Chapter 95

< Threat (5) >

Choi Sung-geun's mouth fell shut at Kang Woo-jin's sudden declaration. The content was shockingly unexpected. What about Seo Chae-eun? Normally, he might have ignored it as mere chatter, but the person in front of him was none other than Kang Woo-jin.

A unique individual with a sense of intuition that rivaled divine inspiration. This intuition could be triggered by anything, be it a work or a person.

'What is this? It doesn't seem like a joke.'

Choi Sung-geun's eyes widened slightly as he stared at Woo-jin, then asked.

"Seo Chae-eun... you mean you get a similar feeling from her as you did with Director Oh Hyun-gu?"

Woo-jin heightened his acting to the extreme, putting genuine emotion into his expression and demeanor.

'I didn't know I could use this misunderstanding.'

The misunderstanding was based on the ability of the subspace. However, at this moment, there was no other option.

"Yes, it's almost the same."

The pinnacle of audacity. A mask as solid as a diamond.

Choi Sung-geun had seen this expression on Kang Woo-jin's face before, back when he was working with Director Oh Hyun-gu. It was a look of unwavering determination, without a single flaw.

'Serious.'

On the other hand, Woo-jin, with his indifferent face, was inwardly repeating a mantra.

'Believe me, believe me.'

Choi Sung-geun, who had become more serious, loosened his ponytail and asked.

"How is Seo Chae-eun? In what way?"

I don't know, really. Currently, Kang Woo-jin has no idea what the problem with Seo Chae-eun is. So, he could only push forward with a calm and firm attitude.

"It's hard to explain in words."

"Since when?"

"Since the first time I met her."

"But why are you telling me this now?"

"I've been thinking about it. It's different from the situation with Director Oh Hyun-gu."

Indeed, it was different. Unlike back then, Kang Woo-jin is now the lead actor in 'The Missing Island.' Honestly, casting an actor based on a gut feeling was absurd.

However, Choi Sung-geun thought.

'Hmm—Is it worth checking?'

He already firmly believed in Kang Woo-jin's peculiar intuition. The results had proven it. Director Oh Hyun-gu and 'The Private Eye' were examples. Of course, this time with 'My Best Friend' as well. If you look closely, 'My Best Friend' was a matter of luck. The scale had grown, and Hwaryin had joined, which Kang Woo-jin didn't know about.

Regardless, Kang Woo-jin's animalistic intuition had gained even more credibility.

Then.

-Swoosh.

Choi Sung-geun, who had taken out his phone, suddenly smiled.

"If anyone else had said this, I might have ignored it, but since it's you, Woo-jin, I can't. Are you sure? Your intuition has been triggered by Seo Chae-eun?"

If he answered here, the misunderstanding would deepen. So what? Saving 'The Missing Island' was a hundred times better.

'Anyway, I can't undo the acting or the misunderstanding now. I'll just have to let it be.'

Kang Woo-jin, who had casually dismissed his concerns, nodded solemnly.

"Yes, that's right."

"Got it. For now, don't worry about it and just focus on your schedule. I'll look into Seo Chae-eun."

Impressive. Woo-jin inwardly applauded Choi Sung-geun's coolness. Unaware of this, Choi Sung-geun looked down at his phone and muttered.

"I'll start with the tabloids. If there's anything wrong with Seo Chae-eun, I need to act quickly—"

Seeing this, Kang Woo-jin felt relieved.

'Is it done for now? Now, it's all about waiting.'

At the same time, at Eulrim Film Company.

Eulrim, the production company for 'The Missing Island.' It was night, and all the employees had gone home, but the largest conference room was brightly lit.

Inside, there were two people, a man and a woman.

The man sitting in the middle of a large L-shaped desk was familiar. His head was full of gray hair, and he had a gentle appearance. He was none other than the renowned director Kwon Gi-taek.

On the other hand.

"Director, it's been a long time."

The woman sitting across from Kwon Gi-taek, with her legs crossed, exuded a sense of ease. She had long hair with waves at the ends and clear skin. Most notably, her eyes were very large, and her smile was charming.

She had an aura that was anything but ordinary.

It was natural.

"Yeah. The last time I saw you, Yura, was about two years ago, right? I was surprised to see you in Korea. When did you come back from Hollywood?"

"Two days ago. I came to see you first."

"Quietly? How did the auditions in Hollywood go?"

"I came secretly, so the auditions are still ongoing."

