Chapter 243: Tidal Wave (10)

Translator: Dreamscribe

PD Song Man-woo? Kang Woojin looked up from Han Ye-jung’s phone. Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, poked at his own phone.

“You haven’t received any separate contact from him, right?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Hmm – there was no meeting scheduled with PD Song in the current Korea itinerary.”

Muttering, Choi Sung-gun put his phone to his ear.

“Hello, PD-nim. I was just about to call you.”

In response to Choi Sung-gun’s polite greeting, PD Song Man-woo’s reply over the phone was somewhat earnest.

“Hello, CEO Choi. I heard you arrived in Korea today.”

“Yes, PD-nim. I’m in Seoul now.”

“Is it possible to have a brief meeting with Woojin-ssi during your stay in Korea? I really want to see him before he returns to Japan.”

Choi Sung-gun turned to make eye contact with Kang Woojin.

“Well – it is possible, but today might be difficult… Just a moment, PD-nim. I’ll check the schedule right away.”

“Yes, CEO Choi.”

Choi Sung-gun, lowering his phone to block out external noise, asked Woojin.

“PD Song wants to see you, and he seems a bit urgent. But the schedule is pretty tight for the next few days, and I’m sure you’re already tired today after dealing with ‘Leech’ audition.”

Kang Woojin shook his head calmly.

“Today is fine too.”

“You don’t look too exhausted, but there’s no need to overdo it.”

“No, it’s fine.”

In reality, Woojin was a bit worn out, but not to the point of overwhelming fatigue. If necessary, he could rest in the void space. Anyway, Choi Sung-gun, understanding this, nodded.

“Okay, but today might still be tough. I’ll ask if tomorrow morning is okay.”

“Yes.”

Choi Sung-gun put the phone back to his ear.

“PD-nim, would tomorrow morning be alright?”

PD Song Man-woo’s answer was quick.

“Of course, it’s fine. Let me know the time, and I’ll come to bw Entertainment.”

“Oh- will you? Alright. I’ll get back to you.”

“Yes, CEO Choi.”

With that, the call ended.

Choi Sung-gun, with a somewhat puzzled expression, murmured.

“He said he’ll come in person. We can see him before tomorrow’s schedule starts.”

Kang Woojin nodded slowly. Then he showed Han Ye-jung’s phone to Choi Sung-gun, explaining the content of the SNS post and who the famous Japanese voice actor was. Since Choi Sung-gun had been present at the time, he understood quickly.

“Ah! You mean the one you said was her mother??”

Soon, the mind of Choi Sung-gun, the head of the company, began to work quickly.

“Wow- that person is a famous voice actor in Japan? I didn’t know that. Japan is already noisy because of your piano performance, Woojin. There was a lot of chatter. But this person delivered a significant twist?”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Honestly, we expected some spread because there were many customers at that restaurant. But this changes the situation drastically. It transforms from a mere noisy issue to a heartwarming anecdote. And the person involved is a famous voice actor. The story is good too. You did it genuinely, but in the rough entertainment industry, this kind of thing works well.”

Kang Woojin had a rough idea of this. He had often seen famous celebrities become hot topics due to heartwarming stories. Of course, Choi Sung-gun knew more intricately than Woojin.

“This seems unusual. This content could elevate it from a mere anecdote to a heroic tale. You’re an actor from another country. There are many keywords that stir the emotions of the Japanese public, and this is especially true for Japan, although it might be the same for Korea too.”

However, since Kang Woojin was currently in Korea, he was unsure of the situation in Japan. Choi Sung-gun wasn’t one to sit idle, though.

“We should… start by scanning the radar. See how things stand currently. I’ll have our marketing team monitor the situation.”

With that, Choi Sung-gun called the company and gave a thumbs-up to Kang Woojin.

“If this goes well, you might be treated like a hero when you return to Japan.”

He leaned back.

