Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All
Chapter 553: Na Tae-Yang (2)

Chapter 553: Na Tae-Yang (2)

Na Tae-Yang, who made the call, started off with an unexpected apology.

-Chief Jung, I'm sorry. Mr. Park Sang-Gyu's acting was incredibly impressive, so I strongly recommended him... but the distributor rejected him without even watching the performance video.

Na Tae-Yang's past projects hadn't succeeded due to poor casting choices. So this time, he decided to use only S-class actors. His sister, Production Chief Na Soo-Ji, had the same opinion.

They planned to select only five S-class actors from the audition videos submitted by today and present them to the distributor's director. However, on the way to the meeting, Na Soo-Ji changed her mind. Park Sang-Gyu's performance kept coming to her mind, so she added his audition video to the S-class selection and handed it to Director Jang Hoon of NEX Media, the distributor.

Yet, Jang Hoon didn't even watch Park Sang-Gyu's video and immediately rejected him, saying the actor didn't meet the level.

"He didn't even watch the audition video?"

While it wasn't unusual for a distributor to have more power than the director, refusing to even look at the acting was beyond absurd. Still, the silver lining was that Na Tae-Yang acknowledged Park Sang-Gyu's talent.

I couldn't just give up, so I was about to ask for one more chance. That's when Na Tae-Yang hesitated before talking about the real reason he called.

-And, uh... this is honestly really awkward to say, but Mr. Jang Hoon from NEX Media Inc. wants to meet you.Would you happen to have time right now?

"Me? Not Sang-Gyu hyung-nim?"

-Yes, you, Mr. Jung. When your name came up, he kept pestering me to see if we could cast Mr. Lee Tae-Poong, the actor you're managing, instead of Mr. Sang-Gyu... That's why I called.

'Is he out of his mind?'

Even if he was the director of the third-largest distributor in the industry, the request was extremely rude. Asking to cast Lee Tae-Poong, who didn't even audition, was basically a slap in the face to all the actors who had applied.

It was such an absurd request that I firmly drew the line.

"I'm sorry, but that won't be possible. Tae-Poong needs to rest after this project, and since he didn't even audition, casting him would lead to all kinds of talk."

-Sigh... then what are we supposed to do...

Hearing Na Tae-Yang's troubled voice made my head swirl too. The distributor's director rejected Park Sang-Gyu for being a nobody, but Na Tae-Yang and Na Soo-Ji were both favorable toward his acting.

'What should I do...'

Suddenly, a bold idea came to mind. I would agree for now, go to the meeting, and somehow show Park Sang-Gyu's acting to convince them. And if they still refused to even glance at it, I would encourage the director to change the distributor altogether.

To do that, I first needed to check the current situation.

"Um... Mr. Na, do you absolutely have to go with NEX Media for distribution?"

-Well, not necessarily. But since my sister, Chief Na Soo-Ji, is a former NEX executive, it's easier to get funding and support for distribution. Other distributors want to take just my script and assign a different director.

Because Na Tae-Yang's last three works weren't hits, he was under pressure to hand over just the script.

A ray of hope appeared. In that case, I could meet the distributor director and try to persuade him, and if it didn't work, even pushing to change the distributor might work. I had connections on that side.

"Then... please let Mr. Jang Hoon know that I'll come see him now."

Na Tae-Yang responded with a cheerful tone.

-We're at a Chinese restaurant called Hwaryong right now...

"Oh, I know where that is. I'll head out right away."

-Okay. I'll inform the manager, so just say you came to see me.

After hanging up, I returned to the hospital room. I simply told Park Sang-Gyu, who had been taking care of his wife, that we would talk next week. If we could change the distributor, then the possibility of him playing the lead in Doppelgänger wasn't completely gone.

"Take care of yourself, and I'll call you again. Let's plan to terminate your contract with Ace Entertainment next Monday, hyung-nim."

Park Sang-Gyu nodded. "Alright. Take care. And... Thank you. I'll never forget what you did for me today."

I smiled in response.

Then I told Jung Sang-Bong to go straight home from the set and headed to the Chinese restaurant Hwaryong.

***

I arrived at the high-end Chinese restaurant, Hwaryong, which was also a favorite of Lee Ji-Yeon.

The manager, whose face I was familiar with, greeted me with a smile. "Mr. Jung, I heard the news. Congratulations on your promotion."

"Thank you."

"Right this way. Mr. Na and Mr. Jang are waiting for you."

Since I had come here so often with Lee Ji-Yeon, they now treated me like a VIP. I followed the manager to VIP Room 3.

Click.

The manager opened a door adorned with a red background and a gold dragon. Inside were Jang Hoon of NEX Media Inc., Na Tae-Yang, and his older sister, Na Soo-Ji, sipping pu'er tea.

"Good afternoon. I'm Chief Jung Yoon-Ho from Hoop Entertainment."

