Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 442: Hwangryong Film Association Preparation (1)

[Everyday V12]

[Date: November 30, 2020]

-11:00 a.m. [NEW: Lee Tae-Poong] <Entertainment Everywhere> Discovery of prior contact between Lee Tae-Poong's associate and Hwangryong Film Association Han Jung-Joo. (Meeting Content: Countermeasures for Lee Tae-Poong's Voluntary Withdrawal as a Nominee. Director Bang Sang-Yung's Trap.)

'Huh? Tae-Poong won't win the Best Actor Award?'

As soon as I read the schedule, I began trembling with anger at Bang Sang-Yung. If Lee Tae-Poong voluntarily withdrew as a nominee, his chance to win the Best Actor Award would disappear.

I barely managed to suppress my anger and started analyzing the schedule details one by one. After all, understanding the situation accurately was crucial for formulating a response.

First of all, Lee Tae-Poong's "associate" likely referred to me. It seemed like Bang Sang-Yung intended to arrange a meeting between me and Han Jung-Joo, the jury chairperson.

After that, he would ensure a photo was taken of the two of us meeting alone and create a major scandal, making it look like I engaged in unethical solicitation. With the backlash, Lee Tae-Poong would be forced to resign as a nominee due to public criticism.

The solution came to me just as easily once the scheme became clear in my mind. 'I must avoid meeting the chairperson under any circumstances.'

Having made up my mind, my curiosity shifted to how Bang Sang-Yung intended to draw me into his trap.

I took a short and calming breath before slipping my phone into my pocket.

Then, I reassured Gu Seong-Cheol first. "Don't worry. No matter what Director Bang tries, Tae-Poong will win the Best Actor Award at Hwangryong Film Association."

"R-right?"

"Of course. You're well aware of how well Beyond the Boundary performed, aren't you?"

"Well, yes. There's a huge difference in audience numbers."

The highest-grossing film at this year's Hwangryong Film Association was Director Choi Sung-Moon's Beyond the Boundary, which attracted 14.7 million viewers. Its competitor was Director Kim Seok-Pil's blockbuster Mist Horde, which drew 10.2 million viewers.

The significant difference in box office numbers made Lee Tae-Poong the strongest candidate for Best Actor.

Apart from audience numbers, Oh Ji-Seok from Mist Horde was also a formidable opponent as he was known as a skilled actor who frequently appeared as a nominee for Best Actor over the years.

"So relax and let's head to the team leads' meeting first."

"Phew. Alright."

After collecting his thoughts, Gu Seong-Cheol and I headed to the team leads' meeting to prepare for the Hwangryong Film Association.

***

When we entered the meeting room, most of the team leads from the actor division were already present.

Kang Gam-Chan arrived late and began praising me as soon as he sat down. "You've been amazing on the field in Gyeongju lately, haven't you? I had drinks with the MBS director yesterday and PD Oh couldn't stop raving about you."

"Yes. Yoo-Jin is doing well as always, but Miso's acting has significantly improved as well."

"Hahaha. Really?"

"Additionally, I'm considering casting Miso in Director Ahn Jung-Hae's new project. President Son Hyung-Tae of CK Entertainment has confirmed investment and distribution for the film."

"Oh~ is that so? It looks like we might see Miso at the Hwangryong Film Association next year, huh?"

"Yes. It's entirely possible."

Kang Gam-Chan laughed loudly and filled the room with his jovial mood.

At that moment, Bang Sang-Yung interjected to steer the discussion back to the festival. "Mr. Kang, shouldn't we start reviewing the Hwangryong Film Association preparations?"

Clearing his throat, Kang Gam-Chan began checking the status of the actors. "Ahem. Yes, of course."

Currently, Jo Min-Sung from Actor Division 1 had also been nominated for Best Actor with The Righteous Prosecutor: Go Jin-Tae, which brought in 8.9 million viewers. From Actor Division 3, Cha Tae-Hoon was nominated for the Grand Prize with Prince Han-Myung.

As many of our actors were nominated, there were numerous details to be checked carefully from costumes to makeup shops and even the transportation on the day of the event.

After thoroughly reviewing the schedule, Kang Gam-Chan turned to Bang Sang-Yung and asked, "Ah, and what about the jury list?"

Bang Sang-Yung replied, "Here it is."

This year's jury chairperson was Professor Han Jung-Joo of the Seoul National University of the Arts. He was someone with extensive experience as a jury chairperson of numerous film awards.

Despite his prestigious position, he was known for his straightforward personality. In my past life, I had gotten along with him fairly well though I hadn't seen him since.

Kang Gam-Chan reviewed the list and crossed his arms. "Most of them are alumni from Suhyaejong, aren't they?"

It was then that Bang Sang-Yung cautiously started. "Um, Mr. Kang?"

"Yes? What is it?"

"I've heard that during this Hwangryong Film Association, the Suhyaejong alumni on the jury are banding together to push for Oh Ji-Seok to win the Best Actor Award."

