The days passed in a whirlwind as the film's casting process began. Jihoon, acting as Yoona's inside source, secretly passed along information about the audition requirements.
With her natural charm and good looks, she landed the female lead without much trouble.
Lee Sooman sat beside Jihoon in the audition room, arms crossed, deep in thought.
Yoona was a good choice for the role—her acting skills were unpolished but promising. With Jihoon guiding her, she would manage just fine.
But was this the right move for SNSD? The group was set to debut next year, and giving Yoona such early exposure could disrupt the group's dynamic.
If she attracted too much attention, it might overshadow the other members, leading to internal competition and division among fans.
This kind of imbalance could ultimately hurt their debut, making it harder for the group to establish a strong and united presence in the industry.
Just as he was weighing the risks, Jihoon, ever the mischief-maker, leaned in with that insufferable smirk of his and said, "Uncle Lee, if you think this isn't appropriate, no problem."
"I'll just ask Ahn Sohee from JYP to take the role instead. She seems like a perfect fit too."
The room fell silent.
Lee Sooman's expression froze. His fingers, which had been absentmindedly tapping against the table, stopped instantly. His head slowly turned toward Jihoon, eyes narrowing.
That smirk on Jihoon's face—so smug, so deliberately provoking—was enough to make Lee Sooman want to throw his coffee at him.
Jihoon knew exactly what he was doing.
Of course, Lee Sooman was aware that Jihoon was joking, but the mere mention of JYP made his blood pressure spike.
SM being compared to JYP?
JYP—that Park Jinyoung?
The same Park Jinyoung who, years ago, had dreamed of debuting as an artist under SM, only to be personally rejected by Lee Sooman for his unpolished looks?
And now that "groilla-faced guy," as Lee Sooman secretly called him, had built his own successful company, rivaling SM Entertainment?
Jihoon knew where to poke to make it hurt.
Lee Sooman inhaled deeply through his nose, his lips pressing into a tight line. Jihoon just sat there, completely unbothered, leisurely swirling his coffee like he hadn't just stabbed at SM's pride.
After a long silence, Lee Sooman finally spoke, his voice clipped. "Yoona gets the role."
Jihoon chuckled. "I knew you're reasonable, Uncle Lee."
Lee Sooman shot him a glare. "Get out of my sight before I change my mind."
Jihoon laughed, raising his cup in a mock toast before casually walking away, victorious.
Back to the casting process, the role of the male lead was offered to Ji Changwook, a newcomer in the industry who had only landed minor roles so far. He was currently playing a small part in the film 'Days..', but Jihoon saw something in him—raw potential waiting to be honed.
In his past life, Ji Changwook had grown into a talented and versatile actor, capable of portraying a wide range of characters and conveying deep emotions with ease.
Although he never received major international recognition, Jihoon believed that, given the right opportunities, he could reach that level.
This was why he was willing to take a chance on him now—it was like an angel investment.
Korean directors often had their own trusted actors—actors they nurtured and shaped to fit their unique cinematic vision.
Bong Joonho, the first Korean filmmaker to win an Oscar in Jihoon previous life, was a perfect example. He frequently collaborated with Song Kangho, casting him in four films between 2000 and 2025, creating a partnership that defined much of his early work.
Jihoon understood this approach well and saw its value.
Instead of relying on seasoned actors already molded by other directors, he preferred to train fresh talent—actors where he could personally shape them to match his own creative vision.
Because established actors often carried habits ingrained by years of working under specific directors, making it difficult for them to break away from their familiar roles.
Cha Taehyun was a prime example.
His career had been built around comedy, and his expressions and timing had become second nature.
Because of this, directors continually cast him in similar roles, reinforcing his image as a comedic actor and limiting his chances in other genres.
Jihoon wanted something different.
He wanted actors who could adapt, transform, and grow under his guidance—ones who wouldn't be confined to a single role, but could take on any role he envisioned.
