Chapter 59

< Rapid Current (4) >

Yoon Byung-seon PD, a giant in the entertainment industry, was not only excellent in planning but also had a remarkable ability to read people, or what could be called star potential. He had a knack for catching aspects that others would overlook.

Thanks to this, many stars had passed through his hands.

His years of experience in the industry and his unique sense allowed Yoon Byung-seon PD to manage multiple teams despite having only one body. He was active in both the YouTube channel 'Sports Day' with over 3 million subscribers and the cable TV station HTBS.

From small to large, over a hundred variety shows had passed through Yoon Byung-seon PD.

Currently, he was running three variety show lines on the 'Sports Day' channel alone and was planning a new variety show for the cable TV station, a truly remarkable figure.

Such a person.

"Are you planning to bring in actor Kang Woo-jin?"

"Yeah, I think this guy has a lot of potential."

Suddenly, he took an interest in Kang Woo-jin.

"Even aside from his looks and that insane acting, there seems to be a lot more to see."

The writers were slightly puzzled by this.

"Exactly, what are you seeing?"

"Right. At the moment, apart from his looks and acting, what else is there to see?"

Yoon Byung-seon PD, who prioritized his instincts, said:

"Look at his eyes, his eyes. Aren't you curious about his subtle expressions and tone when he's not acting? For example, what if he's completely different from his on-screen persona, like being full of energy and tension when he's not acting?"

"Is that so?"

"Of course, he's not going to be a psychopath in real life, but if he shows a completely different side, it could make for a good image. For example, if he's full of energy and tension when he's not acting."

"Then he might be quite cute."

Yoon Byung-seon PD, who had almost made up his mind, smiled slyly.

"Whatever it is, if we push it persistently, some charm will surely come out."

It was a devilish smile characteristic of a variety show PD.

On the same day, around lunchtime, in Kang Woo-jin's one-room apartment.

While the whole country was in an uproar over the 'Profiler Hanryang,' Kang Woo-jin was unexpectedly in his one-room apartment.

Wearing a slightly wrinkled T-shirt and churilin pants, he was sitting with his chin in his hand, staring intently at his laptop. At first glance, he looked just like a jobless person a few months ago.

"Hmm-"

He was told that Choi Sung-geun would come to pick him up in the early afternoon. That said, it wasn't as if he wasn't getting any offers. After the first episode of 'Profiler Hanryang,' bw Entertainment was flooded with inquiries about Kang Woo-jin.

The difference in the level of interest was like heaven and earth compared to 'Detective Agency.'

Still, the reason Kang Woo-jin wasn't moving immediately was simple. It was Choi Sung-geun's judgment.

"Offers for media and interviews are pouring in, but the first appearance is important. It's better to make a strong impact rather than a vague and ambiguous one. First, take a deep breath and choose a work."

In other words, he was going to cut all vague-sized variety shows and interviews. He would stretch it out until he could attract attention with a drama, and then absorb all the bait that the media and public opinion would roll out. It was a good judgment.

After all, it had only been a day since the nuclear bomb exploded.

Therefore, Kang Woo-jin had been contacting his family and close friends since this morning. His parents' reaction was enthusiastic, full of praise and compliments. On the other hand, his younger sister Kang Hyun-a.

"Bro!! When were you cast in the drama??! How many episodes are you in??! Have you finished filming??! No, how? Why? Why are you such a good actor??"

She was still denying reality. His close friends were in a better situation. They were still going wild in the group chat, but Woo-jin ignored all the vague contacts from other relationships.

"Well, that's that. This is addictive, addictive."

Kang Woo-jin was currently very tired. He had only slept for three hours, staying up all night reading reactions to articles and comments. Being the center of attention for many people was incredibly fun.

Moreover.

[email protected]_n

Posts: 7

Followers: 47,000

Following: 0

His SNS was already attracting nearly 50,000 fans. It was a novel and rare experience.

Kang Woo-jin felt a mix of excitement and worry.

But for now, it was good.

"Whatever, let's enjoy it first."

With a composed expression, he closed his laptop and turned his gaze to the right. There were stacks of scripts and scenarios he had received from his agency. Even a cursory glance showed there were over a dozen. Since he had some free time, he needed to check them all.

He had to choose what to do.

However, for Kang Woo-jin, it was a relatively easy process. While other actors would have to sit for days reading these, Woo-jin just had to.

- Poke!

Poke the black square attached to the side of the script or scenario with his finger. Repeatedly entering and exiting the subspace. He could check the grade first, then read the work. Thus, Kang Woo-jin.

"Ugh, E-grade? Pass."

He quickly checked the accumulated works.

"D-grade? Hmm- I'll pass on this one too."

