chapter 19

Chapter 19. Wrap-up Party and Contract

As Director Kim Han-soo yelled "Cut!" and the restaurant lights dimmed, Yeon-woo emerged from the side, holding a cake, followed by the hidden staff. The sound director quickly cued the music.

"Aw, when did you all prepare this?" So-hyun's eyes welled up.

Her previous historical drama had been a commercial success and had earned her awards, but the atmosphere on set hadn't been as warm. Although "Summer's Closet" was a smaller production, the positive atmosphere had made So-hyun grow more attached to this project.

The lights came back on, and Director Kim Han-soo stood up, holding his phone. "Our three leads, gather around. Let's take a commemorative photo."

"Director, with all these cameras around, why are you using your phone?" Jin-wook asked, gesturing around the set, making the staff laugh.

"Commemorative photos are always taken with phones, haha."

Yeon-woo joined them with the cake, and the three of them posed, with So-hyun in the middle.

"Okay, one, two, three!"

Click!

Delighted by the picture-perfect trio, the director requested another shot.

"One more time. One, two, three!"

Click!

"Eek!" So-hyun yelped.

As the camera clicked, Yeon-woo had scooped a bit of icing from the cake and smeared it on her cheek.

"Yeon-woo!"

"Hahaha" 

The playful interaction between the leads brought laughter to the set.

"Wow, Director, this photo is so natural and beautiful. It could have been a drama poster. Too bad we didn't think of it earlier."

"You're right. This was a great project. Thank you all for your hard work." Director Kim Han-soo nodded, looking at the photo, and then thanked the assistant director.

"Director, I feel this every time we work together, but I truly respect you." The assistant director's sincere compliment brought a smile to Kim Han-soo's face.

The staff exchanged words of appreciation with their colleagues.

Just then, Yeon-woo, the youngest, called out, "Director, hyungs, noonas! Let's take a group photo with the supporting actors too! Before the wrap-up party, while we still look presentable!"

"Haha, we can't refuse our maknae's request." Cinematographer Kang In-chan initiated the gathering, and the staff began to assemble.

"Actors, come over here! Let's take a picture together!"

The supporting actors, who had been sitting at the table behind Seo-joon and Yeo-reum, hesitantly joined the group.

They moved the tables aside, creating space for the dozens of people gathering for the photo. Screenwriter Choi Mi-hyun, the supporting actors, Director Kim Han-soo, and the three leads stood in the center, surrounded by the staff and supporting actors.

The camera crew set up a tripod, attached a remote control to the field camera, and then quickly joined the group.

"Alright, look at the monitor over there. Just one shot, so don't close your eyes. We're not responsible if your closed-eye photos end up all over Stargram."

"One, two, three!"

Click!

And so, filming for "Summer's Closet" concluded. Ironically, the only person who closed their eyes in the photo was the camera operator who had pressed the remote shutter.

Two weeks had passed since Yeon-woo returned to Daejeon after the final shoot. Six episodes of "Summer's Closet" had already aired.

As a romantic comedy, "Summer's Closet" relied more on word-of-mouth marketing and social media buzz than on traditional viewership ratings. Short clips and memes from the drama were circulating online, boosting its popularity. Naturally, interest in Ryu Yeon-woo, the breakout star, grew alongside the drama's success.

Since Yeon-woo had been an unassuming student in his previous life, not many people from his past remembered him clearly. Even those who did wouldn't have recognized him after his weight loss. Therefore, the information reporters could easily gather was limited to his school life in Daejeon after he transferred.

Stories about Yeon-woo's excellent academic performance and positive reputation among his peers painted him as the perfect student, and YouTubers eagerly spread these stories, further fueling his popularity. He had become such a hot topic that simply including his name, "Ryu Yeon-woo," in a video thumbnail guaranteed views.

Since Yeon-woo didn't use social media, Sung-sik's Stargram account, where he occasionally posted photos of their everyday life, gained a massive following.

Thanks to the enthusiastic support of Sung-sik's "fans," Sung-sik frequently visited Yeon-woo's home, taking photos and declaring himself Yeon-woo's official photographer.

"Man, this is so much fun. Should I become a photographer?"

