Chapter 19: Plot Twist (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

One of the virtues necessary for an actor who stands at the crossroads of choice in each work was an eye for seeing the work. It’s often described as intuition or instinct, or a keen eye. Occasionally, there are actors who are quite successful in every work they do.

However, this is not something that improves with practice.

It was closer to a talent that one should have from the very beginning. The power of instinct that easily overthrows reason involved in an instant. If an actor possessed this, they were greatly blessed. Is it a character with severely collapsed balance?”

However, very few actors possessed this. It was reasonable to say there weren’t any recently.

Veteran drama PD Song Man-woo, who had been in the industry for more than a decade, also saw only a few. Then, suddenly, there appeared Kang Woojin in the entertainment world. Could this huge, eccentric monster really possess that intuition?

Soon, PD Song Man-woo asked the calm Woojin again, to make sure he understood.

“By intuition. You mean… you chose ‘Exorcism’ just… by intuition?”

Kang Woojin, in his chic demeanor, giggled inwardly in response to the repeated question. Why are they surprised? Is intuition such a strange thing? It’s a common word used everywhere, right? Being still unfamiliar with the entertainment industry, it was a natural question for him. He didn’t yet know how great ‘intuition’ is for an actor.

Anyway, since he already blurted it out, Kang Woojin embellished his words.

“The content of ‘Exorcism’ was good, but what moved me was intuition.”

“…Why? What kind of intuition is it? Do you think ‘Exorcism’ will do well?”

Again, a question was asked. At this point, Woojin put on a display of bravado. Well, whatever, the high rank of that void seemed like a hint for the future.

“Yes. It’s not like it won’t do well. I think ‘Exorcism’ will do well.”

“What kind of confidence is this…”

Woojin’s speech without a moment of hesitation was sincere. At least, PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi, who saw Kang Woojin, felt so, and writer Park Eun-mi, who writes works where intuition works, wondered.

‘What on earth is the source of that conviction??’

Kang Woojin seemed suddenly alien. It’s not arrogance or audacity. He’s purely confident. At that time, writer Park Eun-mi took off her hairband and leaned towards Kang Woojin.

“Aren’t you being a bit reckless? This time is probably the most important for you, isn’t it?”

“Is it?”

Only writer Park Eun-mi was serious. Kang Woojin was the epitome of indifference. At this, she inwardly clicked her tongue.

‘This guy is… he’s crazy. Where in the world is there an actor like this!’

He was clearly a different from the actors usually seen around. On the other hand, PD Song Man-woo was relatively cool in judging Woojin.

‘His past is unclear. He honed his acting skills for several, perhaps more than ten years, and showed himself at the timing he wanted, under the pretext of a hobby.’

Moreover, Kang Woojin joined two works immediately after his appearance. A huge-drama and a short film.

‘Whatever the process. No rookie can show such crazy speed.’

Rising rookies who are said to be popular are definitely most cautious in their first steps and what follows. Therefore, the agency is very sensitive in judging the works at that time.

But Kang Woojin doesn’t have an agency right now.

Nevertheless, Kang Woojin is confidently picking out works with his intuition.

‘But the work he boldly picked is ‘Exorcism’, a short film that usually wouldn’t even be considered.’

For a rookie or unknown actor, a big project is always better given the chance. Kang Woojin has joined ‘Profiler Hanryang’, so he could have waited and chosen slowly after the broadcast.

‘Yet, he confidently picked ‘Exorcism’.’

Here, PD Song Man-woo stared at Kang Woojin’s unwavering eyes across from him. Of course, there’s no guarantee yet that ‘Exorcism’ will do well. But if ‘Exorcism’ really takes off.

‘That crazy acting, unique star quality, guts, and even keen intuition and instinct.’

Kang Woojin will undoubtedly grow into a great actor that no one else can reach. Soon, PD Song Man-woo couldn’t help but admire the monstrous being in front of him.

A little too much.

‘Is this guy a real cheat character?’

Then, PD Song Man-woo laughed.

“Ha ha, yeah. When I set up my production company later, I’ll have to find Woojin when choosing scripts.”

Then writer Park Eun-mi suddenly grabbed Woojin’s hands across from her. She was a bit excited.

“Woojin! What do you think will happen to our ‘Profiler Hanryang’?? Huh? Strictly speaking, we pulled Woojin in rather than Woojin choosing it.”

On the other hand, Woojin felt a little disgusted inside. Is this writer used to holding hands? Thanks to her, he subtly pulled his caught hand out and answered.

“There are two of you, isn’t it going to do well?”

“What are you talking about! Do you know how thin the ice is in drama production! Even dramas with top actors participating have flopped hard!”

Oh really? Woojin, who didn’t know much about the drama industry, thought he should calm down writer Park Eun-mi across from him. Besides, he was somewhat confident in ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

That’s why Kang Woojin’s answer was simple. It was somewhat sincere.

“I joined because I thought it would work out.”

At that moment, a sense of relief and energy came to Park Eun-mi, the author.

“…What on earth. I guess this is why people believe in religion.”

Later.

