Chapter 205. What's Going On Here
Although Ahn Jun-ho's reputation had been restored, that didn't mean there was an immediate green light for his return to the entertainment industry.
Since he had only played minor and supporting roles rather than major ones, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Ahn Jun-ho's public recognition was mainly built through the variety show "Summer's Table".
As Yeon-woo and Son Jin-yuk became more successful, the variety show they appeared in together kept getting reruns and was annually rebroadcast on JNBC.
It had actually become more popular than the original drama, to the point where many people had seen "Summer's Table" but not "Summer's Promise".
Even though it wasn't designed as a seasonal program, JNBC's viewer forum still regularly received posts requesting a second season of "Summer's Table".
The topic occasionally circulates in online communities, but most discussions conclude that no variety department could afford Ryu Yeon-woo's sky-high casting fee.
And besides his recognition as an actor, Ahn Jun-ho had another problem.
He was an actor with a career gap.
After the incident broke out, he had taken a two-year break from the entertainment industry.
Moreover, he was currently serving in the military with over a year left in his service period, so no management company was interested in recruiting him.
Of course, it was questionable whether there would be any interest even after his discharge.
However, there was an agency here that wanted to bring in such an Ahn Jun-ho.
"We must get this actor, Sir."
Yeon-woo spoke while handing printed articles and Ahn Jun-ho's profile to CEO Jung Hyuk.
"Ah, you mean Ahn Jun-ho. I saw the recent articles too. As CEO now, I naturally need to have a thorough understanding of industry developments."
Yeon-woo smiled seeing Jung Hyuk still appearing slightly embarrassed when referring to himself as CEO.
"My desire to recruit this actor isn't simply because of our past connection."
"Oh, does that mean you see high potential in this actor?"
Yeon-woo nodded at Jung Hyuk's words.
In Yeon-woo's eyes, Ahn Jun-ho was an actor with considerable potential.
"Yes. And there's one more reason."
"What would that be?"
"Going forward, whether it's movies or dramas, content won't be one-off productions but will be turned into intellectual property and utilized extensively through OSMU."
Jung Hyuk nodded at Yeon-woo's words.
If Jung Hyuk hadn't been someone at the industry's forefront who could grasp changing trends, Yeon-woo wouldn't have put him in this position.
"One Source Multi Use, you mean."
It refers to a marketing strategy that utilizes ripple effects by applying one source material across different genres.
In fact, the variety show "Summer's Table," which aired riding on the success of "Summer's Promise," could be considered a good example of OSMU.
"Soon Han So-hyeon will be signing with our agency, and if we secure Ahn Jun-ho as well, our agency will essentially have all four IPs."
All the main and supporting actors from "Summer's Promise" are now with New Star Entertainment.
Except for the idol Dong-ha, everyone from "White Blood" is signed with us, and with Yeon-woo, Seo Ji-eun, and soon-to-join Jin Yu-han, we'll have all the lead actors from "The Stars Beyond the River".
"So except for 'Master Plan,' we'll have all of Actor Ryu's works under our roof."
Of course, having the actors signed doesn't mean we can freely use the content that has original creators, but when the public sees these combinations, they naturally recall those works.
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Since it was a rare good day, Ahn Jun-ho went into town to buy some beef and grilled it with his mother.
The next day, after helping prepare for planting in the corn field, he came home covered in dirt to find the house phone ringing.
"Yes, hello?"
- Hello. Is this Actor Ahn Jun-ho?
Ahn Jun-ho tilted his head in confusion.
'Being called an actor means it's not a sales call, but nobody should have this home phone number...'
Since the other person was waiting, he answered first.
"Yes, that's me."
- This is New Star Entertainment calling. If you're not busy, could we talk for a moment?
"Pardon? Entertainment company?"
The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't remember exactly where he'd heard it.
While the world had been buzzing about them snagging the big free agent Ryu Yeon-woo and consecutively signing major actors, the military was a unique environment that remained indifferent to such information.
To begin with, soldiers' only entertainment industry interests were strictly limited to female idols.
- Ah, please hold for a moment.
After some voices were heard over the receiver, the call was transferred to another line.
Then a familiar voice came through.
- Hey, Jun-ho.
Ahn Jun-ho immediately recognized the voice's owner.
"Oh? Jin-yuk hyung?"
- Yeah, it's me. Congratulations, you punk. You've been through a lot.
Tears welled up in Ahn Jun-ho's eyes at the sincerity in Son Jin-yuk's voice.
"......"
- Hey. Are you crying?
"A-ahem. No, who's crying?"
Clearing his throat and trying to hide his choked-up voice, Ahn Jun-ho continued.
"But what's New Star Entertainment? Did you change agencies, hyung?"
- Huh? Being in the military, you really don't know anything, do you? Don't you even go to the internet cafe? I heard they even let you use smartphones these days.
"Ah, I just focus on training and keep to myself."
This was Ahn Jun-ho, who had been living somewhat withdrawn even after enlisting.
- When LN Entertainment contracts expired, Yeon-woo and I moved agencies together. So-hyeon will be joining soon too.
"Ah, I see."
As Ahn Jun-ho nodded, he heard unexpected words.
- And you need to join too. Yeon-woo said he sent a car this morning? It should arrive soon.
"...Pardon?"
- What? Did you already get offers from other agencies?
Though he obviously knew that wasn't possible, Son Jin-yuk joked.
"No, hyung, what do you mean..."
