Chapter 101: Short Drama (1)

Translator: Dreamscribe

‘Island of the Missing’ was elevated to an S+ grade, a significant leap from its original A+ grade, rising by two ranks simply because Seo Chae-eun was replaced by Ha Yu-ra.

Of course, it was good news, so good that dancing joyously wouldn’t have been out of place.

However.

“……”

Kang Woojin, staring blankly at the white rectangle, was a bit dazed.

“S+ grade?”

It was all because of the first-ever S+ grade. The ‘Exorcism’ was grade A, and ‘Hanryang’ was grade S. Since then, there hadn’t been a grade above S. Above all, the impact of ‘Hanryang,’ which was grade S, was unimaginably massive, surpassing a legendary 25% viewership, including secondary effects.

Therefore, Woojin had always thought S was the highest grade.

However, that was a hasty judgment. The weird void space had once again surprised Woojin, as if saying, ‘You think you can judge me?’ Regardless, a smile spread across Woojin’s face, his eyes still wide in surprise.

“Woah- S+ grade. I wonder if there’s a grade higher than this?”

But pondering it was pointless. The void space had always defied Kang Woojin’s reality and transcended common sense. So for now, he just needs to be happy.

“This void space is incredible.”

At the same time, Kang Woojin felt a sense of pride. It felt as if he had truly revived ‘Island of the Missing’ himself. No. It’s more than just revived it. After reviving it, ‘Island of the Missing’ had become much healthier.

Alright, let’s try to envision the future.

Kang Woojin, now brimming with laughter, erased the rectangles listed to deduce the suspects, all the while mumbling.

“Just wait and see. Since ‘Hanryang’ surpassed 25% in viewership, if a movie is S+ grade, does it simply exceed 10 million viewers?”

How far could it go after surpassing 10 million viewers? It’s hard to estimate, but he forced out a guess. A little speculation wouldn’t hurt, right? Thus, endless imaginations flooded Kang Woojin’s mind.

Of course, they were all still huge hits.

Then, Kang Woojin suddenly remembered Ha Yu-ra. A top actress he’d never met, who even made it to Hollywood. Although he felt nervous, it wasn’t as much as before. Had he somewhat adapted to this field? With that, Kang Woojin suppressed his excited emotions and returned to reality.

The van, still driven by Choi Sung-gun, continued on the road, and Woojin, expressionless, looked out the window, muttering to himself.

‘I wonder what it feels like to meet Ha Yu-ra- Well, I’ll find out when I meet her.’

That same day, at lunchtime, at Harmony Film Company.

Choi Sung-gun entered the medium-sized conference room at Harmony Film Company. The room was quiet. Sitting at the center of the U-shaped table was,

“Welcome, CEO Choi.”

The warm Director Kwon Ki-taek was sitting. He stood up to greet Choi as soon as he saw him. Although he was smiling, there was a subtle weight to his demeanor. Then Choi Sung-gun, having exchanged pleasantries with Director Kwon.

“Phew- It’s been hectic.”

He sighed as he sat down. Director Kwon, scratching his head full of gray hair, replied,

“It’s an emergency, isn’t it? For both Harmony Film Company and the distributors. Of course, externally, it might seem like there’s no issue.”

“There must be internal affairs to settle.”

“Don’t worry, it should be resolved by next week.”

Director Kwon, speaking softly, stroked his cheek and asked with curiosity,

“So, let’s hear about the whole story of this incident. Honestly, I’ve been curious because Woojin, whom I didn’t expect, is involved.”

Choi Sung-gun, with a serious expression, responded,

“Director, you remember Director Woo Hyun-goo, right?”

Although it wasn’t a pleasant memory, Director Kwon nodded after a brief silence.

“…Yes.”

“Yes, actually, Woojin once actually bluntly rejected Director Woo Hyun-goo’s offer. This was before his fall.”

“I know, I heard it directly from Director Woo Hyun-goo.”

“Is that so?”

“Hmm. He said some extremely rude and brash newcomer rejected him, causing a huge fuss. After that, the incident happened.”

“I see. I didn’t know that.”

Understanding the situation, Choi Sung-gun continued,

“Do you know why Woojin rejected Director Woo Hyun-goo?”

