Chapter 73

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Even now, comments were flooding in like crazy. Among them, the name 'Kang Woojin' was particularly rampant. Memes like 'Park Daeri' or 'Less Annoying, Right?' were also mixed in.

Would it really trend?

Of course, the names of the main actors like Ryu Jungmin and Hong Hyeon were often seen, but after every comment, Kang Woojin's name was repeated. With this, Woojin thought,

'Wow—this is insane.'

Though he tried to look cool, his expression didn't change, but his heart was racing. The sight of hundreds of people talking about him was overwhelming. This good of a reaction? Why? Kang Woojin thought for a moment.

'Was there something big that happened on the day of the sports day filming?'

While there were a few moments where PD Yun Byungseon and the 'sports day' staff had a good laugh, for the most part, Kang Woojin had continued to act according to his concept, filming with all his might, whether it was talk or games.

'I didn't think I'd have much screen time, though?'

He didn't really expect much. It was heavily promotional, but it was his first variety show, and he had maintained a stoic expression throughout the filming. Isn't laughter the essence of variety shows? Kang Woojin didn't understand, but Choi Sunggeun seemed to know exactly.

"Your gruffness became a laughing point. You know, sometimes you're intense, but to others, it's funny. The initial aloofness turned into a twist."

That was true. To the public, Kang Woojin's concept had come across as a bit clumsy. Cold and sharp, but somehow a bit sloppy?

"Look at the comments, don't you? Pure madness, cold cuteness, under-socialized Park Daeri, socially awkward killer—people like your stoic attitude."

It was strange. He hadn't intended it. And pure? Woojin inwardly laughed a bit incredulously. Pure? Me? The man who was captivated by the kiss scene. A man with a dark heart. Amidst this, Woojin noticed another comment.

- Hahaha Kang Woojin is kinda Hahaha like a cocky golden retriever Hahaha

Golden retriever? Woojin couldn't grasp what people wanted. Anyway, if they liked it, then it was good, right? It felt a bit like he had stumbled into it, but Kang Woojin was fine with it.

Then he checked the thumbnail of the 'Sports Day' video.

It featured the faces of actors like Ryu Jungmin and Hong Hyeon. The problem was that Kang Woojin's face was the largest. Naturally, it was expressionless. Under his face, a subtitle was added.

-??? What is his identity???

Under the other actors' faces, their names were clearly displayed, but why not his?

'Why is only my face so prominently featured?'

Woojin, who was inwardly grumbling, asked Choi Sunggeun, who was smiling.

"Why is my face the biggest?"

"Because you're a big head."

"Is my head big?"

"A little?"

Kang Woojin's expression became even stiffer. Noticing this, Choi Sunggeun, with his buzz cut, laughed.

"Just kidding, man. If your head is big, I'm an alien? Woojin, you were the main character in the first episode, so your face is the biggest. Want to watch it?"

Choi Sunggeun moved his finger. The first episode of 'Sports Day' had a total runtime of 22 minutes, which was long for a YouTube video. The video started with a building where the recording would take place, then switched to the inside. A long table and a studio with a 'Nobles' poster were visible.

There were no people yet.

The camera just showed the empty table, with the audio of PD Yun Byungseon and the staff's conversation in the background.

["Since many big stars are coming today, let's aim to produce one to three episodes."]

["PD, you're really excited about producing the video, aren't you?"]

["I'm curious about Mr. Kang Woojin. Am I the only one?"]

["I think everyone feels the same."]

At this moment, the video angle zoomed in on Park Daeri from the 'Nobles' poster. At the same time, a staff member in the video shouted.

["Mr. Kang Woojin has arrived!"]

The screen suddenly changed, showing Kang Woojin entering the studio. PD Yun Byungseon approached him. The camera captured a medium shot of Kang Woojin. The two exchanged a light greeting. Then PD Yun Byungseon asked Woojin his first question.

["Was it hard playing Park Daeri?"]

Woojin's indifferent answer.

["Yes."]

Murmurs. The staff were visibly flustered, and the camera shook a bit. A subtitle appeared below.

- It's not that his energy is low... it's just that he has none? None, really none.

Kang Woojin's first character in the video was openly cynical. But as time went on, his clumsiness shone through.

["Nice to meet you, I'm Kang Woojin, playing Park Daeri in 'Nobles'."]

He made a slip of the tongue, or pretended not to notice it and gritted his teeth. The editing also leaned in this direction. Soon, Kang Woojin, watching the video, was slightly impressed.

'Ah—this is how they build a character in a variety show.'

Indeed, the video, which combined on-site filming and editing, had a different feel. It was much more intense, right? Anyway, Kang Woojin's clumsiness was charming in the games. While the other actors were having fun, Woojin's expression was like a battle. No, more like a bloodbath.

