Chapter 416: Not On My Watch (1)

The movie

Human Market

told the story of Woo Soo-Han, a corrupt cop who secretly supported a human trafficking ring. When he fell out with the organization, his fiancée was kidnapped and it set off a chain of events in this crime thriller.

In my past life, the lead role was played by Actor Yang Soo-Wan from Ace Entertainment. Yang Soo-Wan used to be an unremarkable actor but gained significant recognition through this film for playing a despicable villain.

Nonetheless, advertisers avoided him and his subsequent roles were all similarly vile characters.

In short,

Human Market

demonstrated how a single poorly chosen role could derail an actor's career despite the film being a hit.

This was why I responded to Park Hwan-Seo's fiery outburst with calm confidence. "I didn't say the movie would flop. In fact,

Human Market

will be a success."

Park Hwan-Seo looked flustered. "What? Is this bastard mocking me right now?"

I replied, "I'm not. I genuinely think it will do well. The characters are vivid, it reflects real-world issues, and the direction will be excellent with you behind the camera. This will easily surpass four million viewers."

My unexpected praise left Park Hwan-Seo visibly uncertain. "R-Really?"

Though he acted as if my opinion didn't matter, it clearly did. After all, my reputation as "Star Jung the Fortune Teller" in the industry made my evaluation hard to ignore.

At that moment, Sung Han-Yung's face betrayed hesitation. He had hoped my input would help him decide, but my words seemed to push him toward staying with Actor Division 3.

"Team Lead Jung, then why do you think I shouldn't take this role?" Sung Han-Yung asked.

I turned to Sung Han-Yung and answered, "Because while the movie will thrive, the actor could suffer."

Sung Han-Yung's expression turned to confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Mr. Park Hwan-Seo has crafted a truly powerful character. So much so that playing this role could cause problems for your future. The despicable villain in this film could become the only highlight of your career. You've recently gained recognition in romantic comedies, but taking this role could shut the door on such offers entirely."

"I-Is that so?"

"If you examine the script closely, you'll see. The character is overwhelmingly intense."

Sung Han-Yung's face turned pale as he fell deep in thought. At that moment, Park Hwan-Seo exploded with anger. "Team Lead Jung, what are you trying to pull? Is this a joke to you? How can a lead actor suffer from being in a successful film?"

Ju Ho-Sung joined in and added, "Exactly, Team Lead Jung. Isn't that a bit of a stretch?"

Jung Sung-Gon also chimed in and accused me of being unreasonable.

I simply countered with a dismissive snort. "You surely know how common it is for an actor to be typecast after playing a villain early in their career, don't you, Mr. Ju?"

"Stop exaggerating! That doesn't happen in Korea!"

"You think I'm exaggerating? Does the name Kwak Jung-Tae ring a bell?"

That name silenced Ju Ho-Sung in an instant.

While still at Ace Entertainment a year ago, Ju Ho-Sung had managed Kwak Jung-Tae, who had played a character assaulting the female lead in

She in the Canola Fields

.

His striking appearance and disturbingly realistic performance had confined him to roles as a robber, violent criminal, or kidnapper ever since. As a result, he had become a disposable actor scraping by with whatever work he could get at just twenty seven years old.

While Yang Soo-Wan had at least been cast in prominent villain roles thanks to

Human Market

, Kwak Jung-Tae had been relegated to trashy parts.

'

Come to think of it, I should bring him on board soon,

' I pondered.

Though it would be challenging, I knew of a way to rehabilitate his image. In the meantime, I used Kwak Jung-Tae's story to corner Ju Ho-Sung.

Ju Ho-Sung clenched his teeth tightly before retaliating bitterly. "T-That's not true! Jung-Tae chose to stick with villain roles himself!"

"Really? Then should I call him now and ask? Let's see if he's been exclusively seeking villain roles like you claim."

Ju Ho-Sung clamped his mouth shut.

Sung Han-Yung swallowed nervously and asked, "Does that mean... I really shouldn't take the lead in this film?"

"Exactly. If I were your talent agent, I'd advise against it even if it were a 30 billion won project."

"I-I see... Then I won't do this film. Team Lead Jung, could you wrap things up here for me?"

Knowing he couldn't back out alone, Sung Han-Yung left the matter in my hands.

I nodded. "Of course, sir."

"Alright, I'll leave it to you. Mr. Park, please discuss things with Team Lead Jung. I'll follow whatever decision is made."

"M-Mr. Han-Yung!" Park Hwan-Seo exclaimed.

"Talk to my talent agent!"

Though Sung Han-Yung's behaviour might seem somewhat evasive, from a talent agent's perspective, it was much easier to negotiate when the actor fully entrusted the matter to their agent, as having the actor take full control often complicated discussions.

