Chapter 93

< Threat (3) >

Kang Ujin suspects that the suspect is Seo Chae-eun. However, this was just his feeling. Perhaps his first impression was not good, and he disliked the way she picked fights. But he couldn't base his certainty on feelings alone. That would be like saying, "You're the culprit because you look bad."

"Tsk, is there anything?"

He needed something concrete, some kind of clue. The problem was that he was the only one who knew the current situation of the entire world. Even if he shouted that the "Island of Disappearance" had dropped to a D-grade, he would only be treated as a madman. In a way, saving the "Island of Disappearance" was now solely up to Kang Ujin.

This was a significant matter not only for Ujin but also for everyone involved in the "Island of Disappearance."

"Huh—"

Ujin, feeling the weight on his shoulders, kept thinking and thinking. First, he needed to narrow down the suspects. Three was too many. A plan came to mind.

"Ah."

It wasn't a perfect plan, but it was a good method. Soon, Kang Ujin quickly shouted "Exit." He had returned to the office building and, after a moment's thought, clicked his tongue.

"Already tired and now this hassle."

He turned on the laptop on the living room table.

"Let's start with Seo Chae-eun."

He accessed a portal site and searched for Seo Chae-eun. Information and articles flooded in. Among them, Ujin checked her works other than the "Island of Disappearance."

"Come on— come on—"

He needed future works, not past ones. The works Seo Chae-eun had participated in or would participate in. Fortunately,

"There it is."

Several articles confirmed her future works. Two movies in total: the romantic comedy "Jamanchu," set to release in two months, and the action comedy "How to Use a Sword," which was about to start filming. As expected of a top actress, her schedule was non-stop.

"'Jamanchu' was filmed last year and is being released now."

"‘How to Use a Sword’ will wrap up filming this month at the earliest."

After confirming this, Kang Ujin searched for the works of Jeon Woochang and Kim Euiwon as well. As expected, both were listed. Jeon Woochang was filming a drama to be aired in a few months, titled "Royal Company." Kim Euiwon's movie "Again Man" was about to be released soon.

Fortunately, all of them were top actors with active schedules.

In the end, a total of four works were listed. Why did Kang Ujin search for the works of three top actors? The answer was simple.

"First, I need to get the scripts or scenarios—"

He needed to enter the alternate space with the scripts or scenarios to get a near-certain answer. One of the three would surely have a noticeable rating, similar to or lower than the "Island of Disappearance."

Kang Ujin then jotted down the four works on his phone.

"It's a bit late now."

He went into the bathroom and started showering. However, his mind was preoccupied with one thought.

"Damn, I'll save it."

It was his resolve to revive the "Island of Disappearance."

The next day, on the 24th in the morning.

A recording studio near Netflix. The team of "Nam Sachin" gathered at the studio where Kang Ujin had showcased his crazy singing skills. However, the actors were absent. There were about a dozen people in total. The music director and director Shin Dongchun, who had dark circles under his eyes, sat in front of the recording equipment.

"I'll play them in order. Ujin's solo, Hwalin's solo, and the duet."

The overall director Kim Sohyang, who had her arms crossed, the nervous writer Choi Nana, and the production company staff were all present.

-Whoosh.

The music director operated the equipment, and the first song filled the studio.

-♬♪

The tone was heavy yet sweet. It felt like any drama would unfold with this song. Soon, the comments started pouring in, beginning with Kim Sohyang stroking her chin.

"Good... really good. It doesn't feel seasonal."

"This is just a rough guide by the composer, right? It sounds like a hit, doesn't it?"

"Wow! It would really suit Ujin!"

"Right? Ujin's voice has a slightly rough quality that would fit perfectly."

"Who's the composer?"

The reactions were positive. Thanks to this, the exhausted director Shin Dongchun smiled slightly.

"Thankfully. I'll give you the detailed information after you've heard everything. Next is Hwalin's song."

The song changed quickly. This time, it was a more lively tune.

-♬♪

The tempo was a bit faster, and a violin joined in the chorus. As expected, the song was also well-received.

"Hwalin's character fits this perfectly!"

"Cute at first, then a sudden twist in the second half. So addictive—"

Then, the last one.

This could be considered the main OST. Everyone's eyes widened slightly as they listened to the song. The interesting thing was that the reaction was not as big as for the solo songs. It wasn't that it was bad.

