Possessed 10 Million Actors

“Are you talking about the appearance fee?”

If you appear in a work, you naturally receive an appearance fee. However, this was the first time I had negotiated an appearance fee like this.

Before, I was always notified in this way: ‘@@ role / minor role/filming time 10 hours (2 days) / 80,000 won (per episode).’

‘The appearance fee for <Dream of the Sun Rising> was originally 300,000 won. This time, the volume is much larger, so can I say it at a similar level?’

While I was happily thinking about it, PD Na Jinho said in an apologetic voice.

“Normally, you have to talk about this with your agency, but when I looked at his profile, Jinseok Kang doesn’t have an agency. So he ended up talking to me directly, which doesn’t make me feel comfortable.”

“Ah yes.”

I answered, but honestly, I didn’t really listen to PD Na Jinho’s words. It was because the word ‘appearance fee’ kept lingering in my mind.

‘It would be great if it was around 300,000 to 400,000 won per episode.’

300,000 to 400,000 won per episode was an appearance fee that I had only dreamed of until now. I usually film for about 10 hours a day, so wouldn’t that be 30,000 to 40,000 won per hour?

‘Ultra high-quality human resources.’

When I was alone with my imagination, writer Jo Seokwon spoke.

“We invested a lot in the set and other production aspects, so there isn’t a lot of budget left. Still, it’s an opportunity to work with really great actors, so please accept it generously.”

Writer Jo Seokwon’s words made my mind more confused.

‘300,000 to 400,000 won might be too much. Let’s just be satisfied and focus on appearing if it’s similar to previous small roles. Even if it is a bit lacking, I am happy to receive it.’

It was then.

“All we can give is 1 million won. Still, I hope Kang Jinseok takes on this role. It may not be a satisfactory appearance fee.”

Producer Na Jinho said somewhat apologetically.

Of course, I didn’t understand PD Na Jinho like that.

‘···Why are you sorry?’

I had no complaints. Because 1 million won was more than I expected.

The moment you want to participate in the work,

Producer Na Jinho spoke to writer Jo Seokwon.

“Writer. If this project goes well, you can take care of Kang Jinseok in the future, right?”

“Sure. Not only can I recommend my own work, but I can also recommend it to writers I know. I have a wide network of people.”

“Thank you. Thanks to the author, I also have some face-to-face. Now then, Jinseok Kang. Let’s set it at 1 million won this time, and let’s collect the appearance fee properly next time. how is it?”

Writer Jo Seokwon will continue to take care of me.

This was a completely unexpected bonus. Since I had no reason to refuse, I immediately nodded my head sharply.

“Yes! Thank you! Honestly, it’s more than I thought… It’s really okay. thank you!”

Producer Jinho Na laughed along with writer Seokwon Jo, as if he was glad.

“Haha···. thank god. Then, I will calculate the appearance fee as 1 million won per episode.”

The conversation stopped for a moment at PD Na Jinho’s words.

‘Could it be 1 million won… 1 million won per episode?’

I ordered a bowl of Jjajangmyeon, but it felt like I was served fried dumplings or rather sweet and sour pork.

As I was blinking with joy and embarrassment, PD Na Jinho said with a big smile.

“Today’s audition is over. Shall we go get something to eat? If Jinseok is not busy, let’s go together. I’ll go.”

I looked at the clock on the wall. There was still a lot of time left until my part-time job.

In my current mood, I felt like I would be full even without eating, but I couldn’t miss this opportunity.

“Yes, I am grateful that you invited me.”

***

‘How can I be full even if I don’t eat…’

After sharing a meal with producer Na Jinho and writer Jo Seokwon, I found myself en route to my part-time job.

The chosen fare was sushi, a departure from my usual culinary choices. Perhaps it was the unfamiliarity of the menu, but the flavors were so exquisite that they left an indelible impression.

Indeed, fine dining comes with a hefty price tag.

‘By the way···. ‘You probably didn’t eat too much, did you?’

The delectable taste led me to devour the dish without a second thought about its cost. Reflecting on it, I realized I had single-handedly polished off five servings.

‘I suddenly feel a little sorry for the PD. ‘It must have cost quite a bit.’

I took a moment to silently contemplate the state of the producer’s wallet.

Amidst bites of sushi, conversations flowed freely about acting and the intricacies of our respective work.

The title of the work is <In Spring Without Flowers>. Set against the backdrop of the Japanese colonial period, this drama seamlessly weaves together elements of romance and alternative history.

My character is ‘Nakamura,’ a Japanese police officer. Despite his Korean heritage, Nakamura is a former soldier and police officer who was born and raised in Japan.

‘I was surprised when I first heard about it because the settings were so similar that it wouldn’t be strange at all to say that the character was modeled after Kang Hoshin.’

In the initial 1 to 3 episodes, ‘Nakamura’ relentlessly harasses the main character, only to undergo a significant transformation by the end of episode 3, becoming a character who aids the main character. Tragically, in episode 6, he succumbs to a gunshot wound while trying to protect the main character.

His role is pivotal in shaping the early development of the drama, leaving a lasting impact.

‘It’s a bit disappointing that I left early, but…’

As I strolled and contemplated various thoughts, I reached the cafe where I held my part-time job.

The cafe, situated in the renowned Seongsu-dong, occupies a converted warehouse, attracting a steady stream of visitors daily drawn by its picturesque ambiance.

