"Writer Kim. What are you mulling over so hard?"
In a small writers' room in Yeouido, the space provided by the drama production company was piled high with paper and materials up to an adult's height. Kim Eun-song, who was tirelessly preparing her new work, propped her chin on her hand and glared at photos of actors.
"The image just isn't clicking."
"Not working out?"
"I've nailed the female lead character, but these two male leads are tricky."
She had debuted about five years ago through a contest and had been steadily producing works ever since. Not massive hits, but consistent mid-tier successes, so she was burning with ambition to land a big one this time, that desire pressed deep in her heart like a flattened rice cake.
"What do you think, PD?"
"Yeah, I thought this guy was pretty good."
She and Lee Yu-jin PD were already on their second collaboration. They sipped shared coffee while heatedly discussing virtual casting. But the writer wasn't satisfied with her pick either, just shaking her head.
"I want someone sharper and more intellectual. Plus, principled, with a clear personal code. He's a kid who finds a dream different from everyone else's at twenty, so he needs a strong sense of self. Above all, that sexy charm unique to musicians."
A character who gets into Korea University but throws it away to pursue music. A guy obsessed with his dreams.
Lee Yu-jin PD pointed at photos one by one and asked back. "Isn't this enough? He even coined the term brain-sex male first. Otherwise, we'd have to go idol route."
Song Do-wan, the actor. A man with an intellectual, kind image, nicknamed the nation's manager. His acting and vibe weren't bad, but he didn't quite fit a musician.
"And he needs to look even younger."
The project she was planning was about a band. Female lead as vocals, male lead and sub as guitar and piano. Love and friendship sprouting from the rock bottom of youth starting in Hongdae streets! Weren't those the most important things in life? She wanted to unfold the story of youth with music.
"True. He's a bit ambiguous."
He was pushing thirty. Even baby-faced, it was a stretch.
After a meeting that dragged on without conclusion, they sprawled out like drained batteries. Lee Yu-jin PD scrolled aimlessly through a portal app to cool her head.
"Huh?"
Then a unfamiliar name popped up in real-time search: Ha Moo-young. Apparently, there'd been an incident on an M Network miniseries set. She was with S Network, so none of her business or interest. But as she looked at the article photo, her eyes widened.
"Whoa, this guy..."
Pomade-slicked hair swept up. School uniform that didn't look out of place. Tall and handsome to boot. Above all, that rebellious vibe laced with the instability of youth!
"Writer, check this guy out."
"Why? Who is he?"
"Ha Moo-young? Seems like a rookie, but isn't he good? A bit rough edge, styling's intense but he pulls it off. Blank slate vibe. And he looks so young."
The writer slowly nodded as she looked at the photo PD handed her. Just one fan-shot from afar, but it felt fresh and spot-on.
"Not a worn-out image. Perfect. If he can sing well, it'd be icing on the cake."
"Shall we set up a meeting?"
"Sure. Add him to the list, and I'll reorganize once more. But what happened on set?"
"...The assistant director pulled rank, wouldn't let him do makeup. Involved insulting Oon Ta and his looks too."
But the comments were interesting?
"So Ha Moo-young... went into the mob of fans and got them to do his makeup? Fans did it for him?"
Ding. The two women exchanged stunned glances.
Jackpot. He's got it. Not actor talent, but star quality as an entertainer.
The writer muttered with a hollow laugh. "Total idol material."
Hearing that, the PD realized: Among actors, who had this kind of spark? Ex-idols aside, most were quiet or enigmatic types.
"Keep him on file for now."
She smiled and screenshotted it. The problematic drama was pre-produced, not aired yet. His filmography was just one YouTube clip. But mentions of starring in director Seo Jeong-mun's work too.
"His agency... Big Win? Big Win... Oh! That one."
Among Big Win actors, a guy named Tae-seok was in S Network's historical drama Crescent Moon's Waist. Made by her senior PD.
"Okaay—"
Connections were for times like this. She texted subtly, inching toward Big Win Entertainment. Not official meeting, just casual "wanna grab a meal?" to cover if it fell through.
* * *
"Whoa, smells delicious."
Moo-young arrived at the meeting spot, sniffing eagerly. Unlike him, just happy to eat, Go Kyung-min, Na Geum-dong, and Tae-seok looked tense.
"What's with everyone?"
"What do you mean? Kid, you know what it means to dine with PDs?"
"I get it's important, but you'll get indigestion like that."
If even agency CEO Na Geum-dong was out, that said it all. Moo-young just grinned, ready to enjoy.
Tae-seok's stomach churned from nerves alone, no booze yet.
"This is our shot to make a real impression on S Network. Let's all nail it, yeah?"
During Crescent Moon's Waist, he'd never even coffee'd solo with a PD, just bodyguard orbiting the lead.
"Rookie's luck strikes again."
