Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Full of pride, Jo Min-Sung had never given much thought to a mere team lead like me—until now

However, things were different now. The fact that he allowed mutual honorifics despite my young age signaled that he recognized me as an equal.

Regardless, I couldn't afford to act weak if I intended to bring such a prideful actor into Team Jung. I planned to leave a strong impression on Jo Min-Sung by showing that I wielded the power to control major advertising deals.

If I succeeded, there was a chance Jo Min-Sung would want to work with me as he always preferred talent agents who matched his level.

When he asked if I was going to accept the HY Auto Inc. ad, I calmly responded, "HY Auto Inc. has offered quite favorable terms to Tae-Poong. We're thinking positively for now."

At that moment, Jo Min-Sung, the main figure of Hoop Entertainment, fell into contemplation. It seemed like he hadn't expected me to respond this way, especially given his personal visit.

After a brief hesitation, Jo Min-Sung slowly spoke. "How about this? If you decline that ad offer, I could give up the lead role in my next project, First Love Romance, to Tae-Poong."

Jo Min-Sung had an exceptional eye for picking projects and was usually about 80% accurate. In this industry, even a 50% success rate was considered a hit. So an 80% track record was almost as if he had divine foresight.

For Jo Min-Sung to offer a project he had chosen himself was quite a proposition.

He continued, "Director Yuk was torn between Tae-Poong and me but ultimately chose me. If I step down, he'll offer the role to Tae-Poong right away."

Jo Min-Sung added that landing the lead in Director Yuk Hyun-Moon's romantic comedy would easily be worth 700 million won.

However, the offer held no value for me as I knew the future.

I turned him down. "I'm sorry, but it doesn't seem worth it."

"Not worth it? What do you mean? Have you not seen the script yet...?"

"No, I have. The script is well-written."

'But what good is a great script when the movie will fail before it's even made?' I remarked inwardly.

First Love Romance was a romantic comedy from Director Yuk Hyun-Moon, who typically drew in at least 5 million viewers on average.

The project itself wasn't bad, but it would fall apart before release when the investors went bankrupt.

Jo Min-Sung tilted his head in confusion. "Then why are you refusing?"

"Don't you know my nickname? They call me Star Jung the Fortune Teller. I can choose Tae-Poong's next project myself."

When the negotiation stalled, Jo Min-Sung asked bluntly, "Then do you have any other demands? Think carefully. I can't let go of that ad."

Jo Min-Sung's attachment to the HY Auto Inc. ad wasn't just about the money: As part of a secret side contract, Jo Min-Sung received a custom-tuned car from HY Inc. every year. Racing that car in Yongin was his only hobby, so he was desperate to keep the deal.

As Jo Min-Sung grew anxious, I presented him with one condition. "Actually, there might be one way..."

"What is it?"

"I don't pit actors from the same team against each other for ads or projects."

At that moment, Jo Min-Sung's face hardened. After all, I had indirectly told him to join my team.

"Is there really no other option?"

"Well, I can't think of a reason to turn down the HY Inc. ad right now."

Jo Min-Sung's expression shifted with every second.

'Shall I leave an even stronger impression?' I wondered.

Taking this opportunity, I decided to reveal a piece of information I knew. "And about that First Love Romance you mentioned..."

"What about it? You said you wouldn't take it even if I offered."

"That's right. But Mr. Jo Min-Sung, it's in your best interest not to take the lead role in that movie either."

A flash of confusion passed over Jo Min-Sung's eyes.

"What do you mean...?"

"Check the financial status of Taeseong, the investment company. They won't last another month."

Jo Min-Sung put down his coffee. "Taeseong going bankrupt? That's absurd..."

"If I'm wrong, I'll hand over the advertisement without any conditions."

Taeseong Investment, the company funding First Love Romance, was the third-largest in the industry. The idea that they might go under was enough to shock Jo Min-Sung.

Just then, the door burst open and Bang Sang-Yung rushed in drenched in sweat.

Bang!

"Min-Sung! What are you doing here?"

I clicked my tongue. 'What a shame. A little more time and I would have definitely sealed the deal.'

In an instant, Jo Min-Sung smoothly switched gears and began acting as if nothing was wrong. "I was just discussing with Team Lead Jung whether Tae-Poong and I should appear on a variety show together. But what brings you here, Mr. Bang?"

It was clear Jo Min-Sung didn't want to reveal the nature of our conversation—which meant he was intrigued by my offer for him to join my team.

As Jo Min-Sung stood up, he glanced at me. "Please ask Tae-Poong if he'd be interested in joining me on Running Show. I think we'd get a good reaction if we appeared together. I'd like to ride on my hot junior's popularity for once."

"Of course, I'll let Tae-Poong know."

"Good. Then I'll be off."

