Translator: Dreamscribe
Upon confirming Kang Woojin’s appearance fee offer, Choi Sung-gun calmly tapped on his mind calculator.
‘150 million, it’s sufficiently high.’
Million-level appearance fees. Though it varies by actor, the fees for S-grade top actors usually range from 200 million to as much as 500 million. Even among top actors, there’s a hierarchy. Of course, top actors like Sim Han-ho receive even more. However, Kang Woojin wasn’t yet at the level of an S-grade top actor. He was catching up quickly, but that was the current situation.
Yet, the appearance fee of 150 million. For an actor just a year into their debut, such a figure was an unattainable dream.
‘Plus, there’s the running guarantee.’
The inclusion of a running guarantee meant treatment was 180 degrees different. It’s an option you’d only see in contracts for top actors. Moreover, for Woojin, this was the second time. ‘Island of the Missing’ had been a unique case, but it had been included nonetheless.
The bigshots who bestowed a running guarantee on a newcomer.
Kang Woojin was the first such case. Soon, Choi Sung-gun stroked his chin.
‘Director Ahn Ga-bok must see Woojin as being close to top-grade.’
Clearly, Director Ahn Ga-bok and the film company rated Kang Woojin very highly. It was quite justified. But Choi Sung-gun wasn’t just going to accept it meekly. It was absurd, but currently, Kang Woojin was closer to being in the stronger position.
In the jungle of the entertainment industry, the one with deeper greed is the subordinate.
“Yes, I’ve confirmed. However, there are a few things I’d like to clarify. Currently, Woojin is proficient not only in foreign languages but also in sign language. Have you considered that aspect? Moreover, you should also consider the acting aspects and the actor’s own ticket power······”
Negotiations had begun. Choi Sung-gun put more strength into his voice than ever before. However, he maintained politeness. He didn’t stray from common sense.
Eventually.
“I look forward to working with you, Director.”
“I’m the one who should be saying that. I look forward to it.”
Kang Woojin’s revised appearance fee was finalized.
– Kang Woojin / Appearance Fee: 200 million / Running Guarantee: Additional 100 won per audience member beyond the break-even point
It was 200 million. A figure that had reached the threshold of the top. Thus, the contract proceeded smoothly, and towards the end, Director Ahn Ga-bok, with a wrinkled smile, opened his mouth.
“Ah, also, we haven’t received confirmation from actor Sim Han-ho yet, and we’re still waiting.”
“Is that so? What are the chances of him joining?”
“Well. We’re pushing for it.”
“Um. I see. I’ll let Woojin know for now.”
The film company’s CEO sitting next to Director Ahn Ga-bok chimed in.
“What does Woojin-ssi say after hearing about Senior Sim Han-ho? Does he feel pressured or anything?”
Choi Sung-gun relayed exactly what he had heard from Kang Woojin.
“No. You don’t have to worry about that part. Woojin said it doesn’t matter to him at all.”
“······It, it doesn’t matter?”
“Yes. He’s a very solid guy.”
“Huh- It’s Senior Sim Han-ho we’re talking about, and he says it doesn’t matter at all?”
Following that, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s smile stretched long as he folded his arms.
“I told you, he’s number one in the country when it comes to boldness.”
Though it was a misunderstanding, Director Ahn Ga-bok, reminded of Woojin, nonchalantly changed the topic.
“So, CEO Choi, when would you like us to officially announce the casting of Woojin? Is there any particular situation?”
Recalling Kang Woojin’s packed schedule in a breath, Choi Sung-gun replied.
“You can do it right away; as of now, there’s no problem on our end. However, if possible, after 5 days would be preferable.”
“After 5 days?”
“Yes, between December 5th and 6th, Woojin will be heading to the US for shooting PD Yoon Byung-seon’s ‘Our Dining Table’. The shooting period is about a week.”
“Ah- you mean you’d like our movie news to fill the gap when he’s not in Korea?”
“It’s a request. It doesn’t have to be exactly like that.”
Choi Sung-gun calmly recited another reason.
“Also, if actor Sim Han-ho does join, it would be better if it’s announced together. It might not matter much to the public, but for those in the industry, it seems better that way.”
“Because it makes a prettier picture?”
“Yes. If actor Sim Han-ho is confirmed, Woojin will be seeing a lot of him, and we’d like to avoid any unintended discomfort.”
“Hmm- I’ve sent the scenario to Sim Han-ho for the second time, but ranking announcements might not be polite.”
In other words, it meant maintaining the dignity of a top actor in the Korean acting industry while also showing respect. Setting aside the impact, if we look at the essence, Kang Woojin is a newcomer, and Sim Han-ho is like history or a legend. For Choi Sung-gun, who was well-seasoned in the entertainment industry, it was a simple calculation.
Moreover,
‘Being announced between Director Ahn Ga-bok and the legendary Sim Han-ho, rather than alone, would be a hundred times better for Woojin.’
He had even considered the difference in explosive impact.