After the audition for ‘Leech,’ the first schedule upon his return to Korea, Kang Woojin moved on to his second schedule, an interview with a major media outlet. Originally, Choi Sung-gun preferred to exclude media interviews if possible, but sometimes, hiding too much could backfire.

Especially for someone like Kang Woojin, the ‘king of issues.’

Rumors and abusive articles ran rampant, and tabloids flooded the market. Hence, there were times when it was necessary to clear the air once in a while.

Moreover, several of Kang Woojin’s current issues were still hot topics.

There were dozens of topics, including ‘Our Dining Table,’ which hit nearly 20% viewership, the news of a crossover with PD Song Man-woo in ‘Beneficial Evil,’ the crank-up declaration of ‘Island of the Missing,’ the Japanese project ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, and Kang Woojin’s sudden piano-related scandal and secretive re-entry into Korea.

It was time for a clear summary.

And so, the 4th day came to an end. Friday, the 5th day, arrived.

From early morning, Director Ahn Ga-bok and the ‘Leech’ team, having wrapped up the audition, gathered in the film company’s conference room. There were roughly five or six people present. At the head of the U-shaped table sat Director Ahn Ga-bok.

The atmosphere was rather serious.

It was understandable, as they had witnessed something huge at the audition. However, the ‘Leech’ team had no time to be distracted. Moreover, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s resolute expression suggested he was ready to make a decision today.

Soon, the film company CEO sitting next to Director Ahn Ga-bok asked.

“Are you alright, director-nim? The audition hurdle has become higher than expected.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his short white hair, chuckled.

“That’s true. I can only apologize.”

“Huh?”

“For assigning such a role to Woojin. It should have been me as the director, but I was in such a hurry that I didn’t even think about it.”

“…Kang Woojin-ssi seemed to be thinking deeply about ‘Leech,’ despite his curt exterior.”

Recalling Kang Woojin’s face, Director Ahn Ga-bok slowly nodded.

“He’s broad-minded. He doesn’t show it, but he has considerable affection for the works he takes on. What do they call it these days? Tsundere?”

“Ah- yes, that’s right.”

“When that young friend acts so boldly, we should also increase our speed.”

The faces of ‘Leech’s key staff, including the film company CEO, showed determination. At the same time, the cinematographer with a bulging belly chimed in.

“But shouldn’t we contact Sim Han-ho sunbae? He didn’t look too pleased when he left the theater yesterday.”

“If he were someone who would crumble at this level, he wouldn’t have carried the weight of the Korean acting scene until now.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who answered briefly, opened the pile of papers in front of him. They were profiles of the actors who participated in yesterday’s audition and the detailed evaluations Director Ahn Ga-bok had written during the audition.

It was a motion to make a decision.

“First, for the role of ‘Yoon Ja-ho.'”

A deep conversation ensued about the role of ‘Yoon Ja-ho,’ which several, including Jin Jae-jun, desired.

“What do you all think?”

“Jae-jun-ssi’s acting tension has increased significantly.”

“Compared to last year, he’s almost unrecognizable. I think he leveled up in ‘Drug Dealer’. It was a different kind of work from what he’s done so far.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok chuckled.

“‘Drug Dealer’ – Woojin was also in that, wasn’t he?”

“Ah.”

“A first-year actor influencing top actors everywhere. Anyway, I felt a bit disappointed with Jin Jae-jun. He can do better. The audition felt a bit light.”

“Maybe it was because Kang Woojin-ssi was in front?”

“Possibly. But no other actor did as well as Jin Jae-jun.”

“Certainly…”

The meeting gradually became more intense.

“The role of ‘Yoon Ji-min’ is the most challenging to decide.”

“Hmm-”

“Hong Hye-yeon stood out the most.”

“It felt like many of her flaws were corrected.”

“Didn’t Hwalin’s tension exceed expectations? I was surprised by how well she did.”