When I played along with Jo Min-Sung's performance, he gave a satisfied smile as he exited the room.

This was something I had realized only after traveling back in time: I was pretty good at acting.

Jo Min-Sung disappeared along with talent agent, Chief Choi Eun-Seok, from Actor Division 1, who had been waiting outside.

However, Bang Sang-Yung didn't follow.

Bang Sang-Yung pointed his finger at me. "Team Lead Jung, what kind of tricks are you pulling right now?"

"Tricks? You heard it yourself. We were just discussing a variety show appearance."

"A-and you expect me to believe that?"

"Mr. Bang, what are you going to do if you don't believe me?"

"What...?"

I took a step closer to Bang Sang-Yung. "You're worried, aren't you? You're thinking, 'What if Jo Min-Sung decides to move to Team Jung?'"

Bang Sang-Yung swallowed hard.

I continued, "You haven't forgotten how you said you wouldn't stop any actor or talent agent who wanted to leave, have you? Or does that not apply to the stars of Actor Division 1?"

Bang Sang-Yung hadn't anticipated that an Actor Division 1 star, someone he had personally scouted, would come to see me.

This was why people should be careful with their words—one slip of the tongue and it could all fall apart.

In all honesty, I would have been the one in trouble if I hadn't managed to resolve Gong Hak-Beom's incident.

However, now that the matter was settled, it was Bang Sang-Yung's turn to face the heat.

I looked at my watch and said, "Well, we can continue this conversation another time. I have to head to MBS. I need to discuss the casting issue for Hwaranjeon with Producer Oh."

I ignored Bang Sang-Yung's intense glare and made my way to the underground parking lot.

***

At MBS, I discussed the production announcement and promotions for Hwaranjeon and recommended six actors from Hoop Entertainment as agreed beforehand.

After about three hours of meetings at MBS, I returned to the company to find quite a commotion.

-I heard Mr. Jo Min-Sung met with Team Lead Jung.

-So is Jo Min-Sung moving to Team Jung?

-That's what it sounds like. Apparently, Director Bang's face turned beet red.

-Man, this is crazy... Do you know how much revenue Jo Min-Sung brings in by himself? Could this shake up Actor Division 1?

-They say Team Jung might bring in talent agents too. Should I take my actors and move to Team Jung as well?

The only reason Jo Min-Sung had come to me was to ensure he didn't lose the car advertisement. However, rumors had spread like wildfire that the top star of Actor Division 1 had begged to work with me first.

'Just as I had hoped,' I thought.

As soon as I sat down at my desk, Lee Yung-Jin wiped the nervous sweat from his brow and approached me. "I did as you asked, and the results are even better than expected."

Before heading to MBS, I had secretly instructed Lee Yung-Jin to spread rumors that Jo Min-Sung was considering joining my team.

This was the result.

"Good job."

"But do you really think this will shake up Mr. Jo Min-Sung?"

"He won't be swayed. But Actor Division 1? They'll definitely be shaken."

If the talent agents in Division 1 start doubting Jo Min-Sung, he would only grow disappointed in them.

"Yeah, it seems like Division 1 is the most unstable."

"Anyway, all the work we've done will be for nothing if HY contacts Jo Min-Sung, so schedule a meeting with HY for tomorrow," I instructed Lee Yung-Jin.

"But tomorrow is Miso's audition day, isn't it?"

"That's why we need to meet early before that."

HY Auto Inc. was trying to pit Jo Min-Sung and Lee Tae-Poong against each other to lower the ad fees. To get Jo Min-Sung to move, I had to make some moves of my own.

"Oh, and I'll be heading to Actor Division 3 for a bit."

"What for this time?"

"I'm going to offer an invitation to Mr. Song Ji-Hwan from Actor Division 3."

Lee Yung-Jin scratched his head with a troubled look. "Is it really okay to bring in so many people like this?"

"We have to strike while the iron is hot. Now that I have permission, we need to expand while we can. This is a rare opportunity."

If I aggressively brought in actors who wanted to join Team Jung, it could shake the company to its core. Then naturally, there would be a directive from above to hold back.

Before that happened, I planned to secure as many key actors as possible.

***

Actor Song Ji-Hwan was known for his powerful performances, often cast as a king in historical dramas.

However, with the decline of traditional historical dramas and the rise of fusion historical dramas, the roles he preferred were becoming scarce. Recently, the stress had even given him gastritis.

Song Ji-Hwan immediately perked up the moment I brought up a role that matched his style. "Is there a role for me in Hwaranjeon? I heard actors from Hoop already filled all the available roles."

"Ah, but you don't belong in the same category as those supporting actors, do you?" I asked with a subtle smile.

"Then...?"

"I've already gotten approval from the writer and producer."

