Chapter 19

Twist (4)

For an actor standing at a crossroads of choice in each work, having a discerning eye for projects was one of the necessary virtues. Some expressed this as a gut feeling or instinct. Or a sharp eye. Occasionally, actors who did quite well in every work they took on belonged to this category.

However, this was not something that could be improved through practice.

It was closer to a talent one had to be born with. The power of instinct that could easily push aside rationality in a split second. An actor who possessed this was truly blessed. A character whose balance was severely off?

But such actors were extremely rare. In recent years, it could be said that there were none.

Even Song Man-woo, a veteran drama producer with over a decade of experience, had seen very few. But then, all of a sudden, Kang Woo-jin appeared in the entertainment industry. Was this arrogant oddball really endowed with that sense?

Soon, Producer Song Man-woo asked Woo-jin, who remained calm, again, to make sure he understood.

"By instinct. Just... by instinct, you chose 'Private Eye'?"

At the question, Kang Woo-jin, who had a cool demeanor, inwardly wondered. Why are you surprised? Isn't instinct something common, used everywhere? Since he still lacked knowledge about the entertainment industry, it was a natural question. He didn't yet realize how significant that 'instinct' was for an actor.

Whatever the case, since he had already spoken, Kang Woo-jin added more to his words.

"The content of 'Private Eye' was good, but I made my decision based on instinct."

"…Why? What kind of instinct is it? Because you think 'Private Eye' will do well?"

The question was thrown back at him. At this point, Woo-jin added a bit of arrogance. What's wrong with it? The level in that subspace seemed like a hint of the future.

"Yes. I don't think it will fail. 'Private Eye' will do well."

"What kind of confidence is that…"

Woo-jin's tone, without a hint of doubt, was genuine. At least, that's how Producer Song Man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi felt, and the latter, who wrote the script, felt it even more.

'What is the source of this confidence??'

Kang Woo-jin seemed like an alien again. It wasn't arrogance or cockiness. He was genuinely confident. At this moment, Writer Park Eun-mi, taking off her headband, leaned towards Woo-jin.

"Isn't that a bit reckless? Isn't this the most important time for you, Woo-jin?"

"Is it?"

Only Writer Park Eun-mi was serious. Kang Woo-jin was the epitome of nonchalance. She inwardly sighed.

'This kid is… something. Where do actors like this come from?'

He was clearly different from the actors she usually saw. On the other hand, Producer Song Man-woo was judging Woo-jin calmly.

'His past is unclear, but he must have honed his acting skills through self-study for years, maybe even a decade, and then revealed himself at the right moment. Just for fun.'

Moreover, Kang Woo-jin joined two projects immediately upon his debut, a major drama and a short film.

'No matter the process, no rookie could show such a crazy pace.'

Rising new stars always had to be careful with their first and second steps. That's why their agencies were very sensitive about choosing projects during this period.

But now, Kang Woo-jin had no agency.

Yet, without any advice, he was choosing projects based on his own instincts.

'And the first thing he chose was 'Private Eye,' a short film that most would ignore.'

For a rookie or an unknown, a big opportunity was always better. Since Woo-jin had already joined 'Profiler Hanryang,' he could have taken his time to choose after seeing the response after its airing.

'But he chose 'Private Eye' so confidently.'

At this point, Producer Song Man-woo looked into Woo-jin's unwavering eyes. Of course, there was no guarantee that 'Private Eye' would succeed. But if it did,

'That crazy acting, unique star quality, guts, and sharp instincts and intuition.'

This oddball, Kang Woo-jin, was destined to become a great actor that no one could match. Soon, Producer Song Man-woo couldn't help but admire this unique presence.

Excessively.

'This kid is really a cheat character, isn't he?'

Then, the bearded Producer Song Man-woo laughed.

"Haha, well, when I set up my own production company later, I'll definitely come to you, Woo-jin, for script choices."

Following this, Writer Park Eun-mi suddenly grabbed Woo-jin's hands. She was a bit excited.

"Woo-jin! How do you think 'Profiler Hanryang' will turn out? Huh? Technically, you didn't choose it; we pulled you in."

On the other hand, Woo-jin inwardly grimaced. Does this writer have a habit of holding hands? He subtly pulled his hand away and replied.

"Shouldn't it do well, with both of you?"

"What are you talking about! The drama market is like thin ice! Even with top actors, it can fail miserably!"

Oh, really? Woo-jin, who didn't know much about the drama market, thought he should calm Writer Park Eun-mi down. Besides, he had some confidence in 'Profiler Hanryang' as well.

So, Kang Woo-jin's answer was simple, with a hint of sincerity.

"I joined because I think it will do well."

Instantly, a sense of relief and strength spread in Writer Park Eun-mi's heart.

"…I don't know. Maybe that's why people believe in religion."

After that.

