The Haunted Monster Actor - Chapter 28



Only Krnovel

Episode 28

After finishing the summer filming that lasted about a month, Hyunsoo visited the Pioreum building for the first time in a long time.

“How was filming the movie?”

Hyunsoo thought for a moment and then answered Woo Jiyoon’s question.

“It was fun.”

A faint smile spread across Jiyoon’s face as she heard the answer.

Hyunsoo’s face shows his sincerity as he says, “It was fun.”

‘I don’t know what happened, but something good must have happened.’

“I’m sorry I haven’t been to the filming set even once. I’ve been busy with various things and haven’t been able to pay attention. You said the next filming would start in the fall, right? I’ll definitely go then.”

“It’s okay, CEO. Thanks to Manager Ko’s care, I was able to focus on filming comfortably.”

Woo Ji-yoon nodded and continued speaking.

“So, Actor Kim has free time until mid-September?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Torso on the Blue” is a work whose main setting is the seaside in autumn and winter.

Therefore, full-scale filming will also begin in the fall.

“It’s not something else, but while actor Kim was filming the movie, he received several offers to do commercials.”

Surprise spread across Hyunsoo’s face when he heard Jiyoon’s words.

“CF?”

What Jiyoon placed on the table were several copies of the proposal.

“Yes. Not one, but three.”

Hyunsoo looked dumbfounded as he looked at the proposal on the table.

“Honestly, I was surprised. It’s rare for companies to use actors who play ‘murderers’ in their advertisements.”

Hyunsoo nodded with a face that showed he understood.

“I guess so.”

“Well, that means actor Kim’s image is hot among advertisers. The problem is.”

Jiyoon, who was speaking vaguely, unfolded the proposal and placed it on the table.

“After reviewing, we concluded that all the CFs that came in so far do not fit with actor Kim’s image.”

If a work determines an actor’s image as an actor, CFs and advertisements determine an actor’s commercial image.

And when it comes to image, the first impression is the most important.

“The company believes that it is right to reject everything until a proper first step is made. What do you think, Actor Kim?”

Jiyoon has seen countless actors working in the industry whose hard-earned image was destroyed in one commercial.

Woo Ji-yoon believes that Hyun-soo has the potential to become a ‘star’.

Woo Ji-yoon had no intention of easily spending a few pennies on that image of his.

“If that is your will, I will do so.”

Jiyoon nodded with a smile at Hyunsoo’s answer, which was full of trust.

“Yes. After a few more works, something decent will come. So let’s wait for the right time.”

‘When the time comes, we will definitely push you, our actor Kim.’

“Yes, I understand.”

The story about the CF ended like that, but Woo Ji-yoon’s story was not over yet.

“So, instead of CF, I have a different schedule… … .”

“……yes?”

“What do you think about this?”

[Proposal – Request for GML ground interview (Actor Kim Hyun-soo)]

A look of confusion appeared on Hyunsoo’s face as he read the proposal Jiyoon handed him.

“If it’s GML… isn’t it a fashion magazine? I read this a lot in the military.”

Men’s fashion magazine GML (Gentle Man Leader).

It is a comprehensive monthly fashion magazine headquartered in New York, USA and published worldwide, and boasts the undisputed number one circulation among men’s magazines.

In its native United States, it is a magazine with such a long history that it often interviews famous figures from the political and business world.

“Why are you bringing me here… … ?”

At Hyunsoo’s bewildered question, Woo Jiyoon’s gaze turned to one wall of the CEO’s office.

“Do you remember that picture?”

There was a photo hanging there taken by photographer Gina.

A photo that creates a mysterious atmosphere with different gazes on both sides.

As a top-tier photographer, Gina often collaborates with the fashion industry.

“I think it caught the eye of your editor while I was working with GML.”

I knew from the moment I took that extraordinary photo that you were going to ask me something.

But Woo Ji-yoon had no idea that the beginning would be a ground interview with GML.

“Although it is called a print interview, it also has the characteristics of a photo shoot, as is typical of fashion magazines. The brand has not been fixed yet, but of course, there will be advertisements for clothing and accessories.”

So, strictly speaking, we can say that this also has the nature of an advertisement.

