Chapter 209: Year End (10)

Translator: Dreamscribe

The day after the Grand Bell Awards ceremony ended, the morning of the 27th.

Currently, the world was deeply immersed in the year-end atmosphere. Especially, various portal sites and numerous media outlets were fully focused on producing news about the awards.

And everywhere, the front page was all about Kang Woojin.

『[Grand Bell] ‘Declaration of War’ Kang Woojin not fazed at all, “Will settle controversies next year”』

He had already stirred up the Blue Dragon Film Awards, and now he added more to his collection at the Grand Bell Awards.

However, starting today, the media shifted their focus from Kang Woojin’s spirited remarks to something else. It was the trophies Woojin was collecting.

『[Star Photo] Kang Woojin on his pay to receive his fourth award/ Photo』

『Already a four-time winner······ Monster rookie Kang Woojin once again delivers a powerful remark』

It was rare to attend the awards ceremony in one’s debut year, let alone Kang Woojin had grabbed a total of four awards including the Best New Actor and Popularity Award. All were firsts.

An unprecedented record.

『Sweeping Best New Actor at both Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards, including Popular Star Award, Kang Woojin takes home four trophies』

Thanks to that, the previously critical public opinion started to turn. It was becoming clear that Kang Woojin was not just a someone who talked big. The image of Woojin overflowing in SNS and communities was flipping. The more it fluctuated, the more the media continued to add fuel to the fire.

『Netizens say “It’s about time for Kang Woojin”, public opinion changes in just one day after Kang Woojin wins four awards』

This wave extended beyond Korea to Japan.

『’The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’s Kang Woojin’ Four-time winner at Korea’s Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards and his shocking acceptance speech』

Kang Woojin has fans and fan clubs in Japan too. They were already quite substantial.

– Congratulations Kang Woojin!!! I’m always cheering for you!!

– I wanted to go to Korea to see him…….

– I watched Kang Woojin’s acceptance speech through Youtube and was really surprised! Such things could never happen in Japan!

– wwwwKang Woojin’s real character seems to be a bit out of the ordinary

– So, when is he coming to Japan again????

– Winning four awards in his debut year! I’m thrilled!!!

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Due to Kang Woojin’s loud ‘firsts’ rapidly increased his presence. He was already a giant in size, but there is no end to the realm of recognition. It can continue to grow.

What to note here is that it was only about halfway through the year-end.

『Already with history-making four trophies, Kang Woojin still has the ‘Acting Grand Prize’ ahead』

Currently, Kang Woojin was getting ready for work. There was no time to enjoy the noisy, landslide-like situation.

But a moment was possible.

“Heh.”

Woojin, wearing a cap, smiled contently as he looked at the five trophies on the living room table.

“Already five? It’s the peak of my life right now.”

One from Mise-en-scène, two from the Blue Dragon Film Awards, and two from the Grand Bell Awards, making a total of five. Each was different in shape, but their meanings were the same. They recognized Kang Woojin from the awards ceremonies. Thus, Woojin laughed heartily without solemnity, true to his genuine self.

Ah, no, that’s not right.

Feeling exceedingly uplifted, Woojin slapped his mouth repeatedly. To become serious again. He might burst into giggles unknowingly if he continued like this.

Then, after taking a deep breath, Kang Woojin.

– Swoosh.

He left the house. Even so, he kept doing mind control. Be nonchalant. Be cool-headed.

Then.

– Buzz.

A short vibration came from the smartphone inside Kang Woojin’s long padding jacket. Was it the CEO waiting in the parking lot? It turned out not. It was a message from the assistant director of ‘Island of the Missing’ about today’s shoot including the entire January shooting schedule.

“Ah- that’s right.”

Woojin muttered to himself as he got on the elevator.

“January was the end, huh?”

The end was in sight for Woojin’s shooting of ‘Island of the Missing’.

The next day around noon, Netflix Korea.