["Haha, Mr. Woojin, are you going to be deployed somewhere?"]

["I'm just doing my best."]

Finally, the last part of the video. The climax of the 'Character Game' that was in progress. If Kang Woojin succeeded, it would be over.

["Alright, Mr. Woojin, this is the last one? It's easy, really easy!"]

["Hmm."]

["Buzzer!!"]

After Kang Woojin failed, the staff burst out laughing. In the background, PD Yun Byungseon's comment.

["Wow—this was just a freebie, what do we do? I'm in a bind."]

["I'm sorry, who are you?"]

At this moment, Hong Hyeon in the video suddenly hit Kang Woojin's arm hard.

["Ah!! It's me!! Are you crazy?"]

The video suddenly went to a black screen. In the center, white text appeared.

-To Be Continued.

-Will Kang Woojin survive?

The first episode ended with Kang Woojin in crisis.

'Ah—damn. It almost exploded. It's funny, though?'

It was embarrassing to see his own face, but indeed, PD Yun Byungseon was a master of variety shows. Woojin almost burst out laughing. If the person involved was this amused, the public's reaction must have been explosive. At this moment, Choi Sunggeun turned off the YouTube video. He then accessed a search site and muttered, his laughter not subsiding.

"Is it because it's your main character's first appearance? The media is going crazy right now."

Meanwhile.

As Choi Sunggeun said, the impact of the first episode of 'Sports Day' was not small. Originally, PD Yun Byungseon's variety shows had a strong impact, but with the addition of the super popular drama 'Nobles,' journalists were foaming at the mouth to get a piece of it.

['Sports Day' Nobles Episode Breaks 200,000 Views Immediately, Plus Kang Woojin's First Variety Show Appearance!]

Entertainment news articles about 'Sports Day' were already flooding the entertainment section. Of course, it wasn't just articles. 'Sports Day' was firmly at the top of the YouTube real-time video rankings, and various portal sites were flooded with new information about Kang Woojin.

The core was the community.

People who had seen Kang Woojin's main character in 'Sports Day' were posting articles everywhere. Starting from various communities.

- Check out Sports Day now, it's hilarious lol

- Sports Day Nobles Episode 'Character Quiz'.gif

Fresh posts were appearing on SNS and cafes. It was like pouring gasoline on an already burning fire. Amidst this, there were occasionally unique comments in the 'Sports Day' video comments, though not many.

- Haha Kang Woojin wasn't originally like this, right? Haha

People pretending to know him or tilting their heads in confusion. They were buried among the other comments but consistently appeared.

- I was surprised by Mr. Woojin's acting, but it seems his personality has changed a lot. I'll always support you (former colleague)

It wasn't something to worry about immediately. Whatever it was, Choi Sunggeun, who had just come down to the first floor of the shop, was checking the situation on his phone and smiled contentedly. He then called the company's PR team.

"Hey, did you see the 'Sports Day' explosion? Let's move quickly. Release the articles we've prepared."

To boost the momentum. Having experienced everything in the entertainment industry, he knew better than anyone how to elevate recognition.

'Popularity and recognition are like flames. Everyone has a lifespan, and the key is how big a fire you can create in a moment.'

Fan the flames when they catch. The recognition accumulated now would all become Kang Woojin's assets.

At that moment.

-♬♪

The ringtone. It was Choi Sunggeun's phone. Recently, his phone had been ringing non-stop. It was partly due to Hong Hyeon, but there were also many calls about Kang Woojin.

So Choi Sunggeun said,

"Let's see—another one?"

He casually checked the caller. But then,

"Oh?"

Choi Sunggeun's eyes widened. The reason was simple.

"PD Yun?"

The caller was the giant of the variety show world, PD Yun Byungseon. For some reason, Choi Sunggeun's smile deepened. He had a pretty good idea of what was coming.

"Yes, PD. Haha, how are you?"

"Mr. Choi, is it okay to talk?"

"Of course."

"First, have you seen the first episode of 'Sports Day' Nobles?"

"Of course, I've seen it. Haha, it really took off. Thank you for capturing Woojin's character so well."

"You're welcome, Mr. Woojin did a great job."

"At this rate, the first episode will easily hit 4 million views, maybe even 5 million?"

"Hmm—our expectations are even higher. The episode is well-received, so we're planning three episodes."

Choi Sunggeun and PD Yun Byungseon, on the other side of the phone, continued their conversation, imagining a sweet future. Then PD Yun Byungseon changed the subject.

"By the way, I know Mr. Woojin is busy, but I'd like to meet with Mr. Choi."

Choi Sunggeun, who was always on the ball, replied.

"Ah, about Woojin?"

"Yes. But this isn't about 'Sports Day,' it's as a PD from HTBS's variety show department."

"Is it about a new variety show you're planning?"

