Rebirth: King to Superstar

Chapter 76 - Kar Jung

Kar Jung took the vest from Joon-won and tried it on. He flexed his body a little and noticed it was good enough before sending another thumbs up towards him. 

He patted Joon-won and asked, "Alright then, that's it from me. Tell me what's your name? What are you studying?" 

Joon-won replied while packing the needle and thread set, "My name is Joon-won. I'm studying at Arios Drama University. I'm in my first year." and looked up at the man. He felt this man was also somehow special. He seemed very easygoing, making even him respond. This guy seemed awfully close to him in his previous life for some reason. 

"Well, my name is Kar Jung. I'm a lifetime theatre actor at this point. So if you got any doubts then come to me. I'll see if I can help." he cheerfully introduced himself while pointing at himself. 

Joon-won looked at him, confused, and asked, "Lifetime theatre actor? You don't want to act in movies?" he felt that was the ultimate goal for everyone who wanted to act. The theatre in this world seemed like a simple stepping stone and this guy claimed to be a lifetime actor.

Kar Jung laughed and replied, "You heard me right. I am a lifetime theatre actor, not a movie actor. Do not get me wrong, not to boast I have some offers to act in a few present movies but that suffocated movie set is not for me. I like it here in a theatre, where it is more easy-going and I know most of the people. I have worked in this drama house since its first drama. So it's like a 2nd home for me. So I am more comfortable here instead of those movie sets. It's ok if I don't get more money or become more famous. At least I can continue to act without problems here." 

Joon-won understood this man when he said that. The old man was very used to the theatre style and pace that the movie set style and pace was disturbing for him. He couldn't adapt and decided to only act here. He actually thought of himself facing this problem. After all, he was also similar and never entered a movie set and did not know what to expect. But he wanted to be on a better stage and for that, he had to move forward despite the problems. He knew the solution to all the problems he might face. Become famous and let people know his value. Then most of the problems will be washed away automatically. 

Joon-won nodded and looked at the man before asking, "Are you free tonight? I have something to ask you." he knew immediately after listening to this guy that he was the one who could solve most of his problems. He didn't get to watch the video yesterday and decided to ask this guy if he could watch it with him and ask what mistakes he was doing. 

Kar Jung looked at the young man before him and was taken back. He felt this guy was special and talked to him, now he was getting asked if he had free time. He thought for a second and answered, "Now that is a difficult question, but it looks like you have a lot in your mind and want answers. Sure, I will ask my wife if it's ok and tell you by 6."

Joon-won nodded and stood up to go back. He looked at Kar Jung and said, "Have a good day, then. I'll be waiting for your reply." Kar Jung nodded and Joon-won walked out of the room. 

Kar Jung continued to look at the door and thought, 'This young man is more complicated than what San Min and Do Hwan told me. I thought to do this for old times' sake but now I want to do it for myself.' 

Kar Jung, Do Hwan, and San Min knew each other for almost 2 decades and were very close. It was also Do Hwan and San Min who told him about a young talented actor he might need to help. He agreed to both their requests and was curious, but now after interacting with Joon-won he was curious about what was that made his two friends curious. 

Joon-won without knowing what the three friends were doing behind his back was already in the costume room with the room as full as ever. He walked up to Pak Shin who was checking an actor's costumes and said, "I'm done with Kar Jung's costume check. There were a few adjustments and made corrections. Who should I take next?" 

Pak Shin looked at him before turning towards the crowd and shouting, "Guys, we have another guy who can help you adjust your costumes. He is pretty good so you guys don't need to worry." Making many look at him before crowding him with their costumes. The rest members of the costume group sighed in relief as their lines got shorter.

Joon-won wiggled his way into his seat and kept all his stuff on the table before turning towards the person in his line. Time fasted quicker than yesterday as they went over one actor after another and took 3 hours before every actor was satisfied. Gim Tae was on the floor, looking dead, Do Ryung was lying face-first on his desk while Seok Yun was taking her arm to support herself. Joon-won leaned against the wall exhaling in exhaustion. Those were rough 3 hours. People seemed endless at one point.

"Ugh, finally we are done. So many people this time." Gim Tae groaned out his complaints. 

"Alright, you guys can go back home early today as our work is done. We need to come back tomorrow just in case but only for a little while so it's ok." Pak shin clapped his hands and announced. 

Everyone thanked him in a low voice but no one got up. Pak shin nodded at all of them before walking out of the room. Joon-won looked around and asked Do Ryung, who was beside him, "Do Ryung, do you know who this Kar Jung is? He seems to be the oldest among all the actors." 

"Are you asking about Kar Jung? That guy is the best. He is like the father of this drama house. He is a kind guy." Gim Tae sprang up from exhaustion and answered. As soon as he said that both Seok Yun and Do Ryung nodded.

"Yeah, he is super kind. He helps everyone in the drama house and is like a father. Almost everyone respects him a lot. He even helped us three last year when the workload was heavy and he didn't audition for any role because he didn't feel like it. He stayed in this room and helped us a lot. We all like him. Why did you suddenly ask?" Do Ryung answered. 

Joon-won was surprised at both of their bursts. It seemed like those two really did respect Kar Jung. 

"Oh, it's nothing. I was helping him fix his costume today, and we both talked a little. He seemed too kind and I just wanted to ask who he was." 

Gim Tae nodded and said, "Yeah, Kar Jung is too kind for his own good. I mean he helped even a guy who was the biggest douchebag in the theatre history even when that idiot not only didn't appreciate the help but also mocked him a lot. Well, he got kicked out by the boss later on so everything went well." 

"Yeah, his acting is also very refined and experienced. Many of the new actors learn from him a lot. So he is also like a mentor. I heard he had many opportunities in some pretty big movies but rejected them because he didn't feel like going deep into the movies. He just wanted to test out the waters." Seol Yun, who was always quiet, joined the conversation. 

Joon-won nodded and took out his phone. Gim Tae got up from the ground and asked, "Are you guys free tonight too?"

Joon-won shook his head and replied, "No I got some work to do tonight." He hoped Kar Jung would agree even more after hearing what the people had to say about him. But even if he gets denied, he decided to go home early and watch his audition clip to analyze it. 

"Yeah, I also have some work to do. So you are on your own today." Do Ryung patted his shoulder before walking out of the room with his bag. 

Time passed by and Gim Tae and Seok Yun also left the room. Now Joon-won was alone in the room, waiting for Kar Jung. He said he would inform at 6 and it was almost 6. 

The door opened, and he heard Kar Jung's voice. "What? The room is empty? Did the guy leave?" 

Joon-won stood up and said, "I'm still here Kar Jung." 

Kar Jung took a peek inside and looked at him before replying, "Oh, you are here. Let's go to my house. My wife told me to bring you home for dinner instead of us eating food outside. So, come on." He waved his hand.