Chapter 90

< Acceleration (6) >

Around Tuesday afternoon, the 16th.

The lobbies of various domestic broadcasting companies became bustling. It was never a quiet place, but today was particularly noisy. PDs from dramas and variety shows, other than those, gathered in the lobby.

"Is PD Yoon's new variety show really that big?"

Their topic of conversation was PD Yoon Byung-seon's new project.

"Rumors say it will be a series of more than three episodes."

"Really? Where did you hear that?"

"Well, it was already circulating among the freelancers."

"Wow, they're really going all out, huh?"

And then.

"Is it true that Kang Woo-jin is confirmed as the first cast member for such a large-scale project?"

Kang Woo-jin, whose popularity was skyrocketing, was the main source. It was understandable. Around noon, just as the news of his lead role in "Island of the Missing" was settling down,

[Exclusive] 'Variety Show Megastar' PD Yoon Byung-seon's Large-Scale Project Confirms 'Kang Woo-jin'

A major piece of news was thrown into the entertainment industry.

It was like sprinkling new food on a heated pan. No matter how the process unfolded, Kang Woo-jin and PD Yoon Byung-seon were burning hot.

"Wow, Kang Woo-jin is really making it big, isn't he? PD Yoon Byung-seon as his next director after Director Kwon Gi-taek?"

"I wouldn't be surprised if it took a year, but he's really going crazy just a few months after his debut. They're already calling him 'one-of-a-kind' and 'first-ever,' right?"

"CEO Choi Sung-geun was pretty quiet after Hong Hye-yeon, but when did he find such a megastar? He must be grinning from ear to ear, right?"

Given PD Yoon Byung-seon's immense influence in the broadcasting industry, Kang Woo-jin's name was constantly on the lips of everyone involved in broadcasting.

"Kang Woo-jin is joining PD Yoon's project?"

"Yeah, I saw the news. No wonder he was rejecting all the casting offers."

"Did PD Yoon like him in 'Sports Day'? Still, his rise is pretty abnormal. How can a rookie be louder than the top stars?"

"I heard he's a bit arrogant, with his nose in the air. He's the top choice, the top choice."

From public broadcasters to cable, even PD Yoon Byung-seon's home base, the cable channel HTBS. Given how fast rumors spread in the industry, the news was spreading at a speed faster than light.

What about the media?

['Office Worker' Kang Woo-jin Joins PD Yoon's New Variety Show!]

[Issue Pick] Dinosaur Rookie Kang Woo-jin Confirmed for Star PD Yoon Byung-seon's New Variety Show

The online reaction was even more intense.

After the first official article broke, Kang Woo-jin's name was the talk of the town on the 16th. The timing was perfect. Just as various issues and the buzz around "Island of the Missing" were starting to fade,

[Star Photo] How Far Will Kang Woo-jin's Momentum Go? From Lead in Kwon Gi-taek's Film to PD Yoon Byung-seon's Variety Show

As the 16th, which was bustling all day, turned into the 17th, the fire didn't die down. If anything, it grew even larger. PD Yoon Byung-seon's team kept adding fuel.

[With Kang Woo-jin's Confirmation, PD Yoon Byung-seon's Team: "We're Excited, We'll Make an Interesting Work"]

bw Entertainment was fanning the flames.

It didn't stop there. The distribution company of "Island of the Missing," upon confirming the rising issue, also added more fuel. The works in which Kang Woo-jin had participated or would participate didn't stay quiet either.

['Island of the Missing' Cameo in 'Drug Lord' Nearing Completion: When Will It Hit the Screen?]

It was a chain reaction. Branches of the tree kept extending. That's why when you searched for Kang Woo-jin on Naver or YouTube, an overwhelming amount of information poured in. The keywords were endless.

For two days.

By Thursday, the public's interest had reached a fever pitch.

- Wow... Kang Woo-jin in PD Yoon's variety show??? T_T T_T T_T I can't wait to see it!!

