[1(new!)]Male Friend/Kang Woojin (‘Male Friend’ OST Part. 1)
[2(↓1)] Blue Petals/Jua
[3(↓1)] F*ck ha/DKM
[4(↑1)] Where is the Autumn Rain (Acoustic ver.)/Yoon Haim
[5(↓1)] Bam Bidibam!/Bambi
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The OST sung by Kang Woojin, which reached number 1 just one day after its release. Interestingly, the baton of this massive bombardment was passed on to Japan.
Today, the 22nd, at 3 PM.
『Already number 1 on Netflix Korea, ‘Male Friend’ has just officially released on Netflix Japan』
‘Male Friend’ has just opened its lid on Netflix Japan.
The next day, the 23rd, in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Around 9 AM. It was hot and humid, which made the forest floor sticky. A group of about a dozen people wearing Korean military uniforms were running around.
“Huff! Ugh!”
“Don’t stop!! Run!!”
“Shit!! Do these bastards come out during the day too?!”
At the back of the military group, a familiar man was seen.
“Just look ahead! Don’t stop your feet!”
It was top actor Ryu Jung-min. No, right now, he was ‘Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ from ‘Island of the Missing’.
At that moment.
“Cut, OK.”
A low signal was heard from a place crowded with about a hundred staff members. It was the warm voice of Director Kwon Ki-taek.
“Let’s change the angle and go again.”
Ryu Jung-min and the actors were already shooting the sprint scene for the fourth time. Even while Kang Woojin was in Korea, the shooting for ‘Island of the Missing’ did not stop.
Meanwhile, in a large tent a little away from the shooting zone.
“Ugh- it’s really too hot. I’m going to die of dehydration while filming, seriously.”
Actors waiting were resting. Several people in military uniforms were visible. Kim Yi-won lying down, muscular Jeon Woo-chang gulping down water, Ha Yu-ra blowing a mini fan on her face, etc. Although the large tent had air coolers running at full capacity, it was still hot.
Then, Kim Yi-won suddenly mentioned Kang Woojin.
“I’m so jealous of Woojin, extremely jealous.”
It felt like Kang Woojin and the actors had become quite close. Soon, Ha Yu-ra, who looked good in a military uniform due to her tall stature, joined in while funneling the wind from the mini fan into her military top.
“Woojin-ssi will be busy even after going back to Korea, right? ‘Male Friend’ and its OST are hitting it big one after another.”
Jeon Woo-chang was quick to respond.
“But why do you keep speaking formally to Woojin? Why not speak comfortably?”
“······Ah, well. I just find Woojin-ssi a bit intimidating.”
“Huh? Intimidating? Ah- but once you talk to him, you’ll see he’s actually nice, just a bit cold.”
“I know, that’s true.”
“Anyway, ‘Male Friend’ was fun, wasn’t it? I watched a bit before going to bed at the lodge yesterday, and it was so sweet I thought I’d die of sweetness.”
Kim Yi-won, who was giggling, joined in.
“Haha. I watched ‘Male Friend’ too, and Woojin’s acting was good?”
“Ah! Right, ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ was just invisible.”
“Every time I see his acting, I get goosebumps, you know? Like- his mask changes with each role, making him seem like a completely different person each time? That’s the ultimate goal for an actor, but it’s insanely hard to achieve.”
Ha Yu-ra, who had been deep in thought, asked while crossing her long legs.
“Do you know anything about Woojin-ssi’s past?”
“Who knows? Everyone knows he studied abroad, right? Ah- remember when we went to the restaurant after filming last time, and Woojin was speaking English? I almost fell in love with how well Woojin spoke English. Unnie, you’ve been to Hollywood; how was Woojin’s English to your ears?”
“······Is there a need to ask. Just by listening, he could rival Hollywood actors. But is that study abroad thing for sure? He never really talked about it.”
At the question, Kim Yi-won shrugged his shoulders.
“Who knows. He doesn’t really talk about himself. Whether it’s English-speaking countries or Japan, even the staff are confused.”
