Chapter 83

< Reinforcement (4) >

When the news that a nuclear bomb, Kang Woojin, had joined the next project of director Kwon Giteak as a leading actor was thrown onto the internet. Woojin, who was still unaware of this, was in the middle of a meeting at Netflix Korea.

In the medium-sized meeting room, quite a few key figures related to "Nam Sachin" had gathered.

Of course, Kang Woojin was there, along with the plump Kim Sohyang, the head director, Choi Nana, the writer, Hwaryun, and director Shin Dongchun, as well as the team leaders from various Netflix teams. They had already exchanged greetings for several minutes, and now a casual conversation was taking place.

In the midst of this, Hwaryun, who was fiddling with the thin bracelet that Woojin had given her, glanced at Woojin and director Shin Dongchun.

'This director worked with Woojin on "Heungshinso"...'

In her eyes, director Shin Dongchun was like a benefactor who had brought Woojin to the world. Consequently, Hwaryun, who was a fan, had an extremely high opinion of director Shin Dongchun.

'I need to properly greet him after the meeting!'

Kim Sohyang, the head director, who was discussing the organization of the materials with the team leaders, drew everyone's attention.

"Alright, from here on, Director Shin will take over."

Director Shin Dongchun, who had been looking down at his tablet, slowly nodded.

"Well, we need to start with confirming the production company."

"Yes. But we've already narrowed it down to three places, so it won't take too long. After a brief meeting, you can decide based on the situation."

Upon hearing this, Director Shin Dongchun turned his gaze to Choi Nana, the writer, who was visibly nervous.

"Writer, can we have a simple script meeting after the meeting?"

"Ah! Yes, yes!! I'm fine! I'll do my best!"

"Haha, you look so stiff. Relax."

"Yes! I'll do my best to relax!"

Choi Nana's enthusiasm spread laughter throughout the meeting room, and Kim Sohyang, the head director, changed the topic while showing her tablet to everyone.

"Here's a brief overview of what will be communicated in the future. This time, the 'Single Episode Project' will release one episode every two weeks, starting with 'Nam Sachin.' We will put a lot of effort into the promotion and production of 'Nam Sachin' since it's the first one."

In reality, her blueprint included many planned activities.

"Additionally, we've discussed with Netflix Japan. While not all of the 'Single Episode Project' will be launched, 'Nam Sachin' is scheduled to be launched on Netflix Japan."

Launching on both Korean and Japanese Netflix. Kang Woojin pretended to listen calmly but was quite surprised inside.

'Wow, it's going to be uploaded to Japanese Netflix too?? The scale is getting huge??'

He hadn't even thought about Japanese Netflix. At that moment, a thought flashed through Kang Woojin's mind.

-[6/Script (Title: Nam Sachin), A-grade]

The sudden rise in 'Nam Sachin's rating.

'Ah, this isn't just about Hwaryun joining... Could it be related to the Japanese side, making it A-grade?'

At that moment,

"By the way, there's one more thing. Director Shin will decide this during the pre-production, but I think it's good to confirm in advance."

Kim Sohyang called out to Kang Woojin, who had a neutral expression.

"Woojin, we've expanded the OST project. You have two options. If it's too much, you can just focus on the role of 'Han Inho,' but if you're okay, would you like to participate in the OST?"

What? Participate in what? OST? Kang Woojin knew it was a crucial part. OSTs often appear in the music charts. But could he do it? As he wondered, Kim Sohyang, the head director, continued.

"Hwaryun has already agreed to participate, and the song collection is quite advanced. We're aiming for 2-3 songs, including a solo by Hwaryun, a solo by Woojin, and a duet. Of course, we'll add other songs, but we want the main focus to be on Woojin and Hwaryun."

Hwaryun glanced at Kang Woojin across the table.

'I hope Woojin can do it. Even if he's tone-deaf, I can use all my techniques to make it sound good.'

Kim Sohyang, who had been crossing her legs, leaned towards Woojin.

"There's a good reason. There are a few scenes in the drama where 'Han Inho' shows his hidden singing skills. What do you think, Woojin?"

