Chapter 9: Contract (1)

Translator: Dreamscribe

To Kang Woo-jin’s performance as Park Dae-ri. Star writer Park Eun-mi, who wrote ‘Profiler Hanryang’ said,

“Alright, You start right away.”

She couldn’t take her eyes off Kang Woo-jin across from her for a moment. She had to capture every detail – the look in his eyes, his tone of voice, his gestures, his breathing, his expressions.

“I stepped in dog poop.”

The reason was simple.

‘How… how can he portray the character I created so accurately? No, this has gone beyond mere accuracy.’

The character he portrayed was identical to the Park Dae-ri she had created, yet Kang Woo-jin’s portrayal seemed much more vivid and alive. Ah, does saying ‘alive’ make sense since he is, indeed, a living person? In this way, writer Park Eun-mi’s thoughts became strangely tangled.

‘Park Dae-ri is right in front of me.’

The character she had created through agonizing, restless nights was right before her eyes. That was undoubtedly Park Dae-ri, a character filled with psychopath data. Soon, writer Park Eun-mi felt both excitement and a slight sense of fear.

The characters in the work are created by the writer, but they are portrayed by the actor.

That’s why a perfect portrayal was almost impossible. No matter how excellent the actor’s analysis of the work is, the actor can’t get into the writer’s mind. It’s hard to portray every single setting detail that the writer created.

Thanks to this, the writer has to compromise to some extent.

Even if there are minor errors in the acting shown by the actor, they let it slide, they tolerate differences in the tone of the dialogues, and they understand if the actions differ from the original creation.

This wasn’t only experienced by writer Park Eun-mi.

It was one of the experiences that all scriptwriters in Korea, perhaps all over the world, went through, and the quicker they acknowledged the gap between the actual scene and the writer’s vision, the faster the writer’s growth was.

However.

‘I wrote this… but I can’t see my writing.’

The crazy actor performing in front of her didn’t need to compromise. Kang Woo-jin was already overshadowing the script beneath him.

If writer Park Eun-mi felt this way, everyone else must have felt similar.

The character created by the writer. He firmly maintains it without wavering and gives it dozens of times more vividness. That was Kang Woo-jin right now.

And this was…

“······”

A sight even Park Eun-mi, lauded as a top-tier star writer in Korea, had never seen before. So she couldn’t help but be captivated. She had already worked with hundreds, if not thousands of actors.

If he’s the first among them,

‘Kang Woo-jin, definitely. I must get him.’

A term like ‘precious’ was not enough to describe him, an unparalleled actor she might never meet again. That was what Park Eun-mi, who had witnessed such an incredible existence right before her eyes, meant.

-Tap.

The look or the judging eye didn’t matter much to her.

“Woo-jin, please take on the role of Park Dae-ri. It has to be you.”

Would there exist a writer who has met in reality the characters they created through their writing? Therefore, Park Eun-mi wanted to secure Kang Woo-jin even if she had to beg. She was a person who would do anything for the quality of her work.

Therefore.

“······”

“······”

No one in the conference room tried to stop writer Park Eun-mi at that moment. They didn’t advise her to save face. Not Director Song Man-woo, nor top actress Hong Hye-yeon, nor the core members of the production company. They all just sat in their places, their faces serious.

Because they also understood writer Park Eun-mi’s feelings.

Anyway, writer Park Eun-mi, who was now clutching Woo-jin’s hands, had eyes full of desire. There were no flames to be seen, but her momentum was like a boiling hot pot.

However,

‘I was startled when she suddenly grabbed my hand.’

In this conference room, only Kang Woo-jin was not surprised. Rather, he was a little overwhelmed by writer Park Eun-mi. I mean, who wouldn’t be if their hand was suddenly grabbed?

‘It would be nice if she would let go of my hand and talk. Anyway, looking at this big shot writer’s reaction – it’s safe to say that my void-space ability is pretty amazing.’

Maintaining a dignified demeanor, things seemed to be smoothly falling into place on their own. Well, I guess I can just go along with it.