At that moment.
-Swish.
The tent opened, and Director Kwon Ki-taek, wearing a safari hat, poked his head in.
“Everyone, come out. Let’s talk about the next scene.”
“Yes! We’ll get ready and come out right away!”
As Director Kwon Ki-taek left the tent to give some instructions to the assistant director and wiped his sweat, it was then.
-♬♪
The phone in his pocket emitted a ringtone. Director Kwon Ki-taek was slightly surprised as soon as he saw the caller.
‘!!!’
Because the person calling was extraordinary.
‘Director Ahn Ga-bok? Why is he calling all of a sudden.’
The caller was the legendary veteran director, Ahn Ga-bok. Soon, Director Kwon moved into the shade of a tree behind him and put the phone to his ear.
“Yes, Director~nim. It’s been a while.”
Though polite as always, Director Kwon’s tone was very respectful, and over the phone, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s aged voice was full of ease.
“Director Kwon. Have you been well? We haven’t seen each other due to our busy schedules.”
“How have you been? I heard you were visiting the hospital last year.”
“Just getting by, haha. Thank you. By the way, you’re in Vietnam now?”
“Yes. We are here for an overseas location shoot.”
“You must be busy. Let’s save the pleasantries for later and get straight to the point.”
“Please, go ahead.”
The question from Director Ahn Ga-bok came through the phone immediately.
“It’s about one of the actors in your movie, Kang Woojin.”
As soon as Kang Woojin’s name came up, the always composed Director Kwon’s eyes widened slightly.
“······Ah, yes. Director~nim. Woojin-ssi is currently on a brief hiatus in Korea.”
“Yeah. I’m aware. But what do you think of him?”
It was a vague question, but Director Kwon, with a serious expression, quickly caught onto Director Ahn Ga-bok’s intention.
‘Interest. No, more than that. Perhaps he’s considering Woojin-ssi for his 100th work?’
Director Kwon recited exactly what he had always thought about Kang Woojin.
“If you’re asking how capable an actor he is, he’s among the top I’ve seen. Probably by next year, he’ll demonstrate a unique presence, both in the industry and to the public.”
“······His acting.”
“I think he’s the only actor that makes me feel inadequate in my directing.”
“Are you saying he casts doubt on your directing? Isn’t Kang Woojin still young?”
“Are you asking about experience? I believe Woojin-ssi’s greatest weapon is his experience.”
“Hmm?”
“He seamlessly manages everything. Any role, any situation. As if he has lived in the world of his characters.”
After hearing the response, Director Ahn Ga-bok was silent for a moment. He spoke again a few seconds later.
“Is that so?”
It seemed like an excessive praise. To this, Director Kwon lightly chuckled and replied.
“I’ve actually toned it down a bit.”
Meanwhile, in Seoul, Korea.
While it was around 9 AM in Vietnam, it was late morning, around 11 AM in Korea. At this time, in a franchise street food restaurant in Seoul. The place was very spacious, but oddly there were no customers, only dozens of filming crews bustling around.
PD Yoon Byung-seon was seen giving instructions to the staff.
“Set up the tables for the cast first!!”
“Yes, yes! Going now!”
In other words, this filming crew was from the major variety show ‘Our Dining Table’. Thanks to this, small cameras were installed all over the spacious interior of the street food restaurant. Naturally, there were also many VJs holding cameras in their hands. (TL:VJ: Video Jockey)
Anyway, it seemed like all the shooting setup was completed.
In terms of composition, the place where bespectacled PD Yoon Byung-seon stood was the staff zone, and in front, there was a long white table set up. The chairs had the names of the cast members written on them.
-[Mr. An Jong-hak], [Mr. Ha Gang-su], [Ms. Hong Hye-yeon], [Mr. Kang Woojin], [Ms. Hwalin], [Mr. Yeon Baek-kwang]
A total of 6 formidable cast members. Along with them, the ‘Our Dining Table’ team was scheduled to shoot for about two days. It was the previously mentioned ‘One-Day Restaurant’. Therefore, today was for introductions of the members, brief greetings, and meals, followed by divided parts for training time. Tomorrow, they would be directly deployed to the prepared ‘One-Day Restaurant’.
