In This Life, I Will Die As An Actress, Not As A Villainess [EN]: Chapter 100

A month later.

I managed to erase the tan marks on my skin just in time for the Marden Film Festival schedule and completed the schedule without any issues.

It’s my first time putting in this much effort to wear a dress.

On the plane back to Incheon, I checked the news articles.

[, Exceptionally Invited, Receives 3-Minute Standing Ovation at Marden Film Festival]

[Han Saena’s Advances to the Marden Film Festival!]

[Han Saena, Recognized Worldwide!]

[, with Steadily Increasing Audience Numbers for 7 Weeks, Achieves New Record!]

I felt relieved after reading the articles.

Of course, there were still some opinions expressing regret about my choice, but the overall public sentiment had changed a lot.

Despite not being a blockbuster, left a unique mark in film history.

Thanks to this, was scheduled for another commemorative screening at art cinemas nationwide.

Next, I typed ‘Be Actors’ into the internet search bar.

An article introducing the judges appeared.

The names of two senior actors in their 50s, who were serving as judges, caught my eye.

Park Seokjin, Kim Heeju.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that they had been part of the lineage of Korean dramas [meaning they were foundational figures in the industry].

I had briefly worked with Senior Park Seokjin in the same drama in my past life.

His acting tone and impression were all very strong.

It feels new and good to see the younger version of the senior.

Below them, young actors leading the trend were positioned as judges and mentors.

For mentors who would directly interact with aspiring actors at the forefront, Hwang Yuseon, Ha Seongjun, and idol-turned-actor Park Eungi joined.

When I think of Hwang Yuseon, she has such a lovely and bubbly feel…

It felt like she would balance well with me, who has been focusing on serious works.

Ha Seongjun and Park Eungi are still pushing their youthful images.

Honestly, I was also curious about the young senses and diverse personalities of the aspiring actors.

I bit my lip anxiously and pondered.

I looked up at the airplane ceiling, which had become familiar.

Okay, let’s do it.

The path I could have easily taken had already ended with the flats [referring to a past incident where she chose a more challenging path].

If I’m really going to live a new life.

I opened the chat window with Minyoung unnie [older sister or close female friend].

-Unnie, I’m going to appear on ‘Be Actors’.

* * *

The very next day, MTV Broadcasting Station.

A meeting with PD [Production Director] Lee Sangman, who planned ‘Be Actors’.

PD Lee Sangman called me separately after I expressed my intention to join as a mentor.

However, the first thing the PD said caught me off guard.

“We need a mentor without shadows like Saena.”

I stared at the PD, doubting my ears for a moment.

The PD continued without concern.

“Someone who has only written the history of success. A young, energetic, and unstoppable character. We already have mentors who will comfort the mentees by recalling their unknown days, or who will impart a clear image-making.”

Park Eungi and Hwang Yuseon flashed through my mind in order.

“What we want from Saena is an actress who has run without rest and succeeded.”

I sighed inwardly as I watched the PD rattle off without hesitation.

It wasn’t a strange thing.

It was just that the person in charge of the important task of making the program a success was expressing his expectations for the mentor.

The problem was that it was judging based only on the ‘outer image’.

However, it could be that most people in Korea who know me might think of me this way.

Hiding my true feelings, I smiled brightly as I looked at the PD.

“Yes, I will do my best.”

The moment I answered brightly, I had a thought.

Perhaps the mission of this work…

It might be about colliding with another frame created by the path I’ve walked in my new life.

Or I might have to live up to the expectations that others would naturally have of ‘Han Saena…’

I felt a little uneasy when I thought this far.

* * *

The audition preliminaries started quickly.

A week later, I headed to the preliminary audition venue as the last judge to join.

The preliminary audition was held in a small room in a friendly atmosphere.

When I opened the door and entered, Ha Seongjun, who had arrived earlier, greeted me.

“Hello. Nice to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you too.”

I smiled and greeted him.

I felt familiar with Ha Seongjun from the many times I had seen and heard about him in my past life, even though it was our first meeting.

His actual personality was also very affable.

“I heard you came straight from the film festival? You must be tired. Would you like some coffee?”

“Ah, thank you.”

“I heard a lot about you from Yuseok. He said you take good care of him.”

“Oh, no, I don’t.”

Park Eungi and Hwang Yuseon, who were sitting next to me, also got up and shook my hand.

There was still an awkward atmosphere flowing between the four of us, including me.

Park Eungi seemed a little shy, unlike when he was an idol who promoted intense choreography and a sexy concept.

And most surprising of all was Hwang Yuseon.

The ever-cute appearance that overflowed on TV was nowhere to be found, and she had a serious and composed impression.

After greeting me, Hwang Yuseon immediately sat down and seriously reviewed the audition participants’ profiles.

I thought her personality would show in her acting, but I was wrong.

As soon as we greeted each other and sat down, the audition room door opened and the senior actors appeared.

Senior actors Park Seokjin and Kim Heeju.

All four of us juniors, including me, stood up and bowed.

