Chapter 51

< Chapter 1: Park Doo >

The article prominently featured their son. Thus, Woojin's parents.

“......”

“......”

Staring at their son on the monitor, they were momentarily dazed, seemingly forgetting the customer's order. This lasted for about a minute. Then, Seohyun-mi, Woojin's mother, was the first to regain her composure.

“L-Let’s start with the porridge.”

Her husband, Kang Woo-chul, nodded in agreement. They quickly made two servings of porridge and then gathered in front of the counter monitor again. Woojin in the article remained unchanged.

Seohyun-mi and Kang Woo-chul huddled together to read the article carefully.

“‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’? Grand Prize?”

“What time is it now? This article just came out.”

“So, our son is at this film festival right now? Alongside actors like Hong Hye-yeon.”

“Why? Why did our son win the grand prize for acting at this film festival?”

The couple found it difficult to understand, even after reading the article. After all, their son, Kang Woo-jin, had only announced he would become an actor a few months ago. Of course, they also lacked information about the acting world.

“Don’t actors usually start by practicing and attending acting schools?”

“Right. I read that it takes years of dedication...”

They knew it was impossible to win a grand prize in acting after just a few months. Moreover.

“Hong Hye-yeon is the best, right? So, our son outperformed this actor?”

The idea that Kang Woo-jin had surpassed such a famous top actress was hard to believe. At this moment, Seohyun-mi, recalling her son's face, picked up her phone.

“I’ll call him.”

Kang Woo-chul stopped her.

“Wait. What if you disturb Woojin?”

“Oh... You’re right.”

At that moment.

-♬♪

-♬♪

An alert sounded on both Seohyun-mi’s and Kang Woo-chul’s phones. A message had arrived simultaneously. They both checked their phones and were immediately surprised.

“Woojin!”

“Son!”

The sender was Kang Woo-jin. Their son, who was at the ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival,’ had sent the same message to both parents. The content was the same.

-(Photo)

-I won an award for my acting. It’s not a big deal, just a short film festival, but I’m proud. I’m sending this in case you worry. Don’t worry too much.

The message included a photo of a trophy.

Later.

As the ‘Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival’ was concluding its award ceremony and closing ceremony, journalists who attended the event were quickly disseminating the information they had gathered.

[‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’ Announces Grand Prize Winner! ‘The Detective Agency’ Wins Top Acting Awards]

Despite being a short film festival, it had its fair share of interesting stories. Therefore, the media, upon hearing the news from the on-site reporters, were somewhat excited.

“Huh? Park Jung-hyuk didn’t attend, and Hong Hye-yeon won the best performance? Then, who won the grand prize for acting? What? An unknown actor?!”

While it wasn’t unusual for an unknown actor to win in a festival with many newcomers, it was peculiar that established actors like Park Jung-hyuk and Hong Hye-yeon were outshone.

[‘Park Jung-hyuk’ Absent, ‘Hong Hye-yeon’ Wins Best Performance, Grand Prize for Acting Goes to Newcomer ‘Kang Woo-jin’ / Photo]

Furthermore.

[[Film Festival] ‘First in History,’ ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’ Sweeps All Awards with ‘The Detective Agency’]

‘The Detective Agency’ swept all the awards, from the grand prize to the newly established acting award. This was an unprecedented sight at the reputable ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival,’ which sometimes didn’t even have a grand prize winner.

Thus, the articles quickly multiplied.

Of course, they weren’t the main headlines. However, as sub-articles, they had sufficient value, and Kang Woo-jin’s face began to spread across various portal sites and communities. Naturally, this alone wouldn’t significantly boost his recognition.

Most of the public would simply think, “An unknown actor won an award at a short film festival.”

[[Mise-en-Scène Film Festival] Actors Who Won Awards Celebrate Together / Photo]

In the broader entertainment industry, Kang Woo-jin’s current recognition was still minimal. However, the fire had definitely been ignited. Film communities, Hong Hye-yeon’s fan clubs, social media, and YouTube channels covering the ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’ were all abuzz.

Especially for those who knew Kang Woo-jin, it was a chaotic scene.

For example, at the set of ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

“...What?! Woojin won the grand prize??”

While filming was in full swing, PD Song Man-woo, who was on a call, shouted. Who else could it be? Screenwriter Park Eun-mi, who had seen everything at the ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival.’

“Hong Hye-yeon won the best performance? Woojin won the grand prize... Ah! Then, did ‘The Detective Agency’ win the grand prize??!”

“Yeah! Triple winner!”

“Wow, that’s quite something, isn’t it? The ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’ is known for its predetermined awards every year...”

“PD, there’s something even more surprising.”

“What else?”

“Woojin’s Japanese is top-notch, apparently.”

“What do you mean?”

“Seriously, he was chatting with a famous Japanese director as if they were old friends.”

He speaks Japanese too? A few days ago, Kang Woo-jin was speaking English like a native, leading everyone to believe he was in the U.S.

