Chapter 84

< Reinforcement (5) >

Booster? Unlike Yoon Byung-sun PD, who spoke casually, the main writer had a slightly worried look in his eyes.

“Well… Although a few participants, including Woojin, have been confirmed, isn’t it a bit too early?”

For reference, while rumors about Yoon Byung-sun PD's new variety show from HTBS were circulating, no clear facts had been officially announced yet. However, because Yoon Byung-sun PD was such a giant in the entertainment industry, the media was rife with speculation about the cast and various teasers.

In any case, Yoon Byung-sun PD, who pushed up his glasses, shrugged at the main writer.

“Of course, it would be a bit over the top to start filming right away. There’s also the issue of分散注意力. But isn’t it a bit of a waste to miss this timing? With Kang Woojin starring in director Kwon Kitae’s next film, it’s obvious it’s going to be incredibly noisy.”

This time, the male assistant director responded.

“Well, we didn’t know that Kang Woojin was going to be in director Kwon Kitae’s next film at all.”

“Right. Since this issue came out of the blue, we’re suggesting some adjustments to our publicity plan. While other participants can wait, we can start promoting Kang Woojin a bit earlier, can’t we?”

“Like dropping a bomb with a 1+1 feel?”

“Yeah.”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, who gave a short answer, looked down at his phone again and continued.

“The funny thing about issues is that everyone knows they are volatile, so it’s important to extend them as long as possible. However, if you go in with a combo and link them, the lifespan of the issue will explode like pruning.”

“One issue will just fizzle out, but when multiple issues combine, they will grow and spread like a chain.”

“Director Kwon Kitae’s next film, Kang Woojin, and us. Since some issues about Woojin have already been circulating, it will be much more explosive.”

“In the end, it will be a win-win for the movie, Woojin, and us.”

Clearly, Yoon Byung-sun PD’s influence in the entertainment industry was immense. The scale of the game was definitely going to get bigger. Yoon Byung-sun PD adjusted his glasses again.

“However, if we wait too long, it will get stale and won’t work well, so the timing has to be right. First, we’ll watch for a few days as Kang Woojin gains recognition from the Kwon Kitae issue. When it seems right, we’ll start with Woojin.”

“How long will we watch?”

“Well, maybe two or three days? During that time, you should coordinate with the other participants, and I’ll contact CEO Choi Sung-geun.”

As the instructions were given, the writers and junior PDs all took out their phones and started typing. The main writer, who had finished his phone notes, spoke, recalling Kang Woojin.

“But isn’t Kang Woojin really something? Even with multiple issues, he seems to be at the center of the entertainment industry now? From dramas, movies, to variety shows. And he’s a complete newcomer.”

“Newcomers who are destined to succeed always have a different flow and momentum. There’s something unique about them, like Kang Woojin.”

“It’s not just that he’s doing well, but it’s much more... Anyway, I’ve never seen anything like this since I started writing for TV.”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, who had his arms crossed, looked very interested.

“Well, I feel the same. That means Kang Woojin is on a path that no one has ever taken before.”

Meanwhile.

For 11 days, the internet was flooded with news. What was it?

[MovieIS] 'Rising Star' Kang Woojin, Cast as the Lead in Director Kwon Kitae’s Next Film

It was the news of Kang Woojin’s first lead role in a movie. The moment this massive bomb hit the entertainment industry, the media rushed to cover it.

[Shocking Casting, Legendary Director Kwon Kitae Selects Kang Woojin as the Lead for His Next Film]

As a result, the various rumors and minor news about Kang Woojin that had been circulating for a few days were overshadowed. It was understandable. It wasn’t just any director’s film, but the next work of the top director in the country, Kwon Kitae, and Kang Woojin was cast as the lead, not a minor role.

The term "unprecedented" was an understatement.

Naturally, it was a first for Director Kwon Kitae and the film industry. Moreover, the only official announcement from Kwon Kitae’s side was about Kang Woojin, indicating that he was considered quite special.

[StarTalk] From Debut to Lead in Kwon Kitae’s Film in Just a Few Months? The Incredible Journey of Newcomer Kang Woojin / Photos

Both the media and the public were extremely curious about the story of Kang Woojin and Director Kwon Kitae. The more curious they became, the bigger the issue grew. Therefore, the bomb that exploded in the late morning of that day had spread to almost every area by the afternoon.

Especially, SNS and various communities were boiling.

- Really??? After 'Hanrang' and now starring in Kwon Kitae’s film??? What????

- T-T-T-T... I can't wait to see it... It's so hard to wait...

- Wow, has this ever happened before? Kang Woojin is really on a smooth path... Hahaha

- Even though he broke out with 'Park Daeri,' he only got minor roles... Now, his wish is fulfilled!! Of course, someone like Woojin should be in a major production!!

- Incredible... My classmate who graduated with me is starring in a top director's film... Wait, where's the yearbook?