Producer Song Man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi, who had been focused on Kang Woo-jin, finally returned to the main topic. They had called Woo-jin for the script. Writer Park Eun-mi, who put her headband back on, opened the conversation.

"Originally, the script was completed up to the fourth episode. But recently, we revised it from the second episode onwards, from the second to the fourth."

"Revised?"

"Yes, but we didn't completely rewrite it. We made appropriate adjustments, focusing on the characters. As a result, there's a slight discrepancy with the first episode, but that has been fixed as well."

In other words, there were some changes in the overall script. Writer Park Eun-mi, who received a stack of papers from Producer Song Man-woo, smiled.

"Anyway, the video of Mr. Park that Woo-jin showed us was a complete cheat key. It sparked a lot of inspiration. For example, in the second episode, Mr. Park's lines and psychology have changed a bit…"

Then, Writer Park Eun-mi began to explain the revised 'Mr. Park' role. It was interesting, so Kang Woo-jin paid attention. It was like history class was boring, but historical anecdotes were fascinating.

After a few dozen minutes.

"I'll send you the official scripts for episodes two to four as soon as they're ready. And here's the official script for the first episode."

Writer Park Eun-mi handed a book-like script to Kang Woo-jin. It was the official script for the first episode of 'Profiler Hanryang.'

"As I said, there were very slight revisions to the first episode, so please skim through it again with the draft in mind."

"Understood."

When Woo-jin pulled the script with a black square attached, Producer Song Man-woo, checking his wristwatch, changed the subject.

"Woo-jin, about the script reading. We're still coordinating the actors' schedules, so it's not confirmed yet. But it will likely be in an MT format."

Script reading? Woo-jin remembered searching for it.

'Probably a session to synchronize the actors' chemistry before the main shooting, right?'

Kang Woo-jin felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It was exciting to see the actors, but it was his first time at such an event, so he was nervous.

But MT? It couldn't be a motel, right?

Trying to hide his expression, Woo-jin confirmed if his understanding of MT was correct.

"MT format?"

Producer Song Man-woo nodded immediately.

"Yes. As you know, there are script readings where everyone gathers in a reading room, but when there are many actors and staff, an MT format is sometimes used to synchronize everyone's chemistry."

"Ah, I see."

"But, you know, the script reading is just a formality. We all go out to play, hahaha. We grill meat, drink, and have fun."

At this point, Writer Park Eun-mi tapped Producer Song Man-woo's shoulder to snap him out of it, and Kang Woo-jin was lost in his own imagination.

'Wait a minute… going out to play with celebrities??'

Grilling meat and drinking with celebrities, whom he thought lived in a different world? The last time he saw an article, 'Profiler Hanryang' had a lineup of top stars, including Hong Hye-yeon.

The idea of playing with them, in the same profession, in the same space, was fascinating to Woo-jin.

Thanks to this.

'Wow, I never thought about this.'

Kang Woo-jin's excitement intensified. He was trembling inside, though he didn't show it. Producer Song Man-woo continued.

"Anyway, the date isn't confirmed yet, but it will likely be early to mid-March next month. If it happens, can you come, Woo-jin? It won't be long, just one night and two days."

"…I can."

"Okay. After we go through the official script up to the second episode, it would be good if you come well-prepared. We'll synchronize up to the second episode. I trust you'll do well."

Then, Producer Song Man-woo explained the outlines of the 'Mr. Park' role, from costumes to appearance and other details.

"Most of it will be prepared by us, but if you think something is necessary, you can bring it. We'll use it if it's good."

When the meeting ended, about three hours had passed. As Kang Woo-jin left the studio with a cynical expression, Writer Park Eun-mi, who was seeing him off, followed.

"Woo-jin, I didn't even know your number? Can you give it to me?"

She smiled and got Woo-jin's number. Since Producer Song Man-woo already knew it, it wasn't necessary, but this was something she wanted to do.

"Here."

Thus, Writer Park Eun-mi's number was saved in Kang Woo-jin's phone. As more numbers of influential people accumulated, the value of his phone increased.

Anyway, as Woo-jin left the studio and entered the elevator,

"Wow, how long has it been since an MT?"

He dropped the cool facade he had maintained and became excited.

"Going with top stars like Hong Hye-yeon and others? The scale of my life is getting huge."

He had been to an MT in college, but this one was different from the start, from the people going.

Soon, as Woo-jin stepped out on the first floor and walked with a light step,

-Whirr, whirr.

His phone in his padded jacket pocket vibrated. It was a call. The caller was Director Shin Dong-chun, who hadn't been in touch for a few days since the last cafe meeting.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woo-jin, who had relaxed his sternness while answering the call, reasserted it.

"Yes, Director."

The voice on the other end of the phone belonged to Director Shin Dong-chun.

