Chapter 55

< Park Doo (5) >

Suddenly, Director Kyotaro and his team appeared. Dozens of bw Entertainment employees stopped what they were doing and all looked at Director Kyotaro.

"......Director Kyotaro? Is it really Tanozaki Kyotaro Director?"

Meanwhile, employees who didn't know Director Kyotaro asked those who did.

"Who is he? Is he famous? A director? I've never seen him before. He seems to be speaking Japanese."

"......Tanozaki Kyotaro Director is well-known in Japan. He's a successful, influential director."

While the employees were whispering, Choi Sung-geon, with his pompadour, inadvertently shook the hand that Director Kyotaro extended. But he was still full of question marks.

'Why is this guy... here?'

It was such an unexpected visit. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin, who had just come out of the CEO's office and noticed the strange atmosphere, was also surprised. Of course, only inwardly.

'Huh? That Japanese director. Could he be the one who gave me an award at the film festival?'

Kang Woo-jin, who briefly met Director Kyotaro's eyes with a smile, quickly put on a serious expression. Even Woo-jin had heard that Director Kyotaro was famous in Japan.

So? Why is he here?

Director Kyotaro and Woo-jin had only had a brief conversation at the film festival's closing ceremony. About 5 minutes? But it was so chaotic that he didn't remember much. To Woo-jin, Director Kyotaro was just like the neighbor next door.

-Swoosh.

Director Kyotaro, who had let go of Choi Sung-geon's hand, murmured in Japanese. His smile remained.

"I came here in person because I thought you would understand my sincerity. If it's a bother, we can reschedule the meeting."

The Japanese words flowed out. Of course, there was an interpreter present. But for some reason, Director Kyotaro looked at the calm Kang Woo-jin.

It was contagious.

Choi Sung-geon, who had an exclamation mark in his eyes, also looked at Woo-jin, and the employees turned their heads to look at Kang Woo-jin with the same question in their eyes. Soon, dozens of eyes were focused on Woo-jin. Then, Kang Woo-jin, who had been looking around indifferently, realized something.

'Ah, he wants me to interpret? Huh, that's easy.'

An opportunity to show off the Japanese he had learned. Kang Woo-jin approached Director Kyotaro and spoke in a low tone of Japanese.

"Hello, Director. I didn't expect to see you again after the film festival."

"Is that so? I was hoping to see you again."

The conversation continued smoothly. Choi Sung-geon knew, but dozens of bw Entertainment employees were amazed by Kang Woo-jin's Japanese skills.

Then, Director Kyotaro continued.

"By any chance, is there a place where we can talk privately?"

"Just a moment."

Kang Woo-jin turned to Choi Sung-geon, who was standing to his left.

"We need a place to talk."

"......Huh? Talk? Ah, oh!"

Choi Sung-geon, who had been a bit dazed, suddenly came to his senses.

"This way!"

Choi Sung-geon led them to the CEO's office, and Kang Woo-jin politely gestured for Director Kyotaro to enter. Soon, in the CEO's office, Director Kyotaro and the interpreter sat opposite Choi Sung-geon and Kang Woo-jin. Director Kyotaro's team waited outside.

At this moment.

"Woo-jin."

Choi Sung-geon whispered to Kang Woo-jin.

"Why did Director Kyotaro suddenly come here?"

"I don't really know."

"Is it because of Hye-yeon? Anyway, you should stay a bit. You're better than the interpreter."

Well, it wasn't bad for Woo-jin. He had found learning Japanese interesting.

Around that time.

"This is a first, and I like it."

The opposite side, with a head full of gray hair, Director Kyotaro smiled and spoke in Japanese.

"It's great that the actor can speak Japanese, so there's no barrier in the conversation. I always felt uncomfortable when I came to Korea. Mr. Kang Woo-jin, can you interpret for me?"

In response, Woo-jin nodded slightly.

"Yes, it's possible."

"I was disappointed that our conversation at the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' was so short. I also feel that Mr. Kang Woo-jin's current position is a waste. With such great skills, you could win the grand prize at major film festivals."

"......Thank you."

"No matter how high the barriers in the Korean acting industry are......it's a pity that Mr. Kang Woo-jin is only in short films."

What is this guy talking about? Woo-jin remained expressionless and silent.

"......"

"How long have you been in Japan?"

"It's difficult to say due to certain circumstances."

"Hmm, I see. I'm sorry."

At this moment, Choi Sung-geon, who had been listening to the conversation with wide eyes, interjected.

"Excuse me, Director. Did you come here because of actress Hong Hye-yeon?"

Kang Woo-jin, who was interpreting, asked, and Director Kyotaro slowly shook his head.

"Actress Hong Hye-yeon is a well-known actress in Japan too. She's an excellent actress. Her performance in 'Hunting Agency' was impressive. However, I came here today for actor Kang Woo-jin."

Me? For me? Why? It seemed like something was about to get out of hand. Indeed.

"Mr. Kang Woo-jin, what do you think about entering the Japanese market?"

Suddenly, Director Kyotaro's question became serious. Woo-jin maintained his expressionless demeanor but was inwardly agitated.

'What? It's only been two months, what's this about entering Japan?'

