Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 447: Hwangryong Film Association (1)

Bang Sang-Yung eventually took the blame alone. "...No one ordered me to do it. I planned everything on my own."

Choi Eun-Tae's face contorted at the unsatisfactory response. "Do you really expect me to believe you did all this on your own?"

His thunderous voice made Bang Sang-Yung lower his head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman."

At that moment, Lee Dong-Gu raised his head and shouted as if feeling wronged. "Mr. Chairman, no—sunbae-nim! Aren't you also an alumnus of Suhyaejong? How can you disregard your hoobaes like this as their sunbae?"

Choi Eun-Tae glared at Lee Dong-Gu coldly. "You think I'm disregarding you?"

"Yes! Don't you realize how much humiliation we've suffered because of Jung Yoon-Ho? It's no wonder our hoobaes banded together to plot this!"

At that moment, Choi Yung-Ho approached Lee Dong-Gu and he firmly pressed his thumb into a hollow spot on Lee Dong-Gu's shoulder.

Lee Dong-Gu groaned as his face twisted in pain. "Ugh..."

Choi Yung-Ho warned in a low voice. "Mr. Lee. How dare you raise your voice at Chairman Choi?"

Lee Dong-Gu cried, his face showing agony. "President Choi, please stop!"

Only after Choi Yung-Ho finally released his thumb did Choi Eun-Tae speak again. "Yung-Ho, play the recording for him! Let's see if he can still call me ‘sunbae-nim' afterward."

Choi Yung-Ho took out a recorder and pressed play.

-Director Bang, if this succeeds, you'll gain full trust from our line. So be cautious, understood?

-Of course. But Mr. Choi Eun-Tae won't be an issue, right? He's been taking an interest in Hoop Entertainment recently.

-How long does that old man have left to live anyway? All he does is tarnish our reputation. Just don't worry about him.

The recording clearly revealed Lee Dong-Gu calling Choi Eun-Tae "that old man." This was the part of the recording I had heard earlier.

As the alcohol wore off, Lee Dong-Gu began to hiccup. "Hic. M-Mr. Chairman, those were just drunken ramblings...Hic!"

Lee Dong-Gu fell flat onto the cold ground and begged, but Choi Eun-Tae wore an icy cold expression. "Director Lee, let this old man ask you a question. Do you know why I've invested so much in Suhyaejong until now?"

Lee Dong-Gu stammered, "I-I heard it's because a professor there treated you like a son and you've cared for the school ever since."

"That's correct. Decades ago, I pursued an artistic dream I never imagined thanks to that professor who fed and sheltered me. Even though my fate changed, I've never forgotten my gratitude and have supported Suhyaejong ever since."

Choi Eun-Tae stood up.

"Yung-Ho, I'll personally visit the professor to apologize. So from this moment on, all support for Suhyaejong ends. Got it?"

"Yes, Mr. Chairman."

The scale of Choi Eun-Tae's support was said to be immense. But because of Lee Dong-Gu's actions, all that was about to vanish. If this continued, Lee Dong-Gu would lose his position and reputation among his peers.

Lee Dong-Gu's face turned ashen as Choi Eun-Tae gave him one last chance. "Director Lee, this is your last chance. If you confess who's behind this, I'll forgive everything. You better speak up if you don't want your hoobaes and sunbaes to be disappointed in you."

"M-Mr. Chairman, the truth is..."

At that moment, Choi Man-Sik urgently interrupted. "Mr. Chairman, I have something to say."

Choi Eun-Tae turned his head with a cold expression as Lee Dong-Gu, who was on the verge of speaking, clamped his mouth shut. "What do you want to say?"

Choi Eun-Tae's sharp gaze landed on Choi Man-Sik.

"Director Lee may be at fault, but withdrawing support for Suhyaejong seems excessive."

Choi Eun-Tae repeated. "Excessive?" @@novelbin@@

"Yes."

Choi Man-Sik stood in Choi Eun-Tae's way with his voice trembling. If either of the two accused him as their instigator, the fallout would be catastrophic for him.

At that moment, another voice joined in. It was Lee Sang-Pil, one of Hoop Entertainment's shareholders. "That's right, Mr. Chairman. If you abandon Suhyaejong just because of Director Lee Dong-Gu, the network of relationships you've built will collapse instantly. Please reconsider."

Choi Eun-Tae's face twitched as he held back his anger. The shareholders of Hoop Entertainment, whom he once considered beneath him, were now challenging him. Moreover, these three individuals were the prime suspects in this incident.

However, it seemed like I should stop Choi Eun-Tae. Choi Man-Sik was backed by ruling party heavyweight Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon. If this continued, plans to deal with Choi Man-Sik could be derailed.