The weekend passed and Monday the 28th dawned bright. Thus, Netflix Korea was also bustling with employees who had just come to work. It’s the end of the year, so it’s extremely hectic. Inside such a busy office, on the sofa of the Executive Director’s office, two women sat facing each other.

One side was occupied by Kim So-hyang, the Executive Director.

“First, let’s have some tea.”

Responding from the opposite side was Choi Na-na, the writer, wearing round glasses.

“Ah! Yes, thank you!”

The two, sitting face to face, sipped their tea first. It had been quite a while since they last met after ‘Male Friend’, but the air wasn’t awkward between them. At that moment, the plump Kim So-hyang set down her teacup and asked Choi Na-na,

“I heard a rumor that you started writing a new work. Is that true?”

“Eh? Ah! Yes, yes.”

The slender writer Choi Na-na replied timidly.

“I’m working hard on it.”

“That’s impressive, ‘Male Friend’ is still hot in both Korea and Japan and you’ve already started on your next project? It’ll be a full-length this time, right? Who are you working with?”

“······That’s still something I can’t disclose.”

“Ah, sorry. I got curious without realizing. I’m looking forward to what kind of work you’ll write this time. Thanks to ‘Male Friend’, you’ll have no problem casting actors.”

Choi Na-na, reminded of Kang Woojin, who was a hot topic covertly, shyly smiled.

“Yes, fortunately.”

Similarly smiling, Kim So-hyang slid a tablet across the table to Choi Na-na and said,

“Getting back to the main point. Writer, would you like to take a look?”

“Eh? Ah! Yes.”

Choi Na-na turned on the tablet and Kim So-hyang asked,

“Writer, have you ever heard of Japan’s A10 Studio?”

“Yes, I know it, I often watch Japanese animations. It’s a huge place, one of the TOP 3 anime producers in Japan.”

“Right. As you can see on the tablet, we’ve received a proposal from A10 Studio.”

“A proposal?”

Leaning forward, Kim So-hyang pointed at the tablet with her index finger.

“A10 Studio wants to remake ‘Male Friend’ into an animation.”

Choi Na-na’s eyes widened instantly.

“Re, really?? ‘Male Friend’??”

“Yes. Actually, the first contact was a while ago. Since then, our side has been verifying and checking. It seems A10 Studio is quite eager; we’ve already received a preliminary plan and an expected storyline for the adaptation. It’s there, take a look. Of course, I’ll also send it to your email.”

The explanation unfolded, but Choi Na-na remained startled, her eyes still wide; it was a situation she was experiencing for the first time.

“······”

“Are you surprised? But since ‘Male Friend’ turned out well and was so successful in Japan, it’s a natural progression. You know how powerful the animation scene is in Japan, right?”

“Ah··· yes, I know.”

“Hmm- As you can see in the plan, A10 Studio intends to keep as much of the original ‘Male Friend’ flavor as possible, although they will extend 4 episodes into 12 episodes. Since an animation episode is about 20 minutes, it won’t be a big problem.”

“Th, then the characters.”

“They will obviously try to stay as true to the original as possible. Initially, the base will be Hwalin and Woojin. Partway through, A10 Studio will also want to confirm the character sheets with you.”

Choi Na-na looked down from Kim So-hyang, back to the tablet. It felt like a dream, but she had to keep her mind sharp. Soon, Kim So-hyang continued.

“‘Male Friend’ has been a huge hit in Japan. This means that ‘Male Friend’s recognition in the Japanese drama market is high. If the animation also turns out well, the recognition could multiply several times. The market scale is just different.”

“······”

“Of course, I see it positively. However, your decision is the priority, and if you prefer not to, you can comfortably refuse.”

“If this animation is completed, will it be broadcast on Japanese TV??”

“That’s right. It would get a regular slot, although it will also be released on Netflix.”

As if understanding, Choi Na-na focused on the tablet again. Her fingers scrolled through the screen a few times before halting abruptly.

“Huh? Why is there a photo of Woojin-nim if they are using Japanese voice actors?”

Kim So-hyang laughed lightly in response.

