NIS Agent Reincarnated as a Genius Actor

Catherine from Hollywood’s Snobbish Mount had been sensing strange currents since the day before.

A series called “White Blood” was rapidly climbing the rankings.

“It’s already at global 6th place. At this rate, it could be dangerous by next week.”

She immediately requested a conference call to report to Jake and the working team.

Beep—

Not long after, the video conference began.

**-** You say there’s an unusual trend?

“Yes. It’s about the Asian project that Bernard Penton is working on, which you mentioned last time.”

**-** Hmm, I remember.

Catherine shared the recent ranking trend graph of “White Blood” on the screen and continued speaking.

“To be precise, it’s a series released in Korea, but as you can see, it’s been on a steep rise since last week. The influx is substantial not only from Korea but also from other countries.”

**-** Catherine.

“Yes?”

Jake sighed and shook his head on the other side of the screen.

**-** As I said last time, we’re not trying to profit from the “Alliance.” It seems you didn’t fully understand what I said, but if another work’s rise is remarkable, it’s something to celebrate. Yes. It looks like Penton has done something in Asia.

Then, interlocking his fingers and resting his chin on them, he continued leisurely.

**-** We are Snobbish Mount. We’re not the kind of company to consider a small agency from the periphery as a competitor just because they’ve had some success. We don’t even consider profit margins in the first place, so can’t we just increase the promotion costs? Is that difficult to resolve?

“…No. I’ll add more promotions to ensure it.”

**-** Good work.

Beep—

As Jake unilaterally ended the call and disconnected the video conference, the other staff members also ended the meeting.

“Haa…”

Only Catherine, left alone, let out a deep sigh.

**

The day after returning from Chuncheon.

From early morning, Yeon-woo had stopped by the shop and was now on the move in a car.

“Min-soo Oppa. Why didn’t you come to fitness yesterday?”

“Huh? Well…”

“You went to the management team dinner, didn’t you?”

“……”

While Yeon-woo was adjusting the jacket and bowtie he would wear, Lee Ye-eun glanced at Kim Min-soo in the driver’s seat.

“That’s why your belly keeps getting bigger! You have time for company dinners but not for fitness?”

“…Sorry.”

“Is the dinner more important than your promise to me? The management team has dinners almost every week.”

“No, it’s not that…”

Yeon-woo smiled gently, observing the atmosphere between the two.

“How long have you two been dating?”

“Eh?”

“What are you saying, Yeon-woo? We’re not.”

Yeon-woo tilted his head.

“So you’re just going to the same fitness center?”

In response to Yeon-woo’s question, Lee Ye-eun held the bowtie up to Yeon-woo’s neck and said,

“Ah, lately Min-soo Oppa seemed to be gaining weight, so I suggested we go together because it would be good…”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Watching Kim Min-soo nodding in the driver’s seat, Yeon-woo chuckled.

‘Are they interested in each other but the only ones who don’t know it?’

As Yeon-woo tied the bowtie Lee Ye-eun handed him, he continued,

“Anyway, it’s nice to see you two getting along so well.”

“Come on, Yeon-woo, it’s absolutely not like that.”

“Oppa. Why do you say it’s absolutely not? I’m a bit offended.”

At that moment, the vehicle Yeon-woo was in arrived at its destination.

A security guard ran over, confirmed that Yeon-woo was inside, and exchanged words with Kim Min-soo.

“They say to enter right away.”

“Okay. I’m ready.”

As the van stopped in front of the red carpet and the door opened, Yeon-woo stepped out, and camera flashes poured down.

Today is the day of the 56th Korean Arts Awards.

**

As he entered the awards venue, someone already seated waved cheerfully.

It was Han So-hyeon, whom he had seen all day yesterday after returning from Gangwon-do.

Due to the merger and acquisition of the newspaper company that used to host the Korean Arts Awards, the timing of the ceremony, which was originally held in spring, was significantly delayed and is now being held as the end of the year approaches.

As the organizer changed, it seemed they had altered the format of the ceremony as well; there were no designated team tables.

Looking at the theater-style seating like foreign award ceremonies, it appeared that seating was free.