"Woo-jin, can we meet tomorrow morning? I have something to discuss about 'Private Eye.'"

It sounded a bit gloomy.

"I'll send you the address. Just come there."

The next day, on the 26th, in the morning, near Jeongja Station in Bundang.

Kang Woo-jin could be found in a rental office. His outfit was light, perhaps because the weather had warmed up. A bomber jacket and jeans. Woo-jin was sitting at a desk in the small rental office, and across from him sat Director Shin Dong-chun, looking tired.

Soon, the square-jawed Director Shin Dong-chun, looking around the rental office, smiled awkwardly.

"I rented this place in a hurry. Is it uncomfortable?"

"No, it's fine."

In fact, this rental office was hastily secured by Director Shin Dong-chun after parting ways with Blue Vision Films. It was unsuitable for regular meetings, but it was perfect for this one.

Anyway.

"Um, Woo-jin."

Director Shin Dong-chun, who had brought a thick transparent file, finally spoke.

"To cut to the chase, I've been trying to find a film company and investors, but it's not easy."

In other words, he had been unsuccessful so far.

"Moreover, it seems GGO Entertainment has been involved, making it even harder than before."

"Mid-April."

"Mid-April? Ah, the 'Mise-en-Scene Short Film Festival'? Yes, since it's scheduled for mid-April, we need to start shooting by early to mid-March at the latest… I'm sorry, I said I was confident, but the situation isn't good."

Director Shin Dong-chun became increasingly depressed. At this point, Woo-jin, maintaining a poker face, felt sympathy for him.

'It's just like when I worked at a design company. Like the sixth time a design was rejected, exactly the same.'

Thanks to this, Kang Woo-jin's deep voice softened a bit.

"Is there anything I can do?"

Shaking his head, Director Shin Dong-chun managed a smile.

"No, I'm sorry. Just focus on acting, Woo-jin. I'll handle the funding and film company."

At this moment,

-♬♪

Kang Woo-jin's phone rang. He moved quickly, having forgotten to set it to vibrate.

"Ah, I'm sorry."

Then, he paused when he saw the caller.

-Hong Hye-yeon.

It was a call from top actress Hong Hye-yeon. Look at this, Kim Dae-young, I get calls from Hong Hye-yeon like a friend? If he were at home, his lips would have curled up, but

"…"

Director Shin Dong-chun was in front of him. So, Woo-jin forcibly suppressed his excitement.

"Just a moment."

"Yes, yes, I'll take it."

Then, Kang Woo-jin, with a calm voice, answered the call.

"Yes."

"Your reaction is so simple. Don't people usually say 'Hello'?"

"Yes, hello."

"Alright. Why do you keep bowing to me? Anyway, where are you now? I want to see you for a bit if it's okay."

Now? You want to see me? The tone was the same, but Hong Hye-yeon was just suggesting a meeting. But Kang Woo-jin felt a flutter.

"Why?"

"Um? I have something to say."

"I'm busy now. I'm meeting someone."

"Oh! Is it Director Dong-chun??"

"…?"

How did she know? A bit surprised, Woo-jin heard Hong Hye-yeon's laughter from the other end of the phone.

"Right? I had a feeling. Well, that's good. Tell me your location. I'll wait nearby. Honestly, I don't have time now."

Then, I should tell her. But I need to hide my excitement. Woo-jin gave her his current location, and the call ended quickly. After that, Kang Woo-jin and Director Shin Dong-chun had a deep discussion about 'Private Eye.'

"Woo-jin, I think we should cut this scene."

"Really?"

"Yes. We need to reduce the production costs. The more we reduce, the higher the chance of finding investors."

"Then, won't the quality suffer?"

"But shooting is the priority."

This went on for about 45 minutes.

-Click!

The door of the rental office, which had been closed, suddenly opened. Kang Woo-jin and Director Shin Dong-chun were taken aback.

And,

"Ah, so this is the place?"

A woman wearing a mask and a black hat entered through the open door. A hoodie and a blue jacket. She took off her mask and looked at Kang Woo-jin and Director Shin Dong-chun.

-Swoosh.

At this moment, her face was revealed. Transparent skin, perfect beauty. The moment she saw her, Director Shin Dong-chun's eyes widened.

"Ho, Hong Hye-yeon?!"

It was Hong Hye-yeon. She took off her hat, revealing her long hair, and smiled at the stunned Director Shin Dong-chun.

"Director, or should I say, now you're a director. Director, I want to do your 'Private Eye.'"

Director Shin Dong-chun, who had jumped up, looked shocked.

"What?! Wh-what?!"

At this moment, Hong Hye-yeon turned her head. She saw Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting to the right, and was frozen in surprise. Unaware of this, Hong Hye-yeon smiled and met Woo-jin's eyes.

"Not surprised at all? Anyway, can I do 'Private Eye'?"

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