Director Kyotaro and his team suddenly appeared. Dozens of employees from BW Entertainment stopped what they were doing and looked at Director Kyotaro.
“······Director Kyotaro? You’re Director Tanokuchi Kyotaro, right?”
On the other hand, employees who did not know Director Kyotaro asked questions to those who did.
“Who are you? Are you famous? Are you a director? This is my first time seeing you. You speak Japanese.”
“···They all know Director Kyotaro Tanokuchi in Japan. He’s a successful, big-time director.”
While the employees were chattering away, Choi Sung-geon, who had long hair, absentmindedly grabbed the hand that Director Kyotaro was extending. However, he was still full of questions.
‘This gentleman… why did he come here?’
Because it was such an absurd visit. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin, who had just been in the CEO’s office and was checking the office situation, was also surprised, noticing the strange atmosphere. Of course, only inwardly.
‘Huh? That Japanese director. I think he’s the one who gave me the award at the film festival.’
Kang Woo-jin, who met eyes with Director Kyotaro who smiled briefly, quickly deepened the concept. A cold expression appeared immediately. Woo-jin had also heard that Director Kyotaro was famous in Japan.
So? Why did you come here?
Director Kyotaro and Woojin only had a brief conversation at the closing ceremony of the film festival. About 5 minutes? I was so out of it that I don’t even remember it very well. So to Woojin, Director Kyotaro was just like the old man next door.
-Ugh.
Director Kyotaro let go of the hand he was holding with Sung-geon Choi and muttered in Japanese. His smile was still there.
“I came here because I thought you would understand my sincerity if I came in person. If it bothers you, we can reschedule the meeting.”
Japanese was being spat out continuously. Of course, there was an interpreter. But for some reason, Director Kyotaro looked at Kang Woojin indifferently.
It was contagious.
Choi Sung-geon also looked at Woo-jin with an exclamation mark in his eyes, and the employees turned their heads to Kang Woo-jin with the same gaze, asking, “Why Woo-jin?” Soon, dozens of eyes were focused on Woo-jin. Then, Kang Woo-jin, who was looking around indifferently, realized something inside.
‘Oh, you want me to interpret for you? Heh, that’s nothing.’
A place was set up to show off the Japanese he had learned. Kang Woo-jin spoke in low Japanese as he approached Director Kyotaro.
“Hello, Director. I didn’t think I’d see you again after the film festival.”
“Really? I was looking forward to seeing you again.”
A conversation that continued without hesitation. Choi Sung-geon knew it, but dozens of BW Entertainment employees were shocked by Kang Woo-jin’s Japanese skills.
Either way, Director Kyotaro continues speaking.
“Is there a place we can talk separately?”
“wait a minute.”
Kang Woo-jin turned his head to Choi Seong-geon, who was standing on his left.
“We need a place to talk.”
“···Huh? A story? Aaaah, uh uh!”
Choi Sung-geon, who had been slightly dazed, suddenly came to his senses.
“Come this way!”
Sung-geon Choi guided them to the representative office, and Woo-jin Kang politely gestured to Director Kyotaro. Soon, Sung-geon Choi and Woo-jin Kang sat on the opposite side of Director Kyotaro and the interpreter in the representative office. Director Kyotaro’s other teams were waiting outside.
At this time.
“Woojin.”
The curly-haired Choi Sung-geon whispered to Kang Woo-jin.
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“Why is Director Kyotaro here all of a sudden?”
“Me too.”
“Did you come because of Hye-yeon? Anyway, you should stay here too. You’re better than that interpreter.”
Well, it wasn’t bad for Woojin. Learning Japanese in one day was fun.
Around that much.
“This is my first time doing something like this, but I like it.”
Across the street, Director Kyotaro, full of sardines, smiled and spat out Japanese.
“The actor speaks Japanese, so there is no awkwardness in the conversation. I always felt uncomfortable when I came to Korea. Can Kang Woo-jin interpret for me right away?”
Woojin nodded slightly in response to the question.
“Yes, it is possible.”
“I regret that the conversation was cut short at the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival.’ And I also regret Woojin’s current status. With his great skills, he is now the grand prize winner for his short film. In my opinion, he is skilled enough to win the grand prize at a major film festival.”
