I Want to Be a VTuber

“The movie title is ‘The Chaser,’ and they reached out saying they really want to cast you, Seo-yeon.”

‘The Chaser.’

The title mentioned by Jo Do-yul was the same one that lingered in Seo-yeon’s memory.

How did this movie perform back in the day?

During its release period, the total number of viewers was 2.5 million.

Not too many, but not too few either—a decent performance.

But considering what was behind that performance, it was actually a huge number.

“I shouldn’t be saying this, but it’s such a great opportunity, so I think it’d be good for you to consider it, Seo-yeon.”

Jo Do-yul seemed quite fond of Seo-yeon, even saying such things.

Well, it was understandable.

‘The Chaser’ was originally a movie ambitiously prepared by GH Group.

They invested quite a bit, and the actors involved were also pretty decent.

But.

“Joo Seo-yeon?”

Lee Ji-yeon asked, her face puzzled.

An expression that seemed to ask what the heck was going on.

“Um.”

Seo-yeon clapped her palms against her cheeks and looked at Ji-yeon.

First, there was something to do before the movie casting.

That was, of course, the agency.

Several scenarios flitted through her mind.

Couldn’t there be something better?

But just because another company seemed better didn’t mean it would be better for her.

So.

“Is it possible to talk with our representative today?”

It was time to make the decision she had been putting off.

*

“Did you hear? Seo-yeon Joo has made her comeback!”

“Oh, did you see the play? I did. Wow, the atmosphere was no joke!”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

RY Entertainment, often referred to as one of Korea’s top three agencies.

A company known for aggressive business expansions and casting popular stars all over the place.

Recently, one name caught their attention.

“I heard she doesn’t have an agency.”

“What? You mean Joo Seo-yeon?”

Her performance in this play was on a level that didn’t match her age at all.

It was the first time he felt this kind of thrill from a young actor.

What about actors like Park Jung-woo or Jo Seo-hee, or even peers who were rising up recently?

Honestly, he wasn’t sure.

Could there be several agencies just sitting still after hearing about an actress who hadn’t even secured an agency yet?

“Manager Song.”

And to prove it, discussions about her were underway at RY Entertainment’s ‘Actor Management Department.’

“What do you think about actress Joo Seo-yeon?”

“Well, she’s only shown her stage performance so I can’t be certain, but she’s an exciting prospect.”

First off, she made quite an impact on the recent variety show, ‘Looking Back at the Past.’

They had boosted the viewership of a failing show by more than double.

However.

Due to the initial low ratings, it felt somewhat underwhelming.

“She’s getting a lot of talk, and there have been quite a few articles. Right now, it’s probably when her name value is at its highest.”

“True. But since it’s her first project after returning, she’s already used that premium. Hm.”

Lee Hwi-rok, the head of actor management, scratched his chin and fell into thought.

“But it feels like a waste to let her go to another place. The mask is good, you know?”

“Right? She was cute as a child actor, but she grew up really well without any drastic changes.”

“Her acting skills seem pretty decent as well. If we snag a good project, the picture could look quite nice.”

Saying this, he quickly made a decision.

There was no reason not to catch this rising star.

Especially if they could secure an actress who had recently become popular, it would impact their stock as well.

“Manager Song, so please do your best. Let’s see… if we give her a contract fee at the level of an A-list actor, it might feel like too much.”

“Would it be between B and C?”

“Exactly. B felt like a lot. Let’s go with C. And that’s also a number that has been pumped up due to her recent buzz, you know?”

“Of course.”

Slightly above C.

He made the sign for approval.

Typically, the contract fee is set at about 30% of what the actor would expect to earn during the contract period.

Actors are usually divided into 18 levels, with child actors typically being in the lowest 1-5 levels.

Since Seo-yeon’s career had been entirely as a child actor, and she was making her comeback after 10 years, of course, her level wouldn’t be that high.

In fact, for them, it was quite generous.

“I think we may be the only agency stepping up among the three big agencies, so I’ll make sure we secure that contract.”

“Yes, seems like you have a way with words and appear to be sprightly.”

They laughed as they exchanged remarks.

They already looked as though they had successfully completed the contract.

That’s only natural.

It’s a top agency that anyone would know by name.

A newcomer like Seo-yeon would be dying to join.

So, their thoughts were entirely reasonable.

At least, up until that point.

*

Nova Entertainment.

The agency that Ji-yeon was part of, it was roughly in the 3rd tier of the industry.

In fact, being even at the 3rd tier was quite decent.

There were countless agencies that were not well-known.

“Oh my, has our Seo-yeon finally made up her mind to contract?!”

Upon arriving at Nova Entertainment, the representative, Kang Chan-yul, rushed out to welcome Seo-yeon.

Now a little over forty, he looked like he was still in his thirties.

His hair was a bright blonde.

Seo-yeon thought, “He sure lives a youthful life.”

“Hello.”

“Oh, come on! I heard from Ji-yeon that you’re looking for an agency?”

As Kang Chan-yul spoke amiably, Seo-yeon nodded.

That made sense since they had already seen each other’s faces for 10 years.

She had followed Ji-yeon to the agency without signing a contract, so it was natural for him to be familiar with her.

