Top Star by Luck

Chapter 12

A few days later.

The four-day audition schedule at Daon Entertainment had come to an end.

It was an eventful and turbulent audition.

The biggest feature of this audition was the absence of the CEO.

However, that didn’t mean he was entirely absent.

“Yawn…”

Since he was the CEO, the final decision of the audition was entrusted to him.

“Ugh…”

The man, who looked far too young to be called a CEO, or rather, lacked any sense of gravity, groaned in pain as he slouched over his desk, suffering from a headache.

“Ugh… My head hurts. Director Kim, do you happen to have any leftover Hangover EX?”

He was asking for a hangover relief drink.

He had been out drinking all night the previous evening.

He had spent over a thousand dollars on alcohol in one night, so it would have been odd if he didn’t have a headache.

‘This is the CEO?’

The smell of alcohol wafted in from a distance.

There was nothing remotely respectable about him, and Director Kim Jong Hyuk sighed briefly before speaking.

“I’ll go buy some.”

“You should stock things like that in the pantry ahead of time. Do I really need to say this? Oh, not talking to you, Director Kim, but to the staff below.”

“I’ll make sure to keep that in mind.”

“You’re always working so hard.”

Director Kim Jong Hyuk felt deeply distressed by the sight of this pathetic CEO.

‘Entrusting the final decision to someone suffering from a hangover…’

It was absurd.

However, he had prepared thoroughly for today over the past few sleepless nights.

While CEO Hwang In Goo spent his nights drinking, Director Kim had been burning the midnight oil, preparing material to convince him.

‘Still, he’s got an instinct. I’ll trust him.’

It was true that CEO Hwang’s usual behavior was pitiful.

However, he had one advantage.

Instinct.

You could even call it animal-like intuition.

He had a good sense of who would bring money to the company.

So far, CEO Hwang’s decisions have rarely failed.

Guessing.

If it was skill, it was skill, and if it was luck, it was luck.

But Director Kim Jong Hyuk believed it was skill as he began to speak.

“I’ve organized the most notable participants from the regular auditions held over the past few days.”

Among the thousand participants who showed passion over the four-day audition, those who stood out were selected.

Eighty percent were people with adequate skills.

The remaining twenty percent were individuals who still lacked but had shining potential.

And there was one person, in particular, who would be highlighted as the gem of this audition.

‘Was it group 4, number 17? His name was Lee Min Ki, right?’

It was Lee Min Ki.

If Director Kim Jong Hyuk had to choose just one person from this audition, without hesitation, it would be him.

‘His fundamentals are well-honed, and he’s already established his own color in acting. He could be deployed on the field right now without much tweaking. I’d start him with a minor role in a drama… no, he could go straight to a supporting role in a movie.’

He was confident.

Lee Min Ki was a rare gem, even among the talented individuals that appeared every year.

If you likened him to a jewel, he was gold.

His basic skills were guaranteed, and depending on how he was nurtured, his potential was limitless.

‘No matter how indifferent the CEO may seem, he’s still the head of an agency. Once he sees him, he’ll pick him. He just needs to see.’

He was confident.

With a voice that carried both certainty and conviction, Director Kim Jong Hyuk spoke.

“I’ve organized the order, so please review it and let me know your thoughts. There’s one impressive rookie in this audition.”

CEO Hwang In Goo, without even glancing at him, responded half-heartedly.

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll take a look at it slowly.”

“…!”

Director Kim’s eyes widened at his response.

“Really?”

“What’s with the surprise? It won’t take that long.”

He spoke in a nonchalant tone.

But even that was enough to fill Director Kim with joy.

It was done.

Now, he could lead him to make judgments with his eyes and ears.

“First, you can start by looking at this candidate here.”

“Hmm, not many.”

“You can look forward to it.”

It was just as Director Kim was finishing the first video.

“Hmm.”

CEO Hwang In Goo nodded his head and spoke.

“Not bad.”

“Right…”

“But I’m sorry.”

The next moment, CEO Hwang pressed his fingers firmly against his temples and said,

“I’ve already chosen someone this time.”

“What?”

Already chosen?

What did he mean?

As Director Kim flinched at the unexpected words, CEO Hwang continued.

“You know our investor, IBR Pharmaceuticals, right? The pharmaceutical company?”

“Yes, the CEO often brags about his kid.”

Director Kim echoed along.

CEO Hwang grinned and said,

“Right, seems like the CEO’s son wants to try his hand at acting.”

“…”

“I’ve met him a few times. He’s tall. I’m not sure about his acting, but with a bit of grooming, he has the looks for it. He gives off the actor vibe.”

Kim Ji Hwan.

Looking ahead, knowing that Kim Ji Hwan would receive praise and become a middle-tier actor, it didn’t seem like a bad choice.

However, Director Kim didn’t know that.

Even if he did, he couldn’t let go of Lee Min Ki.

He was appalled.

‘No, absolutely not.’

Just as disbelief filled his face, CEO Hwang smirked mischievously and said,

“He kept pestering me during our drinking sessions, so I agreed.”