Regardless.
“PD-nim! Kang Woojin-ssi has arrived!!”
The arrival of the first cast member was announced through the walkie-talkies. Kang Woojin was the first to arrive. Soon, Woojin appeared in the bustling restaurant, bowing lightly. His short hair was lightly styled, and his makeup was moderate. He wore a thin shirt and slacks.
“Hello-”
His arrival was met with an enthusiastic ‘congratulation’ from PD Yoon Byung-seon to the staff.
“Woojin-ssi!! Your song was great??!”
“‘Male Friend’ was really fun!!”
“Congratulations on being number 1 on Netflix and Melon!!”
“Since Woojin-ssi is doing so well, our show keeps getting mentioned too?? Really, really congratulations, Woojin-ssi!”
An outpouring of excessive attention and congratulations followed. Woojin maintained his composure and responded appropriately, though inside he felt a bit embarrassed.
‘Ah- geez. I appreciate it, but it’s embarrassing. If I break into a smile now, it’d be a disaster. Need to manage my expression.’
There was a palpable tension. Meanwhile, Woojin was fitted with a microphone by the staff amidst the congratulations. At the same time, Kang Woojin scanned the spacious restaurant.
‘Is this the place that’s really popular on Instagram lately? Heard it’s cheap and generous with portions.’
But why a street food restaurant for the shooting location? With a question mark in his mind, Kang Woojin took his seat among the cast. He was right in the middle. Around that time, Hwalin arrived. Wearing a tight tee and wide-legged jeans, she took the seat to Woojin’s left, and as soon as Hwalin sat down with her microphone on, a pleasant scent wafted towards Woojin.
“Woojin-ssi, you’re early.”
“Yes. Just happened to be.”
There wasn’t much of a greeting between them. It was natural. They had met just yesterday for ‘Male Friend’ related work. Then, Hwalin glanced at Woojin and asked softly.
“That······which part did you choose to do?”
Part? Ah- what role did he take in ‘Our Dining Table’? Woojin answered quietly.
“The kitchen.”
“The kitchen? Are you good at cooking, Woojin-ssi?”
“No, just moderately.”
Hearing his response, Hwalin reacted simply but inside she regretted her choice.
‘Shoot!! I should have chosen the kitchen too! I wanted to watch Woojin-nim cook!!’
Unaware of this, Woojin calmly asked her back.
“What about you, Hwalin-nim?”
“···Ah, I’m doing the hall and, what was it, simple beverage preparation. But do you like cooking, Woojin-ssi?”
“Not particularly. But I know how to do it.”
Their conversation was already being picked up by the ‘Our Dining Table’ audio, and PD Yoon Byung-seon, watching Woojin and Hwalin with satisfaction, told the writers.
“Get shots of those two from the front and side. There’s the spill-over effect from ‘Male Friend’, and they do match well together.”
As the focus was on capturing the two-shot of Kang Woojin and Hwalin, another cast member arrived at the restaurant. It was top actress Hong Hye-yeon, wearing a lime-colored knit top, her long hair flowing down.
“Hello.”
“Oh! Hye-yeon-ssi! Welcome.”
She too was immediately fitted with a microphone upon arrival. Meanwhile, Hong Hye-yeon noticed the cameras focusing on the straight table where an indifferent Kang Woojin and Hwalin were chatting.
Hong Hye-yeon paused for a moment.
‘They match that well? Really?’
Feeling a bit odd but quickly managing her expression, she moved. Hong Hye-yeon pulled out the chair to Woojin’s right and greeted them.
“Hi hi-”
“Unnie! Your hair looks really pretty today!”
“Yeah, thank you. But Woojin-ssi.”
“Yes. Hello.”
“We’re from the same agency, right?”
“Are we not?”
She chuckled slightly at the absurdity as she sat down.
