In his room in Da Nang, Vietnam, Kang Woojin checked the current status of ‘Drug Dealer’.
“Really gone crazy······”
He was purely astonished. Waking up had left his hair a mess, but still, his eyes were wide and vivid due to the thrill flowing through him.
“Crazy, 1 million? The audience reached 1 million??”
Surpassing 250,000 audience members was surprising as well, all of these figures were new to Kang Woojin and astonishing. However, knowing the grade of the void space, he didn’t have a severe reaction. But seeing the 1 million audience milestone with his own eyes felt different.
“Wow- shit. This is awesome.”
His first commercial film. The box office success of that movie. The scenes he used to see on articles or TV became reality, and he was one of the main characters in that reality. For Kang Woojin, who was still a normal citizen at heart, it was enough to give him goosebumps.
Maybe that’s why?
-Swish.
Slowly lowering his phone, Kang Woojin suddenly smirked.
“This feeling. Is this why I became an actor.”
The tingling sensation or the immense sense of achievement he was feeling now, Woojin was digesting a bit of the sentiments many top actors around him felt. As demanding and crazy as it was, at this moment, all the hardships seemed to disappear. Then, laughing like a madman, Woojin remembered the grade of ‘Drug Dealer’ in the void space.
-[4/Scenario (Title: Drug Dealer), Grade A]
Grade A. The grade assigned to ‘Drug Dealer’ by the void space was A, and since it was the first result for a commercial movie, making precise predictions was difficult.
“3 million… no, maybe even 5 million?”
Kang Woojin imagined up to 5 million audience members. Maybe even more. In other words, beyond 1 million, 3 million, or even 5 million people will watch Kang Woojin’s performance. Here, Woojin speculated on one thing.
‘Ah, is ‘Drug Dealer’ not graded higher than A because it’s R rated?’
If ‘Drug Dealer’ wasn’t rated R, it might have been even more remarkable. Well, it was already demonstrating tremendous power. At this moment, Woojin suddenly thought of something.
“Wait a second. If grade A is over 5 million-”
If the R-rated ‘Drug Dealer’ with grade A could reach over 5 million, what about grades even higher? Woojin thought about the movies he was involved in.
-[3/Scenario (Title: Island of the Missing), Grade S+]
-[7/Scenario (Title: The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger), Grade S+]
These were movies with the highest grade in the void space, S+ grade, and Woojin, with his eyes slightly widened, muttered unknowingly.
“How many audience members does an S+ grade attract?”
Then.
Suppressing his intense emotions, Kang Woojin left his room in time for the ‘Island of the Missing’ standby. He met Choi Sung-gun in the hotel lobby, where the team, including Choi Sung-gun, Han Ye-jung, and Jang Su-hwan, was waiting.
Of course, everyone had already checked the news about ‘Drug Dealer’.
“Wow, here comes our star.”
They poured out congratulations to Woojin, who had a poker face on.
“Hyung~nim! Congratulations on hitting your first 1 million!!”
“Congratulations, oppa.”
“Drug Dealer is going to be a huge hit!”
They were excited enough to dance. Naturally, Kang Woojin also wanted to join in their rhythm, but he refrained. Instead, he emitted a chill.
“It’s all thanks to everyone’s hard work.”
Soon, Kang Woojin and his team boarded the van waiting in front of the hotel. They were heading to the shooting location of ‘Island of the Missing’ by the van, and as soon as they set off, the stylists who were diligently applying sunscreen started talking.
“Oppa! It’s great, isn’t it?? I mean, 1 million in just 3 days of release!”
“Right! If it were me, I’d be glued to my phone, constantly searching!”
Han Ye-jung, flipping through a coordinating-book, interjected coldly.
“I’ll guess what oppa would say. ‘I am happy.’”
Kang Woojin agreed in a low voice.
“Correct.”
When it was noisy, Choi Sung-gun, who had been looking at his phone from the passenger seat, turned his head. The smile on his face was thick.
“Woojin. No, Star Kang, we’ll have to shoot a few more commercials once we’re back from our overseas location shoot.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, it is. From inquiries to casting, it’s exploding. When we return, we’ll have a mountain of things to do, including year-end preparations and Youtube stuff. But, we’ll take a day or two off.”
