Chapter 28

(3)

On the afternoon of March 11, Wednesday.

The 'Detective Agency' team was in the middle of their second day of filming in Paju, Gyeonggi. By now, it was past 5 PM, and the old café near the villa was the filming location. The café was combined with a restaurant. It seemed they had just finished a scene, as a dozen or so staff members of 'Detective Agency' were busy with the wrap-up.

In the film industry, there's a saying about setting up and breaking down.

It means setting up and cleaning up the set. In commercial films, they quickly wrap up after outdoor filming. For short films, to save on production costs, it has to be twice as fast.

Anyway.

- Creak!

Top actress Hong Hye-yeon got into the van parked on the side of the road. As soon as she got in, she leaned her head back against the seat, wearing a white long padded jacket, and let out a long sigh.

“Phew-”

She also swept her long hair back. It felt like a scene from a shampoo commercial.

This Hong Hye-yeon had just finished her last scene, marking the end of her filming for 'Detective Agency.' Out of the total five days of filming, she had been there for two. Originally, it was supposed to be a three-day schedule, but due to her various busy schedules, they had to film more intensively. The previous scene was a two-shot with the protagonist, Kang Woo-jin.

Hong Hye-yeon, who was closing her long padded jacket, reflected on the emotions and scenes that remained in her mind.

“It felt different from watching it on the monitor. It's different when you experience it with your own eyes. I felt a bit intimidated in the middle. Why was that?”

Hong Hye-yeon, asking herself this question, bit her lower lip.

“Maybe because I felt my acting was lacking while trying to match the chemistry.”

Hong Hye-yeon felt a distance in her acting with Kang Woo-jin. Despite her title as a top actress, Kang Woo-jin was still an unknown. Yet, the gap felt vast.

“I don't know, maybe I got competitive from the middle.”

She even asked Director Shin Dong-chun for a few retakes because she felt inadequate. The more retakes they did, the more Kang Woo-jin's performance as Kim Ryu-jin deepened, but the gap didn't narrow.

Of course, in a broader sense, her acting wasn't bad.

In fact, it was good. Director Shin Dong-chun was satisfied. Moreover, Hong Hye-yeon was among the top actresses in terms of acting skills in Korea. It was just that Kang Woo-jin was an unreal presence.

“How does he do it? Watching him, it feels like he's been in the acting world for years. That gaze—just talent?”

Kang Woo-jin joined 'Detective Agency' to uncover his insane acting, but experiencing it firsthand made her feel even more drawn in. Moreover, she received a new shock.

“Kim Ryu-jin had a completely different tone from Park Dae-ri. How can he maintain such a clear boundary between two characters while working on multiple projects simultaneously?”

Park Dae-ri was sticky and deep, while Kim Ryu-jin had a casual, lived-in feel. Kang Woo-jin's Park Dae-ri and Kim Ryu-jin were entirely separate. This was a skill that a newcomer couldn't possess.

“Is it multiple personalities?”

Multiple personalities. Yes, it looked like multiple personalities. Distinct and clear. At that moment, Hong Hye-yeon sighed.

“Can you learn something like that?”

Especially since Kang Woo-jin was self-taught. Currently, it was unknown. It might be impossible. But she had to keep watching. Kang Woo-jin, because she wanted to act better.

Soon, Hong Hye-yeon.

-Swoosh.

Pulled out her phone and called the representative of her agency. That is, CEO Choi Sung-geun.

“Bro! How much did you set for Kang Woo-jin's signing bonus? What? Isn't it a bit low?”

Meanwhile, inside the café where the wrap-up was in full swing.

Kang Woo-jin was sitting by the window, in a generally shabby café. He was waiting to get in the car with the team. Currently, his outfit was that of Kim Ryu-jin, but his expression was blank.

But inside, he felt quite good.

‘She hugged me.’

To be precise, there was a scene where Hong Hye-yeon gave Kang Woo-jin a light hug from behind. It wasn't a loving scene; rather, it was a chilling one. But a hug is a hug. Hong Hye-yeon's warmth was vivid on Kang Woo-jin's back. For a commoner like Kang Woo-jin, it was enough to make him smile.

‘No, when do I ever get a hug from Hong Hye-yeon? I have more to brag about to Kim Dae-young now.’

At that moment.

“Mr. Woo-jin.”

