Chapter 247 - Sprint (3)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Asami Sayaka quickly changed her words. In fact, she was slightly mesmerized. She hadn’t expected ‘A10 Studio’ to suddenly mention Kang Woojin’s name.

No, why would Kang Woojin be a voice actor for an anime?

Only after answering did Sayaka realize something was odd and tilted her head in confusion. Then she asked the female team leader from ‘A10 Studio’ standing in front of her.

“But is it certain that Kang Woojin-ssi will be voicing the male lead?”

The female production team leader smiled.

“Yes, that’s right, Sayaka-nim. Thankfully, Kang Woojin-ssi has agreed to be the voice actor.”

“Why… would he be an anime voice actor?”

“Sayaka-nim, first, can we confirm that you will be joining our team? We can only explain further once we have your confirmation.”

Sayaka nodded firmly.

“Of course, if it’s a project Kang Woojin-ssi is involved in, I’ll gladly help. I’ll accept any role.”

The female team leader was a bit surprised by her enthusiastic response. Considering Sayaka is among the top tier voice actors in Japan, her passionate reaction was unexpected.

‘Well, since she shares such a dramatic story with Kang Woojin-ssi, it’s understandable.’

Then the female team leader put on a business smile.

“Thank you, Sayaka-nim. It’s an honor. Hmm- the project we are preparing has an original work. We are adapting Netflix’s ‘Male Friend,’ and the title will be ‘Male Friend: Remake’.”

“······Ah.”

Only then did Sayaka understand why Kang Woojin was chosen as the male lead voice actor.

“If it’s Netflix’s ‘Male Friend’-”

“Yes. In the original work, Kang Woojin-ssi played the male lead, and it was a huge hit throughout Japan.”

“I know. My daughter is a huge fan of Kang Woojin-ssi and also loves ‘Male Friend’.”

“We are aware of the story between you two, Sayaka-nim. As a fan, I was moved. Such things don’t happen easily in real life.”

The female team leader, who had been murmuring, changed the topic.

“To be honest, Sayaka-nim was already on our voice actor casting list. However, after checking the schedule, it seemed unlikely.”

“······”

“Then the dramatic story between Kang Woojin-ssi and Sayaka-nim was revealed. Thanks to that, we decided to make an unreasonable request to you. Not just because of Sayaka-nim’s skills, but because we thought the story of you two, which moved the entire Japan, meeting again in one project would create a significant synergy.”

Sayaka was a veteran in the voice acting field. Even with a rough explanation, she immediately understood. It wasn’t an event calculated beforehand. It was purely a coincidence. But this coincidence would probably make the entire Japanese public excited.

Moreover.

‘It’s a chance to repay Woojin-nim’s kindness, and this will be a great gift for Yusako as a mother. I don’t know the process of Woojin-nim’s casting, but this kind of thing will never happen again.’

Any created project lasts a lifetime. Sayaka’s daughter, Yusako, also dreams of becoming a voice actor, and this was also a performance to support that dream. A project featuring both Kang Woojin and her mother’s voices.

To Asami Yusako, it would be a priceless possession.

Of course, Sayaka thought.

‘I must be more passionate about this project than any other.’

She resolved to dedicate her voice acting career to ‘Male Friend: Remake.’

“Sorry, but could I get the script today?”

For her daughter, for Kang Woojin.

Soon, the female team leader smiled brightly and nodded.

“Of course, Sayaka-nim.”

After conversing with Sayaka for a few more minutes, the female team leader left the recording booth and gave instructions to a production staff member who followed her.

“Let’s proceed with Sayaka-nim’s contract as quickly as possible. Also, inform the marketing team that we should announce ‘Male Friend: Remake’ within this week. Make sure to include Kang Woojin-ssi’s casting, his OST, and his participation in the piano performance.”

Even just animating ‘Male Friend’ would be a hot topic, but the combination of keywords she just mentioned was sure to drop a bomb several times bigger.

