Chapter 15

Short Story (4)

"Phoenix??"

The voice of Director Shin Dongchun on the other end of the phone became agitated.

"Sure, it's definitely a crazy performance I've never heard of before... But are you really going to call him that?!"

PD Song Manwoo, slightly lowering his voice due to Director Shin Dongchun's excitement, asked in return.

"How much of his acting have you seen?"

"About 3 minutes, according to the script."

"A bit more. If you watch it longer, you'll understand my reaction. Or, conversely, it means that in those short 3 minutes, you were captivated."

"Ah..."

"Besides, I'm not just judging him based on his absurd acting. There's something about him, his aura, his presence. He has a different kind of star quality."

There was a certain texture to the mysterious Kang Woojin that was clearly different from the usual top stars in the entertainment industry, but to PD Song Manwoo, it was fresh and a different kind of potential. At this point, Director Shin Dongchun changed the subject.

"...Writer Park also said he fell for Kang Woojin, right?"

"Yeah. From what I can see now, he's not just infatuated but almost considering him as a potential son-in-law."

"Wow, the picky Writer Park?"

"However, Kang Woojin is a bit too confident, like a sandpaper."

"I only saw him for a moment, but there was something different about the atmosphere. But isn't it 180 degrees different when he acts?"

"Exactly. He's destined to be a big star. That's the kind of person he is."

Thinking of the stern face of Kang Woojin, PD Song Manwoo smiled and checked his wristwatch again.

"Anyway, listen well. In conclusion, we've decided to cast him in our production, and Kang Woojin is the kind of guy who can casually outshine the top stars. The fact that he came to you personally to show his acting is significant."

"Significant?"

"I don't know how he got your script, but it means he has affection for your work, right? Otherwise, he wouldn't have shown up unexpectedly to perform. He's about to become a big star."

"Affection? For my 'Private Eye'?"

"Based on my judgment, yes. Of course, I've only seen him briefly, but he doesn't seem like the type who would go out of his way to find a project."

Soon, Director Shin Dongchun fell silent on the other end of the phone, and PD Song Manwoo added.

"In other words, Kang Woojin likes your 'Private Eye.' He wouldn't have put in that effort if he didn't have affection for it."

"I see... He has affection for my work..."

There were many errors in their conversation, especially regarding the word 'affection.' However, PD Song Manwoo, unaware of this, proceeded quickly.

"So, did you get his number??"

"Huh? No, I didn't. It was too sudden, and I couldn't get it."

"Hehe, you let him go without even looking back?"

"Yes, that's how it was."

"I'll give you his number. Since he came to you personally, it should be fine to share it. Contact him and meet properly. You'll understand my feelings."

"Understood, sir."

After hanging up, PD Song Manwoo said to himself.

"He came to me personally... I'm a bit jealous."

"Jealous? At this age?"

A moment later, inside the VIP room.

PD Song Manwoo, Writer Park Eunmi, and the key production staff and lead actors of 'Profiler Hanryang' were continuing their meeting with light laughter.

Naturally, they were also having a meal.

At first glance, it seemed like a place where silly jokes were being exchanged, but amidst the laughter, they made sure to clarify important points. Most of the conversation started with PD Song Manwoo, but this time, it was Writer Park Eunmi, who was tying her long perm, who spoke.

"Let's see... Our Ryu Jungmin, you need to adjust your diet until the script reading, right?"

Soon, the lead actor and top star, Ryu Jungmin, who was sitting opposite, pointed at himself and laughed.

"Ah, Writer, should I lose weight? Here, more?"

"Yes. Did you really rest well during the break? You look a bit heavier now."

"Haha, I didn't rest. I just went fishing a lot and ate too much sashimi. Understood. Since it's a direct order from Writer Park, I'll follow it, of course."

"Keep your hair long until we have a clear style concept."

"Of course, Writer."

Behind Writer Park Eunmi, PD Song Manwoo also requested something from Hong Hyeon.

"Hong Star, the clothes you sent last time were too flashy. Ask the stylists to focus on more casual outfits. I'll mention it at the production meeting as well."

Hong Hyeon, who swept her long hair back, smiled.

"Oh, I can see that just from the first part of the script. Our characters are a bit ambitious. I'll make sure to clarify it."

"Alright, then."

"But, PD, when you were on the phone earlier, you mentioned Kang...?"

"Hmm?"

