Chapter 95: Threat (5)
Translator: Dreamscribe
At Kang Woojin’s unexpected declaration, Choi Sung-gun was momentarily stunned. The content was quite shocking. What about Seo Chae-eun? Normally, he could have ignored it as nonsense, but the person in question was none other than Kang Woojin.
A freak possessing a crazy intuition that rivals divine revelation. That intuition activates regardless of whether it’s related to his work or people.
‘What is this? It doesn’t seem like a joke?’
Choi Sung-gun, his eyes slightly widened, stared at Woojin and then asked,
“So… you feel something similar from Seo Chae-eun as you did with Director Woo Hyun-goo?”
Woojin elevated his act of pretense to the extreme, incorporating sincerity into his expression and atmosphere.
‘I didn’t know I could exploit a misunderstanding this way to my advantage.’
A misunderstanding, founded on the capability of the void space. However, there was no other way right now.
“Yes. It’s almost identical to that time.”
The epitome of shamelessness. A mask as hard as a diamond.
Choi Sung-gun had seen Kang Woojin’s current expression before. Of course, it was during the time with Director Woo Hyun-goo. An atmosphere, firm to the core, that gives a dizzying feeling of having no room for error.
‘He’s serious.’
On the other hand, Woojin, with an indifferent face, was endlessly chanting a spell inside.
‘Believe it, believe it.’
Whether it worked or not, a serious Choi Sung-gun asked while loosening his tie knot,
“How? In what way is Seo Chae-eun like that?”
Woojin, who obviously wouldn’t know that, also didn’t know what problem Seo Chae-eun had currently. So, all he could do was push forward, steady and calm.
“It’s hard to explain in words.”
“…Since when?”
“Since the first time I saw that senior.”
“But why are you telling me this now?”
“I had my doubts, as the situation is different from Director Woo Hyun-goo’s case.”
Indeed, it was. Unlike that time, Kang Woojin was currently the lead actor for ‘Island of the Missing’. Honestly, firing an actor based on a hunch never made sense from the get-go.
However, Choi Sung-gun,
‘Hmm- is it worth checking out?’
had firmly believed in Woojin’s bizarre intuition. The outcomes proved it. This was the case with Director Woo Hyun-goo and ‘Exorcism’. Of course, ‘Male Friend’ this time too. Well, strictly speaking, ‘Male Friend’ was a coincidence. Woojin also didn’t foresee the scenario would upgrade in rating or that Hwalin would join.
Regardless, it had ultimately enhanced the trust in Woojin’s intuition.
Then,
– Swish.
Choi Sung-gun, who had pulled out his phone, suddenly grinned.
“If it’s not someone else but you, Woojin, who says so, I can’t simply ignore it. It’s certain, right? Your intuition has activated towards Seo Chae-eun.”
Answering here would deepen Woojin’s misunderstandings even further. So, what? Saving ‘Island of the Missing’ is a hundred times better.
‘Anyways, I can’t reverse my image or misunderstandings now. Just have to leave it be. What can I do?’
Kang Woojin, brushing off his concerns, nodded solemnly.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Got it. For now, just focus on your schedule without worrying. I’ll look into Seo Chae-eun’s case on my own.”
Damn cool. Woojin inwardly applauded Choi Sung-gun’s coolness. Choi Sung-gun, unaware of this, muttered while looking at his phone,
“I’ll have to dig into the tabloids first. Is there anyone other than Seo Chae-eun?”
“No, only Senior Seo Chae-eun.”
“That’s somewhat fortunate, huh? If Seo Chae-eun is indeed in trouble…”
Choi Sung-gun swallowed his words. The outcome would not be good. But if Woojin’s intuition is correct this time too,
‘‘Island of the Missing’ and Director Kwon Ki-taek will have to bow down to Woojin ten, no a hundred times.’
He would become their benefactor. If it weren’t for Woojin, ‘Island of the Missing’ might have collapsed with Seo Chae-eun as a ticking time bomb. Choi Sung-gun muttered to himself while operating his phone,
“Now is a perfect time to shake things up since Seo Chae-eun hasn’t been revealed to the press yet. So, I need to hurry up-”
Watching such a CEO, Woojin felt reassured.
