Bedroom Genius Actor - Chapter 104

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Episode 104

“Um, PD-nim.”

“Yeah?”

“Among the actors you’re casting this time, are there any with considerable experience?”

At Kim Ji-hu’s question, PD Seo Min-sik pondered for a moment before opening his mouth.

“Actually, the casting list isn’t finalized yet so I’m not sure, but there are some in the candidate pool, right?”

“Is that so…!”

“Of course, I don’t know if those people will agree to do it. We’re trying to keep the actor casting budget to a minimum.”

“Ah…”

In fact, there was essentially only one lead in this work – Kim Ji-hu. The story also progressed almost entirely from Kim Ji-hu’s perspective, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say the acting was practically Kim Ji-hu’s one-man show.

The problem was the supporting actors.

Even if they cast older supporting actors, it was uncertain whether those supporting actors would do well.

Being older didn’t necessarily mean having a lot of acting experience.

So ultimately, Kim Ji-hu would have to lead the set.

‘Please, let at least one person come…’

Since this was also his first time in a lead role, there would be many things to pay attention to.

On top of that, having to lead the film set would obviously cause an overload.

Of course, PD Seo Min-sik was aware of this too.

“I’m also making inquiries as much as possible, so don’t worry too much. Let’s focus on what’s in front of us now.”

“Understood…”

Today’s task was auditioning for supporting roles.

Since these were supporting roles for younger age groups, most would likely be newcomers or near-newcomer level actors with some experience.

That’s why Kim Ji-hu could participate in the auditions.

No matter how good Kim Ji-hu’s results were or how skilled he was known to be, participating in auditions for older actors didn’t fit Korean sensibilities.

‘Let’s focus on what PD Seo Min-sik asked me to do.’

Kim Ji-hu steeled his mind once again.

‘Even if we can select someone with high understanding of this work, that doesn’t guarantee they have good acting skills…’

Moreover, after this audition ended, Kim Ji-hu would have to do a reading with the new actors first, then do another overall reading.

That’s why he needed veteran supporting actors even more to help lead the atmosphere with him.

‘I can somehow lead the newcomers… but even I would struggle with the reading after that…’

So what was important now was selecting people with good acting skills.

Having already experienced teaching Gu Jin-seung, he was confident about the work of improving script comprehension.

So Kim Ji-hu wanted to select people with high basic skills.

‘That way the work’s box office success will increase.’

Kim Ji-hu was making his own judging criteria clear.

“Ji-hu, are you ready?”

“Yes!”

And so he was entering the interview room with PD Seo Min-sik.

***

“There are a lot of people~.”

Quite a lot of people had gathered in the SBC Broadcasting Station waiting room.

They were all people who had come to audition for PD Seo Min-sik’s work ‘About Life.’

Even though PD Seo Min-sik’s previous work had failed, the reason so many people flocked here was.

“Kim Ji-hu is participating in this work, right?”

“That’s what the rumors say, but it’s not official.”

“Ah, I really hope I get cast so I can work with him at least once.”

It was because of Kim Ji-hu.

A rumor that quietly spread through the industry.

The fact that Kim Ji-hu was participating in this SBC in-house production drama.

Of course, since it wasn’t officially acknowledged yet, it was just circulating as a rumor, but countless people participated for that one reason alone.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

First of all, appearing in a terrestrial drama was like a dream for most newcomers.

They calculated that since the previous work had already failed, there would be fewer competitors.

But the more that happened, the more competitors tended to flock there.

Countless rookie actors were here.

And.

“Please… let Ji-hu-nim be there. Let Ji-hu-nim be there.”

One man praying earnestly. It was Lee Sun-yul.

Though he had only done about one independent film so far, he was here solely with the desire to work with Kim Ji-hu.

“But… would I be able to get selected?”

Lee Sun-yul had been wandering continuously, having no connections, not getting into a decent agency, and unable to get any notable works.

Though he was confident in his skills to some extent, surviving in the entertainment industry without connections or backing was truly difficult.

Still, he gained confidence entirely thanks to Kim Ji-hu.

‘Kim Ji-hu-nim also succeeded without those things, as he said.’

Lee Sun-yul had been watching Kim Ji-hu since the ‘Trauma’ days.

Having watched all his interviews, YouTube, and variety shows, he knew well how Kim Ji-hu became an actor.

Kim Ji-hu, who climbed up to top-tier actor status with skill alone.

Lee Sun-yul wanted to become like that too, so he had always lived with Kim Ji-hu as his goal.

And now.

An opportunity to act with Kim Ji-hu had come.

‘If it doesn’t work out this time either… I should quit.’

He had prepared with all his might with the mindset that this was his last attempt.

So this time, he really hoped he would get selected.

“Then we’ll start the auditions. Please come in one by one when your number is called.”

