Translator: Dreamscribe
A male auditionee with an image very contrasting to Kang Woojin. That alone caught PD Song Man-woo’s eye.
‘If Woojin-ssi is gray, then that guy is white. No, maybe beige.’
If we had to compare, Kang Woojin is dark and that auditionee is bright. If they stood together, the contrast would be stark. Their appearances were also different. Woojin has distinct features and black hair. PD Song Man-woo’s interest surged rapidly.
What was peculiar here was,
‘It’s strange.’
Clearly, despite being in contrast to Kang Woojin, that auditionee had a subtle resemblance to Woojin. Was it because they were around the same age? Naturally, PD Song Man-woo fixed his gaze on his profile, and at the same time, the man standing in front opened his mouth. His voice was soft, but his tone lacked confidence.
“H-Hello. I’m… Jo Moo-chan···.”
Jo Moo-chan. His voice lacked strength. To put it nicely, he seemed delicate, but harshly, he seemed weak.
Nevertheless, for now.
‘Just looking at his appearance- he’d be number one among the kids who auditioned today.’
With his delicate appearance alone, he was enough to make numerous entertainment companies chase after him. Anyway, after exchanging brief greetings with Jo Moo-chan, PD Song Man-woo skimmed through his profile.
“Hm-”
Age 25.
‘Huh? He doesn’t have an agency?’
It was unexpected. PD Song Man-woo naturally thought he would have an agency. Jo Moo-chan’s profile was a bit different from a typical aspiring actor’s profile. Usually, aspirants would even list their minor appearances. However, Jo Moo-chan’s profile had many blanks. He didn’t attend university and had no notable appearances.
Except for one thing.
“·····You’re a member of Teacher Jeon Mun-guk’s theater troupe?”
He was affiliated with a famous theater troupe even in the entertainment industry. Jo Moo-chan, who was asked a question, answered hesitantly.
“Yes?? Ah- yes. I, I am working hard.”
Jeon Mun-guk, a renowned national veteran actor. There’s no one in South Korea who doesn’t know him. He was much senior to the great actor Sim Han-ho and was the most influential among the existing veteran actors. The theater troupe he operated was quite famous. Many top actors came from that troupe, and directors’ eyes lit up just hearing its name.
PD Song Man-woo was no different.
“How long have you been in the troupe?”
“Um···since I was 20, after I came back from the army.”
“How did you join? I heard it’s extremely hard to get into that troupe.”
It was true. Why? Because you could only join if veteran actor Jeon Mun-guk picked you.
“My, my family was a bit struggling financially, so I didn’t go to college and started working. But I liked acting, so I joined an acting club. When we were doing a free performance, Teacher Jeon Mun-guk told me to join······”
PD Song Man-woo stroked his beard.
‘That was a stroke of luck. Anyway, he’s been with the troupe for about 5-6 years? In any case, I heard the troupe has around 20 members at most.’
PD Song Man-woo, with his arms crossed, looked at Jo Moo-chan, who was brimming with freshness. On the other hand, Jo Moo-chan averted PD Song Man-woo’s gaze quickly. He clearly had low self-esteem. The term ‘delicate’ fit him perfectly.
This was also completely different from Kang Woojin.
Nevertheless, Jo Moo-chan had caught the eye of veteran actor Jeon Mun-guk and had a solid backing. No, he had the theater troupe.
‘······In other words, he’s a direct disciple of Teacher Jeon Mun-guk-’
Moreover, the fact that Jeon Mun-guk, who valued his reputation highly, sent Jo Moo-chan to this audition meant.
‘He’s already been vetted.’
It meant he had confidence. There must have been a reason for releasing his treasured disciple into the world. PD Song Man-woo, nodding slowly, asked Jo Moo-chan, who was staring into the air to avoid his gaze again.
“You could have continued in the troupe and made your debut after getting scouted. Why did you choose our audition?”
Jo Moo-chan, who was hesitating, murmured softly.
“Kang Woojin-nim is······my idol-.”
“But you have more experience in the field than Kang Woojin-ssi?”
“Teacher Jeon Mun-guk said experience is me-meaningless and also···I just think Kang Woojin-nim is cool!”
The delicate Jo Moo-chan suddenly put strength into his voice. It meant it wasn’t a lie. He sincerely regarded Kang Woojin as his idol. To this, PD Song Man-woo asked again.
“If that’s the case, why haven’t you tried for other works? Woojin-ssi has been in more than a few projects.”
“Te-Teacher said I wasn’t ready yet.”
“And now you are?”
“I’m not sure···.”
“Okay.”
Uncrossing his arms, PD Song Man-woo pointed at Jo Moo-chan with his index finger.
“Let’s see your acting.”
“······Yes, sir!”
The one who had received the most questions in today’s audition spoke in a shaky voice.
“The performance I’ve prepared is ‘Yoo Ji-hyung’ from ‘Profiler Hanryang’.”
Jo Moo-chan had prepared to play ‘Yoo Ji-hyung’, a role that Ryu Jung-min, not Park Dae-ri, had taken on. The fact that this kid deliberately chose an antagonistic character to Park Dae-ri meant.