“···thank you.”
“No matter how high the hurdles to acting in Korea are, it’s a shame that Woojin is limited to short films.”
What do you know about this guy? Woojin remained expressionless and silent for the time being.
“······”
“How long did you stay in Japan?”
“I have some circumstances that make it difficult for me to tell you.”
“Oh, I see. Sorry.”
At this time, Choi Seong-geon, who had been listening to the conversation with blinking eyes, joined in.
“I’m sorry, Director. Are you here because of actress Hong Hye-yeon?”
It was Woojin who was interpreting, and Director Kyotaro slowly shook his head.
“Actress Hong Hye-yeon is a well-known actress in Japan. She is also a great actress. Her acting in ‘Detective Agency’ was also impressive. However, I came here today because of actor Kang Woo-jin.”
Me? You came because of me? Why? There were signs that things were going to get out of hand. As expected.
“Mr. Woojin, what do you think about advancing into Japan?”
Director Kyotaro’s question suddenly changed into a serious expression. Woojin maintained a blank expression, but inside he was furious.
‘Are you crazy? It’s only been two months and you’re advancing into Japan?’
He was speechless purely out of concept. However, it seems that his profound expression was seen as a concern by Director Kyotaro.
“It’s natural to be worried. Do you have any confirmed works?”
Hanryang was still silent, and Director Kwon Ki-taek had not made any final decisions either. In other words, Woo-jin had only one answer to give.
“Nothing has been decided yet.”
“okay.”
Director Kyotaro, upon hearing the answer, sighed inwardly.
‘As expected. It’s so sad.’
Director Kyotaro had been investigating Kang Woojin throughout the Korean entertainment industry for several days. However, nothing came out. Soon, Director Kyotaro, who had closed his eyes for a moment, met Kang Woojin’s eyes.
“I’m currently preparing my next work. The work has been finalized. I’m adapting a famous Japanese novel. That’s about 80% done.”
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Director Kyotaro recited it with great certainty.
“I want to work on that piece with Woojin.”
since.
After finishing his meeting with Kang Woo-jin, Director Kyotaro left for Japan the next day, the 14th. What was originally supposed to be a one-day trip ended up being a week-long stay. In any case, he decided to continue contacting Choi Sung-geon through email. For urgent matters, to Kang Woo-jin.
Well, anyway, Woojin was positive. Although there was a whiff of misunderstanding in his conversation with Director Kyotaro.
‘I’m not going to Japan right away. It’s good to have a lot of possibilities.’
There was no need to reject it from the beginning. I decided to accept the scenario as soon as it was completed, and it was right to keep quiet about Director Kyotaro’s proposal for now. If the rumor spread everywhere and the rating that Woojin confirmed in the subspace was trash, then…
‘The position is becoming a bit awkward.’
On the 15th, director Kyotaro left.
Today was a historic day. It was the first day of ‘Profiler Hanryang’. Therefore, the drama teams that participated in the war were spreading last promotional bait. Many top actors also encouraged viewers on their SNS.
Time passed by in a noisy and crazy manner.
It was already 9 PM on the 15th. At this time, Kang Woo-jin arrived at a large meat restaurant near Yangjae Station in a taxi. It was a two-story independent meat restaurant, and today, a drama team had rented out the entire place. It was the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team. It was because of the entire dinner.
soon.
-Drunk!
Kang Woo-jin, wearing a suitable hood, got out of a black van that had stopped in the outdoor parking lot. And then.
“······”
I looked up at the meat restaurant in silence. Choi Sung-geon, Jang Su-hwan, and Han Ye-jeong were standing next to me. They all looked at the meat restaurant together with Woo-jin. Choi Sung-geon was the first to speak.
“Finally. I’m sure the reporters are waiting for the first episode because they’re probably really into aggro.”
The smiling Choi Sung-geon asked the serious Woo-jin.
“How is it? The first episode is right in front of you.”
Kang Woo-jin answered with a mix of honesty and concept.
“I’m hungry and excited.”
“Hahaha, that’s a really cool answer. How does this look like a rookie’s attitude?”