“Ah, of course, if actor Sim Han-ho cannot join due to circumstances, it’s a moot point.”
“I know. I was planning to announce it after hearing his answer.”
Then, the film company CEO, who was checking articles related to ‘Leech’ on his phone, laughed softly.
“The media and public opinion situation is interesting. Senior Sim Han-ho, who hasn’t answered yet, is being treated as confirmed, while Kang Woojin, who hasn’t even been mentioned by the media, is confirmed for the casting.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was leisurely leaning his chin on his hand, responded with ease.
“I didn’t anticipate this, but it seems people will be quite surprised.”
Afterward,
Following the announcement by the film company that Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th work was aiming for Cannes,
『[MovieIS] Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th work, aiming for Cannes, signifies an extraordinary current.』
Interest in ‘Leech’ within the domestic film industry soared beyond imagination. The media and insiders were buzzing, but most notably, it was the domestic top actors who stood out.
They began to stir.
The desire to be part of it, the curiosity about who would get the role, interest in the content of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s new work, and checking with their agencies for audition information.
“CEO! Please set up a meeting with Director Ahn Ga-bok or the film company.”
“Huh- You can’t be serious. Hey, hey, calm down. Getting involved in that scene has more disadvantages than advantages.”
“But as an actor, there’s no higher position than that.”
“Rashly trying and getting rejected will only increase idle gossip, and if you do join but slightly mess up your acting, it will immediately show. It’s Director Ahn Ga-bok’s set, after all. Can you imagine the disgrace? Your value could plummet!”
“Still, someone will fit in!”
“Let’s, let’s just watch the situation for now. Anyway, the first choice is definitely Senior Sim Han-ho, and the second will go to top actors, so let’s first see how the atmosphere develops, okay??”
Of course, there were places making some predictions. It was the shooting site for Director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of the Missing’. Due to Director Ahn Ga-bok’s past intrusion, dozens of staff members speculated that the actors to be added in the second line were at the ‘Island of the Missing’ site.
“That’s right. When Director Ahn Ga-bok came to Danang······ it wasn’t just for fun, but to see the actors.”
“It has to be Ryu Jung-min, right?”
“Right? He seems the most likely. But you can’t ignore Yu Ji-hyeong either. He’s had results in Hollywood recently.”
“Even if slightly weaker than the two, Kim Yi-won and Jeon Woo-chang are also top actors.”
“I saw Director Ahn Ga-bok talking with Hong Hye-yeon in Danang. Maybe she knew it was a cameo appearance?”
Then Kang Woojin’s name came up.
“Why are you excluding Woojin-ssi from the conversation?”
“Um- Kang Woojin-ssi is really hot right now but······ how should I put it, he lacks a bit of experience.”
“To be the main role in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work, his filmography is slightly lacking, perhaps?”
“But maybe they’re already discussing a supporting role.”
“Wow······ Even if Woojin-ssi only gets a small or supporting role in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work, his filmography would be killer, right??”
Meanwhile, actors like Ryu Jung-min and Ha Yu-ra from ‘Island of the Missing’ showed no particular reaction. But internally, they were all surely paying attention.
The only one with certainty here was, again, Director Kwon Ki-taek.
‘······Sim Han-ho- Why did his name come up before Woojin-ssi’s? Maybe, has something fallen through on Woojin-ssi’s end?’
He knew Director Ahn Ga-bok’s intentions, but the situation was confusing.
So went the hours.
In the early afternoon, Director Ahn Ga-bok, the main character of the current issue, was in the middle of an interview with a major film magazine. It was a meeting he had arranged himself to clear up the numerous rumors and to introduce his work. There were quite a few cameras around. The woman asking Director Ahn Ga-bok questions was a broadcaster with an announcer background.
“Director, there was recently an article featuring you and actor Sim Han-ho. Is the content of the article true? Is actor Sim Han-ho joining your 100th movie?”
Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his short white hair, smiled with the experience of a veteran.
“Haha, at the time of that article, I was merely having a meal with actor Sim Han-ho.”
“Ah, so it’s fake news then?”
“The possibility is still open.”
The woman nodded and changed the topic.
“Then, Director, you mentioned aiming for Cannes with this work! Is the screenplay ready?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Oh! Could you possibly reveal the title?”
“It’s called ‘Leech’. This is the first time I’m talking about it here.”
“Thank you! As you know, there’s a lot of interest from domestic actors, right? Is there any actor you’re particularly looking at?”
“Of course, the casting board is already set. I’m pondering over it.”
“I see.”
“Hmm, I can’t divulge details about the actor casting yet since it’s confidential and due to the actors’ circumstances. We plan to announce it once it’s finalized. But, the screenplay has already been sent to two actors.”
An hour after the interview ended.
Director Ahn Ga-bok was in a van. His destination was his home. Due to his extremely busy schedule today, a bit of fatigue was evident on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s face. Then, his phone rang.
-♬♪
Director Ahn Ga-bok slowly checked the phone screen. The caller ID showed it was the top actor, Sim Han-ho. Then, with a wrinkled smile, Director Ahn Ga-bok answered the call, murmuring softly.
