Chapter 61

< Rapid Current (6) >

Kang Ujin, who chose a one-act play by an assistant writer instead of a script by the renowned writer Yi Wolseon, had a rather indifferent expression on his face despite the choice. Seeing this, Choi Sunggeun was momentarily stunned.

“Huh?”

He thought he had adapted to living with Kang Ujin, but perhaps he still had a long way to go. Soon, Choi Sunggeun asked:

“...So, what you're saying is...”

Kang Ujin, who calmly lowered his index finger, replied, his voice slightly trembling.

“You mean you're going to do the one-act play instead of Yi Wolseon's script?”

“Yes, that's what I said.”

“Do you know who Yi Wolseon is?”

Of course, Ujin knew who Yi Wolseon was. He had seen a few articles comparing her to Park Eunmi when he searched for information about her.

“I know very well. She's a great writer.”

“Even so, you chose the one-act play?”

“Yes.”

Choi Sunggeun was taken aback, but not to an extreme degree. He had experienced similar situations before, like with Director Oh Hyun-gu. However, he found it hard to understand why Ujin made this choice.

“...Reason. I'm curious about the reason.”

Reason? Kang Ujin was silent for a moment. In fact, after reading both scripts, Ujin had secretly entered a hidden space to make his decision. Since there were two scripts, he did this twice, which had become a necessary step for him.

The completely dark hidden space revealed the answer.

‘Honestly, there wasn't much difference in the ratings.’

That was true. There wasn't a significant difference between the two scripts.

-[5/Script (Title: Frozen Love), C+ grade]

-[6/Script (Title: Male Friend), B grade]

‘Frozen Love’ was Yi Wolseon's script, and ‘Male Friend’ was the one-act play by the assistant writer. The difference in ratings between the two scripts was only one level.

‘Well, if you look closely, the one-act play being one level lower than the star writer's script is a bit of a problem.’

Regardless, it was a decent result. A B grade was a good or slightly better result than a C grade.

If he only considered the work, Ujin could have chosen ‘Frozen Love.’ In fact, it might have been better to choose Yi Wolseon's script. Even if the work was just decent, the impact of being in a star writer's work after Park Eunmi's would be significant.

On the other hand, while the one-act play might have a better result, it would have less publicity and promotion.

If the results were similar, it was basic to judge based on the background. If the script's rating could increase, the currently rising actor Kang Ujin would benefit more from Yi Wolseon's work. So why did Kang Ujin choose the one-act play? Ujin, looking at Choi Sunggeun, shouted the answer in his mind.

Of course, only in his mind.

‘Reason? It's incredibly simple. The one-act play has a kissing scene from the start!’

He made his decision based on the content of the script, not its rating.

‘This one-act play, ‘Male Friend,’ is something I like. The first scene is a straightforward kiss, right?’

The first shot of the one-act play ‘Male Friend’ starts with the female lead's narration, showing the current situation first, followed by a line like, “This is how it all happened,” and then showing the past. The first scene of the female lead was a kissing scene.

So, who would be the other person in that scene?

‘It’s me, of course.’

On the other hand, ‘Frozen Love’ by Yi Wolseon started with a suffocating atmosphere. Why? Because the male lead was a character with severe OCD, who was very afraid of being touched by others. The script mentioned this from the very first line.

‘Well, even if I’m not the male lead, if the male lead has OCD, the sweet moments will only come in the middle or later parts of the story, and the overall atmosphere of the drama will be a bit heavy, right?’

It was an excuse. Kang Ujin was genuinely captivated by the kissing scene. Other actors might see him as a lunatic, but to Ujin, he was just a 20-something man, still very much a regular guy despite being an actor. How could a man resist a kissing scene?

Of course, a kissing scene is acting. It’s acting, but if you’re going to do a romance or a melodrama, why not make it a bit sweet?

‘How many hells have I experienced so far?’

Indeed, that was the case. Most of the roles Kang Ujin had played since becoming an actor were brutal and vicious. He had scenes where his insides were cut out and he died, scenes of murder, witnessing death, gunfire, and running. He had even had a scene where his head was cut off. How disgusting was that? Ujin had continuously endured things that others might never see in their lifetime, and he would continue to do so in the future.

No matter how calm he was, there were limits.

‘If I’ve even had my head cut off, why can’t I want something warm and sweet?’

Ujin was in a state where he wouldn’t mind being called a lunatic. Of course, he also intended to work hard on the acting and the work. At this moment, Choi Sunggeun, who had been silent, asked again.

“Is it difficult to tell me the reason...?”

Kang Ujin thought for a moment. ‘Kissing scene!’ He couldn’t say that, or it would ruin everything. Therefore, he had to express it indirectly. As long as he didn’t mention the kissing scene, it should be fine.

