Chapter 18

Twist (3)

"......A-list, top-tier, you mean? For 'Detective Agency'?"

The employee's expression showed that he found it hard to understand. In contrast, the representative of the bulldog-like Seo Guseop had a confident look in his eyes.

"How else would it make sense? Initially, 'Detective Agency' was a piece of trash that had been floating around for over two years after its completion, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"But then, we gave Jung-hyeok the lead role, and even though it's a package deal with the investment, they also attached some newcomers, right? How many things are being resolved at once here? Is there such a condition for a mere short film?"

"No, there isn't."

"But damn it, they accepted those conditions. Even if Jung-hyeok has some baggage from the past, it's just a short film with a few thousand production costs. Who would care about that?"

"......"

At this point, the employee glanced at Park Jung-hyeok, who was sitting on the five-person sofa at the back, and lowered his voice.

"If 'Detective Agency' is aiming for the 'Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival'......it might be a bit concerning."

"When would that be a concern? It's a miracle that such a film even gets made, and Jung-hyeok is a decent guy. Even worse guys manage to get into the 'Mise-en-Scène Film Festival'."

While exhaling smoke, Representative Seo Guseop moved towards the five-person sofa where Park Jung-hyeok was sitting.

"What does Park Siljang think? Didn't he take the newcomers to Shin Dong-chun? When he went, there were no signs of other actors being attached, right?"

"Yes, that's right. Apart from meeting an unknown actor for the first time, there was nothing else."

"Unknown?"

"Yes. It was a face he had never seen before."

At the word 'unknown actor,' Representative Seo Guseop clicked his tongue and reacted indifferently.

"Maybe he was just interviewing some extra. Those useless ones don't matter. Did Park Siljang say anything else?"

"No, nothing else. Director, if Shin Dong-chun has attached an A-list actor to the project, shouldn't Blue Vision Pictures know about it?"

"That's true."

Acknowledging this, Representative Seo Guseop tapped the armrest of the sofa with his index finger. Meanwhile, the gentlemanly Park Jung-hyeok, who was sitting to the left, changed the position of his crossed legs and interjected.

"Is Blue Vision Pictures trying to pull something behind the scenes? Shin Dong-chun has a good network, after all."

At this, Representative Seo Guseop slapped his thigh.

"That's right. He's been around as a drama PD for quite a while, so he could have used his connections......Ah, isn't Shin Dong-chun close to PD Song Man-woo?"

Park Jung-hyeok answered.

"Yes, they're close. They call each other 'brother' and 'younger brother'."

"PD Song Man-woo has a few top-tier actors behind him. If they're working together, it wouldn't be strange for 'Detective Agency' to have an A-list actor attached."

At this point, the employee cautiously added his opinion.

"I don't think it's a top-tier actor. There's no merit. Even if 'Detective Agency' goes to the 'Mise-en-Scène Film Festival,' it would be a bit too much for an A-list actor, and at best, it would be a B-list supporting role. Maybe Director Shin Dong-chun got scared and chose a B-list actor after some deliberation?"

"Hmm—"

This implied that they chose a B-list actor, who was a safer bet, over Park Jung-hyeok, who had been a top-tier actor in the past but had caused some controversy.

"If it's B-list or lower, I'll be even more pissed off."

No matter what, this was a very frustrating situation for Seo Guseop, the head of GGO Entertainment. If this news leaked to the media, they would pounce on the fact that Park Jung-hyeok's comeback project was being criticized from the start.

Worse, it was just a short film.

Fortunately, they had kept the entire project very secret. However, the fact that GGO Entertainment had been criticized by Director Shin Dong-chun of 'Detective Agency' remained unchanged.

"Damn, this feels like shit."

The face of the bulldog-like Seo Guseop was becoming more and more wrinkled. He then gave a cold instruction to the employee standing in front of him.

"Check around Shin Dong-chun. If an A-list actor is attached, there will be some rumors. If there's nothing, it means he's running away with some useless actor."

"Understood."