That PD called him, asked to set up with his agency! It trickled through Na Geum-dong and Go Kyung-min to Moo-young.
They popped hangover remedies like sales reps pre-pitch, grim-faced.
"Down it!"
"Gotta preload properly!"
"Whew! Saved my liver for today."
The three men chugged like toasting. Moo-young just stood blankly. He pawed the ground like a horse, meat scent urging him in.
"Lee Yu-jin PD's okay at least?"
Young sensibilities. But Hong Seok-jo PD, working with Tae-seok, was the classic booze-and-old-tales type.
"Can't avoid it for big projects with Hong Seok-jo PD."
"Moo-young and manager handle Lee Yu-jin PD on casting talk, me and Tae-seok mark Hong Seok-jo. Okay?"
"Okay."
They fist-bumped solemnly and entered the grill house. Crescent Moon's Waist directing team and Lee Yu-jin PD waved from the corner booth.
"Over here!"
"Aigoo, hello."
"CEO came out himself."
"Sorry for the late greeting after entrusting our actor. Na Geum-dong here."
Bustling greetings all around.
Moo-young and Go Kyung-min sat right across from Lee Yu-jin PD.
"Hello."
"Nice to meet you."
Seeing Moo-young's face, Lee Yu-jin flinched slightly. Styling difference? Smoother than the photo. More Sinchon than Hongdae. Neat, tidy.
"You look way younger in person. Just turned twenty, right? Still in school?"
"Ah, yes. On break now."
Moo-young's face darkened a bit. Lee Yu-jin hesitated on university—didn't like school talk?
In the end... I took it. C.
First semester transcript all 'C D C D', so Moo-young drowned his regret in water.
Go Kyung-min bridged, eyeing them. Come to think...
"PD, didn't you go to Seoyeondae University? Moo-young's there too."
"Oh? Really? Junior?"
"O! Senior?"
The fragile link reconnected. Lee Yu-jin was surprised at Moo-young's unexpected side. Writer would love it.
Actually smart too?
Good school didn't guarantee smarts, but too far off-type was silly. In-drama all styles, off-camera dummy? Nah.
"Alright! Everyone's here, let's clink glasses and start!"
Already flushed face. Grill heat or pre-drinks? Hong Seok-jo mic'd his spoon for a boozy toast.
"Wide connections! To your growth across the table!"
"To growth!"
Whoa. Moo-young froze with his cider. One old-school toast nailed his character. He pitied Na Geum-dong and Tae-seok, who had to match him.
"Moo-young doesn't drink?"
"Yes. Shoot tomorrow."
"What? Ah, director Seo Jeong-mun?"
"Crank-up tomorrow. On-location done, just post-sync and editing left."
Dubbing voices or extra shots. But finale, wanted peak condition.
Moo-young grilled meat smiling. "Won't skimp on eating, so go easy."
"Not the type to force drinks. So, when'd you start acting?"
The meal—no, meeting began. Lee Yu-jin and Moo-young shared meat, chit-chat. All part of casting. People business, art using people as 'material'—knowing each other first and foremost.
Director Seo Jeong-mun has script, easy fit. This one's a mystery.
Go Kyung-min sipped booze sidelong, guarding Moo-young precariously. Musician role, that's all he knew. No clue on PD's vision.
"Hey, rookie!"
"Yes? Me?"
Hong Seok-jo stabbed a spoon in soju bottle, passed to Moo-young. Face burning red.
"No drink, no talk. Saved your throat? Belt a tune."
Moo-young smiled awkwardly, took bottle. Entitled boomer, but no one could block now. Na Geum-dong blinked: play along.
Senior, nice.
Lee Yu-jin watched thrilled—perfect chance for vocals check, pondering how to ask.
Moo-young stood, loosened throat.
"One song then?"
"Yeah! Make it real!"
Do it right! Moo-young tapped table rhythm with spoon.
Lee Yu-jin's expectant face twisted slowly. Go Kyung-min too.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
"Flow'ring—camellia hill! Spring! Has come but noooot!"
...Did he always sing that bad? Great voice and projection, why this? Rhythm and pitch all over.
But vibe exploded anyway.
"Aigoo, insane! CEO! Kid's a riot!"
"Haha, yeah."
"Right. Actor just needs acting chops!"
Moo-young sat proud after full verse one. Not bad.
Disaster. Total disaster.
Musician role needed drama OST and tracks—music talent essential. That show? No way.
"More cider?"
Lee Yu-jin beamed. Casting bust, she thought subtly.
But Moo-young's eyes sparkled fresh toward her.
"Why?"
"PD, you thinking of casting me?"
"Huh? Haha! What makes you say?"
Ridiculous! Lee Yu-jin burst pure amused laugh.
But suddenly appearing like that.
"Dunno. Just vibes that way."
Post-song, sparkle sparkle, flower pollen scattering behind her.
In this situation, that signal meant...
Casting, right?
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