As I stepped into the cafe, the owner and the part-timer, who had arrived earlier, greeted me.

“Oh, is Jinseok here?”

“Oppa, didn’t you say you might be a little late today?”

I approached them, offering a bright smile.

“Yes, store manager. Hello! The audition wrapped up sooner than expected, so I grabbed dinner.”

“Oh right! You mentioned auditioning for your brother today. How did it go?”

Seo Yeonsoo, an aspiring actress like myself, inquired. She’s a first-year student at Seoguk University, having just entered this year.

Her appearance epitomizes the ‘younger sister’ character seen in commercials and dramas. Yet, when she’s at work, she exudes liveliness and carries herself with a boss-like personality. She insists that she isn’t that type of person.

‘Now that I think about it, if I go to Seoguk University, Yeonsu will be my senior.’

As I was lost in thought for a moment, Seo Yeonsoo approached, inquiring once more.

“How did the audition go? Did it leave an impression?”

“Oh, sorry. My mind wandered for a moment. It went well today. I guess I got lucky.”

Upon hearing this, Seo Yeonsoo clasped her hands together, a joyous expression on her face.

“Really? That’s amazing! Great news. It seems like it went exceptionally well. So, are you juggling two dramas now?”

“Hmm.”

“Wow… Even the seniors at my school can’t land roles so quickly. Your acting is truly commendable. Why are the directors only discovering it now?”

Given our shared aspirations in the acting world, Seo Yeonsoo’s initial envy and jealousy transformed into genuine happiness for me.

During our conversation, the store manager interjected with a smile.

“Okay, enough chatting. Jinseok, let’s quickly change into our uniforms. Yeonsu, could you please wipe the tables first?”

“Sure.”

“Yes~”

In the employee lounge where we changed, I noticed the distinctiveness of our cafe uniforms. They resembled suits, a style commonly found in hotels.

‘The quality is on par with a department store suit, so I decided to take a profile photo wearing it.’

Most of the clothes in my wardrobe leaned towards comfort and coziness. Moreover, their quality wasn’t great, making them unsuitable for profile pictures.

Hence, I opted for a profile photo session in the sleek and stylish cafe uniform.

While studio rentals were an option, there was an undeniable allure to the cafe uniform.

‘Come to think of it, this outfit was tailor-made for me, courtesy of the store manager’s suggestion for a profile photo.’

They hadn’t disclosed the cost of customization, but clothing of this caliber likely came with a hefty price tag.

‘I’ll have to settle the bill once I receive the appearance fee for this project.’

Emerging from the lounge, I encountered a bustling cafe. Numerous customers had arrived while I was changing.

“I’m here.”

I addressed the manager, who was engrossed in coffee-making.

“Uh, okay. We have a lot of customers right now, so let’s make it quick.”

“Yes.”

Without delay, I checked the order receipt.

‘Café latte, with latte art shaped like a rosetta?’

As soon as the order was confirmed, the espresso machine hummed to life. Pouring milk in, I expertly crafted a leaf design, and it was ready.

“Here you go, store manager.”

Handing over the finished coffee, the manager nodded in admiration.

“Wow… Jinseok, you’ve got quite a talent. There’s nothing more to teach you. Keep it up.”

“Haha… Thanks to your guidance, store manager.”

“I’m not just saying this, but I think you’re as skilled as most baristas. Honestly, you’re even better than me.”

The store manager grinned with satisfaction.

“…You two are a delight to serve. Some customers can be a bit challenging to handle.”

At that moment, Seo Yeonsu, appearing a bit weary, chimed in with refreshing energy.

“Manager, please don’t distract Jinseok. Let’s take orders quickly. Brother, enough playing around—make the coffee.”

“Huh? Oh, right. My apologies.”

Subsequently, customers continued to trickle in. I found myself immersed in the rhythm of preparing coffee and drinks, and before I knew it, closing time was approaching rapidly.

The cafe remained bustling with numerous customers, leaving little space for new orders. The boss turned to me and suggested, “Jinseok, let’s get a head start on cleaning during the downtime. There aren’t many customers in front of the TV over there, so start from that area.”

“Sure.”

I headed towards the sizable TV in the corner, carrying cleaning supplies. As I casually went about my task, customers began pointing and whispering.

‘What’s going on?’

Perplexed, I offered an awkward smile and glanced around. The murmurs from the guests grew louder, making it challenging to discern their words.

“Isn’t that him? Right?”

“No wonder. Hey, didn’t I tell you? If a handsome person like that isn’t a celebrity, then who else would?”

“Really? Is that truly my brother?”

“OMG… Oh my god. I’m posting it on Instagram right now.”

Guests took turns glancing at the TV alongside me.

‘What’s playing on TV…’

I turned my head and directed my attention to the screen.

[···Since he is still a rookie, he is acting while working part-time. In the meantime, I work really hard at acting. He is also very polite.]

The television showcased an episode of <The Talk Show>, featuring seniors Narin Lee and Kyungsoo Min. On the screen, my profile picture occupied half the frame, prominently displaying me in the ‘cafe part-time job uniform’ I was currently wearing.

‘Really… Now that I think about it, today was the broadcast day.’

In a daze, I halted in front of the TV.

Click! Click!

Customers promptly started taking pictures of me.

It felt like encountering a celebrity.