Creak—
"Hello."
Muyeong poked his head in and greeted them. The BigWin Entertainment office was still empty as ever. Goh Kyungmin put down the papers he was reading and looked up.
"You're here? Had lunch?"
"I ate something quick. But what were you looking at?"
On the sofa table were scattered sheets of concept drafts. Muyeong set his bag down and looked at them curiously — they were profile photos of famous actors.
"I was checking out some concepts."
"They all look kinda similar, though?"
"Well, every actor has an image they give off, you know."
When you search someone's name on a portal site, the photo that appears first represents the artist's image and identity. A prime example would be Korea's top girl group, Girls' Era.
"For example, Yoonha and Seoyeon — the ones who debuted as actresses — have profile pictures with a simple, natural tone. But Taeeon and Dipani, who only perform as singers, look dazzling enough to walk straight onto the stage."
"Oh? You're right!"
Even among the same group, the profile photo differed depending on their field of work. Fascinated, Muyeong looked up other idols — and indeed, anyone who'd acted even once emphasized a graceful, clean charm.
"Since way more people see you online than meet you in person, it's really important. In a way, it's both your first and last greeting to the public. Let's see…"
Kyungmin held several photos up beside Muyeong's face. Actors were blank canvases meant to capture characters — better to project nothing than to dazzle like a stage performer.
"Don't smile."
"I can't help it, it's funny."
It was, in truth, a bit formulaic.
The classic black-and-white photo, barefoot in a white T-shirt, sitting on a stool with a wistful gaze — that sort of thing. But none of it suited Muyeong, nor did he want to do that kind of thing anyway.
Finding your natural texture is important. You're the first rookie actor BigWin's putting out in ages.
Besides, there was something else — something bright. Just looking at him gave off a warm, sunlit feeling. Rather than a blank sheet, he felt like a ball of soft cotton radiating warmth.
"Do you have any concept in mind for your shoot?"
"I just want to smile. Trying to look all cool feels embarrassing. Hehe."
This guy… and yet he can act like that?
Those eyes that had been soaked in rebellion and youth — that high schooler's glare — the gap between that and his real self was unbelievable.
It must be talent. Not pretending, but becoming the role itself. And he's still so young, too…
Kyungmin thought to himself while studying the concept drafts closely. Muyeong watched for a while, then cautiously spoke up.
"Um, Manager-hyung?"
"Hm? What is it?"
"You're still recruiting actors, right?"
"Of course. As long as the right people come along."
He'd look for skill and passion, sure, but the company wasn't exactly in a position to be picky. Muyeong carefully brought up something that had happened a few days ago.
"One of my friends used to be a child actor. She's really pretty and good at acting, but she doesn't have an agency right now, so she's struggling. She's in an MBV miniseries at the moment."
Kyungmin looked surprised at that.
"I told her about our company. That's okay, right?"
Of course it was. Recruiting artists was literally their job. And connections like this were actually common in the industry — actors or company staff often introduced each other through personal networks.
"Is your friend interested in our company?"
"She said she'd think about it."
"But, Muyeong… I gotta ask. What exactly do you like so much about me—no, about us?"
Since joining, all they'd done was have one dinner together. They hadn't even taken his official profile photo yet. What had he seen that made him recommend the company to his friend?
"Uh, didn't you hear back then?"
"What, that I have a bright and friendly vibe? That's almost at the 'Do you know the way?' cult level, you know."
"The CEO seems like a really nice uncle. Taeseok-hyung's kind too. There's nothing bad about this place."
"Nice… uncle?"
"I'll let you know when my friend replies. Oh, and—do you know a brand called Bontury?"
So many things to talk about, huh. Kyungmin spun his pen and shook his head — never heard of it.
"It's a clothing brand my high school friend runs with his cousin. They just launched on Portal with Enbin as the model. Through that connection, they offered me an SNS modeling gig. I should discuss it with the company first, right?"
"Modeling? Seriously?"
"Yes. I almost forgot since I'm still not used to this stuff."
"O-oh, I see."
This was both flattering and embarrassing.
Usually, the company arranges the first gigs — but Muyeong brought one in himself. That's not great for appearances. Kyungmin scratched his head awkwardly.
"Then I'll give Bontury our company's contact info."
As Muyeong fiddled with his phone, Kyungmin grabbed his own and searched "Bontury" in the main portal. Related searches popped up: Enbin airport fashion, Enbin fashion, men's clothing brand, Korean fashion store.
"Am I the only one who didn't know this brand?"
From news articles to blog reviews to community posts — there were tens of thousands. The Korean Fashion Store app gathered multiple fashion labels, and Bontury had apparently ranked #1 for the month.
"I didn't know either! It only launched recently."
"Still, if they're #1 on Korean Fashion Store, that's impressive…"
"What's that, by the way?"
"It's a big one. Apparently three out of ten people buy their clothes there."
"Ohh, then I must be one of the other seven."
Seems Enbin's airport departure photos had gone viral — journalists and fans alike took stunning shots.
His playful smile as he pointed to the Bontury logo on his chest made perfect headline material.
[This Is What Sponsorship Looks Like – Enbin Shines Like a Model on His Way to Work][No Hidden Ads! Enbin's Bright Smile Says "This Is a Real One!"][Off to Work, but First — Isn't This Outfit Cute?]
And so on — the memes just kept going. Thanks to the massive popularity of Midnight Pocha on MeTube, attention toward him had skyrocketed.
If this much fuss is over Muyeong, who only appeared in episode 1, imagine the lead Enbin… But still…
"So your friend's cousin's company is the one that used Enbin as a model?"
If there was a middle connection, it had to be Muyeong. There's no way a newly launched clothing brand could hire Enbin otherwise.
