Chapter 33

Master (5)

On the 20th, in front of Kang Woojin's studio apartment.

In the late morning, with the slightly warm weather, Kang Woojin came out of the studio apartment building wearing a gray hoodie. A familiar black van was parked in front.

At the same time.

"Mr. Woojin!"

Choi Sunggeun, with his pompadour hairstyle, got out of the van and laughed, seeing the poker-faced Kang Woojin.

"Good morning! Get in!"

He opened the passenger door with a beaming smile. Kang Woojin also seemed to agree with his mood, though only inwardly. This was because he remembered the English he had learned a few days ago.

'Yes, it's a great morning indeed.'

Woojin greeted Choi Sunggeun with a cold voice that differed from his inner thoughts.

"Hello, Mr. President."

As Woojin got into the van, Choi Sunggeun followed and sat in the driver's seat, and the van started. Choi Sunggeun glanced at Woojin in the passenger seat as they drove out of the alley.

'Why is he even cooler today? Did something bad happen yesterday?'

No, that wasn't it. At this moment, the expressionless Kang Woojin was deeply lost in his own thoughts.

'I'm hungry. Should I eat breakfast? Suddenly, I'm craving cold noodles. And tonkatsu.'

Choi Sunggeun, unaware of this, sighed softly. Even Hong Hyeon, whom he had managed for a long time, was not an ordinary character, but Kang Woojin was several levels higher. This guy was a lunatic who could even criticize the great director Woo Hyungu.

'Why do only crazy people and crazy women stick to me?'

But these crazy people were exceptionally talented. Accepting his life once again, Choi Sunggeun smiled and started the conversation.

"Mr. Woojin, did you receive the call for the first shooting of 'Profiler Hanryang'? It's on the 25th, right?"

"Yes, I did."

"I'm also preparing for it. According to PD Song, it's not confirmed yet, but they might shoot the scenes with Ryu Jeongmin and Park Daeri first."

At this point, Woojin's heart began to beat slightly faster.

After the warm-up 'Detective Agency,' this was the real deal. The shooting wouldn't be short like 'Detective Agency,' so he would need to maintain the character's intensity throughout. He was incredibly nervous. Nevertheless, Choi Sunggeun continued casually.

"Mr. Woojin, you're not the type to get nervous, right? Just prepare thoroughly for the next five days. Do you need anything?"

"Not yet."

"Okay. And today, we'll start by taking your profile photo."

Ah, profile photo. The kind where you pose and take it? Kang Woojin had seen it somewhere before. At the same time, a slight sense of shame washed over him. It was more like embarrassment.

'I've never done anything like that. How do you even do it?'

He found it awkward even when taking ID photos.

But it should be similar to acting, right? If I try, I can do it. Woojin tried to hide his weak sense of shame and spoke softly to Choi Sunggeun, who had just turned the steering wheel to the right.

"Mr. President, you can speak more casually."

I find formal speech uncomfortable. As if he had read Woojin's thoughts, Choi Sunggeun smiled and nodded.

"Really? Then, Woojin, can I speak more casually to you?"

In a mix of formal and informal speech, Choi Sunggeun explained today's schedule.

First, they would officially create Kang Woojin's profile. Since he now had an agency, they needed it for both external and website use. Before that, they needed to take profile photos and go to a salon to look good.

This salon was for celebrities.

For a moment, Kang Woojin felt a bit of excitement.

'Finally, I can get a proper wax at a salon where celebrities go.'

As an ordinary citizen, when Kang Woojin went to a hair salon, he only knew one thing to say.

"Trim it, please."

It was probably the same for most men, but especially for Kang Woojin, who kept his hair short, the hair salon was an awkward place. But a salon where actors go?

At this moment.

"Woojin."

Choi Sunggeun, who had braked at a red light, suddenly spoke seriously.

"I've informed Box Movie that you're declining the audition. Director Choi Do-min went ballistic, but you know, you declined it."

Ah, that? I had forgotten about it. Honestly, Woojin had forgotten about the whole thing about the great director or whatever because learning English was such a big deal.

"Is that so? Thank you."

Scratching his pompadour, Choi Sunggeun smiled.

"To be honest, I still don't understand. I don't like complicated things either, but this one... -sigh- Of course, I didn't tell Director Choi Do-min about your 'instinct' or whatever."

"Yes."

"He'll be even more pissed when he hears that. Anyway, Box Movie won't look at you kindly from now on. They'll feel embarrassed for proposing to an unknown actor and getting rejected."

He's so petty. You can say no, right? Well, that's how the entertainment industry works. Kang Woojin reacted more calmly than expected.

"But it's better to reject it after the audition."

