Chapter 76

< Expansion (5) >

Suncheon, 'Drug Lord' filming set.

The expansive set, with its well-recreated 1990s buildings and houses, was already bustling with the filming of 'Drug Lord.'

"Cut! I didn't hear the line just now, let's do it again with more emphasis!"

At the forefront was Director Kim Do-hee, still with her strong presence, surrounded by numerous cameras, lights, and audio equipment. Dozens of crew members encircled the equipment.

The actors were divided into those watching and those performing.

What was interesting was this:

"But who are those people?"

"Representatives from the distribution and production companies."

"Ah—"

There were unusually many people on set today. The reason for their sudden appearance was simple.

"Things have been so bad, they probably want to see if Kang Woo-jin will show up today."

"Are they worried?"

"That's part of it, but they're probably also trying to gauge the overall balance."

To see Kang Woo-jin in person. Both the production and distribution companies considered this issue important.

At this point:

"Great! Cut, cut!"

Director Kim Do-hee gave the OK for the previous scene and then instructed the assistant director.

"Let's take a 10-minute break."

"Yes! We'll resume after a 10-minute break!!"

At the assistant director's call, the crew members quickly rushed to the shooting area. Meanwhile, people gathered around Director Kim Do-hee, who was sitting in front of three monitors.

They were from the production and distribution companies.

"Director, it's about time for Mr. Kang Woo-jin to arrive, right?"

At the question, Director Kim Do-hee nodded.

"I was told he'll arrive within 10 minutes."

Soon, some people expressed their concerns.

"Now that the day has come, I'm a bit nervous. Will it really be okay?"

"It was a bit of a risk. Since Mr. Kang Woo-jin is currently very popular, he'll definitely draw attention from the public, but the preparation time was a bit short. Three weeks... sigh, did he manage to fully analyze the role of 'Lee Sang-man' in just three weeks?"

Director Kim Do-hee, who was running her fingers through her rough hair, also let out a small sigh.

"We have to trust Mr. Woo-jin. He was very confident during our meeting. Even if the result is disappointing, it's not his fault. If the acting quality is a bit low due to the lack of time, we should take responsibility. Besides, we can't find an actor who speaks Japanese as well as Mr. Woo-jin."

"That's true."

The faces of the production and distribution company representatives were clouded with worry. They had never worked with Kang Woo-jin before. To them, he was just a rising newcomer.

"Ah, and didn't you say you were going to make some changes to the 'Lee Sang-man' role today? Shouldn't we cancel that?"

"…I'll consider removing it if it's too much."

"But, I know Mr. Kang Woo-jin's acting skills from his previous work, but a few weeks is really too short. It's a difficult role. Even if he's a solid actor, he's still a newcomer, and pushing him too hard will definitely break him."

Everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"Just focus on making sure Mr. Kang Woo-jin can handle the 'Lee Sang-man' role without any issues, Director."

Since the casting was already a risky move, they wanted to focus on covering up any problems rather than taking more risks. However, Director Kim Do-hee, who always enjoyed challenging herself artistically, found this unsatisfactory.

'They're all fussing. I'll handle it. Why are they all here causing trouble?'

Just as she was grumbling to herself, one of the distribution company executives suddenly changed the subject to Kang Woo-jin.

"But I heard from some sources that Mr. Kang Woo-jin has worked on foreign projects?"

Director Kim Do-hee, who had written the script, was quick to respond.

"Ah, that's probably in Japan."

"Huh? I don't think so. I heard from a friend at the production company that he was in the English-speaking world."

"…English-speaking world?"

"Yes. I heard he speaks English at a native level. A foreign crew member praised Mr. Woo-jin's English."

At this, a dozen or so crew members murmured. One of the key grips, who was familiar with the lighting director, chimed in.

"Yeah, I heard that too. The lighting director is close with the grip. He said Mr. Woo-jin is from an overseas background and might have been in Hollywood."

"What, everyone's been asking around about Mr. Kang Woo-jin?"

"Ah, yes. The production company people are the same, right? They must have been worried and checked things out."

"Still, Hollywood is a bit of a stretch."

The actors also joined in.

"I heard he's not like a typical newcomer. His mindset is different because of his foreign experience."

Both lead and supporting actors.

"I heard he said he learned acting on his own during the reading."

"…That doesn't make sense."

"What? The character is too absurd?"

"Maybe it's just the confidence of a newcomer. Or maybe it's just showing off."

At that moment:

"Director! Mr. Kang Woo-jin has arrived!"

The crew member's shout over the walkie-talkie echoed loudly. It was a signal that the much-discussed newcomer, Kang Woo-jin, had arrived. Soon, Director Kim Do-hee stood up abruptly.

A few minutes later, Kang Woo-jin arrived at the shooting area. The gazes of the passing crew members made him feel uneasy.

'What's with all these stares?'

The more he felt this, the more intense his poker face became, and Director Kim Do-hee ran up to him.

"Mr. Woo-jin!"

Kang Woo-jin greeted her calmly.

"Hello, Director."

"Uh-huh. You're early? Hmm, the atmosphere on set is different when you're here."

