Top Star By Luck [EN]: Chapter 92

92. Top Star Luck – Episode 92

‘Incredible.’

The posing [a model’s stance or arrangement] changed.

Lee Min-ki’s posing shifted with machine-like precision, changing every second.

It was as if someone was flipping through a fashion magazine right before my eyes, each pose distinct yet flawlessly executed.

But anyone could do that much.

Which model with pictorial experience couldn’t?

And then, Lee Min-ki went a step further.

‘That’s…’

It was his clothing.

Lee Min-ki was virtually changing outfits with each pose.

Moreover, these were invisible, imagined clothes.

‘Now he’s in a coat and fedora, that’s… workwear [clothing associated with American laborers]? Wait, was that a rider jacket? He’s even mimicking long hair.’

He even swept back his hair with an imaginary comb to sell the illusion.

It’s incredibly creative.

CEO Yoo Gyu-eon looked genuinely surprised.

‘Is he changing clothes through mime?’

It’s truly astonishing.

But even this was a subtle distinction.

Like running 100 meters in 10.1 seconds, so close to breaking the 10-second barrier.

Someone else might be able to do this much. While free acting is called free acting, it’s still based on memorized movements.

Changing clothes every moment is a feat.

But the judges were here to see acting, not a mere display of skill.

‘Min-ki, you’re doing well, but you’ll need to push yourself even further.’

There’s a vast difference between 9.9 seconds and 10.1 seconds.

The gap between the two is as significant as the difference between 0 and 1.

And Lee Min-ki was perfectly aware of this.

That’s why he was able to surprise CEO Yoo Gyu-eon even more.

‘His attitude is perfect.’

It was the complete embodiment of the attitude [posture and demeanor] that came with each style.

“The way people wear clothes is different.”

If it’s a coat, it carries a sense of gravity.

“Sometimes, you want to look cool.”

If it’s a suit, it’s neat and precise.

“You want to look smart during a presentation.”

If it’s Americana casual, it’s cozy and relaxed.

“You dream of strolling through the streets of Hongdae [a trendy district in Seoul] with a hip vibe.”

If it’s Ivy League, it’s energetic and preppy.

“On the other hand, when going out with a lover, you have to be light as if flying.”

If it’s sportswear, it’s healthy and vibrant.

“It’s hot when you sweat. You’re drawn to cool clothes.”

Lines flowed out calmly, accompanying Lee Min-ki’s movements.

Like a host presenting products on a home shopping channel.

“Today was a tough day. I want to sink into a deep sleep.”

If it’s pajamas, it’s snug and comforting.

“It’s not clothes I wear often, but I tried it on.”

If it’s a dress, it’s innocent and charming.

In Lee Min-ki’s posing, you could not only see the clothes but also feel the unique sensibility of each style.

He started with a T-shirt reminiscent of a blank white canvas, but the clothes kept appearing.

The clothes materialized.

The transparent clothes were etched into his pupils with remarkable clarity.

‘Perfect.’

CEO Yoo Gyu-eon’s expression was repeatedly filled with admiration.

‘I knew Min-ki was a successful actor, but I never imagined he could do this.’

Could the level of execution be any higher?

That’s why it was regrettable.

It couldn’t help but be regrettable.

Yoo Gyu-eon voiced his concern.

‘Min-ki, there’s no way many people will recognize this!’

Only his position as the CEO of a shopping mall allowed him to fully appreciate the value of that fashion.

It was his deep understanding that made it possible.

There’s no way the other two judges would recognize it.

‘The world’s eye for fashion is far less discerning than Min-ki thinks!’

A silent cry, unheard by those involved, spread out pathetically.

That’s right.

It was a posing that was too sophisticated.

An acting performance that required a deep understanding of clothing and the attitude associated with each style to truly appreciate its worth.

What a demanding performance.

Only CEO Yoo Gyu-eon could analyze each element so specifically.

Even a dedicated fashion enthusiast might not grasp the depth of it.

‘There’s no way they could properly recognize even 50% of it.’

It was impossible.

That’s why CEO Yoo Gyu-eon was frustrated.

‘He’s the most skilled fashion model among the participants so far, but I don’t know how he’ll fare in acting.’

He was even more troubled because he wasn’t an expert in acting.

How could he explain to Director Hwang Ui-seong that Lee Min-ki’s performance was on a completely different level from the other participants?

He was on the verge of losing it.

“That’s enough. There’s no need to see any more.”

