Chapter 52

< Park Doo (2) >

The 200 reporters at the press conference for 'Profiler Hanryang' moved their fingers frantically. This was due to the bold declaration made by the previous writer, Park Eun-mi.

"That actor will be talked about as a scene-stealer of the century. He delivers a performance that no other actor can match."

-Flash!

-Flash!

Half of the reporters were taking photos, and the other half were typing away on their laptops.

The atmosphere was intensely heated. The reporters' eyes gleamed like those of hyenas. At this moment, Song Man-woo PD, who had tidied up his beard for the day, tapped the shoulder of the writer Park Eun-mi sitting next to him.

"Didn't we have an agreement not to say things like that?"

Park Eun-mi, with her long perm tied up, replied softly while keeping her gaze on the reporters.

"I don't know. It just happened as the momentum carried us."

"Come on, you did it on purpose. You were trying to hook them, weren't you? You were throwing bait to the reporters to get their attention."

"Well, I thought I might say it if that question came up. I didn't expect them to actually ask it, though."

"Haha. Anyway, it seems to have worked, doesn't it? Look at those hyenas' eyes. They look ready to write down every word, whether it's true or not."

Park Eun-mi shrugged.

"Do you deal with reporters every day? I'm sure only 1mm of what I say will stick, and they'll amplify it several times over with their own sources. But even if the 'Park Dae-ri' story grows tenfold or a hundredfold, it doesn't matter, right?"

Song Man-woo PD's smile deepened, as if acknowledging her point.

"Right. No matter how much attention it gets, it won't matter with Park Dae-ri. His performance will exceed everyone's imagination. I should treat the reporter who asked about Park Dae-ri to a meal later, shouldn't I?"

"Since we're on the topic, let's pull the hook a bit more. Expanding the scale is your specialty, isn't it, PD Song?"

"I'm the one who's good at that."

Soon, Song Man-woo PD whispered to the actors, including Ryu Jeong-min and Hong Hye-yeon. The actors, who were already familiar with such situations, quickly understood. Especially Hong Hye-yeon, who was dressed in a long shirt, her eyes sparkled.

Then, Song Man-woo PD casually threw a line to the 200 reporters.

"Hahaha, but please be gentle when writing about our hidden scene-stealer actor. It's too much pressure for the actor before the lid is even opened."

Of course, this was a deliberate line, and it hit the mark.

"PD, do you also see the scene-stealer actor as a once-in-a-lifetime talent?!"

"What do you think, PD, who directed the actor?!"

The reporters bombarded Song Man-woo PD with dozens of questions. Song Man-woo PD, who had his arms crossed, let out a sigh before answering appropriately.

"Regardless of anything else, it is a once-in-a-lifetime performance, that's for sure. It was the first time I ever cursed after seeing an actor's performance in all my years of directing. Isn't that right?"

Song Man-woo PD turned his head to the left and sought agreement from the actors. Ryu Jeong-min and Hong Hye-yeon, among others, laughed or nodded nonchalantly. The hundreds of reporters let out a slight gasp.

"Wow, is PD Song really going to do that?"

The staged scenario, which was supposed to be unintentional, was growing bigger.

Just by looking at the reporters' expressions, who were rolling their eyes and sizing up the situation, it was clear. Song Man-woo PD also threw similar questions to the other actors.

"Jeong-min, how was the entire filming process? Did you have any scenes with the scene-stealer actor?"

"Yes, I had many scenes with that actor. Well, to be honest, seeing that actor's performance made me work even harder, several times over. He acted as a stimulant for me."

"Stimulant? For Ryu Jeong-min?"

The main actors of 'Profiler Hanryang' all praised 'Park Dae-ri' to the skies.

The hundreds of reporters at the press conference enjoyed the bait thrown at them for several dozen minutes, easily exceeding the scheduled time. Many discussions had already taken place before the questions about Park Dae-ri.

Therefore, the host of the press conference began to wrap things up.

"Alright, we're already 30 minutes over. We'll take one last question and then wrap up."

"Here, here!"

"I'll do it!"

"Yes, the reporter in the gray shirt!"

The selected reporter lowered his hand and met the gaze of Hong Hye-yeon, who was smiling.

"Hye-yeon, you suddenly appeared at the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' and turned the short film industry upside down. At the awards ceremony, you received the Best Acting Award and then gave the Grand Prize to an unknown actor. How did you feel about that?"

A slightly aggressive question directed at Hong Hye-yeon, completely unrelated to 'Profiler Hanryang.' Just as the host was about to signal Hong Hye-yeon not to answer, she replied with a calm smile.

"Reporter, have you not seen 'Heungshinso'? Go and see it."

Hong Hye-yeon answered softly.

"Then you'll understand why I received the Best Acting Award. I acknowledge the Grand Prize winner's talent. You only see what you know, so you asked that question because you didn't know."

