Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 839: How to Handle Assault (1)

'Deok-Bae caused trouble?'

Even when he was living in a shantytown with Han-Ul in poverty, Deok-Bae had always lived upright. I couldn't believe it. However, sometimes accidents happened whether one intended them or not.

I forced myself to calm down and asked Deok-Bae in the most relaxed voice I could manage, so he knew he could trust me. "It's okay, don't worry. Whatever it is, I'll take care of it."

That's when Team Lead Nam Pan-Gyu, who came with him, grinned.

"It's not the kind of accident you're worried about, Mr. Jung."

'Huh? Not that kind?'

"...Then what is it?"

Nam Pan-Gyu looked over at Deok-Bae. "Deok-Bae, go ahead and explain."

Deok-Bae glanced around nervously and spoke cautiously. "I actually applied for the first round of auditions for the role of Baek Ill-Seung in She Was Beautiful, and, well... I got in. They want me to come in for the on-site audition today."

She Was Beautiful was holding auditions today for a major male supporting role. Specifically, for the roles of Baek Ill-Seung, talent agent to the lead character Han Bit-Na, and Sung Chan-Sung, talent agent to Angel Wings. These two talent agent roles were practically lead-tier positions that would help carry the story.

And Deok-Bae had apparently passed the first round for the Baek Ill-Seung role.

I let out a huge sigh of relief. It wasn't the kind of "accident" I was worried about.

"Sigh... Deok-Bae. Don't throw around the word 'accident' like that. You scared the crap out of me."

Deok-Bae scratched his head sheepishly. "I'm sorry."

Still trying to slow my pounding heart, I turned to Deok-Bae again. "Alright. But seriously, what happened?"

Deok-Bae glanced at me hesitantly and explained. "I heard it was Yoo-Jin noona's next project, and I got curious. So I picked up a script from the company archive and took it home. And, well... It was fun. So I went to the website to look for more info, clicked around a bit... and I think I accidentally submitted an application?"

To maximize the number of applicants, Managing Director Lee Eun-Joo had made the audition page as simple as possible. She had streamlined it so even tech-challenged actors could apply with just a few clicks, knowing that sometimes their own talent agents got in the way.

Now I understood. Deok-Bae, who had grown up in a shantytown and wasn't very tech-savvy, must have clicked the application button while browsing.

"Applying isn't the issue, but if you were going to audition, you should've told me. I would've made sure everything was in place."

"That's the thing—I didn't even mean to apply. They said I was supposed to submit a video audition too, but I didn't upload anything. So I figured it got canceled for not meeting the requirements. But then Ms. Lee Eun-Joo called me and asked if I had applied. I told her it was a mistake... but she said to come anyway. She wanted to talk in person."

Well, considering how popular Deok-Bae was right now, they probably figured he was worth calling in even without a video.

"And what did you say?"

"I told her I had to ask you first."

Right then, a Kk Talk message came in from Lee Eun-Joo.

Zing~

[LT Entertainment Managing Director Lee Eun-Joo: I pulled Choi Deok-Bae out of the rejection pile. He doesn't need a video audition, just please make sure he shows up today, okay? I'm begging you. Pleeeease!]

I hadn't originally planned to put Deok-Bae in a film. He was already busy filming Hwaranjeon, and as a rookie actor, he still had a lot to learn. On top of that, Deok-Bae was the kind of actor who had to read the script repeatedly and analyze the character from every angle before his true talent could shine.

In other words, jumping into a new project without proper preparation was something we had to avoid.

Worried about that, I decided to ask Deok-Bae before replying to Lee Eun-Joo. "Deok-Bae, going into an audition unprepared could end up hurting you. Why not skip it this time instead of overdoing it?"

Just then, Deok-Bae answered with confidence to my surprise. "Hyung, since it's come to this anyway, can't I just try out for the role of Baek Ill-Seung? The character's almost the same as you. I didn't even need to analyze anything."

In She Was Beautiful, Baek Ill-Seung was the first talent agent of Angel Wings, the girl group Han Bit-Na belonged to. After quitting his job following Han Bit-Na's car accident, he later helped her return from seclusion and brought her back into showbiz. He was a character with impressive skills.

And now Deok-Bae was saying that the character was similar to me.

"Well, if we're talking about actual skills, you're way more OP, hyung. But still, if it's a talent agent role, I've got this."

