Chapter 89

< Acceleration (5) >

Taken aback by Hong Hye-yeon's sudden words, the skinny team leader stared at her blankly for a moment.

“Huh?”

The reason was simple. She was a top-tier actress among the country's leading actresses, and she had never particularly favored variety show appearances. In fact, she had often avoided them. It wasn't that she looked down on variety shows, but rather that she felt burdened by them.

Many entertainers who were known to be poor at speaking or found variety shows uninteresting often suffered from variety show anxiety. Hong Hye-yeon was one of them.

Naturally, every year, she received numerous offers for variety shows, but she almost always turned them down. If she did agree, it would only be for something like a "Sports Day" event, a one-off appearance. The team leader knew this all too well, which is why the manager was a bit taken aback.

“...You said you're going to do Yoon PD's variety show?”

“Yeah.”

“Not the ‘Sports Day’ one?”

“No, a new one.”

The team leader's eyes grew wider as he whispered. In contrast, Hong Hye-yeon avoided his gaze. The team leader lowered his voice even more.

“You don't usually do variety shows, right? Even a year ago, didn't you turn down Yoon Byung-seon PD's offer?”

That was true. However, Hong Hye-yeon, who had tied her long hair back again, shrugged nonchalantly.

“That was clearly an outdoor variety show. I'm not good at those. But this one is different, right?”

“Well, that's true, but are you serious? You're not joking, right?”

“Team leader, have you ever seen me joke about work?”

“No, no, that's not it.”

The team leader, who quickly admitted this, thought of Choi Sung-geun, who had a bob cut.

“Have you told the CEO?”

“I just thought of it.”

If Hong Hye-yeon decided to do it, there was no reason for Choi Sung-geun to object. After all, her influence within bw Entertainment was formidable, even with the recent addition of Kang Woo-jin's rising star.

The team leader scratched his chin, looking puzzled.

“Well, if you're going to do it, it's fine, but it's a bit sudden. Is there a reason you suddenly want to do a variety show?”

Hong Hye-yeon, crossing her long legs, tried to hide her true feelings and gave a vague answer.

“Just, you know, the last ‘Sports Day’ was fun, and I want to take a break after the drama. The drama was great, but it was intense, you know?”

“Yeah, it was pretty intense. So, you're going to do a variety show before your next project?”

“It's not confirmed yet. Yoon PD might not want me.”

“No way. If you say you'll do it, he'll jump at the chance.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who had been acting a bit aloof, spoke softly.

“First, can you set up a meeting?”

That same night.

It was just past 9 PM. A black minivan was parked in the parking lot of a large hotel in Seoul. It was Kang Woo-jin's car. Soon, Woo-jin, with an indifferent expression, got out of the minivan.

*Thud!*

Choi Sung-geun, who was in the passenger seat, also got out. He then spoke to Jang Su-hwan and Han Ye-jeong, who were still in the car.

“It might take a while, so you two go have dinner.”

“Understood!”

“Eat nearby and come when I call you.”

The minivan slowly left the parking lot, and Choi Sung-geun patted Woo-jin's shoulder.

“Let's go.”

“Okay.”

Woo-jin was wearing a white shirt and jeans, and he was fully made up, as if he had only made minor adjustments after a morning photo shoot. He put on a black mask and moved toward the elevator with Choi Sung-geun.

His steps were calm, and the atmosphere was heavier than usual.

But inside, he was thinking:

‘I really want some pig feet and soju. If we add some cold noodles, I might die. The drug dealer shoot is over, so I'll get pig feet when I get home. What time will this end?’

He was thinking about a hearty late-night snack. Recently, due to the filming of "Drug Dealer," Woo-jin had been on a strict diet, but now it was a bit more relaxed. As he got into the elevator, Woo-jin swallowed hard.

At that moment,

“Woo-jin.”

Choi Sung-geun, leaning against the elevator mirror, asked a question.

“Aren't you nervous?”

Choi Sung-geun looked a bit tense.

“You're about to meet Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari. You seem so calm? They're both huge figures, you know? You've met Director Kyotaro once, but Writer Akari is a world-class figure.”

Woo-jin's response to Choi Sung-geun's rambling was short.

“Not really. I think I'll be fine.”

This was genuine. Woo-jin wasn't really nervous, not as a concept but in reality. Why?

‘It feels like meeting a Japanese auntie.’

To Woo-jin, Writer Akari was just a middle-aged woman who wrote and lived in Japan. Her fans around the world might be having heart attacks over this situation, but:

‘Not really?’

Instead, Woo-jin was more captivated by the luxury of the hotel. It was his first time in such an expensive place, and Choi Sung-geun smiled at his reaction.

“You're something else. You should have been an entertainer from the start.”