- Haha, seriously, Kang Woo-jin is really making it big, isn't he???

- I agree, I've never seen a rookie like this. Bulldozer-level.

- But I don't get it. Isn't he just a good actor? Why are they praising him so much? Does his company have a lot of money?

- ↑ Instead of writing hate comments, why don't you wash your own underwear?

- I heard from a comment that Kang Woo-jin did a great job with his image making. Saw it on a community site.

- ??? What image making?

- That's what I heard. In 'Sports Day,' his classmates commented that his personality is different now. Haha.

- Ah!! Oppa Woo-jin!! Show me your adorable cuteness soon!! I can't stand it like this!!

- But, when I checked Kang Woo-jin's filmography, he's worked with all the big names???

- Seriously, at this rate, he'll be in Hollywood next year, lol.

...

By this point, the media was reporting:

[Star Talk] Ultra-Rising Star 'Kang Woo-jin': His Journey So Far Is Mind-Blowing, Filled with Big Names

Interest in Kang Woo-jin's filmography grew. The reason was simple: he had worked with giants from the start. From screenwriter Park Eun-mi and PD Song Man-woo to screenwriter Lee Wol-seon, Director Kwon Gi-taek, and PD Yoon Byung-seon.

It was a filmography that even top actors would find hard to create.

Most importantly, Kang Woo-jin was a complete rookie. Yet, his impact rivaled that of the top stars. Therefore, the industry couldn't help but get even more excited.

"Who is this guy, working with all these big names?!"

"Exactly! It's like he's covered in honey or something."

"Just a hunter of big names, a hunter."

What would happen if the secret about Director Kyotaro also came out? Even if it's unknown, Kang Woo-jin was destined to become a legendary rookie. At this point, the number of people watching him closely had grown exponentially.

Not just the media, but production companies, advertising agencies, and YouTube channels.

Places were clamoring to ride the wave of Kang Woo-jin's rising popularity. By Friday, the 19th,

"Ujin, we've received more ad offers. There are also product endorsement proposals. It's best to accept them all."

"Sure, CEO. I'll do my best."

Ad and endorsement offers, excluding 'Maxnald's,' were pouring in like a flood. Various variety show and YouTube casting offers were no different.

It was a full-throttle boost.

By this point, Kang Woo-jin was thinking:

"Wow, this is really crazy."

He was entering a hyper-busy state.

"What... Is this schedule going to kill me? How do the top stars handle this?"

He had adapted a bit to acting, but being famous was still unfamiliar. People recognizing him, taking photos, requesting autographs, countless cheers and hate comments, and even forgetting the faces of people he met just the day before.

Still, Kang Woo-jin knew that complaining was a luxury.

"Phew, perseverance is the key. I can't really die, can I? Focus. Remember the concept. Let's go again."

He had to grit his teeth and endure.

After that.

While Kang Woo-jin's fame was growing daily, "Nam Sachin" was making rapid progress in production. With the lead actors confirmed and Director Shin Dong-chun on board, there was no reason to delay.

Thus, Netflix Korea announced:

[Exclusive] Director Shin Dong-chun Chosen to Direct "Nam Sachin" with Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin

While announcing that "Nam Sachin" would be directed by Director Shin Dong-chun, they also completed the production team internally. Despite being a one-off project, the scale was significant, so a top-notch team was assembled. From this point, Netflix Korea would act as both an investor and a facilitator.

The overall handling was by Director Shin Dong-chun.

"Is this level of supporting cast sufficient?"

"Good. Let's send out proposals for the supporting cast and fill the rest through auditions."

There were no major issues with the casting. Apart from Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin, there weren't many standout roles. In fact, for a one-off drama, once the actors are set, half the pre-production is done. The process is about half as long as a series, so the preparation is usually short and intense.

However, "Nam Sachin" was slightly out of the ordinary.

