Morning, time is around 10 o’clock. A familiar van running on the road catches the eye. It’s Kang Woojin’s car. However, inside, Woojin’s usual team, including Choi Sunggeon, are visible, but Woojin is not in the car.
It was natural.
Because I was on my way to pick up Kang Woo-jin. Since Woo-jin got off work so late yesterday, I was a bit late for work. Therefore, the destination of the taxi was Kang Woo-jin’s officetel. As a side note, Woo-jin’s schedule was full today as well. In the morning, a meeting with the ‘Our Table’ team, including PD Yoon Byung-sun, began.
Because there are only 4 days left until departure from the US.
After a few interviews, we head to Buyeo for a late lunch to film ‘The Missing Island’.
At this time.
“her-”
Choi Sung-geon, who was sitting in the passenger seat with his hair tied up and a tired expression on his face, let out a faint exclamation while looking at his cell phone. Then, Han Ye-jeong, the main stylist among the many stylists in the back seat, responded. She asked while sticking to the passenger seat.
“What’s wrong, sir?”
“No, I just came across a random article.”
“Really? Show me.”
In response to Han Ye-jeong’s question about her short blue hair, Choi Sung-geon picked up his phone. The article he saw was right there.
『[Exclusive] Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had not been seen, suddenly caught having a meal with great actor Han Ha-ho… Will Han Ha-ho be chosen as the lead in the 100th movie that will create a legend? / Photo』
Domestic superstars were photographed side by side. Director Ahn Ga-bok and great actor Han Sim-ho. The two were close friends to begin with, so there was no problem, but the title written by the reporter caught the eye. Soon, other stylists were attached to Han Ye-jeong’s back to check the article.
“Wow- daebak. What, Mr. Sim Ha-rin??!”
“What is this? Is senior Sim Haeng-ho really ‘leeching’??”
“Hey. It looks like they just filmed them eating and wrote the title however the reporter wanted.”
“But the timing is perfect. Director Ahn Ga-bok started his 100th work! If the actor chosen after Woo-jin oppa is Shim Ha-jin······”
They are excited. It is because the influence of Han Ha-jin on the acting world is so great. From director Ahn Ga-bok to Han Ha-jin. Kang Woo-jin, who was caught between them, seemed small. However, Woo-jin’s casting in ‘Leech’ was still a secret, and Choi Sung-geon swept his chin while leaving the stylists who were making a fuss behind.
‘Actor Shim Han-ho? Hmm- I didn’t expect that. No, should I have expected it? The two of them are close······This article seems like a rumor right now. If it’s true-‘
‘Leech’ was a work that had a lot of meaning attached to it. It was director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th work that made history in the Korean film industry, the Cannes Film Festival, and Kang Woo-jin’s debut at an international film festival.
What if great actor Shim Ha-jin joins in here?
‘The board is getting incredibly large.’
Here, Sung-geon Choi first assumes all situations. What he has to think about is the chemistry between Woo-jin Kang and Shim-ho Shim. Shim-ho Shim is a veteran actor with 30 years of experience, and Woo-jin Kang is a rookie with only 1 year of experience. How will the public view this picture? How will everyone in the entertainment industry view this? How will their acting synergy be?
And what are Kang Woojin’s thoughts?
Woojin was always the type of person who wasn’t swayed by others, but Sim Ha-ho was on a completely different level from the average top actor.
‘Woojin might feel a little burdened.’
If that’s the case, could Director Ahn Ga-bok give up on Shim Ha-ho? While Choi Sung-geon was going through all sorts of anguish, a taxi running on the road arrived at Kang Woo-jin’s officetel.
-Squeak.
I stopped at the underground parking lot where it always stops.
-Knock knock.
As soon as the door opened, Kang Woo-jin appeared wearing a hat. Today, too, his cynicism was at its peak.
“hello.”
Woojin, who was greeting Jang Suhwan and other stylists besides Han Yejeong, got into the car, and as the van started moving, Choi Sunggeon with his long hair told Kang Woojin the news.
“Woojin, I sent you an article via KakaoTalk. Please take a look at it first.”
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“Yes, sir.”
Woojin answers silently and checks his phone. He reads the article for a moment. There is no change in his stern expression.
However.
‘Wow, is this real?’
Inside, he was shocked. Shim Ha-n-ho? Shim Ha-n-ho?? He was a great actor that no Korean would not know. In the past, Woo-jin had often said, “His acting is amazing-” while watching Shim Ha-n-ho’s movies.
‘Sim Han-ho is a god? But he’s making the same movie as me??!’
Once again, the sense of reality is dulled. The burden is building up. At this point, the question comes out of Choi Sung-geon’s mouth.
“I’m not sure. If it’s true, what do you think?”
Kang Woo-jin’s answer, which came with his head raised, was cold and simple.
“It doesn’t matter.”
Because I was feeling burdened inside.
‘I don’t know, sir. Just think of him as the same old man.’
It was extreme mind control.
Meanwhile, in the ‘Our Table’ office.