It was the most unique.

"..."

A silent exclamation. From here on,

-♬♪

The people listening to the duet started to imagine. What would it sound like with Kang Ujin and Hwalin's voices? Of course, it was just their imagination, but everyone was certain of one thing.

"It would really suit them, wouldn't it?"

The chemistry between Kang Ujin and Hwalin, and their integration with "Nam Sachin," would be amazing. The song ended, and there was a moment of silence. Director Shin Dongchun broke the silence.

"I think we should go with these three songs. What do you think, especially the writer?"

Writer Choi Nana, entranced, clapped in response.

-Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap!

"I like it, I really like it!"

The clapping was contagious.

-Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap!

-Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap!

No one expressed any dissatisfaction. They just wanted to quickly pass the songs to the actors.

"Thank you, directors! The songs are amazing. They fit well with 'Nam Sachin.'"

"They stick in your head! I can already imagine the audience's reaction!"

"We need to hear the actors' voices, but I have a feeling it will be great. Am I the only one?"

Of course, there were other songs to be included in the OST, but deciding on the three main theme songs was a significant step.

In other words,

"Then, the main theme will be these three songs."

The main OST for "Nam Sachin" was decided.

"Since time is short, I'll get the guide tracks tomorrow and send them to Ujin and Hwalin immediately."

"Right. When do you think the recording will be?"

"We need to check the schedule, but it's best to finish this week. We have the script reading next week."

"Okay! I'll share the schedule with Ujin and Hwalin right away."

The OST recording was just around the corner.

Meanwhile, at the same time.

The location was Suncheon. At a large set, the "Drug Lord" team gathered. Filming was currently in progress. To be precise, it had been ongoing since dawn, with Jang Jaejoon, or rather, Jung Sung-hoon, standing in front of a building.

"Huh—"

He blew out a long puff of cigarette smoke while looking at the camera.

"..."

There were no lines. He just stared at the camera with a mysterious look, filled with various emotions: regret, worry, determination, and more. This was not the final scene in the script, but Director Kim Do-hee and the crew were impressed.

"Great emotional performance—"

The crew's faces were more serious than ever. Some even swallowed hard. Soon, Jung Sung-hoon's face on the monitor was zoomed in.

-Swoosh.

Jung Sung-hoon flicked the cigarette away. A 10-second pause followed. Simultaneously,

"Cut!! Great!! Nice!! It was good!!"

Director Kim Do-hee, who had jumped up from her seat, shouted loudly. Jang Jaejoon, who had relaxed his expression, smiled and bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your hard work—good job!"

About 60 crew members, spread across the set, shouted in unison.

"Thank you for your hard work!!"

"It's over!! Haha! This day has finally come!!"

"Indeed! Thank you for your hard work!!"

"There were some issues halfway through, but it feels even better! We need to celebrate! Celebrate!"

"Haha, the assistant director is the most excited!"

"Director! Thank you for your hard work!"

They were shouting, making the set vibrate. The reason was revealed by the assistant director.

"Alright! We need to clean up perfectly to truly finish the filming!! Let's clean up quickly!!"

The filming of "Drug Lord," which had lasted about half a year, was finally over. Given the challenges "Drug Lord" had faced, the dozens of actors and crew members had expressions of immense relief. They were very happy.

Among them,

"Huh, we finally made it."

Director Kim Do-hee, looking at the sky, let out a sigh of relief. At this moment, the lead actor Jang Jaejoon approached her.

"Director, it's a relief that it ended well."

Seeing him, Director Kim Do-hee scratched her messy hair.

"Well, now I have to edit it non-stop. But yeah, it's a real relief. When things went wrong with 'Lee Sang-man,' I thought it might be a disaster."

At this, Jang Jaejoon, who was thinking of Kang Ujin, smiled.

"Director, you know, Ujin's cameo was a stroke of genius. I'm looking forward to the scenes he'll be in."

"That's what I mean. If he hadn't gone to the 'Mise-en-Scène Film Festival,' what would we have done? We need to thank Ujin for a long time. Jaejoon, you should treat him to a big meal, too?"

"Of course. How about the poster?"

"Hmm. Should we include Ujin to build anticipation, or just in the trailer to create tension? And I need to decide which scenes to cut and which to keep during editing. It's a happy dilemma, hahaha."