‘Is it settled for now? Now, all that’s left is to wait.’
Meanwhile, at the same time, at Harmony Film Company.
Harmony, the film company producing ‘Island of the Missing’. Though it was nighttime and all the company employees had left, for some reason, the light was still on in the largest meeting room.
Inside, there were two people. A man and a woman.
The man sitting in the middle of the large ‘ㄷ’-shaped desk looked familiar. A full head of bushy hair, a warm expression. It was none other than the master director, Kwon Ki-taek.
On the other hand.
“Director, it feels like it’s been such a long time.”
The woman with her legs crossed opposite Director Kwon Ki-taek seemed very at ease. She had long hair with waves at the ends and clear skin. More than anything, her eyes were very big making her smile even more charming.
She exuded an extraordinary aura.
It was to be expected.
“Yes. It’s been about two years since we last met, right? I was surprised you were in Korea all of a sudden. When did you come from Hollywood?”
She was Ha Yura, a top actress who had also made her way into Hollywood.
“I came two days ago. I wanted to see you first, Director.”
“You came so quietly? How are the auditions in Hollywood going?”
“I came in secretly, and the auditions are still ongoing.”
Her breakthrough in Hollywood was a few years ago, at one of the three major international film festivals, the Venice Film Festival. Director Kwon Ki-taek’s film had been invited and won an award. Ha Yura was the lead actress in that film.
It was then that she caught the eyes of Hollywood executives.
Her role wasn’t a major one. A minor role. However, it was groundbreaking for a Korean actress to secure such a part in a Hollywood movie. Therefore, when she entered Hollywood, it caused quite a stir in Korea. Unfortunately, the nature of the works she was involved in was somewhat lackluster.
That was already over a year ago.
Things have calmed down a bit now. But Ha Yura keeps knocking on Hollywood’s door.
Anyway.
-Swish.
As Ha Yura changed the direction of her crossed legs.
“But, Director.”
She asked Director Kwon Ki-taek outright.
“I heard you cast a complete newcomer as the lead in your next project?”
There was only one such ‘newcomer’ in ‘Island of the Missing.’ So, Director Kwon Ki-taek smiled kindly.
“You’re talking about our Woojin.”
“……Our?”
“Yes, our. Since he’s an actor in my film, he’s naturally ours.”
“You’re the same as ever. So much love for ‘your actors.’”
“Hehe, you were the same, weren’t you?”
Ha Yura shrugged.
“Well, I was surprised. I never thought you would choose an untested newcomer for the lead role. It’s a historic achievement in the film industry, isn’t it?”
“Achievement, well. If I want, it doesn’t matter whether they are newcomers or nobodies, that’s the direction I’ll go.”
His tone was gentle, but Director Kwon Ki-taek’s eyes were firm, and Ha Yura, who had exhaled softly, continued.
“But is that true? I’ve been following the news since your film’s articles came out. There were rumors that this newcomer named Kang Woojin is a relative, or that his agency spent a lot of money.”
“Do you also look for such things in Hollywood?”
“I saw it because it was news about you, Director! And it all started with Kang Woojin, it was huge. Then Ryu Jung-min followed. So? Are the rumors about relatives or money true?”
Director Kwon Ki-taek casually crossed his arms.
“What do you think?”
With a look that said, ‘You’re asking me? Of course not,’ Ha Yura made her conclusion.
“It must have been a casting so shocking that such baseless rumors were flying around. Is that newcomer really that good at acting?”
Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been tapping the desk with his index finger, pointed at Ha Yura with his finger.
“In a broad sense, you and he have a similar vibe, Yura. He’s also a method actor.”
For a moment, Ha Yura’s brow furrowed. Regardless, Director Kwon Ki-taek continued.
“However, Yura, you took the elite course as an actress. You started as a child actor and were trained in acting from a young age. Your mother was also a great actress. You’re the type who’s been rigorously educated. Right?”
