Chapter 15: Short Film (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

“Ph, Phoenix?”

Director Shin Dong-chun’s voice over the phone became excited.

“You’re right his crazy acting is like nothing we’ve ever seen, but… are you sure it’s right to praise him so highly?!”

In response to Director Shin Dong-chun’s question, PD Song Man-woo asked in a slightly subdued voice.

“How much of his acting have you seen?”

“Well, about three minutes, as per the script.”

“More. If you see it for longer, you’ll understand my reaction. Conversely, you’re saying you were captivated in just those short three minutes.”

“Ah…”

“Moreover, I’m not just judging based on his ridiculous acting. There’s something about his… energy or aura, if you will. The human essence he gives off is different. He definitely has star quality, but it’s different.”

The unique, mysterious aura Kang Woojin possessed was starkly different from the typical top stars often seen in the entertainment industry, but to PD Song Man-woo, it appeared fresh and full of potential. At this point, Director Shin Dong-chun over the phone changed the topic.

“··· Writer Park is also a big fan of Kang Woojin, isn’t she?”

“Yes. Looking at her current state, it’s not just that she’s a big fan of him, she’s pretty much enamored.”

“Huh- Even the picky Writer Park?”

“However, Kang Woojin seems to be quite self-assured, which comes off as arrogance.”

“I only saw him briefly, but he certainly does have an aloof air. But when he acts… should I say it’s a 180-degree transformation?”

“That’s right. He’s absolutely cut out to be a top-notch actor.”

Remembering Kang Woojin’s serious face, PD Song Man-woo chuckled and checked his wristwatch again.

“Listen closely. In conclusion, we had to pull some strings to get him in our project. Kang Woojin is someone who easily outperforms the top actors, treating it as a mere pastime. If someone like him went to you in person to show his acting, it means.”

“means?”

“I don’t know how he got your script, but doesn’t it mean he has a fondness for your work? Otherwise, why would he go out of his way to perform for you? He’s about to increase his value significantly.”

“… fondness? For my ‘Exorcist’?”

“That’s my judgment. Of course, I’ve only briefly seen Kang Woojin, but he doesn’t seem like the type to cross great lengths for a project.”

Soon, Director Shin Dong-chun was silent over the phone, and during the silence, PD Song Man-woo added.

“In other words, Kang Woojin must like your ‘Exorcist’. He wouldn’t go to all that trouble if he didn’t, right?”

“He… likes my work?”

There were many errors in their conversation, particularly in the word ‘fondness’. However, PD Song Man-woo, who had no way of knowing this, quickly proceeded with the matter.

“So, did you get his number?”

“Huh? No, I couldn’t even stop him because he left so suddenly.”

“Heh, he just left without a backward glance, huh?”

“Yes, that’s what he did.”

““I’ll give you his number. He took the trouble to come see you directly, so it should be fine to share his number. Get in touch and meet him properly. You will understand what I mean.”

“Understood, Hyung.”

Having ended the call, PD Song Man-woo said,

“He went to see him personally – I feel a bit jealous.”

He chuckled and muttered to himself,

“Jealous? At this age.”

A short while later, inside the VIP room.

PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi, along with the key production crew and lead actors of ‘Profiler Hanryang’, continued their meeting with occasional laughter.

Of course, they were also having a meal.

At first glance, it seemed like a casual gathering with light-hearted jokes being exchanged. However, amidst the jokes, they discussed necessary matters seriously. Most of the discussions were initiated by PD Song Man-woo, but this time, Park Eun-mi, who had long, permed hair, spoke up.

“Look, our Ryu Jung-min will need to control his diet until the script reading, right?”

Immediately, Ryu Jung-min, the male lead and top actor who was sitting across from her, pointed to himself with his index finger and laughed. Ryu Jung-min was a tall man, standing over 185 cm.

“Ah. Writer Park, I have to lose weight? Even More?”

“Yep. You seem to have really relaxed during your break, you’ve put on a bit of weight?”

“Haha, I just went fishing, did I eat too much sashimi? Understood. It’s a command from writer Park, of course, I’ll follow.”

“Keep growing your hair until we decide on a definitive style.”

“Of course, Writer Park.”

Behind Writer Park, PD Song Man-woo also made a request to Hong Hye Yeon,

“Hong Star, the clothes you sent me last time were too fancy. Tell the stylists to focus on more modest clothes. I’ll mention it at the production meeting as well.”

Hong Hye Yeon, brushing her long hair aside, smirked,

Ah, I knew it just from reading the first part of the script. My team was a bit greedy. I’ll make sure to tell them.

“That’ll do.”

“But PD, on the phone earlier you mentioned Kang Woo… ”

“Hm?”

Hong Hye Yeon was about to say something but closed her mouth. Actually, she had been curious about the name Kang Woojin that came up during PD Song Man-woo’s phone call earlier. However, with many people around, she decided to hold her words,

“No, I’ll talk to you about it later.”

