Chapter 14
“Are you talking about the appearance fee?”
If you appear in a work, you naturally receive an appearance fee. However, this was the first ti I had negotiated an appearance fee like this.
Before, I was always notified in this way: ‘@@ role / minor role/filming ti 10 hours (2 days) / 80,000 won (per episode).’
‘The appearance fee for
was originally 300,000 won. This ti, the volu is much larger, so can I say it at a similar level?’
While I was happily thinking about it, PD Na Jinho said in an apologetic voice.
“Normally, you have to talk about this with your agency, but when I looked at his profile, Jinseok Kang doesn’t have an agency. So he ended up talking to
directly, which doesn’t make
feel comfortable.”
“Ah yes.”
I answered, but honestly, I didn’t really listen to PD Na Jinho’s words. It was because the word ‘appearance fee’ kept lingering in my mind.
‘It would be great if it was around 300,000 to 400,000 won per episode.’
300,000 to 400,000 won per episode was an appearance fee that I had only dread of until now. I usually film for about 10 hours a day, so wouldn’t that be 30,000 to 40,000 won per hour?
‘Ultra high-quality human resources.’
When I was alone with my imagination, writer Jo Seokwon spoke.
“We invested a lot in the set and other production aspects, so there isn’t a lot of budget left. Still, it’s an opportunity to work with really great actors, so please accept it generously.”
Writer Jo Seokwon’s words made my mind more confused.
‘300,000 to 400,000 won might be too much. Let’s just be satisfied and focus on appearing if it’s similar to previous small roles. Even if it is a bit lacking, I am happy to receive it.’
It was then.
“All we can give is 1 million won. Still, I hope Kang Jinseok takes on this role. It may not be a satisfactory appearance fee.”
Producer Na Jinho said sowhat apologetically.
Of course, I didn’t understand PD Na Jinho like that.
‘···Why are you sorry?’
I had no complaints. Because 1 million won was more than I expected.
The mont you want to participate in the work,
Producer Na Jinho spoke to writer Jo Seokwon.
“Writer. If this project goes well, you can take care of Kang Jinseok in the future, right?”
“Sure. Not only can I recomnd my own work, but I can also recomnd it to writers I know. I have a wide network of people.”
“Thank you. Thanks to the author, I also have so face-to-face. Now then, Jinseok Kang. Let’s set it at 1 million won this ti, and let’s collect the appearance fee properly next ti. how is it?”
Writer Jo Seokwon will continue to take care of .
This was a completely unexpected bonus. Since I had no reason to refuse, I imdiately nodded my head sharply.
“Yes! Thank you! Honestly, it’s more than I thought… It’s really okay. thank you!”
Producer Jinho Na laughed along with writer Seokwon Jo, as if he was glad.
“Haha···. thank god. Then, I will calculate the appearance fee as 1 million won per episode.”
The conversation stopped for a mont at PD Na Jinho’s words.
‘Could it be 1 million won… 1 million won per episode?’
I ordered a bowl of Jjajangmyeon, but it felt like I was served fried dumplings or rather sweet and sour pork.
As I was blinking with joy and embarrassnt, PD Na Jinho said with a big smile.
“Today’s audition is over. Shall we go get sothing to eat? If Jinseok is not busy, let’s go together. I’ll go.”
I looked at the clock on the wall. There was still a lot of ti left until my part-ti job.
In my current mood, I felt like I would be full even without eating, but I couldn’t miss this opportunity.
“Yes, I am grateful that you invited .”
***
‘How can I be full even if I don’t eat…’
After sharing a al with producer Na Jinho and writer Jo Seokwon, I found myself en route to my part-ti job.
The chosen fare was sushi, a departure from my usual culinary choices. Perhaps it was the unfamiliarity of the nu, but the flavors were so exquisite that they left an indelible impression.
Indeed, fine dining cos with a hefty price tag.
‘By the way···. ‘You probably didn’t eat too much, did you?’
The delectable taste led
to devour the dish without a second thought about its cost. Reflecting on it, I realized I had single-handedly polished off five servings.
‘I suddenly feel a little sorry for the PD. ‘It must have cost quite a bit.’
I took a mont to silently contemplate the state of the producer’s wallet.
Amidst bites of sushi, conversations flowed freely about acting and the intricacies of our respective work.
The title of the work is . Set against the backdrop of the Japanese colonial period, this drama seamlessly weaves together elents of romance and alternative history.
My character is ‘Nakamura,’ a Japanese police officer. Despite his Korean heritage, Nakamura is a forr soldier and police officer who was born and raised in Japan.
‘I was surprised when I first heard about it because the settings were so similar that it wouldn’t be strange at all to say that the character was modeled after Kang Hoshin.’
In the initial 1 to 3 episodes, ‘Nakamura’ relentlessly harasses the main character, only to undergo a significant transformation by the end of episode 3, becoming a character who aids the main character. Tragically, in episode 6, he succumbs to a gunshot wound while trying to protect the main character.
His role is pivotal in shaping the early developnt of the drama, leaving a lasting impact.
‘It’s a bit disappointing that I left early, but…’
As I strolled and contemplated various thoughts, I reached the cafe where I held my part-ti job.
The cafe, situated in the renowned Seongsu-dong, occupies a converted warehouse, attracting a steady stream of visitors daily drawn by its picturesque ambiance.
