Chapter 88

< Acceleration (4) >

"Did you also consider the role of Kiyoshi, Director?"

When Aka asked, slightly surprised, the balding director Kyotaro smiled lightly.

"Yes, Writer."

So, did you have that Korean actor in mind from the beginning? Aka spoke again.

"Did you plan to offer the role of Kiyoshi to actor Kang Ujin from the start? As soon as you saw him?"

Kyotaro shook his head slightly.

"No, not from the beginning. When I first met Ujin, the script adaptation was still in progress. I just wanted to work with him in any role after seeing 'Detective Agency' and meeting him."

"Then when did you start? When did you start seeing him as the lead?"

"......I'm not quite sure. Probably after I came back to Korea this time and saw the drama he starred in. Did you happen to see 'Profiler Hanryang' at the hotel?"

Aka, of course, could have seen it, but her busy schedule left no time.

"No, not yet."

"I had a more flexible schedule than you, so I watched it as soon as I arrived in Korea. I was so curious I couldn't wait. When you have some free time, please watch it. It's really well done. And I must say, I was envious."

"You're talking about the quality difference between Korean and Japanese dramas, right?"

"Yes. Korea is already far ahead of Japan. The acting, direction, and technology, among other things."

Kyotaro had a slightly bitter expression.

"It's a difference in systems, I guess. It's a work that could realistically achieve a 20% or higher rating. And Ujin was the one who controlled the pace of the large-scale production in its early stages."

"......"

"He plays a serial killer who combines psychopathic and sociopathic traits, and his restrained psychological expression in the drama is outstanding. It's not just about expressing emotions; you can feel the character's heart just by looking at his face. His actions, eyes, breathing, and tone of voice. There's nothing unnecessary about any of it."

Kyotaro, who had been speaking in a low voice, reflected on his decades of experience.

"No matter how I think about it, it's the first time I've seen this. Ujin has his own unique acting method, and it moves the hearts of the audience."

"Today, I saw that he even got his fellow actors fired up."

"Of course. As you can see, his addictive acting and the determined look in his eyes. Any actor would get fired up seeing that up close."

Kyotaro, who met Aka's gaze, became more serious.

"I thought of it while watching 'Hanryang' and confirmed it today on the movie set. The role of Kiyoshi would be perfect for him."

"He also has sociopathic tendencies. Today, I was drawn to his determined acting. Chasing only one thing. What kind of life has he lived to be able to express such intense emotions so casually......"

"I don't know. But he hasn't had an easy life. He must have gone through a lot of hardships and struggles, living a dark and obscure life as an unknown actor."

Aka, who adjusted her glasses, admitted it inwardly. No matter what, he must have had a tough life. Otherwise, it would be nearly impossible for Kang Ujin to show such a deep, almost rotten, portrayal of a man's hell today.

"I'm the original author, but......I'm also a bit scared."

Kyotaro agreed.

"An acting performance that surpasses the character created by the director. When you see it, you feel a deep regret for the script and direction you wrote."

He picked up a pile of papers nearby. It was the script for 'The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger'.

"Writer, I have a request."

"A request? What kind?"

Kyotaro, who opened the script, pointed to a spot with his index finger.

"I want to modify the setting of the Kiyoshi role."

"Modify the setting? How?"

"I want to add a Korean flavor to the character. For example, his past."

"His origin? Or maybe a Korean-Japanese background."

"I think it would be even better if there were Korean lines in the script."

"......Indeed. The character of Kiyoshi would become more colorful. Especially if the actor playing him is Korean."

Soon, Aka smiled.

"I agree."

Kyotaro, who had been scratching his hair, closed the script he was reading.

"Now, we just need his answer."

The next day, the 13th.

The filming of Kang Ujin's 'Drug Dealer' was essentially over, except for some minor scenes like post-production. 'Isangman' had died, so it was natural.

The weekend arrived on Saturday.

Thanks to the continuous issues, the entertainment industry was experiencing a crazy peak season. The media was thriving, and the internet was buzzing with new stimuli every day.

[TV Drama] The intense 9th episode of 'Profiler Hanryang' ends with a final rating of 22.6%

'Profiler Hanryang,' which had passed the midpoint, was still flying high, maintaining a 20% rating. Of course, whenever Park Daeri appeared in flashbacks, it also became news.

Viewers still couldn't forget Park Daeri.

- Park Daeri was indeed amazing... Other actors are good too, but Kang Ujin's impact was too strong... Come back... Don't be so awkward...

