Chapter 291: Breather (1)

Night, at the ‘Leech’ set, the aged voice of Director Ahn Ga-bok echoed through the loudspeaker.

“Cut, OK.”

Simultaneously, the hundreds of staff members surrounding the set burst into vigorous applause.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!

Then most of them shouted in relief.

“Phew! Finally!!”

“Aah!! It’s over!!”

“Great job, everyone!”

“Good job! Good job!!”

“You worked so hard!!”

The collective cheers of the hundred staff members resonated throughout the set.

Of course, actors like Sim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung, who were waiting on standby, also joined the cheering with smiles. Kang Woojin and Jin Jae-jun, who were inside the set, did the same. They all bowed their heads in exhaustion, and reporters at the scene captured the moment. Naturally, the making-of team was also busy. The faces of the staff, jumping around or dancing with joy, were filled with emotions like exhilaration, thrill, joy, and ecstasy.

It was a moment perfectly understandable.

Because the entire shooting of ‘Leech’ had just wrapped up. Meanwhile, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was sitting in front of the monitor, watched the half-crazed staff with a blank stare and leaned deeply into his chair, letting out a long sigh.

“We’ve overcome one hurdle now.”

At that moment.

“Director~nim.”

Kang Woojin, who had made his way through the excited staff, greeted Director Ahn Ga-bok. Naturally, his poker face was strong.

“Thank you for your hard work, I need to leave early, so I came to say goodbye.”

Woojin still had one more schedule related to ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’. Soon, Director Ahn Ga-bok extended his wrinkled hand to Kang Woojin.

“It’s not completely over yet, but yes. Woojin, you did well too. And.”

Raising his other hand, Director Ahn Ga-bok showed a thumbs-up.

“The last scene was fantastic.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s a pity. There’s a wrap party and you could have rest a bit too.”

After a brief conversation, Director Ahn Ga-bok patted Woojin on the shoulder, and after greeting the hundred staff members, Kang Woojin also bid farewell to the actors. Then Woojin and his team began to leave the set of ‘Leech’.

Actor Sim Han-ho quietly watched Kang Woojin’s retreating figure.

“……”

He was clearly recalling Woojin’s last scene.

‘Is he capable of not just analyzing the script but also thinking about the direction? He’s becoming scarier.’

At this moment, a female voice entered Sim Han-ho’s ear. It was Oh Hee-ryung, her elegant smile showing.

“What are you looking at? Lost in thought, sunbae?”

“Hm? Oh. It’s nothing.”

Following Sim Han-ho’s gaze, Oh Hee-ryung discovered the departing Kang Woojin. With a knowing expression, she crossed her arms.

“The last cut was really chilling, wasn’t it? What did you think, sunbae?”

“……It was brilliant. Something an old guy like me couldn’t even think of.”

“Oh, come on. You have your own strengths and charisma, sunbae. It’s just different in style.”

“It’s not strange to say it’s different in level.”

“What? That’s not like you, sunbae.”

“I’m just saying that Korea is too small for that guy.”

With an “Aha” kind of response, Oh Hee-ryung once again looked towards the departing Kang Woojin.

“Anyway, Woojin’s last scene was really- how should I put it, it felt like ‘Park Ha-seong’ from the work came out into reality.”

She chuckled.

“When a character comes out into reality, it has to be on a different level.”

A few dozen minutes later, in Kang Woojin’s van.

The van was speeding along the highway. It had been about 30 minutes since Woojin left the set.

-Vroom!

As the large van roared down the road, its interior was boisterous. Of course, it was Woojin’s team members celebrating. Meanwhile, the protagonist, Kang Woojin, was.

“……”

Kang Woojin didn’t particularly open his mouth. He wanted to join in right away, but he just checked his phone while maintaining his strong concept. Of course, the internet Woojin was looking at showed no signs of leisurely moments.

‘Wow- Damn! It’s chaos over here too, total chaos.’

Numerous article bombs were being dropped. As Woojin observed, most of the news was related to him.

