Chapter 145: Missing (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Kang Woojin in ‘Ame-talk Show!’ played on the old director’s cellphone. In the video, Kang Woojin was close to the audience seats, continuously conversing with a child using sign language. The man in his late 40s, who was talking with the veteran director, had a look of panic on his face as he watched the video.

“Ah- Kang Woojin. Are you talking about Kang Woojin?”

At the repeated question, the old director took back his phone. His wrinkled face was filled with bluntness.

“Yes, Kang Woojin. A rookie actor who has stood out in less than a year since his debut.”

“······”

“What. Did I see wrong?”

“No, it’s Kang Woojin.”

The man, sweating profusely, contrasted with the old director, who seemed relaxed. Or should I say cold? His voice was old but firm.

“Where is Kang Woojin now? He’s popular now, so you must be keeping tabs on him.”

“···He’s probably in Vietnam. I know he’s gone for the overseas filming of ‘Island of the Missing.'”

“The work of Director Kwon.”

The old director slowly nodded his head, while the man in his 40s just looked down. A moment of silence. It was the veteran director who broke the quiet.

“But tell me, did you think I wouldn’t know about Kang Woojin? Recently, he’s been making noise with Japanese sign language.”

“Di, Director. That’s…”

“Or did you not know? That can’t be it. He’s currently one of the top rising stars in Chungmuro.”

The question, or rather, the interrogation, about why the actor skilled in sign language wasn’t mentioned sooner. Finally, the man sighed deeply and confessed, his voice losing strength.

“Honestly… Yes, of course I knew. But I only brought him up in discussion and then excluded him. As you know, Kang Woojin is still a newcomer, not even a year into his career. He’s been verified through his works, but he lacks experience.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m sorry. I was just worried. It’s your 100th work, isn’t it, Director? And considering the weight of the project, it would be too much for a newcomer like Kang Woojin.”

“An experienced actor is needed?”

“Yes, Director.”

The man had no bad intentions. Therefore, the old director was not overly angry. Still, there was a growing chill.

“Experience. Yes, experience is important. But isn’t that a biased view? You should look at the forest, not just the tree.”

“···Pardon?”

“If Kang Woojin was a reckless actor, would Director Kwon or that director Kyotaro from Japan have taken him?”

“······”

“Is there something more than his lacking experience that allows him, despite being a rookie, to take leading roles and for them to bear the risk? Am I wrong?”

The man’s mouth shut tight, as if weighed down by a heavy anchor. He wasn’t wrong, after all. And continuing to argue with the old director was a problem. The reason was simple.

The old director. No, Director Ahn Ga-bok, was a legendary figure.

『[Movie Talk] The living legend of the Korean film industry, ‘Director Ahn Ga-bok’, to kickstart his 100th project?』

It wasn’t an exaggeration to call him a living legend of the Korean film industry. It was a fact. Even the big-time Director Kwon Ki-taek was considered a junior compared to him. Director Ahn Ga-bok was more than just a heavyweight; he was a symbol of the film industry. Ranking him was meaningless; his very existence was the history of Korean cinema. That’s why his filmography was insane.

His 99th project. And now this was his 100th. He was highly respected internationally as well.

At an international film festival filled with great figures from the global film industry, he was the first Korean director to win an award, decades ago. Of course, he had won numerous awards at famous international film festivals since then. This 100th film that Director Ahn Ga-bok was preparing was important both for him and the history of Korean cinema.

Given all this, the concerns of the man in his 40s were not unfounded.

“···I’m sorry, Director. I think I was short-sighted. I was only thinking about the quality of the work.”

“Let’s go easy, just easy. Overthinking can lead to slipping even in situations that should be straightforward. Whether it’s the 99th or 100th project, the same heart must be maintained.”

“Yes, Director.”

Whatever the case, it was clear that the legendary film director had taken an interest in the rookie Kang Woojin. The reasons and conditions were uncertain. Following this, the deeply wrinkled Director Ahn Ga-bok, even as he rose from the sofa, gave an order.

“Bring me all the available works related to Kang Woojin.”

“Yes, yes. Ah, should I contact Kang Woojin’s side?”

“······Hmm. Yes, we should. But before that.”

While responding to the question, Director Ahn Ga-bok stroked his chin and murmured thoughtfully.

“I have something to ask Director Kwon first.”

The next day, October 18th. In the studio of writer Park Eun-mi.

Around lunchtime. Recently, the studio of star writer Park Eun-mi was quiet. Although her series ‘Hanryang’ was still successful in the second and third place, and even doing well in Japan, there was nothing in particular for writer Park Eun-mi to do. Thanks to this, her assistant writers were on vacation, and Park Eun-mi herself was taking a break.

However, writer Park Eun-mi in the room was not alone.

In front of Park Eun-mi’s desk sat a slender, slightly nervous Choi Na-na, who had gulped down her anxiety. She had already become independent from Park Eun-mi’s circle.

Anyway.

-Flip.

Park Eun-mi, with her long permed hair tied up, was looking down at a stack of papers in front of writer Choi Na-na. It was quite thick. One page, two pages. As she slowly read through the stack, she suddenly asked.