Although it is a small amount compared to the advertising fees coming from CFs, I believe that the intangible benefits that I will gain as an actor are greater.

That was Hyunsoo’s thought too.

“I think I like the interview format.”

Jiyoon nodded after hearing Hyunsoo’s words.

“Yes, even though it’s a period of inactivity, it’s not a bad idea to keep a channel of communication open with fans. So, should we just continue like this?”

As Hyunsoo nodded, Jiyoon continued speaking with a refreshing smile.

“Of course, I like it because my working style matches with that of actor Kim. How is it that our thoughts are all so similar to mine?”

This isn’t just talk.

Kim Hyun-soo, who used to be so picky when choosing scripts, now nods his head to his own words without saying a word.

What this meant was that he had complete trust in Woo Ji-yoon when it came to business.

That fact made Woo Ji-yoon feel good.

“Isn’t it because the ideas are aligned, but because the CEO always brings the best plan that cannot be rejected?”

Jiyoon burst into laughter, saying that she didn’t hate Hyunsoo’s flattery.

“Our actor Kim, is it because this is already your second time on set? Why are you getting so much flattery? Anyway, don’t think of it as something special just because it’s a photo shoot. Basically, just do it like you did when you took your profile picture.”

“Profile picture… … .”

While Hyun-soo flinched as he briefly recalled the nightmare(?) from that day, Ji-yoon continued speaking.

“Oh, and the ground interview will be conducted with the top two.”

“What if you say… top two?”

“Apart from actor Kim, there is another actor participating. Her name is Choi Joo-mi.”

Choi Ju-mi?

Choi Ju-mi… … Where have I heard that name before?

“Why is someone who is an idol expert making such an expression of ignorance? Why, isn’t he the lead actor of ‘Damgongsan’, which is currently gaining popularity? Like actress Jeon Yi-seo, he started out as an idol. Come to think of it, actor Kim has a deep connection with idols.”

* * *

A week from then.

Hyunsoo headed to the Hemeshop ‘Gian’ in Apgujeong Cheongdam for a GML ground pictorial shoot.

Hyun-soo, buried in the seat of the carnival driven by Go-geon, was watching a drama on his smartphone.

‘There lives a princess within the wall.’

Also known as ‘Damgongsan’.

This romantic comedy about a male protagonist, the successor to a hotel amusement park chain, and a female dancer at a festival parade who fall in love is a very popular drama these days.

“Oh, hyung, have you seen Damgongsan? It’s not as dark as yours, but it seems like it’s been doing pretty well lately. Choi Ju-mi looks really cute.”

Hyunsoo nodded at Gogun’s words.

‘If the 4th episode’s viewer ratings are in the 10% range… … that’s pretty good.’

Looking at the comments, the prevailing opinion is that what is driving the drama’s viewer ratings is the lead actress Choi Joo-mi’s unique charm and beauty.

Choi Ju-mi.

After watching the drama, I finally remembered.

‘That kid! Who brought him here?’

Before being cast as Lee Ji-woon, a supporting actor in ‘Never Give Up’, Hyun-soo played a minor role in ‘Pierrot 3’ and was kicked out as the lead actor in the drama.

Although she is an actress who started out as an idol like Jeon I-seo, she has taken a completely opposite path from her in many ways.

She became the nation’s little sister through an idol group she was active in since her school days, and continued to enjoy success as the main center until her late 20s.

After her contract ended and she finished her idol activities, she transitioned into acting and is still going strong as the star of Impact, which can be called the best actor entertainment company.

‘I heard there was a war between the entertainment companies at that time.’

Choi Ju-mi was a card that would pay off big if held, and so her future plans were also covered by the media every day, drawing a lot of attention.

The winner is Impact Entertainment, who scouted her with an overwhelming capital offensive, as I just mentioned.

There is even a legendary anecdote that the astronomical contract fee invested in her was recovered on the same day due to the explosive rise in the stock price…

‘He is truly a ‘star’ in and of himself.’

He was a person from a different world than Hyunsoo.

‘I understand that I am appearing in the GML interview… … but why is she appearing?’

