Godsent Top Star [EN]: Chapter 30

030. First Acting (2)

November 30, 2021

The acting began, punctuated by tentative applause. But within moments, writer Min and director Heo were completely captivated by the dynamic performance between Yeon-woo and Kwon Seong-hyeon. Despite the bare setting, they seemed to perceive the luxurious interior of a high-rise building behind the actors. “I knew it when I saw the video, and I was right. This is really something,” director Heo murmured, his eyes glued to the pair. “His presence is incredible. If he has that, he’s guaranteed success in this industry.” Presence. It’s an essential quality for celebrities, the quality that makes them stars. It’s not something that can be manufactured. “What did I tell you? I knew it when I saw the video! I didn’t push for that camera test for nothing.” “Our writer Min has an amazing eye. How can he hold his own against Kwon Seong-hyeon? It’s truly amazing.” The unapproachable aura that ordinary people sense around a star can be attributed to this ‘presence.’ Physical attractiveness – good proportions, a handsome or pretty face – isn’t as crucial as presence. Skills like acting can be developed, but a unique aura is innate. The entertainment industry is overflowing with beautiful people, but only a select few become true ‘stars’ because presence is something you’re born with.

“I really have a knack for spotting talent. Wow. I don’t think Seong-hyeon had such an intense presence when he debuted.” “He’s visually stunning, too. They look incredible together.” Kwon Seong-hyeon is at the top of his game. His appearance is like a sculpture crafted by the gods. Even actors, singers, and idols considered handsome pale in comparison to Kwon Seong-hyeon. But.

“He’s delicately handsome, but he also has a unique aura, placing him in a completely different category.” “How’s his acting? I think it’s great.” “Great? It’s absolutely insane!” Writer Min was diligently absorbing Yeon-woo’s performance. The character she had painstakingly created was alive and breathing before her. A cold, rational, and aloof grim reaper. The grim reaper’s adherence to principles was clear. But the flashes of cold, fiery emotion made the character even more compelling. “Totally insane, insane. Oh my god.” She could only exclaim. The grim reaper she had envisioned was exactly like this. The key was that this unwavering being would reveal emotions gradually. Yeon-woo’s portrayal was hitting all the right notes. From his very first appearance, he subtly hinted at the grim reaper’s future transformation. “헐…… [Korean slang for ‘wow’]”

“와, 씨…… [Korean slang expressing awe or disbelief, stronger than ‘wow’]”

“장난 아니네…… [Korean slang for ‘this is no joke,’ meaning ‘this is amazing’]”

The scene wasn’t long. But before they realized it, the staff members had gathered to watch the two actors. They were drawn in, even while working. “How can he deliver every line perfectly? So many people stumble even in a short scene like that.” “His delivery is so skillful. I heard he’s never acted before. How is that possible?” An emotionless recitation of lines can easily sound awkward, monotonous, and artificial. But Yeon-woo’s lines were completely natural. “That’s exactly how a grim reaper should be. That Deokchun bastard ruined such a charismatic character…….” The staff members, mesmerized by Yeon-woo’s acting, felt goosebumps rise during the final scene. -You will surely pay the price for that. The way he coldly delivered his seething anger, word by word, to Kim Tae-hoon, who had interfered with him, sent shivers down everyone’s spines. The intensity varied, but everyone was captivated. “Cut!” Only the director’s loud voice broke the spell. “That’s amazing…….” Someone muttered, voicing everyone’s thoughts.

*** “……?” Quiet silence. Yeon-woo, having finished acting, turned his head, surprised. ‘What? Why are there so many people here?’ Dozens of pairs of eyes were staring at him in the dimly lit space. Everyone was silent. “Looks like they came to watch us rehearse. Judging by their reaction, it must have been good?” Kwon Seong-hyeon, having transformed from a third-generation chaebol [conglomerate heir] Kim Tae-hyeon back into a friendly figure, smiled gently. “Yeon-woo ssi! Yeon-woo ssi!” Writer Min broke the silence. She rushed over and grabbed Yeon-woo’s hands. “Yeon-woo ssi. Where have you been hiding? 응 [Korean interjection, like ‘huh’ or ‘right’]?” “Yes?” “Let’s sign a contract right now. There’s nothing more to see. Yeon-woo ssi is perfect. No one else can play the grim reaper except Yeon-woo ssi.” “No, wait a minute…….” “I’m going to significantly increase the grim reaper’s role. It’s difficult to have two top male leads, so I’ll make it a significant supporting role, so Yeon-woo ssi won’t be disappointed. I’ll make sure you get plenty of screen time.” “No, excuse me.” Disappointed? What on earth? Writer Min’s reaction was over the top. “We have to sign a contract. Okay? The grim reaper is Yeon-woo ssi’s. Yeon-woo ssi is perfect!” The staff members, standing behind the excited writer Min, chimed in. “Oh, I got goosebumps.” “I’m so glad we got rid of that Deokchun bastard.” “At this rate, will the viewership rating be 20 percent?” “20 percent? The acting skills of the three main characters are insane. It’ll be more than 20 percent.” Listening to them, Yeon-woo thought, ‘No, this isn’t right?’ Memorizing the script? That was nothing. The important thing was acting. Writer Min and Kwon Seong-hyeon had encouraged him to test, but Yeon-woo had secretly thought his acting wouldn’t impress them. ‘I’ll just do it a little better than Lee Deokchun.’ He had acted convincingly to deceive the ghosts, but it was natural to assume he couldn’t act as someone else. But. ‘Something’s strange?’ The stage directions that indicated actions between the lines began to bother him slightly. [Grim Reaper: (Frowning)…….] [Grim Reaper: (Smiling coldly)] [Grim Reaper: ……(Gets angry) You will surely pay the price for that.] They were brief action guidelines. How much to frown. How deeply to smile. How to express anger. It wasn’t specified. It was up to the actor to decide. ‘Smile very faintly, barely visible.’ ‘Eyebrows only twitch slightly.’ ‘It’s not appropriate to burst into anger here, so don’t raise your voice or make big movements…….’ It was a natural flow. No one taught him, but he understood the stage directions perfectly. It was just a brief explanation, but it was different for Yeon-woo. He naturally knew how to express it specifically. ‘……I didn’t know it would come back like this.’ Look at those expectant eyes. “Are you going to sign a contract? 응? Sign a contract. Our grim reaper, I’ll treat you well. Don’t worry about the appearance fee!” Even writer Min called Yeon-woo the grim reaper. For some reason, Yeon-woo seemed to understand why. ‘Is it because of