“I mean, we’re in the same agency but I only hear about you through articles. Please, get in touch, it feels like I’m the only one reaching out.”
Hearing from Hong Hye-yeon to get in touch, Kang Woojin, indeed, had made it big. Internally praising himself, Woojin kept a poker face on the outside.
“Yes. But I haven’t had the chance to reach out.”
“I get that······Anyway. You know I’m joining you for the return to ‘Island of the Missing’ in Vietnam?”
“Yes. I’ve heard.”
Kang Woojin was returning for the shooting and Hong Hye-yeon for a friendly appearance. It felt like they were going to Vietnam together anyway.
“It’s hot in Vietnam, isn’t it?”
“It’s bearable.”
It wasn’t. It was more like hell, but Woojin was putting on a brave front.
“The time goes by fast there.”
“Jung-min oppa told me not to come, said it’s too hot.”
“Well.”
“Hmm- But what part did you choose here?”
“The kitchen.”
“Oh, me too. Then we’re a team. I heard we’d be paired in twos.”
“Is that so?”
Thus, Kang Woojin and Hong Hye-yeon were in the same kitchen team. At this point, Hwalin glanced over at them, and Kang Woojin noticed a prominent man among the front-line staff, standing out. It was his close friend Kim Dae-young. For some reason, he was grinning at Kang Woojin.
Therefore, Woojin cursed him with his eyes.
‘What, asshole.’
Kim Dae-young responded in kind with his eyes.
‘You are looking good, asshole.’
That’s when it happened.
“······Really?”
“Wow······”
With some cast members still absent, something caused dozens of staff in front to start buzzing. Surprised or widened eyes were just part of it. Upon closer inspection, Choi Sung-gun was whispering something to PD Yoon Byung-seon, and that news seemed to spread throughout the group.
And then.
“Wow! There’s more good news just in for those two?! Everyone, give them a round of applause!”
The entire staff started clapping out of the blue.
-ClapClapClapClapClapClapClap!!
Of course, all of this was being filmed, and PD Yoon Byung-seon announced the reason with a broad smile.
“Our Woojin-ssi and Hwalin-ssi’s ‘Male Friend’ was launched on Netflix Japan yesterday! And it has taken the number 1 spot in Japan as well!!”
“Wow! In Japan too!??!”
“Amazing! Things keep blowing up!!”
Really? Woojin, genuinely surprised, checked with Choi Sung-gun standing next to PD Yoon Byung-seon. He smirked and gave a thumbs up, indicating it was true.
Then.
-Vrrr, Vrrrr.
A long vibration came from Choi Sung-gun’s pocket. He stepped away from the noisy studio to check the caller. It was an unknown number. Figuring it didn’t matter, Choi Sung-gun answered the call.
“Yes- Choi Sung-gun speaking.”
An old man’s voice came from the other end.
“Hello, CEO Choi. This is Director Ahn Ga-bok.”
Choi Sung-gun blinked in disbelief.
“······Excuse me? Who did you say you were?”
“Director Ahn Ga-bok.”
The old voice over the phone spoke again.
“I’d like to meet with actor Kang Woojin.”
In that moment, realizing who the caller was, Choi Sung-gun’s eyes shook with surprise.
“Our······Woojin?”
Director Ahn Ga-bok was the king figure in the domestic film industry.
Meanwhile, at the same time.
October 23rd, 11:30 AM. The weekly screening schedules for most domestic cinemas were released. This included the big three movie companies. From today, Friday, until next week, October 29th, Thursday.
Among them was.
[CCV]
[October 28th, Wednesday / Showtimes]
[2D/ Drug Dealer/ Entry: 18+ / Theater 5]
[9:10~11:12],[12:30~14:32],[16:30~18:32],[20:10~22:42],[23:10~25:37]
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[2D/ Drug Dealer/ Entry: 18+ / Theater 5]
[9:30~11:32],[12:50~14:52],[16:50~18:52],[19:30~21:32]
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‘Drug Dealer’ was also included.