In This Life, I Will Die As An Actress, Not As A Villainess [EN]: Chapter 19

The writer’s voice was warm and gentle as she conducted the interview, creating a flowing atmosphere.

“I expected it, but I didn’t realize you’d have such a deep connection to the work.”

It was the most engaging conversation I’d had in any interview so far.

The interview was for a feature in the renowned monthly magazine, titled ‘A Villain: Yoo Ji-an’s Shocking Transformation.’

The writer then posed a question.

“So, in a nutshell, how would you define ‘Flat Shoes’ as a work to you, the actress?”

I paused for a moment, considering my answer.

The writer waited patiently.

If I had to describe ‘Flat Shoes’ in one word…

My precious child.

The end of misfortune and the beginning of happiness…

My cherished debut work.

I cleared my throat.

I wanted to respond with enthusiasm.

“It’s simply ‘Flat Shoes.’ My first shoes that allowed me to run with all my might toward my acting career. Very comfortable and perfect for running.”

The writer smiled slightly and nodded.

“Then, are there any memorable episodes from filming?”

“Oh… there are so many. Once, when I flubbed a line [made an NG, or ‘no good’ take], Senior Park Hoon suddenly scolded me, but in a playful way.”

“Oh my, Actor Park Hoon did?”

“Yes, I was initially surprised and apologized, but he lightened the mood by saying, ‘How can you make such funny mistakes?’ I was so grateful.”

The writer laughed, clearly amused, and added.

“Actor Park Hoon’s personality is already well-known in the industry. They say he’s very kind.”

“Yes, he truly is. If it weren’t for Senior Park Hoon, I probably wouldn’t have been able to endure such a long shoot. Senior Yoo-ri also stayed with me even when she wasn’t on camera, offering support for my emotions during every scene we filmed.”

“Oh my. Actress Jung Yoo-ri is so passionate.”

“Right? When I was a rookie and didn’t know anything, she was the one who took the best care of me. She has such a wonderful personality.”

“It seems like you two have a good relationship. But you both must have had a difficult time because of the media articles.”

“Yes… the articles that drew distinctions between lead and supporting roles… Senior Yoo-ri was the first to address it casually and cheer me on. Please include this in the article.”

The writer noted my emphasized words in her notebook.

“I will. The atmosphere on the set of ‘Flat Shoes’ must have been really positive. Actually, from what I hear about other filming sets, it’s not always easy to achieve that.”

“I’ve heard that’s the case. Everyone was so considerate.”

I took a sip of the warm coffee the writer had offered.

“Then, lastly… what kind of actor do you aspire to be in the future? It’s a bit of a cliché, but I’ll ask anyway.”

I pondered the last question for a moment.

“Um… I don’t know how you’ll interpret this, but I simply want to act.”

At my words, the writer laughed, looking slightly puzzled.

“More than popularity or box office success, I want to be an actor who focuses on the craft of acting itself.”

“Wow, that’s a statement full of conviction. But it’s not easy to achieve that.”

“Right. People might laugh and say, ‘That’s ridiculous.'”

After saying that, I laughed along with the writer.

“Still… rather than seeking out glamorous roles, I want to spend time empathizing with and understanding a wide range of characters in the future.”

I paused for a moment, organizing my thoughts.

“By bidding farewell to so many characters, and welcoming and sending them off well, I want to become an actor with a hundred faces.”

The writer nodded at my words.

“I think I’ve become a fan of you, actress.”

“Oh my, you said you were a fan earlier. Were you lying?”

The writer waved her hand dismissively.

“That’s not it. I was already a fan, but now I genuinely want to support you with all my heart.”

“I love this studio too. I enjoyed the writer’s interview as well.”

The interview concluded in an atmosphere of mutual compliments.

It had been a pleasant day in many ways.

I happily sipped the remaining coffee, basking in the sunlight streaming through the glass window.

* * *

At the same time.

Kwon Min-young was sprawled out on her bed at home, staring blankly at the ceiling.

The same thought had been swirling in Kwon Min-young’s head since earlier.

‘Wouldn’t it be possible for the Director to start her own company?’

This single sentence had been bothering Kwon Min-young all day long.

“Oh, come on… it’s not like a company can be created overnight.”

Kwon Min-young abruptly turned over and rested her head on one arm.

‘I think the Director is definitely capable enough.’

Ugh, this is driving me crazy.

Again, with those words echoing in her mind, Kwon Min-young got up and opened the window.

Could it be… was my desire that obvious?

That I’ve been wanting to start my own company…

In fact, I was incredibly eager.

A dream I had been nurturing for a long time, one I couldn’t share with anyone.

Kwon Min-young had grown frustrated with the management and operational practices in the various companies she had worked for.

Moreover, she would never tolerate covering up corruption or criminal activity.

Kwon Min-young knew that this uncompromising personality was a disadvantage in surviving in this industry.

That’s why she had been working so diligently to develop her eye for talent and hone her management skills.

Kwon Min-young picked up her phone and checked the final schedule for the prosecution investigation.

She felt uneasy, as if she were leading someone to their downfall.

But…

That’s why laws and rules exist.

You shouldn’t do anything wrong, and if you do, you have to take responsibility.

That’s basic common sense.

The fact that common sense often seemed absent in the entertainment industry left her feeling disillusioned.