After reassuring Sung Han-Yung, I turned my attention to the three people glaring daggers at me. It was time to undo everything that had been set in motion, starting with Park Hwan-Seo.

I turned to Park Hwan-Seo and said, "I'm sorry, but it seems impossible for Mr. Sung Han-Yung to work with you, sir."

I ignored Park Hwan-Seo's fiery gaze and firmly rejected his casting proposal for

Human Market.

Bang!

Park Hwan-Seo slammed the table and said, "What the hell! If Sung Han-Yung doesn't take the role, the 15-billion-won investment will fall through! How will you take responsibility for this?"

As expected, the investment hinged on having a star actor's name attached. Nonetheless, that wasn't my problem.

"Why should I take responsibility for that?" I questioned.

"What?"

"I'm not a producer. I'm just a talent agent. My job is to manage my actor's career."

"Fuck!" Park Hwan-Seo cursed as he stood up furiously and kicked his chair back.

He continued, "Hey! Apologize right now and sign the contract!"

I shook my head. "I can't do that. No matter what you say, I won't jeopardize my actor's future."

"You can't? Are you saying you don't care if Hoop Entertainment's actors are blacklisted from my films?"

Ju Ho-Sung turned pale upon realizing the fallout might extend to the rest of Actor Division 3.

'

Exactly as I wanted. The bigger the fire, the more satisfying the blaze,

' I remarked inwardly.

I feigned indifference and replied, "That's unfortunate, but if that's your decision, I'll respect it."

I knew Park Hwan-Seo's trajectory. After this commercial success, he would pivot to art films like Director Gong Hak-Beom within two years.

This meant losing future collaborations with him wouldn't harm Hoop Entertainment significantly.

Park Hwan-Seo glared at me and huffed in anger. "Fine! Then consider me done with Hoop Entertainment!"

With that, he stormed out of the meeting room.

Bang!

The door slammed shut, leaving Ju Ho-Sung scrambling to his feet. "Hey! Team Lead Jung! Why would you phrase things like that? Now the whole company is going to suffer, not just Sung Han-Yung!"

"What else could I do? Should I have forced Mr. Sung Han-Yung to take the role?" I retorted.

"

Ugh

! You're all talk and no tact!" Ju Ho-Sung exclaimed in frustration with clenched fists.

Then he ran after Park Hwan-Seo. "Mr. Park! Please wait!"

With the situation somewhat defused, I decided to focus on identifying any other A-class and above actors who might have received similar offers and intended to join Actor Division 2.

Before that, I had to deal with the traitorous Jung Sung-Gon.

Alone now, Jung Sung-Gon glanced nervously at me. "Team Lead Jung, I—"

At that moment, I cut him off and spoke bluntly. "Assistant Manager, what the hell were you thinking?"

Jung Sung-Gon's face twisted at the lack of formality. "Mr. Jung, isn't that a bit much? I'm still your senior by two years..."

Jung Sung-Gon indeed had more experience in the industry than me and we had maintained mutual respect by using honorifics.

However, after this betrayal, I no longer felt any need for courtesy. It wasn't just that he had gone behind my back after agreeing to join my team. What enraged me more was his willingness to trap his own actor in such a harmful role.

Moreover, this meant there was a 99% chance he would pocket under-the-table money, which I absolutely couldn't tolerate as well.

"Given your level of experience, you should've noticed the issues with this script! Yet you were willing to put your actor in a role that would ruin their public image? Are you out of your mind?" I reprimanded him.

Unable to contain himself, Jung Sung-Gon lashed out. "Hey, you bastard! You think you can treat your sunbae like some rookie?"

"And you? Do you only see actors as a way to make money? Where do you get off taking bribes from Ju Ho-Sung and still acting high and mighty?" I retorted.

Only then did Jung Sung-Gon flinch and step back. "W-What bribes? What are you even talking about?"

Unlike the meticulous Ju Ho-Sung who wouldn't leave any evidence, Jung Sung-Gon was an easier target. He had a well-known weakness for lavish spending on upscale bars in Apgujeong and luxury golf clubs.

"You got paid in cash, didn't you? And probably used it to buy a new set of golf clubs. It's easy to verify. Or should I ask bartender Lee Sun-Jin at Bar Liz in Apgujeong if she recently received any suspicious gifts?"

Jung Sung-Gon's eyes darted nervously. "H-How did you...?"

At the same time, Sung Han-Yung turned to glare at his talent agent. "Jung Sung-Gon! You sold me out for golf clubs and women?"

"N-No, it's not like that, hyung!"

"Hyung? Don't you dare call me that, you backstabbing scumbag!"

Unlike his usual self, Sung Han-Yung cursed and shouted in a loud voice. For someone who had always treated Jung Sung-Gon like a close brother, Sung Han-Yung's hurt and anger were palpable.