“……”
“But Kang Woojin is different. He’s the exact opposite of you. He’s like, let’s say, a wild creature who grew up rough, fending for himself. While his acting style may seem similar, the essence is 180 degrees different.”
“Wild?”
“Yes. I mean, he grew up fending for himself. He knows he’s talented, but the funny thing is, he doesn’t seem to put his life on the line for it. He’s nonchalantly shattering the acting scene as if acting is just a hobby.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. I can’t really figure him out. That’s what makes him even more precious.”
Although she heard the explanation, Ha Yura gave a hollow laugh as if it hadn’t quite sunk in.
“Ha, education is essential for an actor. Experience is at the core of an actor, and we get educated because we lack that experience. He will eventually collapse due to his shortcomings, won’t he?”
It wasn’t a wrong statement. Clearly, in the domestic acting scene, there are countless newcomers falling apart due to a lack of experience or education. However, for some reason, Kang Woojin, who Director Kwon Ki-taek had in mind, did not fit that image at all.
“…It’s not that I particularly disregard education. In reality, over 90% of domestic actors are educated. I like your acting too, Yura. But Kang Woojin’s acting is something—”
Director Kwon, trailing off mid-sentence, stroked his chin and spat out a sigh.
“Yes, it’s like he exudes the essence of the life of the role he’s taken on. It’s method acting, but at the same time, it’s not. It doesn’t feel like the actor exists for the role, but rather, the role exists for the actor.”
High praise from a top-tier master director in the country. At this, Ha Yura bit her lip lightly.
“I’ve been keeping an eye on that rookie since there’s been so much noise about him. I also saw the short film ‘Exorcism.’ He really can act.”
Her voice was calm, but it was mixed with various emotions—jealousy, envy, spite, longing, and more. Fearing that these might be perceived, Ha Yura changed the subject.
“Who are the other cast members? The articles only mention Kang Woojin and Ryu Jung-min so far. You know I won’t discuss this with anyone outside.”
“Hmm, it will be announced shortly. Kang Woojin, Ryu Jung-min, Seo Chae-eun, Jeon Woo-chang, Kim Yi-won. These are the leads.”
“That’s a strong lineup. Except for Seo Chae-eun.”
Director Kwon Ki-taek, with his arms crossed, chuckled.
“Chae-eun also acts well.”
Ha Yura fumed.
“What good is it to only be good at acting! She has a terrible personality.”
“I only care if they’re good at acting.”
“Yeah, I know. You only look at the acting.”
“Of course, I consider everything when making a judgment. I didn’t think she’d cause any harm to my film. She was quite decent in her acting form.”
“I’m sure you did. That’s why you picked a complete newbie and Seo Chae-eun.”
Whining, Ha Yura nagged, and Director Kwon asked her calmly.
“What are you trying to say? Speak straightforwardly, don’t beat around the bush.”
Ha Yura, who had stood up abruptly, shouted her true feelings.
“Ah! That’s too much, really! You didn’t even send me the script! I was totally waiting for it!”
“You were in Hollywood, weren’t you?”
“I thought you would send it anyway, I couldn’t even ask for it, thinking it might look strange!”
“Are you throwing a tantrum? Yura, you’ve aged, but you haven’t changed since you were 20. Still a kid.”
Ha Yura, whose anger subsided in an instant, bowed to Director Kwon.
“……I’m sorry, I was impatient, and hearing about Seo Chae-eun just now made me feel like I’ve been sentenced to death.”
“Don’t overreact.”
“Yes. It was a little over the top.”
At that moment.
-Swish,
Director Kwon quietly slid a stack of papers in front of Ha Yura. Of course, it was the script for ‘Island of the Missing.’
“Have a read.”
“……I should have come back to Korea sooner. Then you would have chosen me instead of Seo Chae-eun.”
“How long do you plan to stay in Korea?”
“I’m waiting to get some auditions in Hollywood, but I plan to stay for more than six months for now. Now that it’s come to this, I plan to take a break.”
“Would you consider a cameo?”
Ha Yura, with suddenly sparkling eyes, eagerly jumped in.