"And they'll be looking for new investors to start over. Focus on independent and short film production companies and try to dissuade them."

"......What kind of dissuasion are you talking about?"

"Spread the word subtly that no one should invest a single cent in 'Detective Agency'!"

"Ah! Understood!"

"Without money, they won't even be able to attempt to make it, whether it's a B-list actor or anyone else."

Seo Guseop, who had been growling, turned his head to Park Jung-hyeok on the left.

"I'll send you a batch of short film scripts for the 'Mise-en-Scène Film Festival.' Check them thoroughly and pick one by tomorrow."

Park Jung-hyeok shrugged and smiled.

"Yes, but in return, Director, will you give it a strong push?"

"What do you mean? I'll give it a proper push, so don't hold back and give it your all. At the very least, make sure the production quality is better than 'Detective Agency'."

"Come on, I've been in the industry for a few years now."

Given his extensive filmography, no director would dare to overlook Park Jung-hyeok. It was quite impressive. Soon, Seo Guseop, with a face like a bulldog, wrinkled his face even more.

"Make sure to crush 'Detective Agency.' This is a matter of my pride. If possible, aim for an award at the 'Mise-en-Scène Film Festival.'"

He spat out these words with a murderous intent.

"Make Shin Dong-chun regret it so much that he'll bang his head on the ground."

After that.

Whether by chance or coincidence, the projects that Kang Woo-jin had been involved in started to pick up speed. At this point, the one who was most under pressure was Director Shin Dong-chun of 'Detective Agency.' Since he had overturned everything that was in progress, contacting production companies was his top priority. As a result, Kang Woo-jin's contract was temporarily put on hold. They had only made a verbal agreement for the lead role and planned to sign a formal contract after the production company was confirmed.

Moreover, they needed investors, i.e., money.

While a production company was important, it was more of a basic necessity. Director Shin Dong-chun had to look for investors along with contacting production companies, as there wasn't much time left before the 'Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival.'

"If all else fails, I'll have to somehow secure the funds from my connections."

However, there weren't many people willing to lend a large sum of money, especially for a short film with a high risk of failure. In short, Director Shin Dong-chun's reality became even more difficult.

It was almost as if he had been thrown back two years.

The only difference from back then was that Kang Woo-jin was now the lead actor. Interestingly, Director Shin Dong-chun was brimming with energy, unlike before. He informed his close friend, PD Song Man-woo, about the current situation.

"Brother, I've overturned everything with GGO Entertainment and am starting over. Of course, with Kang Woo-jin as the lead."

On the other end of the phone, PD Song Man-woo, as expected, was supportive.

"Good job. It'll be a tough road ahead, but in the long run, it's the right decision. How was your meeting with Kang Woo-jin?"

"He was impressive. He showed a lot of attachment to 'Detective Agency' and, more importantly, had a better grasp of the script than I did. It was as if he had been in and out of many productions. He doesn't look it, but he's passionate inside."

"He's the type who doesn't show it on the outside. The timing is good. Kang Woo-jin will become expensive soon."

"That's true. Once your show airs, he'll get a lot of offers. Before the filming starts, can you tell me a bit about Woo-jin's story? I didn't want to ask him directly."

"I don't know much either. He's a very mysterious person. I'll tell you what I know. Has anyone else contacted you about this?"

"What? Someone else? Who?"

"Someone you wouldn't expect......No, never mind."

Finally, PD Song Man-woo asked a question that was still on his mind.

"But how did Kang Woo-jin get the script for 'Detective Agency'?"

Director Shin Dong-chun shook his head.

"Ah, I was too busy to ask."

A few days later.

It was now the 22nd, a Saturday, and the weekend had arrived. Director Shin Dong-chun was still running around frantically, and his enthusiasm had given a boost to the progress of 'Profiler Hanryang.'

They were now in the mid-to-late stages of pre-production.

All the remaining actors were confirmed, and the sets and locations for the early scenes were decided. The actors also received the first part of the official script.

Furthermore, the script and production meetings had led to the planning of the poster shoot and the press conference.