Woojin vigorously nodded inside, but outwardly, he put on a tough front.
“I can go straight to the schedule without any problems.”
“You’re a monster, so that would be the case for you. But for me and the guys are halfway broken now? So let’s get some rest..”
“Yes, CEO~nim.”
“And I got a call from Director Kim Do-hee this morning? If ‘Drug Dealer’ keeps up this momentum, it seems like we’ll easily pass the BEP (break-even point). From what I see, ‘Drug Dealer’ could turn into a money pot. Anyway, Director Kim Do-hee said she’ll take good care of you around the settlement. It’s like a bonus concept, but I think it’s safe to assume that double the original appearance fee might be possible?”
“Ah.”
“But even if Director Kim Do-hee hadn’t mentioned it, I was planning to negotiate.”
Kang Woojin had negotiated his fee at the time of signing the contract for ‘Drug Dealer’, which was a bit different from the usual cameo contracts. Initially, ‘Drug Dealer’ was in a pinch when Woojin had come to its rescue, and his rising momentum at the time was included. Thus, it had the nuance of a supporting role.
In other words, Director Kim Do-hee was talking about giving a bonus of more than 100% of the original fee.
It was at least in the hundreds of millions. (TL: won not usd)
Kang Woojin’s mind quickly became a flower field, and he desperately tried to suppress the smile creeping up on his lips. Choi Sung-gun, unaware of this, suddenly changed the topic. His face turned serious for some reason.
“That aside, Woojin. You know Director Ahn Ga-bok, right? Him suddenly appearing in Vietnam seems like he came to see you, no matter how I look at it.”
Was that so? Kang Woojin had somewhat expected it too. Everything fit perfectly.
‘He contacted the CEO wanting to see me, then came to Vietnam.’
However, Woojin’s feelings were faint. Even if it was Director Ahn Ga-bok, revered by top actors and the film industry, to Kang Woojin, he was just like the grandpa next door, and Woojin found him uncomfortable.
‘Old man. No, that grandpa’s eyes were a bit weird.’
The questions he had asked at the restaurant before were also quite meaningful. A decidedly dangerous character. Soon, Kang Woojin nonchalantly nodded.
“It seems likely.”
“Hmm. You’ve already talked with Director Ahn Ga-bok, so you probably know, but, as the word has already spread among the actors like a rumor, Director Ahn Ga-bok will probably show up at today’s shoot.”
“Yes, CEO~nim.”
“Regarding that, I’ve been digging around for the latest news on Director Ahn Ga-bok here and there.”
Choi Sung-gun spoke in a lowered voice.
“It’s not certain, but it seems like Director Ahn Ga-bok is aiming for the ‘Cannes Film Festival’ with his 100th movie.”
‘The Cannes Film Festival.’ The most prestigious among the top three international film festivals worldwide. It was a festival attended by monsters of the film industry from Hollywood and all over the world.
“You know, right? Director Ahn Ga-bok won the Best Director Award at the ‘Cannes Film Festival’ in the early 2000s, and since then, several of his works have been nominated. The actors in those films occasionally won awards too. Well, Director Ahn Ga-bok is a legend.”
No? Not at all. It was the first time Kang Woojin had heard this information, but he nonchalantly nodded.
“Please continue.”
“There’s no information on the script or content of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th work, but what he’s aiming for at the Cannes Film Festival is probably the Palme d’Or, the grand prize.”
“···Sign language.”
“What?”
“Director Ahn Ga-bok asked me about sign language.”
“Sign language?”
“Yes. It was a bit out of the blue, so I remember.”
“Sign language- Sign language······Hmm.”
Choi Sung-gun stroked his chin and then spoke.
“There’s no way Director Ahn Ga-bok would have asked a meaningless question.”
Then Choi Sung-gun had a flash of insight.
“Recently, both in Korea and Japan, the media have reported about your sign language, Woojin. Was Director Ahn Ga-bok captivated by seeing your sign language, besides your acting? Then, there’s a high possibility that sign language will be a significant part of the project he’s preparing for.”