This was exactly why Jihoon saw Ji Changwook as a worthwhile investment.
Jihoon wasn't just placing his bet on an actor with potential—he was molding one from the ground up.
With the right guidance, Ji Changwook's acting could surpass what was originally expected of him, honing his skills beyond his natural trajectory.
But it wasn't just Ji Changwook's acting talent that caught Jihoon's attention.
In Jihoon's previous life, he had watched as Ji Changwook managed to avoid the scandals and negative conduct that often plagued so many celebrities in the industry—a remarkable feat in an environment riddled with temptations and pitfalls.
In an industry as volatile and unforgiving as entertainment, staying untainted was a rare and invaluable accomplishment.
A single mistake, whether it was a scandal or poor behavior, could ruin not only a celebrity's reputation but also the investments made by the companies backing them.
Fame, with all its allure, often came at a high price, and many had fallen victim to the corrupting forces around them.
Jihoon had witnessed it firsthand in his last life—the way fame could twist people, turning young stars into puppets of the powerful elites who manipulated them for their own gain and turing them to their own personal toy.
While others found themselves caught in destructive cycles, succumbing to drugs or reckless behavior, ultimately losing control of their careers.
Rsulting them to be chewed up and spit out by the industry. Jihoon knew this all too well, and it made him cautious.
Still, Jihoon knew better than to make any hasty decisions.
Before extending an official offer, he needed to observe Ji Changwook more closely, who know whether he is covering his actual personality.
Jihoon wasn't interested in just hiring an actor—he wanted to mentor someone he believed in, someone who had the potential to grow beyond what was expected of him.
If Ji Changwook could prove himself, if he could show that he had what it took, Jihoon would bring him into JH Entertainement, where he could shape his acting, refine his skills, and help him take on any role with confidence.
For now, though, Jihoon's next step was simple—watch and wait. The way Ji Changwook performed in this film would be the first real test.
With the male lead officially cast, Jihoon felt that his presence was no longer necessary.
The main decision had been made, and everything else was just a formality now since the other roles had already been decided beforehand. He knew exactly how the rest of the cast would be assembled—through JH's existing deals with other entertainment firms.
It was nothing more than an exchange of resources. JH secured the main roles, while supporting roles were traded to other companies in return for various industry favors—investment rights, distribution deals, or future collaborations. It was all a game of give and take, where minor roles served as bargaining chips.
"Jaehyun-hyung," Jihoon called out as he stood up, stretching his arms while his ever-reliable corporate workhorse, Jaehyun, remained seated beside him.
Jaehyun sighed, already sensing what was coming.
"You handle the rest of the auditions," Jihoon continued casually, already making his way toward the door. "I've got other things to do."
Jaehyun rolled his eyes but gave a knowing nod. "Got it, boss," he muttered, fully aware that he had just been left to deal with the tedious corporate politics of casting.
Jihoon didn't look back.
He had more important things on his mind, and one of them was currently clinging to his arm with the enthusiasm of a child demanding candy.
"Jihoon-oppa!" Yoona whined dramatically, tightening her grip on his arm as they stepped out of the building. "You have to treat me to a proper lunch! I just landed my first movie role, so we need to celebrate!"
Jihoon glanced at her, one brow raised, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Really?" he scoffed, already predicting her extravagant request. "First Taeyeon, and now you? Do you have any idea how I have spent on you guys?"
Yoona waved her hand dismissively as if money was a trivial concern. "Oh, please. You're the big director now! You can afford it."
"Besides, I deserve it! It's my first movie role!"
She turned to him with wide, innocent eyes, the kind that had likely been perfected through years of charming her way into getting what she wanted.
Jihoon let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. He could already feel himself caving in.
"Alright, alright," he sighed, his voice laced with amusement. "You're impossible, you know that?"
As they approached the exit, Ji Changwook, who had been quietly standing off to the side, finally gathered the courage to step forward.