“And most importantly, make sure not to leave out the connection between Sayaka-nim and Woojin-ssi, and Sayaka-nim’s involvement.”

Meanwhile, in Korea.

Amidst the various teasers for ‘Leech’, ‘Our Dining Table,’ and ‘Beneficial Evil’, the official YouTube channel and other video platforms for ‘Island of the Missing’ uploaded their first video.

-!Urgent! Special Character Introduction Video!! (+Actor Interviews, Making-of)｜Island of the Missing

In some ways, it was like the first teaser video of the edited ‘Island of the Missing’. It was a character introduction video featuring characters from ‘Island of the Missing’. The content included simple still cuts and brief appearances of each character, along with interviews with the actors who played them.

“Hello, I’m Ryu Jung-min, playing the role of First Lieutenant Choi Yu-tae in ‘Island of the Missing.’”

During the actors’ interviews, various videos capturing the on-site atmosphere of ‘Island of the Missing’ were displayed. These included scenes of the actors filming, making simple jokes, and showing their chemistry.

“I am Kang Woojin, playing Corporal Jin Sun-cheol.”

The background was a large set complex, with everyone dressed in military uniforms or holding guns, making it an eye-catching video that felt like a making-of despite its short runtime of around 10 minutes.

Anyway, within just two hours of its release, this video easily surpassed 500,000 views.

-Views: 508,332

It was only natural. The power of ‘Island of the Missing’ itself, featuring the great director Kwon Ki-taek and various top actors, along with the recent surge in interest in Kang Woojin, led to this.

-Wow, Kang Woojin’s character is really unique? I Is he a psycho? A split personality?

-Did anyone see the monster appearing in the video? What the hell is this movie? I’m super curious!

-Ryu Jung-min looks so cool.

-I’m definitely going to watch this as soon as it releases… So please release it quickly.

-Ha Yu-ra hasn’t been around for a while, but her beauty is still stunning ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ She picked a great comeback project.

-With a top-tier director like Kwon Ki-taek, quality shouldn’t be an issue… Judging by the shooting scale, it’s definitely this year’s most anticipated movie.

-Kang Woojin looks amazing in a military uniform!

-So when is the release date?

-If this movie flops, a lot of people will be in trouble ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Wow… Kang Woojin’s performance feels completely different for each role… His acting spectrum is amazing.

·

·

·

While the anticipation for ‘Island of the Missing’ was boiling over, at the officetel office of ‘Our Dining Table’, which wasn’t much different from an variety show department, Choi Sung-gun with a ponytail could be seen. However, he was alone without Kang Woojin. Kang Woojin was currently busy with his schedule. Anyway, Choi Sung-gun was having a very important meeting with PD Yoon Byung-seon and the writers.

Of course, before getting to the main topic, PD Yoon Byung-seon asked a few curious questions.

“CEO Choi, what’s the status of ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’? You talked to the Nongshin side, right?”

Choi Sung-gun, wearing a black shirt and a gray knit, showed a business smile.

“Yes, I did. The atmosphere is positive.”

“Oh- really? Then can we really expect ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ to become a commercial product?”

“The possibility is high.”

In fact, the project with Nongshin was still confidential. The final contract adjustments were pending. However, it was only a matter of time. It was almost certain, and since the start of Kimjaban Makguksu was ‘Our Dining Table,’ Choi Sung-gun subtly hinted to PD Yoon Byung-seon.

“If things go quickly, you might see it in large supermarkets or convenience stores soon. But as you know, it’s a secret for now.”

“Of course! Anyway, that’s great news. It’s kind of amazing. Woojin-ssi’s moves are really unpredictable.”

“Even I don’t know, and I’m always by his side, haha.”

“When the official announcement is made, we should really promote Kimjaban Makguksu properly on ‘Our Dining Table’.”

“Oh my- You’ll do that for us?”