“So, have you decided? I’m curious if my urging worked.”
From the other end of the phone, Sim Han-ho’s calm yet deep voice was heard.
“Yes. I’ll take the role you offered, senior.”
The second lead actor for ‘Leech’ was confirmed.
The same night.
On TV, the 9 o’clock news on a public broadcast channel was in full swing. And now, the incident involving Hwalin from yesterday was being reported.
[“Yesterday, singer and actor Hwalin was attacked by a stranger in a parking lot. The attacker had an awl in hand, but fortunately, Hwalin did not suffer any serious injuries. This is Hwang Dae-gi reporting.”]
Naturally, it was JML Entertainment, Hwalin’s agency, that had provided the information. Thus, only the necessary details were released. Photos of the arrested attacker, the awl he had held, the evidence found in the vehicle, pictures of Hwalin captured by cameras, etc.
It was enough to instill fear.
Notably, Kang Woojin’s story was omitted from the news content. Anyway, starting with this news, the incident involving Hwalin quickly spread to various mass media like other news outlets and radio. While JML Entertainment had its intentions, the shocking and grave nature of the incident made it spread in the blink of an eye.
Therefore, as soon as the news ended, major media outlets began to mention Hwalin’s name.
『[Breaking] Elani’s ‘Hwalin’, attacked by a stranger』
Despite being night, articles were pouring out incessantly.
『What happened? ‘Hwalin’ attacked by a stranger in a parking lot… The attacker had an awl in hand / Photos』
『[StarTalk] Hwalin attacked by a stalker… The agency says ‘Fortunately, there were no injuries’』
『Guard’s timely restraint a stroke of luck… Hwalin attacked by a stranger with an awl』
It quickly dominated the entertainment section.
『Another sasaeng fan? What happens to ‘Hwalin’s’ future schedule after the attack?』
『Regarding the stranger who attacked Hwalin, the police say ‘Currently investigating, but the evidence is clear’』
This meant that numerous people could confirm the incident.
『[Official] ‘Hwalin’ assault incident, JML Entertainment declares ‘strong response, no mercy’』
『JML Entertainment draws a line stating they will sternly deal with sasaeng fans, stalkers, etc., under any circumstances』
『’Sasaeng fan? No, a criminal’ Elani fan club furious』
Hwalin, the girl group ‘Elani’, their fans, or public opinion erupted in outrage.
– Seriously, an awl??? An AWL??????? This is absolutely crazy??????
– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ sasaeng fan my foot, just a murderer
– ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠHwalin unnie must have been scared….Ah seriously, such a bastard….wanna beat him up…
– Saw the news and got goosebumps….Hwalin, who saw someone charging at her with an awl in front….will probably remember it every night…
– Sasaeng fanㅠㅠㅠcriminalㅇㅇㅇㅇ
– WTF are these people doing???
– Absolutely no mercy should be given, they act out because they think we’ll just keep letting them off
– ㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷan awlㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷscarier than a knife
– But who subdued the attacker?? Saw in the news the guards had him, but
– Obviously, the guards must have caught him
– (Link) If you go to this YouTube, there’s a summary of the incident, seriously FUCK it’s chilling….hundreds of photos of Hwalin in the evidence cameraㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷ
– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ can’t believe I’m seeing such an article in my life ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– Hwalin unnieㅠㅠㅠreally disillusioned with the entertainment industry……
Not just in a limited space, but simultaneously on YouTube, communities, and various SNS. As the situation was escalating, Hwalin updated her current status on her SNS.
『Hwalin shares her current state on SNS to angry fans ‘I’m okay, love you all who were worried’』
The public’s outrage intensified further.
At the same time, in the basement parking lot of a building.
A familiar place. It was the basement parking lot where Hwalin’s stalker incident had occurred around yesterday. It was late at night now, so there were not many cars and it was quiet.
Then,
– Swoosh.
A man walks towards a black foreign car from Company B parked in the parking lot. The spot is right in front of the elevator glass doors. The man, holding a bag in one hand, seemed to be in his 40s with a smart impression. Soon, the man gets into the driver’s seat of the foreign car and sighs deeply.
“Ugh- so damn tired.”
As he grumbled, he checked his face in the rearview mirror and was about to start the car but hesitated.
“Ah.”
As if something came to mind, he took out his phone from the bag. The man accessed the native black box app of the foreign car.
“Today’s the day to delete it, right?”
It was his usual habit. Deleting the videos stored in the black box every week. He had read somewhere that it was a good practice. Then, as the man touched the phone screen, the black box videos that had been stored until then appeared on the screen.
The peculiar thing was,
“······Huh?”
The reason was simple: among the videos stored in the black box, one caught his eye. Situations filmed right in front of his car.
Was it a movie? Was there a filming in the parking lot? The video contained scenes reminiscent of an action movie.
“What, what is this?”
The protagonist was Kang Woojin.
*****
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