Chapter 270: All Time (1)

From the moment he heard Kang Woojin’s comments, Director Kyotaro began to mutter phrases like ‘a stranger’ and ‘an outsider ignoring all causality’. It was as if he were talking to himself.

Watching Director Kyotaro stroke his chin with a serious expression, Woojin thought.

“……”

He didn’t react outwardly, but internally, he felt slightly nervous.

‘Did it work? Or not? What’s going on, which is it?’

He had said it recklessly, but this was the first time he’d done something like this. Even after suddenly becoming an actor. But if he hadn’t said anything, he would have regretted it.

That was Kang Woojin’s true feelings.

The ending of a work could determine the overall success or failure of its performance. In other words, if the ending of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ were to change as Kang Woojin suggested, there could be a change in its rating.

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

Currently, it was SS-grade, but it could drop to A-grade or, worse, even B-grade. Well, it could also go the other way.

‘If the ending doesn’t change, there’s nothing I can do.’

It would be fine even if the grade dropped a bit. Or would it not be fine?

‘Still, somehow- it feels like I’ve protected Kiyoshi?’

Even if the grade of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ drops, Kiyoshi would be saved. Woojin felt that this alone was worth it. The reason wasn’t clear. It was just a feeling. Although he didn’t realize it himself, this was an actor’s ambition. Something like not wanting to ruin a character?

Kang Woojin, unaware of his own growth.

He spoke to Director Kyotaro, who was deep in thought right in front of him.

“The ending being different from the original might draw complaints from fans of the original, but I just wanted to mention it because it seemed like Kiyoshi’s character was being ruined.”

Even in this situation, he maintained his composure. Why? Because this line was essentially a direct challenge to the world-renowned writer Akari.

‘It’s tough, really tough. Pretending to be tough is like walking on thin ice every day.’

Meanwhile, Director Kyotaro, who was full of grey hairs, remained silent for a moment before slowly nodding.

“……I understand what you’re saying.”

Then he took out the shooting storyboard and a pen from his back pocket. He began writing something in the empty space. It was to note down a sudden inspiration. At the same time, Director Kyotaro thought.

‘This might be. No, it’s definitely a gamble. 100% the hardcore fans of the original will complain.’

There’s also a high chance the entire Japanese content market will criticize it. It’s an act of blatantly breaking the deeply rooted cliché of ‘cause and effect’. Many in the public and the Japanese entertainment industry will be negative about it.

‘Especially in Japan, change is poison.’

To be precise, there’s a strong aversion to new things. Hence, Japanese actors perform standardized, often loud and exaggerated acting for decades. Movies and dramas continue to maintain similar plots. In other words, they’re playing it safe.

The plots of powerful Japanese animations are the same.

However, because the manga market, which forms the basis of animation, is somewhat creative, anime has developed. Conversely, the rest of the content market stagnates. Yet, every year it remains the same. It doesn’t progress.

‘It’s already ruined.’

Japanese dramas and films have reached the point where live-action adaptations of anime or manga are the main focus. They’ve long fallen behind Korea. Just look at the global phenomenon of the Hallyu Wave. In contrast, Japan still relies on its domestic market.

They fear change.

Director Kyotaro recalled the initial significance of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.

To criticize this foolish market.

The acting of Japanese actors, the market atmosphere, the fixed flow of money, and many fearful directors. Kang Woojin was chosen as the hitman for this. His monstrous acting, putting a Korean actor at the center of a world-renowned Japanese writer Akari’s work, all aimed to create a reversal.

Now, Woojin was even trying to overturn the ending of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.

But Director Kyotaro was positive about it.

‘Yes, if we’re going to do it, we should do it right-’

He was ready to take the lead.

‘Kiyoshi will shine more if we go with Woojin’s suggestion.’

He imagined the bombardment. No matter how fierce the battle would be.

“……Alright, I understand. Let’s take a 5-minute. No, a 10-minute break.”

Director Kyotaro, muttering in Japanese, continued to jot down something in his storyboard while turning his body. Then he took out his phone. He was probably calling writer Akari, but Woojin didn’t think much of it.

‘Well, did it work? I said what I needed to.’

Soon, the assistant director shouted across the entire set. Something like ‘10-minute break!!’ The staff, numbering around a hundred, were bewildered by the break taken right after starting filming, but they busily moved their hands and feet to prepare for the next shot.

Meanwhile, Japanese actors approached Kang Woojin as he was leaving the set. For some reason, they all gave him thumbs up.

“Congratulations, Woojin-ssi.”

“I saw the article and was super surprised! I’ve never experienced such audience numbers!”

“Congratulations. It’s a result rarely seen in Japan, so I’m envious but also impressed.”

What’s this? Why the sudden congratulations? At first, Woojin was puzzled, but then a light bulb went off in his head.