When I visited MBS earlier, I had secured a deal with Oh Bok-Hee and Han Woo-Ju to offer the role of the king in Hwaranjeon to Song Ji-Hwan.

After a moment of consideration, Song Ji-Hwan nodded. "But do I have to join your team if I want this role?"

I could tell Song Ji-Hwan had clearly heard the rumors circulating in the company as that was his first question.

"No. I only offered you because I believe no one could bring this Shilla king role to life better than you."

I didn't pressure Song Ji-Hwan, because I knew he was the type to outrightly reject something if there were too many strings attached.

"More than that, why don't you give the PD a call? I'm sure they're waiting for you," I suggested.

Song Ji-Hwan agreed and called the PD. "Oh, yes, yes. I'll stop by MBS tomorrow then... Thank you so much, Mrs. Oh."

After finishing the call, Song Ji-Hwan looked at me with a pleased expression. "Team Lead Jung. If you're not too busy, would you like to come to my house for dinner tonight?"

At that moment, Actor Division 3 began buzzing.

Song Ji-Hwan was known for being a devoted husband, and it was rare for him to ask his wife to cook unless it was a special occasion.

Except for Kim Dong-Soo, none of the other talent agents in Actor Division 3 had ever tasted a home-cooked meal by Song Ji-Hwan's wife.

The talent agents shot me sharp looks and silently urged me to decline. However, I ignored them and accepted the offer. I couldn't possibly pass up the golden opportunity to recruit an S-class historical drama actor.

That night, I successfully got a drunken promise from Song Ji-Hwan to join Team Jung.

It was all thanks to the thoughtful gift I had prepared for his wife based on my memories from my past life.

***

Today was Miso's audition day as well as the day of Lee Tae-Poong's HY Auto Inc. ad meeting.

Dressed in a hanbok, Miso twirled around in place with a big smile on her face. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, am I pretty?"

"Of course you are."

"Hehe~"

"Alright. I have an appointment, so you'll head to the station with the Taekwon master later. Okay?"

"Okay~!"

I turned to Yoo-Jin. "Yoo-Jin, I'll head to MBS as soon as I finish my morning schedule. And remember to wear a hat and disguise yourself well—people will recognize you."

Yoo-Jin nodded. "Don't worry, I've got it covered."

Since Yoo-Jin would be accompanying Miso as her guardian to the station today, I made sure to remind her to disguise herself carefully. However, as she packed Miso's things, a worried look crossed her face. "Oppa, I heard rumors that Jo Min-Sung sunbae-nim might join our team."

"Nothing's been decided yet."

Yoo-Jin frowned, concerned that she might lose more of my attention. "If Jo Min-Sung sunbae-nim joins our team, who will manage him?"

"I've got someone in mind who can handle him well."

Jo Min-Sung wasn't high maintenance as he had his own personal talent agent. So if he moved to our team, I planned to have Lee Yung-Jin manage him while I just helped with project selections.

"And besides... I've got you to take care of. So how could I manage Jo Min-Sung?"

Yoo-Jin's face flushed red. "Oppa..."

Seeing Yoo-Jin so touched, I teased her by listing names on my fingers. "And there's Miso, Haru, Tae-Poong, and..."

Yoo-Jin puffed up her cheeks and playfully pinched my arm.

"Ouch!"

"Hmph! Are you going to list everyone from Team Jung now?"

"How'd you know?"

Yoo-Jin giggled softly.

At that moment, my phone rang: it was Jo Min-Sung. "Yes, Mr. Jo."

On the other end, Jo Min-Sung's voice sounded a bit deflated.

-Last night, Mr. Bang Sang-Yung struck a deal with HY. I'm sorry to Tae-Poong, but HY decided to renew their contract with me.

"Pardon me? What do you mean?"

I was left speechless after hearing the situation.

It wasn't the same as my past life where HY signed a five-year contract with 1.5 billion won per year. This time, they had cut his yearly fee from 1.2 billion to just 1 billion won, signing a 3-year deal.

A contract with lowered fees usually happened when an actor's popularity has waned.

For Bang Sang-Yung to personally handle the negotiations and end up with such a bad deal was unbelievable.

'Is he out of his mind, lowering his own actor's worth like that?' I wondered.

However, when a competitor made mistakes, that was my chance to shine.

Now was the perfect time to show my competency and offer something beneficial to Jo Min-Sung—and also reveal Bang Sang-Yung's incompetence.

"Mr. Jo Min-Sung! I can get you an extra 500 million for that ad. Let's meet right now."

-You're saying you can get me more money, not steal the ad?

"Exactly!"

After a brief hesitation, Jo Min-Sung's voice came through again.

-I'm heading out in an hour. Come to the company before then.

The moment the call ended, I knew this was my moment.

'If I play this right, I might actually bring over the ace of Actor Division 1,' I thought.