Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 543, Section 541: Casting and Child Stars
The following morning, Seoul's sky was crystal clear, and sunlight shone on the glass curtain walls of the towering skyscrapers in Gangnam, reflecting a dazzling golden light.

Wang Sheng's convoy drove through the already bustling streets and finally entered the underground parking lot of the Seoul Trade Center building in Samseong-dong.

This magnificent complex is one of the symbols of Gangnam District's development in the late 90s. It integrates office buildings, conference centers, and hotels, and is home to the headquarters of many multinational corporations and large local enterprises.

Jung Tae-won's Tae-won Entertainment is no longer what it used to be. Thanks to its increasingly close cooperation with Sheng Ying Media and its role as a bridge in Sino-Korean film exchanges, its business has expanded rapidly. It has moved from its somewhat cramped office to this top-tier office building that symbolizes status and strength.

The elevator goes directly to the high-rise area where Taiyuan Entertainment is located.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a very modern lobby.

The company logo is inlaid in metal on a dark marble background wall, and the lighting design is sophisticated, creating a professional and luxurious atmosphere.

The receptionist was already waiting with a bow, and skillfully led Wang Sheng and his party to the largest conference room.

"President Wang, welcome, welcome!" Zheng Taiyuan was already waiting at the meeting room door, his face full of enthusiasm and even a hint of flattery.

He strode forward, grasped Wang Sheng's hands tightly, and shook them vigorously, saying, "Our little place is truly honored by your presence!"

He spoke modestly, but his eyes betrayed his pride.

Having such a large office space in this building is itself a demonstration of the strength and potential of Taiyuan Entertainment to Wang Sheng.

The conference room is spacious and bright, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the bustling city of Jiangnan.

A long conference table was placed in the center, its surface so smooth it reflected light. Each seat was provided with bottled water, a conference agenda in Chinese, Korean, and English, and a thick booklet of actor information.

Professional projection equipment and sound systems are also ready.

Under Zheng Taiyuan's attentive guidance, Wang Sheng sat down in the main seat.

His entourage, including the director of Shengying International Business Department and core members responsible for artist management and project development, took their seats in turn.

On the Taewon Entertainment side, in addition to Jung Taewon, there is also his content production director, the head of the brokerage department, and several core assistants, making for a complete lineup.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries and the serving of coffee, the meeting got straight to the point.

"Chairman Wang, did you sleep well last night?" Zheng Taiyuan asked with concern. Without waiting for Wang Sheng's reply, he immediately turned to the main topic, "Regarding the 'Seoul Farewell' project, our entire Taiyuan team attaches great importance to it. We worked through the night and have initially selected a group of actors who meet your requirements for your review."

This was prepared a few days ago.

He gestured, and the production manager immediately presented Wang Sheng with the actor information booklet that had been prepared beforehand.

“First and foremost, there’s the soul of the film, the husband, ‘Kim Ji-hoon,’” Jung Tae-won began. “This role requires the actor to embody the intellectual’s aloofness and stubbornness, his helplessness in the face of life’s pressures, and his inner kindness and sense of responsibility. Our first choice for the role was Mr. Ryu Seung-ryong.”

Wang Sheng opened the file, and Liu Chenglong's highly recognizable face came into view.

At this time, Ryu Seung-ryong had not yet achieved national recognition with films such as "Miracle in Cell No. 7" and "Extreme Job" in later years, but he was already a highly respected actor in the theater and independent film circles, especially in films such as "Crying Fist" where his performance showed his profound ability to create characters.

"Mr. Ryu Seung-ryong's acting skills are beyond doubt, and he is especially good at portraying the inner struggles and complexities of ordinary people."

Zheng Taiyuan added, "His schedule is relatively flexible at the moment, and he has expressed great interest in participating in Chairman Wang's project."

Wang Sheng nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and continued flipping through the pages.

The brochure also includes alternatives, including Song Kang-ho, who is already a mainstay of the Korean film industry and rose to fame with films such as "Memories of Murder," but his salary and schedule may be issues; and Kim Yoon-seok, who is also a powerful actor with a tough demeanor, but may need some adjustments in his styling.

"You have already chosen Ms. Li Bingbing for the female lead, Park Min-hee."

At this point, Zheng Taiyuan's tone became even more respectful, "We fully respect and support your decision. We believe that Ms. Li Bingbing's temperament and acting skills will perfectly portray this capable yet conflicted career woman."

Wang Sheng hummed in agreement; this was a fait accompli and needed no further discussion.

