Chapter 45

(3)

When Kang Ujin checked the message from Director Shin Dongchun, he was slightly surprised. Of course, only inwardly.

'Already selected the main entries? That's quick.'

His heart was also beating a bit faster.

'So, am I really going to a film festival? Wow, I only saw such things on TV at the end of the year. Could it be me?'

Of course, it would be different from the large-scale film festivals like the Blue Dragon or the Grand Bell Awards that Ujin had seen, but for a commoner like Kang Ujin, the scale didn't matter; it was all incredibly novel. He could feel his life becoming increasingly fantastic.

At this moment.

-♬♪

The phone of Choi Sunggeun, sitting in the passenger seat with a ponytail, rang. He was checking Kang Ujin's schedule in the diary and confirmed the caller.

"It's Director Shin?"

Then, Choi Sunggeun, who had made eye contact with Kang Ujin through the rearview mirror, put the phone to his ear.

"Yes, Director."

Immediately, the excited voice of Director Shin Dongchun was heard.

"Mr. Choi, 'Hunting Agency' has been selected as a main entry! I just received a call from the committee."

"Oh, really? Just now?"

"Yes! Our entry is confirmed, and I've already sent a message to Ujin. I thought he might be filming."

"Ah, he is on the move right now."

Choi Sunggeun's voice grew a bit louder, infected by the excitement.

"Wow, but it's really quick, isn't it? Honestly, I thought the announcement of the main entries would take longer. Maybe there weren't many submissions?"

"It doesn't seem that way. The committee didn't say exactly, but from what I've heard, it seems to have increased by about 30% compared to last year. There must be at least 1,000 entries."

"But so quickly..."

Choi Sunggeun's mind quickly turned, and he soon had an answer.

"Regardless of the quality of the work, it seems they contacted us immediately because of the unexpected involvement of Hyeyeon. The main entry announcements are usually done all at once, right?"

"I think that's a strong possibility. It seems they wanted to show their appreciation by contacting the projects that would generate interest as quickly as possible."

As Choi Sunggeun was talking to Director Shin Dongchun, they arrived at the B team's filming location, so he wrapped up the call.

"Alright, I understand, Director. We'll adjust our schedule and prepare well. Yes, yes."

As soon as the head of BW Entertainment hung up, Han Yejeong, sitting next to Kang Ujin, leaned over to the passenger seat.

"Wow, 'Hunting Agency' was selected as a main entry?"

"Yeah, it was!"

"Wow."

Even the usually cold Han Yejeong seemed quite surprised as she looked at the cynical Ujin with admiration.

"Bro, you're going to a film festival just two months after starting acting?"

Choi Sunggeun, for some reason, answered instead.

"Two months in Korea, but Ujin, have you already experienced a film festival somewhere else?"

No way.

At this moment, Han Yejeong, who had become serious, suddenly opened her coordination book. Her eyes were filled with intense determination.

"I'll do a proper job. The 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' is a major event in the short film world, with many journalists, directors, and actors attending. You can't afford to mess up."

At this point, Ujin, trying to calm his thumping heart, looked down at the script for 'The Missing Island,' and Choi Sunggeun, looking at Ujin through the rearview mirror, inwardly sighed.

'Going to a film festival just two months after debuting? It's an incredibly bold and unconventional move. I've never seen such a route before. Even renowned directors in Korea are sticking to him like glue.'

No matter how amazing his acting was, the fact that veteran directors were flocking to him was a different story. Choi Sunggeun, who had been in the entertainment industry for over a decade, knew this best.

'Not to mention, his English skills are so good that he could go to Hollywood without any issues. I don't know much about his Japanese, though.'

Choi Sunggeun, who felt that the unconventional contract terms were not at all a waste, turned to Ujin and asked.

"So, Ujin. How do you find 'The Missing Island'?"

"It's interesting."

"Oh? You find it interesting?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Well, your 'interesting' sounds a bit awkward, doesn't it?"

It wasn't awkward at all. Ujin's answer wasn't part of his act. 'The Missing Island' was genuinely interesting.

'How can a man endure a monstrous life form?'

Therefore, Ujin, though indifferent, spoke sincerely again.

"I haven't finished reading it yet, but it's interesting."

"Alright, alright. Let me know after you finish reading it. Whether you want to do it, which character you like the most, etc. Director Kwon Gitak said there's no rush, so take your time and think about it carefully."

"Sure, Mr. Choi."

