Chapter 212: New Year (3)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Chairman Yoshimura seemed pleased as he looked at an article that had just been published.

『[Breaking News]Kashiwa Group Subsidiary Hires Korean Actor 「Kang Woojin」 as advertising Model: A ‘Strange Event’ Has Occurred』

He slowly nodded his head in approval. He then checked the contents of the article; it displayed only the information Hideki Yoshimura wanted to see. Not too much, nor too little, just the right amount of information.

Chairman Yoshimura then spoke again to his assistant Lili Tetsugawa, who was sitting in the passenger seat.

“How did we decide to proceed with bw Entertainment?”

With her long hair neatly tied back, she quickly replied,

“After we released the article first, they are to acknowledge it officially about half a day later today.”

“And our position?”

“We plan to send out a follow-up article in an hour.”

The ‘position’ Yoshimura mentioned was Kashiwa Group’s ‘acknowledgment’ that they had accepted the Korean actor Kang Woojin as a model for several of their subsidiaries.

This was sure to heat up the Japanese media soon.

Indeed, other media outlets had already started to follow suit.

『「Kang Woojin」Who Swept 8 Awards in Korea, Suddenly Signed as a Model with Kashiwa Group Subsidiaries?』

It was the first time for the Kashiwa Group to use a Korean actor as a model, and it was rare even within the Japanese entertainment industry to have a Korean celebrity as an ad model. Especially someone like Kang Woojin.

He had already been a hot topic in Japan around the end of the year several times.

Hwalin’s attacker incident, an exclusive shoot with Miley Cara, and achieving an unprecedented record of 8 awards in Korea’s entertainment industry. His recognition in Japan was comparable to that of a prominent KPOP idol. His sudden association with Kashiwa Group as their ad model was bound to excite the Japanese media.

Furthermore, it was almost an established fact that Kashiwa Group was behind ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, though no official announcement had been made yet, which only heightened the curiosity.

Regardless, Chairman Yoshimura crossed his legs and returned his gaze to his smartphone.

“The board meeting of BW Entertainment went well, right?”

“Yes, Chairman. After the board meeting, they are now aggressively pushing for business expansion.”

“How about Kang Woojin?”

“He has been focusing on filming after becoming a hot topic at the year-end awards ceremony.”

“Hmm, still busy, I see. When is he coming to Japan?”

“The director, Kyotaro Tanoguchi, from ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, needs to finalize the shooting dates, but it seems likely he will come over within January. The pre-shooting phase of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ has finished, and only the shooting dates need to be fixed.”

“Is it because it’s the hectic end-of-year and New Year period?”

“Yes, there are also issues with the actors’ schedules.”

Hearing this, Chairman Yoshimura spoke again in a gruff voice.

“Check with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ team again.”

At this moment, in Kyoto, Japan.

An area of Kyoto that is close to the sea. It was also a place that was quite often called a tourist destination. It’s a fishing village called ‘Ine Funaya’—also known as the ‘floating village’.

In reality, Ine Funaya is built on the edge of the land, but from a distance, it appears to float above the sea. It’s a picturesque scene. The village isn’t very large, but somehow, each house’s interior matches well with the sea and mountains, resembling a painting. The village is generally quiet. At first glance, it holds a certain charm, but viewed differently, there’s a strangely chilling silence.

In this village of Ine Funaya, a group of about a dozen people was visible. Naturally, they were Japanese.

Some were taking pictures of the village from afar while aboard a boat, and others were checking the conditions by walking around the small alleys within the village. There were also groups focused on conversing as they photographed each household. They seemed like tourists at a glance, but they were not.

“There’s definitely a somewhat eerie feel to it.”

“The director has a good eye. It looks good now, but it’ll really come alive in the late afternoon or at night.”

“Especially, the condition of the alleys fits the work perfectly. The place we saw earlier really looked like a murder could have happened there.”

“Indeed… The director’s eye for selecting locations is remarkable. This isn’t even a place mentioned in the original work, is it?”

“That’s right. I heard that the director added it specifically when adapting ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.'”

Indeed, they were the production crew of Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi’s film, ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. The key staff from each team had gathered, and the renowned director was also present at the entrance to the back mountain that overlooked the village.

With graying short hair, it was Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi.

“Hmm-”

Arms crossed, he was surveying the fishing village of Ine Funaya along with the assistant directors from the production team. The key staff of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, including Director Kyotaro, had come here for a simple reason. They were on their final location hunt right before the shooting crank-in.

This was where the first filming of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was to start.

Starting a shoot with an outdoor crank-in was not uncommon, although usually, filming begins on a set. Filmmakers don’t typically choose outdoor locations for the first shoot due to the hassle of moving numerous staff and actors. However, for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, Director Kyotaro decided to start filming in this fishing village, Ine Funaya.