“Wasn’t it because he recklessly pushed him into auditioning?”

“No. Actually, Woojin said just one thing at the time. ‘I don’t like the vibe.’ He has a peculiar intuition.”

“……Hmm?”

Director Kwon Ki-taek furrowed his brows in confusion, prompting Choi Sung-gun to provide a brief explanation. It wasn’t detailed, but the briefing definitely included the key points, covering both the time of Director Woo Hyun-gu to the recent incident with Seo Chae-eun. Just mentioning those two things was surprising enough.

And Director Kwon Ki-taek was indeed a bit shocked.

“So, both during Director Woo’s time and now, it was Woojin.”

“Yes. He seems to have the real Midas touch. He must have had this ability from birth and gradually manifested it.”

“Instinct?”

“Perhaps. Of course, it’s not some kind of supernatural power. He didn’t know everything this time either. But clearly…”

“It’s unbelievable. On top of his acting skills, he has a discerning eye for people and projects.”

“Yes.”

“Somehow, I always felt his gaze was different. It strangely didn’t seem to belong to someone from this industry.”

For some reason, Director Kwon Ki-taek thought of PD Song Man-woo at this point. The host who had spread the infection about Kang Woojin. Director Kwon recalled one of PD Song’s statements.

‘That kid has an indescribable, keen sense. It’s truly extraordinary.’

Back then, Director Kwon had brushed it off, wondering what PD Song was talking about. However, looking at the current situation, he realized that PD Song’s words did make sense in the current situation.

“Oh- So that’s what he meant.”

“Yes?”

“Nothing, just talking to myself.”

“Ah.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek couldn’t help but smile.

‘I keep on peeling, but I can’t see the core. I’ve never seen an actor with so many layers before.’

Having confirmed everything, Director Kwon took a deep breath and said,

“Hmm-”

He locked eyes with Choi Sung-gun across the table, now looking more relaxed.

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Woojin and CEO Choi. Thank you, I mean it.”

Choi Sung-gun leaned slightly forward as if he had been waiting for those words.

“Director, rather than a debt, a blessing would be a better term.”

“Haha, right. Something real is better than just words, I also don’t like owing someone. Debts need to be repaid, especially with people we’ll continue to work with for a long time. So, if you have anything in mind, let me know.”

The atmosphere had shifted to one of negotiation. Choi Sung-gun took the initiative.

“First, I’d like to adjust Woojin’s appearance fee.”

“A raise?”

“Yes. You can decide the figure.”

“An amount equivalent to the debt-”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been stroking his chin, didn’t take long to think.

“How about a running fee?”

A running fee. Currently, Woojin’s contract only includes an appearance fee; there’s no running fee clause.

“Let’s add a running fee of 100 won.”

At first glance, a running fee of 100 won might seem small, but it’s not. There are break-even points, splits with the agency, and other ancillary factors, but in simple terms, it means 100 won per audience member. 1 million audience members equate to 100 million won, 10 million would equal 1 billion won.

On top of that, there’s the appearance fee.

This level of condition is usually only reserved for A-list or S-list actors.

In the recent film industry, two methods exist in top actors’ contracts: a running fee and a percentage of profits. The percentage concept involves receiving around 6-7% of the profits. So, offering Kang Woojin top-tier terms.

This was truly a special case and treatment.

However, a running fee is a double-edged sword. If the movie does poorly, there wouldn’t be any money beyond the appearance fee. Still, Choi Sung-gun believed it was a good deal.

‘Since Woojin personally chose ‘Island of the Missing,’ it should at least be average, and with Director Kwon Ki-taek and other top actors involved, it’s more profitable to have a running fee than an increased appearance fee.’

But Choi Sung-gun wasn’t finished.

“That’s fine, but Director, running fees are heavily future-oriented. So, please add one option.”

“An option?”

“Yes. How about getting Woojin a nice car?”

Hearing about the car option, Director Kwon laughed heartily.

“Haha, sure. We’ll also add the ‘nice car’ option to the contract.”

A look of gratitude flashed across Director Kwon’s face, thinking that it was the least they could do for someone who had saved a nearly doomed film. Then, with his smile fading, Director Kwon Ki-taek changed the subject.

“Ah- I also had something to discuss with CEO Choi.”

