Chapter 142: Missing (1)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Crank-in. That is, the first shooting. Or, to be more precise, the first shooting of ‘Island of the Missing’ might have already begun. The call for the shooting of ‘Island of the Missing’ was from the morning. However, only one of the main actors was summoned.

That was Kang Woojin.

In short, the one who opened the gates of the shooting schedule was Kang Woojin, and the rest of the main actors, including Ryu Jung-min, were to join in the afternoon. According to the distributed shooting schedule, Kang Woojin would have started in Seoul in the morning and would now be in the midst of shooting in Buyeo.

As ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’.

Anyway, at this moment, Ryu Jung-min was.

“Phew-”

Recalling ‘First Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ from the script, he was exceptionally determined.

‘This time, a fellow lead.’

During Hanryang, there was a difference in popularity and the status of being a main actor, but this time, the gap with Kang Woojin was almost non-existent. Of course, Ryu Jung-min still had a far superior career. However, the entertainment industry was not a market where popularity is swayed by career.

It’s swayed by people’s interest.

Looking at it that way, Kang Woojin, the current king of issues, was the biggest predator in ‘Island of the Missing’, and Ryu Jung-min had humbly lowered himself.

‘Forget seniority, I’m here purely as an actor, as a challenger.’

A challenger. To Ryu Jung-min, Kang Woojin was the limit itself. At least, that was Ryu Jung-min’s firm conclusion.

Therefore.

‘…I honestly want to avoid it.’

Even now, moving towards the shooting location, fear was rising in Ryu Jung-min. It was overwhelming. Heavy. Already being at the top, he could have chosen a different path. But Ryu Jung-min.

“Still, if I overcome this, maybe I too.”

He chose to confront his limits, to directly face Kang Woojin. Surely, in ‘Island of the Missing’, he would face the terror of despair and loss when confronting Kang Woojin. However, currently, as a challenger, Ryu Jung-min chose self-encouragement over self-pity.

The two in ‘Island of the Missing’ would engage in a psychological battle, quite different from ‘Hanryang.’

‘First Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ tries to trust ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, played by Woojin, while also suspecting him, and ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ avoids ‘First Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’, engaging in antics similar to that of a monstrous creature.

No, in a way, the real villain in ‘Island of the Missing’ was ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’.

‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ was more cunning and had many more secrets than ‘Park Dae-ri’. Therefore, he could be considered a higher level. In contrast, Ryu Jung-min’s ‘First Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’ was less capable than Hanryang’s ‘Yu Ji-hyeong’. That made the competition even fiercer for Ryu Jung-min.

Yet, Ryu Jung-min smiled.

‘Perfect, just like a challenger should be.’

The situation seemed fine. Pure desire, greed, jealousy, intensity. Regardless of the words, Ryu Jung-min was resolute.

‘I will use that monster, for my own sake.’

To grow, to break through his limits, he would use the incredible Kang Woojin.

This atmosphere wasn’t exclusive to Ryu Jung-min.

At the same time, the majority of the main actors heading to the same destination felt the same. Kim Yi-won, the lead of ‘Again Man’, which had recently been released with decent success.

“A split personality- I wonder how Woojin-ssi is portraying that? Hyung, let’s speed up.”

“Hey, I’m already on it. But I’m curious too. The guy who’s flipping over both Korea and Japan with his acting.”

“Ha······ Honestly, I’m a bit intimidated? But I’m curious too.”

Jeon Woo-chang, who seemed to have bulked up even more, with his hearty nature.

“Woo-chang, stop reading the script and get some rest.”

“Ah, if I do that, I’ll mess it up during the shoot. Especially when my acting is already the weakest! And with Woojin ssi on top of that?? Did you not see Woojin ssi’s acting during the reading?! How can I sleep after seeing that!”

Even Ha Yu-ra, who joined ‘Island of the Missing’ the latest. Especially the tall Ha Yu-ra was completely focused on Kang Woojin. Even while looking at the script, Woojin’s face kept popping into her mind.