Because the filming schedule did not align with the village’s availability.

What could be done? The slightly disadvantaged side had to push a bit harder. This fishing village was a location desperately needed for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, and it was a place Director Kyotaro was very keen on using. Ine Funaya was not in the original work but was specifically chosen by Director Kyotaro.

Soon, Director Kyotaro was looking at the tallest brown building near the center of the village floating above the sea.

‘Misaki Toka’s hometown house.’

Indeed. This fishing village was the setting in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, the birthplace of Misaki Toka, who triggered the ‘eerie sacrifice’ of the ‘stranger’, Iyota Kiyoshi. Director Kyotaro then looked past the tall brown building to the sea far beyond.

Specifically, at a fishing boat bobbing on the water.

‘Where the naked victim will be found.’

It meant that one of the tasks Iyota Kiyoshi, played by Kang Woojin, would have to perform was to find a body on this boat. Undoubtedly, it was going to be bizarre. A naked victim from Tokyo, suddenly found on a fishing boat in Ine Funaya, this seaside village at the edge of Kyoto.

Even in panties, at that.

Naturally, all these shots were currently playing out only in Director Kyotaro’s mind. And he showed a satisfied smile. The setting was suitably eerie and was forming into a grotesque scene.

“I can’t wait to start filming.”

Director Kyotaro was itching to begin. The preparations for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ were already complete. Really, all that was left was to set the date for the first shoot and raise the camera. But, as is the case with filmmaking, things don’t proceed just as the director wishes. The end of the year and New Year’s had overlapped, and more importantly, they needed to finalize terms with ‘Ine Funaya’ village, the chosen first location.

Today’s visit was to find that middle ground.

Just then.

“Director-nim!”

A man’s voice called out to Director Kyotaro from below. Looking down, the production manager and the production team staff, who had gone to negotiate with the village side, were coming up the hill. The production manager, breathless as he reached Director Kyotaro at the entrance of the mountain, gave a thumbs up.

“Thankfully, we were able to persuade them.”

Director Kyotaro, arms still crossed, immediately asked,

“What are the conditions?”

“Initially, they said more than a day would be difficult, but after some negotiation, we extended it to three days of shooting. However, it seems we’ll have to pay a bit more than what would correspond to three days.”

It was about the money. Reminded of Hideki Yoshimura, the main investor, Director Kyotaro spoke nonchalantly.

“Money is not an issue. Besides, we’ll be blocking off the village during the shoot. It’s only natural.”

“Yes, and the village side can also provide accommodations. There’s a place close by that we can use as lodging.”

“Hmm. Still, three days means it’s going to be intense.”

“Extending it further seems difficult. We could only get this far because the village head is a fan of Writer Akari. The high recognition of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ also helped.”

“Good work.”

Director Kyotaro patted the slender shoulders of the production manager. He then turned his gaze back towards the village.

“With the limited time given, we need to prepare more thoroughly. The production department should double-check the budget and movements related to this village, and the directing department should discuss with the filming team and carefully check the props and actors’ schedules.”

“Yes, Director-nim.”

“Understood.”

“So, when do those three days start?”

The production manager pulled a thin stack of papers from his back pocket. It was a paper with the projected filming schedule.

“The village side says next week will be tough. How about around January 21st?”

“January 21st?”

Director Kyotaro calculated quickly. It wasn’t bad. He was busy with other projects this week anyway. Soon, Director Kyotaro made his decision.

“Then let’s confirm the 21st with the village.”

He instructed the production manager.

“Tell the actors to gather the day before, on the 20th. We’ll have the rehearsal then.”

The next morning, January 8th. Korea.

A cry from the staff echoed through the filming site of ‘Island of the Missing’, which included Kang Woojin. Today, there was an unusually high energy.

“Cut, okay. Let’s go again with a bust shot of the character.”

“Character bust, standby!!”

Woojin’s makeup was a bit different from usual, although the helmet and blood-stained military uniform were the same.

“But doesn’t Woojin ssi’s beard surprisingly suit him?”

“Agreed, agreed. It was shockingly perfect, you know.”

“But Woojin is still the best as a cold handsome guy.”

His face now sported a beard. Kang Woojin felt awkward with his beard.

‘It’s really not good, doesn’t it make me look like a homeless person??’

It wasn’t bushy but had a prickly feel. He had grown it at the request of Director Kwon Ki-taek, and makeup had added to its intensity.

Why?

According to the script, Corporal Jin Sun-cheol goes into hiding after fleeing into the mountains. It’s after First Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae witnesses him pushing one of the soldiers off the school rooftop. And now, it’s a cut where he suddenly reappears after some time has passed.

“Hi- Action.”