『[Issue Pick] Official casting announcement for ‘Beneficial Evil’, but why so many unknowns and newcomers?』

First, the official casting announcement for ‘Beneficial Evil’ was made this morning. As time went by, it became a hot topic, spreading like wildfire. Of course, the initial source was Netflix and DM Production for ‘Beneficial Evil’, but now reporters who had picked up the thrown bait were frantically copy-pasting similar articles.

『Highly anticipated film ‘Beneficial Evil’ starring Kang Woojin, but public puzzled by the casting』

‘Beneficial Evil’ garnered attention during the official production announcement due to prominent figures like PD Song Man-woo and Kang Woojin, and its recognition skyrocketed with the issue of targeting a global audience through Netflix instead of a domestic broadcaster.

Therefore, the heated coverage by the media was not surprising.

The biggest question the media had regarding the confirmed casting board of ‘Beneficial Evil’ was the large number of unknown and new actors. Although it hasn’t been revealed which roles the cast members would play, from leads to supporting roles, the number was considerably large compared to typical works.

Thus, many speculations arose.

Are they abandoning the domestic market because they’re targeting the global market? Did they run out of funds due to heavy investment in sets and direction? Is it an attempt to achieve something new? Moreover, ‘Beneficial Evil’ was a pre-produced work. There’s a lack of information. Usually, pre-production has numerous teasers but a lot of confidential information.

Soon, while skimming through numerous articles, Kang Woojin muttered to himself.

‘All sorts of nonsense and bullshit are going around. Saying they’re saving money by casting unknowns because they’re targeting overseas, that’s utter bullshit, isn’t it??’

It was ridiculous, but not particularly annoying. Woojin had somewhat become accustomed to such perspectives. Well, that didn’t mean there were no high-impact top actors involved at all. People like Hwalin, with whom Woojin had connections, and Ha Gang-su, who worked with him on ‘Our Dining Table’, were top-tier or above A-grade actors involved in various episodes.

But it was undeniable that the casting board contradicted media expectations.

After producing numerous hit works and leaving a legendary mark with ‘Profiler Hanryang’, they thought PD Song Man-woo would cast top stars. Moreover, wasn’t it said to be targeting the global market? Given the conditions and big names, the current situation with many unknowns and newcomers might feel lukewarm. This sentiment was not limited to the media but also to various Youtubers moving at the scent of an issue.

Woojin nonchalantly checked the public reactions.

-‘Beneficial Evil’ seems to have cast a lot more newcomers than expected ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ. The articles say it’s because they ran out of money, is that true??

-Doesn’t matter who’s cast, if Kang Woojin is the main, I’ll watch it with trust!!!

-PD Song probably used a lot of unknowns and newcomers because he’s genuinely aiming for the overseas market~ He probably looked at acting skills and faces rather than popularity ㅋㅋㅋ

-↑True ㅋㅋㅋ. Even if our country’s top actors are used, they’re mostly top actors for our domestic audiences ㅋㅋㅋ. To foreigners, they’re just there

-But still, the cast is quite splendid

-….Oh, I’m starting to get excited….Feels like something big is coming, not something small….

-Kang Woojin ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. He’s now genuinely established as an actor with crazy ticket power ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. Everything he does turns out well ㅋㅋㅋ. Including this ‘Island of the Missing’

-Trustworthy actor!! Kang Woojin!!!

-I can’t imagine what the content will be like? What role will Kang Woojin play this time?

·

·

·

The public reaction wasn’t as bad as expected. After looking at a lot of ‘Beneficial Evil’ related stuff, Woojin’s fingers moved again.

-Swipe.

This time, he changed the subject of the search.

It was ‘Island of the Missing’.

[All-time Box Office in South Korea]

[All-time Movie Rankings (Combined)]

-1. Island of the Missing / Total Audience: 18,872,537

In the latter half of its release, though the momentum had significantly weakened compared to the beginning and the ticket reservation rate had dropped, ‘Island of the Missing’ had already set an unprecedented record in Korea.

Nearly 19 million.

Of course, it was likely that it would either stagnate at this point or rise a little more, but that didn’t matter anymore. In fact, the team behind ‘Island of the Missing’ was already preparing for secondary distribution.

Whatever the case, ‘Island of the Missing’ had turned the tide in the Korean film industry.