As Ahn Jun-ho stammered in response, Son Jin-yuk's serious voice came through.
- You need to start acting again. Come sign the contract before you return from leave. You trust hyung and Yeon-woo, right?
"......"
After a moment of silence, Ahn Jun-ho smiled brightly.
Though his mouth was smiling, tears gathered in his eyes.
"Is this some kind of 'trust oppa' thing?"
- You punk. Cracking jokes even at a time like this.
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Ahn Jun-ho headed to Seoul in the car Yeon-woo had sent.
'This is quite a luxury car.'
Instead of the domestic RV he used to ride during his active days, it was clearly an expensive luxury brand vehicle.
The car carrying Ahn Jun-ho arrived in Seoul and entered the parking garage of the Cotton Building.
"We've arrived. Please step out."
"Ah, yes. Thank you for coming all the way to Gangwon-do. I appreciate it."
He bowed his head and followed the staff member out.
They passed through the security door connected to the underground parking lot and took the elevator up.
When they reached the third floor and the elevator doors opened, Ahn Jun-ho stepped out with the staff member.
'Huh? A café?'
Ahn Jun-ho tilted his head in confusion, having expected to see an office.
"Please come in."
"Ah, yes."
Following the staff member's guidance, they entered to find a barista operating a coffee machine in the center of the café.
But somehow the face looked familiar.
'Huh...?'
Ahn Jun-ho rubbed his eyes, thinking he must be seeing things.
'CEO Kim Joo-seong...?'
While ordinary people might not know much about CEO Kim Joo-seong, he was such an influential figure in the entertainment industry that there wasn't anyone who didn't know him.
'Why is someone like him making coffee here...?'
Just then, Son Jin-yuk and Yeon-woo waved from across the room.
"Over here!"
"Ah, Jin-yuk hyung. Yeon-woo."
Setting aside his questions for now, he walked toward the familiar faces.
Across from Yeon-woo and Son Jin-yuk sat a man who appeared to be in his early forties.
Ahn Jun-ho approached and first greeted Yeon-woo and Son Jin-yuk.
"Wow, look at that short hair."
Son Jin-yuk playfully ruffled Ahn Jun-ho's closely cropped hair.
"Hyung, it must be tough, right? I heard there's been a lot of snow lately."
"Just seeing a snowflake makes me sigh."
Yeon-woo smiled at Ahn Jun-ho's exaggeration.
"This is CEO Jung Hyuk of New Star Entertainment."
"Hello. I've heard a lot about Actor Ahn."
As Jung Hyuk extended his hand in greeting following Yeon-woo's introduction, Ahn Jun-ho quickly shook it.
"Ah, yes! Hello. Private First Class Ahn Jun-ho, sir."
After a moment's hesitation about how to introduce himself, Ahn Jun-ho chose to identify as a soldier rather than an actor.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Ahn Jun-ho. Please, have a seat."
As Jung Hyuk took his seat while offering one to him, Ahn Jun-ho followed suit.
After that, everything proceeded smoothly from discussing the management contract to completing the signing.
He was already grateful just to have a management company willing to take him on, and since he trusted Son Jin-yuk and Yeon-woo, he simply nodded in agreement to the contract terms.
Even from a quick listen, he could tell the terms were much better than his previous contract with Plus Ten Entertainment.
After Jung Hyuk shook hands again, telling him to take care of himself during his remaining military service, and went upstairs, only Ahn Jun-ho, Son Jin-yuk, and Yeon-woo remained at the café table.
"But I have a question."
As Ahn Jun-ho leaned forward and whispered, Son Jin-yuk tilted his head and replied.
"What is it?"
"What's the deal with this place? Isn't that person over there CEO Kim Joo-seong from LN?"
Yeon-woo nodded in response to Ahn Jun-ho's question.
"That's right. After retiring from LN, he's managing this café while taking some time to sort out his thoughts."
"I see. But coming here, I noticed all the luxury cars in the parking lot, and with the café's interior being so nice, the company CEO must be incredibly wealthy."
Yeon-woo awkwardly scratched his cheek at Ahn Jun-ho's words.
Ahn Jun-ho continued excitedly.
"Well, if they managed to recruit both Jin-yuk hyung and you, they must have incredible financial resources, right? Thanks to that, I've joined an amazing company. Though honestly, I didn't accomplish much during my active days."
Yeon-woo shook his head at Ahn Jun-ho's self-deprecating comment.
"What do you mean you didn't accomplish much? Jun-ho hyung's acting skills are well known to both me and Jin-yuk hyung."
"That's right. And we also know about the scaredy-cat who ran away from the island despite having the camera director and writer there."
At Son Jin-yuk's added comment, Ahn Jun-ho blushed and cleared his throat, seemingly reminded of the variety show filming.
Then Son Jin-yuk continued.
"About this company. It was established by two people. One of them is CEO Kim Joo-seong over there making coffee."
Ahn Jun-ho nodded with an 'ah, that makes sense' expression at Son Jin-yuk's words.
"Well, he is such an influential figure in the entertainment industry, though I was surprised to see him operating the coffee machine when I came in. Is the other person CEO Jung who we just met?"
Son Jin-yuk shook his head.
"No? The owner is right in front of you."
"Pardon?"
Son Jin-yuk pointed at Yeon-woo, who was scratching his cheek awkwardly beside them.
"Yeon-woo established the company. Both New Star Entertainment and New Star Media."
"...WHAT?!"