He was genuinely at a loss for words. But his profound expression seemed to be interpreted as contemplation by Director Kyotaro.

"It's natural to be contemplative. By any chance, do you have any confirmed projects?"

Han was still silent, and Director Kwon Gi-taek's project was not yet confirmed. So, Woo-jin's answer was clear.

"No, I don't have any confirmed projects yet."

"......I see."

Upon hearing the answer, Director Kyotaro inwardly sighed.

'As expected. It's such a pity.'

Director Kyotaro had investigated Kang Woo-jin's background in the Korean entertainment industry over the past few days. But there was nothing to be found. Soon, Director Kyotaro, who had closed his eyes for a moment, met Kang Woo-jin's eyes.

"I am currently preparing my next work. The project is confirmed. I am adapting a famous Japanese novel, and it's about 80% complete."

Director Kyotaro spoke with certainty.

"I want to work on this project with Mr. Kang Woo-jin."

After that.

Director Kyotaro, who had finished his meeting with Kang Woo-jin, left for Japan the next day, the 14th. What was originally a one-day trip turned into a week-long stay. In any case, continuous communication would be through emails with Choi Sung-geon. Urgent matters would be directly communicated to Kang Woo-jin.

Well, in any case, Woo-jin was positive. There was a hint of misunderstanding in the conversation with Director Kyotaro, but...

'I'm not going to Japan right away. It's good to have many possibilities.'

There was no need to reject it outright. He agreed to receive the script when it was completed and decided to keep silent about Director Kyotaro's offer for now. If the rating he checked in the alternate space was trash, it would be awkward.

'It would be a bit awkward.'

On the 15th, the day Director Kyotaro left.

Today was a historic day. It was the premiere of 'Profiler Han'. Therefore, the drama team, which had been in a war, was spreading the last promotional teasers. Top actors also encouraged viewers on their social media.

Time passed in a flurry.

It was already 9 PM on the 15th. At this time, Kang Woo-jin, in a van, arrived at a large meat restaurant near Yangjae Station. It was a two-story standalone meat restaurant, and today, a drama team had rented the entire place. It was the 'Profiler Han' team, and it was for a group dinner.

Soon.

-Vroom!

From the black van parked in the external parking lot, Kang Woo-jin, wearing a hoodie, got out. Then,

"......"

He silently looked up at the meat restaurant. Choi Sung-geon, Jang Su-hwan, and Han Ye-jung stood beside him, all looking at the meat restaurant. Choi Sung-geon spoke first.

"Finally. I bet the reporters are already waiting for the premiere."

Choi Sung-geon, who had been smiling, asked the stern Kang Woo-jin.

"How do you feel? The premiere is just around the corner."

Kang Woo-jin mixed honesty with his concept in his response.

"I'm hungry and looking forward to it."

"Hahaha, what a unique answer. Does that look like a rookie's attitude?"

Choi Sung-geon, who laughed heartily, took the lead. Han Ye-jung and Jang Su-hwan followed, and Kang Woo-jin was last. Woo-jin, with a stiff face, was inwardly taking deep breaths.

'The premiere, it's the day of the final battle.'

Until the trailer for 'Profiler Han' was released, he was fine. His face didn't really appear. But today, everything would be revealed. Therefore, Woo-jin couldn't calm down.

'This feels completely different from the first day of filming, ugh!'

The excitement of the premiere and the first day of filming were clearly different. Well, it made sense. Today could be a turning point in Kang Woo-jin's life.

Around that time.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woo-jin's team entered the meat restaurant. Already, dozens of 'Profiler Han' staff were busy setting up, and they greeted Kang Woo-jin warmly as soon as they saw him.

"Hey! Mr. Woo-jin is here!"

"Hello!!"

"Haha, Mr. Woo-jin! PD Park is pulling a lot of attention, isn't it?"

The staff quickly gathered around. Kang Woo-jin maintained his cynical demeanor but greeted them one by one. Soon, the first assistant of the lighting team pointed to the second floor with his finger.

"Mr. Woo-jin! PD and the writer are on the second floor. The actors will also be eating on the second floor!"

In other words, you should go to the second floor. Choi Sung-geon patted Kang Woo-jin's shoulder.

"Go up first. I'll tidy up and follow you."

Kang Woo-jin, nodding, climbed the metal stairs leading to the second floor. The atmosphere on the second floor was not much different from the first. At a round table, several staff were setting up drinks and meat, and a large TV was being set up in front of the table.

They also smiled and greeted Kang Woo-jin as soon as they saw him.

"Hey, Mr. Park is here."

"Are you doing well, Mr. Woo-jin?"

Two familiar figures sitting at the round table stood up. It was PD Song Man-woo with a beard and writer Park Eun-mi.

"Mr. Woo-jin! This way!"

"You came early? Ah, but why does it feel like we haven't seen each other in years?"

Kang Woo-jin, who was greeting the staff, felt a bit overwhelmed and approached them.

"Hello, PD. Writer."

Then, Park Eun-mi, who had tied her long perm, sat next to Woo-jin and smiled.

"Congratulations on the grand prize. I said it at the closing ceremony, but congratulations are never enough."

"Thank you. But where are the other actors?"

"Huh? Ah, some are on the first floor,