“······Na-na. When did you start writing this?”

Startled, Choi Na-na stammered a bit in her reply.

“After ‘Male Friend’ ended, I started imme, immediately.”

“Immediately?”

“Yes.”

“You must have been busy, right?”

“Act-actually, it was a draft, but I rewrote it while reviewing··· it.”

Choi Na-na then bowed her head deeply.

“I’m so, sorry. It’s too weird, isn’t it?”

In fact, the stack of papers Park Eun-mi was looking at was a script written by Choi Na-na. From what was heard, she wrote it as soon as ‘Male Friend’ was confirmed, and it seemed to be based on one of her old drafts. Park Eun-mi, with a serious expression, looked back at the script and spoke again.

“······Is this also a short story?”

“No. That, I wrote it thinking it would be a full-length series.”

“How many episodes?”

“Either 12 or 16 episodes.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, yes! But it’s a bit rough, right?? Uh- I’ll refine it… no, I’ll try writing something else.”

Writer Choi Na-na, whose confidence was waning. At that moment, Park Eun-mi closed the script and lifted her head with a laugh, making her long permed hair sway.

“What are you talking about? It’s so interesting!”

“···Really?”

“It’s interesting. No, Na-na. How did you, who are usually so quiet, come up with such an exhilarating and satisfying story?”

“Ah, ah! You find it interesting?!”

“Yes, it’s good? First of all, I like the main character. He’s overwhelming. The action is refreshing. You openly address social issues that are emerging, providing a definite sense of vicarious satisfaction. But you know, if this is managed well, it could even go into seasons, right?”

“Seasons?!”

“Yep.”

Writer Park Eun-mi then pointed at a nearby laptop with her index finger.

“There are plenty of materials out there in the world, and if you scrape the society section now, tons will come out. How much research have you done?”

“Ah, I’ve only done up to episode 4.”

“That’s fine. That’s enough to start planning and getting a synopsis out.”

“Already?!”

Writer Choi Na-na was surprised, to which Park Eun-mi smiled.

“Why are you surprised? You’re a debut writer who’s already made it to Japan, aren’t you?”

“That, that’s because the actors were amazing!”

“Anyway. Did you only show this script to me?”

“Ah! Yes!”

“Do you have any broadcasting stations or production companies in mind?”

“I, I don’t have any······”

Park Eun-mi immediately picked up her phone.

“Na-na. This script should definitely be seen by a director. Is it okay if I show it to someone?”

“Ah- Yes. But who?”

Then Park Eun-mi put the phone to her ear.

“Who else, but the PD who recently became unemployed.”

Writer Choi Na-na’s mind conjured up the image of a man with a goatee.

Later that day, in the late afternoon.

At Incheon Airport, the arrival hall had been in a frenzy. The reason was the sudden appearance of a certain actor. Although that actor was no longer present in the arrival hall, people who had seen him just a few minutes ago were still buzzing about it everywhere.

“Wow- Did you see that? Kang Woojin’s physique, what a surprise.”

“Yeah, and he’s so handsome! Didn’t his gaze seem like it could pull you in?”

“Agreed. Actors definitely have a different aura. I need to upload the photos I took on Instagram!”

“Me too.”

The chatter continued noisily.

“Kang Woojin looked calm, but he was signing autographs and stuff? He seemed like a tsundere!”

“Right? It’s not like he’s forcing a persona, it seems that’s his real character. I laughed so hard at the comment saying he’s like a teenage Golden Retriever.”

“I searched, and it seems Kang Woojin is currently shooting ‘Island of the Missing’ in Vietnam?”

Meanwhile, Kang Woojin was currently.

-Bwoong!

Inside a van speeding on the highway. His entire team was in the car, and Kang Woojin was looking out the window with a profound expression.

“······”

But inside, he was dancing with joy.

‘Korea! Crazy, Korea is the best! Ugh- I don’t want to go back to Vietnam again.’

Despite his inner thoughts, Kang Woojin’s shooting for the overseas location of ‘Island of the Missing’ in Vietnam was not yet over. He had about a week’s schedule in Korea starting today, after which he had to return to Da Nang.

Of course, Kang Woojin was thinking.

‘But what were the schedules again? There were a lot.’

He wasn’t entirely sure what his schedule was for the short week. But one thing was certain.

‘Is it already tomorrow?’

This was what Choi Sung-gun, with ponytail, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, turned to say. His smile was wide.

“Woojin-ah, let’s post some promotions on SNS and the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel. Tomorrow is the opening of ‘Male Friend’.”

October 19th, morning.

The time was around 9:30 AM. Since the morning, the entertainment section was buzzing with talk about one particular work. In fact, it had been that way for the past few days.

『Short drama launch in Korea and Japan for the first time, ‘Kang Woojin’ and ‘Hwalin’ in ‘Male Friend’… Opens today at 10 AM!』

『[Fact Check] Opening at 10 AM today in Korea, ‘Male Friend,’ netizens say, “Waiting eagerly”』

It was about ‘Male Friend.’