Of course, he didn’t know.

‘I wonder if I can get the video of this acting too.’

That this moment would be a major turning point in his life.

Regardless, Kang Woo-jin, whose hand had been grabbed, quietly asked writer Park Eun-mi.

“Ms. Park. First, could you let go of my hand?”

It was then that writer Park Eun-mi came to her senses and let go of his hand.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”

“It’s okay.”

A question came from the other side of the room. It was from Director Song Man-woo.

“But, Woo-jin. Why did you choose the role of Park Dae-ri? The other roles would have been easier to analyze.”

Writer Park Eun-mi interjected with her hands clapping.

“Right! I’m curious about that too.”

“Me too. Why specifically the role of Park Dae-ri?”

In the end, everyone’s eyes were back on Kang Woo-jin, filled with curiosity. However, Woo-jin remained nonchalant.

‘Well, I can tell the truth about this.’

With that, Woo-jin casually said.

“Because it’s short.”

It was his true feeling. This was not a facade or a bluff, but Kang Woo-jin’s real feelings. Yet Director Song Man-woo, with his eyebrows furrowed, asked right away.

“…What do you mean?”

“The part is short.”

“So you chose the role of Park Dae-ri because… the part is short?”

“Yes.”

It was a true statement without a shred of falsehood. However, the rest of the people there had a different reaction.

Director Song Man-woo.

‘Short? So, he chose this difficult role just because the part is short? But the shorter the part, the more difficult the analysis becomes?’

Writer Park Eun-mi.

‘What is wrong with his brain! Usually, people avoid challenging roles like Park Dae-ri! But what?? Because the part is short??? Is he an idiot or a genius?’

And top actress Hong Hye-yeon.

‘Ah, I get it. He’s pretending to be modest while showing off his skills. He’s saying that a role like this is easy for him.’

Of course, all of these were completely misguided judgments.

At that moment.

– Thump.

Kang Woo-jin, who had been silently sitting in the excited conference room, suddenly stood up. Then he turned to writer Park Eun-mi in front of him and spoke softly.

“Let me think about your offer.”

A little while later.

With a stern expression, Kang Woojin left the conference room, slowly walking down the corridor. He passed several employees of C-Blue Studio. Then, after about five steps.

– Swoosh.

He stole a quick glance back at the meeting room and instantly dropped his adopted persona.

“Phew-”

It was the release of tension. What on earth had happened in that meeting room? As Woojin stroked his face with one hand, he pressed the elevator button.

At the same time.

“Mr. Kang Woojin.”

A woman’s voice came from behind him. Turning around, he saw a woman with long hair and a great figure walking towards him. It was Hong hye-yeon.

That made Kang Woojin exclaim in amazement for a moment.

‘Wow- I never thought I’d see the day when Hong hye-yeon would call my name out loud.’

However, he quickly composed himself. He had to put his poker face back on.

“Yes, what is it?”

Of course, Hong hye-yeon, who had no idea about this, quickly stood right in front of Kang Woojin. She then asked Woojin, who was entranced by her scent.

“Why didn’t you immediately accept the casting offer?”

Why? Just because.

The reason Kang Woojin said he’d think about it was quite simple. It felt odd for a pretentious genius to humbly accept the casting offer right away.

Moreover.

‘If I immediately agree, it somehow lacks coolness. In movies, people usually take their time in such situations.’

It was a decision made to keep up his own style. However, he couldn’t say that outright. Kang Woojin locked eyes with Hong hyeyeon, striving to hide his trembling heart.

“I mean what I said. I need some time to think about it.”

“……”

Top actress Hong Hyeyeon gazed at Kang Woojin for a a while. Wow, she really is stunningly beautiful. Woojin’s heart instinctively began to pound. Can she hear my heartbeat?

Fortunately, though.

“By the way, Mr. Woojin.”

Hong Hyeyeon changed the topic, seemingly not having heard his heartbeat.

“Do you have an agency?”

“···Not really.”

“Why not? Why don’t you have one?”

