S106

Society Protocol- 6

Acting Class

Min-hyuk went around looking for ways to become an actor in earnest.

In the industry, it was difficult to land a role unless one had grown up as a child actor from a young age or was a graduate of a theater or film major.

Occasionally, in the case of women, there were instances where contestants known as beauty pageants or supermodels became actors,

but recently, the number of actors who started out as singers was increasing.

Min-hyuk himself knew better than anyone that he was in a situation where he was neither here nor there.

However, because he had experience as a child actor and had also worked as a child clothing model,

if he included that in his profile, he might have felt like a veteran child actor.

But reality is not such an easy place.

Especially for actors who belong to the entertainment industry.

First of all, if he wanted to take on even a minor role, he needed to at least be able to get information about auditions.

However, he wasn't affiliated with an agency, nor was he a well-known figure who would come looking for him.

So, thinking that attending an acting academy might help him get some information, he decided to re-enroll at the academy he used to attend.

The exam period was fast approaching. But since he was a freshman and planned to enlist in the military anyway,

he decided on his own that he would focus on managing his grades starting from then on.

The tuition for the academy was quite steep.

The earnings from his part-time job at a cafe and his weekend extra work were barely enough to cover his allowance.

So, he had no choice but to ask his parents for money.

Of course, Minhyuk's mother felt proud of her son for declaring that he would no longer accept an allowance now that he was a college student.

And for the sake of her son, who was finding a way to earn money on his own through part-time work,

she had been saving money little by little.

It was an amount that was more than enough to cover the academy registration fee.

His father did not object much either.

He promised to support him, thinking that he would enjoy life as a freshman college student before going to the army anyway, and that rather than going around drinking and getting into fights,

he would at least take care of himself and not act recklessly.

And since it was a promise made from the very beginning, and he thought that it would not be easy for his son to just live a normal life,

He decided that it would be better to let him do as he wanted.

Min-hyuk, who had taken basic classes at an academy a few months ago, wanted to take a more in-depth, practical lesson. He paid a little extra and signed up for a class taught by an instructor who was currently active as an actor.

Although the instructor was not a popular leading actor, he was a supporting actor who frequently appeared on TV and in movies,

and was capable of handling both serious and comedic roles.

He was an actor who became particularly famous for teaching acting to actors who were former idol singers.

Overall, the academy offered classes on basic acting and voice tone control, as well as classes on expressing oneself through the body.

There were also theory classes for understanding plays, and self-study sessions where students shared their thoughts while watching movies.

However, this instructor, a former actor, used a method of gathering everything at once and passing on his know-how exactly as it was.

He also served as a counselor, analyzing each student's character to strengthen areas that needed improvement and elevate areas that were lacking.

Therefore, whenever singer-turned-actors who had risen from fledglings to major stars through his guidance appeared on TV talk shows or variety programs, he would often appear alongside them.

Although it was difficult to gain direct popularity,

he realized that this was one way to make the public recognize his talent,

and thus, he was particularly enthusiastic about nurturing his students.

Instructors who were former professors or famous leading actors sometimes appeared intimidating and arrogant,

and those strong in theory did not devote much effort to providing individualized, customized instruction or focusing on aspects other than actual acting.

And this instructor, a former supporting actor, recognized that his students were his very secret to survival.

"There are Shakespeare's four great tragedies. Does anyone know what they are?"

The classroom had one side made of mirrors and a wood-grain floor, while the other side was made of floor-to-ceiling glass, so the inside was visible from the outside.

Jang Seung-hyun, a former supporting actor writing on a movable whiteboard, asked the question while looking at the eight male and female students.

The youngest female student raised her hand and answered.

"Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth."

She was a pretty girl who looked to be around middle school age.

This class consisted of this middle school girl, four male and female students preparing for entrance exams, Min-hyuk in his 20s, a female student,

and a grandfather who was a former senior model.

These eight people were mixed together taking the class.

“You did very well. I don’t know who taught you, but the teacher is... I won’t say any more. Now then, who are the four greatest sages of the world?”

A male high school student in the entrance exam class raised his hand.

“Jesus, Socrates, Confucius, and Siddhartha Gautama.”

“Then, what do these four sages have in common? Does anyone know?”

Min-hyuk also thought for a moment.

[Being a saint, being famous, and being associated with religion—it doesn't seem like Socrates, and since Confucius is Confucianism, is Confucianism a religion too?]

A mischievous male high school student in the entrance exam class raised his hand.

“They are all dead.”

A slight smile crossed his face for a moment, but the teacher shook his index finger from side to side. Just like the famous veteran actor Cha In-pyo.

“That’s a dangerous thing to say. Jesus resurrected, and Siddhartha Gautama became a Buddha.

It would be a disaster if a religious figure heard that. You always have to be careful when it comes to religion.

The same goes for politics.

If you get swayed by their wishes and make comments about religion or politics,

at first it might seem like they support you, but it’s similar to turning everyone else into an enemy.

I believe maintaining neutrality is the most right thing to do.