“We must, of course. Whether it’s before the product is released or after, we’ll find a way to squeeze it in during ‘Our Dining Table’s’ main broadcast.”

After chatting about the commercialization of Kimjaban Makguksu for a while, PD Yoon Byung-seon, who received a tablet from a writer, swiftly changed the subject.

“We need to start scheduling the second filming for ‘Our Dining Table’.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon then elaborated. In short, this second filming would be shorter, about 4-5 days compared to the roughly one-week first filming. This was due to the challenge of aligning the schedules of the prominent cast members, including Kang Woojin, and the local situation in LA. There were many other reasons as well.

In such cases, it’s common to reduce the number of episodes, but ‘Our Dining Table’ had already surpassed a 20% viewership rating.

Therefore, PD Yoon Byung-seon was saying that the final episode’s filming would be done domestically to somehow create a satisfactory ending.

“Woojin-ssi is available on March 1st, right?”

“Yes. It’s tough, but we’ll manage around four days.”

“Thank you, then we can finalize it for the 1st. If we save a week with a special episode of ‘Our Dining Table’ around next week, it should work out.”

Thus, Kang Woojin’s first schedule in March was confirmed to be the second filming of ‘Our Dining Table.’

At this moment, Kang Woojin was.

“Sunbae-nim, the recent filming for ‘Island of the Missing’ just wrapped up. How have you been?”

“I’ve been resting a bit, watching you soar higher and higher, Woojin-ssi.”

He was filming with Ryu Jung-min in a studio with a kitchen-like feel. Of course, it was for the YouTube content ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’. Currently, they were filming for the ‘What Do You Want to Eat?’ content, and after this, they would move straight to the ‘Avatar Cooking’ content.

Kang Woojin in a loose-fitting knit, Ryu Jung-min in a simple hoodie.

“Did you face any difficulties during the filming of ‘Island of the Missing’?”

“There were some. The overseas shoot in Da Nang, Vietnam, was hellish. Though you seemed fine, Woojin-ssi.”

“No, it was tough for me too.”

“It was tough, but not hellish, right? Your face didn’t look any different then.”

Why is this handsome guy acting like this? Since the two were already quite close, the filming went smoothly, and Kang Woojin, having experience filming with global superstars like Hwalin and Cara, didn’t get nervous.

Thanks to this,

“Great! I think we got some good shots! Both of you did a great job!!”

The filming wrapped up around late afternoon, finishing a few hours earlier than scheduled. Hence, Woojin, Ryu Jung-min, and the entire staff went for a dinner together. They went to a beef restaurant near the studio. While sitting across from Woojin, Ryu Jung-min picked up a water cup and suddenly muttered softly.

“bw Entertainment, it’s been quite hectic lately.”

“It seems so.”

“······Could you pass a brief message to CEO Choi for me? I couldn’t find his number.”

“What message?”

“Tell him I’d like to meet regarding a potential transfer.”

On the surface, Woojin remained calm, but internally, he was startled. Suddenly? However, after hearing Ryu Jung-min’s follow-up, he roughly understood. Ryu Jung-min’s contract period was coming to an end, and his current agency was on the verge of splitting in half or something like that.

Ignoring the complicated interests, Kang Woojin responded quietly.

“I understand, I’ll talk to the CEO~nim tomorrow.”

The next morning.

Upon hearing the news about Ryu Jung-min from Kang Woojin, Choi Sung-gun’s eyes widened, and he moved quickly.

“Okay, I’ll contact Ryu Jung-min-ssi right away.”

Not just anyone, but an actor of Ryu Jung-min’s caliber was about to enter the free agent market, and that Ryu Jung-min was interested in bw Entertainment. Choi Sung-gun had no reason to waste time.

Anyway, Choi Sung-gun, who quickly took out his phone, shared another piece of news with Woojin.

“Oh, by the way. ‘A10 Studio’ contacted us. That Asami Sayaka voice actress joined ‘Male Friend: Remake’.”