- ↑ High school classmate?

- If Kang Woojin keeps this up, he could become a top actor within a year, right?

- Damn, why is everyone so obsessed with Kang Woojin? Haha, he’s just a rude newcomer...

- Go, go, go, Woojin!! (Passing by, a strong supporter)

·

·

·

·

From hand to hand, from mouth to mouth. It was a whirlwind. Because no one expected it, it came with a significant shock.

“Kang Woojin is starring in Director Kwon Kitae’s next film?!”

“What? What are you talking about? Not just any director, but the lead in a Kwon Kitae film?”

“No, it’s a fact, a fact! Look at this!”

The eyes of various film and production company executives in the entertainment industry widened. Those who already knew the news, like PD Song Man-woo and Hong Hye-yeon, just smiled, but the sides of 'Majang' or Netflix were in an uproar. In fact, every project Kang Woojin was involved in was affected.

‘Majang’ and ‘Nam Sachin’ benefited greatly from the free publicity due to the whirlwind of Kang Woojin.

Among them, there was someone who was almost bursting with excitement. It was Bulldog CEO Seo Goo-sub.

“Shit!! Hey, is this for real?! Kang Woojin in a Kwon Kitae film? That’s impossible!!”

“...It seems to be confirmed. The first article came from Kwon Kitae’s side.”

“Officially?”

“That’s how it’s confirmed.”

“No, what the hell is this? What kind of crazy situation is this?!”

Seo Goo-sub, who saw it with his own eyes, couldn’t accept the reality. Meanwhile, the distribution company for Kwon Kitae’s film slowly revealed the title.

[Exclusive] 'Kang Woojin' Cast as Lead, Kwon Kitae’s Next Film Titled 'The Missing Island'

The film title was slowly revealed, like unwrapping a gift. As a result, all the articles that poured in from the evening onward featured Kang Woojin, Kwon Kitae, and 'The Missing Island' as a set.

The wave grew several times larger.

However.

‘Hmm-’

The main character of this storm, Kang Woojin, who had been amazed by the situation from noon to night, was thinking about something completely different on his way home.

‘What should I sing for the test tomorrow? Maybe something familiar would be better?’

For some reason, he was concerned about the song selection.

The next day, on the morning of the 12th.

The location was a suite in a large hotel in Seoul. The room was so large that it made one’s mouth drop, and Japanese was being spoken. There were a total of three people. Two of them, sitting on the sofa facing each other, were familiar faces.

They were Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari.

Both were drinking morning tea while listening to a briefing about the day’s schedule from an agency employee.

“Director, Writer, you will have separate morning schedules and then join for lunch.”

The balding Director Kyotaro nodded.

“What time are we leaving?”

“It’s an outdoor location shoot. The location is in Incheon, and it will take about two hours. You can leave right after lunch.”

“Hmm, I see.”

“The on-site director has already been informed, so you can check things during the shoot and leave quietly. We’ve minimized the number of accompanying staff.”

The agency employee was talking about the set of the film 'Majang.' The situation had already been discussed with Choi Sung-geun, but Kang Woojin didn’t know. In any case, after a few minutes of detailed briefing, the employee left the suite.

At the same time.

- Swish.

Writer Akari, taking off her glasses, smiled at Director Kyotaro across from her.

“Do you know Director Kwon Kitae?”

“Of course. He’s a great director. We became quite close a few years ago at the Venice International Film Festival.”

“Did you hear that the actor you mentioned is joining Director Kwon Kitae’s next film? It was quite noisy yesterday.”

“Yes, I heard about it. I read the articles too.”

Director Kyotaro, who had been sipping his tea, put down his cup.

“I thought he was finally getting his chance.”

“Is that okay? I was worried it might affect your plans.”

“There’s no change. It would have been nice to meet him a bit earlier, but I still need Kang Woojin as an actor.”

Director Kyotaro, who answered definitively, slightly changed his tone when looking at Writer Akari.

“Of course, if you oppose it, I’ll reconsider.”

“You said at the last meeting that you were in favor of a Korean actor joining.”

“But you said you wanted to see him in person, right? To see his form?”

“Since you praised him so much, I’m curious. I also want to see which role he would fit. Have you decided which role to give Kang Woojin?”

Director Kyotaro shook his head.

“Not yet. But I have a role in mind. I want to hear your opinion after seeing him. I’ll try to reflect it as much as possible. The original author’s eye is the most accurate.”

Writer Akari, who smiled, looked at the time and stood up from the sofa.

“Of course, I’ll tell you the character that comes to mind, whether it’s a minor role or a lead.”

Meanwhile, at the same time.

A recording studio near Netflix Korea. This studio was connected to Netflix. Inside, there was a long waiting sofa, various instruments, and a control room and recording booth, making it quite large.

The 'Nam Sachin' team had gathered there.