'Comparing me to a fantasy movie character, huh?'

Deok-Bae had definitely grown in social skills.

"Okay, enough flattery. So, have you gone over the script?" I asked.

Deok-Bae tried to say it wasn't flattery, then nodded. "Yeah. At least the part required for the audition, I've memorized."

"Alright. But from now on, you have to tell me even about little things like this. With where you're at now, even this alone is newsworthy."

Deok-Bae was one of the key supporting actors in Hwaranjeon, which was pulling over 37% in viewership ratings. He was also appearing on the 18%-rating variety show The Omniscient Viewpoint.

On top of that, he had just sold out the LM Apparel hoodie line with his brother Han-Ul. At the time, Deok-Bae's every move was headline material.

Deok-Bae scratched his head again. "Got it. I'll keep that in mind."

"Okay. Then let's just finish talking about the CF deal, and we'll head to the audition with Yoo-Jin."

"Mm~ I'll just go with whatever you think's best for the CF, hyung. I'll be reading the script."

Even with a 1.5 billion won worth of three-year CF offer on the table, Deok-Bae didn't seem fazed. His trust in me hadn't changed at all.

"Alright."

Deok-Bae gave me a wide grin, then sat down in a corner and pulled the script from his bag. As he flipped through it, I saw the pages were covered in underlines. Not just the audition section, but he had clearly read through the entire script dozens of times already.

'Looks like the role really clicked with him.'

Relieved to see how much Deok-Bae had taken to the character, I messaged Lee Eun-Joo.

[Chief Jung Yoon-Ho: Got it!]

***

"Alright, everyone. Let's give it our best today!"

"Okay!"

After boosting morale and telling the team to forget about Yoon Dong-Gu and focus on our work, I left the meeting room with Yeon So-Hee, Deok-Bae, and the rookie talent agent Yang Dong-Jin.

"Dong-Jin, I'm counting on you from now on."

"Yes, hyung-nim. Uh, I mean, Mr. Jung!"

Yang Dong-Jin was the 22-year-old rookie talent agent who had stood guard outside Club Rose when we went to rescue Jang So-Yeon and her sister. He had wrestled in school and served in the military as a driver. Starting next month, he will be shadowing Kang Ha-Na's mother, Kim Hyun-Ji.

So for now, I planned to train him personally. After all, one had to learn properly during their rookie days to pull their weight later.

I pressed the elevator's down button and gave Yang Dong-Jin a few words. "You might've handled rowdy guests with brute force outside the club, but that won't work on set. Even if something unfair happens, hold back and call me or the senior talent agents."

"Don't worry. I've got a ton of patience thanks to my years in sports."

"Good."

The elevator arrived.

Once inside, I turned to Yeon So-Hee. "Ms. Yeon, take Deok-Bae to the car first. I'll head down after I stop by the lobby with Dong-Jin."

"Yes, sir."

I pressed both the first floor and B2 buttons.

Ding.

When the doors opened, Yang Dong-Jin and I stepped out into the lobby. As we approached the security guard, he handed me a package that had arrived.

I turned and held it out to Yang Dong-Jin. "Take this."

"What is it?"

"Open it and see for yourself."

Yang Dong-Jin, looking puzzled, opened the package. Inside was a brand-new Galactica phone worth 1.2 million won.

Yang Dong-Jin's eyes widened in disbelief. "Mr. Jung... this is..."

"A talent agent's weapons are their phone and a planner, so always use a good one. And use a digital scheduler app, not a paper one."

Yang Dong-Jin had been scrimping to support his younger siblings, still using a cracked phone from three years ago. So I got him a new one. Because now, he was part of my team.

After a brief stunned silence, Yang Dong-Jin bowed his head deeply. "Thank you, Mr. Jung."

"There's no need to thank me. Come on, switch out your SIM card and let's go."

"Yes, sir."

Just then, the mocking voice came from behind,

"Chief Jung~ take it easy on the rookie, will you? You're making it scary to work here."

I turned and saw Yoon Dong-Gu stepping off the elevator. Following him were singers Bok Seon-Il, Jeon Tae-Mi, Oh Ji-Seon, and Sung Hee-Yeon. Judging from the smug grin on Yoon Dong-Gu's face, it looked like the four had sold the act well.

This meant it was my turn to play along too.