The starting point for her Hollywood debut was a few years ago at the Venice Film Festival, one of the world's three major international film festivals. Kwon Gi-taek's film was invited and won an award. The lead actress was Ha Yura.

She caught the eye of Hollywood executives.

It wasn't a major role, but it was significant for a Korean actor to land a supporting role in a Hollywood film. Therefore, when she made her Hollywood debut, it caused a stir in Korea. However, unfortunately, the film's performance was lackluster.

It's been over a year since then.

Now, things have calmed down a bit, but Ha Yura continues to pursue opportunities in Hollywood.

Anyway.

-Swoosh.

Ha Yura changed the direction of her crossed legs.

"By the way, Director."

She asked Kwon Gi-taek directly.

"I heard you cast a complete newcomer as the lead in your next film?"

There was only one such newcomer in 'The Missing Island.' Kwon Gi-taek smiled warmly.

"You mean Woo-jin?"

"......'Our' Woo-jin?"

"Yeah, 'our.' My work, my actor, so naturally, he's 'ours.'"

"Still the same. You love your actors."

"Hehe. I'm sure you felt the same, Yura?"

Ha Yura shrugged.

"Anyway, I was quite surprised. I didn't expect you to cast an unverified newcomer as the lead. It's a historic achievement in the film industry, isn't it?"

"An achievement, maybe. If I want, a newcomer or an unknown can do it."

His tone was gentle, but Kwon Gi-taek's eyes were firm. Ha Yura, taking a small breath, continued.

"But is that true? I've been following the news about your film. There were rumors that Kang Woo-jin is a relative or that his agency paid money."

"Are you looking for such things even in Hollywood?"

"Of course, it's about you, Director! Especially the news about Kang Woo-jin, which broke big. Then, there was Ryu Jeong-min. So, are the rumors about relatives or money true?"

Kwon Gi-taek tilted his head leisurely.

"What do you think?"

Ha Yura's eyes changed to a look of 'Of course not,' and she concluded.

"The casting must have been so shocking that such ridiculous tabloids started circulating. Is the newcomer that good at acting?"

Kwon Gi-taek, who had been tapping the desk with his index finger, pointed at Ha Yura.

"From a broad perspective, he's similar to you. Method acting."

Ha Yura's eyebrows twitched for a moment. Regardless, Kwon Gi-taek continued.

"However, you followed an elite path as an actor. You started as a child actor and received acting training from a young age. Your mother is also a great actress. You are a thoroughly trained type. Right?"

"......"

"But Kang Woo-jin is different. He's the complete opposite of you. It's as if he grew up roughly, like a wild animal, feeding on grass. His acting style is similar, but the essence is 180 degrees different."

"Wild?"

"Yeah. He grew up self-sufficient. He knows he has talent, but the funny thing is, he doesn't seem to be risking his life. It's as if he treats acting like a hobby, yet he's shaking up the acting world."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure. I can't judge him. That's why he seems even more precious."

Ha Yura, who had been listening, laughed hollowly.

"Ha, education is essential for actors. Experience is the core of an actor, and we receive education because we lack it. He will eventually collapse due to his lack of experience, won't he?"

It wasn't a wrong statement. Indeed, many newcomers in the Korean acting industry collapse due to a lack of experience or education. However, for some reason, Kwon Gi-taek didn't see such an image in Kang Woo-jin.

"......I'm not exactly dismissing education. In fact, over 90% of Korean actors are trained. I like your acting, Yura. But Kang Woo-jin's acting is something—"

Kwon Gi-taek, trailing off, stroked his chin and answered.

"Yes, it's as if he has lived the life of the character he plays. It's method acting, but not quite. It feels like the character exists for the actor, not the other way around."

The extreme praise from a top-tier director in Korea. Ha Yura bit her lip slightly.

"I've been looking into the newcomer because of all the noise. I watched 'The Private Eye.' He is good at acting."

She spoke calmly, but her voice was mixed with various emotions: jealousy, envy, malice, and admiration. Concerned that these emotions might be revealed, Ha Yura changed the subject.

"Who else has been cast? According to the news, only Kang Woo-jin and Ryu Jeong-min have been announced. I won't say anything to anyone, I promise."

"Hmm, it will be announced soon. Kang Woo-jin, Ryu Jeong-min, Seo Chae-eun, Jeon Woo-chang, and Kim Eui-won. These are the lead roles."