‘…Now I’ll definitely be able to see it clearly.’

Director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘wild,’ yet thoroughly trained elite like herself. Kang Woojin during the script reading was certainly impressive. It was an acting level hard to see in a newcomer.

But that didn’t seem to be everything.

There was more. This monstrous newcomer must have much more up his sleeve. Ha Yu-ra, who had let down her tied-up hair, continued to visualize Kang Woojin during the ride. She visualized his form in front of her eyes.

How much time had passed?

The white van carrying Ha Yu-ra arrived at the huge set complex’s parking lot in Buyeo. A few staff members ran up to her car, but dozens of staff were not seen around the large set complex.

That was to be expected.

Right now, Kang Woojin, Director Kwon Ki-taek, and the filming team would be in the midst of shooting in the dense forest. Soon after, Ha Yu-ra moved towards the forest where the filming team was located. Shortly afterward, she saw nearly a hundred people and numerous filming equipment.

Additionally.

“Action.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek’s gentle signal was heard in front of the monitor. The shooting of ‘Island of the Missing’ was already underway. Many supporting actors and extras were giving their all in their performances. All were dressed in military uniforms, with their faces covered in various makeup, from blood to wounds.

The shooting zone was mostly dark.

Given the time and the screens set up, what was captured on the monitor had a strong night feel. Soon, Ha Yu-ra stood behind the gathered staff members. Main actors like Ryu Jung-min had already arrived on set. Even though they were top actors, at the moment, they were no different from onlookers.

They just exchanged glances.

The atmosphere on set was very heavy and intense. They instinctively felt that they should not interfere.

That’s when it happened.

“Cut- Okay. Next, Woojin ssi.”

Warm-hearted Director Kwon Ki-taek called for Kang Woojin. Then, an assistant director ran somewhere, shouting.

“Woojin-ssi!! Standby!!”

Kang Woojin appeared, wearing a military uniform and a bulletproof helmet tucked under his arm. His hair was cut shorter too. It wasn’t long to begin with, but it had been cut to be more fitting for a soldier. Compared to other actors, his makeup was cleaner. Indifferent-faced Kang Woojin discussed with Director Kwon Ki-taek in the center of the filming zone focused by cameras.

It was probably a verbal rehearsal of the scene they were about to shoot.

At this moment, Ha Yu-ra’s expression grew serious as she watched them.

‘Which scene is this?’

Ryu Jung-min and the other main actors also intently watched Kang Woojin. Of course, the hundred or so staff members and supporting and extra actors did the same. Kang Woojin’s presence was that overwhelming, his aura that intense. And everyone’s eyes shared a similar sentiment.

Determined to witness the performance of this issue-laden actor.

Soon, as the scene changed, actors in the shooting zone left and the setting slightly changed. It remained dark, but props were replaced. A blood-stained helmet, a military uniform jacket laid on the ground, and so on. Only two actors were needed for this scene. One was naturally Kang Woojin’s ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’.

The other was an extra playing ‘Lance Corporal Choi’.

The actor playing ‘Lance Corporal Choi’ was short and had an overall sharp-looking face. He was a well-known character actor among supporting actors. After finishing his instructions to ‘Lance Corporal Choi’ and ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’,

-Swish.

He returned to his spot and quietly spoke to the assistant director and key staff.

“Let’s go for the first cut comfortably.”

A little while later.

The staff moved in perfect unison. They swiftly cleared the area, and Director Kwon Ki-taek took his seat. Ha Yu-ra and Ryu Jung-min, along with the other main actors, looked even more focused.

Then.

– Clap!

A staff member clapped the slate in front of the camera.

The scene they were about to shoot was set after spending several days on this mysterious island. The number of dead soldiers had already increased to four, and the culprit behind their deaths was a monstrous creature lurking in the forest. No one had seen the face of this monstrous creature. However, the soldiers were found with their throats cut and bodies torn apart.

Yet, about a dozen soldiers remaining were only fleeing for their lives.