A man's voice broke Kang Woo-jin out of his daydream. Turning around, he saw Director Shin Dong-chun with a square jaw, smiling.

“What are you thinking about?”

Kang Woo-jin couldn't say 'a hug,' so he deflected with something else. Since they were filming, he pretended to be focused on his acting. Kang Woo-jin said solemnly,

“I was thinking about the next scene.”

Such a blatant lie. Director Shin Dong-chun, who didn't know the truth, tucked the rolled-up shooting script into his back pocket.

“Don't overdo it. You're already doing more than enough. If you collapse, it's an all-stop for us, got it?”

“I'll be careful.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, with a satisfied smile, sat next to Kang Woo-jin and changed the topic.

“Mr. Woo-jin, you haven't signed with an agency yet, right?”

“No, not yet.”

“You must have received a lot of business cards at the 'Profiler Hanryang' script reading, right?”

What's with this guy? Do I need to lay out a mat? Kang Woo-jin just stared, and Director Shin Dong-chun shrugged.

“Well, I used to be a drama PD, so I was pretty good, right? At script readings, a lot of entertainment industry people attend, so if they saw you, they would definitely give you their business cards.”

“I see.”

“The scary part is the uncertainty. After spending so much time and money on training, promotion, and networking, only one in a hundred makes it. The rest fail. Even that one might only get a small role.”

The entertainment industry is terrifying. Although his expression didn't change, Kang Woo-jin shuddered inside. Regardless, Director Shin Dong-chun suddenly pointed at Kang Woo-jin with his index finger.

“But how about you, Mr. Woo-jin? You're the lead in 'Detective Agency,' right? In 'Profiler Hanryang'?”

“I'm a supporting lead.”

“You're starting as a lead or supporting lead without a three to five-year gap. Your acting is already polished, no need for training. You show star potential. Most people struggle to get a small role, but you've already achieved several times more on your own. How can entertainment companies not drool over you?”

They would drool madly, Kang Woo-jin thought. It made perfect sense. Meanwhile, Director Shin Dong-chun, with his arms crossed, thought for a moment and then spoke again.

“I think you could ask for around 20 million won as a signing bonus.”

Kang Woo-jin, inwardly, reacted strongly.

“Huh? 20 million won?”

After that.

When Kang Woo-jin was back on the set of 'Detective Agency,' the 'Profiler Hanryang' side was already pouring out promotions like a waterfall, having finished the script reading.

[Star Talk] 'Profiler Hanryang' is currently in script reading, with a large number of stars attending / Photos

[Is it a promising work? 'Profiler Hanryang' script reading, is the content as solid as the rumors?]

The script reading scene filled with top actors and brief interviews with the actors were revealed, along with various rumors.

[Issue Check] 'Profiler Hanryang' side: "The first episode is set for May"

['Profiler Hanryang' to hold a production press conference at the end of April, likely to air on Friday and Saturday]

[Who is the proper scene-stealer actor mentioned by 'Park Eun-mi'? Rumors spread among netizens]

The first poster to announce the theme of the drama was also released. On a background of swirling black and gray smoke, the profiles of the main actors, including Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon, were scattered.

It emphasized the profiler theme.

Of course, as a first poster, it would change when the official poster is released, but it successfully conveyed the message of accelerated production. On Thursday, the next day, the official YouTube channel of 'Profiler Hanryang' released the first teaser.

- A taste of the script reading with a large number of top actors? I can't stand it!! | Profiler Hanryang

-[SBC]/ENG SUB

-2020. 3. 12

A 30-second video centered on the script reading. But the number of views on this video was not short.

-1,001,332 views

Was it due to the accumulated anticipation? Or the destructive power of the big names involved? The teaser video surpassed 1 million views in just one day after being uploaded.

By the late afternoon of Saturday, the 14th.

Kang Woo-jin could be found in the second-floor bathroom of the Paju villa. Or rather, he was Kim Ryu-jin at the moment. His eyes were full of vigilance, and his body was pressed against the wall. Slowly, he hid his body behind the door.

For about 10 seconds.

Someone shouted loudly towards the second-floor bathroom, which was deathly quiet.

“Cut!! Okay!!!”

It was Director Shin Dong-chun with a square jaw, who, with red-rimmed eyes, ran to the calm Kang Woo-jin.

