People on the Peninsula: I Became a Lucky Koi

The next afternoon, in a private room of a cafe in Cheongdam-dong.

Screenwriter Park Ji-eun took a sip of coffee with a sullen expression. The reason for her bad mood was quite simple.

There was this incredibly powerful "connection" who actually managed to call the production team she was just starting out...

The Producers is a KBS original production.

During this time, while Park Ji-eun was patiently waiting for Kim Soo-hyun's reply, the president of KBS made a phone call and secured an audition spot for her.

While I was stirring my coffee...

Park Ji-eun met a "connected person" with strong ties to her.

"Creak—"

The door was pushed open.

The first thing that catches the eye is a very tall boy.

"Ah Ning Hasaiyo, screenwriter-nim..." Kim Chan wore a simple black coat and light blue slim-fit jeans, exuding a refreshing winter vibe.

"I am Kim Chan, a trainee at JYP Entertainment."

He introduced himself in a clear and melodious voice.

A barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in Park Ji-eun's eyes.

She has seen too many nervous newcomers who stutter, and also seen many people with connections who act arrogantly, as if the role is already theirs.

But Park Ji-eun had a good impression of Kim Chan, who had just finished bowing.

He smiled modestly and warmly, looking very sunny...

"Please sit down."

Jin Can: "Kamsammida."

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, Park Ji-eun got straight to the point:

"Jin Canxi, I've looked at your file, it's completely blank..."

Her words were tactful, but the subtext was clear: You are too inexperienced, why should I trust you?

Hopefully, he will back down, and she can give the president of KBS an explanation.

However, Park Ji-eun greatly admired Kim Chan's appearance and his photogenic face.

It's similar to the feeling that screenwriters and directors can observe whether certain actors can carry the big screen and whether they have potential.

"Perhaps you could audition for other roles?"

Seeing Park Ji-eun's furrowed brows, Kim Chan smiled and said, "Screenwriter, President Jung's phone call must have put you in a difficult position, right?"

These words were spoken.

Park Ji-eun's previously relaxed expression changed. "What are you trying to say?"

In her view, perhaps this is a form of pressure?

"Please don't misunderstand, screenwriter." Kim Chan picked up his coffee and explained with a smile, "What I mean is, you don't need to worry about President Jung's attitude. I just need an audition opportunity. If my performance doesn't meet your standards, maybe I'll just focus on being a singer."

His smile, like a needle pointing to a needle, was full of sincerity.

The fire that had almost been ignited in Park Ji-eun's heart was extinguished by his words.

"I understand your concerns, screenwriter. It's true that I have no acting experience. But perhaps it's precisely because I'm a 'blank' that it's easier for me to become 'Baek Seung-chan'."

Jin Can suppressed the smile that had made the snow leopard howl.

His gaze gradually calmed down.

"Baek Seung-chan is a rookie PD, both in awe and eager to explore everything about the TV station. Isn't this 'rookie feel' precisely what the actor needs to bring along a bit of 'unknown' and 'naivety'?"

"If you find a seasoned actor with superb acting skills, they won't be able to portray the real feeling of stumbling and falling in a variety show."

"Besides..." Jin Can paused, recalling what Yoon Sung-hyun had said earlier, that the screenwriter had approached Kim Soo-hyun: "Kim Soo-hyun, it seems you're not quite suitable for this role."

The character Bai Chengcan is portrayed in the script as a naive and innocent character.

Is Kim Soo-hyun in it?

Honestly, Jin Chan really wants to seduce...

Kim Chan's words precisely hit Park Ji-eun's sore spot while she was revising the script.

She did anticipate that if Kim Soo-hyun played the role, he might be a bit greasy, or lack the awkwardness and sincerity that a newcomer should have.

But they were so popular that they had to do it again.

Park Ji-eun put down her coffee cup, her tone softening considerably, and decided to give Kim Chan a chance: "It's a very interesting angle."

"So, what do you think Baek Seung-chan's reaction should be when he meets the female lead, Cindy?"

This is an impromptu performance test question.

Jin Can quickly reviewed Cindy's character in the script.

Her persona is that of a top female celebrity.

"It will probably be..." Jin Can composed himself for a moment, lowered his thick eyelashes slightly, and when he raised his face again, the calm smile in his eyes disappeared.

Instead, there is a curiosity tinged with distance.

"So even big stars yawn after filming all night...that's how they feel."

"It's not worship, nor fear, but a desire to explore."

Park Ji-eun stared at Kim Chan's youthful performance, her eyes brightening slightly. "Not bad."

She offered her comment.

"Regarding the character of Baek Seung-chan, screenwriter, I also feel it fits me very well," Kim Chan said with a smile, offering his services. "His name also has the character 'chan' in it. In addition, Baek Seung-chan graduated from Seoul National University's College of Law."

"I am also a student at Seoul National University."

Park Ji-eun was surprised, remembering his age on his file, "Starting school next month?"

"Yes." Jin Can nodded.

"..."

Over the next half hour, the atmosphere of the conversation completely reversed.

Park Ji-eun had Kim Chan audition for a few more scenes.

Overall, her assessment of Jin Can was that his acting skills were as immature as his appearance, but his strength lay in his naturalness.

His youthful acting skills and youthful appearance perfectly suited the role of Baek Seung-chan.

In the drama, Baek Seung-chan's official age is 27. Park Ji-eun is considering whether to change the character's age, since Cindy, who has a romantic relationship with Baek Seung-chan, is 23 years old.

This female character is in contact with Lee Ji-eun.

"Heh, you've given me a pleasant surprise." Park Ji-eun smiled at Kim Chan. "But let's get back to the point."

"...I've already sent the script and offer to Kim Soo-hyun. If he agrees to take the role..."

She smiled but didn't say anything more, her attitude remaining ambiguous.

Jin Can put down his coffee and smiled, "You're a top screenwriter, so I think you should focus on how well the character fits the role."

He had heard about Kim Soo-hyun's scandal.

People with this kind of terrible aura are either gloomy or fragile, like people on the edge of a cliff; when they do something unscrupulous...

No matter how well they comfort themselves, they know that cause and effect are real and retribution is inevitable. Like the sword of Damocles hanging high, they feel rootless and uncertain, to the point that their appearance reflects their inner state.

Therefore, Kim Chan felt that if Kim Soo-hyun were to play the role of Baek Seung-chan in the script...

He can't act, seriously!

Jin Can felt no psychological pressure about plundering the film and television resources of such people.

"This puts me in a difficult position." Park Ji-eun chuckled helplessly. "President Jung has really given me a tough challenge~"

Kim Chan suddenly spoke up: "Screenwriter, I don't know President Jung."

The words fell.

Park Ji-eun was momentarily stunned.

But then...

Kim Chan smiled and said, "If Kim Soo-hyun is causing you any trouble, screenwriter, you can have him come to me."