Chapter 81

< Reinforcement (2) >

“...Conditions?”

PD Yun Byung-seon’s eyes widened slightly. This was because he hadn’t anticipated the word "conditions." On the other hand, Kang Woojin had a mindset of just going for it.

‘Whatever, just go for it.’

After all, PD Yun Byung-seon had likely gauged Woojin’s unique personality through the "Sports Day" event. Of course, it was all for the concept, but this level of pretense and toughness should be fine.

‘It’s better to just go for it rather than make it a condition for my future.’

Fortunately, PD Yun Byung-seon reacted nonchalantly.

“Sure, if it’s not a big issue, we’ll do our best to accommodate it.”

PD Yun Byung-seon was already a top figure in the entertainment industry. He had worked with numerous celebrities and heard many conditions. With this in mind, Woojin spoke more comfortably.

“First, I’d prefer if my detailed past isn’t heavily covered, aside from the basics.”

“Oh, a mysterious concept?”

Woojin, slightly startled by the concept, managed to maintain his composure.

“No, it’s not a concept. I’d just like the focus to be on my current self.”

“Ah—”

“I’d also prefer if there’s no speculative direction. It’s natural for my life as an actor to be open, but I don’t want my past personal life to be exposed.”

“I understand. Many celebrities have similar concerns, so it’s not a big deal.”

Indeed, most Korean celebrities try to hide their past. Celebrities are products, and products need pretty packaging. It’s better if there’s nothing in the past that could interfere with that packaging.

A clear image-making process.

Of course, sometimes hidden pasts are exposed, leading to a downfall, and sometimes hidden good deeds are revealed. But these are rare; most celebrities don’t reveal their pasts.

PD Yun Byung-seon was well aware of this.

Especially for rising stars or new rising talents, they hide their pasts even more. They are sensitive because their rise is sudden and their roots are weak. Moreover, Kang Woojin is currently rising at an unprecedented speed. PD Yun Byung-seon naturally intended to consider Woojin’s feelings.

However,

‘Hmm— From his personality and atmosphere, I thought it wouldn’t be smooth, but it seems there’s something deep in his past.’

Misunderstandings piled up.

‘Well, his acting and language skills didn’t come easily. There’s a look in his eyes that doesn’t match his age.’

Regardless, the past is the past. PD Yun Byung-seon was a thoroughly future-oriented person, and he was only interested in the current Kang Woojin, nothing more, nothing less.

“I promise. We can add it to the contract if needed. During editing, we’ll ensure that no such nuance is included.”

“Thank you.”

“No, as I said, many actors have similar conditions. It’s not a big deal for me. As long as Woojin hasn’t committed any crimes, ha ha.”

It was a joke to lighten the mood. However, seeing Woojin’s solemn expression, PD Yun Byung-seon’s laughter gradually faded.

“Ha... ha. Ah, you haven’t, right? Crimes.”

Of course. He had lived a clean life. He had paid his rent on time. Kang Woojin answered confidently and strongly.

“Of course not, not at all.”

“Of course, it was a joke. Any other conditions?”

“Can I know in advance who I’ll be working with?”

The reason Kang Woojin wanted to know the cast in advance was simple.

‘No more surprises.’

He wanted to be prepared to avoid being startled. The entertainment industry was unfamiliar to him. If he knew in advance, it would reduce his surprise. At this moment, PD Yun Byung-seon received a transparent file from the writers.

“I’ll let you know. It’s usually disclosed anyway, as some people decide based on their co-stars.”

He handed it to Kang Woojin.

“There are six people in total. Currently confirmed are Ahn Jong-hak and Ha Kang-soo. One is still being negotiated, and of course, Kang Woojin is included.”

Ahn Jong-hak was more of a versatile entertainer than a top actor. His main job was acting, but he also excelled in variety shows and music. Ha Kang-soo was a typical top actor, with a visual appeal on par with Ryu Jung-min.

Two already impressive actors.

However, PD Yun Byung-seon’s explanation didn’t end there.

“We’re looking at two women. One of them is Hwa-rin.”

“...Who? Hwa-rin?”

“Yes. Ah, right? You’re working with Hwa-rin on the Netflix short, right?”

“Yes.”

“Ha ha, Hwa-rin was mentioned for the drama. We contacted her much earlier than you. She has been active in Japan for a long time, so she speaks fluent Japanese, and we’ve worked together a few times in the past.”

“I see. Is Hwa-rin confirmed?”

“Yes, she’s confirmed. This Netflix project is short, so it fits well with her solo activities.”