“Do I need a reason for not having one?”

“No, it’s not that, but…were you really abroad?”

“······”

Kang Woojin closed his mouth at her question. He had to keep up the pretense of having a complicated situation. Seeing this, Hong Hyeyeon cleared her throat as if realizing her mistake.

“Ah, my mistake. I’m sorry. But how old are you, Mr. Woojin?”

“I am 27.”

“I am two years older than you.”

Hong Hyeyeon, who responded somewhat sheepishly, let out a small sigh. It seemed like she was choosing her words. Soon, she asked again with a very serious expression.

“How can I… How can you achieve such acting skills through on your own…”

She wanted to say, “how can I achieve that?” But she forced herself to swallow her words.

Top actress Hong Hyeyeon.

She was notorious in the acting world for her ambition to act. For Hyeyeon, there was no such thing as ‘good enough’. Some actors even avoided working with her because of her intensity.

When she first saw Kang Woojin, she felt envious.

However, currently, Hong Hye-yeon is a top actress domestically. It was a bit embarrassing to ask advice from an unknown acting expert. If such a rumor gets out, it would be a significant blow to her image as a top actress.

Left with no choice, Hong Hye-yeon changed her question.

“No, no. Anyway, you don’t have an agency yet, right?”

“Yes.”

Around this time.

– Whoosh.

The elevator that had arrived opened its doors. Kang Woo-jin naturally entered. The next time he looked at Hong Hye-yeon, she was waving at him with a smiling eyes.

“I hope to see you again in the work.”

With these words, the elevator door closed. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin, who had been tensely holding himself, collapsed.

“Whew. I barely held it together.”

Of course, it was understandable since he had a conversation with Hong Hye-yeon up close. It was a miracle that he was even able to maintain a casual conversation.

“Wow- geez. I can’t even brag about this anywhere. Anyway, it was awesome.”

On the other hand, Hong Hye-yeon, who was still standing in place, said,

“Ha… Honestly, it hurts my pride a bit.”

She was staring at the elevator door where Kang Woo-jin had disappeared. With her arms crossed and tapping her foot, she seemed a bit pouty.

This was because she had not encountered anyone who treated her so coldly recently.

“I wonder if he doesn’t have interest in women… I really can’t figure him out.”

Her misunderstanding deepened.

“Anyway, it’s fortunate that he doesn’t have an agency yet.”

On the same day, late at night, in the writer Park Eun-mi’s workspace.

It was around 11 o’clock. Four people were visible in the large workspace without an assistant writer. They were gathered at the kitchen table. It was Song Man-woo, the PD, writer Park Eun-mi, the studio manager of C-Blue Studio, and the casting director.

In other words, they were the characters who saw Kang Woo-jin in the afternoon. Hong Hye-yeon was not there.

In front of them were a bunch of script papers and various clear files. They seemed to be in the middle of a planning meeting. However, there was no conversation and the atmosphere was heavy.

“……”

“……”

Everyone seemed to have lost in thought with somewhat weary faces. Why? It was because of the lingering impact of the crazy actor, Kang Woo-jin.

At that moment,

“…Honestly,”

The man who was in charge of the production of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ broke the silence.

“I had some expectations after hearing what PD Song said, but I didn’t know it would be to that extent.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the bespectacled casting director interjected. It was his area of expertise after all.

“I’ve been a casting director for eight years now. I guess I’m a bit of an experienced one among casting directors. Even I am unable find such an actor. No, non-existent. I should say there’s none.”

“He seemed to be beyond the category of ‘portraying a character’, right?”

“…It was to the point of looking a bit dangerous. You know, it happens quite often, right? In Hollywood, actors get into accidents because they get too absorbed in their roles. It was more intense than that.”

“But he also turned back to himself as soon as he finished acting? The switch was clear.”

At this point,

“That part,”

Song Man-woo, the PD who had his arms crossed, chimed in.

“Having a clear switch. That’s a technique that not even many top actors possess.”

“That, that’s true.”