Oh? Really?

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. If I were the production company, I would definitely recruit her somehow. You and her are causing a stir in Japan right now. Probably, no, 100%, they’ll use the story of you and her when they first announce and promote ‘Male Friend: Remake’.”

Choi Sung-gun spoke as if predicting the future.

“To be honest, the original ‘Male Friend’ was insanely successful in Japan. Just having you is like a bomb, but adding Asami Sayaka’s story to the mix when they first announce it… you know what I mean, right? Japanese people will go crazy searching for ‘Male Friend: Remake’.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was murmuring while holding the phone to his ear, turned his gaze forward as if the other party had answered.

“Ah- Ryu Jung-min-ssi?”

On the 12th, near Shinjuku Station in Japan.

It was around lunchtime. The place was Kabukicho, known for its flashy signs on every building. Although it felt quiet now since it was daytime, at night, this place was famous for being a bustling and dazzling entertainment district. It was filled with restaurants, clubs, karaoke bars, host bars, arcades, etc. Naturally, it was also crowded with people.

However, it was less crowded during the day compared to the night. But right now, over 200 people were gathered in one of Kabukicho’s alleys. It was behind a slightly shabby-looking karaoke bar. Various cameras, lights, reflectors, audio equipment, boom mics, monitors, etc. were visible.

Around 70 people were surrounding the equipment.

About a hundred onlookers were surrounding those 70 people. Guards were trying to control the onlookers. The filming of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ had started in Kabukicho. Therefore, the hundred onlookers were busy taking pictures of the actors within the filming zone.

“This is definitely ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ shooting! Oh! Over there! Mana Kosaku!”

“Isn’t that Mifuyu next to Kosaku? She’s really pretty!!”

“We’re lucky! To think we’d see the filming of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’!”

“Wow- this is the first time I’ve seen a filming.”

“But if it’s ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ where’s Kang Woojin? Where’s Kang Woojin??”

The hundred onlookers began searching for the Korean actor currently shaking Japan. The murmuring quickly spread.

“Is Kang Woojin not here? Ah- I don’t like that! If we wait, will he come??”

It was right then.

-Swish.

The door of the karaoke bar, which had been closed, opened, and Director Kyotaro and some staff members came out. And at the very end.

“Ah!! It’s Kang Woojin!! Kang Woojin!”

Kang Woojin, with his tousled hair and casual outfit, appeared. As soon as he showed up, the crowd of over a hundred onlookers started to surge intensely, causing the hefty guards to struggle.

“P-please calm down!!”

“Don’t push!!”

Despite their efforts, the shouts from the onlookers pierced the sky.

“@&(@&%(%&((%@!!!”

“$@($@Kang Woojin!!@U$@$”

“*%(#%)(#%)(#%!!”

The mixed cries of the hundred onlookers made it hard to understand anything. With short hair full of gray, Director Kyotaro scratched his chin and spoke to Woojin.

“Hm- it looks like we’ll have to start with the karaoke indoor scenes until things calm down.”

Kang Woojin apologized softly.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, Woojin-ssi, it’s not your fault. Japan is currently overheated because of you. Isn’t that a good thing?”

At this moment.

“Woojin-ssi!”

Suddenly, a female actor approached. No, it was Mifuyu Uramatsu with her plump lips who got close to Woojin. She wore a top that showed her navel underneath her outer coat.

While looking down at her phone, she asked Woojin in Japanese.

“Woojin-ssi, are you doing voice acting for an anime??”

Showing her phone screen to Woojin as she asked. The screen displayed an SNS account. It was the official Instagram account of ‘A10 Studio’, one of their three SNS accounts, showing the official announcement from ‘A10 Studio’.

The content mentioned ‘Male Friend: Remake.’

And.

-Comments 34,439

The comments had already surpassed 30,000. But this was just the beginning.

*****