It was a scene that other actors would envy, pounding the ground. What did he know? Kang Woo-jin easily moved between the subspace and reality. He had a standard.

"C-grades and below are cut."

As a result, almost all the works were filtered out. Whether it was a movie, drama, thriller, action, rom-com, or melodrama, almost none survived. Woo-jin felt anew.

"A-grades and S-grades were really huge hits."

The enormity of 'Detective Agency' and 'Profiler Hanryang.' After this process, only one work remained.

-[4/Scenario (Title: Drug Dealer), B+ grade]

"B+? What, a cameo? Is that how it's going to be?"

The work was a movie titled 'Drug Dealer.' According to Choi Sung-geun, the director had seen Woo-jin at the 'Mise-en-Scène Film Festival.' The role was a cameo, similar to a special appearance but usually with a strong impact in the film.

"Even if it's B+ now, the grade could go up, right?"

Kang Woo-jin then opened the 'Drug Dealer' script. From the first page, the smell of a crime thriller wafted through. Of course, with a title like 'Drug Dealer,' it was to be expected. Soon, Woo-jin began to read the script with some focus.

After a dozen pages.

"Oh- It's interesting."

It was good. Not only did it flow smoothly, but the unique stimulation and satisfaction of a crime thriller were well embedded. Of course, as a reader, Kang Woo-jin's appreciation was simply that it was 'interesting.'

At that moment.

-Vroom, vroom.

The phone nearby emitted a long vibration. It was a call from Choi Sung-geun. Is he coming soon? Kang Woo-jin straightened his voice. After all, complacency was always forbidden.

"Yes, Mr. President."

Behind Kang Woo-jin's sternness, Choi Sung-geun's slightly excited voice came through the phone.

"Hey, Woo-jin. I'll come to pick you up around 3. Let's start with the shop."

"3. Understood."

"You've been looking at the scripts, right? There are quite a few, so take your time and skim through them quickly."

"Already checked."

"Already? You've already read all those works?"

"No, I haven't read them all, just enough. They're all bad, but one is good. 'Drug Dealer.'"

"Ah- That cameo?"

"Yes."

"Hmm, I see. If you trust your instincts, that's fine."

Choi Sung-geun laughed on the other end of the phone. Kang Woo-jin thought he was just piling up illusions but decided to ignore it.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, man. Anyway, it seems Director Kim of 'Drug Dealer' is in a hurry. If you're okay with it, I'll try to set up a meeting as soon as possible?"

"Yes, please do."

Soon, Choi Sung-geun changed the subject.

"Also, PD Song contacted me. You know Yoon Byung-seon PD, right? You can't not know him. He's a giant in the variety show industry."

Kang Woo-jin, of course, knew him. Yoon Byung-seon PD was more like a celebrity than a director. A very familiar PD to the general public. Woo-jin had also enjoyed some of his variety shows. But why ask about him suddenly?

"Yes, I know Yoon Byung-seon PD."

"'Profiler Hanryang' will start its promotional schedule focusing on the main cast this week. Of course, Hye-yeon is included. In between, there's a schedule for the YouTube channel 'Sports Day' on Thursday, which Yoon Byung-seon PD runs."

"I saw it."

"It's a mix of a variety show and talk show. Do you want to do it? You won't be alone; other actors will be there too. The recording is short, and the format is simple, with talk and games."

Variety show? Kang Woo-jin, surprised inside, hesitated for a moment. Suddenly a variety show? Is it okay?

"Will it cause a concept crisis while doing a variety show?"

He wasn't sure if it would cause a problem with his concept.

But on the other hand, it didn't seem bad. Actors would eventually do a variety show, right? If so, wouldn't it be good to establish it early? Moreover, it was an opportunity to appear on Yoon Byung-seon PD's variety show, a place he had only seen on YouTube or TV.

What he had sometimes imagined was now happening, and Kang Woo-jin.

"Whatever, I'll do my best."

He chose a straightforward approach without any reservations.

"I think it will be fine. I'll do it."

A few hours later, in the afternoon, at KBC Broadcasting.

In a medium-sized meeting room of the KBC Drama Department, a few people were seated. On the side of the L-shaped table by the window were three men, and across from them was a middle-aged woman. The three men were CP-level executives of the Drama Department. They were flattering the woman on the opposite side.

"Hahaha, Writer. Long time no see! You look even younger. You could pass for 30 anywhere."

On the other hand, the middle-aged woman, who was wearing excessive jewelry, responded coolly.

"Stop the flattery. Where do you see me as 30? Anyone would say I look 50."

"Come on, Writer. It's not flattery, it's the truth! The truth!"