“Hello, seniors!”

“Nice to meet you all. Let’s work well together!”

“Everyone, sit down, sit down. They say we have to see over fifty people today, so let’s conserve our energy.”

The senior actors smiled and dissuaded the juniors from being too formal.

As the senior actors said, I had come prepared.

I even ate two red ginseng sticks in the morning for the judging.

It wouldn’t be easy to judge each one.

At that time, a staff member opened the door and shouted.

“Let’s start the audition!”

* * *

“Yes, my name is not Yang Jangpi [a spicy Korean-Chinese dish], but Yang Janghee!! I’m thirty-four years old. What are you going to do?!”

The audition began in earnest.

Participants of various ages opened the audition room door and performed.

The preliminary round was planned to be inserted into the first broadcast as a VCR.

The focus would be on the participants rather than the judges.

So, I was focusing all my attention on judging the participants rather than building my character [creating a specific persona for the show].

“I’m Yang Janghee!! I’m fat and ugly! …Ah, I’m sorry. I’ll try again.”

“It’s okay, keep going.”

Senior Kim Heeju encouraged the participant with a patient expression.

Perhaps because it was the preliminary round, many friends who had not been verified for their skills participated, so there were many performances that seemed to be learned as an introductory step or as a hobby.

Senior Park Seokjin’s always honest and straightforward expression rapidly hardened.

My shoulders were also getting stiff.

Giving serious reviews to people who didn’t have the basics was more difficult than I thought.

I glanced at the senior actors and tried to put strength in my eyes.

No matter how much energy it takes, the preliminary round is a place where various rough diamonds will be discovered.

I also had expectations that I might meet a talent like Kkotbyeol.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll give you a failing grade.”

“Next, participant number 34, please come in.”

While I was touching my shoulder, the next participant opened the door and entered.

“Hello, I’m participant number 34, Do Changhyun.”

“Oh.”

The moment I saw the participant’s face, I made a sound without realizing it.

Ha Seongjun looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“Do you know him?”

I quickly shook my head, regaining my senses at the question.

He wasn’t someone I was close to, but he was someone I knew very well.

I couldn’t not know him, Do Changhyun…

In my past life, Do Changhyun rose to the ranks of top stars and spread his popularity to Asia, but disappeared due to drugs.

He went to jail for being a drug offender, not just a first-time offender, but a third-time offender.

How many celebrities were linked to him, starting with that friend…

I looked into Do Changhyun’s eyes, who was touching his hands as if he was a little nervous.

The young and clear eyes of Do Changhyun, who was dreaming, made me feel uneasy.

“Please start.”

Senior Park Seokjin said in an indifferent voice.

Do Changhyun started acting in a clear voice.

“I can’t buy you expensive bags, but I can buy you your favorite alleyway sundae [Korean street food] and tteokbokki [spicy rice cakes] every day! And eel once a week!”

Smiles bloomed in the audition room for the first time at Do Changhyun’s sense of bringing a line from a recent romantic comedy drama.

Do Changhyun’s nervous expression further maximized the moment of confessing to the woman he loved.

Even his diction, voice, and gestures were good.

“I may not know women’s hearts like you said, but you’re the woman I know best in the world.”

Do Changhyun’s expression became more and more serious.

I sighed inwardly as I watched him.

Because he was good.

Throughout the performance, I felt like the two words ‘drugs’ were spinning around in my head.

Judging only by his acting skills, he was the best of the participants so far.

A smile appeared on Senior Park Seokjin’s face for the first time.

At that time, Do Changhyun boldly extended his finger to Senior Kim Heeju.

“I’m going to…”.

Senior Kim Heeju looked at Do Changhyun in surprise.

“From now on, you’re my woman.”

“Oh my, oh my.”

“Eek! What is it!”

“He came with a plan.”

Senior Kim Heeju, who was covering her face with documents and laughing, and the judges and staff all burst into laughter.

He even knows how to liven up the atmosphere…

He’s even smart.

I sat uncomfortably with a forced smile on my face.

Hwang Yuseon, the self-proclaimed romantic comedy queen, said with a smile.

“You’re good. I think you know how to go for a home run in one shot [meaning he knows how to make a big impact].”

Senior Kim Heeju, who was smiling shyly, also nodded.

“He has a good sense. It’ll be fun to coach him.”

“Oh, oh, aren’t you liking him too much, senior?”

Ha Seongjin teased Senior Kim Heeju and joked around.

Do Changhyun looked around at the bright atmosphere, relaxed his tension, and smiled slightly.

Senior Park Seokjin still seemed to be a little worried, but he nodded silently, as if there was nothing to point out.

I knew in advance what Senior Park Seokjin’s expression looked like when he was 100% satisfied because I had worked with him briefly in my past life.

But now it’s a little difficult to oppose alone.

It wasn’t an acting performance that could be opposed.

“Do Changhyun, you passed. See you in the finals.”

In the end, Do Changhyun passed.

Ugh.

Who will be Do Changhyun’s mentor?

My heart became complicated.