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Chapter 66




From 0 to Superstar Episode 66
“What if we change the script?”
At the words of the Galaxy Center manager, Director Park Jisu crossed his arms without a word. The lighting director and the music director nodded repeatedly. The manager’s eyes sparkled.
“I’ve never seen a child actor act like that before.”
Even when he recalled it, the memory was vivid.
Standing alone on stage, Lee Seojun delivered the lines of the Blue Dragon. Unlike other children who stood still and only acted with their voices, his expressions and movements changed with the lines.
Each step he took seemed almost inhuman. It was as if the real Blue Dragon had transformed into a human child and was moving.
No matter how skilled an actor was, it was inevitable to feel awkward when playing a non-human role, especially without special makeup. It was bound to make the audience feel strange as well.
But Lee Seojun was different. Even without any makeup, those who saw his performance could not feel any 'humanity' in him.
The manager’s eyes became dreamy, as if in a trance.
“I thought, if there were real dragons, they would have that feeling, those movements, those expressions. Director Park, it’s too much of a waste to just have him do voice acting. Everyone should see this.”
“Hmm.”
Director Park Jisu tilted his head.
“You know, Mr. Manager. Actors who can perform at that level choose scripts they like. Lee Seojun liked the current script. If we change it carelessly, he might refuse to do it.”
There are such actors.
Actors who only perform scripts they like, regardless of the amount of screen time or lines.
Actors who have a strong belief in their acting, are financially comfortable, and are not in a hurry. Actors who can take a few years off to find a script they like.
The source of these actors’ confidence is the public. They are confident that the public will always be enthusiastic about their performances, no matter what role they take on,
Superstars!
“Lee Seojun is at that level.”
Everyone nodded at Director Park Jisu’s words.
No one here was unfamiliar with Lee Seojun. The money he earns from his YouTube videos every year, the international recognition he has gained from Marine’s films, and the popularity he will gain from his TV debut through a cameo in a remake.
The manager sighed.
“It’s not just about box office success. As a member of the theater community, I feel it’s a waste for the stage. I feel it’s a waste for Lee Seojun. I hope everyone can recognize Lee Seojun’s abilities.”
“Since Lee Seojun’s side is hiding his identity, the current script might be appropriate.”
“Oh, that’s right.”
The manager unconsciously furrowed his brow.
“He’s a very kind actor, always thinking about the children, but why do I keep feeling disappointed?”
It was disappointing because it wasn’t for the money, and he didn’t need to use his name. He wanted everyone to see Lee Seojun’s acting.
Despite the manager’s still worried expression, Director Park Jisu brought up the main topic of the meeting.
“Then, about Lee Seojun’s participation?”
“What’s the opinion of the ‘Spring’ team?”
“It’s a pass.”
Leaning back in his chair, the manager smiled and said in response to Director Park Jisu’s words.
“Hmm. Then, let’s start with maintaining secrecy within the center?”
* * *
Seojun, who had just put down his chopsticks, rubbed his ear. Lee Minjun, who was moving a bowl of doenjang stew to the table, asked.
“What’s wrong?”
“My ear is itchy.”
“Someone must be talking about Seojun.”
“Yeah.”
Seo Eun-hye laughed and placed a well-cooked mackerel on the table. The plump mackerel looked delicious. Everyone sat down in their seats.
“Let’s eat!”
Lee Minjun filleted the mackerel and placed it on Seojun’s rice. Seojun scooped a spoonful of rice and ate it with the mackerel. Salty and savory mackerel!
“It’s delicious!”
“Is it?”
“Yeah! Dad, can I try filleting it this time?”
“Do you want to?”
Lee Minjun slowly taught Seojun how to fillet the mackerel.
First, use chopsticks to separate the sides of the mackerel, which have many bones. Then, gently rub the large bone in the middle with chopsticks.
“Done!”
“You did well!”
“Seojun has good hands.”
Perfect!
A long, white piece of mackerel was perfectly filleted.
After filling their stomachs with delicious mackerel and doenjang stew, Seojun and his parents headed to the living room for dessert. Seojun, who had eaten a slice of melon, spoke.
“I went to an audition, and the kids were crying and all.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
There was a moment of silence in the living room. Seo Eun-hye and Lee Minjun, who had heard the story from Andaho, quietly waited for Seojun to speak.
“When the kid’s mom said, ‘You want to be like Lee Seojun, right?’ the kid cried and said he never said that.”
“I see.”
“Yeah.”
Seo Eun-hye and Lee Minjun sat next to Seojun and hugged him tightly. In the warm embrace of his parents, Seojun listened to the steady beating of his heart.
“Seojun, that’s not something you said because you dislike it.”
“Yeah. The kid just didn’t like the situation. He wanted to do something else, but his parents forced him, so he got angry.”
“Yeah.”
He knew.
It wasn’t because of Lee Seojun, but because he was the most noticeable and famous child actor.
