Gentle Visual Acting Genius Chapter 5 - The Tree and the Soft Tofu

#The Tree and The Soft Tofu

 

“I look forward to working with you, Woohyun-ssi.”

 

“I feel the same way! Thank you!”

 

With just a single meeting, Woohyun became the very first actor to join <Finding You>.

 

The impression of Woohyun’s performance still lingered in the air, and Director Jang Hangyeol’s face still flushed with excitement, he couldn’t take his eyes off Woohyun sitting across from him.

 

Where on earth did this genius suddenly come from?

 

He had worried that he might be disappointed if he raised his expectations too high just because of Nam Juwon’s praise. But the fact that a rookie actor with acting skills that far exceeded his expectations had found his way into his project made Director Jang Hangyeol’s smile unstoppable.

 

The assistant director offered Woohyun a cup of coffee and continued speaking on behalf of Director Jang Hangyeol, who was still lost in the lingering afterglow of Woohyun’s performance

 

“Since you’re now part of this project, let me tell you more about it and the role you’ll be playing. I heard you don’t have a management agency yet, so we can discuss the contract details after this talk.”

 

“Yes. From what I’ve been told, the project is called <Finding You>.”

 

“Ah, that’s just a working title for now. We haven’t settled on a final title because nothing has really clicked yet. The director likes using simple, catchy words for the titles of his works in the ‘Faith’ series, so if you have any ideas, feel free to share them. The director appreciates that kind of proactive input. Now, let’s get into the details of the project.”

 

The assistant director hesitated for a moment before nudging Director Jang Hangyeol gently with his elbow. Only then did Director Jang Hangyeol clear his throat awkwardly and pick up the conversation where the assistant director left off.

 

“It’s better if I explain it myself. Woohyun-ssi, you know this is the final piece in my ‘Faith’ series, right?”

 

“Yes. I really enjoyed the previous works.”

 

“Through the ‘Faith’ series, I wanted to depict the dark side of the emotion we call ‘faith.’ That’s why I created <Method>, which deals with the act of placing curses on others in shamanism. Then, I made <Blind> as the second piece to portray those trapped by doctrine, only to be isolated from the world. For the third and final work, I wanted to portray villains who ruin people’s lives by exploiting faith. That’s why I chose the theme of a cult.”

 

“I see… So, what kind of role should I play in this project?”

 

“Just keep showing what you did today.”

 

Yes! Woohyun silently let out a cheer of delight when the director said the result he had aimed for.

 

He couldn’t show that he knew there was a character the director had imagined that matched his portrayal perfectly.

 

Director Jang Hangyeol chuckled warmly, mistaking Woohyun’s silence as shock at the unexpected compliment.

 

He heard that Woohyun was 22 years old and had just returned from his military service, but with his wide-open eyes and surprised face, he looked young enough to pass as a high schooler rather than a soldier. It was exactly what the director had in mind for the character of the ‘Saint,’ making him feel even more satisfied.

 

“The character you’ll be playing is called the ‘Saint’ or ‘Saintess’ in this project. Now that you’ve taken on this role, I guess ‘Saint’ fits better. Anyway, the Saint is a symbolic figure worshipped as the ‘Son of God’ within the vast cult group called the ‘Church of Ashes’, where the female lead is imprisoned. He’s an enigma—the character whose true thoughts are impossible to grasp in this twisted community. He also plays a key role in the protagonists’ escape. Personally, I thought casting this character would be the toughest challenge, but… I want to say I’m grateful that you solved that problem in a single stroke, Woohyun-ssi. I needed someone with a face that’s utterly pure and innocent, yet possesses a charisma strong enough to overwhelm other characters. And then you showed up and displayed that in the audition. I was so stunned that I almost screamed.”

 

“Haha, you’re really flattering me, Director. I’ll make sure to live up to your expectations.”

 

Woohyun couldn’t hide the proud smile blooming on his face. In conclusion, the director’s comment implied that Woohyun was pure, handsome, and possessed an acting prowess powerful enough to overwhelm others.

 

While he was used to receiving praise for his acting, compliments on his visuals were something that always felt fresh, no matter how many times he heard them.

 

Anyone could see that Woohyun had already left a solid positive impression on Director Jang Hangyeol.

 

Woohyun decided to hammer the final nail in the coffin.

 

‘The director will eventually choose the title himself, but if he thinks it was my suggestion, it’s all the better for me.’

 

With a bright smile, Woohyun acted as if an idea had just come to him, exclaiming ‘Ah!’ as he nonchalantly suggested to Director Jang Han-gyeol.