PD Song man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi, who had been focusing on Kang Woojin, barely got back to the main point. They had called Woojin because of the script. Park Eun-mi, once again wearing her hairband, took the lead.

“Originally, the script was out up to the fourth part. But recently, we’ve revised the script from the second part? From the second to the fourth.”

“Did you say revise?”

“Yes, but we didn’t completely overhaul it, we just made some appropriate cuts focusing on the characters. So there are parts that stick out a little compared to the first part. Of course, that’s been revised too.”

In other words, there was a slight change in the overall script, and Writer Park Eun-mi, who received piles of paper from PD Song man-woo, smiled.

“No- The video of Park Dae-ri shown by Woojin. That was a complete cheat key. It gives me a lot of inspiration, you know? If you look at this part in the second part, the lines and emotions of Park Dae-ri have changed a bit……”

Then, Writer Park Eun-mi started explaining about the role of ‘Park Dae-ri’, which was appropriately revised. It was subtly fun, so Kang Woojin also focused. It’s like, history classes are boring but historical stories are interesting?

So, a few dozen minutes later.

“I’ll send you the official scripts from the second to the fourth part as soon as they come out. And this is the official book script for the first part.”

Writer Park Eun-mi, who handed a somewhat new-looking book to Kang Woojin. It was the official book script for the first part of ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

“As I said, there were very minor revisions to the first part, so please skim through it once more with the first draft in mind.”

“Understood.”

When Woojin pulled out the book script with a black square attached, Song Man-woo, who had checked his wristwatch, changed the subject.

“Woojin. About the script reading. It’s not confirmed yet as we’re still matching the actors’ schedules, but we’re probably going to do it in an MT style.”

Script reading? Woojin, who remembered searching for it.

‘It was probably a gathering to synchronize the timing among all the actors before the main shooting, wasn’t it?’

Kang Woojin felt a mixture of anticipation and worry creeping up. It’s amazing to see the actors, but he was nervous because it was his first time at such an event.

But MT? It wouldn’t be a motel, would it?

Woojin, who tried his best to hide his facial expression, confirmed if the MT he knew was correct.

“MT style, did you say?”

At that, PD Song man-woo nodded immediately.

“That’s right. As you know, there are script readings where everyone just gathers in a reading room, but when there are many actors and staff, we do it in an MT style to sync up.”

“Ah- yes.”

“But, well, the script reading is just an excuse. It’s basically about actors and staff going there to play, haha. We also grill meat and drink.”

At this point, Writer Park Eun-mi hit PD Song man-woo’s shoulder to get him back to his senses, and Kang Woojin fell into his own imagination.

‘Wait a minute… Am I going to hang out with celebrities??’

Eating BBQ and drinking with celebrities who he thought lived in a different world? The last time he read an article, ‘Profiler Hanryang’ had a line-up of top stars including Hong Hye-yeon.

Woojin found it intriguing that he could engage in the same games in the same space as them, while having the same profession.

Thanks to that.

‘Wow- I hadn’t even thought about this.’

Woojin’s nervousness increased all at once. He didn’t show it outwardly, but his body was fidgeting. It was then that PD Song man-woo continued.

“Anyway, the date hasn’t been confirmed yet. Roughly, maybe early or mid-March next month? If we do, can you go, Woojin? It won’t be long. 1 night and 2 days?”

“…I can.”

“Okay. Since we are going to cover the official book script up to the second part, it would be good that you come with a thorough understanding of the script. Because we’re going to read up to the second part there. I know Woojin will do well on his own.”

Then PD Song man-woo explained to Kang Woojin about the contours of the role of Park Dae-ri. About the costumes, appearance, and other things.

“Most of it will be prepared by us, but if you think you need something, you can bring it yourself. We’ll use it if it looks good.”

When all the meetings were over, about three hours had passed. As the Kang Woojin was leaving the studio, Writer Park Eun-mi, who was saying goodbye to him, approached.

“Woojin. I didn’t even know your number until now. Can you tell me?”

She, who was smiling and asking for Kang Woojin’s number. PD Song man-woo knew it, so there was no need to do that. This was something she was doing because she wanted to.

“Here.”

With that, Writer Park Eun-mi’s number was saved on Kang Woojin’s phone. As the number of big names piled up, the value of Kang Woojin’s phone increased greatly.

Anyway, as soon as Woojin, who had left the studio, got on the elevator.

“Woah- it’s been a while since I went to an MT.”

He broke his persona. Excitement immediately filled him.

“Going there together with Hong Hye-yeon and other celebrities? The scale of my life is getting huge.”

I had attended MTs (Membership Trainings) even during university days, but this time, it was different starting from the attendees. Soon, it was when Woojin moved with a light step down to the first floor.

-Brrrr, Brrrrrr.

His phone in the jacket pocket vibrated. It was a call. The caller was Director Shin Dong-chun, who hadn’t been in touch for a few days since the last cafe meeting.

-Swoosh.

As Kang Woojin picked up the phone, he regained the seriousness he had previously let go of.

“Yes, Director.”