"You're right. Not starting at all has fewer repercussions. Still, it'll be hard for you to get into Woo Hyungu's films in the future. Do you know that? That guy has a terrible temper and a strong ego."

What can you do? You can't do a B-grade movie just to suck up to some great director, right? It's a bit of a waste that he's a great director, but if it's going to fail, it's just a waste of time.

'Anyway, I'll add a bit of pretense here.'

Kang Woojin answered firmly.

"It doesn't matter."

Looking at such Woojin, Choi Sunggeun muttered to himself.

'Is the name "great director" really irrelevant to him? The more I see, the more unusual he seems.'

Misunderstandings were piling up in real-time, but Choi Sunggeun didn't realize it. When the signal changed, he started the car, and Kang Woojin's calm voice was heard.

"Mr. President, I need a suit."

"A suit? Why suddenly?"

Why not, since Director Shin Dongchun suggested he get one. Even if he doesn't make it to the finals, he thought he would need a suit in the future.

At least, that's what Woojin thought.

But a simple answer wouldn't do. Saying 'just in case' might sound a bit weak. Kang Woojin thought it would be better to add a bit of arrogance.

"For the 'Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival.'"

"-'Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival'?"

"Yes."

Hearing Woojin's heavy answer, Choi Sunggeun was genuinely impressed.

'If he doesn't make it to the finals, there's no reason to go to the festival, but does he not even consider the possibility of not making it? His self-esteem is insane.'

It was a very firm belief. Choi Sunggeun added flesh to his misunderstanding.

"Haha, so 'Detective Agency' will definitely win the grand prize, right? Even if it doesn't, we should prepare a suit. You probably have one, but now you need to have separate ones for personal and professional use. You also need to pay attention to how you look."

After a moment of thought, Choi Sunggeun concluded.

"The company will definitely provide the suit. It's necessary for work. It's going to be a busy day. Let's take care of the suit today. -Hmm, since Hyeon is a partner with a luxury brand, getting a men's suit won't be a problem. Since we're talking about the suit, let's add a suit photo to your profile."

The word 'luxury' made Kang Woojin's ears perk up.

'Wow. Are they just giving me a luxury suit?'

Then something came to Kang Woojin's mind. It was a line he had prepared the day before.

"Also, can I get a Japanese script?"

"-'Japan'? That's a new request. Why suddenly a Japanese script?"

In response to the question, Kang Woojin answered solemnly.

"Just to read. There's no big reason."

Two hours later, at a large salon in Cheongdam-dong.

Around lunchtime. The three-story standalone building was clearly quite luxurious. The interior was somewhat palace-like, and on the third floor, Kang Woojin could be found. Choi Sunggeun was not visible, presumably on the first floor. Anyway, among several seats, Woojin was sitting in the middle.

"......"

He was sleeping. It seemed he was tired from being at the salon from morning until now. Additionally, the seat he was sitting in was very comfortable.

At this moment.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woojin, who had been sleeping, suddenly opened his eyes. Fortunately, his movements were not too dramatic, and Woojin had a look on his face as if he had just woken up during a class.

'Did I fall asleep? Oh- Is it because the seat is so comfortable that I keep dozing off?'

At this moment.

"Oh."

The female designer standing behind Kang Woojin smiled.

"You must have been tired."

She was wearing a white shirt and had long yellow hair. Kang Woojin tried to hide his embarrassment and spoke in a low voice.

"Thinking about the script."

No, he had fallen asleep without a care. It was a crazy boldness. But fortunately, the designer understood Woojin's pretense without much thought.

"Is that so? You must be thinking about the script a lot. You're a new actor, right? Do you have a stage name?"

"Just Kang Woojin."

"Oh, Mr. Woojin! Come often, this is Hyeon's designated salon."

"Yes."

"It's all done. Take a look. Mr. President emphasized it, so it was very serious."

Soon, Kang Woojin focused his gaze on the mirror in front of him. Then he confirmed his reflection in the mirror. The interesting part was that...

"?!?"

Kang Woojin opened his eyes quite wide when he saw his own face. The reason was simple.

The Kang Woojin in the mirror.

'...Wow. Who are you? Is that me?'

Compared to the morning, he looked incredibly handsome. Of course, it wasn't just in Kang Woojin's eyes. The yellow-haired designer murmured, proving it.

"This change will surprise Mr. President, too."

At that moment, at the set of 'Profiler Hanryang.'

With the first shooting date confirmed, the 'Profiler Hanryang' team was extremely busy. They were currently going over the final checks. Of course, the overall supervisor was the bearded PD Song Man-woo.

He was giving instructions to the production team.

"Once the checks are done, have the crew wait. I'll talk to the camera director separately."