“It seems like A10 Studio has their eyes on Woojin-ssi as the voice actor for the male lead in the animation. I don’t know if they can afford his high salary though.”

“Really???!”

“Yes. It’s a good choice though. Woojin-ssi is popular in Japan, and he’ll probably start shooting for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ soon. If the timing is right, maybe ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ and this animation will proceed simultaneously?”

“Wow- that’s amazing.”

“If ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ and this animation both do well, Woojin-ssi will have conquered all three major content types in Japan.”

“Drama, film, animation.”

“Well, that’s just speculation and nothing has been finalized yet.”

Suddenly, Choi Na-na set the tablet down firmly and said with conviction,

“Please proceed with it. I want to see ‘Male Friend’ as an animation.”

“Okay. I’ll convey that immediately to A10 Studio. I’ll contact you separately about the contractual aspects and other details.”

“Yes, yes!”

At that moment,

“Ah, one thing A10 Studio requested. This matter is to be kept confidential for now. Please keep it to yourself.”

Kim So-hyang, the Executive Director, seemed to recall something else.

“Also regarding Kang Woojin-ssi as well.”

Several days later, Wednesday the 30th.

The time was just past 9 PM. The location was the SBC Prism Tower in Sangam, a building over 15 stories tall. Inside this gigantic prism tower studio, a party was in full swing.

On the dazzling stage, a famous boy group was performing.

-♬♪

Eyes popping choreography, powerful beats of music, and colorful lights added to the excitement. Among the boy group team dressed for the stage, a familiar face was visible. It was Yeon Baek-kwang.

A member who was shooting ‘Our Dining Table’ with Kang Woojin.

Of course, it wasn’t just the boy group present in this large studio. In front of the stage, in the hall, numerous actors, PDs, and production staff had gathered, easily exceeding 200 people.

Why had they all gathered here?

The reason could be seen anywhere in this studio.

-‘SBC Drama Awards’

One of the major public broadcasting networks, SBC, was conducting its drama awards ceremony, which was being broadcast live on the SBC channel.

What was unique was the setup.

Unlike the Blue Dragon or Grand Bell Awards, where seats were closely packed like a cinema, the Acting Grand Prize had a more casual atmosphere. Round tables reminiscent of a banquet hall were scattered throughout the hall, and actors dressed up nicely sat around them.

Each round table displayed a title of a work that had shone throughout the year.

After finishing a dance routine on stage, Yeon Baek-kwang waved his hand towards somewhere in the hall along with his gaze. Around the round table that received his greeting was the title of this year’s legendary work.

-‘Profiler Hanryang’

A man casually waving back to Yeon Baek-kwang caught the eye.

“······”

It was Kang Woojin. Suddenly, a large camera swept forward, focusing on Woojin who had his hair neatly slicked back, wearing a predominantly gray-toned tuxedo. This table also included several familiar figures: the square-jawed PD Song Man-woo, the slightly overweight writer Park Eun-mi, top actor Ryu Jung-min, Hong Hye-yeon, and others.

The ‘Profiler Hanryang’ team, which had written a history with a 25% viewership rating.

Since it was a legendary work not just for SBC but across the entire drama industry, the large camera often lingered on the Hanryang team. Whatever happened, Yeon Baek-kwang and his team’s celebratory performance had ended.

Soon, famous comedians and female broadcasters as hosts began their banter.

Occasionally, they threw questions to the actors in the hall.

“Wow- ‘Profiler Hanryang.’ It was a hit, I watched it a lot when the drama was airing.”

“Right. It’s really amazing that all those actors are sitting right in front of us. Should we do some interviews?”

“Ah······Ryu Jung-min-ssi. The baby perm really suited you, where did the genius profiler Yu Ji-hyeong go?”

Ryu Jung-min answered with a laugh.

“He’s gone home, he really hates working.”

The ceremony had a mix of awards and variety show vibes. Naturally, questions were also thrown at the poker-faced Kang Woojin.

