novellhall 21. Interview invitation
21. Interview invitation
When Lim Yoona heard the words "CJ Entertainment Actors Department," she couldn't help but chuckle. Her tone was knowing, and it also revealed a hint of longing from someone in the industry for a top-tier platform. "CJ Entertainment, of course I know it. It's the ceiling of our Peninsula entertainment industry."
"In my opinion, CJ is not just a simple talent agency. The CJ Group behind it holds the top film, television, and production resources in the peninsula, and almost monopolizes the distribution and production of most blockbuster works. Many artists in our industry try their best to get involved with CJ, even if it's just for a small role, because as long as you can access CJ's resources, it's like getting a recognized passport in the industry. Although its acting department is not as focused as a dedicated actor agency, as long as you can sign a contract, you don't have to worry about not having scripts or exposure. You can even get in touch with international film and television projects, which is something that no other company can compare to. It is the most powerful platform in the peninsula."
At this point, Yoona's tone softened slightly, "However, I have to make it clear to you that even though I personally approve of it, I have to objectively tell you that while the opportunity is good, it's also very difficult. Although CJ's acting department auditions newcomers every year, whether they are newcomers or amateurs, after signing a contract, they have to start with small roles, slowly accumulate experience, hone their acting skills, and it takes two or three years before they have a chance to get a decent role. Many newcomers can't endure it and are eliminated. In my opinion, CJ is indeed very good, but it's not suitable for you because you are currently very popular. It would be best to choose a company that can immediately arrange a male lead role after signing you."
"Is CJ that strong?"
Lee Kyung-sung understood. He guessed that CJ Group was a conglomerate, but he hadn't read any Korean entertainment novels in his previous life. The phone remained connected.
He opened the text message and read it aloud: "Dear Mr. Lee Kyung-sung, congratulations on passing the initial screening. We cordially invite you to attend the audition for new actors at the CJ Entertainment headquarters (66 Sangamsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul) on the 3rd floor at 9:30 AM tomorrow. Please bring your resume and relevant work samples and arrive on time. If you have any questions, please contact us at 02-3456-7890. Sincerely, CJ Entertainment Actor Department."
"Huh? CJ?" Yoona on the other end of the phone immediately sounded surprised, her voice full of confusion. "How could it be so fast? CJ's open auditions haven't even started yet, how did you receive an interview invitation, and even say you passed the preliminary round?"
"He might have seen my interview, Yoona. Look, this address isn't CJ Entertainment." Lee Kyung-sung was somewhat interested in CJ; chaebols were a characteristic of the Korean Peninsula.
"The address is fine. Judging from this, it's possible that you were spotted by CJ's higher-ups and they specifically invited you for an interview."
Yoona couldn't help but get excited too, "You've just returned to Korea to become an actress. Actually, the best choice for you would be to join one of the top five acting agencies and find an actor whose roles don't overlap with yours, or overlap very little. That way, you can make the most of your current popularity. But now it's different. CJ has taken the initiative to extend an invitation to you. This is much better than CJ's regular open auditions for newcomers, or you going to audition at one of the top five agencies yourself. And it's CJ's acting headquarters!"
Even Lim Yoona couldn't control her voice; her tone was unconsciously tinged with genuine envy, "That's CJ! Kyung Sung, you've already stepped into the top tier of resources in the Korean entertainment industry. You absolutely must seize this opportunity; it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance!"
"Don't worry, Yoona, who on the peninsula is better than Oppa? Stick close to Oppa, and he'll carry you to new heights." Hearing Yoona's excitement, Lee Kyung-sung naturally went along with her, unlike CJ.
"cut,"
Im Yoona couldn't help but roll her eyes, but she still thoughtfully shared some of her audition experiences with Lee Kyung-sung, genuinely hoping his career would flourish.
After hanging up the phone, Lim Yoona lay down on the bed, her slender, fair legs swinging gently on the bed. The envy in her eyes had not yet faded, and she murmured softly, "CJ...it's really something to be envious of."
The petty matter of Lee Seung-gi that had been nagging at her mind suddenly seemed insignificant in front of CJ. She put her hands behind her head, silently praying, "I must pass the interview, Lee Kyung-sung!" She picked up her phone, her fingers expertly tapping on relevant pages, repeatedly scrolling through Lee Kyung-sung's videos and related posts. Looking at the brightly smiling boy on the screen, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly, her eyes filled with tender expectation.
111
January 2, 2012, CJ E&M Headquarters
In Gangnam District, Seoul, the CJ E&M office building stands tall against the winter sky. Its light gray glass curtain wall exudes a sleek and powerful aura in the cool light, lacking overt luxury yet radiating the imposing presence of an entertainment giant under a conglomerate. The building's clean, strong lines, like the company's status in the Korean entertainment industry, convey a sense of stability and unquestionable authority.
The thirteenth floor of the building houses the core office area of the Actor Management Department.
The spacious, open-plan office area was orderly, with neatly arranged partitions. Employees hurried about, unconsciously lowering their voices, and the only sounds in the air were the clatter of keyboards and occasional hushed conversations. At the end of the corridor, a private office had its door slightly ajar. It wasn't large, but it was professionally and efficiently furnished with a light wood desk. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked half of the Jiangnan region, and a few movie posters hung simply on the walls. There were no superfluous decorations, and the entire place exuded an efficient and rational workplace atmosphere.
Li Jingmei sat behind her large desk, her well-fitting business suit highlighting her capable and sharp demeanor. Her eyes were slightly lowered, her fingertips lightly holding a stack of paper documents, her expression focused almost intently, even her brows slightly furrowed, clearly indicating she was paying close attention.
The name on the document was clearly visible: Li Jingcheng.
It is the name of that person who, in a very short period of time, has swept across the entire Korean Peninsula with his popularity and buzz, becoming an unparalleled sensation.
On the sofa in front of her sat a subordinate-looking employee, who was slightly reserved, only daring to rest half of his buttocks on the edge of the sofa, his back unconsciously straightened, and he even breathed softly, for fear of disturbing the person in charge who held the power of actor resources and decision-making.
The staff member whispered, "Director Li, we have compiled all the relevant information about Li Jingcheng. His interview video has not been officially broadcast yet, but we have also obtained the unedited original footage."
Upon hearing this, Li Jingmei didn't even look up. She casually picked up her phone from the corner of the table, quickly swiped, and opened the unreleased original interview video. The screen lit up, and Li Jingcheng's smile instantly filled the frame, clean and dazzling, radiating youthful vigor. Even in unedited footage, his outstanding appearance and relaxed aura were undeniable.
Looking at the figure in the video, Li Jingmei's brows slowly relaxed, and a hint of approval flashed in her eyes. "Do you remember the Hong Kong star Leon Lai? He became a sensation on Peninsula with just one smile." She tapped the phone screen with her fingertip, freezing the image of Li Jingcheng smiling. "Now, Peninsula has its own Leon Lai, and he's even more dazzling than him."
"He seems to be a potential figurehead who can truly carry the globalization strategy of the Korean Wave."
I will be there for Li Jingcheng's interview tomorrow.
"But you..." The subordinate beside her hesitated, wanting to remind her of her already packed schedule for tomorrow, but swallowed the words back.