Chapter 203: Year End (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Joseph Felton furrowed his brows in disbelief. On the tablet he was looking at, there were photos and the track record of Kang Woojin. Meanwhile, the bald foreign man sitting next to him had a calm expression on his face.

“Joseph, there’s no way my investigation was wrong.”

The bald man, Robert, was brimming with confidence. And he had every reason to be. Conducting such investigations was routine for him. To be under the famous producer Joseph, searching for actors was a basic skill. From formidable Hollywood actors to those from Japan, China, India, etc., he had investigated actors from various countries.

There was no reason a Korean actor would be difficult.

However, he too added something about Kang Woojin’s unique filmography.

“I understand. It was the first time I saw such a filmography, but the information is collected from thoroughly searching through Korean media to local contacts. It’s accurate.”

After hearing the explanation, the tall black man, Joseph, after seeing Robert’s firm gaze,

“……”

lowered his gaze back to the tablet. What in the world is this? Joseph ran his hands through his short, almost curly hair.

‘It’s beyond unreasonable.’

It had been 20 years since he stepped into Hollywood. He had been making a name for himself as a producer for over 10 years now. A true veteran. Even to Joseph, this filmography seemed utterly foreign.

Is it even possible?

‘…Kang Woojin started his activities at the beginning of this year.’

First off, the starting point of this Korean actor was already problematic. He first appeared in short films and dramas in minor roles at the beginning of the year. Meaning, Kang Woojin’s career was barely a year old.

‘So, he’s practically a greenhorn?’

It would be fair to consider him a complete newbie. There are certainly differences between the entertainment systems in Korea and Hollywood in terms of scale. But ultimately, the essence is the same. In Hollywood, a first-year actor is practically a nonentity. It would likely be similar in Korea. Generally, the filmographies of such raw newcomers are quite barren, at most one or two works.

But Kang Woojin’s was too packed.

From the start, he made his presence known, and without any gaps, he moved on to the next project. Not only that, Kang Woojin secured lead roles in just a few works. If this data is to be believed, he became a lead actor in just half a year.

Why? How?

Moreover,

“There’s… no failure.”

According to the summary prepared by Robert, excluding the ongoing works, all the projects Woojin participated in were successful. It could happen that one or two works do well by chance, but for all participated projects to succeed was incomprehensible.

‘Is it the Midas touch… This Netflix drama, did it blow up in Korea and even in Japan?’

His entry into Japan came naturally. Moreover, he was cast as the lead in a major Japanese film. All the upcoming Korean works were also main role castings.

Everywhere you looked, this filmography belonged to a top-tier actor.

Yet, Kang Woojin achieved such results in just a year, and it was still ongoing. No wonder it was hard to believe even after seeing it.

Soon, Joseph Felton slowly lowered the tablet.

-Swish.

At the same time, he recalled the Kang Woojin he had met before.

‘I thought he had been in this field for at least 5 years. No, even more.’

It was a hasty judgment. At this moment, the thoughts of the famous producer, Joseph, were being reestablished. He asked Robert, sitting next to him, somewhat incredulously,

“Then, how about his high-level English proficiency and acting, martial arts?”

“I don’t know.”

“He’s been active for a year… but how did he show such tension? Acquiring skills and showing them to everyone are worlds apart. Yet, this actor effortlessly dominated veteran Chinese actors and even secured a role from Director George.”

After Woojin had left the scene, Joseph Felton had asked Gary Peck, the stunt coordinator who had seen Kang Woojin’s counterpart, how it felt. Gary’s response was very swift. In terms of martial arts, Kang Woojin’s movements were professional-grade, and Director George would regret missing out on him. Clearly, it was evident that the premise was that he had been active for a long time.

Would Gary’s eyes pop out if he saw this data?

“He’s not even old, right? Just in his 20s.”

The circumstances of Kang Woojin’s participation in the screen test were confirmed through the CD. Yes, there was luck involved. But the acting and martial arts Woojin showed that day were not mere luck. For such a young age, for a rookie actor with only a year of experience to have acquired that much was absurd.

“And he have the guts to throw away a Hollywood role he passed?”

Why did he possess the energy and posture of the top? Although it was brief, Joseph, who had met Kang Woojin, was captivated by him. It wouldn’t be wrong to say he was charmed. The perseverance that wasn’t shaken by external environments, a dignified posture and attitude, confidence oozing from his skills, and the aura founded on those overflowing skills, an unusual energy predicting an explosive future.

These were traits sometimes seen in the tops of Hollywood.

I don’t know. The more Joseph looked at the data, the deeper he fell into the mire. Then, suddenly pausing, he casually asked Robert, the bald man.

