Chapter 11

Contract (3)

When Kang Ujin first arrived at the Ciblue Studio building, he was greeted with:

"Hello, Mr. Kang Ujin."

It was the same man he had seen in the meeting room. The production manager of 'Profiler Hanryang.' He had a generally sharp look. What was strange was the way he treated Ujin.

"Come this way, please."

At first glance, Ujin seemed ordinary, but there was a slight sense of discomfort.

'Something feels off. Does he dislike me?'

The production manager exuded a mix of kindness and unease. As they stepped into the elevator, he suddenly started spouting peculiar words.

"Phew—First, Mr. Kang Ujin. This is almost unprecedented. I have some experience in production, but this is a first for me. The process you went through for the audition, or the negotiation of today's appearance fee, for example."

Negotiation? Am I negotiating my appearance fee today? Although he didn't understand it immediately, Kang Ujin maintained a stern silence. The production manager then began to explain.

"To be honest, I'm a bit conflicted. However, the PD and the writer are determined to proceed, and they both really like you. From my perspective, I should discourage it, but both of them are so passionate about their work..."

The production manager's voice trailed off as he met Ujin's eyes. A sense of seriousness lingered in his gaze.

"If you have any thoughts on the appearance fee... I can't say how much it will be, but the amount you'll hear today is already above average. Even if you feel a bit disappointed, please understand that it's based on the current market and all aspects of production."

At this point, Kang Ujin sensed a hint of misunderstanding. But the production manager continued without hesitation.

"I know you're somewhat unconventional. Your value is certainly included. I heard you're self-taught in acting. Your long and arduous journey is also considered. Of course, this is acknowledged by the PD and the writer."

"Is that so?"

"Just remember, if you decide to make your debut, you need to be mindful of the audience's perception. It's not good to start with controversy."

This guy is surprisingly considerate. He's actually worried about me. Regardless, the production manager sighed and concluded.

"Before meeting the PD, I thought this might help you with your decision."

"I understand."

Kang Ujin maintained a poker face. In fact, he had already lowered his expectations due to Kim Daeyoung's words at the meat restaurant yesterday.

'Honestly, I should be grateful for 3,000 won per episode. Being cast in this situation is like a life-changing event.'

Still, he hoped for more than 3,000 won. But now, seeing the production manager's reaction, he wondered:

'Is it okay to have some expectations?'

It was a bit unsettling. And this unease became even more apparent when he met Song Manwoo, the bearded PD.

"Ujin, your appearance fee is 2.5 million won per episode. How does that sound?"

2.5 million won? About 900 times more than 3,000 won. For a moment, Kang Ujin's composure wavered. His poker face twitched slightly.

'Wait a minute. I don't know if it's pre-tax or post-tax, but 2.5 million is more than my monthly salary?'

He had been earning about 2.3 million won at the design company.

In any case, it was a subtle change that most people wouldn't notice, but Song Manwoo, with his years of directing experience and keen eye, didn't miss it.

'Does he feel it's insufficient? Hmm... After all, the role of Park Daeri is quite challenging.'

Meanwhile, Ujin was recalling the production manager's earlier words. This situation was indeed unique.

In other words, 2.5 million won per episode was highly abnormal.

At this moment:

"Ujin, the typical appearance fee for a new actor ranges from 200,000 to 400,000 won per episode."

The expressionless Ujin and the calm Song Manwoo PD explained further.

"It varies slightly depending on the role, but that's the general range. However, you are a special case, and we decided it would be a waste to treat you as a new actor."

That judgment was nice. But Ujin's "nice" wasn't over yet.

"Just to be clear, the 2.5 million we're offering per episode includes reruns, YouTube, and other additional fees."

"Um—"

Ujin let out a low hum. He was inwardly celebrating, but it was a deliberate act. Meanwhile, Song Manwoo PD seemed to be doing the calculations for him.

"Currently, the number of episodes for the role of Park Daeri is undetermined, but we expect at least four. If you appear in just four episodes, it will be in the millions. If you appear in later episodes through flashbacks or dreams, you'll still receive the appearance fee. It will be more than ten million."