No matter how authoritative GML is as a men’s fashion magazine, it’s a different story in Choi Ju-mi’s case.

She is already a top star in the fashion world, having served as an ambassador for famous overseas luxury brands.

The difference in status between men’s magazines and women’s magazines in the fashion industry is like the difference between heaven and earth.

It was beyond common sense that she, who was already worthy of being on the main cover of ‘VOGIRL’, would appear on ‘GML’ as a duo with a male actor who was almost a rookie like her.

‘Actor Kim and I are the same age, and both are rising stars these days, and on top of that, they’re a man and a woman. Doesn’t it look good in many ways?’

Hyunsoo thought of Choi Jumi, whom he had seen several times on set.

Damgongsan, a drama series planned and invested in by Impact Studio, a subsidiary of Impact Entertainment.

I remember the atmosphere at the scene at that time.

‘He was always a topic of conversation due to his frequent lateness, insincerity, and conflicts with the on-site staff.’

A bitter smile spread across Hyun-soo’s face as he continued his thoughts.

‘In fact, the fact that PD Jang’s anger exploded at one mistake was largely due to Choi Joo-mi’s contribution.’

That doesn’t mean I’m blaming her for what happened back then.

After all, it is also true that Hyun-soo made a mistake.

Besides, I’ve never had a proper face-to-face conversation with her.

Although they had met a few times, he never even paid proper attention to a minor role like himself.

So Hyun-soo only heard about her personality and temperament; he doesn’t know anything about it.

One thing is certain, the overall reviews on the scene were not very good.

‘Well, is there anything more foolish than having a prejudice against someone you’ve never had a proper conversation with?’

Hyunsoo stopped thinking about Choi Joo-mi at that point.

* * *

“Oh my, oh my, this is a GML ground pictorial shoot? Then I guess I’ll have to work harder than usual today!”

In front of Hyun-soo, who had his eyes closed, Hemeshop’s makeup artist Yeon-ji started to fuss.

After hearing about Hyun-soo’s schedule for today from Go-geon, she was applying foundation cushion with determination(?).

“I’ll definitely repay the favor you’ve given me with the little kimbap and Ah-ah, oppa! Today, I’ll go as a model, not an actor!!”

“Yes, please take care of it.”

“Oh, right. I told you to just speak comfortably.”

“Yes, I understand… … .”

“Again, again!”

I always feel this way, but everyone in this field is overflowing with energy.

To the extent that I wanted to learn that energy that seemed to have no limits as an actor.

While Yeonji was putting on the basics of Hyunsoo’s makeup, Joobin, who was in charge of hair, came over and opened her mouth while caressing Hyunsoo’s voluminous hair.

“Wow, Hyunsoo oppa, are you going to GML Studio today? I heard that the main page there will be posted on the global account too. That’s awesome! You’re a total star, oppa!”

“Hyunsoo oppa was originally a star, right, sis?

“Of course that is… … Wait a minute.”

It was then that Joobin’s face hardened.

“But, if you’re filming an interview for GML today, aren’t you going to be filming with Choi Ju-mi?”

“Yes? How did you know?”

“Of course, since the entire chain is on emergency alert today, you know… … ?”

Emergency?

“Hey, do you want to talk nonsense instead of working?”

Joobin protests as if he is being wronged by the voice of the chief artist who has suddenly approached him.

“No, but Hyunsoo oppa, you should know! Every time you come here, you always bring me food and coffee!”

“… … That’s true. The little kimbap was delicious today too. I’m curious to know where you bought it.”

“Oh, that’s just at the snack shop in front of my house… … .”

“And, since you’re not a customer of our branch anymore, how about gossiping about us? Right, Yeonji?”

“Yeah, yeah!”

Chief Artist Mimi, who was thinking about something after hearing Joobin’s words, opened her mouth to Hyunsoo.

“I am actor Kim Hyun-soo.”

“yes?”

“When you go to the filming set, you just need to remember one thing.”

Mimi continued speaking with a determined expression(?) towards Hyunsoo, who tilted his head.

“Never… … ever, ever speak to that witch.”

An unknown ‘cloud of darkness’ began to gather over the faces of the three artists looking at Hyunsoo.

Continued in the next episode