I immediately furrowed my brow and trembled with frustration. "You may have dodged it today, but this isn't over. Just wait and see."

Yoon Dong-Gu snickered. "Yeah, wait and watch and keep watching. Nothing's going to happen. Anyway, good luck. I've got some king crab to eat with my artists."

He swept past me. The singers followed, and as they passed, Jeon Tae-Mi lightly tapped my hand. It probably meant an apology.

I gave her a small nod in return, signaling that it was okay. Then, watching Yoon Dong-Gu's back as he walked out of the lobby, I allowed myself a small, invisible smirk.

'See you in a week. We'll see if something happens or not.'

***

Vroom~

"Turning left."

"Turning right."

On our way to LT Entertainment, Yang Dong-Jin, perhaps proud of his military driver experience, kept announcing every turn aloud. Eventually, we descended into the underground parking lot of LT Entertainment.

Screech.

The car came to a stop so gently that I barely felt a thing.

"We've arrived, sir."

From the back seat, Yoo-Jin let out a cheer. "Wow~ you're such a good driver!"

I had been into driving myself before the regression, but even I had never met someone this smooth behind the wheel.

I smiled. "Dong-Jin's driving gets a perfect score. I guess I'd better work hard so no one steals you away."

"Thank you, sir."

"Just one thing—everything's great except the turning announcements. Maybe cut those."

"Ah, yes. I'll fix that."

Yang Dong-Jin looked pleased with the praise, though a bit confused as to why everyone was so impressed by mere driving. However, entertainers spent hundreds of kilometers on the road every day eating and sleeping in the car. For this reason, a talent agent's driving skills directly impacted fatigue. That made Yang Dong-Jin a far more valuable asset than he probably realized.

"Alright, let's get out."

Deok-Bae, Yoo-Jin, Yang Dong-Jin, Yeon So-Hee, and I got out of the car.

I turned to Yeon So-Hee and said, "Ms. Yeon, I'm going to speak with the managing director first before I head to the audition hall. Please take them there ahead of me."

"Okay."

Yeon So-Hee guided Yang Dong-Jin, Yoo-Jin, and Deok-Bae toward the elevator. While they were occupied, I took a moment to review the list of successful first-round auditionees.

[She Was Beautiful – 1st Round Audition Pass List (Role: Sung Chan-Sung)]

...

[Applicant No. 13]

-Name: Baek Hong-Gyun (35, TK Entertainment)

-Notable Works: The One Fated, Yeonhong Pink, lead role in Love Days

-Strengths:

Strong in romantic comedies.

Excellent chemistry in romance scenes with female actors.

Especially skilled at emotional tearful scenes—ranked among the top A-list actors in the genre.

His handsome appearance and gentlemanly image provide strong ticket power.

-Note: Husband of singer Jeon Tae-Mi from Hoop Entertainment.

Just reading his glowing reputation in LT Entertainment's internal evaluations made me sigh.

"A garbage human who beats his wife and talent agent gets this kind of praise. Tch."

Baek Hong-Gyun didn't just abuse his wife Jeon Tae-Mi, but he also had a long-standing habit of punching his talent agents. I planned to use the talent agent assault case to ensure he never laid a hand on his wife again.

But first, I had to cancel his audition for She Was Beautiful. If by any chance he landed the role of Sung Chan-Sung, things would get seriously complicated.

I immediately called President Shin Jong-Ki. He picked up.

-Hey, Chief Jung. Where are you? Did you come with Deok-Bae?

"Yes, we just arrived."

-Oh? Alright. I'll come down and meet you, then.

"Sir, would you mind if we spoke privately before we head to the audition hall?"

-Huh? What's going on?

"You might find this hard to believe, but there are rumors Baek Hong-Gyun habitually assaults his talent agents."

Shin Jong-Ki's voice instantly turned cold.

-Let's talk in more detail in the lounge on the 2nd floor, East Wing.

"Understood."

And just like that, the first step to saving Jeon Tae-Mi was in motion.

***

Yang Dong-Jin followed Yeon So-Hee up to the first-floor lobby of LT Entertainment.

Upon arrival, Yeon So-Hee turned to him. "Yoo-Jin's serving as a guest judge, so she has to take a different route. I'll escort her to the 2nd floor and come back right away. Wait here."

"Yes, ma'am."