“I’m leaning towards Han So-jin. She was the most natural, despite being a rookie. If she continues like this, she’ll stand out soon. She’s already quite good.”

“Haha, hearing this makes me realize how extraordinary Kang Woojin-ssi is.”

“Woojin-ssi is in a league of his own. You can’t group him with others of the same name value.”

“He’s an absurdly remarkable oddball.”

Various opinions poured out, and surprisingly, they were quite divided. While twirling his pen, Director Ahn Ga-bok looked down at his evaluation sheet.

About an hour later,

-Swish.

Director Ahn Ga-bok pushed the finalized actor list across the table to the film company CEO.

“Let’s go with this. Inform the actors today and make an official announcement.”

Meanwhile.

Around 9 AM, at bw Entertainment in Samseong-dong. Despite having recently moved to a larger place, bw Entertainment was well-organized inside. As employees were in the midst of arriving, several people were already seated in the largest meeting room. One of them was Kang Woojin.

Since he needed to stop by the salon before his schedule, he was currently wearing a hat and his frequently worn navy long padding jacket.

Even early in the morning, his concept was clear.

Around Woojin, only Choi Sung-gun was seated, while on the other side by the window sat PD Song Man-woo with his goatee, alone. Judging by the serious atmosphere, it didn’t seem like a trivial matter.

After exchanging brief greetings and catching up, PD Song Man-woo, who had already covered the basics, continued speaking to the calm Woojin.

“Woojin-ssi, as you might have heard intermittently, we’re being very thorough with the pre-production of ‘Beneficial Evil.’ Additionally, we were selecting the final platform.”

Final platform? Oh, he must be talking about the broadcasting network. Come to think of it, Woojin hadn’t heard where ‘Beneficial Evil’ would be aired.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, since I’m an external PD, unlike before when I was affiliated, the platform has become very important. So while you were in Japan recently, I had meetings with many places: terrestrial, general programming, cable, and various OTT platforms.”

“······”

“Even before the news of Woojin-ssi joining spread, the offers were significant. But once we hinted at your involvement, they all went wild.”

Choi Sung-gun chimed in.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

“Exactly. It was intentional.”

“Even without that, PD Song Man-woo’s name value and the success of ‘Male Friend’ by writer Choi Na-na. Plus, with Woojin joining. This is a sure win.”

PD Song Man-woo, who had been laughing softly, met eyes with Kang Woojin again.

“So the terms have been elevated. Still, there wasn’t any place that stood out particularly more. Therefore, ‘Beneficial Evil’ was likely to go to SBC. After all, ‘Hanryang’ was a hit, and it’s my home ground.”

“I understand.”

“But then Netflix contacted us.”

After finishing his sentence, PD Song Man-woo pushed a transparent file towards Woojin.

“Their terms are similar, but the unique factor is that they offered a ‘challenge.'”

“Challenge?”

“They proposed launching ‘Beneficial Evil’ as a Netflix Original worldwide.”

Whoa. Worldwide? The scale of the conversation suddenly turned global. Though Woojin was slightly taken aback, he replied nonchalantly.

“You’re talking about a worldwide launch?”

“Yes. In other words, they’re suggesting we take on a global challenge with ‘Beneficial Evil’. While it will be open domestically, the main target is the world.”

“······”

“Honestly, it is tempting. I felt a bit stagnant lately. Besides, I believe ‘Beneficial Evil’ would do well overseas too. There’s a lot to say, but Woojin-ssi’s opinion as the main male lead is important.”

Choi Sung-gun spoke up before Kang Woojin could.

“A worldwide launch—sounds sweet, but there’s undoubtedly risk involved, right?”

“Exactly. To be frank, if we release ‘Beneficial Evil’ on a domestic network, a certain level of success is guaranteed. Woojin-ssi’s ticket power is enormous, so we’d be halfway there.”

“Conversely, overseas, those advantages don’t exist.”