‘······Is this Teacher Jeon Mun-guk’s strategy?’
Most likely, the veteran actor Jeon Mun-guk was well aware that Jo Moo-chan had an image opposite to Kang Woojin. Therefore, PD Song Man-woo guessed that he brought an antagonistic role that Woojin had played.
At this moment.
– Sss.
The strength drained from the previously hesitant Jo Moo-chan’s body. He became limp. However, his delicate expression changed 180 degrees. The surrounding air shifted. He had dived into the role of ‘Yoo Ji-hyung’.
Though a slacker, a psychotic smile spread across his face.
The previous lack of self-esteem was nowhere to be found. Jo Moo-chan began to showcase his unique interpretation of ‘Yoo Ji-hyung’ without hesitation. His movements were fluid, and his eyes were lively.
At that moment, PD Song Man-woo smiled slightly.
‘Indeed.’
He fully understood why this Jo Moo-chan had caught the eye of the strict veteran actor Jeon Mun-guk.
‘This kid is a genius too.’
And he was a sword.
‘A well-honed sword by Teacher Jeon Mun-guk.’
The target to wield it against was clear.
At the same time.
While the audition for ‘Beneficial Evil’ was heading towards its end, Kang Woojin had returned to the ‘Leech’ set in Jeonju. Because ‘Leech’ had no time to rest.
“Hi- action.”
In the morning, he received grand congratulations from over a hundred staff members, including Director Ahn Ga-bok, and thunderous applause from actors like Sim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung. Almost everyone who had attended the Baeksang ceremony was there, but they didn’t hold back their congratulations for Kang Woojin.
Of course, it was the same for those around Woojin.
On the night of the Baeksang Awards, his family called him immediately, and not only his childhood friends but also acquaintances and fellow actors showered him with congratulations. Woojin’s fan club, ‘Kang’s Heart’, also posted congratulatory ads on fan cafes and various SNS.
The first simultaneous win of Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor at Baeksang. It was a deserved outcome and achievement.
However, for the ever-busy Kang Woojin, there wasn’t much time to enjoy it. He was busy passionately acting as ‘Park Ha-seong’ in ‘Leech’ immediately. The thrill didn’t last long. It was the fate of the ‘monster actor’ Kang Woojin.
But the world was different.
『Baeksang Arts Awards concluded, Kang Woojin’s simultaneous win attracts attention』
『[Film Festival] He did it again! Last year’s ‘8-time award sweeper’ Kang Woojin sets new records with Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor』
From the moment the Baeksang Awards ended last night, the world was shaken like a thunderstorm. Public opinion, media, various outlets, and offline too.
It even appeared on the news.
“Actor Kang Woojin, who created a craze for ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ cup ramen along with his Japanese debut, received both the Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor Awards simultaneously at the Baeksang Awards. It was the first time this has happened. This is reporter Kim Ye-sol.”
Events at Baeksang and Blue Dragon often appeared in the news, but Kang Woojin’s tumultuous impact was too valuable for the news outlets to pass up.
Well, the media was predictable.
『[Photo] Kang Woojin’s ‘double thumbs up’ and setting the first simultaneous win record at Baeksang / Photo』
『Kang Woojin, collecting unique records in his second year, not just causing a shortage of cup ramen but also winning the Best Supporting Actor』
Along with Kang Woojin’s remarks at the Baeksang, sensational news was spreading rapidly. Naturally, articles flooded various portal sites. Currently, the ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ cup ramen was continuously raising sales due to its overwhelming popularity.
As the public’s open runs continued, with appetizing news being added, no media outlet could just sit by.
『He rewrote history with an unprecedented dual win, but… Kang Woojin remains calm, responding “I didn’t know, and it’s not particularly important” to the question of whether he expected it』
This trend shone even brighter in public opinion. Blogs, cafes, SNS, communities, YouTube, and so on. There was nowhere without news of Kang Woojin’s simultaneous win. Particularly on YouTube and SNS, the enthusiasm was extreme. There were numerous official Baeksang videos, edited versions, and many clips focusing solely on Kang Woojin.
Most of the public was enthusiastic.
– Honestly, Kang Woojin is amazing, truly changing the history of the Korean entertainment industry on his own.
– My fav actor Kang Woojin-nim is the best!!! Congratulations on winning Best New Actor + Best Supporting Actor at the same time, clap clap clap!!
– Crazy I lost it when Kang Woojin gave double thumbs up for his acceptance speech
– Congratulations!! I love you!!!
– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ, honestly, when Kang Woojin was called for the Best Supporting Actor award, I got goosebumps, ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ.
– Always supporting Kang Woojin, who walks his path without any connections.
– Opinions seem divided on Kang Woojin’s dual win, but I think he deserved it! Honestly, who else has such an incredible presence like Kang Woojin right now?
– His double thumbs up was a legendary acceptance speech.
– When he declared he’d win Best Actor next year at the Blue Dragon Awards, I thought he was crazy, but after winning Best Supporting Actor in his second year, I think it’s definitely possible.
– Amazing! There might never be another actor like Kang Woojin in Korean entertainment history. And he’s only in his second year.