Ciel Blue Studio took advantage of this momentum to ramp up their mid-production publicity.

[Issue Check: 'Profiler Hanryang,' the Most Anticipated Film of the First Half, Enters Final Pre-Production, Script Reading Preparation Underway]

['Profiler Hanryang' Lead Actress 'Hong Hye-yeon' Shows Off Goddess Beauty at Fashion Brand Party / Photos]

[Is SBC Making a Move? 'Profiler Hanryang' Gaining Popularity Day by Day]

Meanwhile, star writer Park Eun-mi was trying to make some changes.

"Hmm—"

She was sitting at her desk, watching a video on her laptop. The video featured Kang Woo-jin, specifically the scene where he first played the role of 'Park Daeri.'

While watching the video, Writer Park Eun-mi thought,

"Right, a bit more restrained. But when he acts, it's good to have a bit of madness in his eyes."

Inspiration started to flow. It was an interesting image. It felt like she was using the actor's perfect portrayal of 'Park Daeri' as a motif.

Thanks to this,

-Tap, tap, tap!

Writer Park Eun-mi, whose hands were moving quickly, began to revise the script, which had already been released up to Part 4. She revised from Part 2 to Part 4. This revised version was completed by Monday, the day after the weekend. After reading the completed revised version at the script meeting, the bearded PD Song Man-woo said,

"......Park Writer."

With wide eyes, he praised Writer Park Eun-mi.

"The script quality has improved several times over! The psychological depth of the characters and the density of the writing......and not just the other characters."

No, he was in awe.

"What about Park Daeri? The three-dimensionality is amazing!!"

The next day, on Tuesday, the 25th.

The location was a photo shoot set. Dozens of staff members, large cameras, and a well-dressed actress were visible.

"Nice! Hye-yeon! How about we try unbuttoning the jacket this time??"

Hong Hye-yeon, with her long hair flowing, was wearing a well-fitted suit and designer shoes.

-Click! T-t-t-t!

With the shutter clicks, her expressions and poses changed, and she was indeed a professional. Her beauty was an added bonus, enough to make anyone's jaw drop.

Then,

"Okay! We'll change the outfit and start again in 10 minutes!"

As the staff called out, Hong Hye-yeon, who was taking off her suit jacket, moved to her seat. Nearly ten people were already waiting for her there.

"Great job, sis!"

Hong Hye-yeon was handed a bottle of water and her phone. She then picked up a stack of papers on the chair and sat down. The cover of the slightly worn stack of papers read:

-'Detective Agency'

In other words, the stack of papers was the script for 'Detective Agency,' and over the past few days, Hong Hye-yeon had been reading it thoroughly. She was doing the same at this shoot.

Right at that moment,

-Vroom, vroom.

Her phone rang. The caller was Choi Sung-geun, the CEO of her agency, BW Entertainment. Since she had a deal with him, Hong Hye-yeon answered the call immediately.

"Hey, oppa."

On the other end, Choi Sung-geun asked,

"Are you in the middle of a photo shoot? Can you talk?"

"Yeah, I'm on a break right now."

"Then I'll keep it short. The core of the matter is 'Detective Agency.' I heard the production has been stopped."

"What?? Why?"

"More accurately, Director Shin Dong-chun overturned it. 'Detective Agency' was handled by Blue Vision Pictures. They were being secretive, but I confirmed through my connections that GGO Entertainment was involved."

"......GGO Entertainment? I didn't hear anything about that."

"It seems to have been kept very quiet. Anyway, piece together the information."

Choi Sung-geun recited his speculation.

"Originally, GGO Entertainment was involved. But for some reason, Director Shin Dong-chun overturned it. During this time, the actor you mentioned, Kang Woo-jin, appeared. It feels like GGO Entertainment's bulldog, Seo Guseop, was up to something and got burned. If GGO Entertainment is stinking up recently, who else could it be? Park Jung-hyeok."

"Oh."