“This year’s protagonist headline-maker, Kang Woojin-ssi!”

“I’d like him to do some lines as Park Dae-ri, but they are not appropriate, so it’s a bit tough.”

“Woojin-ssi, it’s been a while since you’ve returned as Park Dae-ri. How does it feel?”

Kang Woojin took the microphone with a cool voice, mixing his persona with a bit of playfulness.

“Should I do a line from Park Dae-ri?”

The hosts panicked and stopped him.

“No! No no no! You know this is live, right?”

“That would be a disaster, a real mess!”

Kang Woojin slowly nodded and lowered the microphone. He seemed more relaxed, perhaps due to his growing experience. Not just on the outside, but also on the inside.

Thus, after some time of loosening up the atmosphere, the Drama Awards moved into the official awards segment.

This started differently from film festivals.

“Let’s go! The first award category is the ‘Scene Stealer Award’! This is given to the actor who played the most impressive character of the year, and it will be awarded to two people.”

The announcement was made by an SBC drama department executive with a protruding belly.

The first actor announced was,

“SBC Drama Awards, Scene Stealer Award. ‘Profiler Hanryang’s Park Dae-ri, Kang Woojin-ssi!”

What more is there to say? Kang Woojin, who even spawned catchphrases, was the top among all the actors receiving awards and trophies.

It wasn’t the Grand Prize or even the Best Actor Award.

This year’s SBC Grand Prize went to Ryu Jung-min, and the Best Actress Award went to Hong Hye-yeon. Of course, it wasn’t the Supporting Actor or Excellence Awards either.

“Best New Actor, male category! From ‘Profiler Hanryang’, Kang Woojin-ssi!! Congratulations!!”

Yet, Kang Woojin was still the top.

At today’s SBC Drama Awards, only Kang Woojin.

“Special Performance Award! Wow- isn’t this the first time?? Congratulations!! ‘Park Dae-ri’ Kang Woojin-ssi!!”

Because he won 3 awards.

The following night, December 31st.

Just after SBC, both KBC and MBS’s Drama Awards had also concluded. The time was now 10:30 PM. About 1 hour and 30 minutes remained until the end of the year.

Soon, January 1st, 2021, would begin.

At this point, Kang Woojin in a van driving on the road was looking out the window with an indifferent face. Naturally, he was dancing with joy internally but forced himself to refrain. In his hand, he held a new trophy. The inscription on the front of the trophy read:

-‘KBC Drama Awards’

-‘Best New Actor’

-‘Kang Woojin’

The media was eagerly churning out articles in the last hour of the year. These articles confirmed Kang Woojin’s major record.

『[Film Festival] From acceptance speeches to the number of trophies, all are legendary records… ‘Monstrous Actor’ Kang Woojin finally achieves finally achieves 8 wins!』

『[Star Talk] Record Maker ‘Kang Woojin’, an unrivaled mark in the history of Korea’s entertainment industry』

『This year alone, 8 trophies, a miraculous epic made by Kang Woojin… An actor like him will neither be seen in the past nor in the future』

Meanwhile,

The veteran Director, Ahn Ga-bok, who wrapped up the year with a company dinner, arrived at a huge house while stroking his short white hair.

-♬♪

His phone emitted a long vibration. It was a call. The number wasn’t saved, but Director Ahn Ga-bok, smiling with wrinkles, pressed the phone to his ear, as if he had already heard the contents. The interesting part was that the language he used was English.

“Yes, I’ve been waiting for your call.”

Fairly fluent. Perhaps due to his years of experience? Regardless, English was heard from the other end of the phone as well.

“Hello, Director Ahn. This is Producer Joseph Felton. Do you remember me?”

The caller was the Hollywood big-shot producer, Joseph Felton.

“Of course, I remember. How could I forget such a famous producer like you? So, what’s the reason for your call?”

“First, I’d ask to keep our conversation confidential.”

Soon, Joseph on the other end asked Director Ahn.

“Director Ahn, can I visit your shooting site?”