Director Hwang Ui-seong stopped Lee Min-ki, who hadn’t finished his performance, and said.

“You said you used to be a fashion model.”

“Ah.”

At those words, Lee Min-ki started to turn his gaze towards CEO Yoo Gyu-eon like a turtle.

He quickly corrected himself, turning back to his original position and said.

“Yes, I’ve been doing it steadily since before my debut.”

It was at that moment.

“The posing is perfect.”

An unexpected comment came from Director Hwang Ui-seong.

“……!”

CEO Yoo Gyu-eon’s eyes widened, but Director Hwang Ui-seong continued as if it were nothing.

“Beyond simply changing clothes, I got the impression that you were acting as the character wearing those clothes. I’ll guess the character Min-ki played.”

After a brief pause.

Director Hwang Ui-seong blinked, fixing his gaze on Lee Min-ki, and said.

“It must be a mannequin.”

“……!”

Did he analyze the character even in that short performance?

While CEO Yoo Gyu-eon couldn’t hide his surprise, Lee Min-ki slowly nodded and said.

“Yes, what the director said is correct.”

At those words, Director Hwang Ui-seong continued as if he knew it all along.

“Fashion models are hangers. To showcase clothes as the main focus, you must first suppress your own personality and let the clothes shine. Fashion models who are too eager to be flashy and end up overshadowing the clothes are worthless.”

It was a statement close to a fundamental truth.

No matter how famous fashion models are, they don’t consider themselves the main attraction when they walk the runway.

They are merely a medium to display clothes beautifully.

In other words, they take on a supporting role.

The free acting that Lee Min-ki showed was exactly that.

Acting that makes clothes the main character.

It was acting as a model showcasing a fashion show, not just a simple fashion show.

A character far removed from the typical characters in a movie.

“I saw it well.”

Director Hwang Ui-seong clapped his hands lightly and said.

“There’s no need to see the designated acting… I think this is enough.”

That was the end.

And this was also within Lee Min-ki’s calculations.

‘I knew you’d recognize everything.’

I saw it in an interview.

The extent of Director Hwang Ui-seong’s preparation for [Fashion & Fashion].

‘He not only explored all the major overseas fashion shows, but he even secretly worked as an intern at a fashion company for several months.’

And that’s not all.

I heard that he even went to a clothing factory in Daegu [a city in South Korea known for its textile industry] and tried to make clothes himself.

He took classes as an external student in the fashion department and participated anonymously in fairs.

He had a special interest in clothes on a regular basis.

In short, the time he spent studying on his own for just one work, [Fashion & Fashion], easily exceeded one year.

It’s not just that he chose fashion as a subject.

It was because it had to be fashion that he chose fashion.

Director Hwang Ui-seong was that meticulous.

‘He’s not someone who’ll just film it roughly.’

That’s why I knew he would recognize it.

CEO Yoo Gyu-eon?

I had never heard that he would participate in this audition.

That’s right.

From the beginning, Lee Min-ki’s free acting wasn’t even designed for CEO Yoo Gyu-eon to see.

It was a performance specifically tailored for one person.

‘Director Hwang Ui-seong, this acting was prepared for you.’

Hwang Ui-seong.

I hoped that he would see his sincerity, just as he had sincerity for fashion.

Instead of boasting about his acting skills, he focused on the designated acting.

Just like the [Cafe del Dia] audition, it was a gamble.

But the result of that gamble was…

“Then, I’ll contact you again tomorrow. Please keep your schedule open.”

There was no need to see it.

Of course, it wasn’t perfect acting.

Because Lee Min-ki has a natural disadvantage as the main character of this work.

Like being short for a full-fledged model.

But that didn’t matter.

‘A lot of directing will be needed.’

That was also everyday life for directors.

Making a 165cm actor look like 180cm is also everyday life.

With Lee Min-ki’s level, you can even make a basketball player.

“The door to exit is on the right.”

With Director Hwang Ui-seong’s dry voice, the short audition came to an end.

* * *

The next day.

It was, in a way, natural for Lee Min-ki to receive a notice of passing the audition.

He didn’t even have to do the designated acting.

This was no different from declaring that his acting skills were already overflowing with just one free acting, so unless there was someone else who was exceptionally outstanding, he would be chosen.

‘It’s an honor.’

Thanks to that, the corners of Lee Min-ki’s mouth were turned up.

“Congratulations, actor.”

Manager Park Han-mo, who was holding the steering wheel, smiled.

