I Want to Be a VTuber

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Isang-soo is an actor.

A veteran actor.

Once upon a time, he experienced a major failure in Hollywood.

However, no one could deny that he was a great actor who once led South Korea and had a commendable career.

But everyone also knew that he had aged.

“Are you really okay, sir?”

This was said by someone from the agency currently representing Isang-soo.

“You’ve been resting for a long time; are you pushing yourself too hard all of a sudden? And you’re playing a villain, no less.”

The manager, whom he had known for a long time, along with other actors from the agency, all suggested that maybe he should take it easy, to gather his thoughts.

“There’s no need to worry too much about what young folks say.”

Even Song Kwang-min, his colleague in the film [Star Fisher], spoke in a similar manner to him.

Of course, it was implied that he would be fine with whatever Isang-soo decided.

But no one had faith in Isang-soo’s ability to film a movie.

Maybe it was because of his failure in Hollywood.

Or perhaps it was just simple consideration.

Honestly, Isang-soo couldn’t distinguish between the two.

At that point, he was too old to analyze it, and it wasn’t worth the trouble.

“How funny.”

In truth, he had even lost confidence in himself.

The fiery passion for acting that once burned brightly within him had now dimmed to mere embers.

So perhaps it was natural for his gaze to wander elsewhere.

“I want to appear in this movie with you, Isang-soo.”

He remembered the young actress who spoke so boldly about a topic everyone else shied away from.

Joo Seo-yeon.

A girl whom everyone praised as a genius actor.

Now stepping up into adulthood, she looked at him with calm eyes.

“This is for the role in Director Baek Min’s film. It’s a villain role, and a very intense character. They say it’s a part not just anyone can take.”

Her gaze conveyed that she didn’t think he would turn it down.

It was said that a role had opened up in Director Baek Min’s film.

Seo-yeon expressed her hope that Isang-soo would definitely join for that role.

How ridiculous that the actress who pushed for this had eyes that trusted him more than anyone else.

While he was hesitating to return to drama or film himself.

“Yes. I know.”

“And I know you won’t refuse.”

Seo-yeon spoke with a tone full of confidence, as if she knew Isang-soo exceedingly well.

Her words felt almost magical, prompting him to nod without thinking.

Like giving a breath of life to dying embers.

That was why he had made the proposal.

Even if he chose to participate, Director Baek Min would surely want to see his acting.

Most would likely think of it as merely a formal procedure.

Considering Director Baek Min’s personality, he would certainly scrutinize it; the situation just wouldn’t allow otherwise.

Such an important role.

But who would want to step into the shoes of someone who had left the project?

It was obvious that he would be compared to the original actor.

Moreover, if it was a film by Director Baek Min, he couldn’t hope for box office success.

Even the works that fared well had only reached around three million.

Especially for a film with homosexual elements, there was no doubt it would perform worse than that.

Such was the perception among actors.

But Isang-soo accepted it.

That was because of Seo-yeon’s words, not Director Baek Min.

It was because she had sent him her trust.

“One friend once told me something.”

“Really?”

Upon arriving at the filming set and just before stepping out of the van, Isang-soo said to his manager.

“There are generally two types of stars. Those who hold embers and those who carry starlight.”

“…Isn’t that something Park Sun-woong says often?”

“Oh, you know that too? You must really like the sound of it.”

Isang-soo chuckled.

Park Sun-woong had a poetic side, often expressing things in such a way.

Even if someone said it was cheesy, Isang-soo found some agreement in it.

Everyone thought of Isang-soo as a great actor.

When it was said that he was the star among stars, his junior Park Sun-woong spoke thus when Isang-soo was about to make it in Hollywood.

“You’re like a flame, senior.”

A flame that burns with intensity; when seen up close, it shines hotter than a star.

“However, once it dies down, it will be quite difficult to ignite it again.”

“Hey, Park. If you want to curse me, just do it.”

“I only say this out of concern as a junior.”

Before they both took on the challenge of Hollywood, they had such a conversation.

And, ultimately, it turned out just as Park had said.

Isang-soo’s flame had practically extinguished, and there were no signs of it reigniting.

This was also amusing, which made Isang-soo chuckle as he continued talking to his manager.

