Chapter 143: Missing (2)

Translator: Dreamscribe

In a forest blanketed in stark darkness, under the faintly shining moonlight, the atmosphere was much the same as when they first arrived. However, the number of people had decreased. Two had come, but now one was nowhere to be seen.

The camera slowly moves to capture the profile of the remaining man.

On the monitor intently watched by Director Kwon Ki-taek, Kang Woojin’s face appears. No, rather, it fills with the intense expressions of Corporal Jin Sun-cheol. However, it was blurry, not showing the entire face. It was an intentional direction, with only his laughter being crystal clear.

His white teeth conspicuously curved into a crescent moon.

Director Kwon Ki-taek, engrossed in the scene, unconsciously leaned closer to the monitor. It had been a very long time since he had been so absorbed, forgetting about directing and purely lost in an actor’s performance.

‘How can he change the quality of two characters so quickly?’

At the moment, nothing in particular about directing came to Kwon Ki-taek’s mind. He was simply captivated by the actor’s performance, by Kang Woojin’s expressions. This wasn’t just for now. Since morning, Kang Woojin’s acting had not shown the slightest bit of disruption and had been steadfast.

‘It’s not just about quickly changing facial expressions or tones. The meaning in the eyes, the force in the intonation, the intimidation mixed in the actions. Even at a glance, it’s clearly visible that two beings are living together. Rather than a split personality, it’s as if he has two bodies-’

Even as Corporal Jin Sun-cheol, who had been laughing looking over the edge of the cliff, suddenly muttered to himself.

“What, why. Pretentious- bullshit.”

From his face to his torso, and then his arms and legs, he shivered. It was not intense but neither was it subtle. Enough to send chills, his eyes rolling back as if possessed by a spirit.

There was a monstrous being here.

Soon, the pupils of dozens of staff members, actors like Ryu Jung-min or Ha Yu-ra, dilated. The staff either covered their mouths or whispered among themselves.

“Creepy. Ah, I got goosebumps.”

“Wow- Woojin’s acting is really… insane.”

“Is this his acting tension on the first day? I was shocked during the reading, but seeing it on set, doesn’t it feel like he’s possessed by some acting god?”

Ryu Jung-min and.

“······”

Including Ha Yu-ra.

‘······How could such a performance come out in just a few seconds??’

The actors couldn’t utter a word. They just watched. The camera on the set focused on Kang Woojin’s performance, which was overwhelmingly charismatic. In fact, they had been speechless since earlier. Although he was a lead actor, currently, he was carrying the scene alone without other leading actors.

But his presence was as compelling as having everyone there.

That’s when it happened.

“Cut. OK.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek gave an OK and stood up. Simultaneously, the staff clapped as if somewhat enchanted.

-Clap, clap, clap, clap.

Not too loud, but a reasonable decibel. Perhaps in awe of the spirit-like performance Woojin just showed. Whatever the case, Kang Woojin, who had instantly extracted the two personas of ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’, thought to himself.

‘······Yeah, it’s okay, no particular problem.’

He completely wiped off his laughter and checked himself. ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ was different from the other roles he had embodied. Currently, Kang Woojin had to maintain three different worlds, including his own. Therefore, he had to continuously check himself, not only for the concept but also in general.

Around this time, Director Kwon Ki-taek, looking content, approached Woojin.

“Woojin-ssi.”

“Ah- yes, Director~nim.”

“You okay?”

Kang Woojin lowered his voice as much as possible.

“No problem.”

“Then, can we reshoot this scene again? It’s OK, but I want to try reducing the lights a bit more.”

“Of course.”

“If it’s too much for you.”

“No, you can go ahead.”

“Alright.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek smiled slightly, turned around, and muttered to himself.

‘He showed such intense emotion, but it doesn’t seem to affect him at all? Becoming an actor in my film really highlights his monstrous talent.’

A few staff members rushed over to adjust the military uniform on Kang Woojin. Cameras and lights were moved back to their original positions.

Then.

“Action.”

The filming continued once again. Thus, Corporal Jin Sun-cheol once more ‘erases’ Lance Corporal Choi from ‘Island of the Missing’. This scene was repeated three times by Director Kwon Ki-taek. Not because the acting of the two actors was lacking, but because Director Kwon wanted to make changes to the overall direction and camera angles.

After about an hour and 30 minutes.

The current scene finally came to an end.

-Clap!

With the noise of the slate, it immediately moved to the next scene. After dropping Lance Corporal Choi, Corporal Jin Sun-cheol, with his two identities, causes a conflict. Naturally, a collision between the two personas. And Corporal Jin Sun-cheol decides on something. What he should do in this strange, eerie ‘Island of the Missing’.

The scene starts right after Lance Corporal Choi disappears.

“Action.”

Upon Director Kwon Ki-taek’s calm signal, Kang Woojin, or Corporal Jin Sun-cheol, dressed in military uniform.

-Swish.