It seemed like things were getting out of hand again. This time, he was being asked to do something he had never done before—participate in an OST. It was a completely new experience for Kang Woojin. Singing in a karaoke room and singing publicly were very different. However, Woojin didn't back down.

He was brimming with confidence.

'Hmm, I've never done it before, but I'm sure I can manage. I'm already acting, so an OST shouldn't be too hard. Besides, my singing skills are pretty good, right?'

His nose was in the air, and it was a justified sense of self-worth. A bit of arrogance and a dash of showmanship.

"I don't think it will be too difficult."

Kim Sohyang, the head director, was slightly surprised.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really."

Is he serious? Or just saying it? Kim Sohyang, the head director, was confused.

'...But no matter what, he can at least meet the minimum standard, right? But if he falls short, it could be awkward—'

Hwaryun, who was pretending to be indifferent, was jumping with joy inside. Everyone in the meeting room, including Director Shin Dongchun, had various reactions to Kang Woojin.

'Could he... be good at singing too? Probably not, right?'

Choi Nana, the writer, and the other team leaders.

'As long as it's not unbearable, it should be fine. Hwaryun can carry it.'

Regardless, it needed to be confirmed. So, Kim Sohyang, the head director, spoke again.

"Then, let's schedule a simple check with Hwaryun and Woojin. It won't take long, and we can match their tones at our recording studio. This will help us find suitable songs. It's just a preliminary check."

It was a natural step.

"During this, Hwaryun and Woojin will sing a duet that's already on the market."

Kim Sohyang then requested from Kang Woojin.

"Woojin, you can just sing a simple song that you like."

At the same time,

A 24-hour Korean soup restaurant near Netflix Korea. It was getting close to lunchtime, so the large restaurant was full of customers. Among them, three familiar figures: Choi Sunggeun, Jang Suwan, and Han Yejung.

All three were busy eating the soup.

While Kang Woojin was in the meeting, they needed to fill their stomachs. The first to put down her spoon was Han Yejung, who had recently changed her hair to a short yellow style. She picked up her water cup and looked down at her phone, her eyes widening.

"Hey? CEO. This article—"

She quickly showed the article she had just checked to Choi Sunggeun, who had a spoon in his mouth. His eyes widened instantly.

"What, when did this come out?!"

"It's been a few minutes."

The article they saw was as follows:

『[Exclusive] Veteran Director 'Kwon Giteak' Casts Major Newcomer 'Kang Woojin' in His Next Film... Production Company: "Kang Woojin is cast as the lead"』

Choi Sunggeun, who quickly rinsed his mouth with water, picked up his phone.

"This is... not a rumor but official, right?"

"Yes, it's official. The source is clear."

"Right. From Director Kwon Giteak's side. But I thought the timing wasn't right. Why did it come out so early? And only about Woojin?"

Choi Sunggeun, who was puzzled, checked the internet. There were already many follow-up articles.

At that moment,

-Vroom, vroom.

His phone vibrated. Choi Sunggeun was slightly surprised when he saw the caller. It was a call from the veteran director Kwon Giteak. Soon, Choi Sunggeun stood up, left the restaurant, and put his phone to his ear at the entrance.

"Yes, Director."

Through the phone, he heard the gentle voice of Director Kwon Giteak.

"CEO Choi, have you seen the article? The one confirming Woojin's casting."

"Yes, I just saw it and was about to contact you. Is this officially from your side?"

"Yes, it's from our distribution company. As you know, we were planning to release it around the end of June, but some messy tabloids were circulating about Woojin, so we decided to release it a bit earlier."

Messy tabloids. Choi Sunggeun and BW Entertainment were aware of this. But they hadn't responded to each one. Such tabloids were too common in the entertainment industry.

'Well, maybe Director Kwon Giteak felt sorry for him. It's good for us since we were waiting for this—'

At that moment, Director Kwon Giteak spoke again through the phone.

"Of course, if you have any promotional preparations, you can start now. We will gradually open up, starting with Woojin, so we can coordinate with the distribution company to control the pace."

"Yes, Director. We will also spread the news about Woojin."