"It's time to bring him back. My guess is that GGO was trying to rehabilitate Park Jung-hyeok with 'Detective Agency.' It didn't go well. In the end, Director Shin Dong-chun snubbed GGO. Naturally, GGO Entertainment is pissed and is now influencing independent and short film production companies."

"Influencing? What kind of influence?"

"It seems GGO was also supposed to handle the investment. But if it's overturned, Director Shin Dong-chun will have to find the money again. Do you think the pissed-off bulldog Seo Guseop will just sit there?"

Choi Sung-geun's prediction was close to the truth. Frowning, Hong Hye-yeon suddenly stood up.

"So, the lead actor was changed, and now 'Detective Agency' can't be produced because there's no investment?"

"If it continues like this?"

"How much is the production budget?"

"Only Director Shin Dong-chun would know that."

"......"

At this point, Hong Hye-yeon, lost in thought, muttered into her phone.

"Oppa, didn't you say BW Entertainment is preparing for an investment business?"

Meanwhile, at the same time. In Writer Park Eun-mi's studio.

Kang Woo-jin, expressionless, was sitting stiffly at the kitchen table in the writer's office.

'This studio is just like an apartment?'

He had come at the call of PD Song Man-woo. He had just arrived, and across from him were PD Song Man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi.

At this moment,

"Mr. Woo-jin."

PD Song Man-woo, with a small smile, broke the ice.

"Is this your first time at Park Writer's studio?"

Since his arrival, Kang Woo-jin had been controlling his mind, equipping himself with a tough and arrogant demeanor. In a way, this place was a battlefield, at least for him.

'No room for complacency.'

As a result, Woo-jin's face was cold, and his eyes had a faint glint of madness, though he didn't realize it.

"Yes, that's right."

"Haha, it's called a studio, but it's just like a home."

"That's true."

"But Mr. Woo-jin, before we get to the main topic, let me ask you one thing."

PD Song Man-woo, with a small smile, suddenly asked Woo-jin.

"How did you get the script for 'Detective Agency'?"

It seemed like a random question, and since Park Eun-mi didn't say anything, it appeared she knew about it. At this moment, something came to Kang Woo-jin's mind.

'Ah, right. PD Song, this uncle, is friends with the square-jawed director, right? I was surprised when I found out they were connected.'

Well, that's one thing. Explaining everything in detail in this situation seemed bothersome to Woo-jin. There was no need to lie, either. So, he gave a concise answer, compressing it as much as possible.

"I got it from an acquaintance."

"An acquaintance?"

At the same time, Kang Woo-jin added a hint of arrogance.

"Is the source important?"

"Haha, no, no. Honestly, it was just a simple question. What I really want to know is why you chose 'Detective Agency' at this timing."

"......"

"According to Director Shin Dong-chun, you showed a lot of attachment to the script?"

Writer Park Eun-mi also chimed in at the end.

"We have a drama in progress, so why did you specifically choose 'Detective Agency'? Playing Park Daeri isn't an easy role, is it? I find it a bit curious that you went out of your way to seek out 'Detective Agency'."

"Is it that curious?"

PD Song Man-woo answered for him.

"To be honest, it's a bit risky to bet on this. It's a short film, and the current situation isn't great. But you, Mr. Woo-jin, seem very confident."

The confidence was justified. The basis for his judgment was the pocket dimension he possessed, where he could see the levels of the works. Whatever the case, Kang Woo-jin chose his answer. Well, a bit of appropriate arrogance and weight were necessary. Since he would be working with these two giants for a long time, avoiding the question wasn't a good idea, and a long-winded answer was also out of the question.

Cool and a bit vague.

'Yeah, let's go with a subtle approach. I can't talk about the pocket dimension anyway.'

Then, Kang Woo-jin's mouth opened.

"It was just a gut feeling."

"......A gut feeling?"

"Yes. My actions are mostly driven by gut feelings."

This should be enough. Kang Woo-jin praised himself. In contrast, the bearded PD Song Man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi stared intently at Woo-jin across from them. Then, PD Song Man-woo asked with difficulty.

"Mr. Woo