As Director Kim Do-hee, whose hair had become even more unruly, checked today’s domestic box office rankings on her laptop, her eyes widened.
“······1st place. ‘Drug Dealer’ is in 1st place right now, right? Am I seeing this correctly?”
Although she spoke in a somewhat dazed manner, the staff from the production and distribution companies around her were in a similar state.
“Yes, Director~nim. I…I also see it as 1st place.”
“Me too.”
“Try refreshing it. It might be an error.”
As if that could be the case. An employee operating the laptop pressed the refresh button. But the result was the same.
“It’s true, Director~nim. It’s in 1st place.”
From here, the staff from the production and distribution companies accepted the reality.
“Hahaha! I thought it would do well but to be 1st place right away!”
“What did I tell you?!! 1st place just one day after its release! It’s really been a while since we’ve seen this!!”
“Congratulations, Director~nim!! ‘Drug Dealer’ pushed aside all the movies released on the same day! Haha, and ‘Drug Dealer’ is rated R!”
“Isn’t this a huge success??!”
They began to jump around in excitement. It was almost like a burst of light. They were that elated. Well, it was understandable. ‘Drug Dealer’ had pushed aside many films. Those that were already released and riding a wave of success, as well as other competitors and anticipated films expected to release on the same day. ‘Drug Dealer’ had confidently crushed them all and taken 1st place.
Though it was just for one day, 1st place is still 1st place.
What was peculiar was,
“Really? For real?”
Director Kim Do-hee herself still had a face that seemed to be wondering if it was all a dream. She knew too well the limitations of an R-rated movie. No matter how much top actors like Jin Jae-jun or issue-makers like Kang Woojin were involved, if the audience was limited to adults, the firepower is weak.
But ‘Drug Dealer’ scoffed at such notions.
At this moment,
“······This could really cause a sensation.”
Director Kim Do-hee faintly thought that ‘Drug Dealer’ might mark a new chapter for R-rated films. Something about it was unusually formidable.
Regardless,
“Articles.”
“What??!”
“Spread the articles! Prepare the Youtube promotional videos we had ready, and also the SNS campaign events!!”
Director Kim Do-hee urgently shouted. The staff from the production and distribution companies staff, suppressing their exploding joy,
“Understood! We’ll start with the articles!”
“We’ll handle the SNS side!”
“We’ll also start contacting the actors right away!!”
began to move swiftly. They had to spread the news of this unexpected success as quickly as possible.
However,
“Ah – Look at this! The reporters have already caught the scent and are moving!!”
The media was already spreading the news.
『[Movie Talk]’Drug Dealer’ draws 250,000 even on a weekday…1st place at the box office!』
『’Drug Dealer’ released with 250,000 viewers… ‘Breaks 6 records’』
They had been watching all along. In other words, they had been waiting. The topicality of ‘Drug Dealer’ itself was one thing, but more than anything, it was because Kang Woojin, who had just hit it big with ‘Male Friend’, was involved. Known as a monster in acting, any slight flaw would have been instantly criticized.
However,
『’Drug Dealer’ explodes onto the scene taking 1st place on opening day』
『[Issue Talk]’R-rated’ Drug Dealer overshadows the same day release competitor ‘Monster Priest’』
It was hard to find media that criticized ‘Han In-ho’ and ‘Lee Sang-man’ for being two opposite roles.
『’Drug Dealer’ truly explodes! Draws 250,000 viewers on the first day… Reviews say ‘I only remember Kang Woojin’』
Because he was in the cameo with the presence of a main character.
Back to Da Nang, Vietnam.
Director Ahn Ga-bok suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Hong Hye-yeon, even upon seeing him, wondered what on earth was going on. Especially when asked why he was there, he simply said he came for a vacation.
“······You came here for a vacation?”
“Um, yeah. Came for a vacation.”
He definitely looked the part. Dressed casually in shorts and slippers, he looked like he could have just been around the corner at a local supermarket. But without a doubt, this elderly man was the legendary Korean film director Ahn Ga-bok.
What were the chances of randomly meeting him here in Da Nang, Vietnam?