"But, CEO Choi, the recent tabloids about Woojin. They were quite scattered, but I think someone is behind them. It doesn't seem like journalists just threw them out without thinking. From my experience, it feels like someone is stirring things up."

"Right, I've also noticed that. The pace has been quite sudden."

"Since you have a wide network, please look into it. Woojin is just starting, so we need to protect him from any trouble."

Choi Sunggeun smiled slightly.

"Yes, Director. Thank you for your concern."

"Of course, Woojin is now our lead actor. Let's stay in touch."

-Click.

The call ended, and Choi Sunggeun re-entered the restaurant with a peculiar expression. Jang Suwan and Han Yejung, who were at the table, quickly asked.

"Is it official?"

"Is it finally being announced?!"

"Yes."

"Wow, his first commercial film is with Director Kwon Giteak. The film industry will be in an uproar!"

Jang Suwan was excited, but Choi Sunggeun, with his chin in his hand, muttered to himself.

'Right, now the rumors about his lack of work and the tabloids will disappear. Even if it's not confirmed, if this and the Kyotaro project fall through, it will be a disaster.'

He then called the PR team on his phone.

"Yes, you saw the article? Yes, it's official, so let's start our prepared plan. All channels—media, SNS, official website—let's spread it as quickly as possible."

After giving the instructions, Choi Sunggeun crossed his legs and thought.

'Hmm, there's only one person who could be behind the attacks on Woojin.'

Kang Woojin had only been in the Korean entertainment industry for a few months. Therefore, Choi Sunggeun easily identified the attacker.

'Seo Guseop. That bulldog is definitely behind it. Whether he started the attacks or just fueled the tabloids, Seo Guseop is definitely involved.'

Of course, Choi Sunggeun had been keeping an eye on Seo Guseop. Knowing that BW Entertainment was the investor in "Heungshinso," Seo Guseop wouldn't just sit still.

'I thought he would attack immediately, but he's been quiet. Well, I need to prepare myself too.'

Choi Sunggeun suddenly smiled.

'If you attack, you'll hurt more than me, Seo Guseop.'

He had a Joker-like expression.

After that,

The news of Director Kwon Giteak's next project shook the film industry media. Specifically, the news that the hot Kang Woojin was cast as the lead.

This quickly spread to the entire entertainment industry media. It was a significant source of news.

Not only was it the new work of the legendary Director Kwon Giteak, but the fact that a newcomer who had only been in the industry for a few months was cast as the lead was bound to cause a stir. The impact was significant. Within just one hour, articles began to flood various portal sites.

Meanwhile, PD Yun Byungseon, who was in a van with the HTBS Entertainment team, had his mouth open wide.

"Wow, what's this? Woojin is joining Director Kwon Giteak's next project? And as a lead actor."

The writers and junior PDs, who heard the news, had wide eyes.

"Wow! Really??!"

"Amazing! It's true! Articles are already flooding in! Wow, being the lead in a Kwon Giteak film... It's beyond hot."

"Is it confirmed? If so, will Woojin become part of Director Kwon Giteak's circle?"

"Not yet, right?"

Excited writers asked, and PD Yun Byungseon, who was scanning various articles, responded.

"Who would have thought he was hiding such a big scoop. It seems this was kept secret and confirmed a while ago."

"Right. With Director Kwon Giteak's influence, it's possible to keep it hidden and then release it at the right time."

"Director Kwon Giteak must have sent the script to Woojin right after the 'Heungshinso' project. Ah, during 'Heungshinso'? Anyway, nothing about Woojin is ordinary."

PD Yun Byungseon, who had been chuckling, had a deeper smile.

"He will definitely leave a strong impression on the public."

PD Yun Byungseon spoke meaningfully.

"Hmm, should we lend a hand?"

The main writer's eyes widened slightly at PD Yun Byungseon's mischievous smile, and he quickly asked, putting down his phone.

"Lend a hand? Oh, you mean we should do some promotion for Woojin?"

"Yes, that's what I mean."

PD Yun Byungseon, with his characteristic mischievous expression, said casually.

"Since the momentum is already there, let's add a booster."

< Reinforcement (4) > End