Chapter 107: Short Drama (7)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Use my vocals? And even use my foreign languages skills too? Kang Woojin didn’t quite understand after hearing the brief explanation.

‘So, using my vocals means they want to focus on my singing as the main theme?’

It was natural, as he still had a lot to learn about the entertainment industry. It was difficult for Woojin to easily grasp the thoughts of the capable CEO. On the other hand, Han Ye-jung, sitting next to Kang Woojin, seemed to understand immediately due to her experience.

“Ah- like that? That sounds good.”

Choi Sung-gun, in the passenger seat, laughed.

“Right? Woojin’s main thing, acting, shouldn’t be just a side thing. We need to enhance its value, so using it on YouTube won’t do.”

“I completely agree.”

Feeling left out, don’t just talk excitedly among the two of you, include me too. Although he was still completely in the dark, Kang Woojin with boldness on his face, pretending to roughly understand. He had to add a bit of bluff as well.

With confidence, Woojin spoke in a low voice.

“I get the feeling.”

“Haha, what do you think?”

“…I’ll tell you after I hear more about what the CEO is thinking.”

“Is that so? Let’s see then-”

Done. The atmosphere shifted naturally. Choi Sung-gun, who was tying his hair back again, resumed speaking.

“I mentioned musicals before, regarding your singing skills, didn’t I?”

“Yes. I remember.”

“Ah. Just asking out of curiosity. Woojin, have you ever… done musicals?”

Have he ever done? Woojin had never even seen a musical in his life.

“No.”

“That, right? I asked just in case you might drop a bombshell again. Anyway, I think musicals are a perfect fit for your vocals and acting, but I’m not exactly an expert in that field. So, I invited someone from the musical industry to watch your OST recording last time.”

“…Is that so?”

He had no idea. Kang Woojin remained silent but was deeply impressed by Choi Sung-gun’s initiative. Regardless, Choi Sung-gun continued.

“Yes. And the feedback was that you’re definitely capable.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Indeed. But the issue is that it takes quite a bit of time. And as you know, the musical field is a completely different market.”

Meaning, it would take time for Woojin to join a musical and meet the necessary conditions in between.

“It’s okay to think about that gradually, but it’s a waste to let your vocals rot by only doing musicals, right? Your vocals and acting abilities are like a motor on a boat, to put it simply.”

“A motor to a boat.”

“Yes, right now, you’re not just having water come in. You’re in the middle of a waterfall pouring down while others are merely rowing. You have a motor; that’s what I mean.”

Han Ye-jung, who was closing her planner, casually chimed in.

“Indeed. It’s not just that you sing better than average people, Woojin oppa’s vocals are truly amazing.”

Jang Su-hwan, who was driving, also joined in.

“Haha! That’s right! Even Hwalin was charmed, wasn’t she!”

Caught off guard by their sudden praise, Woojin felt a bit embarrassed but maintained his indifference. Choi Sung-gun, who had taken out his phone, showed his phone to Woojin shaking it, and continued.

“That’s why we should start a YouTube channel with your vocals as the main theme. But it’s not like I’m asking you to become a full-time YouTube singer. It’s just light-hearted cover songs, arranging and covering what’s already out there.”

“Song covers – I’ve seen them.”

“Right, they’re quite common these days. But considering the timing, it makes sense to ride the global Hallyu wave, right? So, we start with KPOP covers.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Here, Choi Sung-gun, with a deepened smile, opened YouTube on the phone he had been shaking.

“However, as you already know, there are already plenty of channels doing their own style of KPOP covers or whatever. There’s no uniqueness. Hmm, your popularity is already skyrocketing, so maybe you’ll get attention initially. It’s a bit disappointing, but I don’t think it’ll last long. It’ll fizzle out because the concept isn’t there.”

“…”

“So, what do we do? How about changing KPOP songs into English or Japanese versions? That would be a bit more novel, right?”

“Ah.”

“If your skills in a foreign language are not up to par, I might not even consider this, but Woojin, aren’t you practically at a native speaker’s level? For this to work, you need high recognition, singer-level vocals, native-level foreign language skills, and decent looks as the basics. And you have it all, don’t you? It’s rare and more than enough.”

Upon hearing the explanation, Kang Woojin inwardly agreed.

‘Sounds good? Kind of a grand plan.’

Kang Woojin voiced his thoughts.

“…It seems good.”

“Yeah? Haha. Do you like it? According to my plan, if this takes off, you can show off your vocal and language skills, and we can expect to attract English and Japanese-speaking fans who are into the Korean Wave. Of course, that includes the domestic fans as well. The impact could be even bigger.”

It meant he could properly show off a twist.

“If it goes well, we might kill several birds with one stone. Later on, as the channel grows, we could invite guests or do collaborations. For example, with Hwalin.”