“Yeon-woo.”

“Why are you alone, noona?”

“Senior Ma Seok-do is filming abroad today, so he’s not coming, and Director Park Chan-hong hasn’t entered yet.”

Today, Yeon-woo was nominated for the Best Actor award in the TV category for “The Stars Beyond the River” and in the film category for “Master Plan.”

‘So which team should I sit with?’

Yeon-woo, who had filmed “Master Plan” in the first half of last year and “The Stars Beyond the River” in the second half, was invited to the ceremony for both works, making it ambiguous which team he should sit with.

“I guess there are no assigned seats this year?”

“Yeah, they say you can sit anywhere you want within the first three rows!”

For now, he sat next to Han So-hyeon.

While they were chatting, Director Park Chan-hong entered.

“Oh, Yeon-woo.”

“Director, it’s been a while.”

Yeon-woo and Han So-hyeon stood up and shook hands with Director Park Chan-hong.

Although they had recently been to Berlin together, that was at the beginning of this year, and several months had already passed since then.

“Coming to the awards ceremony with you, Director, reminds me of Berlin.”

“Haha. That’s right.”

Although “Master Plan” was filmed much earlier, since the Korean Arts Awards are for works released and screened last year, the order was actually reversed.

Similarly, by the time the filming of “Master Plan” was wrapping up last year, he had already won the Rookie of the Year award for his debut work “Summer’s Closet” from the previous year.

“I’ve been watching your recent work. The subject matter is very interesting.”

“Ah, you’ve seen it, Director?”

“Of course. Who loves interesting movies more than a film director?”

At this, Han So-hyeon raised her hand slightly and smiled.

“I also made a cameo appearance!”

“Yes, I saw it all. It was fun.”

As the three were chatting, other cast members from “Master Plan,” including actor Jung Ha-kyun who played Park Kang-woo, entered.

After exchanging greetings and taking their seats, not long after, the cast of “The Stars Beyond the River” and Director Lee Sang-hoon came in.

“Yeon-woo.”

“Ji-eun noona.”

A tone of voice strangely similar to Han So-hyeon’s.

That’s why he had thought of Seo Ji-eun as Little Han So-hyeon when they first met, and now she was finally meeting the real Han So-hyeon.

Sure enough, Seo Ji-eun’s eyes seemed to sparkle as she spotted Han So-hyeon next to Yeon-woo.

“Oh my gosh! Senior Han So-hyeon. I’m such a huge fan of yours!”

Han So-hyeon was a bit taken aback by Seo Ji-eun, who approached with sparkling eyes and great enthusiasm.

“Oh, really? I’ve been enjoying your work too, Ji-eun.”

“Wow, look at that fair skin. Senior, why are you so beautiful?”

“Oh. You… you too…”

“My goodness, why are your arms so slender, Senior?”

Yeon-woo watched with an intrigued expression as Seo Ji-eun, acting like a devoted fan, stuck close to Han So-hyeon’s side, chattering about this and that, while Han So-hyeon was overwhelmed by her energy and being led along.

Come to think of it, he had never seen Han So-hyeon with other actresses before.

‘Hoo, surprisingly, Han So-hyeon is being overpowered by Little Han So-hyeon.’

Naturally, Director Lee Sang-hoon and Jin Yu-han also followed Seo Ji-eun to Yeon-woo’s side and exchanged greetings.

“It’s been a while. Yu-han, you’re starting your musical soon, right?”

“Yeah. So I’d like to invite you to the premiere.”

Yeon-woo nodded with a smile.

“Of course I’ll come.”

Jin Yu-han wouldn’t know how deeply committed Yeon-woo had been to the musical “Dayendor” since his previous life.

Just like that, they ended up sitting with Yeon-woo at the center, the “Master Plan” team on the left, and the “The Stars Beyond the River” team on the right.

‘It’s not like choosing between mom and dad, but it was a bit awkward. I guess this worked out well enough.’

**

**-** Part 1 of the 56th Korean Arts Awards has concluded, and Part 2 will begin shortly. We kindly request that all guests take a brief rest and return to their seats before the ceremony resumes.

