Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Gong Hak-Beom took another puff of his cigarette and muttered to himself. "Young actors these days have no manners. A director calls and they're late? That would've been unthinkable back in the day."

His words were so ridiculous that I didn't even feel the need to respond.

'Where could you find an actor as polite and well-mannered as Tae-Poong!?' I remarked inwardly.

Any lingering shred of respect I had for him from my past life quickly vanished. He was no longer a sunbae in the film industry worthy of admiration but just an old-fashioned, arrogant man—not to mention that he's a criminal.

"I'll go get him right away, Mr. Gong!" said Choi Jin-Sung who was about to get up.

However, Gong Hak-Beom waved him off. "There's no need. Since his talent agent is here, we can just talk with him."

Choi Jin-Sung continued to butter him up. "As expected! This is why you are the best, Mr. Gong. Even when someone below you is being so disrespectful, you graciously forgive him like this..."

"Haha. Enough with the flattery. Let's get to the point."

The two of them were in perfect sync as they drummed up their own show.

Shin Jong-Ki tried his best to suppress his frustration and introduced me as the talent agent who had helped resurrect Lee Tae-Poong's career after a slump.

However, Gong Hak-Beom only cared about his own agenda. "That's none of my business nor am I interested. Stop beating around the bush and let's get straight to it. Team Lead Jung, I'd like to use Tae-Poong for my next project. Is that alright?"

Gong Hak-Beom's tone wasn't one of asking but rather confirming.

That's when Choi Jin-Sung jumped in to stir things up even more. "Come on, Team Lead Jung, why are you hesitating? You should be thanking Mr. Gong! Don't you know that starring in one of his films guarantees a trip to Cannes?"

I had seen enough of their charade which had been running for decades.

I straightened up and rejected Gong Hak-Beom's offer. There was no point in being subtle with him as he wouldn't get it anyway. "Thank you for considering Tae-Poong, but I'm afraid he already has another project lined up. It won't be possible to work with you this time, Mr. Gong."

Gong Hak-Beom's expression darkened as he crossed his arms. His furrowed brow showed his irritation.

Upon seeing Gong Hak-Beom's expression, Choi Jin-Sung started berating me."Team Lead Jung, are you out of your mind? Mr. Gong's film is set to finish filming by the end of this year and will head straight to the Cannes competition. Do you think another opportunity like this will ever come along?"

They had been repeating this same spiel for the last ten years, ever since they were invited to Cannes.

I apologized, "I'm sorry. I believe such a great opportunity should go to an actor more suitable than Tae-Poong. Perhaps someone like Park Chan-Yoo from Ace Entertainment or Lee Soo-Jong from TK Entertainment?"

I attempted to pass the bomb to Ace Entertainment and TK Entertainment.

However, the displeased Gong Hak-Beom only puffed on his cigarette in silence.

Then Choi Jin-Sung tried a different approach, now attempting to persuade me instead of reprimanding me.

He said, "Look, one of the judges this time is Asian. This is a rare chance for Korean films, which have been overlooked in the past, to get the recognition they deserve. With Mr. Gong's script and direction, Judge Zhang Mian's support, and Tae-Poong's acting, the Palme d'Or is practically in the bag!"

Director Zhang Mian of Taiwan had indeed played a major role in getting Gong Hak-Beom's Once in a Lifetime into the Cannes competition.

However, Zhang Mian would eventually give the harshest critique after seeing the film, feeling deeply betrayed by Gong Hak-Beom.

I replied politely, "Mr. Gong's project will surely be invited to Cannes and there's no doubt about that. As much as I'd love to join, we've already signed a contract for Tae-Poong's next project. I can't break it, I'm sorry."

When I refused to back down despite all their attempts to entice me, the visibly irritated Gong Hak-Beom put down his cigarette and glared at me. "What is Tae-Poong's next project again?"

"It's Director Park Sun-Jae's Jiri Mountain."

"Who's producing it?"

"LT Entertainment is both producing and distributing it."

Gong Hak-Beom turned to Shin Jong-Ki with a smug look. "Hey, President Shin. Can't the production be postponed? I'll be done filming in a month if we start in December, just in time for the Cannes submission deadline. Jiri Mountain can wait until after that, right?"

Shin Jong-Ki's face tightened with discomfort.

Gong Hak-Beom continued, "What is it? If it's uncomfortable for you to handle directly, just give me Director Park Sun-Jae's number."

"What are you planning to do?" Shin Jong-Ki asked with an anxious look.

"I'll ask him for his understanding since I want to use Tae-Poong first. If Director Park is okay with it, there won't be any problem. Right?" Gong Hak-Beom replied unapologetically.

When Shin Jong-Ki handed over the number, Gong Hak-Beom immediately called Park Sun-Jae.

-Beep... Beep... The person you are trying to reach is unavailable...

However, Park Sun-Jae did not pick up.

I had anticipated this and told Park Sun-Jae not to pick up the phone as I didn't want him to be swayed by Gong Hak-Beom's nonsense.

When Park Sun-Jae didn't answer, Gong Hak-Beom's anger grew and he raised his voice. "What's going on? Why isn't he picking up?"

