Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

'What is this? Why is he bowing to me?'

Jin Sung-Joon, the third son of Jinseong Inc ranked 25th among conglomerates, and the executive director of Jinseong Foods, was slowly bowing his head.

I blinked, wondering if what I was seeing was real. The so-called royal family was bowing not to a prosecutor or even the President, but to a talent agent in this underground parking lot where no one was watching.

Jin Sung-Joon said, "I must have said something unnecessary. Please forgive me if I have unsettled your mind."

At that moment, Yeo Jin-Soo standing beside Jin Sung-Joon, also bowed his head. "I apologize, Mr. Jung."

I immediately lifted the two of them up. "What are you doing? Please stand up."

The two slowly raised their heads. "Does this mean you forgive us?"

I began to think that all of this might be an act. But even if it was, I couldn't coldly dismiss them when they were apologizing this earnestly.

Instead, I began to speak tactfully. "What is there to forgive? Many people come to me asking for fortune-telling or to choose an auspicious moving date. But I'm hopeless in such areas. I don't see anything at all."

"I feel sorry instead."

I added that I didn't know much about other fields with an awkward expression.

Jin Sung-Joon's request for help concerned his succession battle.

In the past, I had intervened in a similar situation during Daechon Inc's succession struggle. However, that was because Daechon Inc's Vice President Kim Ae-Ja had targeted Lee Tae-Poong. With no such dangers present, I had no reason to get involved in Jinseong Inc's succession battle.

When I declined, Jin Sung-Joon nodded with a disappointed expression. "I understand. Then I will see you at the lab soon."

I answered, "Yes. I'll bring the samples when I visit."

After concluding the farewells, Jin Sung-Joon and Yeo Jin-Soo got into the car and left the underground parking lot.

***

Once they distanced themselves from Hoop Entertainment, Jin Sung-Joon pressed a silver button on the armrest of his seat.

Whirr!

A thick soundproof glass rose between the driver's seat and the back seat, creating a completely sealed space.

Jin Sung-Joon turned to Yeo Jin-Soo beside him. "Jin-Soo, what do you think?"

Although Jin Sung-Joon referred to him as a secretary, Yeo Jin-Soo was a brilliant individual who had attended Harvard with Jin Sung-Joon.

Two years younger than Jin Sung-Joon, Yeo Jin-Soo was not only intelligent and loyal but also possessed exceptional taste, befitting his role as the secretary of a food company. Moreover, his ability to judge people was so accurate that those who knew him trusted his advice more than their own parents'.

Yeo Jin-Soo spoke after a brief pause. "He seems to have something genuine unlike the con artists we've met so far."

Both Jin Sung-Joon and Yeo Jin-Soo had encountered countless shamans and self-proclaimed psychics, both in Korea and the U.S. But Jung Yoon-Ho was different from the fakes they had met until now.

Even Korea's top shaman had been wrong more than half the time when they sought guidance. However, Jung Yoon-Ho's work always succeeded without fail. Such success could only be explained by extraordinary ability.

Jin Sung-Joon asked, "Secretary Yeo, do you think we could bring that man under my wing?"

Yeo Jin-Soo asked back, "What do you think, sir?"

"Honestly... he overwhelmed me. No matter what I do, I feel like he'd see through it. I couldn't approach him rashly."

Only then did Yeo Jin-Soo also nod. "To be honest, I felt the same. I couldn't find any gaps."

"Exactly. It was absurd. It was my first time meeting someone who didn't care about money…"

"That's true. When he rejected a licensing deal worth tens of billions won in an instant, even I was a bit surprised."

"Right? And it seemed like he didn't accept our offer for money but possibly because of Lee Tae-Poong…"

Jin Sung-Joon shrugged his shoulders and continued.

"Anyway, whether it's because of premonitions or a good sense, he definitely has something. On top of that, his confidence is no joke. Tsk. What should we do about him now?"

As greed flickered across Jin Sung-Joon's face, Yeo Jin-Soo sighed. Then he suggested with a serious expression, "Rather than trying to control him, how about just maintaining a good relationship?"

"And what benefit does that bring me?"

"Even if there's a compass pointing to success, you don't necessarily have to own it. You just need to check the direction it points to. If we push too hard and lose him, it's our loss. Instead, build a personal connection. From how he treats the actors under him like brothers, he seems susceptible to genuine bonds."

Jin Sung-Joon smiled. "So you're suggesting we just follow someone who's thriving?"

"It may be inconvenient, but I think it's the best option."

"Inconvenient? No way. Other than you, he's the first person I've felt could genuinely become a friend."

Yeo Jin-Soo looked slightly embarrassed and subtly changed the subject. "By the way, did Jung Coffee really taste better than the prototype of 'THE Best'?"

Jin Sung-Joon chuckled. "You know I've lost my sense of taste."

"I was just wondering if it might have returned."

During his Harvard days, Jin Sung-Joon had suffered from a severe illness that significantly diminished his sense of smell and taste. It was a critical weakness for the heir to a food company, and the only person aware of it was Yeo Jin-Soo.