“Is Hwa-rin uncomfortable?”

Not really. Honestly, Kang Woojin found Hwa-rin to be just okay. Their first impression wasn’t great.

‘But I think Hwa-rin will find me more uncomfortable.’

Well, Hwa-rin is just like that. Kang Woojin looked down at the casting board, lost in thought. But not for long. When would he ever go abroad? And for free. Moreover, it was a major variety show by PD Yun Byung-seon.

The increased recognition would be a bonus.

It was a show he wanted to do, and it would be better to do it on a big stage. Honestly, Woojin thought it would be fun.

‘I also want to use English or Japanese openly.’

Soon, Kang Woojin, imagining himself abroad, looked up at PD Yun Byung-seon. His low voice followed.

“I’ll do my best.”

PD Yun Byung-seon, who had been smirking, grabbed Kang Woojin’s hand.

“Thank you, I’m already looking forward to working with you, Woojin.”

He took out his phone.

“Shall we discuss the specifics with CEO Choi?”

At the same time.

While Kang Woojin was discussing the specifics with PD Yun Byung-seon, various events were unfolding in the entertainment industry. The film "Drug Dealer" was accelerating its shooting schedule despite Kang Woojin’s temporary absence.

Moreover, the atmosphere on set had become even more intense after his departure.

“Ah, Director, I’m sorry. I’ll do this scene one more time.”

“Huh? It was fine, Jae-jun.”

“I think I mumbled my lines a bit. Please.”

“Okay, I understand.”

The actors were highly motivated, and the tension was almost excessive. This was a clear sign of a high-level atmosphere.

“Director, the actors seem to have higher combat power, don’t they?”

“It’s because of Woojin. A rising star came and delivered such a performance. I’d do my best too if I were in their shoes.”

The effect of the acting prodigy Kang Woojin.

Among the works he joined, the recent movements of the star writer Lee Wol-seon were also notable.

[Issue Check] Star Writer 'Lee Wol-seon' New Work Secured KBC Top PD Song Hyuk

With the production team and main PD officially in place, the pre-production phase officially began. Although only Kang Woojin was confirmed as an actor, top actors were frequently mentioned for Lee Wol-seon’s new work.

In other words, the casting would be quickly resolved.

Unofficially, big names were also in a frenzy.

For example, the popular Japanese novelist Takikawa Akari, who was currently in Korea. She was busy giving interviews to the domestic publishing industry media upon her arrival.

[Photo] World-renowned Novelist Takikawa Akari in Korea: "One of my works will be adapted into a film"

She revealed that one of her works would be adapted into a film. Meanwhile, director Kyutaro, who came to Korea with Akari but moved around secretly.

“Hello, Director.”

“It’s been a while. Have you checked the content via email?”

He was in a meeting with a domestic import and distribution company. Naturally, only a few people knew about it.

“Our next work aims for simultaneous release in Korea and Japan.”

Similarly, director Kwon Gi-taek’s side was also secretive, but a few reporters who caught the scent wrote articles.

[Movie Talk] Director Kwon Gi-taek’s New Work: Industry Sources: “The Script is Already Circulating”

However, it didn’t spread widely.

Still, there was high interest in director Kwon Gi-taek’s next work in the film industry. He was a highly influential director, and there were few major works or issues in the recent film industry. Regardless, Kwon Gi-taek’s "Island of the Missing" was quietly in the pre-production phase.

The main and supporting cast, including Kang Woojin and Ryu Jung-min, were almost finalized, and the storyboarding was underway.

Thus, the entertainment industry, as always, moved at a frantic pace, and night soon fell.

The location was a coin karaoke booth near Samsung Station.

It was past 9 PM, but the coin karaoke booth, being quite large, was packed with customers. Students relieving their daily stress, groups of women, and men who had had a drink.

Among them, a room with three women.

“Ah, um, what should we sing?”

“I’ll go first?”

“Ah! Hold on!”

At that moment, a soft pop song could be heard from the next room.

-♬♪

When the intro played, the women didn’t think much of it. But the moment the proper song started, they were stunned.

“...Wow, hold on, he sings really well.”

“Pop song, insane. What’s with the pronunciation? Is he a foreigner?”

The three women stopped moving and listened intently to the pop song. The voice was male, and the singing skills were outstanding.

“How? His voice is amazing.”

“Is he really a singer?”

“Wow, my ears are melting.”

“Seems like a singer. Want to peek?”

To them, the man in the next room clearly had singer-level skills. But the women decided to enjoy the pop song for a moment. Interestingly,

-♬♪

“Huh? This time, a Japanese song?”