Well, it doesn't matter at all what religion you practice or what your political leanings are here,

but it is better to be careful about expressing them in front of the public.

No, it is better to stay away from them altogether. That is my opinion.

This is just my personal opinion, so please take it with a grain of salt.”

Min-hyok raised his hand.

“Teacher, then what is the commonality among the Four Great Sages?”

“Can’t you think of it right away? It is that they had the power to draw the masses,

and at the very forefront of those masses were outstanding disciples.

They had disciples. They needed disciples.

Jesus had 12 disciples, and later, a capable disciple named Paul emerged,

and it became a global religion.

Siddhartha Gautama also had ten famous disciples, and basically, over a thousand disciples followed him.

It was those disciples who conveyed the stories of the Buddha.

Socrates also had disciples, and there are famous figures like Plato.

Confucius also had disciples like Zigong and Yan Hui.

The commonality among the Four Great Sages, in my opinion, is that they all had disciples.”

The students in the class nodded as if hearing it for the first time.

“It is said that although Jesus spoke many wise words, He did not leave any writings directly behind.

They were all conveyed through writings by people like John, Matthew, and Paul.

It is also said that the Buddha did not leave any words behind. The Buddha spoke.

These were all transmitted by His disciples.

The same goes for Confucius and Socrates. It was all transmitted by their disciples.

Rather, the teachers shone because their disciples were even more outstanding and excellent.

I believe this: if a teacher has outstanding disciples, they can become a world-class sage.

Me teaching you all?

Of course, I use the tuition fees to buy delicious food, and the clothes I'm wearing right now were all given to me by you.

To be precise, I believe your parents worked their fingers to the bone to give me these clothes as a gift.

Why did they give them to me? They gave them all so that their children would succeed.

I know it’s a bit embarrassing to say this, but there are probably quite a few parents who sent their children here thinking, "My kids aren't studying; they just look in the mirror, take pictures, and post them online."

They probably thought it would be better for them to become actors rather than just doing that.

However, I am not teaching you for the sake of improving my own financial situation.

Make sure you understand this clearly: you are my students.

If you succeed, I receive the praise, but if you cause trouble, get reported in the news, and receive harsh criticism for your terrible acting,

I, your teacher, am the one who gets cursed at. We have become a community bound by fate.

Right now, starting from this very moment, today.

And just like the four great sages I respect, I am convinced that only when you all prosper can I draw near to becoming a sage.

As you all know, I am a decent actor, but my popularity isn't at a level where people cry and crowds flock to me, making it impossible for me to go home.

However, I do have a fan club.

It’s not that huge, but there are people who love me passionately.

So I don't feel too sad or angry.

But the problem is viewership ratings and the ability to draw in audiences. Are acting skills and popularity the same thing?

I have been contemplating this for many years.

What is the relationship between acting and popularity? I have reached the conclusion that while it would be good to act well, there is no direct correlation between the two.

However, if you are popular and also good at acting? Then that leads to a long career and becoming a major star.

A superstar, I mean.

I firmly believe that no one is sitting here staking their entire life with the thought that they will just do a few minor roles and then quit.

If your dreams are that small, I recommend you go to a different class.

This is a gathering exclusively for those whose goal is to become a superstar—or at least those who intend to live their lives as actors, dedicating their entire lives to acting, even if they don't quite reach that level. Do you understand? ”

At the teacher's words, the students strengthened their resolve a little more. It felt like their motivation had been reinforced.

“And before we begin the class here, there is something you must promise me.

I am already somewhat famous, and as for some of you, I think I might have seen a few of you somewhere before,

but I’m not entirely sure. You are unknown. You are nobody.

However, if I see your potential in this field,

and mobilize everything I have to bring your abilities to the maximum,

what will you do for me in return? Do you think it’s over once you pay the tuition?

Then go somewhere where it costs just enough to cover the tuition. I want something bigger. Why?

Because I stand here prepared to give everything I have—everything very, very big.

You must not think that you are merely acting.

You must dedicate your entire being to your efforts.

When you succeed after dedicating and burning yourself out like that, and you think to yourself, "It may be very insignificant, but

I still helped to some extent. Yes, I contributed, however tiny, to achieving this level of success.

If you think that way, when you succeed, become a lead actor, and join a project,

you can say this to the director:

[There is a wonderful actor who is very good at acting; may I recommend them?] Say it like that. Do you understand?”

The students, feeling as if they had become big stars, clapped and answered loudly, "Yes."

“You should not only strive for your own success, but also think, 'I must succeed so that I can provide a job for our excellent teacher.' With this goal in mind, let us become a community of shared destiny. Although this period may not be very long, let us do our utmost together. I will convey everything, and you must absorb and hone your skills until the day you become the best actors.

Let us work together with all our might.

So, please concentrate on every class, don't miss a single word, a single movement, or a single tone of voice.

I ask that you follow along. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“Now then, as stated in your self-introduction, Min-hyuk, who has some experience, shall come forward first and share your experiences and aspirations? Min-hyuk, please come forward.”