"Sure, PD."

"Only five days until the first shooting! Let's keep it up!"

Then, as if the instructions were done, PD Song Man-woo moved to the van parked in the parking lot to take a short break. He had only slept for three hours yesterday. There was almost no time to rest except for these gaps.

At this moment.

"Oh."

PD Song Man-woo, who had gotten into the van, suddenly remembered Kang Woojin. He recalled the meeting with Box Movie a few days ago, but he hadn't heard the result. It was understandable to be curious. Would Kang Woojin really join the great director Woo Hyungu's film?

Soon, PD Song Man-woo took out his phone. However, the person he called was not Kang Woojin but Choi Sunggeun, the president.

"Hello, Mr. President."

Choi Sunggeun answered immediately, and PD Song Man-woo spoke into the phone.

"Are you busy? Is it okay to talk?"

On the other end, Choi Sunggeun answered cheerfully.

"Of course. I'd answer even if I were sleeping, PD Song. Haha. What's up?"

At the same time, a woman's voice was heard.

"Hello, PD."

Recognizing the familiar tone, PD Song Man-woo smiled.

"Oh, is Hong Star there too?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, Hyeon is here too. We're at a salon, and we just met Woojin. Oh, did you call me because Woojin didn't answer your call? He's on the third floor of the salon right now."

"No, no, that's not it."

As soon as Kang Woojin's name was mentioned, PD Song Man-woo got to the point.

"I just wanted to know how the Box Movie meeting went with Woojin. I'm a bit curious. Did he meet Director Woo Hyungu?"

"Oh, he declined that."

"Huh? Declined what?"

"Director Woo Hyungu's next project. It was an audition, but Director Choi Do-min was pushing it hard, and our Woojin firmly rejected it."

"Really? What was the reason?"

In response, Choi Sunggeun on the other end of the phone answered as if he had reached enlightenment.

"Instinct or something. He skimmed a few pages of the script and suddenly said it didn't feel right. That was all he said."

"Huh?"

It was a very familiar word. Instinct? PD Song Man-woo stroked his beard for a moment.

'...Kang Woojin's instinct again? Did his totem activate?'

Of course, nothing was certain yet. 'Detective Agency' and 'Profiler Hanryang' hadn't produced results yet. But for some reason, PD Song Man-woo took Kang Woojin's 'instinct' seriously. The eye for evaluating works. Was it really Woojin's instinct kicking in again?

'Was Director Woo Hyungu's script that bad?'

If not, the situation was strange.

It was none other than Director Woo Hyungu. Even if the work wasn't great, joining his circle would be a significant issue for an unknown actor. His recognition and interview requests would also increase significantly.

'But he rejected it without a second thought? It's something you can't do unless you're crazy. Of course, Mr. Woojin does have a bit of a crazy vibe.'

Then, as if to end the call, PD Song Man-woo muttered into the phone.

"Well, what can you do? If the actor doesn't want to do it."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for your attention, PD."

After hanging up, PD Song Man-woo looked out the window. At the same time, a strange sense of anticipation came over him.

"It's fun to watch that guy."

At this moment.

-♬♪

The phone in PD Song Man-woo's hand rang urgently. Surprised, PD Song Man-woo, who had been thinking about Choi Sunggeun, tilted his head. It was an unknown number, but since he had been receiving such calls frequently lately, he answered without hesitation.

"Yes, this is Song Man-woo."

A man's voice answered from the other end of the phone. The tone was gentle.

"PD Song, it's been a while. This is Director Kwon Giteak."

Soon, PD Song Man-woo, who opened his eyes slightly wider, spoke with emphasis.

"Really? Oh! Yes, Director! It's been a while."

"Haha, how have you been? I think we last met at the Baeksang Awards two years ago."

"I remember, I remember. How could I forget that?"

"I have a question, so I got your number. Sorry for the sudden call."

"No, no! It's fine."

PD Song Man-woo was very polite. The reason was simple. Director Kwon Giteak was a giant, similar to Director Woo Hyungu. If you had to rank the top directors in the country, Director Kwon Giteak would be above Director Woo Hyungu.

In terms of total box office numbers and achievements.

Director Kwon Giteak asked PD Song Man-woo.

"I heard you're preparing a drama? I'm looking forward to it. Do you have a date for the first shooting?"

"Thank you. The first shooting is set for next week. Why do you ask?"

"Hmm, I heard a rumor that the actors in your drama are working hard to improve their acting quality. I was wondering if I could secretly visit and watch the first shooting."

"Watch?"

In response to the question, Director Kwon Giteak immediately answered.

"Yes, I want to see Ryu Jeongmin's performance. Can I ask a favor?"

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