The flattery from the CP-level executives was excessive. The reason was simple. The middle-aged woman was none other than Writer Yi Wol-seon. She was one of the star writers, similar to Park Eun-mi. Therefore, the executives couldn't help but shower her with excessive flattery.

Anyway.

"Writer! Thank you for joining us this time. Hahaha, let's make a proper drama and surpass Park Eun-mi!"

As one of the CPs exuded energy, Writer Yi Wol-seon crossed her arms, as if to say, "Is that going to happen?"

"Park Eun-mi did a great job. But can we surpass 20% in the first episode? It's tough. Oh, she should just do it moderately."

"Why not! It's definitely possible! I read the first episode script, and it's surprisingly thrilling for a rom-com!"

"That's good to hear."

"Alright, let's talk about the pre-production a bit. Casting the staff won't be a problem, as it's up to you, Writer. Oh, do you have any actors in mind before the script is written? It would be easier to contact them before pre-production."

In response to the question, Writer Yi Wol-seon uncrossed her arms and picked up the tablet prepared by the Drama Department. She connected to YouTube and searched for a video.

-[Special] A Proper Scene Stealer! A Compilation of Park Daeri's Insane Scenes!!! | Profiler Hanryang

It was a compilation video of Park Daeri. Soon, Writer Yi Wol-seon pointed to the actor in the video with her index finger.

"This one."

The CPs immediately agreed.

"Ah, Kang Woo-jin? He's been making a lot of noise lately."

"Right? I heard he can take both the Blue Chip from Chungmuro and the rising new star."

"The public's reaction is also good."

As they spoke, Writer Yi Wol-seon interjected.

"First, we need this one. Well, I'm not the only one like me, but I'm greedy. I heard from a staff member familiar with 'Hanryang' that Kang Woo-jin is usually very composed and cynical. He doesn't show any signs of struggle during filming. The most appealing thing is that he's a returnee."

"Returnee? What's that?"

"I don't know, just that he's from abroad. Anyway, he's different from typical actors. The aura he gives off, his acting tone, and the fact that he's not overly cute as a newcomer. Overall, he's very appealing. Is casting possible?"

In response, the CPs laughed, as if to say, "Don't worry."

"Of course! How could it be difficult with Writer Yi Wol-seon's pick?"

"A rising new star, why would he have a choice? Hahaha, he'll definitely take it if it's from you, Writer!"

Writer Yi Wol-seon also smiled faintly.

"Make sure to tell Kang Woo-jin that I'm interested in him."

Meanwhile, in Park Eun-mi's studio.

Wearing a headband, Park Eun-mi was sitting at her desk, furiously typing on her laptop. She had no time to celebrate the insane result of breaking 20% in the first episode.

"......Hmm, no. This is a bit bland."

She was currently writing the final episode of 'Profiler Hanryang.' However, she couldn't concentrate. Whenever she had a chance, she would check the audience's reactions on the internet or YouTube. Even as an ultra-star writer, she was still human.

At that moment.

"......Ha-ha!"

"Great......!"

A slightly noisy shout came from outside the room. The only people there were the assistant writers. Therefore, Park Eun-mi sighed and got up to open the door. In the living room, about six assistant writers were in an uproar.

Seeing them, Park Eun-mi sighed again.

"Ha- You guys are making a racket. What are you jumping around for?"

An assistant writer with a slender build and glasses timidly raised her hand.

"......Writer. I made it."

"Huh? Nana, you're a writer, and you're cutting your words? What's wrong with you?"

"Sorry. I got selected in the Netflix short film contest."

Park Eun-mi's eyes widened.

"Wow! Really? The contest where everyone submitted?"

"Yes, the short film contest."

Park Eun-mi immediately took off her headband and threw it aside, then grabbed the hand of the assistant writer with glasses.

"Great! Really great, Nana. But did only you get selected? What about the others? They all submitted, right?"

"......"

"......"

"Ugh. As a team of Park Eun-mi. At least Nana is making me look good."

"Thank you...... I still can't believe it."

"Snap out of it! But what did you get? The grand prize?"

"No, not the grand prize, but the best."

"Doesn't matter, right? Whether it's the grand prize or the best. I heard that Netflix will produce all the selected works?"

"Yes, I heard it's a short film project."

Park Eun-mi hugged the assistant writer again.

"Your debut work is a big deal. Do your best."

"Thank you...... Writer."

With tears welling up in the assistant writer's eyes, Park Eun-mi asked.

"If it's Netflix, they'll probably match the actors to your preferences. Do you have any actors in mind?"

The assistant writer hesitated and then whispered.

"Actor Kang...... Woo-jin. I fell in love with his acting."

"......"

Park Eun-m