Production meetings, script readings, location scouting, storyboarding, and more. Despite the short time, the quality required was similar to a series. With a domestic and Japanese Netflix launch confirmed, Director Shin Dong-chun was working non-stop, just as he did with "Detective Agency."

Among these, Director Shin Dong-chun paid special attention to the OST production.

"Let's play the previous one again."

"Sure, the solo song."

"Hmm—Let's listen to the guide for Woo-jin's part again."

"It seems to fit well, doesn't it?"

"Really? I feel a bit disappointed."

He listened to, analyzed, and dissected the collected songs with the music director. Given his special auditory sense from "Detective Agency" and the fact that the OST was a core part of "Nam Sachin," it was natural. Gradually, the selections were narrowing down. Opening song, Kang Woo-jin's main theme, Hwa-rin's theme, ending song, duet.

Once everything was confirmed, the only thing left was for Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin to record.

Meanwhile,

[Will Park Eun-mi's Script Pass 25%? Star Screenwriter Lee Wol-seon's New Work, a Luxurious Cast]

Lee Wol-seon's "Frozen Love" also made significant progress. While slower than "Nam Sachin," it was much faster for a series. The script for over five episodes was already out, and the casting was almost complete.

Set production was in full swing.

During this time, Lee Wol-seon met with Park Eun-mi, who had recently finished her script. They were already close, and with Kang Woo-jin as a common point, Lee Wol-seon had requested the meeting during the scriptwriting process.

"Park, it's been a while."

"We should meet occasionally to maintain a good relationship, right? But what role is Woo-jin playing?"

"Um, a short but challenging role?"

"Is that so? Well, I hope your work goes well."

"Wait, what? Why the sudden encouragement?"

"It's not encouragement. I just believe in the totem."

"Do you have a new religion or something?"

"No. Anyway, one piece of advice: even though it's a small role, make sure Woo-jin attends the script reading."

"Why?"

"It's not necessary, but you'll regret it if you don't. You'll see the changes when he attends."

There was a strange atmosphere in the room.

On the other hand, the set of "Drug Lord," where Lee Sang-man had died, was brimming with energy. The entire production team, including Director Kim Do-hee, and the actors except for Jang Jae-joon were intensely focused.

Why?

"Cut! OK!! Let's move to the next shot!"

"Jang Jae-joon, stand by!"

"Come on! We're almost done next week, so let's keep it up!"

Kang Woo-jin's absence meant that "Drug Lord" was nearing completion. Naturally, with one thing ending, something new was about to begin.

The location was not in Korea but in Japan.

"Let's finalize the contract with bw Entertainment and Kang Woo-jin as soon as possible. We need to wrap it up this week."

"Understood, Director."

Director Kyotaro, back in Japan, immediately kicked off the full production. Everything was progressing smoothly, like gears meshing.

"Once Kang Woo-jin's schedule is clear, let's start working with the lead actors."

Time seemed to melt away.

A few days later, on Monday, the 22nd.

The location was a high-end Korean restaurant in Cheongdam-dong. A place with a traditional Korean house concept and a spacious yard. It looked expensive just by looking at it. In the VIP room, the executives of the "Island of the Missing" film company and distribution company, key staff, and others were gathered.

"Ah! Jung-min! You're here??"

"Yes, hello."

"Hehe, 'Hanrang' is almost wrapping up, right?"

"Just a couple of days left."

Baby perm Ryu Jung-min had just entered. The room was quite spacious, with about five tables. Ryu Jung-min sat in the middle. Another male actor with long hair was already seated.

"Bro, it's been a while. 'Hanrang' is going well, right?"

"Yeah, Lee Won. You've lost some weight?"

His name was Kim Lee-won. He was also a top actor, not as distinctive in appearance as Ryu Jung-min but with a solid acting career. He had a slightly more masculine look.

"Director Kwon told me to start exercising. I've been eating nothing but vegetables for the past few days, and it's been tough."

"You have to do what you have to do."

Another top actor joined. This time, it was muscular Jeon Woo-chang.

"Hello everyone!"