The ‘Our Table’ team gathered at the officetel office was very busy.
“PD! Are you taking care of the props??!”
“I should pack it. Ah, but if it’s something you can buy in the US, don’t bring it. It’ll just delay the immigration process.”
“Yes, yes! That’s right, I saw a lot of Korean markets when I went to inspect the US.”
Dozens of people, including writers and production staff, are busy packing up. Producer Yoon Byung-sun, who is wearing glasses, is no exception. Half of his division has already gone over to the US. This is because the organizing in Korea is done by Producer Yoon Byung-sun’s team, and the advance preparations in the US are done by the main writing team.
“Has the US accommodation issue been resolved??”
“Yes! I called and they said it was sorted out!”
“Check again and start contacting the cast members! Send them a list of things to pack as well.”
“All right!!”
“If the departure route gets messed up starting in the morning on the 5th, there’ll be chaos?? And where is Woojin?”
“They’re almost there!”
The reason PD Yoon Byung-sun is meeting with Kang Woo-jin today is because he is the core of ‘Our Table’. Namely, cooking. If ‘Our Table’ lacks cooking, it is no different from an empty can.
“Let’s hurry! Let’s meet up with Woojin over lunch!”
Same time, Incheon.
‘Paradise S City’ is a large resort hotel located in Incheon. It is a large hotel, but also has a large swimming pool, casino, club, etc. ‘Paradise S City’ is so large that it could be considered a resort rather than a hotel.
Construction was in full swing at the ‘Plaza’, a large hall in charge of events in ‘Paradise S City’.
“Stage!! Please look at the stage here!”
“wait a minute!”
“Let me turn the lights back on! Section A! Yeah- Okay! Section B!”
“When will the screen next to here be installed?!”
“I will check!!”
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There were dozens of people who appeared to be part of the facilities team, and dozens more who were leading the construction team. There were a lot of people, but the space was so large that it didn’t seem like there were that many. Then, a man with a name tag around his neck and a walkie-talkie in his hand shouted from the front of the stage. There were several large screens hanging right above him.
“Start with the logo! Print out the prepared logo!!”
Soon, the dark screen above lights up and a video plays. Black and gold swirl around, and soon a trophy appears with the title engraved underneath.
-[41st Blue Dragon Film Awards 2020]
Yes, this ‘Paradise S City’ was the place where this year’s Blue Dragon Film Festival was to be held. The Blue Dragon Film Festival was already a few weeks away.
“Okay!! Next promo video! Let’s hurry up!!”
The end of 2020 is less than a month away.
Late in the afternoon.
As the news of ‘Leech’ continued to grow, the conference room of DM Production, where PD Song Man-woo is the general manager and representative, was crowded. It was the first time this conference room was full, as it was a relatively new production company.
People filling the M-shaped desk.
There are people who look familiar or unfamiliar. Among them, the person sitting at the top seat near the entrance was a very familiar face. It was the drama industry’s big shot, PD Song Man-woo. Dozens of people were sitting on either side of him. Soon, PD Song Man-woo with a beard took off his lightweight padding and declared to everyone.
“Okay, let’s begin.”
What if PD Song Man-woo is the main character? It was a production meeting for writer Choi Na-na’s new work, ‘Beneficial Evil’. Of course, it was the first time it was being done. In other words, the people sitting around were the key staff of ‘Beneficial Evil’ and also PD Song Man-woo’s division. That’s why there are familiar faces. They were also together in ‘Hanryang’.
Then, PD Song Man-woo, who was sweeping his beard, lets out a small breath and opens the door.
“First, shall we talk about casting?”
The staff all held up tablets prepared in front of them, and the man with a square face sitting next to PD Song Man-woo opened his mouth. It was Caddy (casting director).
“- Before we begin, PD-nim, how did you go about casting Kang Woo-jin?”
When Kang Woo-jin’s name came out, all the staff looked at PD Song Man-woo, who scratched his chin and gestured for them to wait a moment.
“I’ve already handed over the script, and I’ve even heard Woojin say it’s fun. You can look at it positively.”
Exclamations like ‘Ohhhh’ were heard among the staff. PD Song Man-woo poured cold water on it.
“But I haven’t received any confirmation yet. Well, let’s wait a little longer. Since he’s a fast reader, he’ll probably give me an answer soon.”
The caddy nodded slowly and answered.
“Okay, I understand. But as you know, the ‘beneficial evil’ must first be decided on the male lead. The rest of the roles should be decided after that.”
“I know.”
At this time, a fat cinematographer joined in. He had also been in charge of the camera in Hanryang.
“Wow- By the way, Woojin is killing it. It feels like just yesterday that you were acting as Deputy Park, and now you’re already starring in a Song PD production? And that’s only been a year since your debut?”
Likewise, the art director we saw in Hanryang was involved.
“What is Woojin’s worth these days?”
The caddy’s answer was quick.