“This one-act play has a very straightforward development.”

“Straightforward?”

“Yes. You can feel it from the first line.”

Is that all? Choi Sunggeun couldn’t believe Ujin’s words.

‘Is his crazy intuition kicking in again?’

He even made a judgment on his own. Then he spoke again.

“...Is it that you don’t have a good feeling about Yi Wolseon’s script? Do you think this one-act play will be a hit?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Is it your instinct kicking in again? It’s okay. I’ve decided to believe in your unique intuition.”

The misunderstanding deepened. Well, maybe it didn’t matter? Kang Ujin chose to ignore it. Meanwhile, Choi Sunggeun was thinking something. He looked down at the two scripts for a moment, stroking his chin. A few seconds later, he spoke.

“With Yi Wolseon’s script, how bad is your feeling? Is it going to be a disaster? Is it similar to the situation with Director Oh Hyun-gu?”

Kang Ujin decided to be honest with the serious Choi Sunggeun.

“No, it’s just ordinary.”

“Really? It’s not to the point where you’d rather die than do it?”

“No, not to that extent, but the one-act play is better.”

“Yeah, I get that. Hmm— To be honest, I can’t just openly choose the one-act play and criticize Yi Wolseon, especially now that you’re in the spotlight. The damage would be enormous if a star writer and a broadcasting station were to back away.”

That was true. Backing away would be a problem, but it would also cause dirty rumors and interfere with interests. Networking is very important in the entertainment industry.

“To be honest, it’s a hassle. If things get big, it’ll be a pain to clean up. You might get hurt, and it would be a waste to abandon Yi Wolseon.”

“...”

“What if we try to do both? I’ll handle both sides smoothly.”

Both? Kang Ujin didn’t know what Choi Sunggeun was thinking, but he didn’t think it was a bad idea. Choi Sunggeun was a pro in this industry, naturally more knowledgeable and skilled than Ujin. Soon, Kang Ujin slowly nodded.

“I’ll leave it to you.”

As soon as he heard the answer, Choi Sunggeun, with his spiky hair, smiled and picked up his phone, calling the number on the business card that came with the one-act play ‘Male Friend.’ Where would he call? The Netflix Creative Team.

The connection was quick, and Choi Sunggeun immediately spoke.

“Ah, yes, hello. This is Choi Sunggeun from BW Entertainment. Yes, yes, hahaha. Yes. Mr. Ujin has read the one-act play script and said it’s good. Yes, yes. Can I ask one favor before setting up a meeting?”

He started his work.

“Please be careful not to let any news leak out to the public until the end of this week.”

After ending the call, Choi Sunggeun dialed another number.

“Ujin, you have a ‘Sports Day’ shoot tomorrow, too.”

He smiled at the silent Kang Ujin.

“Let’s wrap up these matters today.”

That same day, around lunchtime, in Park Eunmi’s studio.

Park Eunmi was, as usual, sitting in front of her laptop, pulling her hair out. As a result, her long perm was in disarray.

“Ah— It’s not working, it’s not working at all.”

The pressure. Since her drama was a huge hit, the final episode couldn’t be mediocre.

“Ah—”

At that moment.

-Knock, knock, thud!

The door suddenly opened, and a slender woman with glasses entered.

“Here, Writer!”

She was the assistant writer, Choi Nana, who had written the one-act play ‘Male Friend’ that won the Netflix contest. Her eyes were wide with excitement.

“Just now, I received a call from Netflix!”

Park Eunmi, who was usually timid, frowned.

“Nana, calm down and speak slowly. You received a call from Netflix?”

“Yes, yes! Just now!”

“And?”

“I sent the script without much expectation after hearing your advice, but this morning, Mr. Kang Ujin said the work is good and wants to meet!”

Park Eunmi was slightly surprised.

“...What? Really? Really?”

“What do I do??! I’m so nervous! I’m told I have to attend the meeting too.”

“No, no, wait a moment. Nana, when did you send the script to Mr. Ujin?”

“Ah— I sent it yesterday, but I received the call this morning.”

“One day. So, you received a call one day after sending the script? That’s pretty fast, isn’t it?”

“Well... yes?”

“No, Mr. Ujin’s script analysis and reading skills are insane. But even ‘Profiler Hanryang’ didn’t decide that quickly, right?”

“Oh, it’s not a decision yet, right? It’s just a meeting.”

“It’s unusual for someone to call for a meeting just one day after receiving a script.”

The contemplative Park Eunmi swept her long perm and thought deeply.

‘There are plenty of big projects he could be considering. Why would he pay attention to Nana’s one-act play? Even if it’s just a meeting, he wouldn’t waste his time. Could it be because of me?’