Woojin’s counterpart was Ha Yu-ra. She gets attacked by a person from the village of ‘The Island of the Missing’ who reveals themselves. The one who oddly comes to her rescue is Corporal Jin Sun-cheol, who had been in hiding.

“Cut. Yu-ra ssi, try to be a bit more violently shocked at Woojin ssi’s appearance.”

“Yes, Director-nim.”

The shooting of a single cut took an extended amount of time. Not just the amiable Director Kwon Ki-taek, but also the hundred or so staff members, actors who had come out to watch, and their teams.

“······”

“······”

Everyone’s expression was intensely focused. The atmosphere on set was also sharp. It was that sensitive.

“Action.”

How many hours had it been?

After numerous directions and adjustments to camera angles.

“······Cut, okay. That’s it for this cut.”

Satisfaction rolled out of the mouth of the master director Director Kwon Ki-taek, after only 12 retakes. Soon, Kang Woojin, now accustomed to the beard, exhaled a small breath inwardly.

‘Phew- Finished.’

He stoically offered his hand to Ha Yu-ra, who was sitting on the ground, her hair disheveled as per the scene’s requirements. She, usually not one to smile, smiled this time.

“Thank you. And well done, Woojin ssi.”

“Great work everyone.”

At that moment, Director Kwon Ki-taek, dressed in a thick padded jacket, approached the two actors. A smile was on his lips as he patted Kang Woojin on the shoulder and said gently,

“You’ve worked hard during this time. It seems my greed only grows. Should I say my standards have gotten higher?”

“Thank you, Director-nim.”

“Are you going to rest a bit now?”

Woojin, with an indifferent expression, shook his head.

“No. I’m going to do some domestic schedules and then go to Japan.”

“Is it for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’?”

“Yes.”

Ha Yu-ra shook her head as if she was fed up.

“Aren’t you going to kill yourself doing this, Woojin ssi? Your schedule is too tight. You should rest a bit after finishing a project.”

“It’s not that hard.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, who chuckled lightly, interjected again.

“Please say hello to Director Kyotaro for me, and make sure you take care of your health, Woojin ssi. We’ll probably see each other again at the wrap-up party.”

Suddenly, staff members crowded around.

“You’ve worked hard, Woojin ssi!!”

“Ahh- one by one the actors are wrapping up! How sad is this??”

“Well done, Woojin ssi!!”

“You’ll come to the wrap-up party for our movie’s crank up, right??”

“Good luck with your other shoots too!!!”

Many staff members shouted their support and thanks. Kang Woojin bowed to them, he was poker-faced but sincere.

“Thank you for your hard work, and thank you.”

With that, Kang Woojin’s filming for ‘Island of the Missing’ concluded.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, USA.

It was late morning in Korea, but it was the afternoon in LA. Right around closing time? Whether in Korea or LA, the scene during rush hour was the same: roads packed with cars, people swarming to subways, crowds bustling about the streets. Amidst this, a famous broadcast studio in Hollywood, LA was busy with a recording.

The scene was familiar.

The main studio being used for filming was visible, and outside this studio area, numerous cameras and filming equipment were densely arranged. The foreign staff members seen in between had focused expressions.

They were deeply engrossed in filming a talk show.

One of the top three talk shows in the US, ‘The Jamie Show’. The host Jamie was also well-known in Korea. The filming setup had Jamie sitting at a gothic desk, with the guest placed on a plush sofa in front of the desk. Currently, a blonde top Hollywood actress was sitting on the sofa.

Soon, the slightly plump Jamie called out the blonde woman’s name in English.

“Ha-ha, Miley. Should we change up the topic this time? You said you went to Korea last time?”

The guest, wearing a tight knit and jeans, was Miley Cara. She didn’t show her typically aloof demeanor since it was during filming.

“Yes, I went there to promote a movie, just like on this talk show.”

“How was Korea?”

“It was fantastic.”

“Was it your first time?”

Miley Cara leisurely changed the direction of her crossed legs as she responded to the question.

“Yes. It was my first time, but there were a lot of impressive things.”

“Oh- I’ve been planning to go to Korea since last year too. What impressed you the most? Surely the food?”

“Mm- no, the most impressive thing was an actor.”

“Ah, a Korean actor! There are many well-known Korean actors in Hollywood too. I love K-dramas. But which Korean actor?”

Miley Cara, changing the direction of her crossed legs again, smiled slightly and answered.

“Kang Woojin, he really seems like an alien.”

Meanwhile, Kang Woojin was walking with his team to the outdoor parking lot of the ‘Island of the Missing’ set.

Suddenly.

‘Ah.’

Woojin, with a grave expression, slightly paused and nonchalantly scratched his ear.

‘Itchy. What’s this, is someone talking about me?’