“Oh? Ah- Okay, then.”

At that moment,

“But PD.”

Ryu Jung-min, who was holding a cup of water, suddenly asked PD Song Man-woo who was looking at Hong Hye Yeon,

“Who’s playing the role of ‘Park Dae-ri’? I’ve heard lots of rumors, but nobody seems to know for sure.”

“Uh, that…”

“The scene-stealer actor that the writer mentioned in the interview, it’s the same character, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Who is it? Ah- I’m dying to know.”

Agreeing with his words, the other actors turned their eyes to PD Song Man-woo. Their eyes were full of curiosity. However, only Hong Hye Yeon seemed disinterested. At the same time, Ryu Jung-min leaned forward and continued his question.

“I guess Park Dae-ri will interact the most with me according to the script of part one. While analyzing the script, just to imagine the image, could you give me a hint?”

“Hmm-”

“Is it really Kim Hu-yeon? Or what? I heard he’s a foreign actor. Don’t tell me- you really brought someone from Hollywood?”

“Well.”

“Wow, why does it have to be so secret?”

As Ryu Jung-min got a little angry with frustration, PD Song Man-woo just smiled softly.

“A surprise?”

“Eh??”

“You have to deceive your own side to shock the audience, it’s a firecracker to be set off for the audience. Just bear with it a little longer. Anyway, you’ll all see it on the script reading day.”

“Ha-ha, I understand for now. But I’m really curious. Even the staffs have no clue.”

Meanwhile, writer Park Eun-mi patted the side of PD Song Man-woo who was sitting next to her.

“PD, weren’t you going to ask the actors about that today?”

Ah, as PD Song Man-woo made a sound, he met the gaze of the production manager and then,

“Everyone, listen. This is still unconfirmed. Regarding the script reading. I’m thinking about having a group MT¹(Membership Training) style to promote camaraderie and have a fun trip.”

He conveyed this to the actors sitting in front of him.

“What do you all think? Wouldn’t it be fun?”

A few hours later, late at night. Kang Woojin’s one-room.

The time was past 10 o’clock. Kang Woojin, who seemed to have just taken a shower, appeared shaking his wet hair. He soon opened the refrigerator and drank a lot of water. Meanwhile, Woojin’s gaze moved down.

-Swoosh.

There were two bundles of paper where his eyes moved. One was the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ part 1 script he received from PD Song Man-woo , and the rest was obviously the script for the short film ‘Exorcism’.

Of course, the black rectangle were still attached.

Kang Woojin scratched his chin while looking at the script for ‘Exorcism’. He remembered what happened in the afternoon at the Blue Vision Film Company.

“Well- should I consider ‘Exorcism’ to be rejected? It seemed like the main and supporting roles were confirmed when I saw it earlier.”

Woojin went to the film company recklessly. He could have been kicked out right at the door, but fortunately, he showed his acting due to the director’s misunderstanding.

“The guy with the square chin was the director, right? He seemed a bit surprised.”

Even though his acting ability in the virtual space was excellent, he was surprised, but that was all. No matter how good the acting is, in reality, the power of the contract is stronger. Then Kang Woojin thought of the fat man named Park Sil-jang and the beautiful man and woman who came with him.

‘They must be playing the leading or supporting roles. They were really handsome and pretty. Are there so many unknown people like that in the entertainment industry? It’s tough.’

Kang Woojin suddenly thought he was lucky to join ‘Profiler Hanryang’. Anyway, ‘Exorcism’ has gone down the drain.

“‘Exorcism’, although it feels a bit disappointing. There’s no damage.”

He enjoyed reading the script quite a lot, and the world of ‘Exorcism’ he experienced through the virtual space was full of excitement.

“I was really thrilled when the wife character smelled me.”

But there was no other reason to be sad. At least in Kang Woojin’s mind. He’s just starting as an actor and there are other scripts besides ‘Exorcism’. That was just his feelings.

Therefore.

-Thud.

“Kang Woojin carelessly put away the ‘Exorcism’ script into a corner of the room. Soon, the intrigue of ‘Exorcism’ in Woojin’s head faded. Kang Woojin, as he was, flopped down on the bed. That’s when he picked up his phone habitually and connected to the Internet.

-Brrrr, Brrrrrr.

The phone spat out a long vibration. It was a call. However, what is displayed on the screen is an unsaved number. At this, Kang Woojin, slightly frowning, muttered softly.

“What is this, my phone has been too busy lately, hasn’t it?”

Due to the recent frequent calls from unknown numbers. Nevertheless, Woojin put the phone to his ear first.

“Hello.”

A unfamiliar man’s voice was heard over the phone.

“Is this Mr. Kang Woojin??”

“Yes. Who is this?”

“Ah, I’m Shin Dong-chun, who you met earlier at Blue Vision Films. You remember… you showed me your acting.”

