Translator: Dreamscribe
At the end of the year, as the closure of one year approaches, everywhere becomes busy.
Especially in the entertainment industry, it becomes noticeably chaotic. This includes broadcasting, the film industry, variety show industry, and even current affairs. There are quite a lot of events that only take place at the end of the year, and broadcasts pour out specials, projects, and the names of pilot programs.
Programs that are broadcast only during the holidays or at the end of the year fall into this category.
In fact, the entertainment industry had started preparing for the end of the year from October. It was in November that they began to move in earnest. Among these, the finale of the year is, of course, various awards ceremonies. Naturally, the schedules of actors and entertainers participating in the awards ceremonies become inevitably tight.
Regardless, the Blue Dragon Film Awards, the most famous film festival in Korea, also began its activities, and the name of Kang Woojin, who debuted this year, was mentioned by the chairman of the organizing committee.
“Clearly, this year, Kang Woojin will sweep everything.”
Could this also be a first? New actors are usually quiet in their debut year. While there are cases where they rise to fame and attend the film festival, it was safe to say there were no new actors whom the head of a film festival would specifically pick out and try to invite like this.
“Probably, not just us, everyone will try to invite Kang Woojin somehow, so let’s coat our words with honey in advance.”
This was proof of Kang Woojin’s tremendous impact this year, and the employees of the Blue Dragon’s organizing committee supported this proof.
“Absolutely. There’s a rumor that MBS is trying to invite Kang Woojin even though they don’t have any programs directly associated with him.” (TL: If you don’t know main broadcasting companies in South Korea have their different award ceremony like KBS, MBC and SBS)
“Oh, I heard that too. With Kang Woojin’s popularity being so high, are they trying to make it a showy invitation?”
“Kang Woojin is more than just rising. Honestly, isn’t it unprecedented to create such an impact in the debut year?”
“Look at ‘Drug Dealer’. I saw the box office earlier, and it passed 2.5 million viewers. It seems like anything Kang Woojin touches turns into a record.”
The employees excitedly mentioned Kang Woojin’s name, and the chairman at the head of the table nodded in agreement, as if acknowledging their words.
“Almost. No, definitely it was Kang Woojin’s year.”
“As the chairman said, even though we are still selecting the award nominees, it seems best to stamp Kang Woojin’s invitation as soon as possible.”
“Right, looking at the way things are going, it seems like everyone will be sending out feelers to Kang Woojin, but looking at his schedule, it’s full until next year.”
It was true. Currently, Kang Woojin’s schedule was fully booked until the first half of next year. In between, he also had to attend various awards ceremonies at the end of the year. Therefore, the Blue Dragon Film Awards organizing committee became anxious.
“Let’s organize the content as soon as possible and pass it on to Kang Woojin’s side, but we must not send it in a way that feels too cheap.”
The reason they were so eager to hook the actor who was the core issue or the top of the hot topics of the year was simple. The public’s attention and viewership ratings. This way, they could sell advertisements smoothly and keep the money flowing. Tradition and prestige were a bonus.
Interestingly,
『[Entertainment] As the end of the year approaches, from broadcasting to the film industry, it’s bustling with preparations for awards ceremonies』
Currently, in the entertainment industry, many are having similar conversations or situations like Blue Dragon. It was natural as it was precisely the time to start moving in earnest.
For example,
“Did everyone watch ‘Drug Dealer’? In my opinion, Kang Woojin is the top ticket power of this year.”
The Grand Bell Awards, held around the same time as the Blue Dragon, did so. Although it has a longer history than Blue Dragon, it felt a bit lacking in terms of recognition, so the Grand Bell side was more desperate.
“We must somehow get Kang Woojin, understand?”
Thus, among Korea’s three major film festivals, both Blue Dragon and Grand Bell showed extreme interest in Kang Woojin. Baeksang was similar but still quiet since Baeksang is held next year.
With the film industry being this bustling, could broadcasting be quiet?
Impossible. The broadcasting industry was no different, reminiscent of a bustling market.
KBC, with the airing of ‘Freezing Love’ right around the corner.
“Did you book Kang Woojin?!”
“Are you really going to call him??”
“Then? Haven’t you hinted at them yet??!”
“The reason for calling him is ‘Freezing Love’, but he only made a special appearance for 2 episodes······”
“Leave that for later, man!! Just call him! Even if it doesn’t work, keep trying!!”
SBC, having hit a jackpot with ‘Profiler Hanryang,’ as well.
『With a 25% viewership, ‘Profiler Hanryang’ on SBC, how many awards will it win at the SBC Acting Awards?』
『‘Hanryang’ setting a legend this year, netizens say “Park Dae-ri’s award at SBC Acting Awards is a sure thing”』
MBS also showed movements to invite, but its chances were slim compared to the other two broadcasters. Nevertheless, all three major terrestrial broadcasters were pouring tremendous effort into preparing for the end of the year, and what they all desperately sought was the ‘monster rookie actor’.
Kang Woojin.
In short, this year, if Kang Woojin attended all the award ceremonies he was invited to, it would be at least more than four places.
