I Want to Be a VTuber

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“What? Park Jung-woo really decided to be in that movie?”

Hwang Min-hwa’s eyes sparkled sharply at the words of her junior actress, Yeon Ah-ri.

Under that gaze, Yeon Ah-ri instinctively shrank back.

Hwang Min-hwa has always had a strong impression.

As if she were a walking luxury item.

When she walks, there’s a radiance, making one wonder if this is what an actress’s aura is like.

At the same time, that pressure can come across as a significant intimidation to others.

Especially when she is not showing her typical gentle demeanor, but rather her true self.

“Yeah, yeah, it seems like everyone big already knows.”

“Hmm, that guy….”

Referring to him as ‘that guy’ definitely doesn’t indicate a close relationship.

But, since he’s not here anyway and he’s younger than her, what did it matter?

Sure, Park Jung-woo debuted earlier as a child actor, but she is older.

“So, Park Jung-woo is in that movie? Is there something I don’t know about that film?”

She had no clue.

If you mentioned director Jo Bang-woo, he was a washout who had recently flopped several times in a row.

Investors were already on the fence about whether to continue funding simply because Yeon Ah-ri had dropped out.

Now, Park Jung-woo was joining?

“Why?”

Hwang Min-hwa knew Park Jung-woo as a thorough person.

He had inherited his father’s talent in looks, acting ability, and an eye for works.

He was a natural in every aspect.

In fact, he had no particular acquaintances he met socially, and no one seemed to know what he was up to.

“At his age, surely he’d want to brag about his success.”

Hwang Min-hwa had attempted to get close to Park Jung-woo several times.

However, he simply brushed her off with a smile whenever she initiated conversation.

He never left even a shred of opportunity.

What a pretentious guy.

Actresses who had made a move on him would all speak of it in those terms.

On the flip side, he had such a clean private life.

With that level of self-control, even if they verbally complained, everyone was vying for Park Jung-woo.

The more thorough he was, the more they anticipated his downfall.

“Of course, I’m passing. I wonder how boring a guy he is.”

Regardless, while he may be boring, there’s no doubt his taste in works is special.

Park Jung-woo is not someone who would act on a whim or just because of past connections.

There must definitely be something more.

“Ah-ri?”

“Yes?”

“Can I say again that I’m going to be in that movie?”

“Huh, you?”

Yeon Ah-ri looked at Hwang Min-hwa with a puzzled expression.

The reason Yeon Ah-ri had originally turned down that movie was because Hwang Min-hwa urged her to refuse.

But now, Park Jung-woo was in it, and suddenly she announced she would join?

Now Yeon Ah-ri found herself in a situation where, having rejected it once, she couldn’t express her desire to join.

“Hmm, I’m genuinely sorry about that. But remember, I was going to be in it, and you took my spot.”

“That’s….”

Well, that isn’t entirely incorrect.

Originally, this movie “Seoul Escape” was a drama where Hwang Min-hwa had promised to participate.

She had gained popularity through a few works in Jo Bang-woo’s movie.

So, Director Jo Bang-woo had asked her if she might lend a hand just once.

Of course, she agreed and pushed Yeon Ah-ri in instead.

“But it can’t be helped.”

There’s no way she’d want to attach herself to a string of failed productions.

More than anything, Hwang Min-hwa was quite sensitive about flops right now.

After all, her film “<Utopia>” released this year didn’t perform as expected.

Had that situation not happened, maybe she would have still considered participating.

“But.”

Thanks to that Joo Seo-yeon, Hwang Min-hwa was determined not to attach herself to a potentially disastrous film.

Although “<Utopia>” was not a failure, it had derailed her plans to rise to a bigger agency.

If she failed again…

She might as well dig her own grave at Horizon Company.

That was something Hwang Min-hwa absolutely did not want.

“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to the director nicely. And you know it wouldn’t feel good to refuse like that, right?”

“That’s true…but.”

Yeon Ah-ri tentatively nodded.

Originally, she wasn’t keen on the movie anyway, so it was no skin off her nose.

She was just stunned by Hwang Min-hwa’s attitude.

“Yeah, yeah, director. Oh my, long time no see. I was wondering if I could….”

With that momentum, Hwang Min-hwa contacted Director Jo Bang-woo right away.

From Jo Bang-woo’s perspective, if she announced she was participating, he would surely agree immediately.

The combination of Park Jung-woo and Hwang Min-hwa, two confirmed actors, would guarantee approval from the investors.

They might even invest more in the film!

But.

“…What? I have to audition without fail?”

Hwang Min-hwa questioned her ears.

Director Jo Bang-woo showed a perplexed expression to her immediate response.