“...So, what is he? A foreigner? American or Japanese? Or both??”

Kang Woo-jin was a pure Korean, but PD Song Man-woo, with his beard, didn’t seem to consider this possibility.

Moreover.

“Oh, but this means that Kang Totem’s prediction was spot on.”

Misunderstandings began to accumulate.

“Right. It’s so eerie. I really got goosebumps when Woojin was called for the grand prize.”

“He was possessed, possessed. It wasn’t just animal-level; it was ghost-possessed.”

The film ‘The Detective Agency,’ which he chose by instinct, swept all the awards, from the grand prize to the acting award. It was a storm. As the ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’ is known as a gateway to the film industry, it was clear that director Shin Dong-chun and ‘The Detective Agency’ would be busy from the next day.

Not only that.

There would be many interview requests for the actors, and while gaining moderate recognition from the public, they would also showcase a strong presence in the film industry. In other words, it was like turning 10,000 won into over 10 million won.

An incredible outcome.

Thus, the genuine admiration of the bearded PD Song Man-woo was understandable.

“...Anyway, I got it. I’ll tell the actors.”

This news quickly spread throughout the set thanks to PD Song Man-woo. Dozens of staff and actors genuinely congratulated them. While some were congratulating Kang Woo-jin and Hong Hye-yeon, such issues could also affect the drama’s ratings.

In short, it was a boon for ‘Profiler Hanryang.’

While they couldn’t yet reveal Kang Woo-jin’s manager, even just Hong Hye-yeon was enough for a promotional effect.

And.

-Whirr.

Thanks to the ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’ closing ceremony, Kang Woo-jin was unaware, but his close friends’ group chat was on fire.

-Dae-yeong: (Article link) Yo, what the hell is this about Kang Woo-jin? He won the grand prize? Seriously??

-Kyung-sung: F**k! Yo, wasn’t the film festival just for the final selections?!

-Hyeong-gu: Wow... But why did you win the grand prize? Is Hong Hye-yeon below you?

-Kyung-sung: Congratulations, buddy. But is this true? Dong-hwan? I can’t believe it even after seeing it. Kang Woo-jin standing next to Hong Hye-yeon is like a fantasy.

-Dae-yeong: Yo! Kang Woo-jin! Is this guy busy?

-Hyeong-gu: Let’s meet tonight, damn it.

The trio, excited like wild horses, made plans.

On the same day, at night. Near Jungja Station in Bundang.

It was around 8 PM. The location was a chicken restaurant near Jungja Station. The spacious chicken restaurant had tables both inside and on an outdoor terrace, and the familiar trio was seen at the outdoor table.

“Wow, this chicken is good.”

“With your mouth, Kyung-sung, what wouldn’t be delicious?”

“Shut up, Hyeong-gu. What kind of nonsense are you spouting in front of the sacred chicken god?”

These were Kang Woo-jin’s close friends. At this moment, Hyeong-gu, who had been leaning on his chin, muttered to Dae-yeong.

“Dae-yeong, is it really that big a deal that Kang Woo-jin won the grand prize?”

The burly Dae-yeong, picking up a piece of chicken, replied.

“I don’t know. It’s a new award this year. But for a guy who only started acting two months ago to win the grand prize, it’s an absurd situation.”

“True.”

“Even for a short film festival, it’s a major one, so the judges wouldn’t have just given it out lightly.”

“...But his acting in the film was actually pretty good.”

Silence fell among the trio. They still couldn’t believe it. It was natural. Being calm would have been more unusual. Therefore, the chubby Kyung-sung, who had been eating chicken, let out a small sigh.

“Kang Woo-jin, of all people, becoming an actor and even winning an award. When I saw the article, it didn’t feel like my friend.”

“He might not even be your friend.”

“Wanna fight?”

“...Anyway, it means he’ll keep appearing in movies and dramas from now on. Wow, I can’t get used to it.”

From this point, the trio began to let their imaginations run wild.

Of course, it was about their friend Kang Woo-jin’s future as an actor. Dating a girl group member, staying in touch with top actresses like Hong Hye-yeon, marrying a celebrity, starting a fan club and joining it, and so on.

The trio exchanged countless fantasies.

After about 30 minutes of talking about Kang Woo-jin, Dae-yeong, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly downed a beer.

-Clunk!

The burly Dae-yeong, placing the beer glass on the table with a satisfying thud, spoke with a serious expression.

“Do you remember I said I was going to change jobs soon?”

His friends reacted nonchalantly.

“Why are you acting so serious? You’ve been talking about it for two months. When are you going to do it?”

“This guy just talks and never does anything. He’s just asking for some sympathy.”

Dae-yeong dropped a bomb.

“I actually told my company last week that I’m going to change jobs.”

“...Are you crazy?!! Seriously??!”

“This idiot!! He quit a mid-level company?”