Yeon So-Hee boarded the executive elevator. As Yang Dong-Jin waited beside Choi Deok-Bae, who was quietly reading his script, he suddenly heard voices.

"Hey, it's Choi Deok-Bae!"

"Huh? It's really Deok-Bae!"

Yang Dong-Jin turned his head. A group of schoolgirls in uniform had shown up, probably on a tour of the company.

"Please give us your autograph!!"

The students started rushing over.

Sensing danger, Yang Dong-Jin grabbed Choi Deok-Bae's arm and bolted. "Mr. Deok-Bae, let's run."

"Huh? Oh! Okay!"

Just like when he had to dodge a police sweep as a club bouncer, Yang Dong-Jin deftly zigzagged away, leading Choi Deok-Bae toward a secluded part of the building.

'Huff, huff, huff.'

Catching his breath, Yang Dong-Jin scanned their surroundings. There was a door nearby marked Emergency Stairs – East Wing.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Deok-Bae. They came out of nowhere."

Still panting, Choi Deok-Bae held his script and nodded. "You saved me. And hey, hyung. You can just call me comfortably from now on."

"O-oh, alright."

Since they had moved from their original location, Yang Dong-Jin sent a message via Kk Talk to Yeon So-Hee and Chief Jung Yoon-Ho.

[Yang Dong-Jin (Rookie): We fled to the East Wing emergency stairwell on the 1st floor to escape some overzealous fans. Awaiting further instructions.]

Yang Dong-Jin decided he would stay put until he got further instructions.

That was when it happened.

Thud.

-Agh.

From beyond the emergency stairwell door came the sound of someone being struck, followed by angry shouting.

-Ah, god fucking damn it! You little shit, I told you to do your job properly!

-I'm sorry.

-Sorry? You think sorry fixes everything? You said the first-round acceptance was out, right? Then why the hell was it canceled for missing documents? What the hell did you do to screw things up this badly, huh?

Instinctively, Yang Dong-Jin grabbed Choi Deok-Bae's arm to protect him. He had been taught that celebrities should never get involved in situations like this.

"Deok-Bae, this place is dangerous too. Let's move."

However, Choi Deok-Bae didn't budge. Choi Deok-Bae was the kind of person who couldn't ignore someone being beaten.

"Wait, hyung. It sounds like someone's getting hurt."

Choi Deok-Bae pushed open the emergency stairwell door to help the one being assaulted.

Bang.

Inside, Baek Hong-Gyun was beating a skinny man in his twenties.

"Baek Hong-Gyun... sunbae?"

Baek Hong-Gyun froze mid-swing and turned. "Choi Deok-Bae?"

At that moment, Deok-Bae raised his voice. "Stop it right now. Or I'm calling the police."

"What? I'm disciplining my own talent agent. What business is it of yours?"

Choi Deok-Bae immediately pulled out his phone.

Just then, Baek Hong-Gyun snapped and charged toward him. "You little bastard, how dare you threaten to call the cops on your sunbae! Do you have a death wish!?"

"Then how else am I supposed to react when you're beating someone?"

"You insolent punk!"

Baek Hong-Gyun, unable to contain his rage, swung his fist at Choi Deok-Bae. That was when Yang Dong-Jin stepped in, throwing his body in front of Choi Deok-Bae.

Wham.

"Keuk."

Baek Hong-Gyun's fist smashed into the back of Yang Dong-Jin's head. The impact made Yang Dong-Jin's vision blur, but he swallowed his anger. After all, the first rule he had learned as a talent agent today was patience.

"You crazy bastard! Hey! Move!"

Another blow came, but Yang Dong-Jin didn't move.

"Dong-Jin hyung!" Choi Deok-Bae shouted.

Yang Dong-Jin flashed him a grin. "It's fine. Just get out of the stairwell. Celebrities aren't supposed to get caught up in this, right?"

"But hyung!"

"It's okay. Go. It doesn't even hurt."

Behind him, Baek Hong-Gyun snarled. "You really wanna die? Move! Are you moving or not?"

Yang Dong-Jin braced himself, expecting another punch.

That was when a cold voice cut through the stairwell. "If you swing that hand again, you die by mine."

Yang Dong-Jin looked up in shock.

Step. Step.

Jung Yoon-Ho was coming down from the second-floor stairwell.

He held his phone in hand, eyes burning with fury—just like the day he had stormed into Club Rose to find Jang So-Yeon's sister.