No matter how angry I felt, I had to keep my composure.

I took a deep breath and spoke. "Mr. Chairman, I agree with their perspective."

All eyes turned to me in an instant.

Choi Eun-Tae's gaze carried a hint of confusion. "Team Lead Jung, why...?"

"Your support for Suhyaejong sustains countless livelihoods. While there may be people like Director Lee here, there are also many hardworking staff and directors who have done no wrong. If there's a tumor, you remove it. But you don't kill the patient."

Kang Gam-Chan standing nearby also nodded in agreement. "Mr. Chairman, I think Team Lead Jung is right. Since Director Bang and Director Lee claimed responsibility, there's no need for further punishment."

"Do you feel the same way?"

"Yes, Mr. Chairman."

Choi Eun-Tae fell silent with his gaze fixed on me as if in thought. The icy winter wind seemed to cool his anger.

Finally, Choi Eun-Tae spoke slowly. "Yung-Ho, cut off all support for Director Lee, but continue supporting the rest as before."

"Understood, sir."

At last, Lee Dong-Gu let out a sigh of relief.

But Choi Eun-Tae wasn't finished. "Director Lee."

Lee Dong-Gu stammered, "Y-yes, Mr. Chairman."

"Resign from the jury of the Hwangryong Film Association tomorrow morning."

Lee Dong-Gu's face crumpled. "Understood..."

"And Director Bang is dismissed effective today."

Bang Sang-Yung bowed his head.

Choi Eun-Tae scanned the room. "Does anyone object?"

All the shareholders remained silent.

"Then leave. I have things to discuss with Team Lead Jung and President Kang!"

Once dismissed, everyone wore various expressions as they left under Choi Yung-Ho's guidance.

***

Inside Choi Eun-Tae's office, he asked me as soon as he sat down, "Team Lead Jung, why did you stop me? One of them would have implicated Man-Sik."

I met Choi Eun-Tae's fiery gaze and countered, "More than that, are you fully prepared to take down Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon?"

"His rival within the ruling party and an opposition backed sniper are eager to help. They'll support us."

"But I've heard politicians can't be trusted."

Choi Eun-Tae rubbed his temples and let out a groan. "Ugh..."

Seoul National University of the Arts, known as Korea's cultural cradle, had been heavily supported by Choi Eun-Tae. He was a giant in the cultural industry. But if he abandoned that position, he was just a wealthy loan shark.

Social influence was an intangible asset that money alone couldn't buy, so discarding it was a fatal mistake.

Choi Eun-Tae asked, "So are you suggesting we fire only Director Bang Sang-Yung this time?"

I replied, "Yes. We'll remove them one by one. After Director Bang, I plan to completely cut off Kim Dong-Soo who is currently on probation."

Choi Eun-Tae's eyes gleamed sharply. "Dong-Soo? That man is someone Man-Sik takes special care of. It won't be easy."

"It won't be an issue. I already have the leverage needed to take him down."

The X-FILE I obtained from Kim Dong-Soo included information about Oh Joo-Hyun seeking a sponsor. My plan was to use the file when Kim Dong-Soo connected Oh Joo-Hyun with someone, striking at the right moment.

"Ha ha, this is impressive. While I was idling away, you've already made significant progress, Team Lead Jung."

"Well, that's because you're dealing with some very influential people. I know you always prepare thoroughly."

Choi Eun-Tae looked at me with an approving expression. "Understood. Then let's stop with Director Bang for now."

"Yes. I'll continue removing the smaller obstacles below while you take care of the larger ones at the top."

Choi Eun-Tae stared at me intently. "I'm learning a lot from you today, Team Lead Jung."

"Not at all. If I were in your position, I would've prodded for names at least once as well."

"Ha ha, is that so?"

Choi Man-Sik stopped laughing and let out a short sigh.

"Understood. I'll focus on grooming a strong candidate to challenge Park Sang-Gon. I won't make such mistakes next time."

As we were wrapping up the conversation, a memory suddenly surfaced in my mind.

I asked, "Oh, and do you remember the day Eun-Gi was attacked at the hospital?"

Choi Man-Sik clenched his fists tightly, his face trembling with anger. "Of course. How could I forget?"

Just the thought of that day still seemed to enrage him.

"I heard they caught one of the police officers who left their post and fled that day."

Choi Eun-Tae's eyes sparkled. A police officer colluding with those who targeted his son was as good as an enemy.

"Is that true?"

"Yes. Mr. Seo is handling the investigation. You can follow that lead to uncover those behind the incident."

"I see. I'll do that."

I felt confident about leaving this matter to Choi Eun-Tae.

As I stood to leave, Choi Eun-Tae offered some kind words. "I've heard Mr. Lee Tae-Poong has worked very hard. I hope he wins at the Hwangryong Film Association."