“The market evaluation is usually around 6,000. But it will go up more. Have you all seen the current situation of ‘Frozen Love’? The overall viewership rating is 12%, but do you know how many percentage points went up and down because of Kang Woo-jin’s appearance?”
“The highest viewership rating at the time was around 19%?”
“That’s right. Kang Woo-jin has now established himself as an actor with solid ticket power. In addition, the works that Woo-jin has already joined are all mega-sized.”
At this moment, Kang Woo-jin’s price rose in PD Song Man-woo’s mind as he crossed his arms.
‘Six thousand – more? Maybe seven thousand?’
The caddy, who had been looking down at his tablet, changed the subject.
“What you’re seeing now is Plan A when Kang Woo-jin is confirmed. The one next to it is Plan B, which I created. The version without Woo-jin.”
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“If we’re going to do it, it would be better if we go with Woojin.”
“Yes, more than half of the people here worked together in Hanryang. We work well together.”
It was at this time.
“But PD Song?”
A muscular man sitting in the middle called out to producer Song Man-woo. He was the martial arts director.
“Mr. Kang Woo-jin, is ‘martial arts’ okay?”
“what?”
“What is it? ‘Beneficial Evil’ has a lot of action scenes already. I’m currently looking at the script and working on the martial arts storyboard, and judging by the angles that have come out, it’s estimated that it took more than 3 months just to practice. But the question is, can Woojin-ssi handle this? I heard his schedule is like overtime right now?”
“Ah- hmm.”
“I understand, but when you start practicing martial arts, you don’t just do it for a few weeks, you have to do it seriously for three months. I’m wondering if Woojin-ssi can handle that given his tight schedule.”
The staff including PD Song Man-woo understood right away. PD Song Man-woo gave the answer.
“Three months? Is that enough?”
“At least, at least. Of course, you don’t have to do it all day, but at least 4 hours a day. As far as I know, Woojin hasn’t done any action movies yet.”
“Yes. This is the first time I’ve done it openly.”
“I understand that Woojin’s acting is amazing, but shouldn’t we check out his martial arts skills since they’re a different area?”
It was a valid opinion. Soon, concerns began to arise among the staff.
“Well, Woojin might be surprisingly clumsy in martial arts.”
“But didn’t you have any stamina while filming The Outlaws? While all the actors were struggling, you were the only one who was fine.”
“That’s different. Martial arts are skills. Why? There are actors who are good at acting but are bad at martial arts. For example, Jeong Sang-hwan from ‘Frozen Love’?”
“Ahhh- Jeong Sang-hwan is bad at martial arts, so his movies don’t sell well, right?”
“I definitely need to check with Woojin.”
The worry deepens. However, PD Song Man-woo’s expression was very serious.
“It’s okay if Woojin is a bit awkward at martial arts. You can just chew it up with your acting.”
December 2nd, morning.
Inside Kang Woojin’s van. A van running on the roads of Seoul. Of course, the inside was filled with Kang Woojin and his team. Woojin was currently wearing his hat pulled down low, and the van was headed to a shop in Cheongdam-dong. The first schedule for today was filming for the ‘Kang Woojin’s sub-character’ channel. It was a new content, cooking, and there were guests.
Right here, Hwarin.
anyway.
-Palac.
Kang Woo-jin, wearing a hat, was reading something with a silent face. It was the script for ‘Beneficial Evil’ that PD Song Man-woo had handed him last week. He had been reading it intermittently and was already on to episode 2.
Besides, it seemed like he had almost finished reading episode 2.
“······”
Exactly 10 minutes later, when the van stopped in the middle of a traffic jam, Kang Woo-jin closed the script he was reading. His expression was cynical, but inside he was giving a thumbs up.
‘So fun. Wow, is this really written by Choi Na-na?’
Soon, Kang Woo-jin checked the situation and time outside the window. Also, his own condition. It seemed like it would take quite some time, but he was in good spirits.
‘Would you like to have a taste?’
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Woojin, who was mumbling to himself, secretly poked the black square next to the ‘Beneficial Evil’ script. His vision changed quickly. He quickly entered a dark subspace, and while stretching, he released the concept he had been firmly wearing.
Then he walked towards the listed white squares.
“Let’s just go to episode 1 of ‘Beneficial Evil’.”
Kang Woo-jin moves his hand.
-[9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), S+ Grade]
-(Episode 1)/(Episode 2)
-[*This is a very high-quality drama script. It is 100% readable.]
Naturally, the word he chose was ‘beneficial evil’. Soon, the words that appeared before Woojin’s eyes changed.
-[9/You have selected the script (title: Beneficial Evil).]
-[List people who can lead (experience)]
Woojin confidently chooses the male protagonist’s name first. And then there is a brief moment of silence.
[“······”]
And then a very familiar, robotic-like female voice echoed through the subspace.
[“Abilities beyond the basic specs are detected. Learn ‘Martial Arts’ first.”]
Kang Woojin’s lips lifted. It was a deep smile that could not be seen in his usual concept.
“Ooh- ‘Martial arts’?”