Hearing the announcer’s guidance, Yeon-woo stood up from his seat.

He could see other actors also getting up from their seats to go to the restroom.

Yeon-woo glanced briefly at the second-floor seating area and then sent a message to another team member who was neither from “Master Plan” nor “The Stars Beyond the River”.

**-** Did you check the computer room?

**-** Han Hae-woon: Yes. I snuck in during Part 1 and finished installing all the equipment.

That team member was none other than Han Hae-woon.

And veteran actor Jung Tae-seon is attending today’s awards ceremony.

**-** I’m moving towards the target now.

**-** Han Hae-woon: Understood.

Jung Tae-seon, after going to the restroom, bumped into someone head-on just as he turned the corner of the corridor leading back to the main hall.

“Ugh!”

He felt a surge of irritation.

‘Damn it. Where the hell are you looking while walking?’

Unable to swear out loud as he usually would at an official event, he glared ahead with fierce eyes.

“Senior, I’m so sorry!”

It was Ryu Yeon-woo, the rising star who’s been gaining popularity lately.

Seeing him bow at a 90-degree angle with a truly apologetic expression, Jung Tae-seon’s anger subsided a bit.

“No, well. It’s crowded, so bumping into each other can happen. It’s alright.”

“You’re not hurt anywhere, are you, Senior Jung?”

“No, no. Well. This is our first time meeting, right?”

Yeon-woo bowed his head once again, greeting him.

“Yes. Senior, I’m rookie actor Ryu Yeon-woo.”

Jung Tae-seon’s heart softened even more at Yeon-woo’s consistently respectful demeanor.

“Haha. For a rookie actor, your filmography is quite impressive, junior.”

“Oh no, I’m still far behind and feel embarrassed in front of Senior Jung Tae-seon. When I was an aspiring actor, I watched your work ‘I Am the Culprit’ and thought, ‘Ah, so this is what it means to be an actor.'”

Jung Tae-seon felt pleased as Yeon-woo specifically mentioned one of his best-performing works from his filmography.

“Oh ho, that work is from over 15 years ago. You’ve got a good eye, young man.”

And Yeon-woo continued speaking.

“Senior, since we’ve met like this, would it be too presumptuous of me to ask for your contact information?”

“Oh, not at all. I’d be glad to have a junior like you.”

Jung Tae-seon, now in a good mood, even dropped formalities as he nodded.

Then Yeon-woo rummaged through his pockets and said with a troubled expression.

“Oh no, I just remembered I left my phone with my manager before entering the awards ceremony.”

Yeon-woo looked at Jung Tae-seon.

A well-connected figure in the entertainment industry with something to hide wouldn’t leave their phone with someone else. He must have it with him.

Sure enough, Jung Tae-seon took out a smartphone from his jacket’s inner pocket.

“I’ll save it. What’s your number, junior?”

Then Yeon-woo looked around and spoke to Jung Tae-seon in a low voice, as if troubled.

“Well, there are a lot of people passing by… I’ll input it directly and save it myself, if that’s okay.”

Jung Tae-seon looked back and forth between his smartphone and Ryu Yeon-woo’s face, then nodded and handed over the phone.

“Oh? Alright, let’s do that then.”

Yeon-woo received Jung Tae-seon’s smartphone.

Then, using the muscle below his thumb that magicians often use, he inserted a coin-sized device he had been hiding in his hand into the charging port with ghost-like dexterity.

This technique is called the Classic Palm, a basic method magicians use to make coins disappear and reappear.

While inputting the number, Yeon-woo continued speaking nonchalantly.

“It’s truly an honor to meet a senior I respect like this today. Lastly, I’ll save it. Here you go, Senior.”

He imperceptibly removed the device from the smartphone, hid it in his palm, and politely returned the phone with both hands.

“Hahaha. I’m honored to get to know a rising star actor like you too.”

Yeon-woo suddenly remembered ‘Jennifer’ who switched Park Kang-woo’s phone SIM card in “Master Plan”.

The role of ‘Deer’ Jennifer that Han So-hyeon had played.

In a way, ‘Antler’ Ryu Yeon-woo could be considered the original in this field.