Kang Ujin responded with a calmness that he was trying to maintain.

"I had a rough idea."

Suddenly, the figure in the millions was mentioned. Moreover, the additional fees for reruns and YouTube were separate.

Wow, even for a special case, I didn't expect this much. What about someone like Hong Hyeon, a super top actor? Or even someone a level below her?

The answer came from Song Manwoo PD at the right moment.

"Ujin, you'll be making more than ten million per episode soon, you know."

Kang Ujin paused. More than ten million per episode? Is this something that only happens in news articles? Song Manwoo PD asked him again.

"So, 2.5 million per episode. How does that sound?"

"..."

But Kang Ujin didn't answer immediately. The situation was strange. 2.5 million per episode wasn't insufficient; it was more than enough. Then, Ujin suddenly wondered.

No, he needed to be sure. He needed to know his current value.

Others didn't know, but Kang Ujin lacked information about the entertainment industry. He preferred to know clearly rather than have a vague sense. This would give him confidence for future negotiations.

So, Kang Ujin asked, his voice calm and composed.

"Is my value around 2.5 million per episode?"

To Song Manwoo PD, it looked like this:

'...The slight twitch in his expression earlier and his current reaction. He must feel it's a bit insufficient.'

It was a heavy and negative atmosphere, a result of the concept Ujin had been building up until now.

A short silence followed.

At this moment, a cool voice from writer Park Eunmi echoed in Song Manwoo PD's mind.

'I'll just say one thing. Don't skimp on the money.'

Soon, Song Manwoo PD slowly nodded.

Yes, the money isn't the most important thing. Capturing Kang Ujin is the key. The role of Park Daeri is a crucial character in the early part of the series. And the arrogant monster in front of him would undoubtedly be worth many times the money. He's a rare and valuable talent, not a common actor. Song Manwoo PD had seen it with his own eyes.

With that, Song Manwoo PD glanced at the production manager sitting next to him.

"Okay, Ujin."

He suddenly called out to Kang Ujin.

"3.5 million per episode. This is my personal judgment, and it's unprecedented in my directing career."

The appearance fee suddenly increased.

The production manager's resigned face, with his eyes closed, was a bonus. Soon, Song Manwoo PD confirmed it.

"In return, we'll add a confidentiality clause regarding your casting process to the contract. How does that sound?"

Kang Ujin, who had been frozen, met Song Manwoo PD's eyes and replied calmly.

"I think it's fair."

Afterward.

Kang Ujin received a detailed explanation of the contract from Song Manwoo PD and the production manager. He also learned about the overall schedule for the production of 'Profiler Hanryang.'

Most of the explanations were given by the production manager.

"Ujin, as you may have heard, our project is currently in pre-production. But the pace is fast. It's natural, given that it's a project by PD Song and writer Park. The entire staff team is already in place, and the set construction is ongoing. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin the main casting process. The key point is that the pace is very fast."

The explanation was long, but in summary: the staff team is complete, set construction is underway, and the main casting process will begin tomorrow. The key was the fast pace, made possible by the renowned director and writer.

From investment to production and promotion, there were no obstacles. For Kang Ujin, it was a flood of information he had never heard before, most of which he couldn't fully understand. Still, he tried to remember the key points.

His memory wasn't bad; it was essential for meticulous design work.

While maintaining his cool and composed demeanor, Kang Ujin responded.

"I see."

Or "I understand," and so on. He decided to go with the flow. The meeting was nearing its end, and Song Manwoo PD took the lead.

"Ujin, I'll send you the official script when it's ready, and I'll contact you around the third episode. Normally, it would go through your agency, but you don't have one yet, right?"

"Yes, not yet."

"Don't worry. Even without an agency, it won't be inconvenient. We can prepare costumes and other things before the shoot. We'll pay more attention to it. There's no need to look for an agency right away."

"..."