Writer Park Eun-mi, who was fiddling with her script, turned her head towards Song Man-woo PD sitting next to her.

“You mentioned something about Woo-jin being abroad earlier, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Do you think he really was abroad? I’m so curious about his past.”

“Do you think I would know? The abroad thing was just my guess. But,”

Song Man-woo  PD who was shrugging his shoulders, suddenly spoke in a serious tone.

“You saw his acting earlier, right? It definitely wasn’t easy. Moreover, self-taught? I don’t know whether to call him amazing or a lunatic.”

Soon, writer Park Eun-mi couldn’t hold it any longer and pointed to the tablet scattered on the desk. This tablet contained the earlier acting performance of Kang Woo-jin for the role of ‘Park Dae-ri’.

“……”

“……”

Once again, everyone confirmed Kang Woo-jin’s acting through the video. That amplified the urgency of writer Park Eun-mi.

“Ah!”

She suddenly covered her face with both hands.

“The more I see it, the greedier I get. You know, PD, this is the first time I’ve felt this way while writing.”

“I feel the same way.”

“But… what if Woo-jin refuses after such an acting performance?”

“Huh?”

“No, what if Woo-jin doesn’t want to play the role of Park Dae-ri?”

“Ah.”

Writer Park Eun-mi, with her long permed hair looking tousled, let out a groan.

“Who else would stand out after Woo-jin?”

In other words, the quality of actors was elevated upward due to Kang Woo-jin, in the eyes of writer Park Eun-mi. The same was true for PD Song Man-woo. The reason they had worked together on numerous projects was because they had similar propensities.

They would do anything for their work.

At this moment,

“Hmm- but,”

The production manager, who had been listening quietly, crossed his legs with a slightly stiff face.

“Kang Woo-jin. He was indeed remarkable, but him saying he would think about it is a bit…”

The answer came from PD Song Man-woo.

“What is?”

“No, isn’t it obvious? Who’s directing ‘Profiler Hanryang’? Who’s the writer? It’s the renowned PD Song and writer Park, isn’t it?”

Both of them are formidable giants in the industry.

“I didn’t mention it before, but there are numerous top actors who have put a hold on their other meetings regarding casting. Undoubtedly, if we were to offer the role of ‘Park Dae-ri’, they would jump at the opportunity.”

“Well, that would be the case.”

“However, both the writer and the PD said they would prioritize the ability to embody the role of ‘Park Dae-ri’ rather than the actor’s status. I share the same sentiment. That’s why I’ve been rejecting all the actors who are creating a fuss.”

At this point, the production manager, suddenly excited, said,

“He must know about such a situation. No, even if he didn’t know, he would have had some feeling about it, right? With Director Song and Writer Park sitting right in front of him.”

He opened his mouth, thinking of Kang Woo-jin.

“But him outright saying that he would think about it seemed rather arrogant to me. Normally, people should be extremely grateful for the opportunity, isn’t that right?”

Perhaps anyone else in the industry would have a similar opinion. However, Song Man-woo PD who experienced Kang Woo-jin before anyone else here, just smirked.

“It was like that from the start. It felt like common sense didn’t apply.”

“Pardon?”

“It was as if he didn’t give a damn about such mutual interests. You know, there’s a phrase that the kids use these days? What was it- ah, yes. ‘My way or the highway’. Exactly that.”

However, the production manager let out a frustrated sigh.

“Regardless, as you know, PD, the role of ‘Park Dae-ri’ isn’t a minor role! It’s a semi-lead role, isn’t it?? What is there to think about, really?”

Song Man-woo PD suddenly stroked his beard and crossed his arms, picturing Kang Woo-jin’s face.

“He says he’ll think about it- Maybe he has other plans in mind?”

“Plans? What kind??”

At the question, a meaningful smile spread across the face of Song Man-woo PD and he uttered his response quietly.

“···Well, maybe he’s trying to increase his own value.”

He was talking about the appearance fee.

Of course, this was,

“Give me time to determine my worth. Something like that?”

It was an answer that the party involved hadn’t even considered.