“Yes, please go ahead, Director.”

“I hadn’t even considered the possibility of switching roles with Ha Yu-ra this time. Originally, we gave Ha Yu-ra a cameo role. But now, that spot is open. I heard that Hye-yeon recently finished filming ‘Profiler Hanryang’, is that right?”

Choi Sung-gun understood immediately what was being suggested. To be precise,

‘Yes, this is it.’

Choi Sung-gun nodded in agreement, as this was the situation he had anticipated.

“Yes, I understand what you mean. I’ll check with Hye-yeon.”

Overall, it was a fairly successful deal for bw Entertainment.

Afterward,

Time began to fly by quickly. So much was happening, and there had been several shocking incidents. Firstly, Seo Chae-eun, who had been silent yesterday and today, made a move.

『【Breaking News】’Seo Chae-eun,’ who kept silent, expresses her stance through her agency’s official website.』

Around evening, she officially announced her stance through the agency. But it wasn’t interesting. As always, there were plenty of watered-down weak excuses.

However, ‘PowerPatch’ did not let it go.

They hit with a three-punch combo. This time, it was an  article accompanied by various pieces of evidence and even witnesses. So, around the 30th of June, the last day of the month,

『【Official】’Seo Chae-eun’ under suspicion of ‘habitual propofol abuse’ to be summoned by police for questioning in a few days.』

In the end, the police and prosecutors took action. They searched Seo Chae-eun’s house and planned to summon her for questioning. The results would be known in a few days, but even this was enough.

『Everything related to ‘Seo Chae-eun’ comes to a complete stop, from advertisements to movies. How much are the penalties?』

It wasn’t strange to assume that Seo Chae-eun’s acting career was over.

Around this time, Kang Woojin received the OST tracks for ‘Male Friend.’ These were guide tracks with both music and lyrics completed. Naturally, they were handed over by Director Shin Dong-chun.

“Woojin, I know you’re busy, but just get familiar with them as you listen. We’re recording this week, but if it’s tough, we can do it later. So don’t feel pressured.”

Kang Woojin received a total of two songs. One was a solo, and the other a duet. Woojin’s review was simple.

‘This is awesome?? It sticks in my head.’

It was the moment his favorite song changed. Kang Woojin kept listening to the demo tracks whenever he had time, humming along to get used to the songs.

A few days passed like this.

The noisy June ended, and July began with much to come. The weather was hot, the peak of summer. From the first day of July, a delightful choice awaited Kang Woojin.

“Woojin, have you chosen the car you’ll receive as an option aside from your running fee?”

“Ah- I’m still choosing.”

“Take your time, no pressure. Domestic or foreign, it doesn’t matter. But if you can, why not a foreign car?”

It was his first time owning a car, and that too, one paid for by someone else. Though he was just accepting it as a gift, Woojin still felt like dancing with joy inside.

‘A few months ago, I thought I’d be a pedestrian all my life, and suddenly a foreign car?’

He hadn’t expected such a day to come. His life was becoming more prosperous. Anyway, Woojin chose a foreign car from Company B, which he had always found decent and was reasonably priced. bw Entertainment would purchase it first, and Harmony Film Company would pay them back later.

Fast forward to Thursday, July 2nd.

Kang Woojin’s schedule for the day was one long session from morning to late afternoon. It was the official recording of the ‘Male Friend’ OST. Today was just for vocal recordings, so the entire ‘Male Friend’ team gathered in the studio. Naturally, the overseeing was done by Director Shin Dong-chun and the music director. Other staff like Kim So-hyang and writer Choi Na-na were more like spectators.

Since it was the official recording, everyone’s faces were serious.

And then.

-Swish.

The first vocal recording started with Kang Woojin. Consequently, Woojin, wearing his cap low, entered the booth. The scene was similar to the test recording they had done before. However, his mindset was different this time.

‘Whew- Okay, I’m not that nervous. I don’t have to be perfect, just relaxed.’

It was his first-ever OST. If he pulled this off, a track with Kang Woojin’s vocals would be released to the world. Trying to cool down his racing heart, Woojin made an effort to calm himself. The slight trembling of his body was controlled quicker than he expected, probably thanks to his repeated acting experiences.

Soon.