In Jin Sung-Joon's stead, Yeo Jin-Soo had become his tongue. Earlier in the office, it had been Yeo Jin-Soo who confirmed that Jung Coffee tasted much better.

"So, Secretary Yeo. Jung Coffee is definitely better than Barista DK's blend, right?"

Jin Sung-Joon's recipe had actually come from Barista DK of New York's finest restaurant under a confidentiality agreement. Yeo Jin-Soo had tasted it and deemed it top-notch at the time, leading to plans to launch the coffee as 'THE Best.'

The initial marketing strategy was to claim that Jin Sung-Joon had personally created the blend, although the plan had now shifted.

Yeo Jin-Soo decisively responded, "Yes. It's significantly better. Additionally, I've learned that staff on advertising and drama sets often go out of their way to accommodate Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho after having just one cup of his coffee. That indicates it has strong mass appeal as well."

"Interesting."

"And… I must apologize. I almost made a grave mistake."

For Jinseong Foods, public appeal was just as important as taste. Spending so much time with Jin Sung-Joon, Yeo Jin-Soo had unconsciously started behaving like a royal family member himself.

"Be careful, Secretary Yeo. You're my tongue and you can't afford to mess up."

"I'm sorry, sir."

"One apology is enough… but first, there's something we need to do."

No one within the company had yet called out their mistake. Everyone including the food research and promotion teams had simply repeated that the highest-quality product would sell well.

"When we get back to the company, fire every single person who praised the prototype of 'THE Best.' Why does a food company have so many sycophants?"

"Perhaps it's because they used to work under your eldest brother, who disliked frank opinions."

"Well, new wine needs new wineskins. Let's get to work."

"Yes, sir."

As their conversation ended, Jin Sung-Joon's eyes once again glimmered with greed. "If my lost sense of taste could be replaced by his intuition… that would be ideal."

Every product Jung Yoon-Ho agreed to model for ended up being a success.

Jin Sung-Joon planned to use Jung Yoon-Ho as a barometer of success by offering him an advertising contract.

***

I returned to the president's office after seeing off Jin Sung-Joon and Yeo Jin-Soo.

Lee Tae-Poong had already left to distribute thank-you rice cakes[1] in celebration of winning the Best Actor Award.

Kang Gam-Chan asked, "So, did you see the guests off well?"

"Yes, sir."

After discussing Jung Coffee and the advertising deal from earlier, I revealed my intention to scout Han Woo-Hyuk to play the role of BiHyungRang in Hwaranjeon.

With BiHyungRang receiving only one million won per episode, it wouldn't even cover the interest on his overdue hospital bills. For this reason, I planned to recruit him into our company and support his medical expenses.

"Isn't Han Woo-Hyuk the actor who retired due to cancer a few years ago?"

"Yes. Recently, he completed chemotherapy and is preparing for a comeback."

When I added that proper management would prevent a relapse, Kang Gam-Chan responded. "I trust you'll handle it well. But since others will be watching, let's set the signing bonus at fifty million won. Instead, the company can offer a no-interest loan of up to two hundred million won for his hospital bills and he can repay it gradually as he earns. Let's also make the contract period as long as possible."

"That should satisfy Han Woo-Hyuk's side as well."

"Are there any other issues?"

"Since his contract with his current agency expires in two weeks, there shouldn't be any problems with recruitment as long as we support his hospital bills."

"Then let's proceed with it."

"Yes, Mr. Kang."

Just then, my phone rang.

[Caller ID: Jung Yoo-Jin]

"Mr. Kang, Yoo-Jin is here. I think I'll need to head down for a moment."

"Did Yoo-Jin come to distribute rice cakes too?"

"Yes, to thank us for hosting Miso's birthday party."

"Go ahead. Oh, by the way, you can look forward to the upcoming bonus."

This meant there would be a reward for Lee Tae-Poong winning Best Actor at the Hwangryong Film Association.

"Thank you so much!"

After bowing politely, I answered the call. Hearing that Yoo-Jin was on the fourth floor, I took the elevator down right away.

When I reached the fourth floor where Actor Division 2 was located, Yoo-Jin and Miso were dressed like characters from Heidi, Girl of the Alps. They were wearing burgundy dresses with white blouses and white hats, each holding a basket.

Behind them, Cha Eun-Sol was snapping photos.

Miso handed a small gift wrapped in a red ribbon to Lee Yung-Jin. "Here you go, Uncle Yung-Jin!"

Lee Yung-Jin took the gift and tilted his head. "What's inside, Miso?"

"Thank-you rice cakes! I included my favorites: glutinous rice cake, banana rice cake, mung bean rice cake, and sweet rice flour hotteok[2]. Thank you for coming to my birthday party!"

"Aw, thanks, Miso. But why is hotteok in here? Isn't that a bit unusual?"

Miso explained that she wanted to share her favorites. "Because it's the most delicious!"

When Miso, with her twin-braided hair, smiled brightly as she answered, Lee Yung-Jin chuckled.

While Miso continued distributing the gifts, I approached Yoo-Jin. "Why do you both look like Heidi today?"