She immediately shook her head.

‘No. Mr. Ujin isn’t that kind of person. He doesn’t care about others’ opinions at all. He’s straightforward and doesn’t hold back. Could it be...’

At that moment, a word flashed in Park Eunmi’s mind.

‘Kangtotem!’

She almost worshipped Ujin to a religious level, and the simple answer to why he chose a one-act play out of the blue was clear.

“...Nana.”

Park Eunmi, with slightly widened eyes, met the gaze of the nervous Choi Nana.

“Your one-act play will do well.”

Naturally, Choi Nana tilted her head.

“What? What do you mean?”

“If Kangtotem is activated, it’s a sign of a big success. And it’s reacting to your one-act play now.”

“Kang...totem?”

“Mr. Ujin’s eye for scripts is almost divine. Or rather, his intuition or instinct.”

It was a natural conclusion, with plenty of evidence. Park Eunmi, slightly shivering, approached Choi Nana and placed her hands on her shoulders.

“Clearly, Mr. Ujin felt something in your script.”

Of course, Park Eunmi didn’t know it was the kissing scene.

Late afternoon, in a production company’s meeting room.

In the large meeting room of a major production company, Kang Ujin and Choi Sunggeun, both dressed in blazers, sat side by side. It was strange that only the two of them were in such a large room.

Naturally, someone was expected to arrive soon.

At this moment, Choi Sunggeun, who seemed tired, stretched his neck and spoke to the stern-faced Kang Ujin.

“Try to answer only when necessary, and I’ll handle the rest.”

“Yes, President.”

“Don’t worry. We’ve coordinated with Netflix, so there shouldn’t be any major issues. They also think it’s a good fit for your image and overall benefit.”

“I understand.”

“I’ll handle it well.”

At the same time.

-Swoosh.

The glass door of the meeting room opened, and three people entered. A middle-aged woman and two men. Among them, the middle-aged woman with excessive jewelry was a familiar face. It was Yi Wolseon. This meant the production company was related to her.

Choi Sunggeun smiled and extended his hand to Yi Wolseon.

“Oh, Writer, it’s been a while. We had a few meetings about Hyeon a while back, do you remember?”

Yi Wolseon smiled slightly.

“Of course. Honestly, there’s no one in this industry who doesn’t know President Choi.”

“Haha, no, there are many.”

“Really? And— Is this Mr. Kang Ujin?”

Yi Wolseon naturally turned her gaze to Ujin and asked. Kang Ujin, who was standing, bowed solemnly.

“Nice to meet you, Writer. I’m Kang Ujin.”

“Wow. Your voice is good? You seem much taller in person. Is this your usual appearance?”

“Yes, Writer.”

“You have a presence. Honestly, I’ve heard about you. You’re known for being quite cynical. It’s true, isn’t it?”

Yi Wolseon’s smile deepened. Kang Ujin thought to himself,

‘She has a bit of a presence like my mom, suddenly my back feels cold.’

Yi Wolseon had a slightly snake-like aura. She seemed strong. Regardless, after a brief greeting, everyone faced each other and sat down.

Yi Wolseon was the first to start the conversation.

“I was a bit surprised to receive the call so quickly.”

Choi Sunggeun thought to himself,

‘First, I’ll try to boost her mood with some flattery.’

He smiled slyly.

“Of course, with a script by Writer Yi Wolseon, we had to respond and come see it, hahaha. I was moved by how well you’ve been treating our Ujin.”

“You’re still the same, President Choi.”

“We read the script together with Ujin, and it was truly outstanding.”

“Was it?”

“Yes, from the first page, it was very engaging.”

“What about Ujin?”

Ujin, with a poker face, added a bit of detail to the truth.

“The first line of the script was impressive. The way the male lead, ‘Taehyung,’ is portrayed with OCD is unique.”

Yi Wolseon, who was staring intently at Ujin, sensed something different about him compared to other actors she had met. How should she describe it? He didn’t seem like a typical actor.

“His presence is definitely unique. He’s rare and hard to come by. He’s rough but polished, like a stone that’s been smoothly carved. He’s unfamiliar, but that’s what makes him captivating.”

“...”

“I wish I had met him before Park Eunmi. It’s a bit of a loss.”

The production company staff around her were slightly surprised. Ignoring them, Yi Wolseon turned her gaze to Choi Sunggeun.

“Why does it feel more like a ‘no’ than an ‘okay’? Is it hard for my work to fit in?”

Choi Sunggeun, who had prepared his words, spoke smoothly.

“Well... It’s a bit ambiguous. To be honest, it’s closer to an ‘okay’ than a ‘no.’”

“Really? Are