The plump Kim So-hyang, the head director, a few Netflix employees, Director Shin Dong-chun, Writer Choi Nana, the Kang Woojin team, and the Hwa-rin team. There were about a dozen people, and the room was noisy with many conversations. Naturally, most of the topics were about Kang Woojin and Director Kwon Kitae. Kang Woojin had already received a lot of congratulations.

Kang Woojin and Hwa-rin were sitting side by side in the center of the sofa.

Woojin was wearing his cap low. Since the next schedule was the second shoot of 'Majang,' there was no need to visit a shop. On the other hand, Hwa-rin, who was staring blankly at the empty booth in front, was fully made up. It seemed her next schedule was approaching.

They weren’t really talking to each other.

“...”

“...”

Kang Woojin had a serious face, and Hwa-rin had a somewhat haughty expression. Shin Dong-chun, who was talking to Kim So-hyang, whispered.

“The two of them still seem a bit awkward. They need to get closer soon.”

“Woojin is a bit reserved, so it’s even more so. I’ll have to do my best to coordinate once the filming starts.”

Hwa-rin, who was sitting next to Kang Woojin, was inwardly very talkative.

‘Should I ask if he’s had breakfast? Ah, will it seem strange? But what perfume is Woojin wearing? It smells so good...’

At that moment.

“Hwa-rin.”

Kang Woojin, who had been looking at his phone, suddenly asked Hwa-rin in a low voice.

“Have you had breakfast?”

Hwa-rin, startled, started babbling.

“What? Ah, no, I haven’t. Or maybe I did?”

“I see.”

“D- Did you, Woojin?”

“I haven’t had breakfast.”

“...Ah.”

A simple conversation. Hwa-rin’s fangirl heart exploded.

‘I should have brought a sandwich in the car! Should I go get one? It’s fine to give it as a colleague, right?’

However.

- Click!

The thick door of the studio opened, stopping her movement. The producer who would handle today’s work had entered.

“Sorry, the call took a while. Let’s get started.”

The producer, with a nearly shaved head, sat in the center of the editing equipment. Then, Kim So-hyang, the head director, looked at Kang Woojin and Hwa-rin and said.

“It’s just a test to match the tone, so no need to push yourself.”

The current recording was, as Kim So-hyang had mentioned earlier, to check the voice chemistry between Woojin and Hwa-rin. It was intended to help select the OST tracks they were collecting. While solo songs were important, duet songs were even more crucial. This test was to find the perfect song that matched their voices.

Well, that was the official reason, but the most important part was.

“Since everyone knows Hwa-rin’s skills, let’s do her part later. Shall we start with Woojin?”

It was to check Kang Woojin’s singing ability. Since the OST work was underway, a clear confirmation was necessary. Regardless, everyone watched as Kang Woojin calmly moved.

The destination was inside the recording booth.

“...”

- Click.

Kang Woojin entered the booth silently and slowly looked around. There wasn’t much to see. A few sound devices, a microphone, and headphones. Since it was the first time he had entered a booth, he kept reassuring himself.

‘It’s like a coin karaoke. Yes, just think of it as a coin karaoke. But... everyone is watching, so it’s a bit embarrassing.’

The people watching Kang Woojin through the window had various thoughts. Kim So-hyang had been praying all along.

‘Please, please, just above average. Even a little below is okay.’

Hwa-rin’s fangirl instincts were alive, and her heart was racing.

‘Kang Woojin’s singing?! It’s precious! How will it be? I want to tell the fan club.’

And the worried and hopeful faces of Director Shin Dong-chun and Writer Choi Nana. Naturally, the worry was more intense. Choi Sung-geun, with his spiky hair, was having a small conversation with Hwa-rin’s plump manager.

“President, does Kang Woojin sing?”

“I’m not sure. He says he’s okay, but his ‘okay’ is never just okay.”

“Ah, if he’s from the acting side, he probably just sings for fun with friends, right?”

“Hmm. I can’t even imagine him having fun. He might not have even been to a karaoke bar.”

“Huh?”

Choi Sung-geun, who smiled faintly at the manager’s confused question, turned his gaze to Kang Woojin in the booth and crossed his arms.

‘Surely he can’t be good at singing too. Well, the level of an amateur and a professional is different, so he’s probably just okay. That’s enough.’

At that moment.

“Ah, can you hear me, Woojin?”

The producer, sitting at the center of the equipment, spoke to Kang Woojin, who was wearing headphones, and Woojin’s response echoed throughout the studio.

“Yes, I can hear you.”

“The song will be the one you mentioned, and you can look at the lyrics on your phone if you need to.”

“Okay.”

“Shall we start?”

- Swish.

As the producer operated the equipment, a gentle prelude began. It was a ballad, a song that seemed to fit the winter and was also a famous one. Everyone seemed to recognize it and started murmuring.

“Ah, this song.”

“It’s a