Chapter 74

< Extension (3) >

"Right! Director Shin Dongchun!"

Kim Sohyang, the chief director, smiled as if to say, "That's it."

"Ujin's real debut work, 'Private Eye,' was directed by him, and he's already made a big splash as a new director. Plus, he had good results as a drama director in the past. Have you seen 'Private Eye'?"

"I have. I went to the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' out of curiosity. 'Private Eye' was excellent. It was the most entertaining among the short films."

"How was the atmosphere? Did it seem like he could handle a drama again?"

"Yes, it felt like a mix of film and drama editing. His fast and slow pacing techniques were amazing, and the sound design was really well done."

Most of the team leaders in the meeting room nodded in agreement.

"Having Director Shin Dongchun on board would certainly fill out the background. The story is there, with the feeling of a once-unknown director and actor reuniting."

"A reunion of the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' Grand Prize and Best Acting Award?"

At first glance, Director Shin Dongchun seemed like a perfect fit, but there were also concerns.

"But even if he seems perfect to us, will Director Shin Dongchun do this? If we investigate further, it might be more certain, but I suspect he's currently having a lot of meetings with film companies. After winning at the 'Mijangsen Film Festival,' he must be getting a lot of script offers, right?"

Would Director Shin Dongchun take on a short film? Of course, with actor Kang Ujin, it was a significant project, but it was uncertain whether he would take on a short film amidst his rising popularity as a hot new director.

However, Kim Sohyang believed it was possible.

"It's not like he's taking on the entire short film, just 'Nam Sachin.' If he's already committed to a project, he'll pass, but if he's still negotiating, it might work out."

Regardless, speed was crucial to secure him.

"When did the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' end?"

"Last month, around early May."

"About a month after winning the Grand Prize—so a week of interviews and events, and two weeks of meetings with production companies and film studios. The timing isn't bad."

Soon, Kim Sohyang gave instructions to the team leaders.

"Let's find Director Shin Dongchun's contact information and reach out as soon as possible. We need to emphasize that we're serious when proposing the project, and subtly mention Kang Ujin."

The team leaders quickly got up and left. At this moment, Kim Sohyang, the chief director, muttered to herself.

"Phew—But Director Shin Dongchun must have seen the news about Ujin doing 'Nam Sachin,' right?"

---

Thursday, the 4th. It was a rare day off for Kang Ujin. Or rather, he had to postpone his schedule due to personal reasons.

"Ah—Leaving this place."

He had to move out. It was the day Kang Ujin was leaving his one-room apartment. It was a bit rushed, but considering his rapidly growing fame, he needed to act quickly. His manager, Choi Sunggeun, had also been urging him.

"......I thought I'd wrap up my 20s here."

Wearing a hoodie, Ujin slowly looked around the one-room apartment that had supported him. It was now empty, with all his belongings gone. Many memories flashed through his mind—passing out drunk, the day he signed his first contract, and so on.

"The room is small, but so many things happened here."

Ujin had a bittersweet expression. But he couldn't stay long.

-Whoosh.

It was time to say goodbye. Ujin put on his shoes and tapped the shoe rack.

"I'm leaving—"

It was a farewell to the place he had called home. Ujin closed the door of the one-room apartment, carrying the 'Mijangsen Film Festival' Best Acting Award trophy. In front of the apartment, a moving truck and Ujin's van were waiting.

-Clunk!

The two vehicles started as soon as Ujin got into the van and stopped about an hour later near bw Entertainment. It was an office building near Samsung Station. As soon as Ujin entered his new home, he paused.

"......Crazy. It's so good."

If there were no people around, he might have jumped around and cheered. The new place was that impressive. It seemed twice as big as his old one-room apartment. While others might find it ordinary, to Ujin, it was like a palace. Even the TV, refrigerator, and other appliances were already set up.

It was a courtesy from bw Entertainment.

Now, everything in Ujin's life had changed. A new home, a new life, a new job, and new acquaintances in the entertainment industry. Ujin was gradually getting into the role of an actor.

His surroundings had also changed.

His still noisy group chat friends treated him as a perfect actor.

-Ujin: Moving completed.

-Dae-young: C-C-C-Congratulations, Mr. Actor. I'll come and mess it up soon.

-Kyung-sung: Let's do a housewarming party and invite Hong Hyeon.

-Hyung-gu: Let's do a housewarming party and invite Hong Hyeon. 222

-Ujin: You animals.

-Kyung-sung: Did you see Hyeon in person? She's a goddess, right?

-Ujin: Y-Yes.

-Hyung-gu: Kang Star, bring Park Da-ri back from her hiatus. It's not the same without you.

Ujin's parents were also the same.

"Hey—Mom."

"Yes, our actor Ujin. Are you eating well? Can I send you some porridge?"

"Mom's porridge is good even when it's cold."

"No, I mean, I'll come and make it for you."

"What?? No, it's fine. I'll just buy some. I'm eating well."

"Alright. Your dad and I are watching your shows. You appeared in a flashback recently."

"......Mom. I'm still alive."

"Oh, by the way, did I tell you that you're a superstar to my friends and customers?"