Choi Sung-geon, who was laughing coolly, took the first step. After him, Han Ye-jeong and Jang Su-hwan followed, and Kang Woo-jin was the last. Woo-jin had a stern face, but inside, he was breathing deeply as if he was crazy.
‘First episode, it’s the day of Ao-ssi’s final battle.’
He was fine until the trailer for ‘Profiler Hanryang’ was released. His face wasn’t even shown. But today was the day everything was announced. That’s why Woojin couldn’t calm down.
‘This feels so different from the first shoot, ugh!’
The first episode and the first filming were obviously different types of nervousness. Well, it was understandable. Today would be a turning point in Kang Woo-jin’s life.
Around that much.
-Ugh.
Kang Woo-jin’s team entered the meat restaurant. Dozens of staff members were already busy setting up the seats, and as soon as they saw Kang Woo-jin, who had just appeared, they greeted him warmly.
“Hey! Woojin is here!”
“hello!!”
“Haha, Woojin! Aren’t you a bit burdened by Writer Park’s cool aggro?”
The staff members rushed in quickly. Kang Woo-jin received their greetings one by one while maintaining his cynical attitude. Soon, the first staff member of the lighting team pointed to the second floor with his index finger.
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“Woojin! The PD and the writer are on the second floor. The actors will also be eating on the second floor!”
In short, he told me to go up to the second floor. At this, Choi Sung-geon tapped Woo-jin on the shoulder.
“You go up first, I’ll clean up here and then follow you.”
Kang Woo-jin nodded and climbed the iron stairs leading to the second floor. The atmosphere on the second floor was not much different from the first floor. Several staff members were setting up drinks and meat at round tables, and a large TV was set up in front of the table.
They also smiled happily as soon as they found Kang Woo-jin.
“Oh my, our Manager Park is here.”
“How have you been, Woojin?”
Two familiar figures stood up from their round table. They were producer Song Man-woo with a beard and writer Park Eun-mi.
“Woojin! This way!”
“You’re early? Ah- but why does it feel like it’s been years since I’ve seen you?”
Kang Woo-jin, who was greeting the staff, felt that things were starting to get a bit crazy and approached the two.
“Hello, PD. Writer.”
Then, Eunmi Park, the writer who had long permed hair today, sat down next to Woojin and smiled.
“Congratulations on your award. I said it at the closing ceremony, but congratulations are never enough.”
“Thank you, but what about the other actors?”
“Huh? Oh, some of them should be on the first floor? Didn’t you see them? The rest are coming.”
At this time.
-Ouch.
Suddenly, PD Song Man-woo with a beard whispered in Kang Woo-jin’s ear.
“I thought you were from America because you speak English so well. I heard you’re also good at Japanese? Were you also from Japan?”
“···I’m sorry. It’s hard for me to say.”
Writer Park Eun-mi, who had just finished a shot of soju alone, gently grabbed Kang Woo-jin’s right hand. She also closed her eyes. Woo-jin was purely disgusted. What are you doing, writer? Kang Woo-jin said in a low voice.
“What are you doing?”
“Prayer.”
“Prayer?”
The answer came from PD Song Man-woo.
“Please pray for Kang Totem to become a huge hit in viewer ratings.”
Author Eunmi Park, who still had her eyes closed, was sincere.
“I already believe.”
Kang Woo-jin, who was looking at her calmly, decided to just leave her alone. After a few dozen minutes, the actors started arriving. Starting with Ryu Jung-min, who was wearing a hat.
“Hello, senior.”
“Yeah. You’re early, Woojin. By the way, did you get the target from the start?”
Leading and supporting actors, including Jang Tae-san, who was very generous, rushed in. Soon, the second floor began to fill up with people. The last one to arrive was Hong Hye-yeon, who had just finished her photoshoot schedule. She pushed aside PD Song Man-woo and sat down on the seat to Kang Woo-jin’s right as if it was a given.
She is the one whispering to Woojin.
“I heard that Director Kyotaro came to the company. He said the company was turned upside down?”
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“Today again, a good scent wafts in the air,” Kang Woo-jin answered, suppressing his trembling.
“Yes, it was just for a little while.”
“Are you going to Japan?”
“I don’t know.”