Then, actors gathered around Director Kim Do-hee. Among them, Park Panso, who had come to celebrate the final shoot, asked a question.

"Director Kim, is the release date roughly set?"

Director Kim Do-hee, with a smile, replied.

"It should be released in early winter."

On the same day, in the afternoon.

The weather had become very hot. Therefore, Kang Ujin, who had left the office building, was dressed lightly and quickly moved to the waiting minivan in the underground parking lot.

-Click!

Familiar faces were visible. Jang Su-hwan and Choi Sung-geun. However, Han Ye-jung was absent, possibly due to other commitments. Regardless, as soon as Ujin got into the minivan,

"Hello."

He greeted them with a low voice. Soon, Choi Sung-geun, with tired eyes, yawned and waved his hand.

"Yeah— Ujin, did you get enough sleep? You're late today, so you must have slept well?"

No, I had a nightmare. In reality, Ujin had tossed and turned all night, even dreaming that the "Island of Disappearance" had completely collapsed. But Ujin, equipped with the concept, did not show any weakness.

"Yes, I slept well."

"Good— let's go."

The minivan started smoothly. At the same time, Choi Sung-geun, who had opened his diary, received a call from the company's PR team and put the phone to his ear.

"Uh? Ah— Ujin's fan signing event? Yes, tell me more."

After listening calmly, Choi Sung-geun quickly gave instructions.

"Uh, Ah— Okay? Hmm, then let's set it for that day. Uh. Scale? It's a bit excessive, but since it's Ujin's first fan signing event before his official fan meeting, we need to give it our all. Yes, share it with Ujin's fan club. Don't limit the number of participants. Yes."

After hanging up, Choi Sung-geun turned to Ujin with a smile.

"Your fan signing event is confirmed."

It was the moment when Kang Ujin's first fan signing event was decided. However, Ujin had no reaction.

"Is that so?"

His mind was preoccupied with other thoughts. Choi Sung-geun, familiar with Ujin's demeanor, gestured to Jang Su-hwan.

"Su-hwan, let's go to the shop first."

"Okay!"

"Ah, right. Ujin, did you hear that Da-yeong started working?"

"Yes, I received a call yesterday."

Choi Sung-geun chuckled.

"His first day was good, they said."

Honestly, Ujin didn't care if Kim Da-yeong had defecated on the street. He had more pressing matters.

"President."

So, Ujin asked Choi Sung-geun in a low voice.

"Can I ask for a favor before hearing the schedule?"

Choi Sung-geun, turning to face Ujin, met his eyes.

"A favor? Sure. If it's a favor from our top actor Kang Ujin, I'd have to agree even if the sky split. What is it?"

"I want to get some scripts and scenarios."

"Suddenly? Why?"

Choi Sung-geun's face showed concern.

"Hey, you'll ruin your health if you become too much of a workaholic. A few years ago, Hye-yeon had to take a year off because of that. Your schedule is already more than enough?"

Naturally, Choi Sung-geun interpreted Ujin's request as a desire to take on additional projects, but Ujin shook his head slightly while taking out his phone.

"No, I don't want to do them."

"Really? Then what for?"

"For reference. The works of Kim Euiwon, Jeon Woochang, and Seo Chae-eun from yesterday."

"Ah— Are you trying to check out their form? What projects are they in?"

Although Ujin had prepared a different explanation, this one seemed fine, so he answered quietly.

"Yes, to understand their acting better."

"..."

"But you've never done that before."

"That's true. Just a casual interest, I guess. I'm curious about what they're doing."

"Alright, that's not too difficult. What do you need?"

Ujin rattled off the titles of the works on his phone.

"'Jamanchu,' 'How to Use a Sword,' 'Royal Company,' 'Again Man.' Four in total."

Choi Sung-geun blinked his eyes.

"Four, really?"

"Yes. All are scheduled for release or broadcast, and for the drama, even just the first episode would be fine."

"Uh. Let me write that down."

Choi Sung-geun, opening his diary again, received a stern question from Kang Ujin. He needed to urge him without appearing too eager.

"Will it be difficult to get them today?"

"Huh?"

"Before things get busier, I want to read them as soon as possible."

At that moment, Choi Sung-geun felt a surge of energy. He couldn't be casual with the usually indifferent Kang Ujin showing such enthusiasm.

Besides,

"Can't it be done today?"

For Choi Sung-geun, with