『[Star Talk] Kang Woojin’s first romantic comedy lead role… Can ‘Male Friend’ erase the image of ‘Park Dae-ri’?』

It was only natural. It was just 30 minutes until the official opening. So, there were many promotional articles and some that were blatantly clickbait.

『Will ‘Male Friend’, opening in 30 minutes, be a success? Some say, “It seems overly hyped”』

It had become a big short drama that was launching even in Japan.

『[Issue Talk] ‘Male Friend’: Opinions divided between ‘Hit’ or ‘Flop’』

The public eagerly waiting for the opening was extremely excited.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋ it’s finally opening, nothing else to watch, ㅋㅋㅋㅋ lucky me

-Park Dae-ri’s style is insane!!

-Not a fan of Kang Woojin, but watching it for Hwalin

-Need more daring projects like this short drama romcom, definitely watching ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-First romcom for Kang Woojin?? Curious how he acted ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Gonna be boring ㅋㅋㅋㅋ, just fake kisses and end ㅋㅋㅋ

-So excitedㅜㅜㅜㅠㅠ watching right when it opens at 10!!!

-It’s just going to be a mediocre romcom… But it’s on Netflix, so I’ll give it a try

-Regardless of its success, just the fact that a short drama made it to Japan is a big deal ㅋㅋㅋㅋ, hope the script is good…

-With all the hype they’ve built up, it’s going to get a lot of backlash even if it’s just slightly disappointing ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

·

·

·

Various comments were buzzing around. As the time passed, with about 10 minutes left until the official opening of ‘Male Friend,’ many people related to Kang Woojin turned on Netflix. Among them was Hong Hye-yeon, who was packing for Vietnam to make a friendly appearance on ‘Island of the Missing’ during her break.

“Is it opening at 10 AM? If I have time, I’ll watch it all today, or download it if I can’t. Wonder how the two will turn out?”

In the large conference room of Netflix Korea, gathered were Director Shin Dong-chun, the main director of ‘Male Friend’, Kim So-hyang, the Executive Director, and others. Hwalin, in a van on her way to a schedule, was also feeling the same.

“10 minutes! Just 10 minutes left! Ah- why am I so nervous? It’s not even my first time releasing a work??!”

Of course, it wasn’t just them; numerous people were logging into Netflix. Particularly enthusiastic were Kang Woojin’s fan club president and his sister, Kang Hyun-ah, along with her friends, the club’s executives.

“1 minute! Just 1 minute left!!”

“Hyun-ah! Pull up the tablet! I can’t see well!”

“Okay, okay!”

“Ah! Finally! Finally, we get to watch it!”

The leaders of ‘Kang’s Heart’ were all gathered in a dorm room, all looking at the tablet. Then, it happened.

“It’s on the main page!”

The main page of Netflix Korea on the tablet switched to ‘Male Friend’. A poster with soft, fluffy colors and cherry blossoms fluttering in the background, Kang Woojin stood there, slightly furrowing his brow. In front of him, Hwalin was smiling with her eyes, striking a pose with her arms wide open. The text on the poster read:

– ‘Male Friend’

– ‘Until yesterday, and even up till now, I should have been’

The title and a one-liner. Looking at the poster on Netflix’s main page, Kang Hyun-ah and her friends were ecstatic.

“Wow! It’s so pretty!”

“The color scheme is amazing!! Woojin oppa is so handsome.”

“Hurry up and play it! It’s already 10:01!”

Kang Hyun-ah stretched out her index finger and touched the screen. The page transitioned to the ‘Male Friend’ section. All four episodes were visible.

“Yay! They released all the episodes at once!!”

As expected of Netflix, all episodes of ‘Male Friend’ were released at once. Kang Hyun-ah quickly tapped on the first episode of ‘Male Friend’, and the tablet screen turned black before starting to play the beginning of ‘Male Friend’.

-♬♪

It started with a lively OST. Uniquely, it jumped straight into the story without showing the title or introducing the actors. The scene was set under rows of cherry blossom trees. Kang Hyun-ah and her friends were surprised while munching on snacks.

“Wow, the drama’s colors are insane.”

“But how did they film the cherry blossoms? Wasn’t this shot in summer?”

“Must be CG. But it doesn’t look fake at all.”

“They must have spent some money on it. Ah! Woojin oppa appeared!”

“Hwalin’s styling is perfect! Where’s it from?”

About 5 minutes into being engrossed in ‘Male Friend’, Kang Hyun-ah and her friends were suddenly shocked. On the tablet, Hwalin was running towards Kang Woojin.

And then she passionately kisses him. It wasn’t light. It was deep.

Such an intense start?! It was enough to excite them.

“Wow, crazy! A kiss scene right off the bat??!!”

“Amazing!! Never saw this coming at all!!”

“Agreed! People are going to be shocked right from the start!”

“Kyaa- What?! What?! So exciting!!”

Breaking all expectations, it started with a deep kiss scene.

“So intense!!!”

“Wow! I love it! This is different! Netflix just starts with a kiss scene!”

“Hey, let’s watch it again, again! Rewind it! I want to watch it 100 times!!”

The lid of ‘Male Friend’ had been lifted.