Possessed 10 Million Actors

"Until now, other directors have said the same thing in front of me. They all claimed they would definitely bring Kang Jinseok down."

"…"

"But the results were terrible. They all just made loud promises, but in reality, they just gave that guy wings on his back."

The CEO spoke sarcastically and then glanced at Director 2.

"Can I trust you this time?"

"…"

"Do you have a real, solid plan? If not, just forget it. I'll ask Director 1 to take care of it. Director 1 won't disappoint my expectations."

In response to the CEO subtly mentioning himself, Director 1 nodded. However, he didn't explicitly volunteer for the task.

"CEO, even though Director 2 seems confident in what she's saying, it seems like she has something in mind. How about giving it a try?"

Instead, Director 1, alternating between glances at Director 2 and the CEO, expressed his position.

Director 2, surprised by the unexpected praise from Director 1, looked at him with bewildered eyes.

"Did that guy suddenly take my side?"

Director 1 was always a figure pressuring directors as the CEO's representative. He wasn't the type to make warm remarks like that.

It was unclear what his motive was, but in the current situation, it wasn't a bad thing. Director 2 maintained a composed expression, not relaxing her tension.

"Hmm…"

After Director 1 spoke, the CEO stared at Director 2 for a while. Then, as if understanding, he nodded and said,

"Director 1, if you say so, I'll give it another shot, pretending I'm being deceived. Director 2."

"Yes!"

"I'll give you the opportunity, so do it right. If you need anything, ask Director 1. Don't mess it up like those fools without a purpose."

The CEO extended his hand as if to signal that he had nothing more to say. It was a clear dismissal.

"Sigh…"

Exiting the CEO's office, without anyone saying anything, a collective sigh escaped.

Taking it as a cue, the directors headed for the elevator to carry out their respective duties.

"Wait a moment."

At that moment, Director 2 called the other directors. In contrast to her usual light tone and gestures that seemed to alleviate psychological pressure, she now spoke with a firm tone, unlike the CEO's office.

"I have something to discuss. I know you're all busy, but let's talk."

"What is it?"

"Uh, it's about the plan I mentioned to the CEO earlier. I need your help."

At the mention of ‘help,' the directors exchanged glances, sensing the unspoken tension.

Honestly, except for Director 1, the other directors, more competitors than colleagues, were not inclined to help others.

Knowing this, Director 2, in the same tone used in the CEO's office, began to coax and persuade the directors.

"I know what you all must be thinking, but isn't now the time for us to join forces? At least until the CEO's anger subsides, if nothing else."

Secretly hoping for Director 2's downfall, the other directors remained uncooperative. Their reluctance was evident.

"I'm offering you a chance right now. Honestly, I could succeed on my own somehow, but if I do that, it's going to put you all in a difficult spot, isn't it? Don't you think so?"

The directors exchanged signals with their eyes. It was a calculation of whether assisting Director 2 would be advantageous or not.

"But the answer is already clear."

Director 1 observed the directors, forming a peculiar standoff.

"Even if we fail, the risk to be shouldered will decrease if we all face it together."

At the end of that deliberation, the first to shake hands with Director 2 was Director 6.

Director 6 smiled subtly and said, "Let's do this together. But, can you spare us the boredom of hearing you brag when it goes well later?"

"Don't worry about that. I consider myself an honest person, in my own way."

"Alright then. But it's amusing to hear Director 2 call herself honest…"

As Director 6 joined Director 2, the remaining directors, one by one, expressed their willingness to participate, throwing in a word or two. The only one detached from the situation, silently observing, was Director 1.

‘If Director 1 lends a hand, it would certainly be more secure…'

Director 2 glanced at Director 1 discreetly but didn't directly ask for help. This was because Director 1's working style and the atmosphere he exuded were strikingly similar to that of the CEO. Perhaps that's why Director 2 had felt uneasy around Director 1 for a long time, not to mention that Director 1 was the representative of the CEO.

‘That person somehow makes me uncomfortable. Let's not approach until he takes the initiative.'

While Director 2 was having such thoughts, Director 1 spoke up.

"I'll help too."

"What?"

"Other directors are stepping forward, and I can't just sit here doing nothing alone."

Director 1 walked toward the group of directors and continued, "I can't let others do all the work when I can contribute."

"1, Director 1 is helping too?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"No, it's not that…"

Although it was a relief that Director 1 was willing to help, the burden felt overwhelming when he actually offered assistance.

But Director 2 couldn't show that. Making him an ally rather than an enemy was more advantageous than turning him into an opponent.

"Thank you. I feel more confident with Director 1 by our side."

Director 2 composed herself and smiled.

"Well then, can we hear what plan you've come up with?"

***

"Um… Thank you for your hard work. You can leave now."

*The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World* audition room.

When Yeo Jaeyoon spoke with a dry voice to the audition participant, the participant awkwardly greeted, "Ah… yes. Thank you for watching."