In fact, what struck her as more amazing was how warmly Kang Chan-yul welcomed her.

‘He might not be in a hurry to get an actress now.’

By the time Ji-yeon joined, Nova was a considerably smaller place.

Sure, it was bigger than Eunha Entertainment, where Ji-yeon had been, but still an ordinary mid-tier management.

Someone like Ji-yeon could still get treated pretty well there.

However, over ten years of struggle and steady growth had earned them a name in the 3rd tier.

They now had almost 40 actors and singers under their roof.

Among them were quite a few respectable mid-tier actors, and some A-tier celebrities.

The star figure was Hwang Min-hwa.

She starred in a recent blockbuster that attracted ten million viewers, greatly boosting her name value.

‘After that, one idol will hit it big and elevate to the 2nd tier, but…’

That’s still a bit in the future.

Nova Entertainment had been a management that rose higher than in her past life.

Not quite reaching the top tier, but a place without controversies.

There had been a few incidents that could have shaken the company, but they were all hurdles they could overcome.

“The conditions are the same as before.”

“…Really?”

“Of course, this isn’t just friendly words.”

They were seated in the guest room prepared within the company.

Ji-yeon was waiting outside, leaving just Seo-yeon and Kang Chan-yul in the room.

Despite having a light demeanor, he continued speaking calmly.

“I may not have much, but there’s one thing I can confidently say.”

Kang Chan-yul.

He had risen through the ranks at XN Entertainment, one of the big three agencies.

Having entered the industry so long ago and now running his own agency, he had seen countless entertainers.

“My eye for talent is pretty decent.”

“…Is that so?”

Seo-yeon had a slightly ambiguous reaction, and he gave a faint smile.

“You know, I once talked with actor Park Sun-woong. He referred to a star’s talent as starlight.”

Star.

The essential talent they possess.

A light that catches others’ gazes.

He called it starlight.

“An abstract expression.”

Maybe because he was an actor, Park Sun-woong liked speaking in that manner.

It sounded almost theatrical.

“Those who carry the embers and those who carry the starlight.”

Both qualities can identify a star.

‘But.’

Kang Chan-yul had once discussed Seo-yeon with Park Sun-woong.

He wondered if Park Sun-woong had seen the same potential in Seo-yeon that he did.

Then he spoke.

“A girl like starlight.”

“This is an investment.”

Kang Chan-yul said.

“I see high potential in actress Joo Seo-yeon, and that’s why I’m investing in her. So the conditions… they haven’t changed at all from before.”

A contract fee equivalent to that of an A-tier actor.

Honestly, he would have loved to give her S-tier, but the board would oppose it, so this was the highest he could offer.

However, if she delivers even a small result, he could always promote her to S-tier.

After all, that’s how the industry works.

“…”

Despite having made up her mind, Seo-yeon still hesitated.

It was her relationship with him that made her hesitate even more.

Plus, she knew how great the offer he presented was.

Even the ratio was 8:2.

Typically, entertainers sign contracts at a 7:3 ratio.

The entertainer gets 7, and the agency gets 3.

That’s the industry average.

But starting off at an 8:2 ratio was incredibly rare.

Especially since he even mentioned he could raise that ratio!

Honestly, Seo-yeon was confident.

Talent.

She firmly believed she possessed it.

‘But.’

Starlight.

She wasn’t sure if she had such grand talents as described by Kang Chan-yul and Park Sun-woong.

Her experiences in her past life.

And the abilities of the reincarnated Joo Seo-yeon.

She had knowledge of which projects would succeed in the future.

Despite the instinctive fears lingering, she said.

“…Yes. I’ve made my decision.”

Seo-yeon looked at Kang Chan-yul and spoke.

There was no time to hesitate now.

She remembered the two who came to visit her shortly after she wrapped up the play.

Ten years ago.

Their connection passed in just one work.

They were already so far above her that it was laughable.

Competitive spirit.

It seemed like the ember of that spirit sparked in Seo-yeon’s heart.

And.

“Moving forward, I look forward to working with you.”

Top star.

It was a promise she made in front of her friend someday.

Now was the time to pursue it.

*

The next day.

“Hello.”

After finishing her classes and just as she stepped out heading for the play, a man approached her.

A sharply dressed man in a black suit.

He looked Seo-yeon over before brightly smiling.

“I’m Shin Min-cheol, an agent from RY Entertainment.”

“Oh, yes.”

He handed Seo-yeon a business card as he spoke.

‘He certainly has the looks to warrant attention.’

With acting skills seen on TV, she could easily grow as an actress.

After thinking this, Shin Min-cheol cleared his throat and said.

“To get to the point, I was quite impressed with your performances in ‘Eyes Closed’ and ‘Looking Back at the Past,’ which is why I came here.”

Seo-yeon just stared blankly at him in response.

‘What’s his deal?’

Shouldn’t she have been thrilled?

That’s what Shin Min-cheol thought, but chalked it up to her shock and continued speaking.

“So what I’m trying to say is, we at RY Entertainment would like to…”

“I already signed a contract.”

Seo-yeon’s calm response cut him off before he could finish.

When he heard that, Shin Min-cheol was left utterly speechless.

“…What?”

He could only stand frozen in disbelief.

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