At that moment, Hong Hye-yeon sensed something odd. Sure, Director Ahn Ga-bok could come to Vietnam for a vacation. But why Da Nang, of all places, where the overseas filming of ‘Island of the Missing’ was taking place? And to be at the same hotel?
‘Could it be… Did he come to see someone from the cast of ‘Island of the Missing’? Or maybe Director Kwon?’
No, the likelihood of him coming to see Director Kwon Ki-taek was low. They were senior and junior but not close. Then, was it someone from the cast? That’s when Hong Hye-yeon’s eyes inadvertently shifted towards Kang Woojin, who was standing nonchalantly.
At that moment.
“People are giving us strange looks. Let’s sit down. It’s better to talk while sitting.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok slowly took a seat. Following him, Hong Hye-yeon somewhat awkwardly sat down, and Kang Woojin also took a seat next to Director Ahn. His expression was indifferent, as usual.
However.
‘This grandfather- no, why is this director here?!’
Inside, He was full of question marks. Director Ahn Ga-bok. A legend or living history of the Korean film industry. Woojin had heard his name from Choi Sung-gun just a few days ago. And now, unexpectedly, that historical figure was sitting in front of him.
Wearing slippers.
‘But sitting here like this, legend or not, he just seems like the grandpa next door, huh? Yeah, it feels familiar.’
Soon, Woojin’s slightly excited heart cooled down. The shock wasn’t as big as Hong Hye-yeon’s. At times like this, Woojin thought being a ordinary citizen at heart was helpful.
-Swish.
He greeted Director Ahn respectfully yet in a subdued tone.
“It’s nice to meet you, Director~nim. I’m Kang Woojin.”
Director Ahn, who was nonchalantly poking at a sausage with his fork, replied leisurely.
“I know, how could I not. I’m also pleased.”
“You can speak comfortably to me.”
“Is that so? Haha, but it’s our first meeting, so that wouldn’t be right. Oh- but the food here is quite good.”
He was relaxed. Was this the aura of a veteran? It was expected. After all, he had directed 99 works. Director Ahn Ga-bok, while munching on a sausage, asked Hong Hye-yeon across from him.
“I enjoyed ‘Hanryang’. You’ve improved a lot in your acting.”
“Th, thank you. I’m still lacking.”
“Knowing that, why stay the same? I’m talking about your similar technique in every situation.”
“······”
“If you’re still clinging to what I told you, what’s the use? Hmm? Are you content with staying at the top?”
Top actress Hong Hye-yeon was suddenly receiving a lecture. She had once appeared in a minor role in one of Director Ahn’s films. The critique on her acting had come up back then.
“You’re in a hurry. The lines are clean, but if the breathing that supports them is unstable, the advantage fades.”
“I’ll…try harder.”
“It’s a pity.”
The veteran Director Ahn, with a faint smile, put down his fork and turned to Kang Woojin.
“It was intriguing.”
What was? To anyone watching, the most peculiar thing right now is this grandfather’s appearance. Hiding his true thoughts, Woojin calmly responded.
“Are you referring to my acting?”
“No. The ‘Sports Day’ video.”
“‘Sports Day’?”
“Yes. I saw different glimmers in your eyes at every moment. They were different from your eyes now. Relatively lighter, perhaps? But the eyes during your acting belonged entirely to the character.”
“······”
Though he didn’t show it, Kang Woojin tensed up slightly. Lighter eyes? Could he have seen through to my true self? Does this grandfather have some kind of ability? Regardless, Director Ahn’s elderly voice continued.
“Method acting. To be more precise, knowing how to handle the method. When did you learn to freely switch personas?”
Advanced terms were pouring out. Woojin snapped to attention. The veteran sitting before him was a master. So, he decided to boost his facade.
“I don’t keep track of every such detail.”
“Memory. You mean you act from memory? That you catalogue each role you encounter. That would make your emotional switches quicker too.”
“······”
“It’s all the more intriguing because it’s a style of acting I’ve never seen before.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was gently smiling, changed the topic while picking up his coffee cup.
“What made you learn sign language?”