Still, it bothered him that he might have influenced the child’s unhappiness, even a little. And he knew there would be more children and parents like this in the future.
‘...Maybe there already are.’
Seojun snuggled into his parents’ embrace. Seo Eun-hye and Lee Minjun stroked his head.
“Seojun, do you like acting?”
“...Yeah, I really do.”
“Mom and Dad are really happy that Seojun does what he likes. And Seojun’s fans will be happy that Seojun does what he likes.”
“Seojun, the more famous you become, the more you will influence people. And you won’t be able to solve all the problems that arise. Not even Redbone or Shadowman can do that.”
“Yeah.”
“So when Seojun feels hurt or sad, think about the people who like you. Making them happy is a really great thing.”
Mom and Dad counted the names of their friends on their fingers, including the nicknames of fans who often post on Seojun’s fan cafe.
The names, filled with love, coming from Mom and Dad’s mouths, made Seojun’s heart feel light, as if they were a powerful spell.
“Hehehe.”
Seojun’s laughter made Seo Eun-hye and Lee Minjun smile.
The living room, which had become happy again, was filled with the noise of Seojun’s acting practice.
Seojun, who had brought a Blue Dragon doll from his room, started acting, and Seo Eun-hye and Lee Minjun, who had become the audience, clapped.
Growing up with monster dolls, who would have thought he would take on such a role.
Honestly, the couple had expected it, like Kim Heesang. They thought he might play a monster role someday and believed he would do it well.
After all, he had practiced as much as his age.
“But will it be okay just with voice acting? You said you wanted to act in front of people.”
“It’s okay! Voice acting is still acting!”
“Really?”
“Yeah. A little disappointing, but it’s the Blue Dragon role!”
Seojun’s eyes sparkled.
“Movies or dramas with dragons or monsters are rare. Even if they appear, they are in human form. There are quite a few movies, but not many plays or musicals. I want to do a play, but I also want to play a monster. Who knows when I’ll get another chance if not for this!”
The future is unknown.
There might be more monster roles than Seojun thinks, or this might be the only one.
“So I’m going to do this now.”
What was clear was that he wanted to do this role, even with just voice acting.
“Wow, it’s going to be so much fun!”
Unable to contain the excitement rising from his toes, Seojun hugged the Blue Dragon doll tightly, his cheeks flushed red.
Seo Eun-hye and Lee Minjun couldn’t help but laugh at their overly excited son, who was so adorable.
* * *
The first practice day arrived.
The actors for the play [Spring] gathered at the Galaxy Center rehearsal room. Fifteen children chattered with their peers, and the guardians who came with them sat on the chairs set aside and talked.
“This is a play supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, right?”
“Yes. A few reporters will come to take the children’s photos soon. A Ministry official might come too.”
“Oh. But there won’t be many audience members, right?”
“Well, it’s not for the audience. It’s to add a line to their resumes. Whether they become actors or study, it will be a good extracurricular activity if it’s a Ministry-supported program.”
Everyone nodded at this.
“But isn’t one person missing?”
“Yes. They said they would pick 16.”
“It’s a bit concerning if someone is late on the first day.”
Just then, Director Park, the staff, and a few reporters entered the rehearsal room. The children and guardians, who had been chatting, stood up awkwardly. Director Park Jisu, who had looked around the room, spoke.
“First, we’ll take a group photo, and then we’ll film a reading scene. You don’t need to worry about the camera during the reading.”
“Director.”
The oldest child, who played the main character in [Spring], Choi Soyoung, raised her hand.
“Yes.”
“It seems one person hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Oh.”
Director Park Jisu scratched his cheek and replied.
“The actor playing the Blue Dragon has personal matters and won’t be able to come today but will definitely participate in the next practice. Shall we gather for the group photo? We’ll take the actors first, and then the guardians together.”
“Yes!”
The children gathered closely. The shorter ones stood in front, and the taller ones in the back. The cameras held by the reporters and staff flashed.
The children’s first reading was better than the reporters and guardians expected but not as good as the director and staff hoped.
The guardians, who clapped continuously, and the reporters, who responded appropriately, made Director Park Jisu and the staff inwardly chuckle.
Well, this is normal. Lee Seojun was the exception.
[Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism support, Galaxy Center production. Children’s play ‘Spring’]
[‘Spring’ is a play that depicts the adventure of a young girl...]
[First day of ‘Spring’ practice, group photo.]
The article, which only featured the children and guardians, was quickly buried by other entertainment news.
* * *
The second practice day.
Seojun arrived early at the Galaxy Center to introduce himself as planned but waited in the adjacent rehearsal room.
Seojun, unusually, seemed a bit nervous. Andaho opened a water bottle and offered it to Seojun.
“Do you want some water?”
“Yeah!”
After taking a sip of water, Seojun finally relaxed and let out a light sigh. Andaho