“······”
“Having an actor who uses sign language is unique, indeed. Almost non-existent in Korea. Moreover, Director Ahn Ga-bok is the type who stakes his life on every element inserted in his work. If all my guesses are correct, it’s understandable why he would be interested in you.”
Hmm, I’m not so keen on that. Conversely, Kang Woojin was not particularly drawn to Director Ahn Ga-bok’s project. Somehow, his instincts were telling him. Director Ahn Ga-bok is dangerous.
‘I don’t care about Cannes or anything; let’s keep a distance from that grandpa for now. Something about being seen through doesn’t feel right.’
Other actors might curse him as a fool for thinking this, but for Kang Woojin, the concept was several times more important than the Cannes Film Festival.
Running away? Yes, that sounds right.
Kang Woojin was beginning to feel a slight aversion to Director Ahn Ga-bok, and Choi Sung-gun, who had been observing Woojin’s mood cleared his throat.
“Hmm! Uh- Woojin, just asking out of curiosity. Do you have any ambitions for the Cannes Film Festival?”
Woojin, looking calmly at Choi Sung-gun, answered lowly. It was a peculiar response.
“I don’t know.”
“There something that you don’t know?”
“Yes.”
“······”
Choi Sung-gun murmured to himself silently.
‘Ah- shit. If by one in a thousand, one in ten thousand chance Woojin rejects Director Ahn Ga-bok······it would really be a huge mess.’
There was desperation mixed in his thoughts.
Meanwhile, at the same time.
A group similar to Kang Woojin’s team, riding in a van to the ‘Island of the Missing’ shooting site, was seen. Inside the car, a familiar old man. Director Ahn Ga-bok was still wearing shorts, but today, instead of slippers, he had on sneakers.
“······Hmm.”
He was looking out the hot window with his arms crossed, and seemed a bit frustrated as he took off the safari hat he was wearing. His short hair, full of white, was revealed. Around Director Ahn Ga-bok were the flushed-faced film company CEO and five staff members.
The atmosphere was calm.
While everyone was busy looking at their phones or transparent files, the film company CEO broke the silence in the car.
“Director~nim.”
Responding to the CEO’s call, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been looking out the window, replied calmly.
“Yeah.”
“After watching Kang Woojin’s acting form today, will you talk about our project right away?”
“Well.”
“At the very least, it seems necessary to test him on sign language. The atmosphere and balance, it might be different from what you think when you see it directly.”
The CEO wasn’t wrong, but Director Ahn Ga-bok had different thoughts.
“Look here, you.”
Calling the film company CEO, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s calm tone was filled with the charisma of a veteran.
“I understand your intentions, but you’ve been too hasty since before. How many times have I told you to fix that impatient nature?”
“Ah······sorry. I got a bit ahead of myself thinking about meeting Kang Woojin.”
“Director Kwon has already been considerate enough. But going to the shooting site to have him do sign language necessary for my work? Is that an audition site?”
“···I misspoke.”
“A simple question might be fine, but delving deeper would be a nuisance.”
“Yes, Director~nim.”
The film company CEO bowed deeply, and Director Ahn Ga-bok thought to himself.
‘Today, it’ll be enough to judge Kang Woojin’s capacity among the top actors and to give him a subtle hint.’
The CEO, who had cleared his throat lightly, changed the subject.
“Kang Woojin’s side must have somewhat caught on. After giving a heads-up and then encountering him in Vietnam. And there’s CEO Choi Sung-gun.”
“There are not many like him in this field.”
“Our movie information is strictly confidential, but they might have guessed that we’re aiming for the Cannes Film Festival. CEO Choi is quite well-connected, after all.”
“That’s fine. It’s okay if the rumor spreads a bit.”
At that moment, perhaps to lighten the mood, the film company CEO laughed out loud.
“Still, if he hears that Director Ahn is interested in having him as an actor in his film, wouldn’t that rookie Kang Woojin be utterly astonished? He would jump at the chance right away, hahaha.”
He signaled to the employees around him to follow suit. Meaning for them to join in. Promptly, the film company employees chimed in.