[Actor Park Jung-woo set a condition. He wants the female lead to be picked through audition, saying he wants to choose an actress who can match his vibe.]

“Hah!”

Hwang Min-hwa chuckled incredulously.

Was Park Jung-woo really the kind of guy to make such arrogant demands?

“Hmph, so you’re just that kind of guy after all.”

Of course, Jo Bang-woo couldn’t refuse Park Jung-woo’s request.

It wasn’t just Park Jung-woo’s individual power as an actor, but behind him stood the great actor Park Sun-woong.

If Park Sun-woong said just a word now, there wouldn’t be much left for Director Jo Bang-woo in terms of remaining actors.

“Fine. Well, let’s go ahead. Audition.”

Hwang Min-hwa said that and abruptly hung up the phone.

After all, it was Jo Bang-woo’s movie.

It was certain proper actors wouldn’t show up.

Hwang Min-hwa was confident in her acting skills.

In fact, her acting prowess was quite remarkable.

It wouldn’t be a lie to say she had once been a leading actress at Nova Entertainment.

“Sis, um, but this movie has a lot of physical action. Are you okay with that?”

“Huh? I don’t mind. You know me. Lately, I’ve been doing yoga and working out diligently. If anything, I’d prefer this.”

Not just yoga.

Lately, she had taken a liking to martial arts, learning various things.

With plenty of lean muscles on her body, she had no doubts about her physicality.

“But if Park Jung-woo went that far to say something, there must be something to it.”

Hwang Min-hwa thought this way.

If Park Jung-woo had gone to such lengths to speak to director Jo Bang-woo…there had to be more to it.

***

“U-uh, did I really say that? Is it okay?”

Director Jo Bang-woo looked at Park Jung-woo cautiously as he said this.

Today happened to be when he arranged a separate meeting with Park Jung-woo.

Since he was going to play the lead, he wanted to discuss various matters.

However, at that moment, Hwang Min-hwa contacted him.

“Yes, I would appreciate it if you continue to speak like that.”

“But if it’s about Hwang Min-hwa….”

Director Jo Bang-woo expressed his disappointment.

Of course, it made sense to feel disappointed if it was Hwang Min-hwa.

By the way, wasn’t this originally a film she was supposed to be in?

When it came time for planning, she ended up busy and pushed a junior down.

Of course, Director Jo Bang-woo accepted it gratefully too.

“I thought this would happen.”

Park Jung-woo crossed his arms and sighed.

He didn’t want to go this far.

This was something that would undoubtedly lower his evaluation when news spread.

Even if he were a washout director, there would be a high probability of backlash if an actor made such arbitrary demands.

Of course, considering Park Jung-woo’s past behavior, they might think there’s something valid in it now.

“But this is nonsense, right?”

Of course, he could simply mention Joo Seo-yeon’s name to get an agreement.

But if he did that, Director Jo Bang-woo would likely say okay immediately, which he couldn’t do.

For the sake of an actress who genuinely wanted to win with her skills, there was no other choice.

“Any actor of that caliber probably wouldn’t feel the need to audition.”

So he thought to contact Jo Bang-woo separately.

However, he never expected Hwang Min-hwa would reach out.

‘…A formidable opponent, huh?’

He briefly considered this but soon smiled.

This movie perfectly suited Seo-yeon.

He realized after checking the script.

Understanding why Joo Seo-yeon wanted to join this movie.

‘It’s fun.’

But how did she know?

Surely she wouldn’t have had the script?

Park Jung-woo briefly gazed at Director Jo Bang-woo.

He initially thought it was just to repay a past debt, but maybe it was more than that.

This movie was too precious to fail.

Even Park Jung-woo had come to realize this fact.

“Right now, it seems like most problems regarding the cast are being resolved… Are there any other issues?”

“Well… while investors seem satisfied, aside from that, there’s the most critical problem left.”

“The most critical problem?”

“The number of theaters. And promotions.”

“…So, investors aren’t providing support for that?”

“They are. GH Group said they would support, so they probably will. However, I don’t think there will be many screenings. It’s just….”

Given the series of failures, expectations on Director Jo Bang-woo might be low.

And it just so happened that his son was producing a film too.

Rumor had it that the latter was on its way to becoming a significant hit itself.

The good news was that their release dates wouldn’t overlap.

But did that mean it was good news? Not really.

They might have avoided a rich competition, but there were several anticipated films likely to release around that time.

Having hit series with great success abroad made prospects gloomy.

“That….”

This was a problem Park Jung-woo couldn’t solve either.

He couldn’t just march up to GH Group and demand they increase the screening count.

“Well, it’ll probably be fine.”

“Huh?”