"Since Director Kwon Gitak mentioned that he has a schedule for the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival,' we can arrange a meeting after the festival ends."

Around lunchtime on the same day, in Tokyo, Japan.

A high-end sushi restaurant near Tokyo Station. The place looked expensive just by looking at it. In the tatami VIP room of this sushi restaurant, two men were sitting face to face. One had a head full of white hair, a large nose, and looked to be over 50. The other was younger, in his 50s, and was very thin.

They were enjoying the colorful sushi placed in the center of the table.

Then, the thin man broke the silence.

"あ, 監督。(Ah, Director.)"

The man with the white hair, who was focused on the sushi, replied softly.

"なんで? 早く食べる人が勝者じゃん。(Why? The faster eater wins.)"

The thin man chuckled at the response.

"No, not about the sushi. Are you going to Korea this time? I heard you were invited to a film festival."

"Hmm? Oh, yes. I plan to go."

"Really? You've been taking a break, but it's time to start a new project."

"Even if I do, I won't work with you."

"That's disappointing."

In fact, the man with the large nose, who was called a director, was one of the most renowned directors in Japan. He was always mentioned when talking about Japanese masters. His filmography spanned various genres, including documentaries, action, live-action, dramas, and thrillers. In 2018, he even won an award at the Cannes Film Festival.

His name was Tatsuguchi Kyotaro.

Moreover, Kyotaro had a deep connection with Korea.

['Japanese Master' Tatsuguchi Kyotaro Director Posts Another Photo of His Trip to Korea on SNS]

He was a Korea enthusiast who loved Korean content and culture. His SNS often featured photos of his trips to Korea, and he had even directed a Korea-Japan co-production film in the past.

Anyway.

"What's there to be disappointed about? We've worked on several projects together."

As Kyotaro put down his chopsticks and muttered, the thin man on the opposite side sighed and changed the subject.

"Yes, but do you have any plans to enjoy the film festival in Korea?"

"The 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.' I was invited last year but couldn't go. This year, I'll definitely go. It's not so much about enjoying it; it's a major festival in the short film and art world, so there's a lot to see."

"But it's a short film festival, so the actors will all be unknowns, and it's only major in Korea. Internationally, it might be a bit dull, and the works will likely be small-scale."

Kyotaro, holding a glass of water, shot a glance at the thin man across the table.

"That kind of attitude is what's holding back the Japanese film industry."

"······Yes?"

"Short films and art films featuring unknowns are the same in Japan. In fact, looking at the current trends, Japan needs to learn from Korea's content market system."

"Ah, yes, I agree with that."

"Look at Japanese Netflix. More than half of the top 10 rankings are Korean works. It's a crisis, but Japan's domestic market is stable, so it's always the same."

"······"

"Actors always act with a 'I'm acting right now!' tone, and directors keep borrowing the same methods and systems."

At this point, Kyotaro sighed deeply.

"But Japan is already being influenced by the Korean wave. The public that loves K-pop and K-content is continuously growing."

He spoke with genuine sincerity.

"We need to pay more attention to Korea. That's why I'm going to Korea."

After that.

While Kang Ujin was deeply immersed in the filming of 'Profiler Hanryang,' various news and updates were being released online.

['Movie Talk'] The 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival,' which has a new sponsor this year, is taking a different approach!

While it wasn't the main focus like 'Profiler Hanryang' or the drama war, it was related to the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.'

['Mise-en-scène Film Festival' Committee: "Many international renowned directors will attend this year"]

It was clearly a more aggressive promotion compared to last year. The 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' was frequently seen on the entertainment pages of various portal sites and in many communities.

- Current status of the major 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' in Korea.jpg

It was evident that the new sponsor was providing ample funding. The promotion for the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' continued to grow, not just for a day but for the next day and the day after that.

Moreover.

"Do you know about the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival'? It opens on the 30th of this month, and we've received an advertisement for it!"

Many streamers and YouTubers also advertised the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.' While the interest wasn't overwhelming, it did spread to a wide audience. This was because methods of promotion that were not used last year were employed.

['Issue IS'] Famous YouTubers and top actors are actively promoting the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival'

It was natural to receive attention.

In other words, both those who were already interested in the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' and those who were not were mixed. The presence of words like renowned directors, top actors, and international famous actors added to the excitement.

The aggressive promotion had an immediate effect.