“If you create the role, absolutely. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
It was Friday, the 26th. Late morning.
In front of ‘Mxdonald’s’ headquarters, a rather large building, it was crowded with people. Many were entering in line with the fences set up, heading into the ‘event hall’ prepared on the first floor of the building.
In front of the hall.
“Yes, you’re confirmed, you may enter.”
They were in the process of checking each of the gathered individuals one by one. Banners and standees were visible too, with these words printed on them:
-Kang Woojin’s Fan Signing Event/Sponsored by Mxdonald
Indeed, a fan signing event for the monstrous rookie, Kang Woojin, was soon to be held here. The fans crowding around numbered roughly 400 in total, counting both inside the hall and those waiting outside. Including invited reporters, there were quite a few members of the bw Entertainment’s PR team staff and Mxdonald employees inside the hall.
As expected of a promotional event, the Mxdonald logo was visible everywhere, and a large poster of Kang Woojin on the stage at the front of the hall was also drawing attention.
Around this time, Kang Woojin was…
“……”
Sitting silently alone in the waiting room at the back of the hall. He seemed to have returned from getting styled as his makeup and hair were perfectly done. Dressed in a shirt and slacks, he exuded a dandy vibe. At a glance, he looked cynical handsome with his cold, excellent face.
‘What am I even doing right now?’
He was utterly nervous. His thoughts were somewhat a mess. This was his first-ever fan signing event, and the fact that it involved around 400 people was overwhelming.
‘Is this even real?’
Just a few months ago, Kang Woojin, who had no more than a dozen or so friends and colleagues combined, was now here for 400 people. Really, 400 people came all this way just for his autograph?
Naturally, it felt surreal.
How should he interact with them? He had heard that hugging and taking photos were part of it. Handshakes were standard. Should he engage in small talk too? Ask why they came here? His heart pounded harder amidst these thoughts.
-Knock knock.
There was a knocking sound at the waiting room’s glass door. The one who opened the door was Han Ye-jung, with her short yellow hair.
“Oppa, it’s starting.”
It’s time.
“Yes.”
Kang Woojin followed Han Ye-jung, trying his best to ignore the vague trembling. Soon, the noise from the hall began to grow louder in Woojin’s ears. Then, Ye-jung mentioned:
“We’re starting with your fan club ‘Kang’s Heart’ members.”
However, Woojin didn’t really hear her. And so, Kang Woojin entered the event hall. Immediately, he was met with a cacophony of screams.
“Oppa! Oppa!!”
“Please look over here!”
“Oh my- He looks unbelievable in person!”
Flashes from cameras went off non-stop.
-Papapapapak!
But Kang Woojin was barely coping, trying to maintain his stage persona. Fortunately, a few staff members guided Woojin. He greeted everyone from the center of the stage, where his poster was hung, and greeted everyone.
“Hello, I’m Kang Woojin.”
The screams and the flashes intensified. After a few minutes, Woojin sat at the table on the stage, following the staff’s guidance. There were thick pens and stacks of paper with his face printed on them.
‘Ha- I sign these and give them to the fans? This is kind of embarrassing.’
At that moment, he heard the voice of an event staff member.
“Woojin, your first fan has arrived.”
The first fan for the fan signing had arrived.
“‘Kang’s Heart’ fan club president, and her username is ‘BloodSister’?”
It was then that Kang Woojin finally looked up from the table. ‘BloodSister’ was grinning.
“Hello, big brother.”
“……”
But Kang Woojin froze. He just stared at her face. Because of the odd situation, people behind Kang Woojin like Jang-su Hwan or Han Ye-jung, members of the bw Entertainment PR team, tilted their heads in confusion. Naturally, Choi Sung-gun did too. Then, ‘BloodSister’s’ smile deepened.
“I am ‘BloodSister,’ I represent your fan club.”
Kang Woojin, who had become even more cynical, immediately cursed. Of course, in his head.
‘This brat.’
The ‘BloodSister’ standing in front of him was his real blood younger sister Kang Hyun-ah.
‘Crazy! So ‘BloodSister’ was literally my blood sister?’
*****