Na Tae-Yang and Na Soo-Ji set down their tea and greeted me.

"Welcome, Mr. Jung."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Na Soo-Ji."

After greeting the two of them, Jang Hoon, seated across from me, extended a hand while still sitting.

Now forty years old, Jang Hoon was the heir to NEX Media Inc. and was known for his arrogant demeanor. Since NEX Media Inc. ranked third in the distribution industry after CK Entertainment and LT Entertainment, he was used to throwing his weight around.

Jang Hoon said, "This is our first time meeting, isn't it, Chief Jung?"

"Yes, sir. I've heard a lot about you. It's an honor to meet you. Here's my business card."

I handed him my business card, and Jang Hoon smirked while glancing at it. "Fancy card you're carrying, huh?"

From his tone, it was clear he thought someone like a talent agent had no business using such a premium card. However, since NEX Media Inc. was still a significant player, I didn't react and answered politely.

"It was a gift."

"Yeah? You must have some good friends."

'Better than you, that's for sure.'

Though I hadn't seen much of him before the regression, I didn't like his type back then either.

As he fiddled with the business card, he suddenly asked as if he had just remembered. "Have you eaten?"

"No, not yet."

"Then join us. The food here is great."

"Ah, I have another appointment, so I won't be able to eat. I'll just have a cup of tea."

"Suit yourself, then."

After ordering tea, Jang Hoon cut straight to the point.

"So you've heard, right? If you send over Lee Tae-Poong, I'll cast him in the lead without an audition. The fee will be around six hundred million won. What do you say?"

The moment I heard his hasty offer, I responded as politely as I could. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't think casting someone without an audition is appropriate. Besides, with both Jiri Mountain and The Foodie Nomads filming back-to-back, he'll need a break before starting a new project."

At that moment, Jang Hoon briefly frowned. "Look, Chief Jung. I don't like playing games. If this is about fee negotiation, cut to the chase. How much? What'll it take?"

"That's not what this is about, sir."

Jang Hoon slammed his teacup down. "Then why are you here? You're not here to complain because we rejected some no-name actor from your agency, are you?"

"Not at all. But since it came up, I'll say this—Mr. Park Sang-Gyu is the perfect fit for the lead in this movie. Still, to be fair to the other actors, I'm only asking that he be given a chance to audition. Once you see him act, you'll be captivated."

Jang Hoon scoffed. "You talent agents are all the same. Always think your actors are the best. What about our risk? You think we can afford to gamble on an unproven actor?"

I responded firmly. "Have you ever seen a project fail when I chose the actor?"

Jang Hoon let out a dismissive laugh. "This might be the failure you've been avoiding. In any case, I have no intention of using anyone but well-known, S-class actors for this film, so you can leave now. And next time, don't bother showing up with this kind of nonsense. If it's a no, just stay away!"

I had held out a sliver of hope, but as expected, nothing had changed. In that case, I would have to pull Na Tae-Yang aside and suggest we change distributors.

That's when something unexpected happened.

Na Soo-Ji, who had been silently listening to my conversation with Jang Hoon, suddenly backed me up with a stern expression. "Mr. Jang, to be honest, I used to think the same as you. Since Director Na's last projects didn't do so well, I thought we should cast a famous actor this time."

"And?"

"But after watching the audition video Mr. Jung sent, I just couldn't forget Mr. Park Sang-Gyu's performance. So I'm asking... if you could at least allow a live audition..."

Jang Hoon snapped at Na Soo-Ji. "Hey! Do you even understand why we use famous actors?"

"I do. I used to be with NEX Media Inc., didn't I? It's to maximize profits. But this script is one where we can bring in profits with just the right actor..."

Jang Hoon cut her off and raised his voice. "Hey, Na Soo-Ji. Just because people call your brother a genius screenwriter, you think he's actually something special? You of all people should know that directors are judged by results!"

Na Tae-Yang's debut film, The Sun Boy, a post-apocalyptic story about a child surviving a nuclear war, had drawn 2.1 million viewers. Written at just twenty-seven years old, the screenplay had such solid and remarkable storytelling that critics began calling him a genius screenwriter.

His second film, One Day Serenade, told the story of a couple who could only meet one day a year while time-traveling. It brought in 1.7 million viewers.

His third work, The First Human, a philosophical piece about Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, still living in the modern day, reached 1.9 million viewers.

Critics always praised the scripts, but the actors he cast consistently lacked in performance. That was the reason his films carried the label "Na Tae-Yang's movies have terrible leads."

Still, Jang Hoon challenged Na Soo-Ji and questioned whether those three projects could even be called successful. Na Tae-Yang hung his head in shame beside them.

At that moment, Na Soo-Ji placed a firm hand on her younger brother's shoulder. "Hey, Director Na. Straighten your back! Why are you looking defeated?"

Na Tae-Yang looked up at her. "Noona..."

"Yeah. I'm your sister! So don't you dare shrink in front of me!"