“I don’t particularly assign meaning to learning things.”
“Your attitude is of national treasure level. I saw you use Korean, Japanese sign language. Can you do others as well?”
“A bit of American too.”
There was a brief silence. Hong Hye-yeon was just observing their conversation, and Director Ahn Ga-bok was quietly looking into Kang Woojin’s eyes. More accurately, it was a gaze that seemed to dissect. This lasted for about 10 seconds.
-Clatter.
Director Ahn Ga-bok got up from his seat, picking up his hat and sunglasses.
“I’m done eating. Thanks for the company.”
He also greeted Hong Hye-yeon.
“It was nice to see you too. Ah, you two are here filming Director Kwon’s work, right?”
“Ah- Yes, Director.”
“Hmm. I might drop by while I’m out and about.”
That was when.
“Woojin-ah!”
Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, dashed into the restaurant.
“The box office results are out! ‘Drug Dealer’ took first place······ Eh?”
He froze as soon as he noticed Director Ahn Ga-bok standing there, his expression as if he had seen a ghost.
“Oh, Director Ahn Ga-bok~nim?!”
“Yes. CEO Choi. I see you are also here. What a coincidence.”
“···A coincidence?”
Choi Sung-gun was flustered, his thoughts a tangled mess. Why is Director Ahn Ga-bok here? And he’s meeting with Kang Woojin.
‘Could he have come to meet Woojin?’
No, that couldn’t be it. Choi Sung-gun had indeed talked with Director Ahn, but would that monumental figure really come all the way to Vietnam just for Kang Woojin? At this point, Choi Sung-gun suddenly came back to his senses.
First things first, a proper greeting.
“Ah! Hello!”
“Haha. No need to be so formal. Well, I should be going then.”
“What?”
As Director Ahn Ga-bok brushed past Choi Sung-gun, he spoke again with his aged voice.
“CEO Choi, let’s contact each other later.”
“Uh… Yes, Director~nim.”
Slipping away in his slippers, Director Ahn Ga-bok smoothly exited the restaurant. Choi Sung-gun, staring blankly at his retreating figure, quickly turned to Kang Woojin and Hong Hye-yeon and asked.
“What, what were you talking about with Director Ahn? No, why is he here??!”
Hong Hye-yeon, releasing a long sigh of relief, was quick to respond.
“He said he came for a vacation.”
“What? A vacation?”
Kang Woojin then added in a low voice.
“Yes, he said he came for a vacation.”
“That makes no sense.”
Choi Sung-gun muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on Kang Woojin’s indifferent face.
‘Coming for a vacation is just an excuse. Whether it’s the timing or the situation, he definitely came to see Woojin. To think that Director Ahn Ga-bok himself would come all the way to Vietnam.’
Of course, Hong Hye-yeon was also looking at Woojin across from her.
‘The questions he asked Woojin… They didn’t feel casual. Sign language? Why did he ask about that? Anyway, it’s more likely to be about Woojin. Has he already seen Woojin’s acting? Or is he planning to?’
She had a hunch.
‘…Could he be considering Woojin for his 100th work?’
At the same time, at the ‘Island of the Missing’ shooting site in Da Nang.
In the dense forest, hundreds of ‘Island of the Missing’ staff were bustling around the large tents set up for shooting preparation. It was naturally busy since the standby was scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Today’s first scene was to be shot with only Ryu Jung-min, Ha Yu-ra, and Kim Yi-won.
Hence, Kang Woojin and Jeon Woo-chang were not present on set.
Actors like Ryu Jung-min were busy with shooting preparations inside the makeup tent. Makeup, military uniforms fitting, and some script rehearsals among other things.
Meanwhile.
“Hmm-”
Director Kwon Ki-taek was standing outside the tent. His short-sleeved shirt was slightly damp with sweat. Director Kwon Ki-taek quietly observed the bustling staff and the ongoing set preparations. As the overall director, it wasn’t strange for him to oversee everything, but at the moment, he was preoccupied with some other thoughts.
Specifically, his unexpected meeting with Director Ahn Ga-bok a few days ago in Vietnam.