Most comments were like this. However, there were still plenty of negative views.
『Kang Woojin makes a historic mark with his dual win at Baeksang, but his finish leaves a sour taste… Netizens say “He’s overly arrogant”』
Among gatherings of actors who witnessed Woojin’s simultaneous win at Baeksang.
“I know he acts well- but isn’t it weird to give a Best Supporting Actor award to someone in their second year?”
“I agree. Even though times are changing, there were many outstanding seniors, but they gave the award to a rookie. And a dual win, at that.”
“Last year, when he swept the eight awards, I understood it because his tension was insane. But this time, it’s just not right.”
“Baeksang went crazy for ratings.”
Industry insiders from production companies, entertainment agencies, and broadcasting stations felt similarly.
“It’s 100% because of the hype.”
“Come on – but Kang Woojin’s performance as Park Dae-ri in ‘Hanryang’ was commendable.”
“Who’s denying that? But there’s tradition and industry rules. How do you give a Best Supporting Actor award to a rookie in their second year?”
“Old-fashioned, old-fashioned.”
“What did you say??”
“It’s evidence that the market is changing. Senior, if you stay stuck like that, you’ll rot.”
The public also felt the same. While most acknowledged Kang Woojin’s skills, a few took advantage of the controversy.
– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ, it’s a supporting actor award bought with bribes.
– Honestly, it’s ridiculous. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋHow do you give the Best Supporting Actor award to Kang Woojin when there are so many great mid-career actors in Korea?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– ↑Idiots,ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ no matter what you say here, Kang Woojin is soaring high.
– They’re sucking up to Kang Woojin so much, no matter how great he is how can he win Best Supporting Actor award already? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ, Baeksang should be investigated internallyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
Anywhere, anytime.
– Sigh idiots ㅋㅋㅋㅋ keep pounding on your keyboards day and night ㅋㅋㅋㅋ One day you’ll look back at your life and shed tears in regret.
There were always professional complainers. They had always been present on Kang Woojin’s path. It was just that they never really affected Woojin, who didn’t respond in the same manner but answered with his skills and achievements.
Even now, he ignored everything and focused solely on acting, didn’t he?
For a typical actor, it might have been hurtful, but for Kang Woojin, who was oridinary citizen at core, they couldn’t make any scratches. Whatever the case, the volcano that erupted domestically lasted until late at night, and the lights at the ‘Leech’ set in Jeonju remained on as well. Despite the pitch-dark night, filming continued.
“Cut, Jae-jun-ssi, let’s go again. That was too bland just now.”
“I’m sorry.”
Not all of the hundred or so staff members were deployed at once. They were divided into three teams and rotated. The same went for the actors. The shooting schedule was planned that way. But Director Ahn Ga-bok was full-time. Even by cutting sleep time, the schedule was tight.
The following morning, a day later.
“Woojin-nim, take a break before moving to the next scene.”
“Okay, understood.”
Kang Woojin, who had just received the OK sign and returned to the waiting tent, exhaled softly.
“Phew-”
Although he was the only actor currently in the tent, he didn’t drop his act.
‘It’s a bit tough, no, really tough.’
Because there was no room for complacency. Anyway, the actors for today’s first shoot were Kang Woojin and Oh Hee-ryung and after switching with her, it was Kang Woojin’s turn again. Then a two-shot. After that, Jin Jae-jun would join. The set was moving at a breathless pace. Especially since ‘Leech’ was tight on time, it was even more tightly scheduled.
Thanks to this, everyone from the staff to the actors, and their teams started to groan.
Except for one person, Kang Woojin.
Woojin was the only one full of energy on set. The reason was simple, wasn’t it?
‘I should rest in the void space for a bit before the serious filming starts.’
Because he had the cheat item, the void space. Before entering the void space, Kang Woojin cracked his neck slightly. Then suddenly, a thought occurred to him. Or perhaps it was something he had felt since the filming of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
‘Lately, it feels like acting has become easier, more comfortable?’
Unlike before, acting felt lighter. It was different from gaining more vividness or ease in acting through repeated reading (experience) and performances. It was a change in Kang Woojin himself.
The burden of acting had completely disappeared.
It felt like his form had improved, enhancing his skills.
Well, it could just be Kang Woojin’s delusion. Maybe it was just that his thoughts had become more flexible while maintaining various acting roles and personas. Woojin shrugged it off lightly.
-Poof!
He poked the black square that appeared next to the script placed nearby to recover his stamina.
Suddenly, Kang Woojin’s world turned entirely black.
It was the void space he visited ten times more frequently than his home. Feeling so comfortable, Kang Woojin yawned as soon as he entered the void space. He stretched languidly. Of course, he also dropped his act.
“Ahh!!! this is great, so good. The void space is the best.”
At that moment.
[“Detected an increase in core abilities beyond the basic specs.”]
As soon as Kang Woojin entered the void space, a sudden robotic female voice echoed.
[“Unlocking the freedom of roles.”]
It sounded like he could break out of the predetermined script and scenario.
“‘Freedom of roles??’ What’s this all of a sudden??”
It smelled like an upgrade.
*****
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