I replied with a bow before stepping outside. "Thank you."

The cold winter night air felt clearer than ever.

***

The next morning, I checked the article that had been published early that morning after parking in Hoop Entertainment's underground lot.

[Director Lee Dong-Gu resigns as a Hwangryong Film Association judge to ensure fairness. Suhyaejong's judge Ahn Chae-Seok also resigns. Replacements are non-Suhyaejong alumni.]

It was a swift resignation from Lee Dong-Gu following yesterday's events at Choi Eun-Tae's residence.

I murmured, "Quick, very quick."

With this, the obstacles to Lee Tae-Poong winning Best Actor at the Hwangryong Film Association had disappeared.

Humming a cheerful tune, I grabbed my thermos from the car and headed out. When I stood in front of the elevator, the LCD screen displayed a notice about Bang Sang-Yung.

[Notice: November 29, 2020. Director Bang Sang-Yung's position suspended (grounds for dismissal identified).]

Talent agents from Actor Division 1 who saw the notice looked pale.

"What... What's going on? Why so sudden?"

"If Mr. Bang is dismissed, what happens to us now?"

"Chief Choi Eun-Seok doesn't have enough experience to lead Actor Division 1. Ugh, this is driving me crazy... Does this mean Actor Division 2 will now hold the power in the company?"

"Things change overnight, but this is too much, isn't it?"

"By the way, should we consider moving to Actor Division 2? Even Actor Lee Jun-Seok mentioned switching departments."

"Don't forget the upcoming merger with Gwanwoo Entertainment. There'll be major reshuffles anyway. Let's wait and see how things settle."

As the company's power shifted rapidly toward Kang Gam-Chan's line, many employees sought to transfer to Actor Division 2 which was known to be aligned with him.

With Kim Dong-Soo still on probation, this was the perfect opportunity to expand our influence.

I mulled over a few ideas before finally taking the elevator to the office.

***

After placing my bag and thermos on my desk, I immediately convened a meeting with Team Jung.

Once everyone gathered, the first question was about Bang Sang-Yung's dismissal as expected. But I feigned ignorance and brushed it off before moving straight to giving work instructions.

"Alright. Let's focus on tomorrow's Hwangryong Film Association for now."

The chatter died down and the meeting began.

"Ran-Hee, what's the rehearsal schedule for Cherry Blossom and Ha-Na tomorrow?"

"They said it's hard to rehearse tomorrow since it's a live broadcast. So they'll be rehearsing today by 1 p.m."

Hwangryong Film Association featured special celebratory performances split into two segments.

In the first segment, Oh Ji-Seok and Ju Yung-In would perform Kang Ha-Na's 'New Beginning' as part of a special stage. In the second segment, Cherry Blossom would open with 'Hurry Up!' and 'My First Love Story,' followed by a special mid performance of 'Soulfire' by Kang Ha-Na and Kim Jong-Hoon.

Essentially, the special stages at the festival were dominated by Hoop Entertainment's singers.

At that moment, Do Ran-Hee asked, "But Mr. Jung, can Oh Ji-Seok still do the first segment? It looks like he might cancel based on the news."

I answered, "That guy is still holding out, claiming he did nothing wrong."

"Wow, seriously? Is he insane?"

As Do Ran-Hee fumed with wide eyes, Kim Mi-Hye pulled up articles on the screen. "Here's an article from this morning."

[Ace Entertainment: "Oh Ji-Seok's alleged assault is a false claim by the reporter! It was just playful banter between close friends."]

[Oh Ji-Seok: "I was drunk and only leaned on him for support. My hand accidentally made contact. It wasn't an assault! The footage was maliciously edited."]

[Ace Entertainment's road talent agent testifies that there was no assault.]

[Oh Ji-Seok pushes forward with attending the Hwangryong Film Association!]

When actors caused trouble, entertainment companies always denied everything first whether it's assault, relationships, or drug scandals. They tried to buy time to silence the issue, often resorting to money.

Just then, my phone buzzed.

[Caller ID: Reporter Han Yeon-Hong]

When I picked up wondering what was going on, an urgent voice came through.

-Mr. Jung!

"Yes, Ms. Han. What's wrong?"

-The lawyer from Ace Entertainment just contacted me and threatened to sue me for defamation!

Oh Ji-Seok wasn't apologizing for his actions. Instead, he was intimidating a young road talent agent to cover up what he had done.

Though Lee Tae-Poong's Best Actor win was already practically secured, I couldn't just stand by and watch Oh Ji-Seok's behavior.

"Ms. Han, follow my instructions carefully from now on."

I began outlining a plan to completely bury Oh Ji-Seok for good.