Clearly frustrated by her brother's lack of spirit, Na Soo-Ji glared at Jang Hoon and fired back. "Mr. Jang! Since you're being this harsh, shall we just lay everything out, now that we've started talking?"

"Lay out what?"

"You don't remember that the leads of all three past films were pushed by NEX? They were all actors you handled!"

Jang Hoon flinched and responded. "Y-You can't blame others for that! Director Na agreed to those actors too!"

"Agreed? Don't give me that. When Director Na suggested someone else, the company refused to fund the project unless he picked from your pre-approved list. You and your brother, Team Lead Jang Hyung-Seok, forced those actors in, and the set environment was a disaster. Don't you remember that? So why are you dumping all the blame on my brother now? Why?!"

'So that's what it was.'

Even I had believed Na Tae-Yang simply had a poor eye for talent. Before the regression, he gave up directing entirely after this project and focused solely on writing. But now I knew the truth.

He had been forced to use actors recommended by NEX. Na Soo-Ji knew this all along but couldn't speak up while she was still with the company. Now that she was independent, she was pushing back against Jang Hoon.

'Come to think of it, it was strange. Both of them recognized Sang-Gyu hyung-nim's talent right away. There had to be more to it.'

It seemed like it was time to switch distributors—if not for Park Sang-Gyu's sake, then for the talented Na Tae-Yang.

Then, the furious Jang Hoon threw the teacup he had been drinking from directly at Na Soo-Ji. "How dare you talk back to me!"

'He is insane...'

I shot up from my seat and reached out with my right hand.

Snatch!

I caught the flying cup mid-air. The lukewarm tea still inside dripped onto the table. Some splashed onto Na Soo-Ji's clothes, staining her two-piece suit.

"Did... did you just throw that at me?"

Finally realizing what had just happened, Na Soo-Ji trembled with rage and shouted.

"As of today, SUN Film and NEX are done! We're halting all distribution negotiations, so know that! I'll be sending an official notice tomorrow!"

Jang Hoon fumed, breathing heavily. "Just try walking out like this. You think I'll still distribute that film?"

"Do you think NEX is the only distributor around? Forget it. We don't need you! And... hey! Do I look like your buddy? We're barely a few years apart. Who the hell gave you permission to talk down to me? I swear!"

Na Soo-Ji, now thirty-eight and absolutely livid, raised her fist in warning. Jang Hoon flinched, clearly not expecting that kind of reaction.

Na Soo-Ji then stood her brother up from his seat. "Director Na! Let's go! We don't need to spend another damn second with trash like this."

"Huh? Uh... But noona..."

At that moment, Jang Hoon, who had been stunned into silence, threw out one final threat. "Oh yeah? Then just try it. Let's see how far you get. I'll make sure no production company in this industry touches your film. If I really put my mind to it, you're both done."

Na Soo-Ji hesitated for a moment, perhaps because she hadn't considered that.

Now, it was my turn to step in.

"That's enough, Mr. Jang."

"Enough? You think it's your place to butt in, you damn talent agent..."

This time, Jang Hoon grabbed the teapot. Unlike the cup from earlier, the teapot was still steaming.

I didn't hesitate before I grabbed his tie and gave it a sharp twist.

"Gah!"

As the tie tightened around his neck, Jang Hoon let go of the teapot and scrambled to loosen the grip.

"L-Let go..."

"Mr. Jang, do you want to see a scandal break about your brother, Team Lead Jang Hyung-Seok?"

Jang Hyung-Seok, the team lead of NEX Media Inc.'s investment division and Jang Hoon's younger brother, was filthy on another level, not to mention he was a key figure in lobbying channels for entertainment companies. If that ever got out, the damage to NEX Media Inc. would be massive.

"Guh... You... You wouldn't dare touch my brother..."

"Then let's be civil here. It's give and take. If you value your brother, try respecting other people's siblings too. Let's end the threats here."

Face reddened, Jang Hoon gave a slight nod. "A-Alright..."

Only then did I let go of Jang Hoon's tie.

Thud.

Jang Hoon stumbled back, clutching his throat.

I shrugged and said, "You threw a cup at me, so now we're even. If you try suing me, I'll press charges too. So keep that in mind."

Jang Hoon ground his teeth and glared at me, but I ignored his stare and turned to Na Soo-Ji with a confident proposal, fully intending to humiliate him further.

"Also, Mrs. Na. Since it's come to this, let's switch distributors right here and now. Would you prefer CK Entertainment or LT Entertainment? Just pick one."

Shock spread across Jang Hoon's face. After all, CK Entertainment and LT Entertainment were the number one and two distributors in South Korea, completely out of NEX's league.

'Who the hell does NEX Media Inc. think they are?'

As I smirked triumphantly, smiles also began to form on the faces of Na Soo-Ji and Na Tae-Yang.

The tables had turned.

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