Peninsula: Starting with Hijacking Yoona

25. The moon embracing the sun?

Kim Min-joo turned her laptop towards Lee Kyung-sung, the screen displaying a list of projects that various television stations were preparing for January 2012. However, upon closer inspection, they were either mediocre idol dramas or family dramas with already-confirmed lead actors. The earliest project to start filming wouldn't begin until March or April, completely out of sync with Lee Kyung-sung's current need for a project to take over his career.

"It's been too long." Li Jingcheng frowned slightly. "Popularity can't afford to be wasted. If there isn't a suitable male lead for the time being, then what about a supporting role with room for development and a compelling character? I need a role that allows me to maintain exposure right now, and also to solidify my existing fanbase of good looks and casual viewers."

Li Jingmei, who was in the main seat, did not speak. She simply picked up her teacup and calmly looked at the tea, as if she had not heard anything.

Kim Min-joo instantly understood her boss's silence—it was dissatisfaction. She immediately started scrolling through her notes. "Kyung Sung-ssi, you're a special contract signed by the acting department. You're the company's future hope. Your debut role must be a lead, and it must be a resounding success. Supporting roles are not within our consideration."

She changed the subject, clicked the mouse on the screen to bring up another document, "Your exposure is unprecedented right now, it's the best time to debut, and right now there really is a top option—MBC's annual epic drama 'The Moon Embracing the Sun'."

With a historical drama foundation, a solid writing team, and MBC's ambitious production, the series also features the compelling and complex character of adult Lee Hwon. "More importantly," Kim Min-joo leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice, "while the casting for the adult male lead has been finalized, Song Joong-ki is the first choice, not Kim Soo-hyun. Furthermore, filming hasn't started yet; we're currently filming the storyline of the male lead's childhood. Therefore, we have a chance to secure this role for Kyung-sung."

Hijacking?

Li Jingcheng's heart skipped a beat. Those two words seemed to electrify him, instantly activating a system deep within his mind. Hijacking an idol gets you a reward, hijacking an actor… naturally, it's the same. This was practically an opportunity delivered to his doorstep.

"Please, the company, you must help me get this!" He spoke almost without hesitation. To make his point, he even picked up his phone, quickly searched for Kim Soo-hyun's official photos, and then confidently turned the screen to Lee Kyung-mi, placing himself next to the photo. His tone was full of confidence. "Representative, please take a look. In terms of both image fit and versatility, I believe I am more suitable for the role of Lee Hwon than Kim Soo-hyun."

Kim Min-joo looked at Lee Kyung-sung's eager and straightforward actions, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes. This was exactly a step in her plan. "It's perfectly fine for the company to push it forward."

She first affirmed the casting choice, then pointed out the key issue, her gaze drifting slightly to the side, "But the other party is MBC's major annual drama, and the casting has already been strongly favored. We cannot, and will not, rudely pressure them to change the actor. This requires high-level resource coordination and replacement, and ultimately, it requires Representative Lee's approval."

Lee Kyung-mi's gaze lingered on Lee Kyung-sung's face for a moment, then swept over the photo of Kim Soo-hyun on her phone. She admired this undisguised ambition and agreed with Kim Min-joo's judgment that this role was indeed the fastest and highest-profile springboard to elevate Lee Kyung-sung.

"The label of royalty?" Lee Kyung-mi finally spoke, her voice steady yet carrying a condescending indifference. "That's nothing but insignificant noise. What I want to create are top-tier actors who can represent CJ, and even Korea, on the world stage. Using some resources and clearing some obstacles along the way is perfectly normal."

She abruptly changed the subject, her gaze sharpening as she looked at Li Jingcheng. "But the point isn't the role itself. The point is, now that you've secured the role, the success or failure of the series rests entirely on your shoulders. If the ratings fall short of expectations, then all the criticism, ridicule, and backlash will be yours. Can you bear the consequences?"

"Absolutely no problem!"

Lee Kyung-sung answered without the slightest hesitation, even with a sense of confidence and ease, "My image is more suitable for the male lead than Kim Soo-hyun's. In addition, my current popularity is no less than Kim Soo-hyun's. Right now, my popularity is at its peak. If the male lead chooses me, it means that I will have top-notch attention and buzz before the show even starts, and I can continue to maintain my popularity."

Upon hearing this, Li Jingmei recalled Li Jingcheng's impromptu, story-driven performance before signing the contract; his talent and on-screen presence were undeniable. An actor from a web series background might need some time to adjust, but with his background, handling a core role like Li Xuan in a television drama would be no problem at all.

Lee Mi-kyung quickly made a decision, her thoughts already turning to a more practical level. "Perfect timing. We've been stuck on the investment ratio and revenue sharing with MBC regarding the historical drama we're co-producing next year." She looked at Kim Min-joo, her decision made. "Let's use this as a bargaining chip. Tell MBC that CJ can accept their previous revenue sharing proposal, with the condition that Lee Kyung-sung must play the male lead, Lee Hwon, in 'The Moon Embracing the Sun.' This is the final condition, there's no room for negotiation. Get them a clear answer by today."

Li Jingmei looked at Li Jingcheng and said in a flat tone, "Go and read the original novel first. You need to perform well for me. There will be an audition process later."

"Understood, Representative." Li Jingcheng understood immediately and also took out his phone to search for relevant novel information.

"Alright," Li Jingmei leaned back in her chair, signifying that she was seeing the guests off. "Go and get ready. Minzhu, contact them immediately and finalize all the procedures today."

"Yes, Representative. I'll take care of it right away."

Kim Min-joo stood up briskly, bowed slightly, and quickly left the office. A silent battle for resources surrounding a certain role had begun.

Park Jung-ho didn't interrupt at all, but silently put away one of the contracts and gave Lee Kyung-sung a friendly smile.

"Come with me, there are still some procedures to complete."

Onboarding?

A sense of novelty arose in Li Jingcheng's heart. He was quite curious whether joining an actor's company was the same as joining a regular company. He then got up and followed.

The two walked through a quiet corridor, at the end of which was the archive room for the actors' management department.

The staff were already waiting inside. First, they took photos: front, side, and full-body shots—three sets of standard artist profile photos. Light and shadow briefly lingered on his face, then the information was entered into the system; his basic information was silently added to CJ's internal casting database and the official artist database. Next came the measurements: height, weight, shoulder width, leg length, shoe size—the cold measuring tape pressed against his body, along with his skin condition, all accurately recorded to prepare for future makeup and styling by the production team.

Park Jung-ho whispered instructions for the follow-up arrangements, "After you join the company, we will immediately start your debut promotion. We'll begin with silhouette teasers and reveal your name on CJ's official fan cafe and tvN's social media accounts. Later, we'll coordinate with the casting news for 'The Moon Embracing the Sun' to build up the suspense surrounding this heavyweight newcomer. However, Kim Min-joo will be in charge of this. You'll also have a few magazine shoots later on, gradually whetting the market's appetite. Around the time you join the production team, the drama will officially release your character photos and announce your role. Leveraging the momentum of this drama, you'll make your official first appearance."

After the last piece of data was entered, the system beeped softly.

An artist file bearing the bright red seal of CJ ENM's Actors Headquarters is now in effect.

Lee Kyung-sung's career in the Korean entertainment industry truly began from this moment.