WTR
Son Seok-woo, the CEO of BH Company, and Lee Byung-hun, the owner, have been partners since their early years, later co-founding BH Company, which is now one of the top talent agencies in the film and television industry.
For many years, it has consistently been the best agency for female actors.
However, with the changing times in recent years, Kim Go-eun, once the youngest in the company, is no longer considered young, and the company's new generation is facing a talent gap, requiring a fresh influx of blood.
At the same time, the male actor roster also needs to expand; having only supporting male actors is not suitable for the company's resource operation and overall lineup.
Park Jun-jung had naturally reported the matter concerning Kwon Hyuk to him a long time ago.
Firstly, it's not just idol agencies like S.M. JYP that hold open recruitment drives; acting agencies do the same, openly recruiting new talent.
However, in terms of scale, they cannot be compared to idol agencies, and their entry barriers are much higher.
Graduating from universities that train actors, and then through diligent auditions or being signed as a rookie mid-career, is the proper path for actors, relying on their own abilities.
The probability of the commonly understood dark side of the entertainment industry, involving unspoken rules, appearing in such cases is not high.
More often, it's people with ill intentions looking for shortcuts or signing with fraudulent companies.
Either at the dinner table or on the menu.
Kwon Hyuk entered Son Seok-woo's radar through Park Jun-jung's recommendation. Signing the contract, overall, presented no major difficulties; it was merely a desire for further evaluation before committing to the intensity of future resource allocation.
The company was female-dominated, lacked new talent in its star lineup, and Kwon Hyuk's own conditions were excellent, plus he was recommended by a colleague, making it hard to find any faults.
"I know, he's Junjung's nephew, and he performed very well on the show."
Son Seok-woo observed Kwon Hyuk closely for a few moments, immediately forming a general impression.
In the company's early development, he signed many of the current leading artists. Having been in the industry for so long, he had a keen eye and could judge potential in just a few words.
"I'll watch your new drama carefully after it airs. I'm really looking forward to your performance," Son Seok-woo said, looking at Kwon Hyuk.
"This is my debut work, so some parts might not be very mature. President, please give me more guidance, and I'll listen carefully later."
"Besides, I heard from my uncle a long time ago that you have exceptional discernment, and I also want to learn more."
Kwon Hyuk's expression appeared sincere, as he humbly pretended to be a naive junior.
Son Seok-woo was in his forties, but his appearance was honest and kind, making him seem younger than his actual age.
"If there's an opportunity, let your uncle bring you to our company, and we can discuss it in more detail then."
What more could be said at a first meeting, especially in such a crowded and public setting? His presence already sent a very positive signal.
Son Seok-woo and Park Jun-jung left first, after also greeting the director and producer.
Only after they left did Kwon Hyuk return to the waiting room, where he saw the actors, now much more relaxed after their interviews.
Kwon Hyuk looked around, then left the waiting room alone again to find the director.
"Sang-seop Hyung, thank you so much for the interview just now. I don't know how else I would have been put on the spot."
Kwon Hyuk thanked him directly, shaking the director's hand.
"Hyung, if you have time these next few days, you must let me know. I should treat you to a meal and a good drink."
Kim Sang-seop smiled with satisfaction, "It's what I should do. If the media doesn't ask what they should, and instead asks all sorts of random things, that's the problem."
Everyone likes those who repay kindness, especially in the entertainment industry, a place that couldn't be more realistic.
"How about tonight?" Kwon Hyuk gestured for a drink, asking.
"I have plans tonight. Let's do it tomorrow," Kim Sang-seop said, smiling as he patted his shoulder. He had a very good impression of the young man.
The production press conference ended in the morning, and filming was to resume at the set in the afternoon.
By the afternoon, the crew returned to the set, resuming their busy filming schedule.
The drama aired at 8:55 PM on the Wednesday-Thursday slot, with four episodes broadcast each time.
As evening approached, many people had lost their focus on filming, preoccupied with the broadcast.
The director, with his extensive filming experience, immediately understood what was happening and decided to wrap up early.
At the same time, with the release of media news articles and the TV station's warm-up, many people learned about the new drama's broadcast.
This naturally included Park Ji-hyo, whom he had known for over a month.
"Congratulations on your new drama airing tonight!! I'll be tuning in exactly on time!!!"
Kwon Hyuk was about to reply politely when he saw her send another photo.
This made him pause and look at the photo carefully.
The angle showed Park Ji-hyo holding her phone high, pointing the camera down to take a selfie. The photo not only included her but also several familiar faces.
Tzuyu, Lim Nayeon, Yoo Jeong-yeon.
"You must be really busy; you're even watching the live broadcast in the car."
Kwon Hyuk zoomed in on the photo, confirmed he hadn't mistaken anyone, and immediately understood, continuing the conversation.
"You didn't even say it was airing tonight; I only found out after seeing the news."
"You guys are so busy with your comeback; I forgot to tell you. My bad."
"Hahahahaha."
"I hope Actor Kwon becomes very popular."
"Then I'll take that as a good omen. When the time comes, can we find an opportunity to have a meal together?"
The dagger was revealed; Kwon Hyuk exposed his true intentions.
Of course, he wasn't saying it just to eat with Park Ji-hyo; there was no need for that. He would subtly hint to Park Ji-hyo to bring her teammates along, and then that meal would be truly delightful.
Why do you think Kwon Hyuk was thinking about these things?
Both profit and beauty.
What if he had a public relationship with a top idol? His popularity and recognition would skyrocket.
He had a cheat, so he wasn't afraid of subsequent negative impacts. All in all, for him, the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks.
"OK."
Park Ji-hyo readily agreed. It was impolite to refuse someone when she was in high spirits.
After their chat ended, Park Ji-hyo turned to look at the other members, then focused particularly on Tzuyu.
"It's about to air. Let's see how it is."
"He's become an actor so quickly. I remember the others are still doing who knows what."
Lim Nayeon, who was nearby, seemed slightly surprised, her bunny teeth showing with her slightly parted lips.
"It is very fast."
Park Ji-hyo echoed, then pondered for a moment, her tone not very certain.
"I think he said he was originally going to be an actor, and participating in the show was just to try it out."
"Oh, I see. If that's the case, then it's not so bad after all."
Lim Nayeon's expression showed sudden understanding, and she said thoughtfully.
"Yes, otherwise, how could a new drama air just three months after the show ended? It's too fast."
Hearing him say that, Park Ji-hyo mumbled this sentence.
To debut as an actor at lightning speed so soon after the show ended—this speed was probably unmatched. No one from any previous season of a survival show had ever achieved it.
As the time drew closer, when the drama officially began playing on their phone screens, the few of them quieted down, their eyes all fixed on the newly aired episode.