『[Feature] ‘Kang Woojin,’ making history with his debut, how many awards will he secure this end of the year… will he break the record for most awards?』
This, too, was a first for a newcomer.
Meanwhile.
As the entire entertainment industry strapped boosters on their feet in preparation for the end of the year, Kang Woojin, the core of the whirlwind, was watching ‘Drug Dealer’ in a cinema. Though it was his second viewing, Woojin felt that watching ‘Drug Dealer’ on a big screen indeed offered a different vibe.
‘Nice- indeed, movies need to be watched in cinemas.’
And from the moment he appeared in the middle part, he was accompanied by embarrassment. However, watching the reactions of the audience in the same cinema was entertaining.
Especially.
“Kyaa!”
“Ugh!!”
When many in the audience were startled by the first drug scene of ‘Lee Sang-man’ due to intense thunder and lightning.
‘Wow- shit, I almost screamed too!’
Kang Woojin felt a strange pleasure. It was a bizarre scene. While the audience munched on popcorn while watching ‘Drug Dealer,’ Woojin was eating popcorn while watching their real-time reactions to the movie. The current audience wouldn’t even imagine that ‘Lee Sang-man’ from the screen was in the same space as them.
“Crazy, Kang Woojin’s acting gives me goosebumps.”
“Exactly. Ah, I think I’ll remember that expression at night.”
Thus, Kang Woojin left the cinema before ‘Drug Dealer’ ended, and upon reaching home, he sent a selfie he took to his SNS and agency. Having finished his hard-to-come-by task, Kang Woojin murmured as he lay down in bed and closed his eyes.
“Done, now let’s get some sleep.”
And fell asleep right away.
A few hours later.
Late that same night, Choi Sung-gun was sitting in the office of bw Entertainment.
“······”
Sitting there with a serious face. Most employees had gone home, and even though the teams that participated in the overseas location shooting of ‘Island of the Missing’ were given two days off, Choi Sung-gun was not resting.
Then he.
-Swish.
Shifted his gaze to a calendar on one side of the desk, filled with tiny letters.
‘November, huh-’
Choi Sung-gun seemed to reflect on the current arrival of the year-end, and his gaze shifted to a massive pile of papers on the 6-person table in front of him. They were scripts and scenarios that had come in for Kang Woojin. Not only those, but in front of him, there were also numerous transparent files lined up.
All were regarding invitations or meeting requests for Kang Woojin.
There were some for Hong Hye-yeon as well, but compared to the recent ones for Kang Woojin, they were merely a fraction. Well, compared to other actors, Hong Hye-yeon’s momentum was incredibly high, but Kang Woojin’s power was just absurdly crazy.
Soon, Choi Sung-gun opened a nearby cabinet.
-Click.
He took out a thin file from the cabinet. It was a contract. Whose contract could it be?
“···Maybe it’s because Woojin is such a typhoon, but already time has flown like this.”
It was Kang Woojin’s. Choi Sung-gun, who tied his ponytail tightly once more, smiled a bit sadly and opened the contract. What he was checking was the contract’s end date.
“March 15th next year.”
Given that this month had just started, Kang Woojin’s contract period was, in fact, only four months away. Woojin’s contract was for one year. Already more than half had flown by. Choi Sung-gun felt it surreal due to the continuous burst of activities.
‘It’s suddenly ridiculous.’
He reflects on the days gone by. Even though he had experienced it firsthand, it felt like a dream now.
‘In just about 8 months······ what on earth has happened. It’s against the common sense.’
For an ordinary rookie actor, it would be difficult even in 5 years. No, even 10 years. But Kang Woojin was accomplishing these feats in less than a year. If he continues to move forward without any major issues, Kang Woojin will surely become.
“An actor who will leave a mark that nobody else can approach, whether domestically or internationally.”
It was clear he would write a history that neither the past nor the future could replicate. The craving becomes vast. Greed deepens. Blinded by desire. These were Choi Sung-gun’s desires. Whenever it may be, he wished to be the shadow behind Kang Woojin’s glory.
However,
“······If this gets out, it’ll turn the domestic scene upside down once again.”
Perhaps even in Japan. If the news of Woojin’s 1-year contract nearing its end spreads, it was clear that all existing entertainment companies and agencies would rush in frothing at the mouth.
So? Do I have the confidence to fend them off?
Honestly, Choi Sung-gun was over the moon with self-esteem at the beginning of the contract with Kang Woojin. He thought he needed to give Woojin a boost with his connections and capabilities.
But that was premature confidence.
“Who knew he would be such a monster.”
Even then, he was more than just quirky, but that was 1/100th of what Kang Woojin is now. It was even hard to guess what more could come.
Moreover, it was difficult to gauge Kang Woojin’s current feelings.
From the satisfaction with bw Entertainment to plans after the contract period. Kang Woojin, who is clear about public and private matters and sees through everything, would have already made a decision.
“Hmm-”
Well, of course, Kang Woojin’s worth has skyrocketed. Naturally, if various entertainment companies rush in after this contract ends, his value would multiply even more. Choi Sung-gun’s worries deepened.