***

“You’re Kim Ji-hu, right! Are you really participating in this work?”

“Uh… yes… that’s how it turned out.”

“I’ll really work hard! And, and is an autograph possible…?”

So PD Seo Min-sik, who was beside him, said.

“Please focus on the audition for now. If you say anything else, I’ll mark you as eliminated.”

“S-sorry. I’ll act right away…!”

The scene had become reminiscent of whether this was an audition hall or a fan autograph session venue.

Every person who came in shouted ‘I’m a fan~’ and tried to exchange even one more word with Kim Ji-hu.

So Kim Ji-hu’s position was also very awkward.

‘They’re fans, so maybe I should give them a few more points… no, no, I shouldn’t be swayed by this kind of thing. President Baek also told me not to be swayed by emotions!’

Of course, when they said they were fans, his heart softened at first, but the moment he saw their acting, he became quite coldly judgmental.

‘This is a bit… it doesn’t match the character and I don’t like the acting technique either…’

Evaluating works was Kim Ji-hu’s main job.

Since the basics of being a reviewer involved evaluating or discussing value based on certain criteria, a strange synergy emerged in this area.

“What do you think of this applicant?”

At PD Seo Min-sik’s question, Kim Ji-hu said calmly.

“The character interpretation itself seems decent, but the voice projection and acting parts seem almost like a beginner’s level. It would be hard to give a high score…”

At those words, PD Seo Min-sik smiled.

“You’re really interesting. Is your atmosphere this different between usual times and when working?”

“Is, is that so? I think I’m similar.”

“Well, it’s not like you change completely like when you’re acting, but still, it’s nice that you’re straightforward.”

Though Kim Ji-hu usually couldn’t say bad things about others, precisely at times like this he would speak with cutting precision.

Of course, conversely, when he praised, he did so clearly too, so he was truly good boss material – cold yet warm when it came to work.

‘Maybe he won’t need anyone’s help.’

As PD Seo Min-sik was thinking such thoughts, the next audition participant entered.

“Hello! My name is… Lee Sun-yul!”

Participant number 21, Lee Sun-yul.

He was greeting them energetically when he saw Kim Ji-hu and suddenly cut off his words.

The other people didn’t think much of it. Every participant so far had done the same thing.

However, Kim Ji-hu felt that this was a little different.

‘Something about his eyes…’

Kim Ji-hu had seen those eyes several times before. Fans had that look in their eyes when he met them.

The people who had come in so far said they were fans, but honestly, he felt something different about calling them fans.

That somewhat awkward feeling.

‘Anyway, I should conduct the audition.’

So PD Seo Min-sik said.

“We’ll see your acting right away.”

“Yes…! Understood!”

Lee Sun-yul began acting like that.

“Hyung… why are you doing this?”

“What did I do wrong…”

“Mother… is home alone. So please…”

Lee Sun-yul’s height was short for a man. Even being generous, he was barely around 170cm.

From there, the setting of being a younger brother and his emotional acting perfectly matched his physical appearance.

‘And his acting skills are decent too.’

Kim Ji-hu had seen Gu Jin-seung’s textbook acting at RT Entertainment.

But Lee Sun-yul was the opposite.

It wasn’t textbook, but it was emotionally touching acting.

Acting that came from the heart.

Making the other person accept his emotions.

‘Rather, isn’t that kind of thing talent?’

Kim Ji-hu had worked on three projects and seen various actors.

But he had only seen one actor who used his emotions like that.

‘Oh Jin-woo… hyung.’

Oh Jin-woo appealed to audiences by delivering ad-libs with his sincere emotions.

That’s how he became the top-tier actor he is now.

‘Then this guy too…’

The acting ended like that.

“Then we’ll contact you about the results by text.”

“Yes! Thank you! And…”

Lee Sun-yul raised both fists and spoke toward Kim Ji-hu.

“Kim Ji-hu! I’m always supporting you!”

With those words, he left the interview room.

PD Seo Min-sik chuckled and looked at Kim Ji-hu.

“What do you think? No, let me speak first this time.”

PD Seo Min-sik nodded his head.

“It looks good to take that kid. He’s a rough gem. One whose talent hasn’t been fully polished yet.”

“I… think so too.”

“But there’s something you need to keep in mind.”

“Yes?”

“Can you polish that rough gem by the time the project starts?”

“…”

Lee Sun-yul’s acting was certainly good, but it could be considered ambiguous when assuming it would be captured on video.

His movement, vocalization, and emotional control were close to amateur level.

“For now, I think it’s possible if I work with you, but your opinion is important.”

At PD Seo Min-sik’s words, Kim Ji-hu pondered again.

What would happen when that friend appeared in the drama.

Whether he could teach him something.

And what kind of impact that would have.

After finishing his deliberation, Kim Ji-hu quietly opened his mouth.

“I am…”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————