'So it begins.'

It seemed Bang Sang-Yung was trying to create unease in the room as part of his plan to get me to meet with Han Jung-Joo. The moment Bang Sang-Yung mentioned that the Suhyaejong alumni were backing Oh Ji-Seok, a chilly atmosphere spread through the meeting room. @@novelbin@@

Kang Gam-Chan crossed his arms and glared at Bang Sang-Yung. "Where did you hear that?"

Bang Sang-Yung hesitated momentarily with a troubled expression before answering, "I heard it from Director Lee Dong-Gu, one of the jurors."

Lee Dong-Gu was a film director and Suhyaejong alumnus who also served as a professor at his alma mater.

Kang Gam-Chan gave an incredulous look. "Why would they back Oh Ji-Seok instead of Tae-Poong?"

Bang Sang-Yung explained, "As you can see from the jury list, most of them are Suhyaejong alumni."

"And?"

After glancing at me, Bang Sang-Yung added, "Well, wasn't it because of Team Lead Jung that their pride and joy, Director Gong Hak-Beom, ended up in prison? It seems to be an act of retaliation."

Kang Gam-Chan slammed the table. "What nonsense! Director Gong went to jail because of a reporter's tip-off!"

"I explained that as well, but they seem to believe that Team Lead Jung was the one who leaked information to the press and prosecutors."

Kang Gam-Chan let out a frustrated sigh. "Hah... This is absurd..."

Sensing an opportunity, Bang Sang-Yung pressed on. "Moreover, Chairperson Han Jung-Joo was a student of Director Gong Hak-Beom and his wife is reportedly a relative of Director Gong Hak-Beom. They're saying this was orchestrated by Chairperson Han Jung-Joo himself."

Kang Gam-Chan looked skeptical. "What? That rigid Chairperson Han is orchestrating this situation?"

At that moment, I grasped what Bang Sang-Yung was insinuating.

In my past life, I was close enough to Han Jung-Joo to have casual meals with him. Contrary to Bang Sang-Yung's claims, Han Jung-Joo had a terrible relationship with Gong Hak-Beom.

To make matters worse, Han Jung-Joo's wife despised Gong Hak-Beom for his arrogance. She often spoke of how he belittled her mother while borrowing money and never repaying it.

In truth, the two families were only related in name and were on worse terms than strangers. However, since Han Jung-Joo was a discreet man, very few people were aware of this. It was clear that Bang Sang-Yung was shamelessly fabricating lies about Han Jung-Joo.

'So this is how you plan to use Han Jung-Joo, huh?'

Just then, Bang Sang-Yung turned his gaze toward me. "So Team Lead Jung, what do you think? If it's you, you should be able to persuade Chairperson Han, right? I could arrange a meeting for you. Just clarify the misunderstanding and let him know it wasn't your doing."

Bang Sang-Yung was subtly flattering me.

'Quite the strategy, Bang Sang-Yung,' I remarked inwardly.

If I hadn't received Everyday's warning, I might have taken the risk and met Han Jung-Joo at least once to verify the rumors despite not trusting Bang Sang-Yung.

Kang Gam-Chan then echoed Bang Sang-Yung's suggestion. "Team Lead Jung, what's your opinion? From what I hear, Director Bang's suggestion seems reasonable."

After a moment of deliberation, I firmly responded while holding my phone, "No, it's better not to meet."

Kang Gam-Chan asked, "Huh? Why not?"

"From what I know of Mr. Han Jung-Joo, he's not someone who would make biased judgments."

Everyone looked surprised by my response, especially Bang Sang-Yung who appeared visibly flustered.

Bang Sang-Yung tried explaining further, "T-Team Lead Jung. Normally I'd agree with you, but this time is different. Mr. Han's wife is related to Director Gong and..."

Ignoring Bang Sang-Yung, I said to Kang Gam-Chan, "Mr. Kang, did you know that Mr. Han and Mr. Gong barely interacted? Their relationship was so poor that they rarely crossed paths."

"What?"

"And Mr. Han's wife doesn't even see Mr. Gong during the holidays. That's how bad their relationship is."

Kang Gam-Chan looked dumbfounded. "Is that true?"

"Yes."

This was firsthand information I had experienced in the future. There was no way it could be wrong.

Bang Sang-Yung seemed at a loss, clearly not having expected that I might know something he didn't. He raised his voice with a flustered expression. "Team Lead Jung! Are you implying that I'm lying?"

I ended my conversation with Kang Gam-Chan and turned to Bang Sang-Yung. "Mr. Bang. You haven't actually spoken with Mr. Han, have you?"

"W-well, no. But I heard it directly from Director Lee Dong-Gu!"

"Then it's likely Mr. Lee Dong-Gu who's lying."

I couldn't outright call Bang Sang-Yung a liar without concrete evidence. For now, I decided to let this pass with the intention of gathering evidence linking Bang Sang-Yung to the allegations. Once I had proof in hand, I would expose him completely.