Then,
“Let’s focus on the company’s expansion and Director Ahn Ga-bok’s matter for now.”
Choi Sung-gun made up his mind. For now, at this moment, he was more advantageous than anyone else. Choi Sung-gun then opened the documents he was organizing on his laptop. They were full of preparations for the company’s expansion.
Meeting investors, corresponding PPTs, schedules, and so on.
At the same time, he took out the investigation form for Director Ahn Ga-bok. Though he wasn’t sure about Kang Woojin’s feelings yet, he needed to be ready to talk smoothly if needed.
‘Besides, I’ll definitely contact Director Ahn Ga-bok again.’
Even at a glance, it was clear there was no rest, only a night of work ahead. Still, Choi Sung-gun firmed his expression. That monster.
“I’ll bet my life on it.”
Because he had to stake his life on catching this extraordinary rookie actor.
“Whether we can keep Woojin or not will be the biggest turning point for bw Entertainment, he might have already made his decision though.”
Wrong. Kang Woojin was just buried in bed.
“······Kuh-”
Without a care in the world, deep in sleep.
Two days later, November 6th. Morning.
Kang Woojin got out of a van that had just parked in the parking lot of a luxury officetel in Seoul.
-Thud!
A white short-sleeved shirt under a knit vest with jeans, hair naturally down, full makeup. Anyone could tell he was ready for a shoot. Naturally, he was fully prepped for the concept.
‘Woah- This place looks several times better than my house.’
As Woojin secretly admired inside, Choi Sung-gun and Woojin’s team began to gather. What was unique,
-Squeak!
Was that a large white van stopped. Getting off leisurely from the van was top actress Hong Hye-yeon with her long hair fluttering. She too was in full makeup, and her outfit was a sponsored luxury shirt.
The reason the two actors gathered at this luxury officetel?
It was a call from PD Yoon Byung-seon of ‘Our Dining Table’. Precisely, it was for the team’s pre-shooting that had been scheduled a long time ago. Woojin and Hong Hye-yeon, who were on the kitchen team, were a bit late due to the overseas location shooting of ‘Island of the Missing’, while the other teams had finished shooting long ago.
Anyway,
“Shall we go?”
Hong Hye-yeon, who tucked her hair behind her ears, and Kang Woojin got on the elevator. Due to the crowd, they were very close to each other. A pleasant scent hit Woojin’s nose. Kang Woojin, whose heart thumped slightly, desperately maintained an air of indifference.
-Ding!
Kang Woojin and Hong Hye-yeon pressed the bell of the officetel they were directed to. Well, naturally, small cameras were installed from the entrance.
Then,
“Oh! Welcome!”
The front door opened quickly, and PD Yoon Byung-seon, wearing glasses, along with the writers and other staff members, welcomed the two. The interior of the luxury officetel was roughly larger than Woojin’s house. However, it wasn’t shaped like a typical house. How should I put it, more business-like?
The reason was simple.
This officetel was the official office for the variety show ‘Our Dining Table’. It wasn’t a unique case. Recently, it was common in the broadcasting industry to use officetels as offices. Anyway, excluding Choi Sung-gun and his team, only the cast members Kang Woojin and Hong Hye-yeon moved to the living room of the officetel.
Settling into the plush sofa.
Soon, Kang Woojin silently scanned the interior.
‘Ah- like this? It’s kind of fascinating.’
Boards filled with countless papers and letters, conference tables, various variety show props, and papers strewn about. The scene was no different from a variety department at a broadcasting station, except for this space. Considering the numerous small cameras scattered from the ceiling to the table in front, it seemed the filming had already started.
Around this time, PD Yoon Byung-seon, mixed with the writers, smiled and gave Woojin a thumbs-up.
“‘Male Friend’ is still a hit, and I couldn’t resist but notice that ‘Drug Dealer’ has exploded too?”
The writers also praised him tirelessly.
“Right! I watched ‘Drug Dealer’! It was seriously fun, and when Lee Sang-man appeared, I couldn’t believe it was Woojin~ssi??”
“Me too, me too. Really, really congratulations! It’s definitely going to surpass 3 million viewers! It’s R rated, but it’s really, really a hit!”
“Congratulations! Following ‘Male Friend’, another home run!”
Woojin, reaching the peak of embarrassment, tried to pour cold water on it.
“Thank you, but I was in just a cameo.”
“Eh- I saw an article saying the director of ‘Drug Dealer’ openly declared you as almost a supporting role?”
Hong Hye-yeon chimed in.
“There are quite a few roles where cameos are disguised as supporting roles, in a way, it’s like a trick from the production team?”
At that moment, PD Yoon Byung-seon, rubbing his hands together, changed the topic.
“Now- before we get into the briefing or start anything formally. Woojin~ssi, have you thought about the recipe development we talked about last time?”
Ah, that? Kang Woojin suddenly looked towards the kitchen calmly and spoke in a low voice.
“Can I use the kitchen?”