“Wait, CEO.”

“That’s how it is. I’ll give you the full list later, but that kid seems to have potential.”

“Wait a minute. Even if he’s good, this contestant’s talent is extraordinary.”

“He’s a guy, though.”

“That may be true, but…”

Director Kim couldn’t understand why Lee Min Ki being male mattered.

CEO Hwang chuckled and said,

“You know how it goes. We usually pick one guy and one girl in each audition. Can’t be helped.”

It was an absurd reason.

Momentarily lost for words, Director Kim quickly spoke up.

“But, I mean it. This rookie is really good.”

“Is he that good?”

CEO Hwang turned his chair and asked.

“Yes, he’s exceptional.”

This was the final chance.

Director Kim, feeling a sense of duty, replied,

“If we give him time and opportunities, he could grow into Daon’s flagship actor.”

Flagship actor.

It was a heavy term, perhaps too much for a rookie.

But Director Kim was sincere.

Lee Min Ki was one of the most complete rookies he had ever seen in his career.

“I’m confident. If you approve him, I’ll turn him into a star.”

Let’s just pick him.

As they say, once the card is played, it can’t be taken back.

At the very least, they could prevent him from going to another agency.

‘All it takes is time.’

That was his mindset as he made his final appeal.

Perhaps his efforts had paid off because CEO Hwang, turning his chair again with interest, said,

“Well, then, if he’s that good, he’ll do well at another agency.”

“…”

It was an utterly irresponsible statement.

From that one remark, Director Kim Jong Hyuk sensed the end of his attempt to persuade.

He stood there, mouth agape.

“CEO, just one more time.”

“You’re right, Director. He’s good, really good. But he’s not Daon’s style.”

It was an excessively subjective response.

Style.

A word far too subjective to be used when assessing a rookie’s objective abilities.

At that moment, Director Kim Jong Hyuk finally realized.

It was over.

There was no point in further arguments.

They were going to pass over a gem without even properly evaluating him and let him go to another company.

‘What if he becomes a huge success at another agency?’

His insides were burning.

It wasn’t just irresponsible—it was foolish.

Even if he hadn’t watched, fine, but he had.

Still, standing before such a person, Director Kim Jong Hyuk could only clench his teeth and nod.

“…Understood.”

After all, he was still the CEO.

Whether it worked out or not, Daon was his company.

* * *

A few days after Daon Entertainment’s audition.

Creak.

The door to Jam Acting School opened, and a man stepped inside.

His movements were far too casual for his age, and his clothes looked hastily thrown on. Yet, somehow, his striking physique stood out.

“You’re here.”

It was Trainer Kim Ah Sung.

“Yeah, Director.”

He sat down comfortably in the director’s office as if it were his own home and remained still, as if waiting for the other person to speak.

Eventually, it was Director Park who broke the silence.

“How did it go? The audition results?”

“Oh, that.”

Kim Ah Sung pulled the corners of his lips up briefly before speaking.

“Right, the results came in this morning.”

The results of Daon Entertainment’s audition had been officially announced.

Since it had been a small-scale event, the results came out quickly, and Director Park paid attention to the outcome.

It was time to reveal the results of the bet that had been running between Trainer Kim Ah Sung and Director Park for over a month.

“So, the results?”

At Director Park’s prompting, Trainer Kim Ah Sung grinned as if he were stalling and finally spoke.

“They didn’t make it.”

“…Which one of the two? Lee Min Ki or Yoo Seon Ah?”

“Both of them.”

That’s right.

Both of them had been completely eliminated from Daon Entertainment.

Not even a sliver of hope, just a clean cut.

“Whew, looks like I won.”

“Seems that way. Congratulations, Director.”

Kim Ah Sung chuckled in his usual teasing manner.

However, Director Park muttered with a hint of bitterness, as if something was bothering him.

“Is this really something to celebrate?”

“Why not? You won the bet.”

“Yes, but…”

Director Park blinked a few times and spoke.

“Still, my students didn’t make it.”

“…”

“No matter how hard they worked, as an educator, it’s not right for me to be happy about this.”

For the past month.

Director Park had been observing Lee Min Ki’s acting every day.

He watched how he improved and prepared his performances, never missing a single day.

And he had come to a conclusion.

Lee Min Ki had been working sincerely and did not deserve to be disregarded.

“I didn’t expect you to say something like that, Director.”

“I have an eye for people too. Lee Min Ki has definitely changed, and he’s been working hard.”

His efforts had overturned Director Park’s initial underestimation.

But for that very reason, Director Park couldn’t understand Trainer Kim Ah Sung’s reaction.

“Pardon me if this is an inappropriate question, but may I ask something?”

“Go ahead.”

Kim Ah Sung’s face showed indifference.

Director Park quietly stared into his eyes and spoke.

“Trainer, you don’t seem too concerned about this, do you?”

“…”

“I thought you had some attachment to this.”

“Well, you see…”

Kim Ah Sung scratched his cheek, turning his gaze to the desk, and spoke.