Kwon Min-young sat on the bed, resting her chin on the windowsill.

‘Starting a company will undoubtedly be a difficult journey, but I believe you’re someone who can overcome that.’

Am I really that kind of person…

Kwon Min-young was lost in deep thought.

Sighing deeply.

What did Sae-na see in me to say such things?

The more I get to know her, the more enigmatic she becomes.

“She’s young… but amazing.”

It felt like she was seeing right through me…

For some reason, Kwon Min-young had a feeling that the day ahead would be long.

* * *

The next day.

I sat facing the Director in the same cafe in Sangam, in the same seat.

The Director’s personality was even more impatient than I had realized.

Actually, I appreciated that.

Somehow, the Director’s eyes looked tired after just one day.

The Director spoke first.

This time, the usual pleasantries were skipped.

“You know, Sae-na. Actually, I’ve wanted to start a company for a long time.”

At her words, I blinked as if surprised, pretending it was the first time I’d heard it.

“Really? That seems like a perfect fit for you.”

The Director replied calmly.

“My goal might seem idealistic to others, but it was to create a company that serves as a home for character actors. My vision is to attract talented character actors and, in turn, draw high-quality scripts and projects that are circulating in the industry to our company.”

At her words, I nodded slowly.

It wasn’t impossible.

It’s just that… in an industry where countless agencies have been exploiting actors for profit, it would be challenging to put this vision into practice.

Currently, most agencies invest all their resources in one popular actor to generate revenue, and when that actor’s popularity fades, they scramble to find another.

“I wanted to conserve the energy that other agencies waste on these general strategies.”

Listening to the Director’s words, I tapped my leg lightly under the table.

It’s a good concept, but…

I need a more concrete plan.

The feasibility is questionable.

“I predict that the prominence of Korean content will continue to rise. In fact, overseas exports of dramas are already increasing. If this trend continues, the day will come when domestic actors will achieve international recognition. I’m waiting for that moment.”

At those words, I stopped tapping my leg.

How far into the future is this person looking?

The Director’s words were by no means far-fetched.

As the Director predicted…

In my previous life, after the rise of OTT [Over-The-Top, streaming] platform services, Korean content became a global phenomenon.

And at the same time, famous domestic actors stood shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood stars.

“The actors I manage will choose their projects after thorough discussions, and they will gain recognition for their quality and the depth of their characters. These factors will eventually become a reliable source of capital.”

This meant that she wouldn’t treat actors as disposable assets, and at the same time, she would leverage their success to build long-term financial stability.

The Director added one final word.

“And I would like Sae-na to be the first actor in my company.”

At those words, I was lost in thought.

It’s a promising plan.

However…

To execute the Director’s idealistic plan, realistic conditions were necessary.

I addressed the Director, who was looking at me expectantly.

“I think the Director’s plan is definitely feasible. I’m grateful that you’re considering me as your first actor. However, I have a request to make… would it be alright to discuss it?”

“What is it?”

A look of tension appeared on the Director’s face.

“Would you consider scouting the actor who you believe will generate the most revenue? That’s my request.”

The Director looked at me with a puzzled expression.

*What are you talking about, actress?* her face seemed to say.

“Ah. Are you worried that the initial funds will be spent on securing the company’s capital?”

The Director made a reasonable guess.

At her words, I shook my head and smiled slightly.

“No. It’s the Director’s company, so what does it matter if that happens? I’m not concerned about that.”

“Then why…?”

“Just because… I’m lonely on my own.”

As I said this, the Director laughed, as if she didn’t quite understand.

I naturally laughed along and continued.

“It would be helpful to have another actor in the agency, and if there’s an actor who’s skilled at generating capital, I think I’ll learn a lot from them. Outside of acting, of course.”

The Director was still tilting her head, deep in thought.

The reason I’m suggesting this is…

In my opinion, the Director’s pure, untainted belief is a powerful asset, but that asset is also a double-edged sword.

As the Director said, the day will come when Korean content and actors will be widely celebrated, but that time isn’t now.

To prepare for that future, I wanted the Director to remember the fundamental principle that public demand translates to financial success.

I vividly recalled seeing the Director’s business success interview in my previous life.

*’I started the company with good intentions, but I struggled for quite a while without others realizing it. My goal was very idealistic, but the execution was also idealistic. That was my weakness.’*

*’My trial and error eventually led me to the conclusion that the public’s needs are money. Whether the goal is idealistic or realistic… that’s an unchanging law.’*

And more than anything else, I wanted to witness the Director’s scouting abilities firsthand.

Which actor would she choose among established actors, not rookies?

The Director, who had been contemplating, replied again.

“I’ll give it a try. I can’t guarantee how long it will take. However, I’ll contact you as soon as I succeed. I actually have an actor in mind right now.”

The Director’s expression became determined.

Looking at her, I cheered her on in my heart.

I hoped that the Director would continue to surprise me.

I never imagined that I would find such a partner in my life.

The feeling was wonderful.

With that, I got up from my seat with the Director.

As I pushed in my chair, the Director spoke one last word.

“Sae-na. I hope we can work together for a long time.”

At her words, I felt a surge of happiness and smiled brightly.

I left the cafe feeling uplifted.

As I was heading to the main street to catch a taxi, my phone rang.

It was a text from Seon Yu-seok.