“Thank you! You really worked hard, Mr. Woo-jin!!”

“You worked hard too, Director.”

The filming of the short film 'Detective Agency' was now complete.

On the same day, late at night.

The 'Detective Agency' team, including Kang Woo-jin, held a small after-party at a meat restaurant near their Paju accommodation. It was past 10 PM. Hong Hye-yeon, who had left in the middle of the schedule, was absent, which was a bit disappointing, especially to Kang Woo-jin.

Anyway.

“Please lay out three servings of pork belly at each table!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Give us three bottles of soju for now!”

At a table combining four tables, the after-party of the 'Detective Agency' team, consisting of about 15 people, officially began.

“It’s a bit sad to leave the villa we’ve grown attached to.”

“Yeah, it felt like home.”

“Hahaha. If we work hard, we can buy a villa, right?”

“Do you know why it’s called a villa? It’s because it’s as hard to get as a star in the sky.”

The staff and actors, who had become quite close over the five days, were chatting away. Director Shin Dong-chun with a square jaw looked at them with satisfaction, feeling proud as a new director.

In the middle of this.

“...”

A man with a blank expression sat next to Director Shin Dong-chun. Kang Woo-jin, with his windbreaker zipper pulled up to his neck, was silently looking down at his cup. Or rather, he was reflecting on the past five days of filming.

“It feels a bit strange. A mix of relief and regret?”

We call this feeling 'regret.' Kang Woo-jin felt a bit of regret. He hadn’t felt a sense of achievement in a long time.

“When I heard 'OK' at the end of the filming, I even felt a shiver.”

It was a short film, but his first movie, first filming, and first lead role.

Everything was new and unfamiliar to Kang Woo-jin, and the five days of continuous filming were extremely tiring but also fun. The novelty of the new environment made the fatigue less than the daily influx of excitement and interest. Of course, Kang Woo-jin also had the mental burden of maintaining his concept.

But the conclusion for Kang Woo-jin, the lead, was that it was enjoyable.

“I never felt this way when I worked at a design company. Well, it’s pretty intense, but this is the level of a short film?”

Suddenly, Kang Woo-jin imagined the pain of a proper commercial production or the filming of 'Profiler Hanryang.' He was right. 'Detective Agency' was like a warm-up.

“I need to build up my stamina.”

Anyway, Kang Woo-jin's life had changed dramatically.

At that moment.

“Mr. Woo-jin?”

A female actor called out to Kang Woo-jin.

“Aren’t you tired? You’re sitting so calmly.”

As the topic turned to Kang Woo-jin, the actors and staff started to chime in.

“Yeah, you didn’t change your expression at all during filming. I thought you were amazing.”

“Indeed. At the end of filming, you were the only one still energetic. I never saw you look tired.”

“Your acting tone didn’t waver either. Were you not tired at all?”

No, I was extremely tired. But a tough facade suited Kang Woo-jin, so he maintained a poker face. Therefore, his response was similar.

“I could handle it.”

Behind him, Director Shin Dong-chun laughed and patted Kang Woo-jin’s shoulder a few times.

“You have good stamina and a strong mentality. Honestly, as an actor, Mr. Woo-jin has nothing to lack. If I were a drama PD, I would cast you immediately.”

“Thank you.”

“Most importantly, you’re about to join a large-scale production. You need to be able to handle this level.”

I know, I know. I had almost forgotten, but this guy is reminding me of the fear. Regardless, other actors chimed in.

“Oh, right! What are you filming? A movie? A drama?”

“Wow, I’m envious. But you deserve it. With your acting skills, you can succeed anywhere.”

“I want to brag to my friends when I see you on TV or the big screen. Ah! Mr. Woo-jin, can you sign for me?”

“...Sign?”

As the word 'sign' was mentioned, the actors raised their hands one after another. It was Director Shin Dong-chun with a square jaw who stopped them.

“Hahaha, let’s do that later. Mr. Woo-jin, the filming itself is over. I’ll start the post-production work from tomorrow.”

That is, he would start editing.

“But there might be some ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) work.”

Director Shin Dong-chun continued with a brief explanation. Due to narration or sound being muffled by the environment, there might be ADR work.

“We’ll do it all in one day. I’ll contact you before scheduling it.”

Although it was all new information to Kang Woo-jin, he nodded calmly.

“I understand.”

He asked a question he was