Suddenly collapses on the spot. The camera captures the upper body of Corporal Jin Sun-cheol. Contrary to his smiling just before, Jin Sun-cheol now gasps for breath.

“Huff, Puff, Hup-”

At this moment, real pain pervaded the body of Kang Woojin, fully embodying Corporal Jin Sun-cheol.

‘Can’t breathe.’

There was a lack of air. His body was sending out warnings. That was the feeling. Therefore, Woojin’s breathing quickens. The dark surroundings seemed to hint at the deed he had just committed. A pitch-black future.

‘I feel nauseous.’

Kang Woojin felt like vomiting.

“Huk!”

What did I just do? Lance Corporal Choi? What just happened? Although he did it, it felt as if he hadn’t. Soon, Woojin’s face was filled with timidity. Indecisiveness spread. The persona sustaining his body had switched. That’s why Kang Woojin, pressing his back against a thick tree trunk, took off his helmet while.

“Sob!”

Tears flowed. Tears streamed down from his eyes to his cheeks in an instant. No preparation was needed. The camera gradually closes in on his face.

Woojin was sincere.

His face contained not a hint of falsehood. The slightly trembling facial muscles, the distorted forehead, the tears pouring down. He was sad. Woojin, clutching his helmet, felt a burning sensation in his chest.

That’s when.

‘Hey, idiot. Why the hell are you crying?’

A rough voice echoed from somewhere in his mind. Of course, this voice was not captured by Director Kwon Ki-taek, the actors, the dozens of staff members, or the audio equipment. It was heard only by Kang Woojin.

‘Didn’t you hate that bastard Lance Corporal Choi? Remember how that fucker tormented us since we were privates?’

The rough voice was angry. To this, Kang Woojin responded in a timid voice.

‘But, still. We… we killed a person.’

‘Bullshit. Is that bastard Choi even human? He’s just an idiot. And this place allows it, you know? Didn’t you see Private Park being sliced? There were guys with their heads chopped off too.’

‘······Stop it. No, don’t. Please.’

‘It’s fine, fuck. It’s allowed here. It’s a blessing for us. It’s like a party, right? We can enjoy our revenge. So, stop your fucking crying and get up.’

Kang Woojin was indeed having a real conversation. However, no one else could perceive it. The camera close by was just intensely capturing Woojin’s emotions, his expressions.

At that moment.

“Lance Corporal Choi!! Corporal Jin!”

Voices pierced through from afar, along with bright lights. The camera capturing Woojin swiftly turns. Some soldiers who had been asleep were running over, armed with guns.

That instant.

-Thud!

Kang Woojin falls to the ground, breaking into loud sobs.

“Huuuuh!! I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I couldn’t stop Lance Corporal Choi!”

The soldier who arrived first gasped for breath and asked.

“What?! Stop what?! Don’t tell me Lance Corporal Choi!”

“······He jumped off. I’m sorry. When I arrived, he already, huuuhuhu!”

“Fuck!! Is this for real?”

“I’m sorry! It was so sudden! Next time! Next time I’ll stop it faster, I’m sorry! It’s my fault!”

Here, the corners of Kang Woojin’s mouth, lying on the ground, twitched ever so slightly. He was crying, yet smiling. Shouting in agony, but his inner thoughts were different. Then, the rough voice inside resounded again.

‘Keke, ‘next time’? This freak. So, he means to do it again, huh?’

The camera distinctly captures the conversation between the two personas on Kang Woojin’s face.

Meanwhile.

The end of September was chaotic for Kang Woojin, who had fully immersed himself in filming ‘Island of the Missing’, and for everyone else. Time swiftly vanished. Just a few days ago, the final trailer of ‘Male Friend’, released on the official Netflix Korea channel, had created a huge wave. It contained many hidden plots and teasers.

-What’s this… Where did Park Dae-ri go?? LOL Kang Woojin’s image transformation LOL

-It’s a shame it’s only a short series, but Kang Woojin and Hwalin look so good together

-Wow LOL The visual aesthetics from the beginning are melting my heart… I love it…

-Hold on! 0:22 What’s this? Hwalin rushing towards Kang Woojin, could it be! A ki!ss! scene?!!!

-Kang Woojin’s acting spectrum is really wide LOL From playing tough roles to suddenly romantic boyfriend material LOL And he nails it

-What’s the OST?? Did Kang Woojin and Hwalin sing it together????!!! It’s so good?!

-Netflix!! You’re not going to release one episode at a time, right?! Drop it all at once?? I trust you, really!!

-Been looking forward to it LOL Finally, I can watch it~

-Hwalin really looks… so young… Wearing a school uniform, she looks so natural…

-Only a snippet of the last OST was released, but I’m already on repeat. Their vocal chemistry is amazing…

-‘Male Friend’ will probably skyrocket Kang Woojin’s popularity even more. He’s already popular, but this will surely bring in a flood of female fans

Of course, the same trailer was also released on Netflix Japan, and the anticipation there was just as high as in Korea.

Additionally.