“Could it be, this actor Kang Woojin, had he been active in Hollywood under a different name before?”

It was entirely possible.

“That native-level English proficiency. If he had been active here in his childhood, and for some reason returned to Korea, wouldn’t that explain it?”

Robert nodded for the time being.

“It’s a possibility. But if he had changed his name and was active, it would be difficult to find. It’s the same with finding out his past works. It will take a lot of time.”

“……Hmm, there’s no need for that. If he only lived through theater troupes, finding out would be nearly impossible.”

However, Joseph solidified his speculation. Additionally, his interest in Kang Woojin greatly increased.

“Ha ha, such a mysterious and mystical, monsterous actor is a first for me.”

Not only was the skill a factor, but the actor Kang Woojin himself was refreshingly unique. Then, Joseph, who had been stroking his chin, once again lowered his gaze to the tablet. This time, he noticed names of directors that were familiar.

‘Kwon Ki-taek, Kyotaro Tanoguchi, and Director Ahn Ga-bok.’

All were directors who had made names for themselves at the top 3 international film festivals. Joseph remembered seeing them win awards a few times. Among them, Director Ahn Ga-bok was someone Joseph had personally met and gotten acquainted with. He was a director with a high reputation in the international film festival scene and also recognized in Hollywood.

-Swish.

Joseph manipulated the tablet to carefully look through the data related to Director Ahn Ga-bok.

‘Kang Woojin was cast as the lead in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th film, aiming for Cannes next year.’

That was about several tens of seconds.

The large black man, Joseph, who had been looking down at the tablet for a while, seemed to have made a decision and asked Robert, sitting next to him.

“Robert, is the winter in Korea very cold?”

Meanwhile, in Korea.

The morning of the 19th. Articles about global superstar Miley Cara, who had left yesterday, were abundant.

『‘Miley Cara’ waves to reporters and fans at the airport after completing her schedule in Korea, what was her impression of Korea?』

『[Star Issue] Miley Cara, during her visit to Korea, exclusively appeared on Kang Woojin’s YouTube channel… Did they know each other beforehand?』

『8 million subbed YouTuber Kang Woojin, netizens “Curious about the content filmed with Miley Cara!”』

On the other hand, the film industry media was bustling with film festival news due to the official confirmation released by the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

『[Official] This year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards to kick off on December 23rd… Blue Dragon Film Awards organizers say “It will be grandly held, look forward to it”』

Spreading the scattered bread crumbs.

『[Entertainment] Blue Dragon Film Awards nominations revealed, the film with the most nominations? ‘Drug Dealer’ which surpassed 7 million viewers』

『Sim Han-ho, Kim Shin-hye, Jin Jae-jun, Song Kang-sung, Hwang Deok-hee… Whose hands will the Blue Dragon Film Awards’ Best Actor/Actress fall into?』

『This year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards, grandly opening at the super resort hotel ‘Paradise S City’』

The reporters quickly produced articles based on the information posted on the websites of the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards offices. The purpose was to ignite interest as the award ceremonies were just around the corner.

『King of Issues Kang Woojin, simultaneously nominated for the Best New Actor at both the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Film Festivals』

『[Film Festival] Sweeping the end-of-year award ceremonies in his debut year? ‘Director Ahn Ga-bok’s’ chosen Kang Woojin draws attention』

Anyway, riding on the end-of-year atmosphere, the festivals announced their official dates one after another. The Blue Dragon Film Festival was first, followed by the Grand Bell Awards.

『[Official] Following the Blue Dragon Film Festival, the Grand Bell Awards also confirm their kickoff… December 26th, after Christmas!』

The Blue Dragon Film Festival is on the 23rd, and the Grand Bell is on the 26th. Meaning, both film festivals will wrap up within about a week. Of course, Kang Woojin was confirmed to attend both festivals.

『‘Kang Woojin’, currently the busiest actor, to attend all of his first year’s film festivals』

『The effort of film festivals to secure Kang Woojin this year… This end-of-year feels different』

As the film festival issues intensified, the terrestrial broadcasting stations immediately responded.

“The film festivals are riding on boosters and firing articles, so let’s just spin anything!”

“We’ll pass on the nominated candidates bait!”

“Hey! We can announce things like dates early, right??!”

“Understood!”

Since the ceremonies start around the same time, but ratings differ based on expectations and interest. Therefore, SBC, MBS, and KBC, the three major terrestrial broadcasters, also jumped into the award ceremony promotion war.