As I stepped into the cafe, the owner and the part-tir, who had arrived earlier, greeted .
“Oh, is Jinseok here?”
“Oppa, didn’t you say you might be a little late today?”
I approached them, offering a bright smile.
“Yes, store manager. Hello! The audition wrapped up sooner than expected, so I grabbed dinner.”
“Oh right! You ntioned auditioning for your brother today. How did it go?”
Seo Yeonsoo, an aspiring actress like myself, inquired. She’s a first-year student at Seoguk University, having just entered this year.
Her appearance epitomizes the ‘younger sister’ character seen in comrcials and dramas. Yet, when she’s at work, she exudes liveliness and carries herself with a boss-like personality. She insists that she isn’t that type of person.
‘Now that I think about it, if I go to Seoguk University, Yeonsu will be my senior.’
As I was lost in thought for a mont, Seo Yeonsoo approached, inquiring once more.
“How did the audition go? Did it leave an impression?”
“Oh, sorry. My mind wandered for a mont. It went well today. I guess I got lucky.”
Upon hearing this, Seo Yeonsoo clasped her hands together, a joyous expression on her face.
“Really? That’s amazing! Great news. It seems like it went exceptionally well. So, are you juggling two dramas now?”
“Hmm.”
“Wow… Even the seniors at my school can’t land roles so quickly. Your acting is truly comndable. Why are the directors only discovering it now?”
Given our shared aspirations in the acting world, Seo Yeonsoo’s initial envy and jealousy transford into genuine happiness for .
During our conversation, the store manager interjected with a smile.
“Okay, enough chatting. Jinseok, let’s quickly change into our uniforms. Yeonsu, could you please wipe the tables first?”
“Sure.”
“Yes~”
In the employee lounge where we changed, I noticed the distinctiveness of our cafe uniforms. They resembled suits, a style commonly found in hotels.
‘The quality is on par with a departnt store suit, so I decided to take a profile photo wearing it.’
Most of the clothes in my wardrobe leaned towards comfort and coziness. Moreover, their quality wasn’t great, making them unsuitable for profile pictures.
Hence, I opted for a profile photo session in the sleek and stylish cafe uniform.
While studio rentals were an option, there was an undeniable allure to the cafe uniform.
‘Co to think of it, this outfit was tailor-made for , courtesy of the store manager’s suggestion for a profile photo.’
They hadn’t disclosed the cost of customization, but clothing of this caliber likely ca with a hefty price tag.
‘I’ll have to settle the bill once I receive the appearance fee for this project.’
Erging from the lounge, I encountered a bustling cafe. Nurous custors had arrived while I was changing.
“I’m here.”
I addressed the manager, who was engrossed in coffee-making.
“Uh, okay. We have a lot of custors right now, so let’s make it quick.”
“Yes.”
Without delay, I checked the order receipt.
‘Café latte, with latte art shaped like a rosetta?’
As soon as the order was confird, the espresso machine humd to life. Pouring milk in, I expertly crafted a leaf design, and it was ready.
“Here you go, store manager.”
Handing over the finished coffee, the manager nodded in admiration.
“Wow… Jinseok, you’ve got quite a talent. There’s nothing more to teach you. Keep it up.”
“Haha… Thanks to your guidance, store manager.”
“I’m not just saying this, but I think you’re as skilled as most baristas. Honestly, you’re even better than .”
The store manager grinned with satisfaction.
“…You two are a delight to serve. So custors can be a bit challenging to handle.”
At that mont, Seo Yeonsu, appearing a bit weary, chid in with refreshing energy.
“Manager, please don’t distract Jinseok. Let’s take orders quickly. Brother, enough playing around—make the coffee.”
“Huh? Oh, right. My apologies.”
Subsequently, custors continued to trickle in. I found myself imrsed in the rhythm of preparing coffee and drinks, and before I knew it, closing ti was approaching rapidly.
The cafe remained bustling with nurous custors, leaving little space for new orders. The boss turned to
and suggested, “Jinseok, let’s get a head start on cleaning during the downti. There aren’t many custors in front of the TV over there, so start from that area.”
“Sure.”
I headed towards the sizable TV in the corner, carrying cleaning supplies. As I casually went about my task, custors began pointing and whispering.
‘What’s going on?’
Perplexed, I offered an awkward smile and glanced around. The murmurs from the guests grew louder, making it challenging to discern their words.
“Isn’t that him? Right?”
“No wonder. Hey, didn’t I tell you? If a handso person like that isn’t a celebrity, then who else would?”
“Really? Is that truly my brother?”
“OMG… Oh my god. I’m posting it on Instagram right now.”
Guests took turns glancing at the TV alongside .
‘What’s playing on TV…’
I turned my head and directed my attention to the screen.
[···Since he is still a rookie, he is acting while working part-ti. In the anti, I work really hard at acting. He is also very polite.]
The television showcased an episode of , featuring seniors Narin Lee and Kyungsoo Min. On the screen, my profile picture occupied half the fra, prominently displaying
in the ‘cafe part-ti job uniform’ I was currently wearing.
‘Really… Now that I think about it, today was the broadcast day.’
In a daze, I halted in front of the TV.
Click! Click!
Custors promptly started taking pictures of .
It felt like encountering a celebrity.
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