Ah, ‘Island of the Missing’!

At that moment, Choi Sung-gun approached Woojin. With a smile, he whispered in Kang Woojin’s ear.

“‘Island of the Missing’ hit 700,000 viewers. It tied with the first-day record of Korea’s top-grossing film.”

“···Is that so?”

Kang Woojin coldly asked back, but inside, he was screaming.

‘What, what the hell??!!! 700,000 in one day??!! That’s insane!!’

At the same time.

For some reason, Japanese media were throwing out news about a Korean movie.

『「The Eerie Sacrifice」starring Kang Woojin’s film ‘Island of the Missing’ draws 700,000 viewers in Korea in one day』

Not a small number. However, compared to the current state of Korea, it was a mere drop in the ocean.

In Korea at this moment.

『[Movie Rankings] “Crazy!”, ‘Island of the Missing’ hits 700,000 viewers on its opening day, taking first place』

『As expected of master director Kwon Ki-taek! ‘Island of the Missing’ hits 700,000↑ viewers as soon as it releases, topping the box office!』

The news was already flooded with articles about ‘Island of the Missing’.

『First place ‘Island of the Missing’ draws over 700,000 viewers↑ on opening day, could it be the tentpole blockbuster of the year?』

An enormous amount. However, it was a sufficiently reasonable reaction. In the peak season of theaters, amidst a barrage of numerous tentpole movies, ‘Island of the Missing’ not only claimed the top spot but also,

『Challenger ‘Island of the Missing’ has almost the same opening day results as the reigning ‘Sea Battle’』

It produced a result almost equal to Korea’s top-grossing film. A fortress unshaken for about seven years was now trembling. Many reporters couldn’t just sit idly by with a staggering 700,000 viewers in one day.

『Kang Woojin’s acting works again…‘Island of the Missing’ might be the first 10 million film of the year』

Their fingers moved every second, every minute. A few hours later, when ‘Island of the Missing’ filled various portal sites, public opinion rapidly started to click.

[「Island of the Missing」/ Release Date: May 19, 2021]

[Rating: 9.6]

[Viewer & Netizen Reviews/ 1002 participants]

– When the monster appeared, I thought it was going to go downhill, but it ended up climbing the hill and scared the shit out of my wits / yin****

– This movie is packed with so much… and Kang Woojin’s divine acting… it’s astonishing and gives you chills / tan****

– Guys, the critics’ average score is over 7, just go see it, also bring extra pants / cal****

– Fuck ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ is Kang Woojin seriously crazy? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ his acting is fucking amazing ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ / lov****

– Fell asleep midway / bmb****

– Ryu Jung-min holds the center, Ha Yu-ra is beautiful, and Kang Woojin is crazy / dak****

– Now I get why Director Kwon Ki-taek is called a master ㅋㅋ it’s a blast / snn****

– The actors’ performances are incredible! Especially Woojin-ssi stands out the most^^ The plot is solid and fun! / dhn****

– The monster that appears from the beginning is just a sideshow; it’s a movie about human nature. Definitely watch it, I’m watching it again tomorrow / tck****

– Boring, dropped out / dbf****

– Kang Woojin keeps improving as an actor… his acting is just insane, I kept going wow wow in amazement, didn’t see any of his previous characters in his acting / jeo****

– No a single weak link in acting at all, Kang Woojin is the real deal, his acting is explosive!! He alone controlled the tension….. / ssg****

It was like a nuclear bomb of publicity. The news spread quickly to communities, social media, and YouTube. By late afternoon on the 20th, various media outlets joined in. News programs, radio shows, and other platforms discussed the winner of this “movie war”.

It might seem like a exaggeration.

After all, only one day had passed.

Regardless, the movies that lost to ‘Island of the Missing’ were in mourning.

“700,000 in one day. Is that even a possible number anymore?”

“I-I don’t believe it either. But let’s stay hopeful! There might be a turnaround tomorrow!”

“A turnaround? Didn’t you see the ratings and public response to ‘Island of the Missing’? Do you think it’ll sink easily?”

“……”

“It’s a crushing defeat. Phew- We can only hope to somehow reach the break-even point.”

Some were determined to try even harder.

“Don’t hang your heads! Now’s the time to push even harder on promotions!”

“Ah, understood!”

“We’re not trying to beat ‘Island of the Missing’! People won’t just watch that one movie! We can aim for second place and turn things around at the last minute! Get your heads in the game!”

They say there’s opportunity in crisis? Many films targeting the peak season aimed for a comeback. Movies released before, on the same day, and after ‘Island of the Missing’ all did the same.

But that hope was shattered by the 21st, just a day later.

1. Island of the Missing / Release Date: May 19 / Audience: 715,005 / Screens: 1159 / Cumulative Audience: 1,415,228

Not only was it dominating, but ‘Island of the Missing’ surpassed 1.4 million viewers in just two days.