"Once 'Profiler Hanryang' airs, entertainment companies will naturally approach you. It might even happen before that."

"Then, what do I need to prepare?"

"Maybe just focus on acting practice for now. I'll give you the first draft of the script today."

The production manager followed up.

"Given the current pace, we'll likely start the script reading at the end of this month or early next month."

Thus,

"Ujin, I look forward to your performance as Park Daeri."

"I'll do my best."

Kang Ujin confirmed the contract.

"Hehe, I'm very grateful for your effort, Ujin. When writer Park hears this, he'll be thrilled."

In other words, he was officially joining the cast of a highly anticipated series.

A few minutes later.

Kang Ujin walked out of the Ciblue Studio building with a calm demeanor. The cold wind blew, and he tightened his padded jacket.

*Ziiik.*

He paused, looking down at the contract in his hand. He glanced behind him and muttered to himself.

"Unbelievable. I really signed the contract."

Today, Kang Ujin had a new title: actor. Actor Kang Ujin. Could life change so drastically in just one day?

At that moment.

*Swish.*

People passed by Kang Ujin, and he mused as he watched the dozens of pedestrians on the sidewalk.

"Now... these people will see me on TV?"

He felt a strange emotion, but it wasn't immediately tangible. A tingling sensation began to rise. This must be what they call excitement.

In any case, Kang Ujin's life had changed 180 degrees.

From that moment on, he was an actor. As he walked, his shoulders seemed to rise. Then, he suddenly thought:

'Agency—Will I have an agency soon? That means I'll have a manager, right? Wow, a manager? That sounds impressive.'

His thoughts extended to the agency. Of course, he had heard about it from Song Manwoo PD earlier, but Kim Daeyoung's words from yesterday felt more real.

'Agency? Whether big or small, the pros and cons are clear. A large agency provides strong support but with a lot of interference. A small agency might be less supportive but more focused. Why do they ask about agencies?'

It was a slightly troubling thought, but it was a happy one. When would the day come for him to choose an agency? As Kang Ujin smiled slightly,

*Vroom, vroom.*

His phone in his padded jacket pocket vibrated. It was a call, and the caller was:

-Mom.

It was Kang Ujin's mother. At that moment, reality hit him.

"Ah, right. I need to tell my parents."

Kang Ujin's parents lived in Jinju, Gyeongnam. Ignoring his younger sister, he needed to inform his parents about this matter.

Thus,

*Swish.*

Kang Ujin took a deep breath and put the phone to his ear.

"Hello, Mom."

He heard his mother's slightly rough voice immediately.

"Where are you?"

"I'm out for a bit. Why?"

"Why? Have you changed jobs?"

"Ah, yeah. I guess you could say that."

"What?"

His mother's surprised response. In response, Kang Ujin cut to the chase.

"Mom, I think I'm going to be an actor."

"..."

There was a brief silence, then his mother's voice was filled with question marks.

"Are you going to the hospital???"

Two days later, on Sunday, the 16th.

The weekend had arrived. Interestingly, from Saturday to today, rumors about Kang Ujin had been spreading, though not openly.

"Isn't there a project by writer Park? I heard the role of Park Daeri has already been cast."

Rumors were spreading about the hidden actor. It was a natural phenomenon, given that 'Profiler Hanryang' was a hot topic in various production companies and entertainment agencies. Moreover, the casting information for the role of Park Daeri had already spread widely.

"Isn't it true that the second actor for 'Profiler Hanryang' has been confirmed, besides Hong Hyeon?"

"Really? I'm hearing this for the first time."

The source of the rumors was Ciblue Studio. Initially, only a few people knew, but as rumors often do, they grew.

"What's the name of the actor playing Park Daeri?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's a top actor they're keeping secret?"

By Sunday afternoon, the news had reached the over a hundred staff members of 'Profiler Hanryang,' including the filming team, lighting team, costume team, and set team. The confirmation of the actor was not unusual.

"Lighting director, have you heard? The actor for Park Daeri has been confirmed."

"I know, I know. A