From A Producer To A Global Superstar-Chapter 234: Auditions 1

"Auditions for Train to Busan will now commence."

The assistant said.

"Now those who are auditioning for the role of Jin-hee, get ready. Once you hear your name, move to the hall."

Just then, the assistant saw Dayo wave at her and nod.

"Sit still for now," she said as she walked toward Dayo and bowed.

"Yes sir, you called?"

Dayo nodded. "Let them come in all together and watch the others perform."

"Hm?" The assistant looked surprised and stunned. She raised her eyes to look at both Dayo and Jang-Wook, who just gave her a dead look.

She immediately sprang outside.

"All who are here for the Jin-hee role, stand up and follow me."

The ladies quickly picked up their pace and followed the assistant toward the front of the hall, where Dayo, Jang-Wook, and two others were seated with their faces devoid of any emotion.

The actresses all stood still under the gaze of the people who would judge whether they would join this project or not.

The role they were trying to play was Jin-hee. In the storyline, Jin-hee is a young adult female who embodies a potent mix of strength and vulnerability. As a determined and resourceful individual, she navigates the chaos of the zombie outbreak with a fierce will to survive. Despite the dire circumstances, Jin-hee shows a caring side, often prioritizing the safety of those around her, including Su-an, the young daughter of Seung-gyu.

Her past is marked by uncertainty, but her present is defined by her actions in the face of danger. Jin-hee’s determination is fueled by a desire to protect herself and those she cares about from the deadly virus spreading rapidly through the train.

With her quick thinking and adaptability, Jin-hee becomes a key player in the group’s fight for survival. Her character serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in the midst of horror, showcasing the human spirit’s capacity to persevere even in the darkest moments.

Although Jin-hee was a supporting role, it also had its impact, which was why Dayo personally picked this role to choose the actress.

Dayo gave a nod to the assistant.

She turned toward the contestants, holding a list, and said, "Min-Ji, step forward."

Min-Ji, a teenage girl, wore a dark skirt and a black top that complemented her slim stature.

She walked forward and gave a 90-degree bow. "My name is Min-Ji, sir."

Jang-Wook looked at Dayo, giving him a hint that this was one of his recommendations, and Dayo gave a slight nod back.

Dayo looked at Min-Ji and activated a skill in his mind.

Director’s Instinct Skill:

Grants detailed insight into the personality, emotional depth, temperament, and expressive compatibility of actors or actresses. Enables accurate assessment of which roles best suit each individual.

Min-Ji stood straight at the center of the hall.

Her hands were relaxed at her sides, shoulders squared, posture respectful but not stiff. She didn’t fidget. She didn’t glance around nervously. Instead, she kept her eyes forward, focused on the panel in front of her.

Dayo studied her calmly.

Then, without any outward movement, he activated the skill in his mind.

Director’s Instinct.

The world seemed to slow slightly.

Information unfolded in layers—not intrusive, not overwhelming—but precise.

A transparent profile appeared in his perception.

Actor Profile — Min-Ji

Age: 19

Experience Level: Moderate

Talent Grade: A

Potential: S+

Emotional Range:

• Natural empathy

• Controlled vulnerability

• Stable emotional transitions

Temperament:

• Calm under pressure

• Highly receptive to direction

• Low ego interference

Expressive Compatibility (Role: Jin-hee):

91%

Evaluation Summary:

Highly suitable. Strong emotional grounding. Capable of portraying resilience without exaggeration. Minimal adjustment required.

Dayo’s lips curved slightly.

Not a smile meant for the room—just a quiet one to himself.

Ninety-one percent.

That was rare.

He glanced briefly at Jang-Wook. The director hadn’t seen the profile, of course, but he noticed the change in Dayo’s expression. His eyes narrowed just a little in interest.

Dayo gave a subtle nod.

"Min-Ji," Dayo said evenly, his voice calm but carrying through the hall. "You’ve read the script?"

"Yes, sir," she answered clearly.

"Good." He leaned back slightly. "We’ll do a scene reading."

The assistant immediately stepped forward, tablet in hand.

"Scene 14," Dayo continued. "Jin-hee and Su-an. The moment after the separation. Focus on restraint, not fear."

Min-Ji’s eyes flickered for half a second.

Then she nodded.

"I understand."

There was no request for clarification. No hesitation.

She took two steps forward, grounding herself.

The room fell silent.

Min-Ji inhaled once—slowly—then let it out.

When she spoke, her voice wasn’t loud.

But it was steady.

"Su-an..." she said softly, as if the child were right in front of her. "Stay close. Don’t look back."

Her hands trembled just slightly—not exaggerated, not theatrical.

Controlled.

She took a step, then stopped, as if remembering the danger behind her. Her jaw tightened. Her eyes shimmered, but tears didn’t fall.

"I’m here," she continued, her voice lowering. "I won’t leave you."

A pause.

Then a breath that sounded like it hurt to take.

"I promised."

No screaming.

No dramatic collapse.

Just quiet resolve under pressure.

Several of the other actresses stiffened.

One swallowed.

Another unconsciously clenched her fingers.

Dayo didn’t move.

Jang-Wook leaned forward without realizing it.

Min-Ji finished the scene and bowed deeply.

Silence followed.

Then—

"Good," Dayo said simply.

That single word carried weight.

Min-Ji straightened, eyes shining—not from praise, but relief.

"Step aside," Dayo added.

She obeyed immediately, moving to the designated area.

The assistant checked her list.

"Next—Han Seo-Rin."

A tall woman in her early twenties stepped forward. Confident walk. Well-trained posture. Clear industry polish.

Dayo activated Director’s Instinct again.

Actor Profile — Han Seo-Rin

Age: 23

Experience Level: High

Talent Grade: A−

Potential: A

Emotional Range:

• Strong projection

• Limited subtlety

Temperament:

• Confident

• Performance-driven

Expressive Compatibility (Role: Jin-hee):

70%

Evaluation Summary:

Technically capable. Emotion tends toward exaggeration. Requires heavy direction for restraint scenes.

Dayo remained neutral.

"Scene 14," he said again.

Seo-Rin nodded briskly.

Her performance was good—objectively so.

Her voice carried strength. Her fear was visible. Her gestures were clear.

Too clear.

Every emotion announced itself.

When she finished, there was polite stillness.

"Thank you," Dayo said. "Step aside."

She did, her confidence slightly dimmed.

The assistant called another name.

"Lee Hae-Won."

This one hesitated before stepping forward. Younger. Less polished.

Dayo reviewed the profile.

Actor Profile — Lee Hae-Won

Age: 18

Experience Level: Low

Talent Grade: B+

Potential: A+

Expressive Compatibility (Role: Jin-hee):

68%

Evaluation Summary:

Raw emotional instinct. Lacks control. Potential exists but unsuitable for immediate casting.

Her performance showed heart but lacked stability.

She rushed lines. Her breathing broke the rhythm.

When she finished, Dayo nodded politely.

"Thank you."

As the auditions continued, patterns formed.

Skill. Training. Potential.

But Min-Ji’s performance remained the quiet benchmark in the room.

The other actresses knew it too.

They didn’t say it aloud—but they felt it.

Jang-Wook leaned closer to Dayo.

"Your thoughts?" he murmured.

Dayo didn’t answer immediately.

"We continue," he said instead.

The assistant called the next name.

Dayo wanted to see if he could spot any other surprise.

The auditions for Jin-hee went on.

But in the back of the hall, Min-Ji stood quietly, hands clasped, eyes lowered—unaware that, for now, she led without being told.

And that was exactly how Dayo wanted it.