Chapter 66

< Multi (5) >

“...Silence?”

An advertisement? Is he talking about the kind of ads I usually see on TV or YouTube? Thanks to the concept he was wearing, Kang Ujin maintained a poker face, but inside, he was genuinely startled.

Am I going to be in an ad?

The fact that he was being offered an ad, something usually reserved for famous celebrities, was quite a shock. Well, Ujin had every right to be surprised, but if you looked at the bigger picture, it was a natural progression. These days, the world is sensitive to trends.

The ad market is the quickest to react to these trends.

Whether it's a large corporation or the entertainment industry, once they see a positive response from the public, they pounce. For example, even non-celebrities who are hot topics can be featured in ads. In other words, it was a sign that Kang Ujin had made a significant impact on the public.

But wait a minute. Why a hamburger?

Just as Kang Ujin's curiosity about the hamburger was piqued, the minivan, which had stopped, started moving again, and Choi Sung-geun, turning in the passenger seat, continued his explanation to Ujin.

"To be honest, I thought it would come eventually, but it came a bit sooner than expected. Do you have any idea why it's a hamburger?"

At that moment, Kang Ujin recalled one of Park Daeri's lines.

"Oh, Park Daeri's line."

"Right. Park Daeri's line about loving hamburgers, and the eating scene in the interrogation room where you showed off your food porn. The brand liked it."

"Is that so?"

"Actually, hamburger sales went up after the show aired. Anyway, I got the call yesterday, but I decided to surprise you today. How about it? Feeling good? An ad offer just two months after your debut? It's historic, isn't it?"

Oh, it really is good. I don't fully understand the situation, but it's amazing. Kang Ujin tried to hide his rising excitement.

"Yes, it's amazing."

"Hehe, then I'll make you even happier. The ad size proposed by the brand is quite large. It's a full TV ad and a YouTube ad as well. The pay will be substantial, and we'll see after the meeting."

"Is it a one-time shoot?"

"Right. Usually, the first ad is a one-time deal. After it airs, they'll decide whether to extend it or sign you for a long-term contract as a brand model."

Kang Ujin slowly nodded, and Choi Sung-geun opened his diary, smiling warmly.

"Anyway, we're moving forward with this. This is something we just have to do. It's an ad, so there's no reason to worry, right?"

That's true. Even if the ad fails, there's no downside. It's a must.

"I'll do my best."

"Okay—impressive. Honestly, even Hyeon couldn't get an ad this quickly. Well, let's catch up to Hong Hyeon. Oh, don't tell her about this."

"Understood, but what about the format?"

"Format? Ah, the concept? I heard a bit about it during the call. They want to use Park Daeri as inspiration. Just imagine Park Daeri eating a hamburger comfortably."

Indeed. Kang Ujin nodded in agreement. It was a concept he could understand right away. Soon, Choi Sung-geun flipped a page in his diary and continued with the briefing.

"Small variety show offers and interview requests from various media are exploding, but we're turning them all down. As I said, there's no need to appear in every one. If you're just a minor role and your recognition is low, it might be different, but in your current situation, it would be a loss."

"I agree."

Kang Ujin was putting on a cool act, but he didn't really know much. Choi Sung-geun, being a pro, would handle it well.

"Instead, we've secured a few magazine photo shoots that can be done quickly, related to 'Profiler Hanryang.' Although Park Daeri died in episode 4, according to PD Song, he will likely appear in flashbacks throughout the later episodes."

Nodding, Kang Ujin listened as Choi Sung-geun closed his diary and added more details.

"Also, starting today, there will be a lot of articles about you. There are already many, but they lack substance. The ones we're releasing through our PR team will be packed with interesting tidbits."

His smile deepened.

"Since 'Profiler Hanryang' is over, let's focus on PR and draw in the attention."

After that.

As Choi Sung-geun had predicted, articles about Kang Ujin started flooding in around lunchtime. Previously, they were mostly related to 'Profiler Hanryang' or Park Daeri, but this time, they were all about Kang Ujin and the interesting tidbits about him.

[StarIS] Gangwooroo Blue Chip + Rising Star Kang Ujin, Quiet on Next Project... When Will He Decide?

In particular, the media and the public were very curious about Kang Ujin's next project and future plans. This was because there were no rumors or even tabloid gossip about his next move.

As a result, the entertainment industry, from top to bottom, could only scratch their heads.

Usually, when a new star rises, their next move is immediately noticeable. However, Kang Ujin, who had a much greater impact than a typical rising star, was surprisingly quiet. His agency was also unresponsive.

[Movie? Drama? No News from Either Side, Rising Star Kang Ujin's Silence Sparks Fan Curiosity]

Most of the current articles were sourced from Choi Sung-geun. The internet was already buzzing with massive public interest, and everything was moving in the direction Choi Sung-geun wanted.

The timing was right for maturation.

A day passed. Another bright morning, Wednesday, the 27th. On this day, Kang Ujin signed contracts for two projects he had previously met with.