"Is it?"

Kang Woo-jin glanced behind Director Kim Do-hee and was inwardly shocked.

'Wow. How many people are there? It looks like a whole battalion! Did a war break out or something?'

There were easily over 60 people. The problem was that it didn't seem to be just crew members. At this moment, Choi Sung-geun, who was standing behind Kang Woo-jin, moved and spotted someone he knew in the crowd.

"Hey, Manager Lee? It's been a while?"

"Hahaha, yes, Mr. Choi."

Kang Woo-jin was led by Director Kim Do-hee to stand in front of the main actors. Formal introductions would come later, but for now, he needed to get to know them briefly.

"Everyone, this is actor Kang Woo-jin."

"Nice to meet you."

A smooth voice. The actors each gave awkward smiles and greeted Kang Woo-jin, and Director Kim Do-hee discreetly handed him a few sheets of paper.

"Mr. Woo-jin, this is a revised script. There have been some changes to the 'Lee Sang-man' scenes. It's to emphasize the character, but it might be a bit challenging for you. Of course, we can stick to the original script if you prefer."

This was a common occurrence on film sets.

Changes in dialogue, situations, or character emotions could be made by the director. However, Kang Woo-jin was, in a sense, a wild card. While he felt confident, to others, three weeks was a short time.

As a result, Director Kim Do-hee was very cautious.

"Is it too much? You can think about it without any pressure."

While it would be good to make the 'Lee Sang-man' character more distinct, she didn't want to push a newcomer too hard and risk everything falling apart.

However, Kang Woo-jin responded:

"Yes, I'll take a look."

It was very nonchalant. In fact, he seemed quite calm. Why?

'A subspace is opening. So there's no problem.'

The revised script, similar to the side script, had a black square attached. As Kang Woo-jin recalled the side script he had read during the initial reading, he secretly raised his index finger.

He paused for a moment.

It was a very short moment. To the people around him, it was just a few seconds, but Kang Woo-jin had spent several minutes in the subspace.

'Well, let's show off a bit. Might as well get off work early.'

Kang Woo-jin, who was focused on the script, spoke to Director Kim Do-hee, who was standing in front of him.

"Five minutes should be enough."

"…What? Five minutes? Really?"

"Yes, five minutes."

"…?"

Director Kim Do-hee's eyes were full of question marks. The surrounding actors murmured. It was understandable.

'What's with him? He seems a bit arrogant.'

It was an absurd answer.

'Five minutes?? What does that even mean? He should tone down the arrogance.'

'He's probably trying to score points with his newcomer's confidence, but how can he memorize lines and expressions in just five minutes? Director Kim is going to have a tough time.'

The problem was:

"Yes, that's fine."

Kang Woo-jin nodded, but it only took him three minutes, not five.

"I'm ready."

It was already past 7 PM.

The sun had set, and the surroundings were gradually darkening. The orange streetlights, which had been set up, were now noticeably brighter. In front of a building, four black sedans were parked.

Cameras and lights were set up around them, and dozens of crew members surrounded the shooting area.

At that moment:

"Sprinklers!"

Director Kim Do-hee, who was seated, called over the walkie-talkie. As soon as her call ended, rain began to pour down on the shooting area. Simultaneously, dozens of extras, all dressed in suits and holding black umbrellas, entered the scene.

"Dim the lights a bit!"

"OK!"

"More, more, more, stop! Let's go!"

As Director Kim Do-hee shouted, a male crew member held up a clapperboard in front of the camera. Then, Director Kim Do-hee gave a signal over the walkie-talkie.

"Cameras rolling! Action!!"

Soon, the driver's door of the last of the four parked sedans opened. A man in a suit, holding an umbrella, got out and quickly opened the rear door.

-Whoosh.

Kang Woo-jin, with a cigarette in his mouth, got out of the back seat. One hand was in his pocket. He was in a suit but without a tie, and the top button of his shirt was undone, revealing a faint tattoo on his chest.

"Hmm—"

A long puff of cigarette smoke. Upon closer inspection, a scar was visible on his left cheek. A knife wound. His skin was rough, and it felt like it would be coarse to the touch. However, his neatly combed back hair was clean. His eyes were slightly droopy, but his pupils were sharp.

"…"

The atmosphere was tense. But in that tension, there was a sense of violence. It was an aura that suggested he would stab you if you made a mistake.

Yes, at that moment, he was not Kang Woo-jin but 'Lee Sang-man' himself.

Then, Lee Sang-man scratched his right arm and tapped the shoulder of the subordinate holding the umbrella. His expression remained blank. The subordinate bowed, unsure if it was a compliment.

"Thank you."

Lee Sang-man, who had gotten smoke in his eye, squinted and grabbed the subordinate's head.

"Come closer. You're getting wet."

"Ah! I'm sorry!"

"Or do you want that?"

"Ah, no, sir!!"

Lee Sang-man's voice was low and rough, as if he had a lot of phlegm. But each word carried a warning. Soon, Lee Sang-man looked at the subordinate, who was now powerless. The subordinate felt utterly crushed.