The soldiers hadn’t even managed to recover the bodies of their fallen comrades. Escaping the forest wasn’t easy. It was even uncertain if this place was still on Earth. They hadn’t eaten properly or slept peacefully for days. The stress and mental fatigue of all the soldiers had skyrocketed. The situation was utterly bleak.

In this situation, ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ began to move quietly.

The start of that cut began with Director Kwon Ki-taek’s leisurely signal.

“Action.”

The camera swiftly moves to ‘Lance Corporal Choi’, who is huddled up and muttering to himself. Lance Corporal Choi seemed to be out of his mind.

“What the fuck—— is this? Where the hell are we? I’m an idiot. I can’t believe this is what I’m doing in my last year of service… Fuck. Fuck. Ah- Fuck it. Fuck. Fuck.”

He’s busy mumbling to himself as if reciting a spell. It was supposed to be time to sleep. Currently, ‘First Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae’s’ troops were standing watch in turns, trying to get some rest. However, Lance Corporal Choi was busy denying reality.

He was anxious and irritable, as if he would snap if touched.

That moment.

-Rustle.

A noise was heard from the side. The camera and Lance Corporal Choi’s heads quickly turned. From the darkness, a person’s silhouette appeared, along with a timid voice.

“Lance Corporal Choi. Are- Aren’t you sleeping?”

Kang Woojin, or rather ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, spoke in a low self-esteem tone, his voice drained of strength and slightly trembling. Soon, a slight sense of relief spread across Lance Corporal Choi, who lowered his head again.

“You scared me, you bastard. Seriously. Sigh… You’re screwed once we get back.”

The camera moves to ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ who approaches Lance Corporal Choi and whispers to him. His eyes are filled with worry.

“Are, are you okay?”

“I’m not okay, you idiot – Where the hell are we? What fucking shit is this. Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

“······”

‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, after watching him for a moment, glances around briefly. He then timidly asks Lance Corporal Choi again.

“Lance Corporal Choi. Aren’t you hungry?”

“I am.”

“I, I actually found something like fruit over there.”

Lance Corporal Choi’s head quickly turns.

“Fruit?? What kind? Where did you find it?”

“Uh- I’m sorry, I don’t know what it is. But it seemed okay when I ate it.”

‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ gets even closer to Lance Corporal Choi.

“It was sweet.”

Lance Corporal Choi’s eyes widen. The camera does a close-up on his adam’s apple. Gulp. He swallows. However, Lance Corporal Choi barely maintains his sanity.

“Report it to the Company Commander first.”

‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, cautiously glancing around, responds somewhat urgently.

“There’s only one left. It’s not enough to report. Can I just eat it?”

“You selfish bastard. You want to survive alone?”

“Ah. No, no, that’s why I told you, Lance Corporal.”

“······”

A moment of silence. Then comes Director Kwon Ki-taek’s signal.

“Cut, okay. We’ll go for individual cuts now.”

The same scene is repeated. It takes about several tens of minutes. Soon the camera is now filming the backs of the two actors. It was time for the next scene. Kang Woojin and the extra actor, both holding guns, walk cautiously. The ground is squelchy. Lance Corporal Choi, grumbling, speaks up.

“Damn, it’s like hell walking at night. Hey, Jin Coward. If this is another foolish act, you’re really done for, understand?”

‘Jin Coward’, or ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, is captured intensely by the camera. However, due to the enveloping darkness, his expression is unclear.

“It’s not, not a lie.”

“Lead the way.”

“But, Lance Corporal. I also discovered something else, something strange.”

“What is it?”

“No- Never mind.”

Lance Corporal Choi harshly slaps ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’s’ helmet.

-Whack!

“What is it, you idiot. Stop being so damn frustrating.”

“Ahh, the thing is. You know, earlier today, when we were scouting the area on the company commander’s orders?”

“Yeah.”

“I found the fruit then.”

“What?”

“Well, but while I was picking the fruit, I accidentally dropped one… You know, below the cliff. The fruit that fell there just disappeared.”