'Profiler Hanryang' was scheduled to wrap up all filming next week. Of course, Kang Ujin had already finished his part, but the entire 'Hanryang' schedule wasn't over yet.

Especially, the blockbuster 'Hanryang,' which had hit a 25% rating, was just getting started after the series ended.

First, the wrap party.

The wrap party, where all the actors gather after the series ends, is also an opportunity for actors to increase their visibility. With many reporters and public attention. After the wrap party, there are various follow-up shoots, interviews, reruns, and OTT releases.

For a blockbuster like 'Hanryang,' international expansion was crucial.

[Official] 'Profiler Hanryang' to launch on Japanese Netflix after the series ends!

Currently, 'Hanryang' is confirmed to launch on Japanese Netflix. In other words, after the series ends, there will be endless opportunities for Ujin to capitalize on 'Hanryang.' After all, the success of 'Hanryang' was largely due to Kang Ujin.

Then,

[Movie Talk] A newcomer as the lead? Is there something between 'Kang Ujin' and 'Director Kwon Giteak'?

The 'Island of the Missing' story, which exploded a couple of days ago, was already saturated. Or rather, it was developing even further. Currently, there are numerous factual and abusive articles about Director Kwon Giteak, Kang Ujin, and others.

The usual noise and gossip.

While past stories are gone, tabloids with added facts are circulating. But for Kang Ujin, the current situation is not bad at all.

[Star Photo] 'Rising Star' Kang Ujin, SNS followers surge to 550,000 / Photo

[Kang Ujin fan club 'Strong Heart' nearing 10,000 members]

He was firmly etched in the minds of the public. Kang Ujin's recognition, if seen only now, is on par with top actors. However, while it might not easily fade, this rise is due to 'freshness' and 'shock.' As with any issue, there will be a time when it cools down.

The key is how long it will last.

In any case, the noisy weekend somehow passed.

Monday arrived again. A late morning. The location was a photo shoot set near Samsung Station. The entire background was white, and numerous lights were shining brightly. There, Kang Ujin, dressed in a gray suit, was standing.

Full makeup and neatly styled hair.

And.

- Click! Tididi!

The photographer was taking pictures of Kang Ujin.

"Nice! Good, good! Ujin, this time, try lifting your chin a bit more!"

"Ah- Yes."

"Great, great! It feels like you're looking down on everyone. Good!"

- Click! Tididi!

Ujin was currently shooting a photo spread for a famous men's magazine. Of course, he was expected to be on the cover. Recently, Ujin had many such schedules.

"Okay! This time, try smiling! Smile!"

Ujin, who was a commoner at heart, had a professional attitude for the photo shoot. Thanks to his adaptation. Of course, he was still a bit awkward. But compared to acting, it was like a new experience.

'This one is for the magazine cover, right? Wow, I really made it.'

Ujin, who was slightly excited, suddenly felt a bit down.

'Ah, but it would be a bit embarrassing if someone I know sees that magazine.'

At that moment,

"Alright! Ujin, change your outfit and come back in 5 minutes!"

The photographer requested a change of outfit. As a result, Han Yejeong, Ujin's stylist, got busy, and Kang Ujin took off his suit jacket and returned to his seat.

At the same time,

"Ujin."

Choi Sunggeun, who had just finished a call, handed Ujin a water bottle and asked.

"Did you finish reading 'Island of the Missing'?"

Ujin, who sarcastically opened the bottle cap, nodded.

"Yes, I finished the first read and am now on the second."

Soon, Choi Sunggeun, with his spiky hair, leaned in and asked Ujin.

"When do you want to meet Director Kyotaro?"

Suddenly? Ah, since he's in Japan, should we set up a meeting in advance? Kang Ujin replied as if it didn't matter.

"Whenever my schedule allows, it's fine."

"Have you decided to enter the Japanese market?"

"Yes."

"Then how about tonight after all your schedules are done?"

"......Tonight?"

No matter what, wouldn't that be a bit tight? Ujin's expression showed this, and Choi Sunggeun laughed.

"Actually, I couldn't tell you because of the 'Drug Dealer' filming. Director Kyotaro is currently in Korea."

"Ah."

"He even came to the 'Drug Dealer' set. With a guest. That- the Aka writer you mentioned."

Ujin was surprised but managed to keep his expression in check. But inside, he shouted.

'He saw me? Those two?'

But Kang Ujin had to stay calm. So he tried to suppress his excitement.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. Sorry, I didn't tell you because I thought it might interfere with your acting."

"It's fine."

Seeing Ujin's calm reaction, Choi Sunggeun showed a slightly disappointed smile.

