LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 83
A serene silence came and went.
Recently, the idol Ma Yeon-woo of Just X, who has been making waves in the RY.
And then, the repeated appearances of Joo Seo-yeon brought a chilling silence.
Today, those participating in the audition were secretly nervous, no matter who they were.
Especially female idols and actresses.
“Th-this isn’t like theater.”
Recently, Joo Seo-yeon dramatically announced her return through the play [Close Your Eyes].
She had appeared on variety shows a few times and was gaining popularity, but she hadn’t achieved success in dramas or movies yet.
So, even if she tried to think otherwise…
The trailer for [The Chaser] that was recently released was weighing on her mind.
“She appeared as a convenience store part-timer.”
Seo-yeon’s appearance in the trailer lasted only about 10 seconds in a nearly 2-minute preview.
It was nothing much, but even that brief moment gave an inkling of her acting ability.
“If she’s aiming for the role of Song So-ha with a serious intent…”
That meant she would become one of the strong competitors.
Above all, even showing average acting could increase her chances, considering her buzz with Park Jung-woo.
And separately…
“Isn’t she that girl who came out on the survival show?”
Ma Yeon-woo thought of Seo-yeon that way.
He knew Yeonhwa Princess, of course.
There were video clips of her when she appeared on [Survival without People].
“She looks different from back then.”
Curiously, Ma Yeon-woo gazed at Seo-yeon.
As a result, Seo-yeon’s eyes gradually narrowed.
“Ma Yeon-woo.”
The key member of the popular idol group Just X.
He also challenged acting and achieved decent results in [Dream Future].
Later, he proved his acting skills by appearing in a war movie… A person with considerable talent.
Of course, Seo-yeon didn’t really want to get close to him.
And for good reason.
“Just X’s other members are somewhat…”
Ma Yeon-woo had some personal issues with his character.
But the other members… had all sorts of discussions surrounding them.
Drunk driving, drugs, assault.
In any case, they had quite the scandalous backgrounds.
It was anticipated that something would explode within the next three years, so she didn’t want to get too close.
To begin with, Ma Yeon-woo himself was someone with his share of controversies.
“I’m going to pass by.”
“Oh, okay.”
Ma Yeon-woo was slightly taken aback by Seo-yeon’s lack of reaction to his appearance.
As an idol, he was always the center of envy, and especially with women, this was the first time something like this happened.
“Is it because my appearance is no joke?”
Actors say…
No matter how handsome an idol is, when they stand next to an actor, their shine fades.
Seo-yeon was that sort.
As she walked amongst other actresses, it seemed as if she naturally absorbed the surrounding light.
Of course, those around her gradually backed away.
“Why here, of all places?”
“No, there are plenty of seats.”
Thanks to that, the actresses nearby looked miserable.
On the other hand, Seo-yeon was lost in thought, pondering over the script for today.
The role she came to audition for was, ultimately, Jo Ha-rin.
Honestly, there were a few nerves about it.
Then…
“Oh, there he is.”
Seo-yeon spotted Park Jung-woo and slightly bowed her head to greet him.
When their eyes met, Park Jung-woo relaxed his frown and nodded back.
There was no need to make it obvious they knew each other.
However, that alone made the watching actresses click their tongues.
“Looks like she’s aiming for the role of Song So-ha.”
“Isn’t that already decided? Ah, this isn’t good.”
In this strange tension, the audition began.
*
“Na-hee, the role you prepared is ‘Song So-ha’, right?”
“Yes.”
The woman with a pure image answered with a tense expression.
Not an actress who had appeared as a supporting role in a recently popular cable drama…
But an idol.
“Her acting is really good for an idol.”
Casting director Shin-yoon thought, resting the pen on his chin.
This [Dream Future] isn’t just about acting ability.
Since it’s a drama that deals with ‘idol auditions’, vocal skills also mattered somewhat.
In that regard, this drama’s audition gave idols an advantage.
“This is your second attempt at acting, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Na-hee answered calmly, nodding her head.
Her attitude was pretty decent.
If it weren’t for the actress waiting right behind her, one might have thought to assign her the role of Song So-ha.
“…Understood. You did well.”
“Th-thank you.”
Na-hee finally let out a sigh of relief as she turned.
Then, she stiffened.
In the audition room, there was another candidate ready to perform directly next, waiting.
“Joo Seo-yeon.”
Na-hee felt her heart race.
Nervousness.
Anxiety.
It was a complex emotion.
She knew Seo-yeon was a few years younger, but that presence was incredibly powerful.
Not much of a career?
She’d already proven herself once during her child acting days.
Moreover, her recent appearances in variety shows showcased her charisma.
But, the disconnect between the lively girl she saw in the shows and the emotionless girl before her made Na-hee tremble.
“Is it possible that the variety shows were all an act?”
If so, how impressive would that be?
But if this was her usual self, then the lively demeanor she showed in variety shows couldn’t logically stand up.
“Does Seo-yeon seem to be focusing on Na-hee? Is there a problem between them? It feels a bit territorial…”
As Na-hee exited, casting director Shin-yoon asked Park Jung-woo, looking intently at Seo-yeon.
Since they had some connections, he thought he might know why.
“I don’t think she’s thinking too deeply about it.”
“She seems pretty focused, though.”
“Must be because she’s wondering where she’s seen her before.”
“…Really?”
“Yeah. She isn’t the type to overthink things.”
In the past, Jung-woo might have misunderstood.
Doe Seo-yeon looking at someone like that didn’t necessarily mean there was malice.
She was just curious.
What was so curious about, he didn’t know.
“The one playing the role of Song So-ha.”
And Seo-yeon was just genuinely intrigued.
What a surprise.
She never imagined that her turn would come right after Na-hee’s.