“······What? Are you playing games with me, you damn idiot?”

The camera captures a stopped Lance Corporal Choi in a bust shot and slowly pulls back. Soon, ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ points somewhere with his index finger.

“There, right there. The edge of the cliff. I dropped it there and it just vanished.”

“For real? And the fruit?”

“That big tree over there.”

“I don’t see it?”

“I hid it in the ground.”

“You’re bullshitting, right?”

“No, I couldn’t believe it myself, so I threw a stone and… it disappeared.”

Lance Corporal Choi was incredulous. What kind of nonsense is this damn guy spouting? However, the biggest mistake was being trapped on this damned island. At that moment, the voice of ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, who was approaching the edge of the cliff, was heard.

“Didn’t we come here through a cave? I think… there might be a return passage below. Ah, it’s just a wild guess.”

A return passage below. Lance Corporal Choi’s eyes widen. The camera captures this from the side. Soon, Lance Corporal Choi joins ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ looking down the edge of the cliff.

It’s dark.

Nothing is visible, given the circumstances. It was night, after all. Right now it’s quiet, but later the sound of crashing waves would be added. Then Lance Corporal Choi frowns.

“Where exactly?”

“There, can’t you see?”

“Ah- What are you blabbering about? I can’t see anything.”

-Rustle.

Kang Woojin, or ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, takes a step back. His expression, mixed with the darkness, is oddly distorted. While saying his line,

“Just a moment. I’ll go get the fruit. That’s the spot, really.”

“Are you crazy? It’s pitch black, what can you see… Huh? Hey, didn’t something just move over there?”

“It’s probably the waves.”

“No, it’s not the waves.”

The camera slowly zooms in on the face of ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ pulling back. His expression, faintly illuminated by the moonlight, is enigmatic. The timidity that was dominant just moments ago has vanished.

One more step.

Perhaps due to the lack of moonlight, the upper half of ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’s’ face is shrouded in darkness. Now only his mouth is visible.

His teeth are stark white. No, he is smiling wide enough to show his teeth.

The whole face is dark, but his endlessly rising smile is all that fills it. A clean smile. However, the disparity between the dark face and the smile is extreme.

Above all.

‘······Crazy. It really feels like we’re on the Island of the Missing. How can such a happy smile come out so naturally.’

‘That smile alone completes the character description.’

‘There’s direction, but Woojin ssi’s acting- if this is seen on a big screen, it would be really chilling.’

As actors like Ryu Jung-min and Ha Yu-ra murmured to themselves, Kang Woojin’s seemingly joyful yet chilling inner smile dramatically escalated the impact of the scene.

But that was only for a moment.

With a rustling sound, ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’s’ face completely disappeared. Unaware of this, Lance Corporal Choi continued looking down and speaking.

“Hey, look at that. I’m telling you, there’s something down there!”

Kang Woojin, or ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ in the darkness, responded.

“Then, why don’t we throw something down there?”

“What should we throw?”

Suddenly, the tone of ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’s’ voice changed, becoming rough and fierce.

“You.”

Lance Corporal Choi jolted and turned his head.

“You bastard, did you just talk back to me… Hey, where are you?”

The camera shows the view right in front of Lance Corporal Choi, illuminating the pitch-dark forest. It was quiet and still. That silence was terrifyingly eerie. From somewhere, ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’s’ voice was heard again.

“Heh heh. Talking back? You don’t understand the situation, do you?”

“······What?”

Before the question was fully out,

– Whoosh!

‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ suddenly leaped out from the darkness. His face was full of ecstatic laughter, overwhelmingly captured by the camera.

And then he.

– Bang!!

Pushed Lance Corporal Choi without hesitation. Just 1 second. That was the time it took for Lance Corporal Choi to disappear. Soon, ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ looked down the cliff, stifling his laughter with a deep breath. His bright white teeth floated in the darkness.

It was a smile full of satisfaction.

“Who speaks formally to a dead body, asshole.”