Director Shin Dong-chun’s voice over the phone was:

“Woojin, shall we meet tomorrow morning? I have something to tell you about ‘Exorcism’.”

It was somewhat gloomy.

“I’ll send you the address. You can come there.”

The next morning, the 26th, near Jeongja Station in Bundang.

Kang Woojin could be found in a rental office. His outfit today was light, maybe because the weather had warmed up a bit. An aviator jacket and jeans. Woojin sat at the desk placed in the narrow rental office, and opposite him sat Director Shin Dong-chun, looking thoroughly exhausted.

Soon, Director Shin Dong-chun awkwardly laughed as he scanned the rental office.

“I rented it hastily, is it not uncomfortable?”

“Yes, it’s okay.”

In fact, this rental office was hastily obtained by Director Shin Dong-chun after breaking away from the film company Blue Vision. They couldn’t always talk in a cafe. Even though it was small, it was a great place to have meetings.

Whatever it was.

“So- Woojin.”

Director Shin Dong-chun pulled out a thick transparent file he brought and opened his mouth with difficulty.

“To cut to the chase, I’ve been looking for a movie company, an investor everywhere, but it’s not easy.”

In other words, he was still chasing illusions.

“Also, it’s not certain, but it feels even harder than before, as if GGO Entertainment has been meddling.”

“Mid-April.”

“Yes? Ah- ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’? Yes, it’s held in mid-April, so we need to start filming no later than early or mid-March… I’m sorry. The situation is not very good even though I said it confidently.”

Director Shin Dong-chun’s mood suddenly darkened. Woojin, keeping his poker face on, felt sympathy for him internally.

‘It’s exactly like when I was working at the design company. I was the same when I had to make the sixth or seventh draft.’

Thanks to that, Kang Woojin’s deep voice softened slightly.

“If there’s anything I can do to help.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, shaking his head, barely smiled.

“No, I’m sorry. Woojin, you just need to focus on acting. I will somehow take care of the funding and the film company.”

Just then.

-♬♪

Kang Woojin got a call. Because he didn’t put it on vibrate, Woojin moved rather quickly.

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

Then, seeing the caller, he hesitated.

-Ms. Hong Hye-yeon.

It was a call from the top actress Hong Hye-yeon. Look at this Kim Daeyoung, even Hong Hye-yeon calls me like a friend, right? If he had been at home, Kang Woojin would have been grinning, but.

“………”

Director Shin Dong-chun was in front of him. So, Woojin had to forcibly suppress his excitement.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“Yes, yes, yes, go ahead.”

Then, Kang Woojin respectfully answered the phone.

“Yes.”

“You have a very simple response. Don’t people usually say hello?”

“Yes, hello.”

“Never mind. Why do I always have to bow down and greet? Anyway, where are you now? If it’s okay, I’d like to see you.”

Me? You want to see me? Although the tone was the same, Hong Hye-yeon just meant to meet. But Kang Woojin’s heart fluttered slightly.

“Why is that?”

“Huh? I have something to say.”

“It’s difficult now. I’m meeting someone.”

“Ah! Is it Director Dongchun by any chance??”

“………?”

How did she know? Woojin was slightly taken aback, and laughter came from Hong Hye-yeon on the other side of the phone.

“Right? Somehow. Then that’s good. Let me know your location. I’ll come there. To be honest, I don’t have time except for now.”

Then I should let her know. However, I had to be nonchalant. Woojin somewhat vaguely told her his current location and the call ended quickly. Afterward, Kang Woojin and Director Shin Dong-chun had a profound conversation about ‘Exorcism’.

“Woojin, I think we should leave out this scene.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I think we need to reduce the production costs. The chances of finding an investor increase as much as we reduce them.”

“Then, won’t the quality drop?”

“That’s true, but filming it is the priority.”

That was about 45 minutes into the conversation.

-Bang!

Suddenly, the door to the rental office flew open. Both Kang Woojin and Director Shin Dong-chun couldn’t help but be surprised.

And.

“Oh, there’s a place like this?”

A woman wearing a mask and a black hat entered through the open door. A hoodie and a denim jacket. As she looked at Kang Woojin and Director Shin Dong-chun, she took off her mask.

-Swoosh.

Her face was revealed then. Clear skin and perfect beauty. Seeing the woman, Director Shin Dong-chun’s eyes bulged out.

“Ho, Hong Hye-yeon?!”

The woman was Hong Hye-yeon. She took off her hat, showing off her long natural hair, and smiled at the stupefied Director Shin Dong-chun.

“PD. No, it’s now Director. Director, I want to do ‘Exorcism’.”

Director Shin Dong-chun stood up immediately. Perhaps he was so shocked that his expression was grotesque.

“Uh?! Uh-uh-uh??!! Wha-what is this?!”

At this time, Hong Hye-yeon turned her head. She looked at Kang Woojin’s face, who was sitting to her right. Kang Woojin was so surprised that he remained expressionless. Hong Hye-yeon, who had no idea, made eye contact with Woojin and smiled.

“Aren’t you surprised at all? Anyway, can I do ‘Exorcism’?”

*****