It felt somewhat like that while she was watching Na-hee’s performance.
“Seems like she’s aiming for Song So-ha.”
One of the stars that received significant attention in this [Dream Future].
Cha Na-hee.
This was her second attempt at acting, and her acting skills were somewhat lacking.
However, her outstanding vocal skills had been recognized.
She would later go on to star in movies and start her acting career seriously.
“Though her girl group would disband a year later.”
She took on the role of a girl household, but did not accept it because other members monopolized popularity on their own.
“Alright, then.”
As Seo-yeon was having those thoughts, a low voice was heard.
A man with a full beard.
It was Kim Pil-seok, the filming director for this [Dream Future].
This audition consisted of a total of five judges, and he was the most authoritative voice among them.
“Joo Seo-yeon, please come forward.”
“Yes.”
Feeling a pleasantly tense excitement in her chest, Seo-yeon stood up from her seat.
As she slowly walked forward, the judges inwardly admired her.
“Indeed, different from an idol.”
“Her posture is straight, and she definitely… has an aura.”
Recently, she was known to be filming [The Chaser].
The release was still a bit far off, but the timing created a high potential for overlap with [Dream Future].
“If [The Chaser] does well, this will benefit quite a bit.”
Of course, if [The Chaser] did well, [Dream Future] would also be helped.
So, it was mutually beneficial.
“Very good.”
Even though Kim Pil-seok didn’t show it on his face, he was genuinely pleased.
In this scenario, Joo Seo-yeon was quite a catch.
Lack of experience?
That didn’t matter. Anyone applying this time had their shortcomings.
Compared to them, she had hit big with a drama during her child acting days.
Plus, she showcased her skills in variety shows.
“Park Jung-woo guaranteed her acting ability.”
Glancing briefly, Kim Pil-seok looked at Park Jung-woo.
Though he was trying to hide it, it was clear that he was feeling quite good.
Park Jung-woo, given his experience, placed a high value on an actor’s acting ability.
Was he a young elitist?
In fact, it was he who just gave a harsh critique to Na-hee.
He had no qualms about pointing out faults, even to someone older than him.
To think that the choosy Park Jung-woo would say there’s ‘no fault to find’ in Seo-yeon’s acting.
“Rather, he mentioned several times that there are many impressive aspects.”
This seemed like an indirect request to select her for the role of Song So-ha.
Such a feeling emerged, and the judges were inwardly thinking the same.
In this audition, as long as Seo-yeon properly showcased her skills, the role of Song So-ha would be hers.
“Okay, great.”
After a brief chat and self-introduction transpired, he asked.
“Is there a preferred role? The role you’re auditioning for this time.”
“I do.”
Ah, she does have one, they all thought while looking at Park Jung-woo, anticipating Song So-ha.
“I really want to land the role of Jo Ha-rin.”
“Ah, so you’re going for Jo Ha-rin…”
Casting director Kim Pil-seok, who was mumbling somewhat nonchalantly, trailed off at the end of his words.
“…What?”
Jo Ha-rin.
One of the six main characters who participated in the audition within [Dream Future] along with Kim Si-hwan and Song So-ha.
Among them, Jo Ha-rin was the character with the least significance.
Up until episode 8, she had some standing, but afterward, her appearances would sharply decline.
She was somewhat of a vibrant character, but… that was all there was to her role.
“……”
Of course, the judges were momentarily speechless, staring at Seo-yeon.
At their reaction, Seo-yeon merely tilted her head.
*
The audition for [Dream Future] was very successful.
Surprisingly, though I was secretly nervous about this audition…
“Umm, yes. I was watching. It’s definitely Jo Ha-rin, right?”
I heard that question several times, but I thought it was definitely okay.
Dipping into playful character acting, I didn’t add too much emotional weight, but it was thorough enough.
“If things go well this time, I might need to get vocal training.”
“What?”
While I was speaking such things while walking home together after a long time, Ji-yeon furrowed her brows.
“Why again? You did that before.”
“If I land this drama audition, I’ll need to sing too.”
“Ah, you mentioned it was an idol drama.”
I nodded in response to Ji-yeon’s words.
Singing.
Actually, this was another requirement for a Vtuber, and I’ve been practicing diligently since childhood.
“Joo Seo-yeon, you can’t sing well.”
“……”
I shot a glare at Ji-yeon after her comment.
It wasn’t that I couldn’t sing.
What it sounded like was that I couldn’t infuse emotions into my singing.
Because of that, everything came out bland.
I was stuck at karaoke level.
“Still, I’ve gotten somewhat better now.”
“Really?”
Having gone through puberty, I’ve at least managed to improve on that.
I could infuse a bit of emotion into my singing now.
At least it was decent enough not to sound strange.
“But I’m still lacking to appear in an idol drama.”
While I was contemplating whether I needed to find a new academy for training…
“How about I help a little?”
Lee Ji-yeon suddenly suggested that.
“Huh?”
“I have an acquaintance who’s a singer and an idol that I’ve received random help from before.”
At those words from Ji-yeon, I felt a peculiar sensation.
“Does Ji-yeon have someone like that?”
Getting that odd feeling, I slyly asked.
“Who? Who is it?”
“An older sister I met at the voice actor academy. I received various help from her. Just in time, this would be a chance to introduce you.”
At Ji-yeon’s words, I suddenly thought of someone.
Coincidence.
Or it could be just a simple stretch, but…
“She’s a magician!!”
Having already subscribed to that Vtuber and watched her several times, that was the only thought I could think of.
After all, the magician was a Vtuber that focuses on singing.
In fact, in her previous life, Ramiel’s singing ability was quite remarkable.
“If I learned singing from her…”
And now, Seo-yeon could finally grasp the reason.