The meeting place was a cafe near the hotel.
Director Ahn’s first words to Director Kwon Ki-taek when he showed up after shooting were simple.
“Would it be alright if I took a look around your set?”
“Of course. But is the actor you want to see Woojin~ssi?”
“Well, let’s say I’m here to see all the actors.”
“Understood. Woojin~ssi has returned. The shooting will resume tomorrow afternoon.”
“No, when is the group shot scheduled? The day when all the actors are present for filming.”
“Hm- A shoot involving everyone will happen in a few days.”
“Then let’s plan for that. It’s best to give the actors a casual explanation.”
“Should we say you stopped by while touring Vietnam?”
As if that was the perfect answer, Director Ahn Ga-bok smiled.
“That’s right. I came for a visit, that sounds good. But can you tell me about the role Kang Woojin is playing?”
Director Kwon Ki-taek also smiled.
“If you’re going to see it anyway, wouldn’t it be more impactful to find out in person? It’s less fun if I tell you ahead of time.”
“Hehe. I see, you want me to look forward to it.”
“It’s a role worth the anticipation.”
At this point, Director Kwon Ki-taek, brought back to the reality of the ‘Island of the Missing’ set, muttered softly.
“A group shot- You’re interested in seeing how he blends in with all the actors?”
He slowly turned and entered the large tent where the actors were. Ryu Jung-min, Ha Yu-ra, and Kim Yi-won, who were busy preparing for the shoot, looked up at Director Kwon.
“Ah, Director~nim. We’re almost done.”
“I’m finished. Should I head out first?”
“I’m nearly done as well.”
However, Director Kwon Ki-taek’s response was different.
“No. Take your time. It seems we might have a guest on the day of the group shot.”
Ha Yu-ra, who was putting on a military top, was the quickest to ask.
“A guest? Who?”
Ryu Jung-min and Kim Yi-won, sharing the same sentiment, looked at Director Kwon, who answered smoothly.
“Director Ahn Ga-bok.”
All the actors were visibly startled.
“······Huh, what?!”
“Director Ahn Ga-bok?? Suddenly?!”
“He’s really coming here??!”
To which,
“Hm, he said he’d stop by while on a vacation in Vietnam.”
Director Kwon Ki-taek smiled warmly.
“He seems to want to take a look at our shooting.”
The top actors were left speechless.
Later, a few minutes later.
Alone in a luxurious room at the hotel, Director Ahn Ga-bok sat at a table, deep in thought.
“······”
Was it because of the encounter with Kang Woojin? Not precisely clear, but he sat quietly, chin propped on his hand. Then.
-Knock knock.
As Director Ahn Ga-bok rose to open the door, a familiar man in his late forties entered. He had discussed Kang Woojin with Director Ahn previously. In fact, he was the CEO of a film company. Smiling, he said to Director Ahn.
“Let’s have breakfast, Director~nim.”
However, Director Ahn, sitting back down, declined.
“No. I’ve already eaten. Go ahead with your staff.”
“Huh? You’ve had breakfast? When?”
“Just before. Went for a walk and had breakfast.”
“You went out alone? Isn’t that risky?”
“What’s risky about it? It’s not my first time in Vietnam. Reminded me of old times, it was nice.”
Then Director Ahn crossed his arms and changed the subject.
“By the way, I met Kang Woojin.”
“Oh? You saw him??! I thought you were going to see him during the shooting.”
“Saw him before breakfast and struck up a conversation. He was with Hong Hye-yeon.”
“Hong Hye-yeon too… That must have been sudden for them. They must’ve been quite surprised.”
Director Ahn, with a wrinkled smile, shook his head.
“Not really. They looked at me as if I were some Shady old man.”
“Who, who did?? It couldn’t have been Hong Hye-yeon! Did Kang Woojin do that?! How impudent!”
“No. Why the fuss? I’m just saying they didn’t make a big deal out of it. He’s got a strong spirit. An actor with a mysterious color. I’ve never seen such a color before. But you know…”
Trailing off, Director Ahn recalled meeting Kang Woojin and said calmly,
“He seems to be hiding his true essence.”