’t it a story you’ll know sooner or later anyway?”

“Same thought.”

CEO Noh Jung-man, who agreed, pointed to the desk in the CEO’s office.

“Do both of you know how many entertainment agencies there are?”

You need to understand the structure of any kingdom or force to see the board. Geon nodded.

“Besides Roman, DG and Joinus, and C&J, which recently entered the industry, are the leading large agencies.”

“That’s right. In this industry, everything from broadcasting stations to movies, time slots, and role assignments is all about power games. I think I told Park Geon about it once.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“It’s common for someone with connections, someone with more power, to push out the weak. Things really get dirty when similar classes fight.”

The director who was listening added an explanation.

“That’s why all kinds of negatives are rampant. It’s easier to put our actors in if we get rid of the rivals.”

“We can win even if we face them head-on, but do we have to cut down the opponent?”

CEO Noh Jung-man’s eyes changed eerily, as if recalling someone.

“When I first set foot here… I thought so back then. After a few years, my mind changed.”

Park Seon swallowed dry saliva from his throat. Words containing faint contempt followed.

“Those who survive here are monsters in human skin. If they can go higher and step on others, they’ll do anything. If it weren’t for the law, they would have committed robbery or even murder.”

It’s a scene I’ve often seen in the Iron Kingdom.

How many times have I seen deserters who murdered their comrades to survive, and residents who branded their neighbors as witches and burned them at the stake because they were possessed by demons?

If demons threaten humans, humans wipe out their own race. Even more so in a world where survival is precarious.

“There’s no one who isn’t dirty when you shake them, but these guys are especially good at it.”

The director pushed the tablet PC in front of him towards them.

“DG Entertainment, CEO Byun Dong-geun and New Talent Development Director Cha In-hyeok. They’re probably the ones who instigated the Lee Jang-mi case this time.”

The screen showed a weasel-like face and a handsome man wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

At first glance, he looks so handsome that you might think he’s an actor, but even in the picture, his eyes are unusual.

‘He has eyes that have harmed people.’

CEO Noh Jung-man continued.

“I’ve had a few conflicts with DG. Actor Gu and Actor Baek, I picked them from there.”

“Hey, you didn’t pick them, you saved them. You recognized the promising sprouts.”

“The director is joking, but anyway, that’s why CEO Byun Dong-geun hates me. He was always looking for an opportunity to bring me down, but… at some point, he brought in someone even worse than himself.”

“Are you talking about Cha In-hyeok?”

“Yes. I heard he was a negative expert in charge of dirty work in the strategic planning department of a large company. He has a good eye and his skills are not ordinary. He cunningly and aggressively digs into weaknesses without ever violating the law.”

Silence flowed in the CEO’s office. After a while, CEO Noh Jung-man laughed softly and eased the atmosphere.

“I’m sorry to both of you. I brought you to our company and splashed mud on you.”

“No! I’m okay!”

Park Seon quickly waved his hand, and Geon also shook his head.

“It’s better to have a visible enemy. Those guys would have attacked wherever they went.”

“Thank you for your kind words. We’re always securing ways to respond, so don’t worry too much.”

If CEO Noh is heavy and sarcastic, this side is cheerful and friendly. Director Lee Seong-cheol, who laughed like a rascal, closed the tablet.

“And those blockheads, they must have been frustrated because they were blocked again this time. I should send them a wreath for the next launch.”

As soon as Lee Jang-mi’s article broke, Roman’s public relations team contacted Park Seon to inform him of the preparation of a response article and asked him to control the scene.

If there had been no mention, they would have taken a different approach… As a result, Roman’s response was the most appropriate.

“Thank you for your concern.”

“It’s not like this is the first or second time this has happened, you can’t falter with one jab between pros.”

CEO Noh also nodded.

“The agency is there to protect its affiliated celebrities. Contact us if anything happens.”

The congratulatory conversation continued a little longer. When they got up from the sofa in the CEO’s office, the director called.

“Oh, where is your home now?”

“It’s Sangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu. I live with my family.”

“If it’s okay, I’ll find you an officetel [a combined office and residential space] near the company, in Gangnam or Sangam. You can live together, and it’ll be easier to move around if you leave your parents’ house.”

I was going to look into it anyway. Maybe it’s because I’ve lived in a foreign country for a long time, but I like spending time with my family, but I’m basically more comfortable alone.

Geon bowed his head briefly.

“Thank you for your concern.”

“What power do I have to care? It’s all the CEO’s instructions.”

CEO Noh Jung-man, who was putting on the suit he had taken off, replied indifferently.

“You have to treat them well when you can. You never know when the time of eating from the same pot will end.”

“I don’t like freeloaders either.”

At the answer, CEO Noh’s eyebrows, which hadn’t moved until now, moved. Geon also said a word to the director, who was listening with a tempting expression.

“I used to wander around for a long time, so it’s annoying to adapt to a new place again.”

.

.

.

“Hyung [older brother], I told you? I thought there would be a bonus!”

“I know. You were right.”

Park Seon, who came out of the CEO’s office and clapped his hands, suddenly became quiet.

“Why? Are you worried about your mother?”

“No… I’m just scared of this world. Those people were the ones who investigated and tried to harm Actress Jang-mi.”

“Most likely. Whoever it was, they would have tried to attack this side.”

“Ugh, it’s creepy. I really hate that…”

It won’t be easy now. Geon thought and looked down at his wrist, which had returned to its original thickness.

Byun Dong-geun and Cha In-hyeok, I remembered their faces. Looking back, even before enlisting, I didn’t run away from situations where I had to step up when someone asked for help.

What about now that I’ve experienced being a hero?

There’s no reason to avoid a fight that’s been started.

Mercy is just arrogance to evil people. If you show leniency, they prepare for revenge, and if you remain unresponsive, they bring a bigger knife and stab you in the back.

‘Exercise violence thoroughly. I can’t kill them, but I can give them a similar experience.’

Oh Gwi-joon, who assaulted his younger brother, peed his pants. If the enemies don’t stop… they will pay an even greater price.

“Don’t worry, there won’t be any dangerous things.”

“I hope so… Ah, don’t bring up Actress Jang-mi’s story when you go to the interview today. Those guys might be watching.”

“Interview?”

Park Seon, who was wary of his surroundings as if there were surveillance cameras, tilted his head.

“Yeah. The Fog exclusive interview, we scheduled it for this afternoon. It was postponed because of the movie.”

“Ah, there.”

Come to think of it, today is the day of the magazine interview. I remembered the editor who was overjoyed when I contacted her through my younger brother the day before yesterday.

“It looks like it’ll be fun. It’s my first time interviewing.”

“Right? Hyung is a top star now, a top star. You have to take a pictorial!”

“…Don’t say things like that anywhere.”

*