"Good lineup. Except for Seo Chae-eun."

Kwon Gi-taek, with his arms crossed, chuckled.

"Seo Chae-eun is also a good actress."

Ha Yura, feeling irritated.

"So what if she's a good actress! Her personality is terrible."

"I only care about the acting."

"Sure, sure, I get it. You only care about the acting."

"Of course, it's a judgment based on everything. I didn't think she would harm my film. Her acting was also solid."

"That's why you cast the newcomer and Seo Chae-eun."

Kwon Gi-taek, who had been listening to Ha Yura's whining, asked gently.

"What are you trying to say? Just say it."

Ha Yura, who had suddenly stood up, shouted her true feelings.

"Ah! That's too much, really! You didn't even send me the script! I was waiting for it!"

"You were in Hollywood."

"But I thought you would send it. I didn't even dare to ask because I was afraid you might think it was strange!"

"Are you throwing a tantrum? You've grown older, but you're still the same as when I first met you at 20. Still a kid."

Ha Yura, whose excitement subsided instantly, bowed to Kwon Gi-taek.

"......I'm sorry. I was really anxious. When I heard about Seo Chae-eun, it felt like a death sentence."

"Don't overreact."

"Yes. I overreacted a bit."

At that moment.

-Swoosh.

Kwon Gi-taek quietly pushed a stack of papers in front of Ha Yura. Of course, it was the script for 'The Missing Island.'

"Take a look."

"......I should have come back to Korea earlier. If I had, you might have cast me instead of Seo Chae-eun."

"How long do you plan to stay in Korea?"

"At least six months, depending on the Hollywood auditions. I also want to take a break."

"Would you consider a cameo?"

Ha Yura, whose large eyes suddenly sparkled, eagerly responded.

"Of course, if you make it happen. I'll do it somehow."

June 26, Friday. Late morning.

The headquarters of 'Maxnald.' The front of the large building was crowded with people. Many were slowly entering, following the fence lines. They were heading to the 'Event Hall' set up on the first floor of the building.

In front of the hall.

"Confirmed, you can go in now."

The staff was checking each person. Banners and posters were also visible, with the following text:

-Kang Woo-jin Fan Signing Event, Sponsored by Maxnald

Indeed, a fan signing event for the monster newcomer Kang Woo-jin was about to take place here. The combined number of fans waiting inside and outside the hall was roughly 400. Including the invited journalists, the hall was also filled with the promotion team from BW Entertainment and 'Maxnald' staff.

As a promotional event, the 'Maxnald' logo was prominently displayed everywhere, and a large poster of Kang Woo-jin was eye-catching on the stage at the front of the hall.

At this moment, Kang Woo-jin was.

"......"

Sitting silently in the waiting room at the back of the hall. He had just returned from a photoshoot, with a full makeup look and neatly styled hair. He was dressed in a shirt and slacks, giving off a dandy vibe. At first glance, he looked cynical, with a cool and handsome face.

'What am I doing right now?'

He was extremely nervous. His thoughts were a bit jumbled. It was his first fan signing event, and the number of participants was nearly 400.

'Is this real?'

Just a few months ago, Kang Woo-jin's circle of friends and colleagues numbered only a dozen. But 400 people? 400 people came here just for his autograph?

It was natural for the reality to feel distant.

How should he act? He heard that he should hug and take photos with fans. Handshakes were a given. Should he have a conversation? Ask why they came? His heart was beating faster and faster.

-Knock.

A knock sounded on the glass door of the waiting room. The one who opened it was Han Ye-jung with short yellow hair.

"Brother, it's starting."

Here it comes.

"Okay."

Kang Woo-jin, trying to ignore his vague nervousness, followed Han Ye-jung. Soon, the noise in his ears grew louder. At this moment, Han Ye-jung said.

"The event will start with the fans of your fan club 'Strong Heart.'"

But Woo-jin didn't really hear it. He entered the event hall. Immediately, he heard a noise like screams.

"Brother! Brother!!"

"Look this way, please!"

"Wow—He's so handsome in real life!"

A barrage of flash photography.

-Pop pop pop pop!

But Kang Woo-jin was preoccupied with maintaining his acting. Fortunately, a few staff members guided him. He greeted everyone from the center of the stage where his poster was hung.

"Hello, I'm Kang Woo-jin."

The screams and flash photography intensified. After a few minutes,