"Next up is the crucial supporting actress, 'Han Jung-eun'."

Zheng Taiyuan's voice rose slightly, tinged with a barely perceptible tension, after all, the role was played by Fan Xiaopang, personally selected by Wang Sheng. "Miss Fan Xiaopang's participation is undoubtedly a major highlight of the film. Her fame and influence will surely bring tremendous attention to the film in the Chinese and even Asian markets."

Wang Sheng nodded, indicating that he understood.

"Then there's the role of the old father, 'Mr. Kim'."

Jung Tae-won turned to the next page, "We recommend senior Shin Young-kyun."

This is a veteran actor who is a national treasure in South Korea. He has starred in countless classic films and television dramas, and his portrayal of fathers is deeply rooted in people's hearts. His acting is steady, restrained, and full of vicissitudes.

"Senior Shen was very moved after reading the script outline and said that he would be very willing to participate as long as his schedule and health permit."

Wang Sheng nodded slightly.

If it weren't for the need to showcase the collaboration between the two countries and some ulterior motives, there would be no need to cast South Korean actors in these roles.

"Finally, there's the little actress with a small but crucial role: Kim Ji-hoon and Park Min-hee's daughter, 'Little Kim Seo-hyun'."

A slightly smug smile appeared on Zheng Taiyuan's face. "President Wang, according to your requirements, this role needs to be spirited, natural, and preferably a promising new face."

We specifically selected several exceptionally talented young girls.

He gestured to his assistant to play the PowerPoint presentation, and information and photos of several little girls immediately appeared on the screen.

"This is Park Shin-hye, a former child star, born in 1990, and is now 14 years old. Don't let her young age fool you, she is already a very experienced actress. She is most famous for playing the childhood role of Choi Ji-woo, Jung-seo, in 'Stairway to Heaven,' where her acting was very moving and she was very popular with the audience."

Park Shin-hye starred as the young Jung-seo in "Stairway to Heaven" in 2003, which caused a huge sensation in South Korea and Asia, making her one of the most well-known teenage actresses in 2004.

"This is Moon Geun-young, born in 1987, now 17 years old. She is South Korea's 'Nation's Little Sister,' a representative of child stars. Her portrayal of the young 'Eun-seo' in 'Autumn in My Heart' is considered a classic; her acting is fresh and natural, and she is absolutely capable of handling this role."

Moon Geun-young became a household name for her role as young Eun-seo in the 2000 drama "Autumn in My Heart". By 2004, she had become one of the most representative child stars in South Korea. Although she was at the upper limit of her age range, her image and acting style still met the requirements.

“And this one,” Jung Tae-won paused deliberately, emphasizing his words, “is Kim Yoo-jung, a trainee from Woollim Entertainment, born in 1999! Her age perfectly matches the role requirements. Although she is young, she already has some experience in commercials and playing children's roles. She has a great sense of the camera and her eyes are particularly expressive. She is a promising talent that we have high hopes for!”

The character Kim Seo-hyun is set to be between 6 and 15 years old, so child stars and teenagers of different ages auditioned for the role.

Wang Sheng's gaze fell on Kim Yoo-jung's photo. The little girl was indeed radiant, and her expressive eyes left a deep impression.

He remembered the name; she would become a highly sought-after child star and actress in South Korea in the future.

"Besides these few, there are a few others who are also quite good. Their information is all here." Zheng Taiyuan handed a more detailed trainee evaluation report to Wang Sheng. "Their companies have been very enthusiastic when they heard about the opportunity to participate in Chairman Wang's film. Their schedules are not a problem at all."

Wang Sheng carefully reviewed the information of these rising stars, quickly weighing the options in his mind.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment, with only the rustling sound of Wang Sheng turning the pages.

Zheng Taiyuan and the executives of Taiyuan Entertainment held their breath, waiting for Wang Sheng's decision.

After a long while, Wang Sheng closed the file booklet, raised his head, and looked calmly at Zheng Taiyuan.

"You can contact Ryu Seung-ryong. Arrange an audition as soon as possible. I need to see his specific situation."

"Shen Rongjun, no problem, finalize the contract as soon as possible."

“As for Kim Seo-hyun…” Wang Sheng tapped his fingers lightly on the table, “Arrange an informal meeting; I want to see them in person.”

He didn't rule out any possibility, but he gave a clear direction.

"Understood, Chairman Wang!" Zheng Taiyuan replied immediately, a smile spreading across his face. "I'll arrange it right away! I guarantee you'll see the most authentic and natural version of yourself!"

(End of this chapter)