The elevator doors opened. It was the floor with the suite, and as Woo-jin and Choi Sung-geun stepped into the hallway, a few men came to greet them.

“Hello, we've been waiting for you.”

They were dressed in suits and were agency staff. Guided by them, Woo-jin entered the suite. The moment he saw the interior, his composure almost broke. He barely managed to hold back his exclamation.

‘Wow, this is insane?’

The suite was indeed magnificent. It was spacious, and from the floor to the ceiling, the furniture and everything else made it feel like a palace. From the center of this palace, a voice in Japanese was heard.

“Are you here? This way.”

It was Director Kyotaro, with a lot of gray hair. Next to him stood a middle-aged woman with glasses perched on the tip of her nose. The moment Woo-jin saw her, he had a hunch.

‘That auntie, no, that's Writer Akari?’

Choi Sung-geun, who approached them, spoke awkward Japanese.

“Hello, I'm Choi Sung-geun. It's an honor to meet you both.”

He must have practiced. As Woo-jin thought this, Choi Sung-geun finished shaking hands with them. By the way, an interpreter was standing next to Choi Sung-geun, as Woo-jin couldn't relay the conversation word for word.

Then,

*Swish.*

Woo-jin greeted Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari. Unlike Choi Sung-geun, his Japanese was very fluent.

“Hello, I'm Kang Woo-jin.”

Director Kyotaro responded with a pleasant smile.

“Welcome. I didn't recognize you at first because I've seen you in ‘Drug Dealer.’”

“Thank you for coming.”

“No, I wanted to come. I would have regretted it if I hadn't.”

At this point, Writer Akari, who had been looking at Woo-jin, lit up.

“Nice to meet you, I'm Takikawa Akari.”

Woo-jin greeted her calmly, as usual, without any nervousness.

“Yes, Writer Akari. Nice to meet you.”

“I was really impressed by your acting.”

Flattery? Then I'll do the same.

“Thank you. I'm also a fan of your work.”

“Oh, really? By the way, your Japanese is so good. You could jump right into filming without any issues.”

“No, I just manage to get by.”

They all sat on the sofa and exchanged brief pleasantries. During this time, the expressionless Woo-jin sipped the tea and marveled.

‘Wow, this tastes expensive. How much does this cost?’

Writer Akari observed Woo-jin from across the room, noting his movements, expressions, and tone. It was her habit.

‘Not over the top. Not too gloomy either. Just the right amount of reserve. But this calmness is quite impressive. He's not drinking the tea out of nervousness; it's natural.’

Because she had dealt with so many characters, she would always assess a person's nature when meeting them.

‘A newcomer would usually show some tension, but I see none in him. He seems very composed. This must be a result of his past experiences. He's a hard-to-read type.’

At that moment,

*Swish.*

Director Kyotaro placed a stack of papers on the table. Of course, it was the script for "The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger."

“Mr. Woo-jin, have you read the entire script?”

Woo-jin, putting down his teacup, nodded calmly.

“Yes, Director. I've read it.”

“What did you think?”

I can't say it's A-grade, so Woo-jin mixed in some praise with his honest review.

“The story is incredibly well-structured.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, I couldn't put it down. The narrative, woven like a thread by Writer Akari, was striking, and the pacing and immersion were excellent. The adaptation was very well done.”

After finishing his words, Woo-jin praised himself.

‘Good lines, yeah. It was necessary.’

It was a prepared statement. His experience dealing with clients at the design company came in handy. He had combined his own feelings with the content of the articles. This is what social skills are all about. Whether it worked or not, Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari looked at each other and smiled.

Among them, Director Kyotaro's expression suddenly became serious.

“Then, I'll make a formal proposal. Would you be willing to work with me on this project?”

Everyone looked at Woo-jin, including Choi Sung-geun, who had been observing the conversation. But Woo-jin:

“...”

Just stared at the script on the table, not answering immediately. It wasn't out of hesitation but because his heart was pounding.

‘Wow. If I say yes here, am I really going to Japan? For real?’

Just a few months after his debut, he was about to board the bus to international stardom. The life of a top actor, which he had only seen in articles, was becoming a reality for Kang Woo-jin. His life was expanding on an unprecedented scale.

‘That Japanese director is a huge figure, so he'll be working with successful Japanese actors. If I get close to top Japanese actors, I might even get their contact information, right?’

There was no separate movie. It was the life of an influencer. Woo-jin's life itself was a drama. However, he wasn't scared. At this point, Kang Woo-jin's reverse gear was broken.

‘It's going to be dynamic, but it will definitely be fun.’

He just went straight.

“Director.”

Kang Woo-jin slowly raised his head, looked directly at Director Kyotaro, and spoke in a low voice.

“If you give me the opportunity, I would like to do it.”

Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari's faces lit up again, and Choi Sung-geun, who had heard the translation, clenched his fist in secret. It was a done deal. Then, Director Kyotaro continued.

“Haha, this is always a moving moment. I've directed over a dozen films, but this always feels special. I have high expectations for you, Mr. Woo-jin.”

“I'll do my best.”

“By the way, ‘The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger’ is planned to be released in both Korea and Japan. Simultaneous release might be difficult, though.”

Choi Sung-geun was slightly surprised by this.

‘So, Director Kyotaro came to Korea to secure a distributor?’

Director Kyotaro, who had opened the script on the table, pushed it toward Woo-jin.

“This is the first role offer for ‘The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ I would like you to play the role of Kiyoshi.”

Kiyoshi? Wait a minute. Woo-jin, who had already read the script, tilted his head in confusion.

‘...Is this the lead role? It's not ambiguous; it's clearly the lead role.’

Woo-jin, trying to remain calm, asked.

“Kiyoshi...”

Director Kyotaro interrupted.

“Yes, the lead role that drives the story.”

“...”

Woo-jin was so surprised that his reaction was broken. To Writer Akari, it must have looked like calmness.

“Were you expecting a supporting role? By the way, the role of Kiyoshi was in line with both the director's and my thoughts.”

“...No, I didn't expect it.”

“Also, the character of Kiyoshi will be adjusted to fit you. We'll add a Korean touch.”

At this point, Choi Sung-geun, who had heard the translation, opened his mouth in surprise.

‘What, what?! They're offering the lead role?! Unbelievable!’

Director Kyotaro asked Woo-jin.

“Can you play the role of Kiyoshi?”

Kang Woo-jin, who had swallowed his shock, was now fully composed.

“No problem.”

A moment later.

The meeting with Director Kyotaro concluded with a preliminary agreement. The practical details would be sorted out between the companies. Regardless, Kang Woo-jin was confirmed for "The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger." He was the first and the only Korean actor cast.

Therefore, the excitement in Kang Woo-jin's minivan was palpable. Woo-jin's team, including Choi Sung-geun, chattered non-stop. But Woo-jin just looked out the window, lost in thought.

“...”

Then,

*Swish.*

He suddenly picked up the script for "The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger" and discreetly poked the black square attached to it.

Kang Woo-jin entered the subspace.

“What happens if I get the lead role?”

He quickly moved to the row of white squares and stood in front of the one for "The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger." Of course, he checked the script for "The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger."

Interestingly,

“Oh?”

Woo-jin's eyes widened slightly when he saw the white square. The reason was simple.

-[7/Script (Title: The Strange Sacrifice of a Stranger), A+ Grade]

The grade had changed from A to A+.

“It went up?”

Currently, the only change in this work was Kang Woo-jin's involvement.

“...Is this because of me? Why? It's a Japanese film?”

The next day at lunch. Tuesday, June 16th, at a design company.

It was a familiar place. It was the design company where Kang Woo-jin used to work. Someone else was sitting at Woo-jin's desk. And,

“Did you see the third episode of ‘Sports Day’ with Woo-jin? It was hilarious.”

A few male and female employees, holding coffee cups, were chatting in the break room. The topic was Kang Woo-jin. Of course, they were employees who had been close to Woo-jin in the past.

“Oh! It's trending? I haven't seen it yet! I'll check it out during lunch!”

“Yeah, you should. Woo-jin had a lot of screen time in this episode too.”

“Yeah, I haven't seen it yet, but the views are already over 2 million. Wow, Woo-jin is really doing well.”

“Woo-jin is on fire right now. Oh, and he's confirmed for the lead role in a film by Director Kwon Gi-taek. It's amazing every time I see it.”

“It's a bit calmer now, but when I first saw the news, I almost threw up, I was so surprised.”

“Right? Just a few months ago, he was sitting behind me. Oh, but don't mention this in front of the toad boss. He's in a terrible mood because of Woo-jin's success.”

The employees suddenly lowered their voices.

“But, doesn't Woo-jin seem a bit strange when you watch ‘Sports Day’?”

“Yeah, you're right. He seems a bit dark. He wasn't that quiet when he worked here, but it's different now.”

“Isn't that just how entertainers are? Image management.”

“It does seem a bit odd when you watch the videos. It feels more like a change in personality than image management. I've seen a lot of comments from people who know Woo-jin, and many say he's different.”

At that moment,

“Oh!”

One of the female employees, looking at her phone, was surprised.

“Wow, Woo-jin is confirmed for Yoon Byung-seon PD's variety show!”

[Exclusive] Top Variety Show Producer Yoon Byung-seon Confirms Kang Woo-jin for Major New Project

Yoon Byung-seon PD's hype train had started.

< Acceleration (5) > End