For a moment, Kang Woojin recalled the square-jawed man he had met at the film company in the afternoon. The director? But why the call at this hour? Besides, how did he know my number? Woojin, weighed down by sleep at night, added more weight to his voice.

Then, Woojin’s voice suddenly became cold.

“Is this the director of ‘Exorcism’?”

“Yes, it is.”

“How did you know my number. I didn’t give it to you.”

It was a pure curiosity. No matter how he thought about it, he was Woojin who had never given his number. On the other hand, the answer of Director Shin Dong-chun over the phone was deeply apologetic.

“Ah! I’m sorry. I got your number from… my hyung… PD Song Man-woo.”

“PD Song Man-woo?”

“Yes, yes.”

PD Song Man-woo? Why does he come up here? When Kang Woojin was slightly frowning and tilting his head, Director Shin Dong-chun spat out a word mixed with caution.

“Mr. Kang Woojin. Could you please meet me again?”

“…I would like to hear the reason first.”

“Ah- I have something to tell you in person. If you let me know where you live, I will go there now.”

Ah, it’s a bit burdensome.

“Are you talking about now?”

“Yes, I will go right now.”

No, Kang Woojin was very burdened.

“No. Let’s meet tomorrow morning.”

The next morning, a cafe near Kang Woojin’s one-room.

Director Shin Dong-chun was sitting alone in a cafe near Yongin Suji. It was because the mysterious actor named Kang Woojin was living around here. Regardless, the current appearance of Director Shin Dong-chun was quite shabby. His beard was rough, and the dark circles were deep as he hadn’t slept.

It was when he sighed and unzipped the jacket he was wearing.

-Squeak.

The cafe door opened and a man in a long padding jacket entered. It was Kang Woojin with an indifferent face. Soon, as soon as he found Woojin, Director Shin Dong-chun with a square jaw.

‘Certainly… After listening to him… He has a different aura from ordinary actors.’

Director Shin Dong-chun raised his hand to be seen.

“I’m over here!”

The expressionless Woojin said hello and sat across from Director Shin Dong-chun. Director Shin Dong-chun was quick to start the conversation.

“Uh- Hello, Mr. Woojin.”

“Yes. Hello.”

Kang Woojin’s reaction was very static. It was cynical yesterday, but even more so today. Of course, in the eyes of Director Shin Dong-chun. Nevertheless, Director Shin Dong-chun spoke, clearing his throat.

“I’m sorry for calling you suddenly last night. It was something I did after some deliberation, but I realize it was rude.”

“No, it’s fine. What did you want to talk about?”

At this point, Director Shin Dong-chun, who had been watching Kang Woojin on the other side, swallowed his dry saliva. What he said next was this.

“This might be sudden. But, Woojin, you read my script, ‘Exorcism’, right? What did you think?”

Director Shin Dong-chun’s voice was slightly trembling. How should I say it, like the feeling of a person confessing their feelings?

On the other hand.

“……”

Kang Woojin just stared at Director Shin Dong-chun without changing his expression. An unreadable face. After about 10 seconds, Woojin suddenly murmured calmly.

“I felt attached to the work.”

Director Shin Dong-chun’s eyes widened.

“At…attachment?”

At the same time, he felt a surge of emotion.

It felt as if years of disregard and pain that he had endured for nearly three years were being washed away. Attachment. He was the first actor who had shown affection for his work. Director Shin Dong-chun was quite moved.

By Kang Woojin’s single, impassive statement.

“Attachment…you say?”

“Yes. Attachment.”

Then, Director Shin Dong-chun, whose heart was pounding, stared at the expressionless Woojin and muttered to himself.

‘It was always ignored, my script. My ‘Exorcism’ But…attachment. An actor who doesn’t even know me.’

Director Shin Dong-chun’s emotion quickly turned into excitement. He had received a significant resonance from Woojin’s word ‘attachment.’ Honestly, he hadn’t really agreed with what PD Song Man-woo had told him over the phone yesterday.

‘I don’t know how that friend got hold of your script, but wouldn’t it mean he is quite fond of your work?’

Director Shin Dong-chun didn’t really agree.

But he was certain from the word ‘attachment’ that Kang Woojin had just calmly uttered. This impassive actor likes my script and is fond of it. Moreover, Kang Woojin was an actor who had won over big names like PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi, and had joined a super-sized project like ‘Profiler Hanryang.’

And his acting prowess that would make your eyes pop out, how about that?

Such an actor is fond of and attached to the script of an unknown director? The countless hardships and wounds that had accumulated in Director Shin Dong-chun’s heart began to heal. All the times he had been stepped on and ignored. His current life was no different from hell to that extent.

Soon, as the resonance in Director Shin Dong-chun’s heart deepened, his eyes reddened.

“Thank you. Thank… you, Woojin. Really.”

With a poker face, Kang Woojin just kept his mouth shut and watched Director Shin Dong-chun on the other side.

“……”

He slightly tilted his head, not showing any reaction.