“But… there’s that saying.”

“What saying?”

“That even extinguished flames can be rekindled, something like that.”

“Eh?”

“No, it just means that when everything is extinguished, no one thinks that the flame will ever ignite again.”

Truly, by sheer coincidence, that absurd probability might just spark a flame anew.

Like Park Sun-woong had mentioned.

For instance, if he encountered someone carrying starlight.

Perhaps his ember could reignite.

Somehow, that vague feeling arose within him.

*

Today, they said an actor would soon take on the role of ‘Koto Isamu.’

They were to check the actor’s performance, and if it was satisfactory, the process would continue as planned.

Thus, one of the crucial vacancies was being filled among several open roles.

That was the mindset of the production team who came to the filming set today.

‘Why Seo-yeon?’

‘Isn’t Seo-yeon the one taking on the role opposite him in today’s audition?’

‘I thought it would definitely be Seo-hee.’

No, it wasn’t essential to have a counterpart for the performance.

Acting could be performed alone, and today’s audition was basically just a formality.

If it meant delaying filming any longer, it would be less of a loss to just find a suitable role.

“So, when is the actor for Koto Isamu arriving?”

“They’re currently overdue for their scheduled time.”

“They’re not just skipping out on us, are they?”

When asked, Baek Min merely smiled.

He described the person as someone quite remarkable, but it didn’t quite resonate.

Just who could that be?

If they were somewhat well-known, they might not want to come.

At that very moment, the door to the filming set opened.

“…!!”

The first to react was Seo-yeon, who had been reviewing the script.

Her keen senses detected the presence of someone hesitating behind the door.

“Hello, everyone.”

A kindly-faced elderly actor entered.

With gray hair and a face lined with wrinkles.

Yet his strong gaze and stern mouth conveyed a stubborn personality.

Isang-soo.

The great actor who had starred in numerous popular dramas and films had appeared on set.

By name alone, he was a much higher-ranked actor than the original ‘Koto Isamu,’ Kang Seo-hyuk.

In fact, he was known to be quite principled and would never appear in a film like Director Baek Min’s.

The chatter on set was silenced instantly.

Everyone froze at the unexpected turn of events.

Although he had failed to make it in Hollywood, the name of actor Isang-soo couldn’t be easily dismissed.

“Hello, senior.”

It was Seo-yeon who broke that silence.

She bowed politely as if she had known he would come.

‘Has Seo-yeon known all along?’

‘How? Did the director give her a heads-up?’

‘Why didn’t we get a little hint about it too?!’

All felt this way as they welcomed Isang-soo warmly.

Lastly, Director Baek Min approached him and said,

“I’m looking forward to your performance today.”

“Ha ha, that’s quite a daunting statement.”

“Even if you’ve taken a bit of a break, your skills shouldn’t have rusted.”

Isang-soo exchanged smiles with the softly spoken words of Director Baek Min.

‘He’s a rare type among young directors.’

Though he was smiling, Isang-soo knew the truth.

Director Baek Min had a very strong will.

If ‘Koto Isamu’ wasn’t painted in the way he envisioned, he wouldn’t hesitate to reject it outright.

Even if it were someone as esteemed as himself.

Even if everyone opposed him.

The reason Kang Seo-hyuk had been cast as ‘Koto Isamu’ was that his acting color closely resembled what Director Baek Min wanted.

But what about him?

To be honest, the probability that he would differ from what the director wanted was quite high.

“Seo-yeon.”

Then Director Baek Min called out to Seo-yeon.

It seemed to ask if she was ready to perform.

“I’ve memorized the whole script. I’m ready for any scene.”

“In that case, let’s go with Scene 147.”

S# 147.

This was a scene for the character that Seo-yeon was playing.

Another ‘young lady.’

It was a confrontation scene between ‘Kasugayama Yuina’ and her servant ‘Koto Isamu.’

Specifically, it was the part where Yuina is betrayed by her trusted Koto Isamu.

It was a scene full of intense emotions, yet it contained many challenging aspects for an audition.

Firstly, the scene included throwing objects and relied on various props.

Could her emotions really escalate to that level suddenly?

That was how he felt about the scene.

“For an audition, wouldn’t it be better to start with something more realistic?”