To remove Bang Sang-Yung from Hoop Entertainment for good, such an effort was necessary.

Seeing his argument unravel, Bang Sang-Yung nervously turned to Kang Gam-Chan for support. "Mr. Kang, it would be fortunate if Team Lead Jung's words were true. But according to what Director Lee Dong-Gu told me, this time it's really..."

Kang Gam-Chan raised a hand to cut Bang Sang-Yung off. "Enough. Director Bang, didn't we agree after the last incident that you wouldn't interfere in Team Lead Jung's work? Surely, you haven't forgotten already?"

"N-no, of course not. But this isn't interfering. I'm trying to help..."

"Team Lead Jung said it's fine, didn't he?"

Bang Sang-Yung's face turned red with frustration.

Kang Gam-Chan continued, "I appreciate your concern for Tae-Poong, but Team Lead Jung has handled things well so far. Let's leave it to him."

"M-Mr. Kang! What if Lee Tae-Poong ends up not winning because of this?"

"That's a strange way to put it. Are you assuming Tae-Poong won't win? Because that's what it seems like to me."

Bang Sang-Yung quickly shook his head. "No, no. That's not what I meant..."

"Good. Then starting now, everyone go and verify what Director Bang said!"

I urgently added, "Mr. Kang, under no circumstances should we meet with the jurors."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Let's follow Team Lead Jung's advice. There's no need to risk unnecessary rumors by meeting the jurors. Stick to phone inquiries only and report directly to me. Understood?"

The team leads nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir!"

"Alright then, the meeting is adjourned. Everyone except for Team Lead Jung and Director Jung Soo-Hyuk go out and start confirming things."

"Yes, Mr. Kang."

The sound of chairs scraping the floor echoed as everyone stood up. Bang Sang-Yung hesitated and looked as if he wanted to say more, but eventually got up reluctantly.

Just then, Kang Gam-Chan called out, "Director Bang."

"Yes, Mr. Kang?"

"Pass this message along to Director Lee Dong-Gu: If the Suhyaejong alumni continue this behavior, we will be deeply disappointed. A year-end festival meant to be fair and impartial shouldn't be tarnished by personal vendettas."

Bang Sang-Yung left the meeting room with a strained expression. "I...I'll try."

Seizing the moment, I checked my planner.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: November 30, 2020]

-11:00 a.m. <Scheduled Event Deleted>

(Deleted Scheduled Event: [NEW: Lee Tae-Poong] <Entertainment Everywhere> Discovery of prior contact between Lee Tae-Poong's associate and Hwangryong Film Association Han Jung-Joo. (Meeting Content: Countermeasures for Lee Tae-Poong's Voluntary Withdrawal as a Nominee. Director Bang Sang-Yung's Trap.))

As expected, my choice had been correct. With Bang Sang-Yung's scheme thwarted, it was now time for me to strike back.

***

Only Kang Gam-Chan, Jung Soo-Hyuk, and I remained in the meeting room.

Kang Gam-Chan revisited the situation from earlier. "Yoon-Ho, did you happen to speak with Chairperson Han?"

I answered, "No, I just already knew about it."

"How could you possibly know something I don't..."

Kang Gam-Chan looked puzzled, but I quickly changed the subject. "More than that, I'm concerned about the lie Director Bang just told earlier."

"A lie? But you said Director Lee Dong-Gu was lying, didn't you?"

"I said that to deflect because I don't have any evidence yet."

"So are you saying that Director Bang might be colluding with them?"

"Yes. He was likely planning to get me to meet Chairperson Han, snap a photo, and use it to create a scandal."

"That's just..."

"If that happened, not only would I be implicated but Tae-Poong's award would also be questioned on grounds of fairness and he'd lose it altogether."

Kang Gam-Chan's face contorted with frustration as everything I was saying was a plausible scenario. "That scumbag, Director Bang...How dare he!"

Jung Soo-Hyuk who had been quietly observing also chimed in. "Team Lead Jung has a point. If it was all a setup, Tae-Poong would have no chance of winning the award."

Kang Gam-Chan nodded in agreement.

Seizing the opportunity, I turned to Jung Soo-Hyuk who ran the company's information team.

"Mr. Jung, could you start looking into Director Bang's activities from now on?"

"That's my specialty. I can start tailing him immediately."

Then I addressed Kang Gam-Chan, "And Mr. Kang, regarding this matter... may I take it to the end?"

By "to the end," I meant pursuing this until Bang Sang-Yung was completely removed from the company.

Kang Gam-Chan readily nodded. "Of course. I would've been disappointed if you hadn't asked. Proceed immediately."

Lee Tae-Poong struggled his whole life with dyslexia and had never received proper recognition. Even when invited to awards ceremonies, he was treated as a mere decoration. Now, he finally stood a chance to win a major award having overcome his dyslexia.

There was no way I would let Bang Sang-Yung, who sought to sabotage that, remain in Hoop Entertainment.

"This time, I'll see it through to the end," I muttered with determination.