Film-related communities were buzzing, and the 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' was frequently shared on social media. The same was true offline.

For example.

"Wow-"

Kim Daeyoung, a friend of Kang Ujin, who had just returned to his seat after lunch, was one such person. He had a hobby in acting, so his interest was even greater.

"The 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival' is getting a lot of coverage this year?"

He was eager to go. Looking at the festival schedule, the main screening period for the short film entries, excluding the closing and award ceremony, lasted a week, including the weekend.

But the burly Kim Daeyoung felt lonely going alone.

"Who should I invite?"

Kim Daeyoung sent a message to one of the three members, including Kang Ujin.

- Hey, Kyung-sung, sending.

His friend, who was also resting, replied quickly.

- Chubby Kyung-sung: Speak.

-(Link) Are you going to see this next weekend? It's a short film festival.

- Chubby Kyung-sung: No.

- Why, you have nothing to do on the weekend anyway.

- Chubby Kyung-sung: I'm playing League of Legends. And why should I go?

- Well, let's have a drink after it's over.

- Chubby Kyung-sung: Then invite others too. Why is Kang Ujin always MIA?

- I don't know, he's always busy. Anyway, I'll invite Na Hyung-gu too?

- Chubby Kyung-sung: Yeah, invite Na Hyung-gu too. And Kang Ujin definitely has a girlfriend.

- If it's a girl, I'm in. Hyung-gu, you're in, and you too.

- Chubby Kyung-sung: Sure.

Having secured two of his friends, Kim Daeyoung sent a message to Kang Ujin.

- Hey, are you dead? Let's meet up.

Surprisingly, the reply came quickly.

- Ujin: Next time. I'm really busy.

As soon as he read the reply, the burly Kim Daeyoung snorted.

"This guy definitely has a girlfriend."

Sunday, April 26th, late afternoon.

The location was the set of 'Profiler Hanryang.' It was the main team, not team B, and dozens of staff, including PD Song Man-woo, were holding their breath, watching the shooting area.

"······"

"······"

In front of them stood Kang Ujin, or rather, Park Daeri, with handcuffs on. On either side, police officers were holding him.

At this moment, the front camera slowly approached Park Daeri on a rail.

Thus, on the monitor that PD Song Man-woo, with his beard, was watching, Park Daeri's face gradually zoomed in. Park Daeri didn't say much; he just stared at the approaching camera. Interestingly, there was a subtle change in Park Daeri's face on the monitor. As the face enlarged, the corners of his mouth slightly lifted.

It was as if the process of a person smiling was being shown in slow motion.

Park Daeri's smile was growing. More accurately, a chilling smile was spreading across his face, like ink spreading. When the camera stopped two steps in front of Park Daeri.

"······"

Park Daeri's previously expressionless face was now filled with a radiant smile. The deep, mad eyes and the growing smile combined to create a somewhat clown-like appearance.

The smile, and the hidden reality within it.

A face that was one but seemed to be a combination of multiple masks. A scene that clearly expressed the ambiguity of his character.

At this moment.

"······Cut!! OK!!!"

PD Song Man-woo, who had been captivated by Kang Ujin's acting, jumped up and shouted the sign, and at the same time, dozens of staff around him applauded Ujin.

- Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!

"Wow, that was amazing!!"

"Ujin, great job!!"

"What a pity, what a pity! Ujin, great job!"

The actors, including Ryu Jeongmin, who were waiting, also joined in the applause. Their faces were filled with genuine smiles. Kang Ujin's portrayal of Park Daeri had been truly remarkable, and as a fellow actor, even though he was a junior, they held him in high regard.

And.

- Whoosh.

PD Song Man-woo, who had rushed to Kang Ujin on the set, gave him a thumbs up with both hands.

"In my entire directing career, the Park Daeri you've shown is one of the best. Really."

Amidst the shower of praise and congratulations, Kang Ujin, as usual, had a calm face, but inwardly, he was a bit flustered.

'How do I end this?'

Along with a slight lump in his throat and an overwhelming sense of achievement and excitement, he felt that his usual act and tough guy persona were not necessary at this moment.

'Just express my gratitude.'

Kang Ujin bowed deeply to the many senior actors and dozens of staff who had worked hard with him, including PD Song Man-woo.

"Thank you all, I've learned a lot."

The moment Kang Ujin's filming as 'Park Daeri' ended.

An hour later.

Kang Ujin, who had finished filming 'Profiler Hanryang