"Ah, Woo-chang is here?"

"Wow! Brother Jung-min. You've hit 20% in the drama and immediately joined Director Kwon's project! Amazing!"

"You always make a fuss when you arrive."

The top actors, who hadn't seen each other in a while, chatted casually. Then, a refined-looking female actor opened the door.

"Hello everyone—"

Seo Chae-eun, who was always mentioned in the same breath as Hong Hye-yeon, entered. The short-haired Seo Chae-eun greeted everyone and then sat at the table with the actors, immediately teasing muscular Jeon Woo-chang.

"Woo-chang, if you keep growing, your muscles will burst, won't they?"

"Haha, Sister—Oh, nice to see you too."

"No, really. Ah! Kim Lee-won, why are you so skinny?"

"Hi, nice to see you."

Seo Chae-eun, despite her refined appearance, had a rather sharp tongue. She soon turned her attention to Ryu Jung-min.

"Brother, you're doing well these days?"

"You too."

"Well, I'm always the same."

"No, your clinic seems to be doing well. Maybe cut back on the Botox, will you?"

"Ah! Are you trying to kill me?"

Top actors, who wielded immense influence in the domestic industry, had gathered in one place. It was natural, as this was the first gathering and introduction for "Island of the Missing." Therefore, all the lead actors were present. Amid the noisy atmosphere, Seo Chae-eun, holding a water glass, looked around.

"Where's the director?"

Ryu Jung-min was quick to answer.

"Not here yet."

Jeon Woo-chang, scratching his muscular arm, chimed in.

"But is the hotshot Kang Woo-jin not coming today?"

Seo Chae-eun, flicking her short hair, clapped her hands.

"Ah! That's right! The rookie hasn't arrived yet? Wow, we're all here, and he's late? His nose must be in the air."

"Your nose is the highest, Sister."

"Jeon Woo-chang, are you going to burst your muscles? Still, it's a bit much for a rookie to be the last to arrive."

Ryu Jung-min, crossing his arms, chuckled.

"He's probably the busiest among us."

"Phew, I can already see it. He's got a serious case of star disease. Did he cause any trouble on set? I don't like that kind of behavior."

"Mind your own business, will you?"

"Ha! What's with you? Just because you worked with him, you're acting all high and mighty? Don't be ridiculous."

At this point, Kim Lee-won, who had his long hair tied back, spoke up.

"But, Kang Woo-jin is really impressive. Director Kwon immediately cast him as the lead, and he's also confirmed for PD Yoon's new variety show. It's like he's just waiting to take off. These days, all the members of our group are talking about him."

Seo Chae-eun's face showed confusion. She looked around at the production team and lowered her voice.

"But I heard Kang Woo-jin is related to Director Kwon. Is that true?"

Ryu Jung-min immediately countered.

"Does that make sense? Director Kwon isn't that kind of person."

"No, it doesn't make sense. How can a rookie get a lead role after just a few months? Anyway, I don't like him. He should have been the first to arrive, even now."

At that moment,

- Creak.

The wooden door opened, and a man with an indifferent expression entered. Everyone in the room turned to look at him. Ryu Jung-min was the quickest to react.

"Mr. Woo-jin, over here."

Kang Woo-jin entered, wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, and a cap. He greeted everyone and then

- Slid

sat opposite Ryu Jung-min, next to Seo Chae-eun. He removed his cap and bowed to the top actors.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm Kang Woo-jin."

His voice was very low and serious. The atmosphere was extremely solemn. This was familiar to Ryu Jung-min but new to the other actors, who looked slightly surprised.

Seo Chae-eun, who had been looking at Kang Woo-jin with disapproval, spoke up.

"You're a bit late, aren't you? As a rookie, shouldn't you be the first to arrive? It's a bit early for you to have such a high nose—"

Kang Woo-jin, looking at her coldly for a few seconds, replied calmly and bluntly.

"Do I not meet your expectations?"

< Acceleration (6) > End