"Yes."

In response to Yeo Jaeyoon's consistently cold words, the participant made an embarrassed expression, thinking, ‘I must have failed.'

While doing so, the participant glanced at the reactions of the other judges, and the members of the judging panel.

"…"

Everyone's expression was heavy. Despite expecting the auditions to be challenging with the high-profile actors, it was even more difficult than anticipated.

"I've been Arimura Suzu. Thank you so much for watching my performance!"

Even with the hope of another opportunity lingering, Arimura Suzu appealed her name with a bright voice before leaving the audition room.

As she left, Ha Sarang shrugged her shoulders and said, "Too bad. The mask is fine, and the acting isn't bad either… but there's nothing outstanding."

"I felt the same way. It can't be helped."

Listening to their brief conversation while hearing the evaluations, Katahiro, who was sitting in the center, sighed almost inaudibly.

‘Even after seeing that level of acting… very composed.'

Throughout the audition, Katahiro had been quite impressed by the skills of the audition participants. Whether Japanese or Korean actors, they all demonstrated exceptional acting abilities.

As a director, he felt pleased, but at the same time, something felt uneasy. The actors from Korea seemed to have, on average, better skills than the actors currently in Japan.

‘Most of them seem to have given up acting in Japan and come to Korea… It's a shame. If such talented actors worked on Japanese films, the industry would thrive.'

While Katahiro was contemplating the future of the Japanese film industry, Eom Hyeryeong, who was sitting on the left, looked at the profiles and asked, "The next applicant is Inoue, right? The one you recommended, director?"

"Yes. I happened to come across this actress, and her image, appearance, and personality seemed similar to what I had in mind. Still, if any of you feel she is lacking, please let me know."

Considering that his recommendation might bias the judgment, Katahiro preemptively stated his position. Although he had the final decision as the director, Katahiro wanted to hear the opinions of many people.

However, the judging panel, seemingly oblivious to the director's intentions, all nodded immediately.

At that moment, a staff member's voice was heard from outside the door.

"We'll send in the applicant Inoue "

"Yes, come in."

Representing everyone, Ha Sarang, who was closest to the entrance, spoke, and the door opened, revealing Inoue.

"Oh, hello! I'm Inoue Masaki."

Trying to greet cheerfully, Inoue's voice trembled. It was because she got nervous after witnessing an actor leaving the audition room in tears just a while ago.

‘Even with the recommendation from Director Katahiro, getting an audition opportunity… But perhaps it's impossible for someone like me?'

While Inoue was worried about such things, the judging panel began to understand why Director Katahiro recommended this actress.

‘That's exactly the feeling from the script.'

Eom Hyeryeong touched her chin, quickly scanning Inoue from head to toe.

Ordinary, someone you could see anywhere. To speak unfavorably, a face too common to become an actress. The appearance of a young office worker or college student you might see on the subway to work.

‘Charming.'

Inoue had her own unique charm. It was a feeling completely opposite to the female protagonist of *Absolute Unlicensed Counseling*, Yeo Hyemin.

While Yeo Hyemin was like a dazzling flower that caught your attention at a glance, Inoue owned a charm that wouldn't lose its luster no matter where you placed her.

‘I bet she'd look good standing next to anyone. That's not easy.'

While Eom Hyeryeong and others were organizing their first impressions of Inoue, Katahiro spoke.

"Alright, let's start with the free acting you prepared."

***

Jang Sunho looked at the watch Kang Jinseok, ‘The auditions must be coming to an end.'

While the audition for *The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World* was in full swing, Jang Sunho was at Incheon International Airport, not the audition room.

Unless it was something significant, Jang Sunho wouldn't be accompanying Kang Jinseok everywhere. The reason he was at the airport was for ‘the staff.'

‘Toho… I didn't have any grudges, but he made things difficult. I should visit him later.'

When preparing for *The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World* for the first time, Jang Sunho tried to handle everything related to the film in Japan. The director, actors, staff, and even equipment—his initial plan was to manage everything in Japan.

However, due to the interference from Toho Corporation, it became challenging to find actors or staff in Japan. Eventually, Jang Sunho had to recruit personnel from Korea. Of course, recruiting personnel wasn't a difficult task for Jang Sunho, but he couldn't help but feel various discomforts due to his plans going awry.

‘It has become a bit troublesome, but oddly enough, it feels like my energy is rising. I want to show those guys that I can handle it well.'

As Jang Sunho gathered his thoughts with such feelings, a message arrived.

*Buzzing sound*

[KL Entertainment, Director 1]

[Team Leader Jang, if you're not busy now, we need to have a call. It's regarding actor Kang Jinseok.]

The urgency in Director 1's message was palpable.

TN: Guy's the KL Entertainment Directors/Managers from 1-6, I don't know if I should use Directors or Managers. I hope you guys are not confused. From now on I'll be using Directors. Thank you!