Hong Hyeon started to say something but then closed her mouth. In fact, she was curious about the name Kang Woojin that came up during PD Song Manwoo's call, but she held back because there were many people around.

"No, I'll tell you later."

"Huh? Ah, okay, then."

At this moment.

"But, PD."

The lead actor, Ryu Jungmin, who was holding a water glass, asked PD Song Manwoo, who was looking at Hong Hyeon.

"Who is the actor playing 'Park Daeri'? I've only heard rumors, and no one seems to know for sure?"

"Hmm, that's..."

"Is it the same actor you mentioned in the interview as the scene-stealer?"

"Yes."

"Who is it? Ah, I'm so curious."

His words were echoed by the other actors, who looked at PD Song Manwoo with curiosity. Only Hong Hyeon seemed disinterested. Ryu Jungmin leaned forward and continued.

"From the first part of the script, I think I'll be interacting with 'Park Daeri' the most. Can you give me a hint to help me imagine the character?"

"Hmm..."

"Is it really Kim Huyan? Or someone else? I heard there were rumors about an overseas actor. Could it be someone from Hollywood?"

"Maybe."

"Wow, is there a reason to keep it so secret?"

Feeling frustrated, Ryu Jungmin became a bit excited, but PD Song Manwoo just smiled.

"Surprise?"

"Huh??"

"To shock the audience, you have to surprise your own team first. It's like a firework for the viewers. Just wait. You'll all see at the script reading anyway."

"Haha, I understand. But I'm really curious. Even the staff don't know."

Writer Park Eunmi, who was sitting next to PD Song Manwoo, nudged him.

"PD, didn't you say you'd ask the actors about this today?"

PD Song Manwoo, who had been hesitating, met the eyes of the production manager.

"Everyone, listen. This is still undecided, but for the script reading, we're thinking of going on a group trip to foster camaraderie."

He relayed this to the actors sitting in front.

"What do you think? Won't it be fun?"

A few hours later, late at night, in Kang Woojin's one-room apartment.

It was past 10 PM. Kang Woojin, who had just showered, appeared, shaking his wet hair. Soon, he opened the refrigerator and chugged a bottle of water. His gaze then moved downward.

-Swoosh.

His eyes landed on two piles of paper. One was the first part of the script for 'Profiler Hanryang' that he had received from PD Song Manwoo, and the other was the script for the short film 'Private Eye.'

Of course, the black rectangle was still attached.

Kang Woojin scratched his chin as he looked at the script for 'Private Eye,' recalling the events of the afternoon at Blue Vision Films.

"Well, is 'Private Eye' off the table? From what I saw earlier, it seemed like the lead and supporting roles were already cast."

Kang Woojin had gone to the film company on a whim. He could have been turned away, but fortunately, he was able to show his acting due to a misunderstanding by the director.

"That square-jawed man was the director, right? He seemed a bit surprised."

Given his extraordinary ability in the pocket dimension, it was understandable that he was surprised, but that was all. No matter how good his performance, in reality, the power of a contract is stronger. Then, Kang Woojin recalled the chubby man, Park, and the attractive couple who came with him.

"They must be the lead and supporting actors. They were incredibly good-looking. Are there so many unknowns like that in the entertainment industry? It's intense."

Kang Woojin felt lucky to have joined 'Profiler Hanryang.' Regardless, 'Private Eye' was off the table.

"'Private Eye,' it's a bit of a shame, but it's not a big loss."

He had found the script quite interesting and the world of 'Private Eye' he experienced through the pocket dimension was thrilling.

"When the wife character smelled me, I almost lost it."

But there was no real regret. At least, not in Kang Woojin's mind. He was still at the beginning of his acting career, and 'Private Eye' wasn't his only script. That was the extent of his feelings.

Therefore.

-Thud.

Kang Woojin casually tossed the 'Private Eye' script into a corner of the room. Soon, his interest in 'Private Eye' faded from his mind. He lay down on the bed and, as usual, picked up his phone to go online.

-Woo, woo.

The phone vibrated. It was a call. However, the number on the screen was not saved. Frowning slightly, Kang Woojin muttered.

"What is it? My phone has been so busy lately."

He had been receiving frequent calls from unknown numbers recently. Nevertheless, he put the phone to his ear.

"Hello."

A unfamiliar male voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Is this Kang Woojin?"

"Yes. Who is this?"

"Ah, I'm Shin Dongchun, the director you met at Blue Vision Films earlier. Do you remember? You showed me your acting."