Frustrated, Gong Hak-Beom tried calling Lee Tae-Poong next.

-Beep... Beep... The person you are trying to reach is unavailable...

Lee Tae-Poong didn't answer either.

"You... you... these bastards..." Gong Hak-Beom cursed.

Unable to reach either of them, Gong Hak-Beom's face flushed red like spicy gochujang sauce.

At that moment, Choi Jin-Sung realized they were deliberately avoiding the calls and shouted, "Hey, Team Lead Jung! Are you really going to play this game? You're going to throw away a golden opportunity to elevate Korean cinema because of your stubbornness?"

'Elevate Korean cinema? Lee Tae-Poong had already done that by reaching a ten million viewership with Beyond the Boundary,' I thought to myself.

Lee Tae-Poong's Beyond the Boundary had already sold distribution rights to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Southeast Asia, at record-breaking contract prices.

'If that isn't elevating Korean cinema, then what is?' I remarked silently.

I let their ridiculous claims slide in one ear and out the other.

The fuming Choi Jin-Sung turned to me as he gritted his teeth. "Team Lead Jung, you might be young and ignorant of how the world works. But if you keep going down this path, you could bury Lee Tae-Poong's career along with yours! Do you know how many people would jump at the chance to work for Mr. Gong?"

I tried to hide my smirk. 'Ah, finally, the threats had begun.'

In today's world, it was hard to believe someone would stoop to such intimidation tactics—especially when everything was being recorded.

'This should be enough,' I thought.

I had treated them with respect, and I had also recorded everything they said. I had endured enough of their arrogance. Now, it was their turn to face the consequences. 'It's turnover time, Mr. Gong and Mr. Choi.'

I hardened my expression and addressed the two directly. "Trying to steal an actor who's signed a contract is absurd enough, but now you're resorting to threats? Don't you feel any shame?"

Gong Hak-Beom and Choi Jin-Sung stared at me in disbelief.

Then, Gong Hak-Beom turned to Choi Jin-Sung and said, "Chief Choi. Did I hear wrong? Is my old age playing tricks on me? What did this kid just say?"

Choi Jin-Sung struggled to speak. "N-no, sir! You're sharp as ever. You're still at the top of your game."

Even now, Choi Jin-Sung continued his bootlicking. Then he turned on me like I had personally wronged his parents. "Hey, you little brat! Are you out of your mind? You'd better apologize to Mr. Gong right now!"

"I won't. And I'm not the one who's out of mind here—you two are. How is it normal to demand someone star in a film without even reading the script?" I retorted.

"Hah, why you little...!"

I quickly interrupted him. "And one more thing, don't call me 'brat.' I'm not your subordinate, so watch your words. Got it?"

Gong Hak-Beom slammed the table furiously. "How dare a lowly talent agent like you talk to me like that!"

His entire body trembled with rage as he glared at me.

As the situation was escalating quickly, Shin Jong-Ki finally stepped in. "That's enough!"

It seemed like Shin Jong-Ki finally chose sides after quietly observing. I had been worried he might support Gong Hak-Beom. However, to my surprise, he took my side.

"Mr. Gong, you know I've respected you on many occasions, right? So please, give in this time. Honestly, Lee Tae-Poong isn't the only actor available, is he?" Shin Jong-Ki said firmly.

As the president of a major entertainment company and a scion of a conglomerate, Shin Jong-Ki wasn't someone even Gong Hak-Beom could dismiss easily. If this turned into an all-out war, Gong Hak-Beom would suffer significant losses as well.

Gong Hak-Beom frowned. "So, President Shin. Are you saying you side with Team Lead Jung?"

Shin Jong-Ki nodded.

I hadn't expected the earlier mention of CK Entertainment's Son Hyung-Tae to work so effectively.

Gong Hak-Beom, now visibly upset, stood up from his seat abruptly. "Fine, I've heard both of you loud and clear."

Clenching his cigarette pipe tightly between his teeth, Gong Hak-Beom glared at us for a moment before storming out of the room.

Choi Jin-Sung followed close behind and pointed a finger at me. "You'll regret this!"

He shot one last glare at Shin Jong-Ki and me before storming out as well.

Bang!

The meeting room door slammed shut.

At that moment, Shin Jong-Ki collapsed into his chair with his face drained of color.

"We're doomed..." Shin Jong-Ki muttered, convinced that the entire film industry would soon turn against them, driven by Gong Hak-Beom's influence.

However, that was only true as long as Gong Hak-Beom had any power left.

Now that he would soon be embroiled in a criminal scandal, there wouldn't be a single person in the world who would be willing to defend him.

"Don't worry too much, sir. There's a way out of this," I comforted him.

"What way?"

At that moment, my phone rang faster than expected—it was Choi So-Hye.

-Team Lead Jung, Kang In-Han sunbae hit the jackpot. He's pushing the article live as breaking news. Check it out.

"Excuse me for a moment, Mr. Shin."

"Huh? What is it?"

Ignoring Shin Jong-Ki for a moment, I immediately checked the Central Daily Newspaper online article.