"With your selfie skills? It's not you taking pictures of Yeon-woo; it's Yeon-woo being captured in the photos." Joon-soo, as always, couldn't let Sung-sik's self-praise slide.

"I'm taking tons of photos and posting only the ones Yeon-woo approves, one per week."

Sung-sik, completely absorbed in his photography, ignored Joon-soo's comments.

After spending some time at Yeon-woo's home, Sung-sik and Joon-soo left. The next day arrived.

Today, Yeon-woo and his father were visiting LN Entertainment.

At the wrap-up party, Jung Chul-min and Son Jin-wook had huddled together, then joined the LN Media representatives for drinks and a discussion.

They had agreed that Yeon-woo would sign with LN Entertainment, and Jung Chul-min, having received authorization from Yeon-woo's father, was helping Yeon-woo with his first contract. This was only possible because Yeon-woo trusted Jung Chul-min implicitly.

Jin-wook, leveraging his own contract negotiations, readily helped his newfound younger brother, ensuring Yeon-woo received a good deal and checking for any unfavorable clauses.

After comparing offers from other agencies, they had settled on a favorable contract with LN Entertainment, and today was the day to sign it.

The three of them drove to the LN Entertainment building in Jung Chul-min's car. Yeon-woo met with Kim Joo-sung, the agency's CEO.

"It's a pleasure to meet such a rising star. It's also nice to meet you, sir, and Actor Jung Chul-min." A middle-aged gentleman with neatly styled hair stood up and greeted them politely, extending his hand for a handshake.

They exchanged greetings, pleased with the positive first impression, and smoothly finalized the contract.

"It's an honor to have such a talented actor join our agency. Ryu Yeon-woo, you're still young, so you have immense potential for growth."

Ryu Cheol-woong responded to CEO Kim Joo-sung's words, "Thank you for taking such good care of my son during his first project and for offering such a favorable contract. As a father, I'm grateful."

"Haha, our agency is operated by LN Media, a leading production company, so we're not interested in squeezing profits from our actors' management. That would be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs."

While not mandatory, actors signed with LN Entertainment were more likely to be cast in projects produced by its parent company. This was mutually beneficial, as it allowed LN Media to exert more influence in the industry.

For a rookie actor like Yeon-woo, this meant easier access to projects, which could be a significant advantage.

"So, as stated in the contract, we understand that you'll be focusing on your studies until you become an adult, taking a break from acting."

"Yes, thank you for your understanding," Yeon-woo replied.

"Given your excellent academic record, it's a win-win for your image and for the agency."

"Summer's Closet" was scheduled to conclude on March 1st, including a break for the Lunar New Year holidays. Even if Yeon-woo didn't take on any new projects until the college entrance exam, it would only be about eight months. This wasn't much different from the typical break actors took between projects.

"If you need anything during your break, please contact Team Leader Jung, your designated manager."

They all stood up, shook hands, and then the three men returned to Daejeon in Chul-min's car.

The next day, Yeon-woo returned to his routine, balancing exercise and studying.

The internet, especially among younger audiences, was still buzzing about him, and he now needed a hat and mask to avoid being recognized even on trips to the local supermarket.

However, his diligent and disciplined lifestyle, carried over from his past life, remained unchanged. He continued his calisthenics, maintained his regular study schedule, occasionally met with his school friends, and, most importantly, dedicated time and effort to his acting practice.

The only difference from his past life was that he now watched more dramas for research.

"Summer's Closet" had aired ten episodes, and the ratings had steadily climbed to 13.7%, already the highest among JNBC dramas from the previous year.

The drama team's group chat was filled with celebratory messages each week as they broke their own records.

Despite the excitement surrounding the drama, Yeon-woo maintained his routine. On this Saturday afternoon, he had planned to go to Jung Chul-min's acting academy for practice.

His parents were out for a couples' gathering, and So-hyun had left early for a meeting with her friends.

Yeon-woo was home alone, waiting for a scheduled gas inspection.

Ding-dong!

He was slowly getting ready in his room when he heard the sound from the entrance. He assumed it was the gas inspector but then realized it wasn't the doorbell but the sound of the door unlocking. He walked out to the living room.

"So-hyun, you're back already?"

His sister entered, followed by two of her friends.