『’Male Friend’ releases almost simultaneously in Korea and Japan, with a 3 days early release in Korea』

‘Male Friend’ was set to release first in Korea on October 19th, and then in Japan three days later, on the 22nd.

Around this time, the production team of ‘Drug Dealer’, which was set to premiere on October 28th, was also frantically promoting. Various press screenings were scheduled, and lead actors like Jin Jae-jun were busy appearing on TV shows, YouTube, and various variety shows.

『[Star Pick] Actors of ‘Drug Dealer’ appear in ‘Sports Day’, unfortunately Kang Woojin couldn’t attend / Photo』

Although Kang Woojin was not present, PD Yoon Byung-seon’s ‘Sports Day’ channel quickly invited the ‘Drug Dealer’ team. Naturally, Kang Woojin was not a part of the team.

However, Kang Woojin’s presence was always felt in the ‘Drug Dealer’ team.

“Since it’s been released, we can’t not talk about the cameo in ‘Drug Dealer’. Kang Woojin, you know, Kang Woojin. He’s been causing quite a stir recently, how does he appear in the movie?”

“Ah- It would be better if Jae-jun-ssi talks about Woojin. They worked together the most.”

“Yeah, please tell us, Jae-jun-ssi.”

“Honestly, I learned a lot working with Woojin-ssi. I realized how much I still lack.”

Wherever they went, whatever show they appeared on, questions about Kang Woojin were always raised. Hence, even in his absence, it was as if he was always there.

“Huh? Jae-jun-ssi??”

“Yes. I don’t know, it’s hard to express in words. Just watch the movie. It’s killer.”

Thus, with these simultaneous events exploding, the media instigated a bit of a competitive dynamic between the two projects releasing around the same time.

『’Monster Rookie’ Kang Woojin’s ‘Male Friend’ and ‘Drug Dealer’, which will come out on top in terms of performance?』

The releases were only a week apart. The focus was, of course, on Kang Woojin. Such cases were not unheard of, especially among actors who work on multiple projects. However, for an actor less than a year into his career, this was unprecedented.

『[Fact Check] Romantic comedy ‘Male Friend’, crime thriller ‘Drug Dealer’, netizens excited for Kang Woojin’s acting』

The public was busy discussing freely, with much anticipation.

-Going to watch ‘Male Friend’ and then head straight to ‘Drug Dealer’ LOL. Feels like I’ll definitely be able to tell the difference in the acting.

-I can somewhat predict the acting in ‘Male Friend’, but I have no clue what Kang Woojin will be like in ‘Drug Dealer’ LOL. That’s why it’s more intriguing

There was also a sense of expectation building up.

-‘Drug Dealer’ fits well with Park Dae-ri’s role, but Kang Woojin in a romantic comedy?? LOL It might not be a good match.

-I heard these two projects were prepared around the same time… Honestly, feels like his agency is spinning Kang Woojin too hard. His acting quality must have dropped

In the end, everyone shared a similar sentiment.

How will Kang Woojin, distinct in two very different projects, show his presence?

It was about Kang Woojin’s quality.

On the late morning of September 29, in a spacious meeting room at HTBS Entertainment Network.

Kang Woojin sat in the center of the U-shaped table, his expression as calm as ever. Interestingly, several small cameras were placed around him, with more installed in various spots on the ceiling.

Woojin subtly glanced at the cameras.

‘These small cameras really don’t let you relax. They record everything, from all sides.’

As he maintained his solemn demeanor, a familiar-faced man sitting opposite him spoke up.

“Woojin-ssi, how have you been? Haha, it’s been incredibly long since we last met, hasn’t it?”

It was PD Yoon Byung-seon, wearing a smile typical of a variety show producer, currently preparing for the major variety show ‘Our Dining Table’. Naturally, several writers were also seated around PD Yoon.

“Woojin-ssi has become so amazingly great, it’s hard to adjust to it.”

“It just happened that way.”

“Lucky for us. Keep soaring, okay? Haha. Anyway, congratulations on everything. I know you must be busy, but our show is also shaping up.”

Kang Woojin, who had occasionally heard about ‘Our Dining Table’ amidst his schedule, thought:

‘The only variety show I’m doing that’s not acting. Ah- now that I think about it, this is also going international. I’m going abroad abroad more and more these days?’

With a mix of anticipation and nervousness, Woojin listened intently to PD Yoon Byung-seon, making eye contact. Soon, PD Yoon handed a tablet to Woojin, continuing his explanation.

“Season 1 will likely be in the U.S., and we plan to start the main shooting in November. But before that, we want to shoot a scene in Korea for the first episode.”

“What’s the plan?”

“Firstly, this meeting itself will be used in episode 1, and there will be a shot of all the participants having a meal together. Then, before the main shooting in the U.S., all the participants will need to practice. Things like cooking and management.”

Yoon Byung-seon pointed with his index finger at the tablet screen, which displayed plans related to the scenes for the first episode.

“So, we’re planning to open a ‘One-Day Restaurant’ in Korea as a trial.”