[Breaking News: Director Gong Hak-Beom, "Years of Production Fund Embezzlement Alleged"]

-Suspected embezzlement of funds allocated annually by KOFIC discovered!

-The quality of Gong Hak-Beom's films targeting the Cannes Film Festival had deteriorated solely because of his budget cuts.

-The truth about an industry veteran who forced unpaid labor on his production staff!

-Even lead actors were required to work without guarantees!

Since I had provided accurate information, they pushed out the breaking news within hours.

I smiled. 'Korean journalism isn't dead yet.'

I let out a sigh of relief and pointed to the article for Shin Jong-Ki to see. "Take a look at this."

"This... wait, was this your doing?"

"No, but I'm close to Reporter Choi So-Hye from Central Daily Newspaper. So I got a heads-up before coming here. That's why I was able to stand firm against them."

When I twisted the sequence of events a little, I saw a smile return to Shin Jong-Ki's face.

"Ah, you sly devil! You should've told me if you had this kind of information!" Shin Jong-Ki said with relief.

"I didn't want to say anything until it was certain. I was ready to take full responsibility if it didn't work out."

When I explained I was trying to protect him, Shin Jong-Ki burst into hearty laughter, clearly pleased with my response. "Haha! You didn't need to do that for me…but I'm relieved this worked out."

As Shin Jong-Ki began making calls, I casually glanced at my planner.

'Wait, what?'

[Everyday V11]

[Date: October 30, 2020]

-10:00 p.m. [NEW. Lee Tae-Poong] Announcement of the delay in the Jiri Mountain production schedule.

I furrowed my brows. 'Why isn't this disappearing?'

Even after the embezzlement article had gone live, the scheduled event hadn't changed.

***

After discussing countermeasures with Shin Jong-Ki, I returned to Hoop Entertainment.

However, the scheduled event hadn't been erased from the planner yet.

I was about to call Choi So-Hye to figure out what was happening when she messaged me first.

[Reporter Choi So-Hye: I wen't b.e recheble for s bit. Arrested.]

I read her message out. "I won't be…reachable…for a bit…Arrested?!"

I hurriedly called Choi So-Hye, but she didn't answer. I tried to call Kang In-Han next, but he wasn't reachable either.

"Don't tell me... Mr. Kang got arrested too?"

To make matters worse, the article that had been up on the social page of Central Daily Newspaper had been taken down.

"They're arresting reporters in Korea? Who could've done this?"

I might understand if this were some tabloid newspaper company. However, Central Daily Newspaper was a major newspaper with significant clout.

Yet, their reporters were being detained.

'What on earth is going on right now?' I wondered.

Of course, I had expected some pushback and I had warned both of them about it.

'But this?'

"Could someone higher up have gotten involved?" I muttered to myself.

At that moment, it suddenly struck me that the things I knew from my past life might only be the tip of the iceberg.

With that unsettling thought, I immediately called Seo Jae-Ill.

However, Seo Jae-Ill wasn't answering, possibly caught up in something urgent. Hence, I decided to leave him a message via KkTalk detailing the current situation.

At that moment, I heard Do Ran-Hee's urgent voice. "Mr. Jung! We have a problem!"

Do Ran-Hee hurriedly came running toward me with disheveled hair.

"What's going on?" I asked.

Gasping for breath, Do Ran-Hee stammered with her face flushed. "Huff, huff... Director Kang Sang-Soo from KOFIC and Team Lead Gu Jung-Moon are here looking for you!"

KOFIC's director had immense power in the film industry, and he had come in person.

This could only mean one thing: they were here to pressure us into casting Lee Tae-Poong as the lead in Gong Hak-Beom's film.

Kang Sang-Soo was the key player behind Gong Hak-Beom's embezzlement scandal.

Nonetheless, what shocked me even more was the mention of the other person who had accompanied him.

"Team Lead Gu Jung-Moon? Are you sure?" I asked.

Do Ran-Hee nodded. "Yes, why?"

Gu Jung-Moon was the right-hand man of Kim Heung-Bok, who had chaired the Korean Film Council for 15 years.

That meant Kim Heung-Bok, the head of the Suhyaejong film cartel, was involved in this matter.

The tip of the iceberg had finally emerged.

'So Chairman Kim Heung-Bok is the mastermind behind everything!' I realized.

It all made sense now. The reason they had gotten away with the embezzlement for so long was because Kim Heung-Bok had been at the top protecting everything.

Having pieced things together, I asked Do Ran-Hee, "Where are they now?"

"They're in the meeting room on the sixth floor. Mr. Bang went to greet them first, and I think Mr. Kang is headed there too."

I patted Do Ran-Hee on the shoulder, trying to calm her down. "Don't worry, Ran-Hee. Nothing's going to happen."

Even if the entire Suhyaejong line was coming after me, I had no intention of backing down.

In fact, this could be the perfect opportunity to root out the cancerous corruption that had taken hold of the film industry.

Suppressing the excitement in my chest, I made my way to the sixth floor.

Ristretto's Thoughts

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