He had been waiting for the right moment to express his gratitude for landing the role.
He walked toward Jihoon and Yoona, but when he saw the casual way Yoona was clinging to Jihoon's arm, a surge of confusion and discomfort washed over him.
In the Korea entertainment industry, Jihoon's status as a director carried a significant weight, especially to actors and actresses.
Respect was essential, and it wasn't something to be taken lightly—especially not by someone like Yoona, who had yet to make a name for herself in the industry.
The way she treated him almost like a casual acquaintance—or worse, an ATM—was a stark contrast to the reverence most would show to someone of Jihoon's stature.
Changwook couldn't quite believe his eyes.
Jihoon was young, yes, but he had already achieved things that others could only dream of.
He had earned the right to be treated with respect.
Yet here was Yoona, treating him as though he were just another means to an end.
Realizing they were about to leave the building, Changwook quickened his pace, eager to catch them before they were out of sight.
"Director Lee!" he called out, his voice slightly breathless as he approached.
Jihoon turned to face him, and Yoona's smile faltered slightly when she noticed Changwook's formal tone.
She instantly let go of Jihoon's arm, standing a little straighter, as if remembering the decorum expected in such a setting.
Changwook bowed his head as he came to a stop in front of Jihoon. "I would like to thank you, Director Lee, for giving me this opportunity," he said earnestly. "I promise to do my best and give my all to the role."
Jihoon paused, his gaze softening as he noticed the sincerity in Changwook's eyes.
He couldn't help but admire the young actor's dedication. Yoona, standing awkwardly beside Jihoon, seemed to realize the gap in their behavior.
Her casual hold on Jihoon's arm had been a stark contrast to the respect Changwook now displayed, and she immediately straightened, as though to make up for her previous lack of formality.
Jihoon casually waved his hand, brushing off the formality. "You don't need to be so formal with me, Changwook-sih. I chose you because of your potential."
He smiled lightly, then added, "And besides, just call me Jihoon. You're older than me, anyway."
Changwook hesitated, not sure if it was entirely appropriate to call him so casually.
His instincts told him that a certain level of formality was still necessary, especially considering Jihoon's young age and established position.
But he respected Jihoon's request and, after a moment's pause, replied, "Yes, Jihoon-sih."
Jihoon chuckled, not at all bothered by the formal address.
He understood that they weren't close enough for Changwook to drop the honorific just yet, but he didn't mind. Time would take care of that.
"Hyung," Jihoon said, his tone casual, "have you eaten yet? If not, why don't you join us for lunch? We can talk more about the film while we eat."
Yoona perked up at Jihoon's words, her eyes widening in playful protest.
"Jihoon Oppa!" she whined, tugging at his sleeve. "If that's the case, shouldn't you be more generous and treat us to premium Hanwoo instead of the regular lunch? We are now your employees, after all."
Jihoon scoffed, shaking his head in amusement.
"You sure know how to take advantage of your boss, huh?" he teased, giving her a sideways glance.
"First, you demand a simple lunch celebration, and now you're upgrading the menu? What's next? A full-course meal with wine?"
Yoona grinned, unfazed. "Now that you mention it, that doesn't sound like a bad idea."
She clasped her hands together dramatically, her eyes wide with innocence and gratitude, and said, "Jihoon-oppa, our brilliant, young, and very wealthy director, shouldn't you be rewarding your hardworking team properly?"
Ji Changwook, who had been silently observing their playful exchange, couldn't help but chuckle. This was his first time seeing someone of Jihoon's status interact so casually with others.
In his past experiences on film sets, hierarchy was strictly enforced—junior actors were often treated more like assistants than performers, running errands rather than honing their craft.
Especially in his case, where he had only landed minor cameo roles with few scenes, most of his time had been spent doing menial tasks rather than acting.
[Author's Note: Heartfelt thanks to Wandererlithe, RainPrint and Daoist098135 for bestowing the power stone!]