"Yeah. They're all my friends — Enbin, Junho. Everyone helps each other out. Oh, and—"
Calling a superstar "my friend" so casually — if anyone else said that, it'd sound like bragging or bluffing, but somehow, coming from him, it was believable.
"I read through all the scripts."
Muyeong rummaged through his bag and pulled out five thick scripts — the ones he'd analyzed over the past few days. Most of his time, of course, went into The Plague.
"I've made up my mind. Once the audition for The Plague opens, I'm applying. And if I had to rank the others, it'd be like this."
He laid them out neatly, one by one. Kyungmin looked and blinked in surprise — the order was almost exactly what he'd been thinking.
"What's your reasoning?"
He flipped through the script as he asked.
Even in the short time he'd had it, sticky notes were neatly placed throughout—proof that he'd really read it carefully.
"That one's fine, but it's a shame the character's age doesn't fit me. And honestly, I'm not really into open endings."
At those words, Goh Kyungmin quickly pulled out his notebook. This was the kind of precious information that revealed an artist's tastes—very useful when recommending future projects.
"And?"
"This one felt kind of… familiar. Like I'd seen something similar before?"
"Oh, that's Director Kim Chang's follow-up. Did you see The Gypsy's Secret? It shares the same universe with that film—it's probably because of the son of that main character."
"Ah! No wonder! That makes sense."
It was great that the company handled things well externally, but it was just as important to have creative chemistry. After all, this was an art form—being able to communicate mentally with one's partner was a blessing.
"So in conclusion, this one's the best."
Muyeong smiled brightly and picked up the script for The Plague.
"It's great, but the protagonist's a child actor. What kind of role do you want to go for? Jin?"
Jin—an employee of FG Pharmaceuticals who, after the quarantine zone was sealed, turns into a drug courier just to survive. He was the root cause of everything the protagonist went through—a semi-lead role.
"Louis."
"…Ah, right. There was Louis."
Kyungmin mentally smacked himself. He'd been so focused on the main roles that he'd completely overlooked the perfect fit.
"I think his personality matches mine a bit. And I liked how he stays by the protagonist's side, always protecting him."
If anything, Louis was like a loyal big dog to the child protagonist—a genius character struggling with depression who guides the lead through his journey.
"You sure about that? It'll be your first film, you know. Technically, your debut—assuming you get the part."
The web drama had done well, but due to its format, it wasn't quite a proper debut. Besides, he'd only appeared in the first episode as a short supporting role.
This one's tricky.
Because of the character's depression, most of the acting relied on gestures and expressions rather than dialogue. And in the latter half, he's brutally killed while protecting the child from crazed kidnappers.
"I'm fine with that. Of course, it's up to the production team and the director, but if I'm going to apply, I'd like to audition for Louis."
"Well… if you're that set on it, then sure."
There was no helping it.
Kyungmin jotted down Muyeong's requests in his notebook, lips pressed together. Realistically, it all depended on whether the project's "owner" even decided to move forward—otherwise, everything would fall through.
"If it doesn't work out, we'll look into the next project's audition schedule, right?"
"Yes. But I don't think that'll be necessary."
"…Just in case, I'll reach out to the production companies for these other ones too."
If there were any confirmed audition dates or openings for discussion, he'd set up meetings. Since Muyeong had already landed his own first gig—the Bontury modeling job—he was determined to make this next one happen for him.
Yeah. I'll make sure it does.
Kyungmin clenched both fists with renewed determination. Showing skill in a meeting was the actor's job—but getting him to that table was his own.
Creak—
"Oh? Muyeong's here already?"
"Hello, sir."
"Oh, good to see you—good to see you!"
Na Geumdong, the CEO, entered humming cheerfully, clearly in a good mood. Kyungmin handed him the notebook.
"Sir, here's the report."
"Hm? What's this? Oh! Bontury!"
"You know them?"
"I used my card there recently! Their clothes are really nice. Wait, they offered you an SNS modeling deal? Wow, Muyeong!"
Before Muyeong could even explain that it was his friend's cousin's company, Geumdong was already patting him proudly on the shoulder. Then his eyebrows twitched as he read the next line.
"Hmm? The Plague—is that the Monnet project?"
"Yes. He says it's the one that appeals to him most."
Muyeong nodded enthusiastically, but Geumdong shook his head side to side, forming an odd rhythm—as if they were dancing.
"Might be tough."
"Really? Why?"
"Seems Monnet actually found the writer."
"Wow, seriously? How?"
"Beats me. Apparently something was stolen, so they filed a police report and checked CCTV and all that. Crazy people, honestly. But here's the kicker!"
Dun dun!
"The writer supposedly had specific actors in mind while writing. Said if they couldn't cast them, they'd rather not make the movie at all. Can you believe that nerve?"
They should've seen it coming when the script was anonymously dropped off. Kyungmin let out a small exclamation and glanced at Muyeong.
"So, you're saying there are already pre-selected actors?"
"Who knows? Depends on whether Monnet's willing to take the hit and proceed, or just drop it. If it were me, I'd probably drop it. But rumor has it Director Jin Kyungmoon got involved."
Director Jin Kyungmoon! A legend who'd been one of the pillars of Korean cinema for over twenty years. This was turning into a much bigger deal than expected.
"If it's Jin Kyungmoon, they'll get funding easily. Monnet loves the script, they'll see a chance to make money—it's a tough decision for them."
Which meant that even if an audition did happen, the odds weren't great. But as he listened quietly, digesting it all, Muyeong smiled.
"Still, please look into it."
"Are you sure you want to go for it?"
"Yes. I want to try. No—I'm going to."
So the writer had written the character with someone else in mind? So what? He'd simply become that character himself.
With eyes full of anticipation, Muyeong gazed down at the invisible flower petals scattered across the floor—petals of a flower called The Plague.