“Shut up and listen.”

Ironically, Dae-yeong, the one who made the announcement, remained calm.

“I had already made up my mind, and my family knows. I was planning to travel abroad for half a year after leaving the company.”

“You’re living in a fairy tale.”

“Anyway, that’s what I was planning... But then Kang Woo-jin suddenly became an actor, and he even won an award today. It’s still unbelievable.”

Dae-yeong firmly told his friends.

“Should I become Kang Woo-jin’s manager or bodyguard? Or something like that.”

Kyung-sung and Hyeong-gu, blinking their eyes, gave a short answer.

“Idiot.”

“Moron.”

A simple curse. But Dae-yeong sighed deeply, as if it didn’t bother him.

“Well, it’s just a thought for now... But you know, I always wanted to be an actor. I gave up early and just did it as a hobby...”

At this moment, Dae-yeong recalled Kang Woo-jin acting on the big screen.

“To be honest, when I saw Kang Woo-jin in the movie, I was really shocked and confused. But there was a strange sense of pleasure. Not me, but seeing my friend on the big screen.”

“...Really?”

“A bit of vicarious satisfaction? It was impressive. Even though I didn’t understand what was going on, I was captivated. I felt envious and thrilled.”

Then.

“And the day Kang Woo-jin told me he became an actor, I had a thought on my way home.”

Dae-yeong looked at his friends and concluded.

“- It would be fun to watch my friend achieve my dream from the sidelines.”

The expressionless Kyung-sung and Hyeong-gu nodded and replied.

“Idiot.”

“Moron.”

It was a curse again.

The next day, on the 8th morning. At Eulrim Film Company.

It was around 9 AM. Kang Woo-jin could be found in the Eulrim Film Company meeting room. The same place where he had met director Kwon Gi-taek before. He was alone in the spacious meeting room, and Choi Sung-geun was nowhere to be seen, probably in the restroom.

Regardless.

‘Articles keep coming out.’

Sitting alone at the L-shaped table, Kang Woo-jin looked at his phone with a calm face. He was searching for articles and photos that appeared when he searched for his name.

There were many articles and photos.

While there were very few articles about Kang Woo-jin alone, he was frequently mentioned alongside the ‘Mise-en-Scène Film Festival’ and Hong Hye-yeon.

‘Unbelievable.’

Anyone would find it hard to believe. If you searched for your name and found articles, it wouldn’t feel real.

At that moment.

-Creak.

The meeting room glass door opened, and a warm man entered. Who else could it be? Director Kwon Gi-taek, with his potbelly.

“Ah, I’m sorry, I said I’d come quickly.”

His voice was as gentle as always, and Kang Woo-jin, putting down his phone, stood up and greeted him.

“No, we came early.”

“Where’s Mr. Choi?”

“He’s in the restroom.”

“Ah, then let’s start, shall we?”

Director Kwon Gi-taek, smiling slightly, sat across from Woojin.

“First, congratulations on the grand prize. I was there, and it made me feel good.”

“Thank you, Director.”

Director Kwon Gi-taek, looking intently at the silent Woojin, had many questions. But he held back.

‘He’s not the type to spill everything. It’s better to watch how he grows. I need to take a long-term view.’

He changed the subject, pointing to the stack of papers in front of Woojin. The papers were the script for ‘The Island of the Missing.’

“What did you think of it?”

“It was very interesting.”

“Haha, that’s great. Especially hearing it from you makes it even better.”

Director Kwon Gi-taek, smiling warmly, asked.

“That’s good. Then, what character in the script did you find most interesting?”

Woojin’s answer was low and quick. He had already had his eye on a role, even if it was a lead role.

“The character with a split personality.”

“...That won’t be easy, will it?”

“It is a challenging role.”

“Why did you choose that character, then?”

Reason? I just chose it because it was interesting. Woojin spoke the truth.

“I like villains.”

“Haha.”

Director Kwon Gi-taek laughed unexpectedly.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect you to feel the same way. Actually, I had you in mind for that role from the beginning.”

“...Me?”

“Do you want to do this project?”

“Possibly, yes.”

At that moment.

-Creak.

“Sorry! I got an urgent call on my way here.”

Choi Sung-geun, with his pompadour, rushed into the meeting room. Director Kwon Gi-taek extended his hand to him.

“Mr. Choi, let’s sign the contract today.”

“...What?”

“The lead villain, I agree with you and Woojin.”

“Lead... lead villain?”

Choi Sung-geun, who had taken his hand, received a deep smile from Director Kwon Gi-taek.

“Woojin is the first actor confirmed for my project.”

It was the moment Kang Woo-jin joined the ranks of the renowned Director Kwon Gi-taek.

Meanwhile, at the same time.

At the SBC Broadcasting Center in Mok-dong. A large event was underway. It was the production press conference for the highly anticipated drama ‘Profiler Hanryang.’ No wonder, with over 200 reporters gathered.