It was just a plan in words at the moment, but Woojin started to feel quite a strong sense of anticipation. In the past, YouTube was just something to endure the boredom of ‘hellish commutes’ but now, there was a chance to seize control of that vast market.

‘Huhu, life is really getting fantastic.’

Choi Sung-gun, who had put down his phone, asked Kang Woojin.

“How about it? Your call?”

Trying to hide his elevated mood, Woojin coolly responded.

“Yes, let’s do it. It seems like it will be fun.”

“I think so too.”

In one breath, a new plan was established.

“Okay- then I’ll prepare the arrangement, lyrics, studio, etc., as soon as possible.”

Choi Sung-gun jotted something in his diary and threw out a closing remark.

“You’ll probably be busier than you are now. Can you handle it?”

Would he really be able to keep up? Woojin’s answer was simple.

“Yes.”

Afterward.

Kang Woojin arrived at the ‘Profiler Hanryang’ wrap-up party in the late afternoon. The location was a large barbecue restaurant in Seoul, situated not in the city center but on the outskirts. By the time Woojin arrived, reporters were already positioned in front of the restaurant.

“Kang Woojin!!”

“You seem to be in great spirits after ‘Hanryang’, how do you feel?!!”

“Woojin!! Here! Please look this way!”

“Do you keep in touch with Director Kwon Ki-taek?!”

“Please wave your hand once!”

“The details of PD Yoon Byung-seon’s variety show haven’t been fully released yet, do you know who else has been cast aside from you?!”

The reporters rushed in like predators. The ‘Hanryang’ staff tried to hold them back, but their enthusiasm was too much. The bursting flashes were the same.

– Flash! Flash! Flash!

Woojin, passing through them nonchalantly, waved his hand slightly as Choi Sung-gun had advised, while thinking,

‘My eyes! I can’t see! Ah- first, maintain composure, maintain composure.’

He tried his best to maintain an indifferent, sophisticated look. However, he was so overwhelmed that his steps faltered at one point, which fortunately went unnoticed.

After much difficulty, he finally made it into the meat restaurant.

Inside, dozens of staff and most of the actors from ‘Hanryang’ were already present. Soon, greetings were thrown at Woojin from the staff.

“Woojin is here!!”

“Ah, Kang Star has arrived!”

“Hahaha, long time no see! You’ve been really popular these days, haven’t you??”

“That’s right! Whenever I go on the internet, all I see are articles about Woojin!”

Everyone seemed to have had a drink already as their voices were loud. However, unlike them, Woojin had to remain cold.

“Hello, thank you.”

Woojin Kang casually returned the greetings. Then, the shooting director offered him a drink.

“You must have had a hard time with the reporters outside, right? Come on, have a drink! It’ll cool you down!”

“No, I’d rather not drink.”

“Eh? You said the same thing at the last company dinner. Don’t you drink, Woojin?”

It wasn’t that he didn’t drink. He loved alcohol. Before he became an actor, he used to enjoy drinking. But now he couldn’t afford to.

‘If I drink and get drunk, everything will be ruined. Hold on, just endure it. Ah, damn, but I do want some.’

If he got slightly drunk, the real Kang Woojin might might show himself. Anyway, Woojin was guided to the seat where the actors were gathered, with everyone from Ryu Jung-min to Hong Hye-yeon present.

The first to shout was the hearty Jang Tae-san.

“Oh! The superstar is here! Come, take a seat.”

Next was Ryu Jung-min, with his perm hair straightened.

“Have you arrived? I saw the ‘Male Friend’ article. When does the shooting start?”

While answering, Woojin saw Ryu Jung-min’s changed hairstyle and let out a long sigh inside.

‘He was a extremely handsome even with perm hair, but now with his hair straightened, this is something else. He’s insanely handsome.’

The wrap-up party continued noisily in the background.

During the broadcast and even after the show ended, Hanryang’s popularity was soaring, making the atmosphere more than just a wrap-up party. At that moment, Hong Hye-yeon, with her long hair tied back and a face slightly flushed from alcohol, came close to Woojin’s side. A mix of perfume and a hint of alcohol wafted around. This caused Woojin to tense up a bit, and Hye-yeon whispered to him.

“How is it going with Hwalin?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you close, or have you been in touch?”

“It’s just so-so. We’re not particularly close.”

“You must be really stone-hearted. Even if it’s Hwalin. There are a lot of people hitting on her, not just fans, but in this industry too.”

What was she talking about? Suddenly, Woojin suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, where is Dae-young? Didn’t he come?”

“He did. Over there.”

Hong Hye-yeon turned and pointed to the back. A burly monster was absorbing meat and alcohol.