『[Issueis] Broadcast industry announces Drama Awards dates one after another… SBC on December 30th, MBS·KBC on the 31st』

『Who will be the ratings winner among SBC·MBS·KBC, announcing Drama Awards on the 30th, 31st?』

Only the SBC Drama Awards ceremony starts on December 30th, and MBS, KBC on the 31st. Notably, the entertainment awards, which include variety shows and more, have so far been irrelevant to Kang Woojin.

Regardless.

『Will ‘Kang Woojin’ attend the broadcast industry’s award ceremonies? bw Entertainment says, “Kang Woojin will only attend SBC and KBC Drama Awards”』

Kang Woojin was confirmed to attend the SBC and KBC Drama Awards, excluding MBS since he had no projects there.

『Possibility of ‘Kang Woojin’ for the Best New Actor at SBC and KBC increases↑』

Although the broadcast award ceremonies had yet to announce their nominees, Kang Woojin was strongly mentioned as a candidate for the Best New Actor. If Kang Woojin sweeps the end of the year,

『From Blue Dragon, Grand Bell to SBC, KBC, monster rookie Kang Woojin could sweep all Best New Actor awards to become a 4-awards winner』

That would make him at least a four-time winner.

20th, Sunday. Buyeo.

Morning. Kang Woojin’s van stopped at the parking lot outside a familiar mega set complex. It was the filming set of ‘Island of the Missing’. Though it was around 10 AM, the spacious parking lot was already filled with numerous vans, minibuses, and cars.

Naturally, as filming had started two hours ago.

Then, Kang Woojin alighted from the rear of the van, dressed casually with a navy long padding jacket. Despite the cold winter, the location of this set complex, being secluded, felt even colder due to the biting wind. Soon, Woojin, with a poker face, nonchalantly zipped up to his neck.

‘Whew- The weather’s gone nuts.’

It was cold. But that was okay. Kang Woojin’s concept was like winter, after all. Somehow, as his life had turned upside down, the seasons had come full circle. Woojin, seeing his breath in the air, felt absurdly astonished.

‘Is it because of the shooting- Time really flies.’

At that moment, Han Ye-jung, many stylists, and the burly Jang Su-hwan approached from behind Kang Woojin. For some reason, Choi Sung-gun was nowhere to be seen. Soon, Jang Su-hwan gestured forward and shouted.

“Let’s go, hyung!”

Woojin responded in a low voice.

“Yeah.”

As Kang Woojin and his team slowly moved, the stylists holding hand warmers asked him.

“Oppa! Aren’t you cold?? Do you want a hand warmer?”

“Eh??! Oppa, don’t you have a hand warmer in your pocket?”

“No way!! Your body is worth so much!!”

In an instant, they rushed over and stuffed hand warmers into Woojin’s long padding jacket pockets and also handed some to him. Around that time, at the entrance to the set complex, the assistant director of ‘Island of the Missing’ and.

“Ah!! Woojin ssi!!”

A few staff members ran over as if they hadn’t seen him for years. Meanwhile, the assistant director shouted into his walkie-talkie.

“Kang Woojin ssi has just arrived!!”

Thus, Kang Woojin entered the ‘Island of the Missing’ site, blending in with the staff. The filming crew was stationed in front of a building, and upon seeing Woojin approach, the lead actors in military uniforms showed a big reaction with smiles.

It started with the lively Jeon Woo-chang.

“Hahaha! You’re here! Our Kang Star has arrived! Didn’t you come back too strong??”

Kim Yi-won followed up.

“Wow- Just a few days away and your aura has been upgraded?? As expected, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s man!”

The shooting paused for a moment, and dozens of staff members welcomed Kang Woojin. Ryu Jung-min, who came over after taking off his helmet, also gave Woojin a thumbs up.

“Weren’t you gone to shoot ‘Our Dining Table’? How did you manage to turn the country upside down the moment you left?”

While greeting the actors and staff quietly, Woojin lowered his voice upon seeing Ryu Jung-min.

“It just happened.”

Then, Ha Yu-ra, tall with severe injury makeup on her face, laughed next to Ryu Jung-min.

“I saw you saving Hwalin ssi. When did you learn such martial arts??”

The atmosphere instantly heated up. At this point, a man who had been sitting in front of the monitor stood up smoothly. It was the kind-looking Director Kwon Ki-taek.

He smiled at Woojin.

“You’ve worked hard.”

The silent Kang Woojin greeted him politely.

“I’m back, Director.”

Then, Director Kwon Ki-taek continued in a gentle tone.

“You’ve set off quite a few bombs in that short time, haven’t you?”

“It wasn’t intentional.”

“I suppose so.”

Kang Woojin had finally returned to ‘Island of the Missing’. Following that, Director Kwon Ki-taek smiled lightly yet spoke with a sense of gravity.

“Now- it’s time to act?”