Instantly, Kang Woojin recalled the square-jawed man he met at the film company that afternoon. The director? But why is he calling at this hour? And how did he get my number? Ah, let's start with the voice. Kang Woojin, already hoarse from the night, made his voice even deeper.

"Are you the director of 'Private Eye'?"

"Yes."

"How did you get my number? I never gave it to you."

It was a genuine question. Kang Woojin had never given his number to anyone. On the other end, Director Shin Dongchun's response was apologetic.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I got your number from PD Song Manwoo."

"PD Song Manwoo?"

"Yes."

PD Song Manwoo? Why is he involved? Kang Woojin furrowed his brow and tilted his head. Director Shin Dongchun, sensing his confusion, spoke cautiously.

"Kang Woojin, can I meet you again?"

"Can you tell me the reason first?"

"Ah, I have something to discuss with you as an actor. If you tell me where you live, I'll come over right now."

This is a bit too much.

"Right now?"

"Yes, I'll come immediately."

Kang Woojin felt very uncomfortable.

"No, let's meet tomorrow morning."

The next morning, at a café near Kang Woojin's one-room apartment.

Director Shin Dongchun was sitting alone at a café in the Yongsan Suji area. He was there because the mysterious actor, Kang Woojin, lived nearby. Regardless, Director Shin Dongchun looked quite haggard. His beard was stubbly, and he had dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep.

As he sighed and loosened his light jacket, the café door opened, and a man in a long padded jacket entered. It was Kang Woojin, with his usual expressionless face. As soon as he saw Kang Woojin, Director Shin Dongchun thought:

"Indeed... As PD Song Manwoo said, he's different from any other actor."

He raised his hand to get Kang Woojin's attention.

"Over here!"

Kang Woojin, with his usual expressionless face, greeted him briefly and sat across from Director Shin Dongchun. The conversation began quickly.

"Hello, Kang Woojin."

"Hello."

Kang Woojin's response was very reserved. It was even more cynical than the day before. Of course, from Director Shin Dongchun's perspective. Nevertheless, he continued.

"I'm sorry for calling you so suddenly last night. I was thinking it over and felt it was a bit intrusive."

"That's fine. What did you want to say?"

Director Shin Dongchun, looking intently at Kang Woojin across from him, swallowed hard. He then spoke.

"Although it's sudden, Kang Woojin, you read my script, 'Private Eye,' right? What do you think of it?"

Director Shin Dongchun's voice trembled slightly. It was as if he was confessing his feelings.

On the other hand.

"..."

Kang Woojin stared at Director Shin Dongchun without any change in expression. His face was unreadable. This went on for about 10 seconds. Then, Kang Woojin spoke calmly.

"It's a script I have affection for."

Director Shin Dongchun's eyes widened.

"Affection?"

At the same time, he felt a lump in his throat.

For over two years, almost three years, he had endured countless rejections and hardships. To hear that someone had affection for his script was a relief. Kang Woojin was the first actor to express affection for his work. Director Shin Dongchun was deeply moved.

By that single word from the stoic Kang Woojin.

"Affection...?"

"Yes, affection."

Following this, Director Shin Dongchun, feeling a lump in his throat, looked at the expressionless Kang Woojin and thought to himself.

"Always, my script was only met with rejection. My 'Private Eye.' But... affection? From an actor who doesn't even know me."

Director Shin Dongchun's sense of rejection quickly turned to deep emotion. The word 'affection' from Kang Woojin resonated deeply with him. Honestly, when PD Song Manwoo had said:

"I don't know how he got your script, but he must have a lot of affection for your work."

Director Shin Dongchun hadn't fully agreed.

But now, he was convinced by the word 'affection' that Kang Woojin had just spoken so calmly. This actor, who had captivated giants like PD Song Manwoo and Writer Park Eunmi, and who had joined a major production like 'Profiler Hanryang,' had such a keen sense of acting. For such an actor to have affection for a short film script by an unknown director? The many hardships and wounds that had accumulated in Director Shin Dongchun's heart began to heal. All the times he had been trampled and ignored. His current life had been hell.

Soon, his eyes, filled with deep emotion, turned red.

"Thank you. Thank you, Kang Woojin. Really."

Kang Woojin, with his poker face, remained silent, looking at Director Shin Dongchun across from him.

"..."

He subtly tilted his head.

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