‘Idiot, breathe while you eat. You’re going to die from meat indigestion.’

Then Kim Dae-young, who made eye contact with Kang Woojin, waved his big hand vigorously. Fortunately, he seemed to have adapted well to this circle. At that moment.

“Woojin.”

Someone called Kang Woojin. It was PD Song Man-woo with a goatee, looking more worn out with dark circles under his eyes even after the drama shooting had ended.

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

“Ah- yes, PD-nim.”

The two stood up and walked toward the restroom, while the writer Park Eun-mi watched them go with narrowed eyes. Then, in a relatively quiet corridor near the restroom, PD Song Man-woo suddenly dropped a bombshell.

“I’m going to quit SBC now. I’ve already submitted my resignation.”

Suddenly? Woojin was slightly surprised but responded calmly.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I’ve been so busy with the post-production of Hanryang, but once things settle down a bit, I’m going to go independent. So, I was wondering if you could take a look if I send you a script? By then, I won’t be affiliated with a network but will be representing an external production company.”

“Will you be directing as well?”

“I’ll just be directing. A figurehead, basically.”

“I’ll read it if you send it to me.”

“Haha, thank you. By then, your price is probably going to jump sky-high. You’ll be a treated top-tier actor.”

PD Song Man-woo, who had been laughing heartily, suddenly became serious.

“Also, if I have trouble picking a script, could I possibly get some help? It’s my first directorial work since going independent, and it would be rather awkward if it flopped. Can I pray to the Kang Totem for guidance? Even just a slight hint would be okay.”

Drama industry heavyweight PD Song Man-woo was already a devout follower of the Kang Woojin religion. This guy’s misunderstandings were deeply rooted. Well, it didn’t matter much. Woojin had already accepted these misunderstandings. Above all, PD Song Man-woo was both the starting point and the biggest contributor to Woojin’s growth. He had played the role of a host to spread an epidemic perfectly.

Here, Kang Woojin recalled Choi Sung-gun’s teaching.

‘Give and take, and managing connections with big shots.’

And if it involved a blockbuster work, Kang Woojin would also welcome it.

“If I can be of help, I’d be more than willing.”

Having secured the blessing of Kang Totem, PD Song Man-woo’s smile deepened.

“Haha, I can’t feel more reassured than this.”

About a week later, at a high school in Seoul.

It was a late morning at a high school located in Jongno-gu. At first glance, it was large. Plus, the overall exterior was picturesque. To put it in words, the style of the interior design was different from that of a typical high school.

What stood out immediately was nature.

The entire school seemed to blend with nature. There were many trees of various types. Beyond the school entrance, what about the sprawling central garden? The large statues and well-decorated garden gave it the appearance of a university campus.

The various buildings were also impressive.

In front of the majestic Gothic-style main building, the annexes made of brown bricks, a cafeteria that somewhat resembled a cathedral, a vast sports field, an auditorium, warehouses, dormitories, and more. For a high school, it’s visually pleasing.

In the central garden of such a high school.

“Alright! Let’s quickly unload the equipment first!”

“Where’s the director?!”

“He went to check the filming location! He should be in the auditorium right now!”

“Radios are being distributed!! Each team, take one!”

A filming crew was swiftly unpacking their gear. The team easily exceeded 40 members.

“Hey! Watch it! I told you that’s expensive! Don’t just dump it like that!”

“I’m sorry!”

“Security! Please block the area before the students gather!”

“Have the actors arrived yet??!”

“Almost all of them are here!”

Generally, the atmosphere was chaotic enough to bewilder anyone. Fueling that was…

“Wow! No way! They’re really here!”

“It’s so cool, I’ve never seen filming before!”

“But does anyone know what they’re shooting?”

“I heard from the history teacher that it’s ‘Male Friend.'”

“Wait, isn’t that the one on Netflix??!”

The students began to gather around the staff. It was mid-July, and although the school should have been empty for summer vacation, there were students who had stayed in the dormitories. What started with a few people soon became a dozen as word spread.

“‘Male Friend’?! If that’s true, Kang Woojin and Hwalin will be here??!”

The decibel level rose steadily. However, the students were quickly blocked by security staff. Nonetheless, they peeked through the gaps, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the shooting zone.

It was at that moment.

“Shit! I can’t see… can you?”

Among the dozen students, one of the female students sensed something at the school entrance. Soon, several staff members preparing for the shoot rushed toward the entrance. As she watched them, mesmerized, she caught sight of…

-Whoosh.

A man with an indifferent face was casually walking towards them. He clearly had the aura of a celebrity. As soon as she recognized his face, she pointed at the man with her index finger and shouted to her friends around her.

“There, over there! Kang Woojin! Kang Woojin!!”

*****