“I never liked Daon Entertainment in the first place.”

That’s right.

Trainer Kim Ah Sung genuinely held a grudge against Daon Entertainment.

“If you knew how things worked there, you wouldn’t be able to like it. I didn’t try too hard to stop them because they insisted on going, but if I had a chance, I would have persuaded them not to.”

“Are you serious?”

“I don’t lie about someone’s future.”

Director Park gazed deeply into Trainer Kim Ah Sung’s eyes.

Usually full of mischief, his eyes were now deadly serious, not a single twitch of movement.

It was the truth.

Though he often joked, he was not someone who lied.

In fact, he had even felt a sense of pity that Lee Min Ki had chosen to pursue Daon.

‘The CEO is something else.’

Trainer Kim Ah Sung’s insight into the industry was as genuine as the career he had built.

Having taught hundreds of students, he had heard far more stories than those that circulated publicly.

In terms of auditions, he even had more knowledge than most agency heads.

Naturally, he knew Daon Entertainment well.

“You’ve heard the rumors, right? That the CEO of Daon is… well, let’s just say he holds a lot of power.”

“I’ve only heard vague things.”

“To put it bluntly, it’s true. Daon is the CEO’s playground. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Is it really that bad?”

Seeing Director Park’s shocked expression, Trainer Kim Ah Sung continued calmly.

“I’ve heard he hangs out with gangsters, and there are stories about him forcing entertainers to serve drinks and even wielding a bat.”

Director Park’s expression grew more serious as the blunt words poured out like stinging arrows.

“So, those weren’t just rumors?”

“I know someone who was a victim. Honestly, their auditions are just a playground for the CEO to pick whoever he fancies. I don’t even understand why they have judges.”

“Hm, I’m hearing things today that I’m not sure I should be listening to.”

Even Director Park, a successful academy director, had never heard such stories.

This was insider knowledge only known to those deeply entrenched in the industry.

But Trainer Kim Ah Sung shrugged as if it were no big deal.

“Well, this is off the record, right? They say people even badmouth the president when he’s not around, so why not a gangster CEO?”

He wasn’t wrong.

Trainer Kim, though usually composed, was clearly angry as he continued.

“Still, considering how the company runs, he’s not completely incompetent. He has a good eye for actors, and he’s probably lucky. But really, it’s not a place someone with real talent needs to seek out.”

The reason he hadn’t stopped Min Ki despite knowing all this was simple.

He wasn’t the type to intervene in the choices of a passing student, nor was he someone who liked to meddle in others’ business.

‘Besides, even with all its flaws, Daon is still a place rookies are grateful to join.’

If Lee Min Ki wanted to go to Daon, then so be it, he thought.

But after observing him over the past month, Trainer Kim had learned something.

Lee Min Ki’s skills were the real deal.

He had talent.

But more than that, he had something else—what should he call it?

Yes.

Determination.

It was a kind of resolve so strong it could be called desperation.

‘You don’t see people with that level of commitment even in the industry.’

He gave his all, even in the smallest performances.

It was as if he wanted to give his last breath to that one performance.

It was inspiring.

What began as simple curiosity had evolved into genuine admiration for Lee Min Ki.

Perhaps that was why, when he heard Min Ki had applied to Daon, he had felt a sense of regret.

Now, hearing the results, he felt a strange sense of relief.

‘For now, it might seem like he’s taken a step back, but there are plenty of places where he can take ten steps forward.’

Trainer Kim Ah Sung knew how to spot people who would succeed in the industry.

He was confident Lee Min Ki’s time would come soon.

“Well, it’s done, so let’s move on.”

Trainer Kim chuckled and said,

“I guess I’ll have to keep my promise.”

“Promise?”

Director Park blinked in confusion as Trainer Kim casually responded.

“We made a bet, remember? If Min Ki got into Daon, you’d offer a full scholarship, but if he didn’t, I’d do something for you. Hosting that private audition at the academy.”

“Ah.”

Director Park let out a brief sound of realization.

That’s right, they had made such a deal.

‘I guess I forgot all about it.’

To be fair, Director Park had probably forgotten because, without even realizing it, he had been rooting for Min Ki all along.

Few people imagine their hopes falling short.

“Well, that’s that.”

Trainer Kim murmured as if to shake off the thought, standing up and saying,

“I’ll sort out the schedule for the private audition and let you know soon. Sound good?”

“Yes, understood.”

With that, the short conversation between the two came to an end.

One person felt a surge of new anticipation, while the other harbored a sense of regret.

The former was Trainer Kim Ah Sung.

The latter was Director Park.

In just a month, both of their perspectives had changed completely.

* * *

Inside Jam Acting School’s practice room.

Two students were present early in the morning.

“He hasn’t shown up.”

“Yeah. Hm, this situation seems a bit strange, don’t you think?”

It was Yoo Seon Ah and Kim Tak.

After spending over a month together, the two had grown somewhat close.

They were currently talking about someone in particular.

“Min Ki is late today.”

It was that Lee Min Ki had been absent.