"Yes. I thought Mr. Woojin might be a good fit for the variety show I'm planning. I'd like to discuss the details in person. What do you think?"

Though he was flattered, Choi Sunggeun didn't immediately jump at the offer. Especially in the variety show world, appearing too eager could lead to being taken advantage of. Besides, Kang Woojin was genuinely busy.

Soon, Choi Sunggeun sat on a nearby waiting room sofa, crossing his legs.

"Sure, let me check Woojin's schedule."

At the same time, PD Yun Byungseon on the other end of the phone asked,

"While you're checking, does Mr. Woojin have any plans for the second half of the year?"

On the same day, around lunchtime. Netflix Korea.

In a medium-sized meeting room with several posters on the walls, including the head director Kim Sohyang, team leaders from various teams were in a meeting.

The topic was the recent one-shot drama project.

Especially the hottest one, 'Male Friend.' To maintain momentum, you need to start strong. Kim Sohyang, the head director, looked up from the tablet in front of her.

"Mr. Kang Woojin's reaction is insane, right?"

The plump director's comment was met with a nod from the male team leader of the Physical Team on the right.

"Interest in Mr. Woojin was high from 'Nobles,' and his natural personality in 'Sports Day' really resonated."

"I watched a bit of the video, and he was indeed cute. When we met, I thought he was just a bit stoic, but it's a pleasant surprise."

"The editing and the unique atmosphere of the variety show set also played a role. In any case, it's good news for us."

Kim Sohyang smiled and nodded.

"Even though the one-shot project is still in planning, it's already getting a lot of attention, right?"

This time, the female team leader of the Creative Team on the left answered.

"Yes. The two hits, Mr. Woojin and Ms. Hwaryun, have created a good flow. Even without any promotion, articles about 'Male Friend' are increasing."

"That's great. Let's keep the momentum going. Anything. For now, just put Mr. Woojin and Ms. Hwaryun's names out there. If we leak it appropriately, the media will take care of the rest."

"Understood."

Excited, Kim Sohyang rubbed her hands together.

"Alright, with this, we really need to make a big splash—"

The Physical Team leader asked,

"Have you contacted John Craig?"

John Craig, mentioned by the team leader, was the head director of Netflix Japan, and Kim Sohyang answered matter-of-factly.

"Yes, I have. He views our one-shot project positively and seems to be in favor of the Japan launch."

"Is it confirmed?"

"We need to keep in touch. They have their own considerations, but I think John will agree. Right now, Netflix Japan can't ignore the Korean wave."

"Especially since Netflix has a lot of anime these days."

"There's no choice, it's a country where anime is extremely strong. So there are a lot of anime in the rankings. But the other half is Korean content, right? From John's perspective, he can't let go of the top-tier girl group 'Ellani' in Japan."

In other words, Hwaryun.

"Last time, I heard 'Ellani' filled a large stadium in Japan?"

"The tickets sold out in about ten minutes. They also sweep the Oricon charts regularly."

"With Hwaryun's popularity, launching 'Male Friend,' which fits Japanese tastes, will get an immediate response. The Japan launch is on me. I'll handle John. Let's proceed with the planning as if the Japan launch is confirmed."

The experienced Kim Sohyang pushed the tablet screen to the side. The other team leaders did the same.

"First, the production team seems to be in good shape. Let's proceed with the casting. How about the OST?"

"We've started collecting songs. It would be good if Ms. Hwaryun could handle one or two songs. Of course, she needs to agree."

"Then the visuals will be even better."

Agreeing, Kim Sohyang suddenly thought of Kang Woojin.

"Since 'Male Friend' is a romance, a duet song would add more depth. If we release a duet song that follows the emotional line of the drama, it has a high chance of topping the charts in both Korea and Japan, right?"

"There are many precedents. Ms. Hwaryun is no problem, but Mr. Woojin—there might be an issue if the singing skills are too different."

"Hmm, Mr. Woojin claims he's pretty good. Let's first gather songs that fit 'Male Friend' perfectly."

Moving on to the next agenda, Kim Sohyang spoke.

"Directing. We need a strong director, so I'd like someone with a good reputation."

"Yes, we're looking at freelance PDs, but they tend to be hesitant about a one-shot project."

"Tsk. Just pass on those directors."

At this moment, the Creative Team leader had an idea.

"Head Director, what about this person?"

"Hmm? Who?"

The team leader handed the tablet to Kim Sohyang.

"He has a connection with Mr. Kang Woojin. He's the director who won the Best Director award at this year's 'Mise-en-Scene Film Festival' for 'Detective Agency.' He's the hottest director in the film industry right now. In the past, he was a well-known drama PD."

Kim Sohyang, looking at the photo on the tablet screen, clapped her hands.

"Ah! Director Shin Dongchun??"

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