In the morning, he signed for the temporary role in 'Drug Dealer.'

"Phew, I'm counting on you, Ujin. Really, really, really grateful. You're a real savior."

"I'll do my best, Director."

"No, I should be the one to work hard. By the way, you've really taken off, haven't you?"

"It seems people have been kind to me."

"Ugh, no, you did a great job. I watched 'Hanryang' episode 4, and—wow, your acting was really something. Anyway, I'll finalize the shooting schedule as soon as possible and let you know. Try to familiarize yourself with the script in the meantime."

"Understood."

"Don't worry if you're not fully prepared. If you forget your lines or the blocking, we can cut and continue on set."

Since 'Drug Dealer' was already in the middle of filming, they skipped the actor introductions and readings, and it was said that the cameo role would take no more than two weeks to shoot.

Later that afternoon.

"I'm a first-timer, signing with a writer right as the show starts."

He completed the contract with rising star writer Lee Wol-seon for 'Frozen Love.'

"I think this is my first time too."

"It's quite amazing. You seem so calm, but once you start acting, your expressions are so diverse. It's also impressive that you know sign language."

Writer Lee Wol-seon had a slightly softer tone than during their first meeting. It was understandable. Honestly, she had been hesitant about the role of 'The Strange Neighbor' which included sign language. But Kang Ujin's sudden appearance solved her dilemma.

"What a pity. Still, I hope to work with you for a long time. I'm satisfied with this small role, but I hope to see you in a bigger role with me in the future."

After the contract was smoothly completed, Kang Ujin left, and Writer Lee Wol-seon and the KBC Drama Department executives remained. They were busy praising Kang Ujin's rising star.

"Kang Ujin, if he keeps this up, he'll reach the top in the shortest time."

"Right? He's not too cold, and he has no major flaws. Don't you agree, Writer?"

"Just looking at his filmography is impressive. He won the Best Actor award for 'Detective Agency' and starred in the hit drama 'Hanryang,' and now this. He chose a supporting role, but originally, I was considering a lead role for him."

"Maybe he's involved in a major project we don't know about?"

"That's possible. I feel like there are people who have already marked him as a future star, not like me who discovered him late. Anyway, let's release the news. Ujin's side wants to announce it as soon as possible."

From late night onwards, new news about Kang Ujin started flooding in.

[StarTalk] 'Drug Dealer' Director Kim Do-hee: "Actor Kang Ujin Saved Our Show"

Naturally, the topics were about 'Drug Dealer' and 'Frozen Love.'

[From Park Eun-mi to Lee Wol-seon? Rising Star Kang Ujin Joins Star Writer Lee Wol-seon's New Project in a Supporting Role]

The media and public had mixed reactions.

- Wow!! From one star writer to another right away???

- Haha, it's a big deal. Write more, this is just the beginning.

- But it's a bit disappointing... With Kang Ujin's current popularity, he could easily get a bigger role.

- ↑True, even as a newcomer, with his current impact, he could handle a supporting role, right?

- Supporting role, hahaha, why are they so excited? He's just a promising newcomer, what supporting role?

- That's true, hahaha. Honestly, even a minor role is a big deal, moving from Park Eun-mi to Lee Wol-seon.

- It's not that bad... I want to see Kang Ujin in a lead role! Make a romance!

'Disappointing' and 'impressive' coexist. Regardless, one thing was clear: the entire entertainment industry, including the media, production companies, and film studios, was paying attention.

[Planning] Making a Big Impact from the Start, Rising Star Kang Ujin: Why His Future Is Particularly Promising

Kang Ujin was no longer an unknown.

The next morning, Thursday, the 28th.

It had been about a week since 'Profiler Hanryang' episode 4 ended, but 'Hanryang' still dominated the internet. At this moment, Kang Ujin was on his way to bw Entertainment in a minivan.

"......"

Due to the concept, Kang Ujin was looking out the window with a stoic expression, but he was actually quite happy.

'Another payment came in! Soon, the ad money will come in too. With so many projects, I'll earn even more. My move to Seoul is just around the corner.'

It was a very practical reason. He wanted to dance with joy, but with Jang Su-hwan and Han Ye-jung in the minivan, he couldn't. He had to remain calm and composed.

'Hmm, a bit sleepy. What was today's schedule again? Photo shoot and a few meetings. Should I rest a bit in the pocket dimension before I go?'

Choi Sung-geun was not in the minivan. He was at the company, busy with Hong Hyeon's issues and company matters. Well, since Ujin was heading to the agency, they would meet soon.

An hour later.

Kang Ujin arrived at bw Entertainment. Jang Su-hwan went to the restroom, and Han Ye-jung headed straight to the PR team. Ujin greeted the busy employees with a low, cool tone.

'Yeah, that's enough.'

Kang Ujin praised himself as he headed to the CEO's office.

-Swoosh.

The door opened immediately, and Ujin saw the situation inside. The first thing he saw was Choi Sung-geun with a ponytail, sitting at the head of the table in the center of the CEO