 

“Now that I think about it, how about <Fanatic> for the title?”

 

“Huh? Isn’t that one of the titles the director had on the list of candidates before? Wow, actor Woohyun, you really seem to be on the same wavelength as the director.”

 

The assistant director’s timely response, paired with his wide-eyed look of agreement, made Director Jang Han-gyeol repeat the word <Fanatic> with a serious expression.

 

‘He’s already halfway convinced.’

 

Woohyun didn’t feel the need to push further. He knew the director would soon realize on his own that <Fanatic> was the perfect title for the film.

 

With that, the audition-turned-meeting, which had been filled with positive energy, came to a close without any further discussion.

 

“Once again, I look forward to working with you, Woohyun. Things are going to get very busy from now on.”

 

“I’ll repay you with my acting. Thank you!”

 

In his past life, landing such a pivotal role that was almost like a leading one would have been more than enough for him, who had been a supporting actor until just before. But the Woohyun of this life had no intention of being satisfied with that.

 

‘Was it 5.7 million viewers in my past life? Now that I’ve got this project, I’ll have to easily surpass that, at the very least.’

 

With that passionate resolve, Woohyun turned and headed home, leaving behind the director and the assistant director who had come to see him off.

 

About 30 minutes later, while he was on the subway, his phone buzzed with a call.

 

As expected, it was Nam Juwon.

 

‘News travels fast. The director must have told him right away.’

 

Imagining Director Jang Hangyeol’s excited face, who must have called Nam Juwon as soon as Woohyun left the building, Woohyun couldn’t help but chuckle before picking up the call.

 

“Hello, senior.”

 

“Congratulations, Woohyun! I knew Director Jang would cast you as soon as he saw you. Looks like I was right.”

 

“It’s all thanks to you, senior. Thank you for creating such a great opportunity. I feel like I should repay you somehow.”

 

“Come on, I’m not such a shameless senior that I’d bankrupt a rookie who just made his debut. Just—when you win an award in the future, mention my name. Or… hmm.”

 

Nam Juwon, sounding like he was pondering what kind of repayment to ask for, trailed off before casually tossing out a suggestion.

 

“Then why don’t you join my agency?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

In that instant, Nam Juwon, the benefactor who seemed like a godsend, handed Woohyun yet another golden opportunity.

 

***

 

The agency Nam Juwon belonged to was Tree Actors, a management company exclusively focused on actors.

 

Since the early 2000s, Tree Actors had stuck firmly to actor management and produced an array of renowned actors, dominating both Chungmuro (Korean cinema) and the small screen.

 

Thanks to the constant emergence of star actors like Nam Juwon, the company had earned the nickname ‘The Factory of Million-View Actors’ within fan communities dedicated to actors.

 

Now, Woohyun was sitting in the lobby of Tree Actors’ headquarters, waiting for a meeting.

 

‘I remember they grew even bigger after merging with an idol agency in the future, but here I am, actually stepping foot in this place.’

 

In his past life, Nam Juwon had never switched agencies until Woohyun’s death.

 

Woohyun didn’t know whether Nam Juwon’s downfall—marked by a series of box-office flops—was due to the agency or Juwon himself, but regardless of that, he remembered that Tree Actors had always been well-regarded among actors.

 

‘As long as the agency takes good care of me, that’s enough. After all, I know which projects will be successful, and I’m the one doing the acting.’

 

While Woohyun was reaffirming his decision to readily accept Nam Juwon’s offer, a woman with an intellectual aura, who looked like someone who did her job meticulously, approached him.

 

“Hello, actor Seon Woohyun. I’m Ji Soyoung, the head of Team 2 at Tree Actors.”

 

“Hello, I’m Seon Woohyun!”

 

“You’re quite a spirited type, aren’t you? I like that.”

 

Ji So-young, who seemed slightly surprised by Woohyun’s energetic response, soon softened her expression, drawing a gentle smile as she extended her hand for a handshake.

 

Following her lead, Woohyun entered the inner part of Tree Actors.

 

As they walked, Woohyun’s gaze lingered on the profile photos and posters of acclaimed actors, including Nam Juwon, adorning the walls. Noticing this, Ji Soyoung opened her mouth, maintaining her faint smile.

 

“Soon, Woohyun-ssi, your profile photos and future projects will also be hanging in this building one by one. Let’s work hard together.”

 

“I’ll make sure to fill an entire floor with just my works.”

 

“I love that kind of ambition.”

 

With that, Woohyun followed her into the office of Tree Actors’ Team 2.