The reporter who asked the question stammered a bit.

"Ah, ah, yes. That, that's right."

Hong Hye-yeon's entire management team covered their faces and sighed.

"Ah, again."

Her bold actions were not a one-time thing.

Several minutes later, in the conference room of Eulrim Film Company.

Jang Woo-jin, expressionless, sat next to Choi Sung-geun, who was in a state of shock.

'...Lead? Not even a supporting role, but a lead role?'

Just a few dozen minutes ago, he had heard from Director Kwon Gi-taek that Jang Woo-jin would be cast as a lead-level villain. Currently, Director Kwon Gi-taek was gently explaining the schedule for the next project.

"The investment is already secured..."

But none of the words reached the ponytailed Choi Sung-geun. What on earth was happening?

'Well... I did have some expectations. Since Director Kwon Gi-taek came to the set in person, I thought he might give something more than a minor role.'

If it were a supporting or a minor role, Choi Sung-geun would have been amazed. It was a collaboration with the legendary Director Kwon Gi-taek. But Director Kwon Gi-taek offered Jang Woo-jin a lead-level villain role as if it were a piece of candy.

'What, how many steps are you skipping?'

For Choi Sung-geun, who had been in the entertainment industry for over a decade and had excellent connections and skills, this was a first. An unknown actor received a lead-level role from Director Kwon Gi-taek just two months after appearing? It was not just breaking conventions; it was unprecedented. If this story spread in the film industry, it would cause a stir.

At the same time, Jang Woo-jin was bound to receive a lot of attention.

At this moment.

-Swoosh.

Choi Sung-geun, whose eyes widened, slowly turned his head to look at Jang Woo-jin. Jang Woo-jin was calmly nodding and listening to Director Kwon Gi-taek's explanation.

'...Why are you so calm?'

What is the source of that composure and courage? Is it really coming from his high self-esteem?

There was no sign of any disturbance in Jang Woo-jin. It was as if he had predicted this situation. In the midst of this, Jang Woo-jin turned his head to the right. The indifferent Jang Woo-jin met Choi Sung-geun's gaze.

An exclamation mark appeared in Choi Sung-geun's eyes.

'Ah... Right. If I go with you, I'll encounter many situations like this. You're telling me to be appropriately surprised and do my job, right? Haha, I understand. I'm not as tough as you.'

Choi Sung-geun, who was looking at Jang Woo-jin calmly, was actually very flustered.

'No, don't I need to confirm if this legendary director is really okay? He asked me to talk about an interesting character, but then he offered the role.'

At this moment, Choi Sung-geun raised his hand while looking at Director Kwon Gi-taek, who was explaining.

"Director, really. I'm extremely grateful for this offer. This moment will be unforgettable, hahaha."

"I think it will be unforgettable for me too. As you know, this is the first time for me."

"Yes, me too. I'm very grateful. However, it might be a bit premature to sign the contract right away."

Huh? Jang Woo-jin, who was startled inside, stared at the head of the agency. Choi Sung-geun, noticing the gaze, subtly winked with his right eye, indicating that he understood and would handle it.

"Let's finalize the verbal agreement today with Director, Jang Woo-jin, and myself, and we can sort out the detailed matters and the contract later."

"Hmm—"

"Of course, it would be good if the production team from the film company could also witness the verbal agreement. That way, Director and Jang Woo-jin can confirm each other, and I can discuss the details with the film company later."

This was common practice. Film contracts involved many conditions and negotiations, including the actor's fee, and scheduling adjustments between the actor and the production team were necessary. Therefore, a verbal agreement between the director and the actor was a common occurrence.

Even a verbal agreement was almost as good as a formal one.

Especially for a renowned director like Kwon Gi-taek, a verbal agreement carried even more weight. However, Jang Woo-jin was not aware of this. Therefore, he gave Choi Sung-geun a deeper look, as if asking, "Why?"

Choi Sung-geun understood.

'Right, Jang Woo-jin, I get it. You want to raise the fee, don't you? A lead role in a Kwon Gi-taek film. You're telling me not to let it pass smoothly, right?'

Although their understanding was clearly different, Choi Sung-geun derived his own answer from Jang Woo-jin's gaze.

'I know. You received a significantly higher fee for 'Profiler Hanryang' and had clear guidelines for the contract terms and fee when you signed with the agency. In other words, you want to delay the contract until the first episode of 'Profiler Hanryang' airs, right?'

In the entertainment industry, recognition can change dramatically overnight. If a topic breaks today, the leading digit of the fee can change. Choi Sung-geun sensed this from Jang Woo-jin's gaze.

'Although you've already risen to a blue-chip in the film industry through the 'Mijangsen Film Festival,' your recognition is not yet explosive. If we sign the contract now, it might be a bit regrettable for us.'