Indeed, a large poster of Kang Ujin was already hanging inside the porridge shop in Jinju. On both walls. It seemed his parents had put it up themselves.

When customers saw the poster and asked,

"Is this the hot new actor? Are you a fan, sir?"

Seohyeon-mi and Kang Ucheol proudly answered simultaneously.

"He's our son."

"He's our son."

Interestingly, Ujin's younger sister, Kang Hyena, who had been the most enthusiastic, was now quiet. Ujin felt a bit uneasy but shrugged it off, thinking she was busy with her studies.

After moving, Ujin went to a commercial shoot the next day, Friday, the 5th.

It was the 'Maxnald' commercial shoot.

It was a quick turnaround. The shoot was scheduled about a week after signing the contract. The 'Maxnald' side wanted to move quickly to capitalize on Ujin's rising popularity.

"Hello."

"Ah! Please come in! Mr. Kang Ujin has arrived! Ujin, let's start by confirming the concept with the director."

The commercial studio was both familiar and unfamiliar to Ujin. It was about the size of a gym, with a similar atmosphere to a regular drama set, but the props and equipment were a bit different.

Most importantly,

"......Is that a hamburger? Do I have to eat all of it?"

On one side of the set, a table was piled high with hamburgers. At least 30 of them. They looked like grenades, almost like weapons. With the concept in mind, Ujin felt a bit scared. It was his first commercial, and the idea of eating all those hamburgers made him nervous.

But fortunately,

"You only need to take a bite for the shot. You can eat it, but if it gets too hard, you can spit it out."

He didn't have to eat all the hamburgers. There were also fake hamburgers for the commercial.

'The real thing is different, this won't do! Ah, I'm a commercial model, I keep getting confused.'

Ujin thought there were all sorts of things to consider. After a brief concept meeting with the director and 'Maxnald' staff, Ujin changed into makeup and costume and entered the shooting zone.

His overall look was similar to 'Park Da-ri.'

The shooting zone was a high-end sofa placed in the middle of a blue screen. Ujin, not knowing much about special effects, simply followed the instructions. But did he need to bring out the full 'Park Da-ri'?

No idea, but let's go all out.

"Action—Cut!"

Ujin took a bite of the hamburger, based on the scene where 'Park Da-ri' eats a hamburger in the interrogation room. It was his first commercial, but the acting came naturally. Even the director and others on set were impressed.

"Wow—'Park Da-ri' is the right concept."

"But Ujin, you can capture emotions so quickly? How do you do that? Your eyes change in just a few seconds."

"It feels like a real big new star is here."

However, commercials were definitely different from dramas.

"Cut! Good! Ujin, this time, let's have the hamburger facing forward and do it again."

"Yes."

"Action!"

It was like hard labor in the world of shooting.

"Nice! Cut! This time, let's try a more sinister smile."

"......Yes."

They shot the same scene over a dozen times. It wasn't because Ujin couldn't do it, but to get as many shots as possible. Action, cut, action, cut, action, cut, repeated. The requested poses, expressions, and performances changed each time.

Ujin, who had slightly underestimated commercials, was exhausted.

'Commercials are tough. They're really intense. And I've only finished one shot. I'm already tired.'

There was a cue sheet, but no clear script for the commercial. Ujin thought a drama or movie with a script would be better. Anyway, after managing to shoot a few scenes, it was lunchtime.

And the meal served to Ujin was,

"Ujin, this is our new 'Maxnald' product. Please try it!"

"......Yes, thank you."

Another hamburger.

'Ugh.'

At the same time,

A large film company in Seoul. In a meeting room, a familiar square-jawed man was visible. Director Shin Dongchun, who looked much better than before, had no trace of his former haggard appearance.

He seemed full of energy.

His aura had changed. He now had the unmistakable look of a director. It was understandable. About a month after winning the Grand Prize at the 'Mijangsen Film Festival,' many things had happened for Director Shin Dongchun, just as they had for Ujin.

[[Movie Talk] Grand Prize 'Private Eye' Director Shin Dongchun, a Gem Discovered by Mijangsen in the Film Industry]

While not as explosive as Ujin, Director Shin Dongchun was treated as a rising star in the film industry. He won three awards, including the Grand Prize, at the strict 'Mijangsen Film Festival,' and 'Private Eye' itself received high praise.

Moreover,

[Hot Kang Ujin Effect? 'Private Eye' Released on Multiple OTTs, Showing Strong Potential Despite Being a Short Film]

The release of 'Private Eye' on OTTs also had excellent results. Therefore, Director Shin Dongchun was receiving numerous interviews, YouTube appearances, and offers from production companies and film studios.

This place was no different.

The large film company was also proposing a future project to Director Shin Dongchun.

"Director, what do you think?"

There were about five people from the film company, and Director Shin Dongchun was alone on the other side. He showed no signs of being flustered, having gone through many meetings.

"Hmm—"

"It's a lot to think about. We know your reputation in the industry, and we have a good idea of the conditions you've been offered. We promise the best conditions."

"Yes, I'll think about it."

"Ha-ha, I really want to work with you."

The well-mannered