 

The staff, busy with phone calls and staring at their monitors, exchanged intrigued glances as they noticed Woohyun trailing behind Ji Soyoung.

 

‘Is that him?’

 

‘The first actor Nam Juwon has introduced since he joined here?’

 

‘That’s the 2-minute-19-second guy, right?’

 

Enjoying the now-familiar gaze of curiosity, Woohyun followed Ji Soyoung into her office.

 

After handing Woohyun a glass of water and taking a seat, Ji Soyoung went straight to the point without hesitation.

 

“To be honest, when actor Nam Juwon recommended bringing you into the company, I couldn’t believe it. A rookie who had never appeared anywhere, whose entire career consisted of a single line in a single scene. I was shocked. And then I was even more surprised to learn that you were the 2-minute-19-second guy, one of the hottest names right now.”

 

Woohyun nodded.

 

Anyone would have been doubtful.

 

No matter how influential Nam Juwon was, it wouldn’t have been easy for the head of an actor management team, whose job was to generate business profit, to accept such a proposal without any reservations.

 

Especially when it came to a rookie with no career or proven track record.

 

“But the fact that you accepted Mr. Nam Juwon’s suggestion means there was something that convinced you about me, right?”

 

At Woohyun’s somewhat bold response, Ji Soyoung nodded, her smile growing deeper.

 

“Yes, that’s right. Actor Nam Juwon was convinced after watching your performance. He said, ‘This kid is going to make it big.’ But that’s just a subjective feeling he had on set. I didn’t witness it myself, so I couldn’t trust it blindly. I prefer to make judgments based on solid indicators rather than intuition. So, I assessed whether the potential you have could truly translate into tangible results.”

 

After saying this, Ji Soyoung paused to take a sip of water, then brought out a tablet and opened a video to show Woohyun.

 

It was the video that had turned Woohyun into a hot topic among fans with just one second of screen time—the trailer for <The Punisher: Vigilante>.

 

Since it was a highly anticipated drama among fans, its view count was staggering. Despite being uploaded less than a week ago, the teaser had already surpassed 8 million views.

 

And then–

 

“8.28 million views. And look, there are 13,734 comments! Out of those, comments mentioning the 2-minute-19-second guy and words like soft-tofu add up to over 6,000!”

 

Ji Soyoung pointed at the numbers on the screen and looked at Woohyun with a triumphant expression.

 

Just moments ago, she had been calm, professional, and logical, her sharp eyes carrying a cool air of professionalism. But now, her eyes were burning with passion.

 

Startled by the sudden burst of intensity, Woohyun unconsciously leaned back a little.

 

But Ji Soyoung, completely caught up in her excitement, continued talking without noticing.

 

“Can you believe it? In the comments section of a 3-minute-27-second drama teaser, almost half of the comments are asking about a rookie whose name wasn’t even revealed on the casting board or praising his looks? And that’s for an actor who appeared for less than a second—no, more like just 0.5 seconds?”

 

“T-That’s not something that happens often, is it…?”

 

“No! It has never happened before! That’s why I accepted actor Nam Juwon’s proposal!”

 

As she looked at the astonished Woohyun, Ji Soyoung’s eyes resembled those of an explorer who had stumbled upon a rare, glittering gold that no one else had claimed.

 

This person really wants me.

 

The sincerity in her gaze was so intense that Woohyun couldn’t help but understand the meaning behind it.

 

“I believe in the potential these objective numbers indicate. This is what we call star quality. I’ve decided to put my faith in it. And I–”

 

It happened in an instant.

 

Her gaze, which had been that of a veteran greedily eyeing a new talent, transformed into the confident eyes of a seasoned professional.

 

“–am someone who’s more capable than anyone else of turning this buzz into a solid career for you—not just a fleeting hype that burns bright and fades away. Because I’m someone who knows how to do this job properly.”

 

Thump!

 

There was no clumsy push-and-pull, no intimidating tactics commonly used to pressure rookie actors.

 

Instead, she exuded certainty and confidence, openly expressing her desires and feelings without hiding anything. Her face, as she looked at Woohyun, radiated an unwavering conviction.

 

At that moment, someone’s face flashed through Woohyun’s mind.

 

That face, filled with confidence.

 

That expression, shifting with passion.

 

It reminded him of his own appearance when he had showcased his acting to everyone after returning to the past.

 

Having seen that, the conclusion was obvious.

 

“What do you think, actor Seon Woohyun? Would you like to plaster this building with your face?”

 

“That sounds really tempting.”

 

Woohyun looked at Ji Soyoung and smiled back at her.