“I’m just getting that feeling.”

“Ha ha, well, that would be nice. I hope nothing goes wrong.”

At Director Jo Bang-woo’s words, Park Jung-woo smiled faintly.

Yeah, he really couldn’t do anything.

However, there were individuals who could attend this audition.

***

A week later.

Audition for <Seoul Escape>.

Actors and actresses began to appear at the audition site one by one, vying for spots in this new movie.

At first, there were relatively unknown actors.

They came hoping to gain something since they would be acting alongside actor Park Jung-woo.

The movie’s success didn’t matter; they were here to build a connection with Park Jung-woo.

“What? Did Song Hyun-mi also come?”

“Wow, the Park Jung-woo effect is real. That senior is usually super cautious!”

However, soon enough, familiar names began to appear.

Main and supporting actors from hit dramas.

Actors who had significant roles in films that attracted over 5 million viewers.

Actors with enough recognition to take on leading roles.

“Phew, but there’s no A-list talent here.”

“Still, at this level, it’s worth a shot.”

The actresses exchanged glances and thought similarly.

After all, with this level of competition, they believed they could manage.

Their determination started to swell.

Since this was a movie featuring Park Jung-woo, it had to have something worthwhile.

Just then, <Clack>.

A clear sound of high heels caught everyone’s attention.

As the door creaked open, white high heels came into view, drawing attention to the long legs.

In that moment, everyone held their breath.

“What, what? Hwang Min-hwa?”

“Seriously? Why?”

“Why is actress Hwang Min-hwa here for the audition? No way, with that actress around?”

The gracefully dressed figure in a luxurious dress.

With her designer handbag, her appearance was as bright as her exquisite outfit.

A luxury actress, always adorned with such an epithet.

Hwang Min-hwa.

Those who met her haughty gaze couldn’t even think about meeting her eyes directly.

Even actress Song Hyun-mi, who had just been called out in surprise, couldn’t manage to meet her gaze.

The level was different.

In that instant, the actresses in this space knew they had no choice but to recognize.

Purely, as an actress by nature.

Realizing her talent was indeed in a whole different league.

“Hmph.”

Hwang Min-hwa scoffed at the other actresses.

‘As expected, just a bunch of nobodies.’

Mere bit players who had just attached themselves to a hit.

Freshmen who had received a little acclaim for their acting.

Just kids like that.

Hwang Min-hwa strolled confidently to an empty seat and looked around.

She was searching to see if Park Jung-woo was there.

Of course, Park Jung-woo wasn’t.

“Right, he must be a judge, right?”

Since he had requested it, he would likely be involved in the judging as well.

Hwang Min-hwa chuckled at the funny thought.

How pleasurable it would be for such an arrogant guy to become captivated by her performance.

“But… if this is all there is, it’s disappointing.”

She felt like this was just wasting her time.

Auditioning alongside such mediocre actresses was simply not her style.

It made her question if she had only reached this level.

Though such thoughts crossed her mind, Hwang Min-hwa sat cross-legged and relaxed.

‘Well, the ones who didn’t come must be too timid.’

The actresses of her caliber likely hesitated about participating in this film.

But considering how Jo Bang-woo operated, that must have been an issue.

An actress on Hwang Min-hwa’s level would have to think twice.

Because a single failure might invite ridicule.

In that regard, Hwang Min-hwa certainly was a risk-taker.

The reason she had thrived so far was due to her good judgment.

Clank.

While Hwang Min-hwa was thinking along those lines, the creaky door opened.

It was five minutes before auditions were set to begin.

The very last participant arrived right on the nick of time.

‘Must be a no-show if they can’t manage their time…’

As she thought this, unimpressed and sluggish, Hwang Min-hwa suddenly froze.

‘Oh?’

She stiffened at the sight of the familiar figure.

With hair as dark as if it had melted the shadows.

Eyes shimmering brighter due to the dim audition room lighting.

The delicate skin matching the hue of that darkness and redness.

With a brilliant physique and a lightness in her step, she stood out.

Her demeanor was calm, as though she felt no nervousness at being there.

“Joo Seo-yeon?”

Someone muttered that name.

It was hard to believe it upon seeing her.

Indeed, she was the busiest actress of this year.

Surely, nobody expected her to auditions for this.

In the midst of everyone’s attention, Seo-yeon sighed internally.

‘…I almost missed it taking the subway.’

She had dashed out after telling her manager she was leaving in a hurry, but that was due to Park Jung-woo’s message.

He advised her not to rush and just take a proper car or subway instead.

As a result, Seo-yeon found herself a little disgruntled at having arrived late.

Now, she was caught in the middle of judgmental gazes.