Even as Jung Sung-Gon pleaded desperately, Sung Han-Yung refused to forgive him and turned away coldly. He looked at me and said, "Team Lead Jung, I'm heading to see Mr. Kang. Are you coming with me?"

"Yes."

"Alright, let's go now."

Following behind Sung Han-Yung, I immediately called Kang Gam-Chan.

It was time to make an example of someone.

***

Following the incident with Park Hwan-Seo, I conducted a thorough review of all role offers made to our actors the next day.

While

Human Market

was at least a commercially successful project, the other offers were tied to films doomed to fail. They were works plagued by plagiarism lawsuits, problematic directors, or themes overlapping with prominent competitors.

Pointing out these issues led to a domino effect, as nearly all the actors considering such roles withdrew and declared their intent to join Actor Division 2 instead.

Sung Han-Yung, ever the charismatic presence, played a key role in rallying support. As a result, the long-delayed transfer of talents into Actor Division 2 happened all at once.

Seven talent agents and ten actors officially moved to Actor Division 2.

Meanwhile, Kang Gam-Chan launched an internal audit to investigate whether any talent agents had accepted bribes. While Ju Ho-Sung left no incriminating evidence, others including Jung Sung-Gon were placed under scrutiny.

Unsurprisingly, no one implicated their superiors or admitted how much they had received. Still, the fallout left Actor Division 1 and 3 in mourning.

In contrast, laughter filled our Actor Division 2.

Gu Seong-Cheol chuckled heartily. "

Hahaha

! I knew something was off when those actors suddenly came back with new offers. Well done, Yoon-Ho!"

Oh Duk-Gu grinned as well but urged Gu Seong-Cheol to focus. "Alright, Mr. Gu. Please settle down and share what you were saying earlier about the meeting."

"Ah, yes! My bad. Let's get back to it."

At today's team lead meeting, Kang Gam-Chan announced that Hoop Entertainment would acquire Gwanwoo Entertainment, the industry's sixth-largest agency, by year's end.

Gwanwoo managed 70 talent agents, 50 actors, and five singers, making it a mid-sized company.

Currently, Hoop Entertainment has 60 actors and 14 singers excluding trainees. Combining the two would catapult us past TNT Entertainment to become the third-largest agency in the industry.

Furthermore, Choi Man-Sik promised that employees would be offered "employee shares" using pooled funds from the company's 30% stock buyback after the merger. Hoop Entertainment shares valued at 30 thousand won each would be available at a 20% discount.

Choi Man-Sik boasted that purchasing these shares would yield significant profits after the company went public.

The announcement prompted Gu Seong-Cheol to furrow his brow in thought. "Still... It's odd. That Choi Man-Sik guy doesn't give up his stake for nothing. Yoon-Ho, you must know something, right?"

I was well aware that this was all part of Choi Man-Sik's scheme to dilute the shares of Kang Gam-Chan and Choi Eun-Tae while distributing stock to employees to secure their loyalty.

I laid out Choi Man-Sik's intentions in detail. "President Choi plans to dilute Mr. Kang's stake, distribute shares to his faction, and eventually reclaim those shares to take full control of the company."

Gu Seong-Cheol ground his teeth audibly. "Choi Man-Sik, that conniving bastard..."

The other team leads also echoed his anger with clear hostility.

"Fuck, I knew something felt off."

"Of course! That guy wouldn't let us buy shares without a scheme behind it."

Lead Park In-Ki nodded grimly. "Since the employees at Gwanwoo Entertainment are almost all from Suhyaejong, it'll play right into Choi Man-Sik's plan if they buy shares. Half of Hoop Entertainment's employees are already Suhyaejong alumni too."

"Exactly. Based on the current figures, about 70% of the 'employee shares' from the 30% pool would end up in his faction's hands."

Everyone looked concerned, but I quickly reassured them. "Don't worry too much. While it's true the employee stock purchase program will launch early next year, less than half of the eligible participants are likely to buy in."

In my past life, a similar program was implemented in Top Entertainment to encourage loyalty by offering employee stock options.

However, employee stock purchases came with a one-year lock-up period, meaning they couldn't be sold during that time. If the stock price dropped below the purchase price during that period, the buyer incurred a loss.

This risk led to less than 50% of employees taking up the offer.

Entertainment stocks in particular were notoriously volatile due to factors like signing top stars, box office performance, and scandals.

Even Ace Entertainment, the industry leader, once saw its stock plummet from 50 thousand won to just 2 thousand won.

The still-worried Gu Seong-Cheol asked, "Even so, wouldn't they still just go along with it if Choi Man-Sik pushes his people to buy?"

I smirked. "There's a way to ensure they don't."

With that, I outlined a strategy to discourage Choi Man-Sik's faction from purchasing the employee shares.