“You seem very happy. Did you originally like Director Hwang Ui-seong?”

“Yes, because it’s Director Hwang Ui-seong. Not someone else, but Director Hwang Ui-seong.”

Lee Min-ki replied triumphantly.

Who is Director Hwang Ui-seong?

He’s currently being recognized for creating excellent artistic works in Korea.

In just a few years, he’ll be a world-renowned director who will stand shoulder to shoulder with world-class directors.

Around that time, his value became so high that even Hollywood was begging him to give them just one work.

Offering huge sums of money as production costs.

Who would believe this?

“……”

Come to think of it, no one would believe it.

If you say that Hollywood is begging a domestic director for a work, you’ll be laughed at.

Even if a Korean director swept the Academy Awards, they wouldn’t believe it.

Furthermore, if you say that Korean dramas will casually take the world’s number one spot in the near future, they won’t believe it even more.

Wouldn’t everyone dismiss it as nonsense?

Wait, it’s not over yet.

‘Even if a group comes out that takes the Billboard number one spot as easily as eating rice… they probably wouldn’t believe it, would they?’

This is the future.

People can’t even recognize what’s right in front of them.

“……”

Still, just in case, Lee Min-ki asked Manager Park Han-mo.

“Excuse me, Manager. Can I ask you for your opinion on something?”

“You don’t have to be so formal. Feel free to speak.”

“Ah, that’s, well, do you think Director Hwang Ui-seong would be successful enough in Hollywood?”

“Hmm, that’s the question.”

Manager Park Han-mo trailed off as if lost in thought.

After a while, he opened his mouth as if he had found the answer.

“It’ll probably be difficult.”

Ah.

His energy was completely drained by that one word.

Manager Park Han-mo usually has an amazing eye for seeing potential in projects, so I asked him just in case.

‘Is the timing too early after all?’

Lee Min-ki clicked his tongue with regret at that moment.

“That’s because a movie isn’t something that can be done by one director being good and putting on a one-man show.”

Manager Park Han-mo continued in a calm voice.

“Yes?”

“I don’t know about Director Hwang Ui-seong’s individual capabilities. But for his work to be successful in Hollywood, everything from actors to CG, marketing, and location must develop in various fields. It won’t be easy.”

Manager Park Han-mo’s words were extremely gentle.

It’s not that he just blurted out the answer.

It’s like he’s sharing a philosophy that he’s usually refined in his heart several times.

“But if all of that meshes together like gears, I think the current Korean movie industry has enough potential to be successful in Hollywood.”

“……”

A much more serious answer than I expected.

That’s how deeply Manager Park Han-mo is looking at this industry.

A genius alone can’t do it.

But if we all work together, we can achieve it.

It was a realistic answer with idealism mixed smoothly on top of it.

‘Collaboration.’

Isn’t there such a line in a movie?

[Together, we stand.]

Lee Min-ki smiled slightly at the words that made one corner of his heart feel warm.

It was the moment when Lee Min-ki was about to respond to the unexpected opinion.

“Manager, come to think of it.”

“By the way, I think you’ll be successful even if you go to Hollywood right now. On the premise that you can speak English.”

He’s quick.

Words that would make his face twitch involuntarily suddenly popped out.

It’s hard to sympathize, and it’s a bit subtle to refute.

‘If you can speak English.’

It’s not that I can’t speak English at all.

Rather, in some ways, I’m full of confidence, but language doesn’t become something else just because it becomes one.

Isn’t Japanese like that too?

There are people who are as proficient as native speakers in listening to animation, but they can’t even read the menu and can’t even ask to open the window.

‘The English used in acting will be different again, so if I go to the English-speaking world, I’ll have to study a lot separately.’

While Lee Min-ki was lost in thought, Manager Park Han-mo continued casually.

“You don’t have to think strangely. These days, overseas expansion is common. I think you should film your next work overseas. That’s how much you have to prepare in advance.”

“…I’ll think about it.”

“I’m serious.”

“Yes, me too, sincerely.”

Lee Min-ki chuckled.

‘Well, this isn’t the time to be doing this.’

It’s a given that Korea will take a place in the future media industry.

To prepare even one seat for me in that future, I can’t be relieved that I’ve become a successful rookie now.

I have to work harder.

As Manager Park Han-mo said, to become an actor who will be successful even in Hollywood.

‘Okay, let’s live hard.’

It was the moment when I had that thought.

“Actor, this is just what I’m saying personally.”