After the pop song, the man in the next room started singing a J-pop song. His skills were just as impressive as the pop song.

“Japanese... songs are also amazing.”

“I don’t know much Japanese, but isn’t his pronunciation really good? Not at all awkward.”

“Ah, maybe they’re playing some promotional video in the next room.”

“Huh? Anyone can tell it’s a person singing.”

One thing was clear.

“Wow, I want to hear it up close.”

Whether it was a pop song or a Japanese song, the man’s skills had captivated the women. Gradually,

“Look, is he a singer?”

“Don’t know, can’t see well.”

The customers in the coin karaoke booth started gathering around the room of the singer-level man. Students, women, and men alike.

Unaware of this,

-♬♪

A third song started playing in the room. This time, it was a Korean song, a very famous ballad among men. The onlookers were amazed.

“Wow— This song is also amazing when sung well.”

“100% a singer, who is it? Can’t we find out by voice?”

“The song is good...”

Soon,

-Click.

A man with singer-level skills came out of the room. He was wearing a black hat and a mask, tall with a good build. The onlookers who had been peeking around immediately realized:

He’s a celebrity.

Judging by his singing skills, 100% a singer. As a result, students, women, and men all started moving towards the man.

“Hey, over there—”

However, the man glanced at the onlookers and quickly left the coin karaoke booth.

“Ah!!”

A few students chased after him, but he quickly disappeared down the stairs. The remaining onlookers looked at the room the man had been in, feeling a bit disappointed.

“He got away.”

“Who was that singer? 100% a singer.”

“Was he an idol? The vibe was like that.”

“Why would an idol come here?”

The man who had caused a stir in the coin karaoke booth was now in a back alley. He glanced behind him. No one was chasing him. At this moment, he slightly lowered his mask.

No, Kang Woojin smirked.

“Wow, what am I?”

He was amazed at his own singing skills. The onlookers were proof.

Kang Woojin’s current singing skills were not like his past.

“Could I really be a singer?”

He could be a singer without any issues.

On the 11th, Netflix Korea.

Late morning. Hwa-rin got out of a van in the underground parking lot. She wore a tank top that almost showed her belly and had her long hair tied in a ponytail. Her light makeup made her beauty mark under her eye stand out.

She said,

“I’ll be back—”

to the fat manager in the van, who waved back.

“Yeah, do well. What should I get?”

“I’m fine. Everyone will have eaten by the time I get back.”

“Okay!”

Soon, Hwa-rin turned and headed towards the elevator. Today, there was an important meeting related to "Nam Sachin" at Netflix Korea. There were also several other decisions to be made, such as the OST and schedule. However, only the core members, including the writer and actors, were to attend without the management team.

Hwa-rin pressed the elevator button.

‘The PD said they’ve been decided. Who did they choose?’

She looked down at her phone. The first thing she checked was Kang Woojin’s SNS.

“Really, I have to say it today. I’m a fan.”

Next, she checked Kang Woojin’s fan cafe. Checking the SNS and fan cafe of her idol, Kang Woojin, had become almost a daily routine for Hwa-rin.

“I’ll become friends. I can do it.”

Hwa-rin aimed to become a stan. She couldn’t openly say she was a stan, but she could at least say she was a fan and try to get along well. She gave herself courage and looked up.

At that moment,

-Swoosh.

A low male voice penetrated her ears.

“Hello.”

Hwa-rin, slightly startled, turned her head. Kang Woojin, with an indifferent face, was right in front of her. Instantly, Hwa-rin’s mind went blank. All her previous resolve vanished.

She instinctively turned her head to look at the elevator door.

“...Ah, hello.”

“Hello.”

“...”

Her body and mind were out of sync. The conversation was cut short. The elevator doors opened, and Kang Woojin and Hwa-rin stepped in side by side. Hwa-rin, fidgeting, touched her thin bracelet.

‘Ah, I’m going crazy. Why am I so nervous? Just say it. Just say you’re a fan. Stay calm. You can do it.’

She encouraged herself and mustered up the courage.

“Um, excuse me.”

However,

-Ding!

The elevator was an obstacle. The doors opened at the floor they arrived at. Kang Woojin took a step and asked Hwa-rin,

“Yes?”

Hwa-rin followed him instinctively. Then, their forearms accidentally brushed against each other, and Hwa-rin’s thoughts froze again.

‘Ugh.’

On the other hand, Kang Woojin, standing in the hallway, looked at Hwa-rin with a blank expression and asked