“Ah, Woojin? Can you hear me well?”

“Yes, I can hear you clearly.”

Woojin heard the music director’s cue through the headphones he wore.

“Since it’s your first time, I’ll try not to stop you, so go all the way through. It’s okay if you mess up the lyrics, so, Woojin, you should sing with the mindset that you’re going to sing it all the way through, okay?”

“Yes.”

As the nodding music director started the equipment, Kang Woojin’s solo track began to play.

-♬♪

It was familiar. Not strange at all. Perhaps because he had listened and hummed to it often, the song was familiar to Woojin. He then opened his mouth in time with the music, looking at the lyrics on his phone. It started off calmly. But gradually, it became more powerful.

Around this point, the music director outside the booth, nodding to the rhythm, said to Director Shin Dong-chun,

“He’s doing well, isn’t he? Usually, people are nervous and have difficulties right from the introduction during their first recording, but Woojin started off smoothly and his emotional expression is good, too.”

“Hmm, this song definitely suits Woojin’s voice. It’s a completely different vibe from the guide track.”

“If he keeps this clean performance from the beginning, it looks like we won’t have a hard time today, huh?”

The two calmly analyzed Kang Woojin’s vocals.

In contrast, about a dozen people, including Kim So-hyang and writer Choi Na-na, were staring intently at Kang Woojin in the booth. Hwalin had even closed her eyes. The funny thing was, nobody said a word.

They were just busy appreciating Kang Woojin’s vocals.

Gradually, Woojin’s vocals reached a climax. His high notes resonated poignantly throughout the studio.

-♬♪

In a corner of the studio, Choi Sung-gun, a bit isolated, made eye contact with the woman next to him. She was a stranger, wearing horn-rimmed glasses. To her, Choi Sung-gun quietly asked,

“What do you think?”

Then the woman, her gaze fixed on Kang Woojin in the booth, opened her mouth.

“…He’s going to be a hit. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised? I didn’t know he could sing like that. It seems there’s nothing Kang Woojin can’t do?”

“Do you think he’ll stand out in musicals?”

“Yes, with a little more polish.”

The woman was a well-known casting director in the musical industry.

Simultaneously, in Tokyo, Japan. At the Toega film company.

In a somewhat tense meeting room, half a dozen people were gathered, speaking in Japanese. Among them was a man with a prominent nose, a familiar face. It was Director Kyotaro, a master filmmaker from Japan. Surrounding him were staff from the film company.

Sitting upright across from Director Kyotaro was a man.

“It’s an honor, Director.”

The man with long hair tied back by a headband was, of course, an actor. His name was ‘Mana Kosaku.’ A member of a famous Japanese band and a top-ranking actor. With his rugged features, he was known as a serious actor even within Japan.

Soon, Director Kyotaro, smiling, said to Mana Kosaku,

“I’ve been wanting to meet you, Mana-san. Thank you for coming.”

“Not at all! It’s my pleasure.”

“Hmm, you’ve heard the basic rundown from the company, right? The project I’m preparing is based on a book by writer Akari Takikawa.”

“Yes, I’ve heard.”

An impressed Kosaku thought to himself,

‘With Kyotaro as the director and a story by Akari, these two names alone are reason enough to take on this project.’

At that moment, Director Kyotaro received a stack of papers from a staff member next to him. He handed them over to Kosaku.

“We’ve already cast one actor. From Korea.”

A Korean actor? Kosaku’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…Korean actor? Can you tell me who it is if it’s a top star?”

“No, he’s a newcomer. It’s still early, so it’s difficult to reveal his name.”

“……?”

Kosaku’s eyes were filled with question marks. A newcomer, not even a top star? On the other hand, the composed Director Kyotaro gestured towards the papers.

“For now, take a look at the synopsis before the full script.”

“…Ah- yes, I understand.”

Kosaku quickly lowered his gaze, checking the title first.

-‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’

It was a familiar title, the same as that of a best-selling book. However, Kosaku, who had not read the original book, focused on the synopsis.

Several words stood out.

Bullying, Korean-Japanese, trap, conspiracy, murder, detective, and so on. Deeply immersed in the synopsis, Kosaku muttered to himself,

‘A revenge drama.’

It was a fierce and merciless revenge drama.