A deep, nameless fear.

Even closing his eyes slowly was not an option. Lee Sang-man, with his gaze fixed on the subordinate, slowly raised his hand and removed the cigarette from his mouth. A long puff of smoke was exhaled from his lungs, spreading widely in the orange streetlight.

Lee Sang-man took another long drag on the cigarette. His expression was blank but clearly unpleasant. The current humidity, his mood, the itchy arm, and the sound of rain on the umbrella.

Then, Lee Sang-man:

-Whoosh.

Moved his gaze to the distant streetlights behind the gathered subordinates. He saw the long row of orange lights. Why did he look at the streetlights? Because they were cool? No.

"They're dancing."

In Lee Sang-man's eyes, the orange lights were swaying gently. It was only in his eyes. The aftereffects of his addiction. Lee Sang-man smiled. Damn, what was that? It looked like a fleeting vision. The small smile on Lee Sang-man's face gradually faded.

"Hmm—"

The stiff, blank expression of Lee Sang-man was obscured by the smoke he exhaled. However, the smoke quickly rose into the sky, revealing the damned orange visions to Lee Sang-man again.

He was even more annoyed. The itchiness intensified.

A loud, desperate male scream echoed at that moment.

"Sir! Please save me! I must have been crazy! Please, sir!"

A man kneeling at the entrance of the building. His face was a mess. It was that badly beaten. Lee Sang-man slowly looked down at him. The man was shouting something, but Lee Sang-man couldn't hear him clearly.

-Drip, drip, drip, drip!

-Drop, drop, drop, drop!

The sound of heavy rain drowned out the man's voice.

"…"

So, Lee Sang-man just looked down at the man. His eyes were devoid of emotion. Yes, just like looking at a bug. There was nothing there. There was no need for anything.

So, the answer was one. Crush him.

-Swoosh.

Lee Sang-man, who was looking down at the man, extended his hand outside the umbrella. The raindrops fell mercilessly on his hand. Cold and sharp. The temperature matched Lee Sang-man's aura.

At this moment, Lee Sang-man murmured softly.

"It's going to burn."

The subordinate holding the umbrella repeated.

"Excuse me?"

"The sea is going to burn."

"Ah."

Then, Lee Sang-man took a step closer to the man with the bloodied face and crouched down. He was now at eye level with the man. He scratched his arm again and then blew a long puff of cigarette smoke into the man's face.

"Why are you so thin?"

"Sir! I really made a mistake! Just once! Please forgive me just once!"

"Thin, you say."

"…"

Lee Sang-man, speaking in a cold tone, removed the cigarette from his mouth and placed it right in front of the man's nose. More precisely, he placed it on the rainwater dripping from the man's nose. The cigarette immediately hissed.

"Ah—"

Lee Sang-man, holding the extinguished, water-soaked cigarette in front of the man's face, spoke in a strange tone. The man, however, looked confused.

"…Excuse me??"

"Ah— Open your mouth."

"!!"

"Open it."

Soon, the man, whose face was a bloody mess, opened his mouth wide, and Lee Sang-man shoved the cigarette down his throat. It was merciless. It felt like he was pushing his hand into the man's insides.

"Choke! Choke!!"

"Let's fatten up that face."

"Choke! Choke!"

"You're too thin right now."

Lee Sang-man, speaking in a rough voice, slowly turned his head to the side to look at the subordinate. Every movement, from one to ten, was calm.

"Get the tools."

The subordinates immediately understood the order. Combine the man with the tools and throw him into the sea. To inflate his body. The man was dragged away by a few subordinates. Despite his frantic screams, Lee Sang-man couldn't hear them.

Lee Sang-man, with the obstruction removed, looked straight ahead.

The stairs leading to the building were visible. They were dark and ominous. For some reason, the stairs, which were ominous, looked like a path to liberation for Lee Sang-man. He immediately started walking.

His face, which had been blank, now had:

"…"

A slight smile. His facial muscles twitched. His mood was heightened. His brain was blindly urging him to do something. Run, because it's right in front of you. Lee Sang-man's smile was not a smile.

It was death.

Death was on his lips.

It was a flexible and deep death. That's how his expression and demeanor were. The death spreading across Lee Sang-man's face became even more profound. With death on his face, Lee Sang-man entered the building. At this moment, he passed by a camera set up at the top of the stairs.

The camera remained focused on the front. Lee Sang-man, after passing the camera, suddenly stopped.

A moment of silence.

It was the perfect time for a cut. However, no sound was heard. Only the sound of raindrops hitting the building echoed throughout.

The reason was simple.

"…Crazy."

Director Kim Do-hee, who had been staring intently at the monitor, was in shock.

'I don't think Oh Jun-woo could even touch this. Kim Ryu-jin and Park Dae-ryul are nowhere to be seen; I only see Lee Sang-man. The technique to make the character look completely different is already—'

Of course, everyone around her, including the crew members, production company representatives, distribution company representatives, and actors, felt the same way. They were all staring blankly at the newcomer actor, the monster, on the set. The meaning in their eyes was similar.

What did I just see?

At that moment, among the dozens