Hong Hye-yeon’s expression became mysterious after hearing the answer. At this moment.
“Oh! An advertisement has appeared!”
The fat lighting director shouted while looking at the large TV in front of him. Thanks to this, the actors and dozens of staff members all focused their eyes on the TV in front of them. This meant that the first part of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ was about to begin.
“How! I’m shaking!”
“Haha, everyone, let’s have a bet on the viewer ratings for the first time in a while??”
“Great! I’ll bet 50,000 won on 10%!”
“I’m at 10.7%!”
Suddenly a bet is made.
“It feels good! 50,000 for 15%!”
“Ohhh! Then me too! 15.5%!”
All the actors and staff members spit out numbers. Strangely, there was nothing below 10%. Then, all the actors looked at Kang Woo-jin. They looked at each other with eyes that said, “You can join too.” Woo-jin generally followed the aforementioned atmosphere.
‘I don’t know, shit. Just go for it.’
He said the highest number among the numbers that were spat out.
“I’ll bet 50,000 on 20%.”
Many of the staff members laughed heartily.
“Hahaha! How cool is that? When was the last time we had a viewership rating close to 20%? Was it like 3 years ago? No, 5 years?”
The male staff member closest to the large TV shouted.
“Hey! It’s starting!!”
In fact, the drama title appears on TV after the commercial ends.
-‘Profiler Limit’
The first episode of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ has begun.
About 40 minutes later. A shabby noodle restaurant.
At around 10:30 p.m., a group of six people, including men and women, entered a noodle restaurant that didn’t have many customers.
Among them.
“Boss! Here are six bowls of noodles!”
A man with a large build shouted as the representative. It was Woojin’s testicle friend, Kim Dae-young. He must be a regular at this noodle restaurant. The people who came with him were company employees. Today, there was a small farewell party to commemorate Kim Dae-young’s new job.
anyway.
“It’s already past 10:30!”
Kim Dae-young, who ordered noodles, picked up the remote control before he could even sit down. His gestures were very familiar. Then he changed the channel on the small TV hanging on the wall. Soon, the colleagues behind him started to say something.
“Wow- Are you really going to watch a drama?”
“Just watch the replay? It’s been over 40 minutes since it started.”
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But Kim Dae-young shook his head.
“Oh my! That’s not the attitude of a true fan.”
“She’s really amazing. I admit that I’m a true fan of Hong Hye-yeon.”
“Haha, everyone, why don’t you watch ‘Profiler Hanryang’? It’s definitely going to be fun.”
“Is that writer Park Eun-mi? Then it will be a flat hit.”
Before I knew it, the TV was showing ‘Profiler Hanryang’. Hong Hye-yeon, who played the role of a detective, appeared from the beginning, and Kim Dae-young, who was sitting in the same seat as his colleagues, gave a thumbs up.
“Wow! Wow- you’re perfect for the role of detective too?”
“Well, Hong Hye-yeon is pretty. Isn’t she almost the most beautiful among the top actresses?”
It was at this time that six bowls of noodles were served, and Kim Dae-young and his colleagues warmed their stomachs with hot noodles. Of course, while watching ‘Profiler Hanryang’.
Everyone seemed to be having fun, so they were more focused on watching TV than talking.
“It’s fun. The pace is good. I’ll have to go home and watch it again from the beginning.”
“Wow- Ryu Jung-min looks handsome even with that baby perm? He’s a good actor, too.”
“Oh, something is urgent! Huh? The scene changed. Huh? Is this your first time seeing that actor? I guess he’s a newbie.”
“Wow, look at those eyes. They’re kind of creepy.”
“Acting… isn’t he good? He’s a murderer, 100%!”
“Ouch! That laugh just now was psychotic.”
At this time.
-Bam!
As his colleagues were absorbed in the drama, Kim Dae-young dropped the spoon he was holding on the desk. The sound startled his colleagues.
“What? Why are you doing that?”
“Mr. Daeyoung? Your eyes got so big?”
In fact, Kim Dae-young was staring at the TV with his mouth wide open. No, to be exact, he was looking at an actor laughing creepily on TV.
“······That crazy guy.”
Because it was the first appearance of ‘Manager Park’.