“Scene #147 feels a bit excessive.”

Even others chimed in with similar comments.

However, Director Baek Min seemed firm on his choice, having already settled on S# 147, with no room for negotiation.

“Are you okay, actor Isang-soo?”

“I’m perfectly fine. I received the script a long time ago.”

He hadn’t even bothered to bring the script along.

After all, he had memorized everything already.

“Then, let’s get started right away.”

At the director’s words, the staff present took their respective places.

They positioned themselves as though they were about to start filming for real.

If they just wore their costumes properly, it would feel as though they were ready to roll.

“Please start.”

With a calm directive from Director Baek Min, it indicated that this was an audition, not an actual shoot.

“Alright then.”

Isang-soo gazed at the young actress standing before him.

‘Was her name Kasugayama Yuina?’

She played the role of a young lady with a sharp impression.

She fit the role perfectly.

As a villain, she had enough presence to stand out.

Of course, the true villain was Koto Isamu, who manipulated such a Yuina.

Today’s shooting for S# 147 was about the revelation of that plot twist.

As he got entwined with the protagonist ‘Un Seon-ye,’ Yuina’s heart would gradually change as well.

The fact that the original protagonist, Un Seon-ye, ended up working as a maid.

The reason she developed the intent to join the household of ‘Amanabi Michiko’ was all due to Kasugayama Yuina’s orders.

However, she also realizes that not only Yuina but Koto Isamu had personally spoken to her.

By betraying Michiko, Koto Isamu led her to betray Yuina as well.

Thus, not only did he aim to seize the Amanabi household’s assets, but also Kasugayama’s.

When she learned that the butler who had worked since childhood was indeed ‘Amanabi Isamu,’ not Koto Isamu.

So yes, Koto Isamu was now revealing all the truths to the young lady who had come to chastise him.

Having procured everything he desired, he was ready to unveil it all.

“Lady.”

Isang-soo, or rather Koto Isamu, grinned.

His aged face twisted in a cunning smile.

Though sly, it didn’t feel petty.

It was a smile that suited a devil who had long manipulated another’s will.

That smile turned the faces of everyone present on set into shocked expressions.

They felt that actor Isang-soo’s ability was still very much alive.

“Then what difference does it make to realize it now?”

Koto Isamu rummaged through his attire and pulled something out.

Something that could fit easily in his hand.

From the shape, it appeared to be a key.

Of course, lacking props, he could only make such a guess.

All eyes were on Koto Isamu’s actions, not on Isang-soo.

It was so natural.

Everyone admired his performance with bated breath.

Yet Director Baek Min merely noted something down, watching such acting with composure.

‘Has Hollywood’s failure left scars on him?’

Isang-soo had once frequently assumed memorable roles like Koto Isamu, characterized by a strong impression.

However, Isang-soo always had a unique character.

Whenever actor Isang-soo appeared, his image would precede him.

That perception had already been set.

This time, however, the role of ‘Koto Isamu’ felt like it was confined to those bounds.

No, rather, it felt like it couldn’t even show those benefits properly.

The scars from the wounds suffered in Hollywood were still lingering on him.

Not as good as before.

That was Director Baek Min’s assessment.

‘If it were Seo-yeon.’

However, for the young actress, it would be considerable pressure to face.

Most of all, Isang-soo was someone introduced to her directly by Seo-yeon.

So Seo-yeon could hardly escape feeling burdened.

If things didn’t go well, she might be in trouble with Isang-soo.

Amidst everyone’s focused gazes on the situation.

Seo-yeon quietly waited for Isang-soo’s line to finish.

“Wouldn’t this be good as well? You longed to see the elder so much, and now you finally get to meet them.”

With a chuckle, Koto Isamu’s words provoked a change in Seo-yeon.

The previously emotionless expression transformed, her eyes now filled with fury.

The chain of emotional changes was shockingly dramatic.

So much so that Isang-soo momentarily ceased to speak, just before he delivered his line.

He stumbled over his dialogue.

It was a mistake of such consequence that it elicited that expression.

Yet even so, it felt incredibly natural.

“Koto, you better shut that mouth of yours right now.”

Yuina’s low voice filled with contempt sliced through the filming set.