“If it hits, it will be phenomenal, but if it doesn’t, the impact will be more than double.”

The production cost of ‘Beneficial Evil’ was far from small. It was close to billions, not just tens of millions. In other words, if it flopped, many people would be in trouble. Additionally, Woojin would gain a reputation for not being well-received overseas. (TL: billions in ₩ not $)

“Hmm—”

Choi Sung-gun was grappling with these concerns, and PD Song Man-woo was well aware.

“Since there are risks involved, if Woojin-ssi feels differently, we won’t push forward.”

Woojin, with an indifferent expression, asked back.

“What does Writer Choi Na-na think?”

“She’s okay with any platform. Right now, she believes focusing on her writing is the priority.”

“······”

“I intend to follow Woojin-ssi’s thoughts. It’s Woojin-ssi who will carry ‘Beneficial Evil’ by the scruff of its neck. If we choose Netflix, it will switch to pre-production, with Netflix staff involved in the production.”

This is a heavy responsibility. What should I do? Maybe I should give a vague answer for now?

“I’m not very familiar with the various interests. It’s better to go with what has more meaning.”

“······Meaningful, huh. What does Woojin-ssi’s keen intuition tell you?”

“Not particularly. I don’t think it’s a bad idea.”

“Hmm. So, are you preparing for a global launch, Woojin-ssi?”

Kang Woojin answered briefly.

“Not too late.”

“Haha, I see.”

PD Song Man-woo stood up smoothly and extended his hand to Woojin.

“Let’s just go for it with ‘Beneficial Evil’ and take on the world. Let’s run ourselves ragged to match Woojin-ssi’s ambition.”

Woojin shook his hand calmly.

‘Another global venture. It feels like the world around me is getting overwhelmingly bigger, even though I’m just staying still??’

Honestly, he still didn’t feel the gravity of it all.

One hour later, in Kang Woojin’s van.

PD Song Man-woo, having wrapped up the meeting, left for Netflix Korea. Consequently, the platform for ‘Beneficial Evil’ was settled. Soon, the news of the title ‘Beneficial Evil’ being partnered with Netflix would spread.

That said, there wasn’t anything Woojin needed to act on immediately.

‘Whatever, it’ll all roll on its own.’

Thinking too much would only give him a headache. His conclusion was to just focus on acting in any situation. As the van carrying Kang Woojin headed to the salon in Cheongdam-dong, simultaneously,

– Poof.

Kang Woojin suddenly entered the void space. Given his tight schedule today, starting with an early morning meeting, he entered to take a rest. Clearly tired, he yawned widely as soon as he stepped into the dark void space.

His concept mode instantly relaxed.

“What do I have on schedule today?”

Recalling Choi Sung-gun’s briefing, Woojin habitually moved towards the white rectangles. He had no big thoughts. He just planned to glance at the white rectangles and then lie down right away.

But then,

“Huh?”

Woojin’s body froze. The reason was simple.

“Hasn’t it- changed a lot?”

There were noticeable changes in the white rectangles. The start was the S+ grade ‘Island of the Missing’ and ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.’

– [3/Scenario (Title: Island of the Missing), SS Grade]

– [7/Scenario (Title: The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger), SS Grade]

Both works had been upgraded to SS grade. That wasn’t all.

“Why did this suddenly go up?”

The movie ‘Leech’, which was originally SS grade, had also changed.

– [8/Scenario (Title: Leech), SSS Grade]

It had been upgraded to SSS grade, the first time he’d seen such a rating. But why? Why had ‘Leech’ suddenly been upgraded? Woojin needed to think about it, but he didn’t have the time.

The reason was simple.

– Swoosh.

His eyes had already reached the work below ‘Leech’. The work that had just changed its platform to Netflix, ‘Beneficial Evil’, originally SS grade. However, the rating was different now.

– [9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), SSS+ Grade]

‘Beneficial Evil’ had been upgraded to SSS+ grade.