Meanwhile, in Japan, Kang Woojin faced a slight crisis in maintaining his persona.

‘1.5 million in two days!! Fuck, this is crazy! Even for ‘Drug Lord’ I thought it was insane, but this!!!’

‘Drug Dealer’ had him reeling with its initial success, but this was on a whole other level. It was almost unbelievable. During this, his phone was bombarded with messages from countless people. His phone was practically exploding.

Moreover, word of mouth for ‘Island of the Missing’ spread rapidly.

The results were announced on Saturday morning, the 22nd, showing Friday’s performance. The third day’s stats.

1. Island of the Missing / Release Date: May 19 / Audience: 865,448 / Screens: 1159 / Cumulative Audience: 2,280,676

It surpassed 700,000 to over 800,000 daily viewers. The total audience count exceeded 2 million in just three days. For the first time, ‘Island of the Missing’ was challenging the ironclad first-place film ‘Sea Battle’.

『[Movie Talk] All-time #1 ‘Sea Battle’ Third Day Score 2.1 Million, Challenger ‘Island of the Missing’ 2.28 Million…The tables have turned!』

It was the moment it toppled the record.

At this time.

Late morning, Japan’s TOP3 anime studio ‘A10 Studio’ was holding a major event. Specifically, the entire team for ‘Male Friend: Remake’ was involved.

“Wow-”

“It came out great.”

“The effects and 3D are really clean.”

“Even without the OST and sound effects, it’s promising.”

Dozens of people were gathered in a mid-sized studio, speaking in Japanese. They were the team from ‘Male Friend: Remake’ and executives from ‘A10 Studio’. On the large and small monitors in front of them, an animation was playing.

One of the male characters looked very familiar. He closely resembled Kang Woojin.

The reason was simple.

“The characters are all charming. And above all, the male lead is excellent, modeling him after Woojin-ssi was the right choice.”

What they were watching was the anime adaptation of Korea’s ‘Male Friend’, titled ‘Male Friend: Remake’. And it wasn’t the first episode.

It was the 12th episode.

In other words, the test of the final episode.

Despite the lack of post-production elements such as dubbing, sound effects, or mixing, the anime was still highly anticipated by those watching. And it was justified. They had enlisted Korean actor Kang Woojin as a voice actor. The moment marked the completion of episodes 1 through 12 of ‘Male Friend: Remake,’ a adaptation of the original drama with numerous challenges.

An astonishing speed of about six months. Managing four teams was a masterstroke.

Now, only the OP and EP, OST are left to be added in.

“Have you scheduled the voice dubbing, sound, and OST recordings?”

“We’re coordinating it, but we have a rough outline.”

“Good. Ah, but what about Woojin-ssi?”

“I received word that he’s in the final stages of filming ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.”

“……Finally, the end is in sight.”

With only Kang Woojin and the voice actors’ recordings left, they were ready for launch.

Meanwhile, in the parking lot outside the set of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.

In the vast parking lot filled with many vans, two familiar figures were facing each other in the back seat of a white, square van. One of them was Director Kyotaro, his expression firm.

“……”

Opposite him sat writer Akari Takikawa, the original author of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. She was looking down at a few sheets of paper, her glasses perched on the tip of her nose. The pages were filled with text.

-Swish.

Naturally, it was something Director Kyotaro had handed over. Specifically, it was the revised ending of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. It was a proposal Director Kyotaro had crafted in just a few days. Akari’s confirmation was essential. Her expression as she read it was hard to decipher.

Neither expressionless nor smiling.

The ending Kyotaro had written depicted the aftermath of ‘Iyota Kiyoshi’ completing his ‘homework’.

It began with the morning commute on the subway.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The setting for the ending Kyotaro wrote was very ordinary and familiar. Not only Akari but everyone would think so.

‘A morning commute scene that you could see anywhere. It’s neither unique nor shocking.’

It was quite static. A dense crowd waiting for the subway. Office workers worn out from commuting. All looking the same. In black or navy suits with no expressions. At a glance, it was hard to distinguish who was who.

Hundreds of people boarded the subway en masse.

And then they got off.

The black color made it look like a massive movement of ants. Perhaps they were people produced in a factory. They said nothing to each other.

Naturally.

They were ‘strangers’ and ‘unknowns’ to each other.

The angle showed the backs of hundreds climbing the stairs. Among these hundreds of strangers or unknowns, one person stopped and slowly turned his head back.

One of the countless strangers living an ordinary life after completing his ‘homework’.

[“……”]

It was the ‘stranger’ ‘Iyota Kiyoshi’.

Having read this far, writer Akari quietly asked Director Kyotaro with a calm expression.

“This ending……was suggested by Woojin-ssi?”

*****

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