Yoo-Jin answered, "Oh, Miso wanted to try this outfit after reading a storybook, so I ordered it right away. It's our first time wearing it today. How does it look?"

As Yoo-Jin showed off her dress and spun around, the voluminous burgundy skirt flared up and then fell back into place.

"You look great. But something seems to be missing."

"Huh? What is it?"

I pulled a lily from her basket and tucked it behind Yoo-Jin's ear. "Yoo-Jin, spin around one more time. I'll take a picture to post on Instargem."

As I raised my phone to take a picture, Yoo-Jin smiled slyly and pinched my arm.

"Ouch!"

Yoo-Jin laughed softly and handed me her basket. "You're unbelievable, oppa!"

Her slightly puffed cheeks made her look adorable. I considered taking a picture but lowered my phone, worried she might get annoyed.

Then Yoo-Jin said, "Here, oppa. You carry this basket too. We still have a lot left to hand out."

"Huh? Aren't you just giving them to Actor Division 2?"

"Do you think Miso would discriminate like that? We brought enough to share with all the staff."

'As expected of the ever-peaceful Miso.'

Thanks to the rice cakes Lee Tae-Poong prepared and those brought by Miso, the staff's desks were soon filled with gifts.

Just then, the elevator opened and the four girls from Hoengseong Girls' High School came up with more baskets.

"Yoo-Jin unnie, we brought more baskets!"

I figured it was time to make my escape. As much as I "genuinely" wanted to help, there were things I needed to get done.

***

The aged three-story redbrick house located in Itaewon was the home of Han Woo-Hyuk, a fleeting star who enjoyed brief popularity before disappearing.

I had heard he still lived here with his parents, and a van was parked in front of the house. Because of the van, I had to park about a hundred meters away and walk back to Han Woo-Hyuk's house.

On my way to his house, I searched for Han Woo-Hyuk's articles from three years ago on my phone.

[Rookie actor Han Woo-Hyuk shakes women's hearts with his soulful gaze. (January 12, 2017)]

[Han Woo-Hyuk cast in historical drama Cheerful Scholar! (April 3, 2017)]

[Cheerful Scholar breaks 24% viewership ratings by episode 7! Unexpected rookie Han Woo-Hyuk rises to stardom. (June 22, 2017)]

[Han Woo-Hyuk faces criticism for frequent tardiness and struggles with sunbae actors on set. (October 17, 2017)]

[Han Woo-Hyuk diagnosed with stomach cancer! (December 31, 2017)]

Han Woo-Hyuk, an actor under River Entertainment, had been a shooting star three years ago. He skyrocketed to fame through Cheerful Scholar, the previous work of Lee Seon-Chang, the director of Queen Jeong-Hee. By the seventh episode, it had reached a 24% viewership rating.

In the drama, Han Woo-Hyuk played the role of Han-Soo. As the friend of the protagonist, Han-Soo was a cheerful yet kind character that quickly earned Han Woo-Hyuk widespread popularity.

However, his fame became a poison. Oblivious to his worsening health, Han Woo-Hyuk juggled dramas, commercials, and countless variety show appearances. He was at the mercy of his agency as a rookie, working nonstop until he collapsed and was finally diagnosed with his illness.

It was a common plight faced by actors who dealt with agencies and talent agents who were more interested in money than their actors' well-being.

While reading about Han Woo-Hyuk's past, I arrived at his house. I put my phone away and pressed the doorbell.

Ding-dong.

There was no sound for a moment after I rang the bell. When I rang it again, a weak voice answered from inside.

-Who is it?

It was Han Woo-Hyuk's voice.

"Hello, Mr. Han Woo-Hyuk, This is Team Lead Jung Yoon-Ho from Hoop Entertainment. Could I speak with you briefly?"

After a brief pause, Han Woo-Hyuk replied.

-I'm sorry… but I have a guest right now.

"Then I'll wait outside. Please take your time and contact me when you're ready. My number is…"

I was used to waiting. I could lie down in the car and play games. Before I knew it, hours would pass.

But that's when a different voice came through the intercom.

-Don't make him wait outside. Invite him in.

The voice sounded strangely familiar.

-Oh, okay.

After answering, Han Woo-Hyuk opened the door.

Buzz.

-Please come on in.

Feeling curious, I stepped through the now-open iron gate. I crossed the yard and gently pushed open the front door and entered. But to my surprise, two other people were in the living room with Han Woo-Hyuk.

'What's going on? Why are they here?'

One was Gu Ill-Seon, the director of River Entertainment, dressed in a pink two-piece suit. The other was Lee Seon-Chang, the former director of Cheerful Scholar and now the director of KBC's Queen Jung-Hee.

'Could they be discussing casting for a role?'

I realized I might be on the verge of losing Han Woo-Hyuk to them.

1. There is a time-old tradition in Korea of making and sharing a variety of types of rice cakes on occasions that mark important moments in life ☜

2. Sweet, chewy Korean pancakes that are often sold as street food ☜

Ristretto's Thoughts

Why don't I have anyone who gives me thank you rice cake around me😒