The conclusion was that the fee would increase several times over if they waited until 'Profiler Hanryang' airs. Choi Sung-geun gave Jang Woo-jin, who was looking at him indifferently, another wink, as if saying, "I'll handle it."

'I'll take care of it.'

Then, Director Kwon Gi-taek, who was looking at Choi Sung-geun, slowly nodded. His kind smile was a bonus.

"Hmm, right. I understand what you mean. I was a bit too hasty, forgetting the practical aspects. I was just too eager to have Jang Woo-jin."

"I understand, Director."

"Then, let's start with a verbal agreement with the production team."

"Thank you."

Director Kwon Gi-taek, who took out his phone, called the production team waiting outside and then asked Choi Sung-geun cautiously.

"By the way, Director. I'm sorry, but when do you plan to announce the next project to the media? You said it's still confidential."

"That's right. We should wait until the lead role is more established. I think it will be sorted out by the end of this month at the earliest."

"This month. If it's confirmed, can our agency also help with the publicity, emphasizing that Jang Woo-jin is joining the Kwon Gi-taek team?"

Director Kwon Gi-taek's smile deepened, as if saying it was fine.

"Of course, why wouldn't it be?"

"Thank you."

Choi Sung-geun, who had bowed, approached Jang Woo-jin. Jang Woo-jin, still expressionless, was in a state of confusion. Choi Sung-geun whispered to him.

"At least double, maybe more. I'll get you a fee that will satisfy you, as you thought. Let's delay the contract somehow. Leave it to me; it's possible from the way Director Kwon is treating you, like a grandchild."

Suddenly, where did the fee come from? Jang Woo-jin, who couldn't make sense of it no matter how he thought about it, didn't see a reason to object to a higher fee.

"…Yes, I understand."

"And. If I push the publicity angle a bit, imagine how crazy it will be. You're already on the rise with the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' Best Acting Award and are considered a blue-chip in the film industry. If 'Profiler Hanryang' also becomes a hit, and then you join the Kwon Gi-taek team as a lead role, what do you think?"

Here, Choi Sung-geun smirked.

"You won't just be a blue-chip in the film industry; you'll be a nuclear bomb in the entertainment industry."

The next day, on the morning of the 9th, in a high-end hotel in Seoul.

It was a spacious suite. A man with a large nose and plenty of gray hair, wearing a bathrobe, stood by the window, looking out at Seoul while sipping coffee.

He was the legendary Japanese director, Kyo-taro Tanoguchi.

"Hmm."

Kyo-taro, who had stayed in Korea even after the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' ended two days ago on the 7th, had made a personal decision. As a result, his team, who had come with him, was also still in Korea.

-Swoosh.

Kyo-taro, who had been looking out the window, sat on a luxurious sofa. On the table in front of him was a script he had been reading. Recently, Kyo-taro had been reading several scripts for his next project.

However.

"No."

He closed the script he was reading, unable to concentrate. In fact, his mind was still filled with the unknown Korean actor.

Jang Woo-jin.

Although he had only seen him briefly, his acting was at a crazy level, and the actor himself was a type that sparked intense curiosity.

"…That fluent Japanese. He seems to have lived in Japan, but his acting tone is not at all Japanese. Or did he live in Japan as a child and then move to Korea?"

In any case, the unknown actor Jang Woo-jin clearly lacked recognition. At the 'Mijangsen Film Festival,' only a few people knew him, and even Korean reporters treated Jang Woo-jin as a complete stranger.

"His acting is better than a veteran of over a decade, yet his recognition is at rock bottom. There were no rumors of him being in any productions, and he didn't look particularly young. Is the acting industry in Korea that difficult?"

Kyo-taro, as a director, couldn't understand it at all. An actor with such acting skills could easily be in a major production. Fortunately, his skills were proven at the 'Mijangsen Film Festival,' but even so, it was still a short film festival, not a mainstream one.

"What a waste. It's too much of a waste to let such an actor go unnoticed."

Waste. It was a waste to let an actor like Jang Woo-jin remain unknown.

"It's absurd for an actor with such extraordinary talent to be stuck in short films. In my eyes, he is an actor who should contribute to the development of the acting industry, whether in Korea or Japan."

At this point, Kyo-taro made a decision. He wanted to bring this unknown actor to the world, both in Korea and Japan. Of course, Kyo-taro, as a director, also had his own ambition. He wanted to work with this actor, who was still a raw gem.

'He will give a wake-up call to Japanese actors. In Korea, even an actor of this caliber has to spend years in short films.'

After making a decision on his own, he picked up his phone.

"Let's talk in my room. I'll have to stay in Korea for a few more days."

He was calling his team, who were in another room.

< Park Doo (2) > End