"It's supposed to be a surprise, but your reaction is so bland. Well, you're you. So, how about tonight?"

Kang Ujin replied briefly.

"Yes, sure."

Then, the photographer called Ujin again. As a result, Choi Sunggeun said to Ujin, who stood up.

"Ah, and Aka writer will probably come too."

Meanwhile, at the 'Hanryang' set.

With the end just around the corner, dozens of staff, including PD Song Manwoo with a beard, were busy.

"Standby in 10 minutes!!"

"PD, please check the props here!"

"Sure, I'm on it."

In a chaotic corner of the set,

"Hmm-"

Top actress Hong Hyeon, sitting in the actors' waiting area with her legs crossed, was looking down at her phone. Her white skin was heavily made up with wounds, indicating a rough shoot.

What she was looking at was an article related to 'Island of the Missing.'

-Swoosh.

She turned her head to the right. Ryu Jeongmin, with a baby perm, was reading a script.

"Bro, 'Island of the Missing' is confirmed, right?"

Caught off guard, Ryu Jeongmin, who was reading the script, frowned.

"What's this all of a sudden?"

"Well, in the 'Island of the Missing' articles, only Ujin keeps appearing. I was wondering when you would appear."

"I'm not sure. Last time I heard, they said they would reveal it gradually, slowly. I don't know exactly, but Ujin will probably open the lid and let it out slowly. You know what it feels like, right?"

"Have you been in touch with Ujin?"

"No, not yet. After all, the casting for the lead roles of 'Island of the Missing' was kept secret. Ujin probably doesn't know I've joined yet. Did you tell him?"

"Me? No?"

"Why? Aren't you close to Ujin? You're in the same agency."

Ryu Jeongmin, who felt something was off, suddenly laughed.

"Are you still mad at Ujin over the 'Sports Day'? Wow, how narrow-minded. The photo shoot pictures were confusing, right?"

"What? No, I'm not."

At this point, Ryu Jeongmin was called by PD Song Manwoo. So Hong Hyeon looked down at her phone again and searched for something else. It was related to Hwarin and Kang Ujin. Specifically, 'Male Friend.' Quite a few articles were pouring out.

'It seems to be progressing steadily.'

In fact, Hong Hyeon hadn't seen Kang Ujin since the 'Sports Day' schedule and hadn't communicated much. Just a congratulatory text. On the other hand, she had contacted Hwarin right after 'Male Friend' was confirmed.

She was extremely curious.

'When we had wine together, you seemed indifferent, but then you suddenly decided to do a one-act play?'

But Hwarin's answer was brief. 'Kang Ujin isn't really related, and the work was good.' It seemed reasonable at first glance.

'Something... feels off.'

Hong Hyeon felt uneasy. Well, there was no connection between Kang Ujin and Hwarin. This was just a woman's intuition. But it would be strange to suspect or ask Hwarin without any basis.

At this point,

"Ah, what am I doing?"

Hong Hyeon, who felt strange about her deep thoughts, shook her head.

'Forget it, forget it. Don't worry about it. Yes, I'm just curious if the work Kang Ujin chose will do well again. That's all.'

Kang Ujin, who had a crazy intuition, chose 'Male Friend,' and Hwarin suddenly joined. It felt similar to 'Detective Agency.' Hong Hyeon tried to convince herself that the similar feeling was bothering her.

However,

"......"

A nameless emotion continued to arise in Hong Hyeon. It kept bothering her and coming to mind. There was a discomfort in her heart. Yet, she kept denying it.

Soon, Hong Hyeon, who had been silent for a moment,

-Swoosh.

Called her team leader from the group of her team on the left.

"Team leader."

Soon, the thin team leader, who was talking to the stylists, approached Hong Hyeon.

"What? What do you want to drink?"

"No. You know... Isn't it true that Ujin is confirmed for PD Yoon's new variety show?"

Kang Ujin joining PD Yoon Byungseon's new variety show was still a secret to the world, but it was quite a topic within bw Entertainment. Of course, it was kept hush-hush. So Hong Hyeon had heard about it.

Whatever it was, the team leader nodded casually.

"Ah, yes, I heard that. I heard they are collecting promotional materials."

"Is it an outdoor variety show?"

"I'm not sure. It doesn't seem to be a straightforward outdoor variety show."

"......"

She suddenly got lost in thought. It seemed strange, so the team leader asked.

"Why? All of a sudden."

Hong Hyeon, who was looking around, lowered her voice.

"Should I try it too?"

< Acceleration (4) > End