“Of course! I mean, even the top stars of ‘Island of the Missing’ like Ryu Jung-min, Ha Yu-ra, and Hong Hye-yeon are practically groveling for a script, let alone a rookie.”
“Haha, speaking of which, Kang Woojin’s luck has exploded, not just struck, this year. Not even a year since his debut, and he’s already caught the attention of Director Kwon Ki-taek, Director Kyotaro, and above all, Director Ahn Ga-bok.”
“No matter how high Kang Woojin is flying right now, being considered for Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th project is not something to ponder over!”
Pleased with the assist, the film company CEO delivered the closing remark.
“Especially since it’s for the Cannes Film Festival, I’m worried Kang Woojin might even prostrate himself in gratitude. Hahaha.”
A few minutes later, at the ‘Island of the Missing’ shooting site.
In a dense forest in Da Nang, Vietnam. With frequent bird calls and bugs flying around, towering trees, unnamed grasses, and the ground being squishy underfoot.
Kang Woojin had just arrived at such a shooting site.
The current time was 10 AM. Woojin was the first among the actors to arrive at the location. Naturally, hundreds of staff were frantically running around preparing for the 11 AM standby. In the meantime, the affable Director Kwon Ki-taek was also spotted.
“That rail is crooked!! Pay attention!”
“I’m sorry!”
“Director~nim! Director~nim!! Please check the ground here!!”
“Alright, I’m coming.”
“Ah, it’s terribly hot! I’m testing the drone!”
“Okay!”
“One hour left for standby! We’ll hurry!!”
With the situation akin to a battlefield, Woojin decided to greet everyone later. He had already notified several staff at the entrance about his arrival, and it was a common occurrence. Soon, Kang Woojin and his team dispersed. Choi Sung-gun went among the staff, the stylists like Han Ye-jung moved towards the art team, and only Jang Su-hwan remained by Woojin’s side. Even he eventually.
“Hyung! The costume is ready, so I’ll call the makeup team!”
“Thanks.”
He with his burly figure he ran off somewhere.
‘Ah- it’s damn hot.’
Then, groaning internally, Woojin wiped his sweat and moved on. Inside one of the large tents where the actors were waiting.
‘It’s somewhat bearable here.’
Fortunately, the tent was somewhat cool thanks to the operational air coolers. Shortly after, Woojin, now dressed in military uniform, sat down in a chair inside the tent.
-Tak.
Although it was just a regular military uniform now, it was expected to be turned into a rag covered in fake blood and mud after makeup. Regardless, Kang Woojin placed the thick ‘Island of the Missing’ script on the table.
‘Rest before starting is essential, right.’
It was then.
-Swish.
The tent curtain suddenly opened, and a familiar old man’s face peeked in.
“Uh? Are you alone here?”
It was Director Ahn Ga-bok, wearing a safari hat and shorts. Woojin was momentarily startled by his sudden appearance and internally exclaimed.
‘What, what! This grandpa, coming in unexpectedly like last time at the restaurant, doesn’t he have any warning lights?!’
Outwardly, however, he maintained a cool demeanor and respectfully stood up to greet him.
“Hello, Director~nim.”
“Yes, it’s good to see you again.”
As he flashed a wrinkled smile, a few more men entered the room behind Director Ahn Ga-bok. Roughly four of them. The film company CEO and employees. Of course, they all exchanged proper greetings with Kang Woojin. In the midst of it, Woojin thought.
‘Ah- shit. I don’t know, it feels dangerous. Let’s get out of here.’
Intending to avoid the Director Ahn Ga-bok, he solemnly made up an excuse.
“Please take a rest, I will speak to Director Kwon Ki-taek. I need to start getting makeup soon.”
However.
“You.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok’s calm tone halted Woojin’s steps. A veteran’s smile was on his lips.
“Are you by any chance interested in the ‘Cannes Film Festival’?”
The timing of the question undoubtedly smelled of opportunity. Yet, for some reason, Woojin’s expression became even more indifferent, and his reply was dry and swift.
“No, I’m not particularly interested.”
At that moment, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s brows twitched.
*****