『[Star Issue] From debut until now, within just 2 years, Kang Woojin has accumulated numerous accolades… leaving unparalleled achievements in the domestic acting scene』

Kang Woojin had established history in the domestic actor scene.

The next day, the 25th. Jinju.

It was past noon. At this time, the porridge shop near Jinju Bus Terminal, which had recently expanded to twice its size by taking over the adjacent vacant store, was full of customers. It was the shop of Kang Woojin’s parents, Seo Hyun-mi and Kang Woo-chul.

“Whoa- is this the place? There are so many people.”

“C-Crazy. There’s a line for a porridge shop? There’s even a waiting list?!”

“Rather than being a famous restaurant- it must be Kang Woojin’s influence, right?”

“Of course, but this porridge shop itself seems to have a lot of events? They give out free porridge at lunch, and they even give it to nearby kindergartens or children in need.”

“Kang Woojin’s parents are really amazing?”

Like the two women conversing while looking at the porridge shop crowded with customers from afar, Kang Woojin’s parents’ porridge shop had already become a tourist attraction in this area. No, it was a must-visit spot for people living in Jinju or those coming from afar. It was also a hot place on Instagram.

“Look at that person, they’re filming something with their phone. Are they a YouTuber?”

Naturally, Youtubers or streamers who broadcast online often appeared there to gather views. And that’s not all. Reporters frequently showed up too.

“Looks like we can’t have the porridge?”

“Ah! Look over there! That’s the place I saw on Instagram with the Kang Woojin’s life-size cutout! The photo spot!”

“Then should we just take photos and leave?”

When about a hundred people visit, half of them just take photos and leave, but the other half line up to enter the porridge shop. While most were curious, there were also many fans full of enthusiasm. Various associations, merchants, or public officials from the vicinity often stopped by as well.

It was truly a famous spot.

Thanks to this, the name of Kang Woojin naturally came up in the conversations of the customers waiting in line.

“Did you see the article? About Kang Woojin being cast in ‘Beneficial Evil’.”

“Of course- I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Hah… But we probably won’t see Kang Woojin today either, right? I’ve been coming for two months and haven’t seen him once.”

“I told you to give up, right? To be honest, I come here now because the food is good. Eating porridge is good for the stomach too.”

“Still, I thought there was a chance- Well, but the lunchboxes here are really good.”

Inside the porridge shop, past the customers in line, it was truly Kang Woojin’s heaven. And as expected, all the tables were occupied. Even though the place had doubled in size, there was no breathing room. It was, of course, thanks to Kang Woojin that they had expanded. Anyway, looking at the tables of customers, it seemed they had added a lunchbox menu besides porridge, and there were four part-time workers in uniforms bustling around the hall.

Seo Hyun-mi and Kang Woo-chul could be found in the kitchen and at the counter respectively.

“Hyun-mi, the bill!”

“Wait a moment! Honey, can you clear those tables over there?”

“Sure, sure!”

They were also incredibly busy, despite having staff working in the kitchen. Even though their son had done well, they adamantly refused Woojin’s offer to take a break. They claimed they were still strong and healthy.

Anyway.

“Call the four people for this table!”

“Yes, boss!”

Kang Woo-chul, busy clearing the tables, called out to the waiting customers, and in the midst of this, some middle-aged women sitting nearby suddenly spoke to him.

“Oh my- Boss. You’re raking in all the money in Jinju, aren’t you?”

They were the market women from the nearby market.

“That’s what I’m saying. You’ve really raised your child well. Who would have thought your son would become this famous?”

“I’m so jealous. My son is just wasting food and doesn’t even exercise.”

“If only half of these customers here went to the market, it would be bustling.”

“But boss, doesn’t your son come here? I’ve never seen him.”

The quite tall Kang Woo-chul forced a smile as he replied.

“I told him not to come. He’s busy, what would he do here?”

“Oh come on, wouldn’t it be great if he came? It would boost your reputation too.”

“Haha, he’s the busiest person in Korea.”

“Even so, if a child does well, they should at least show their face once.”

“Right, right. You know, Sang-man’s son is a trot singer, right? That son comes to see them all the time.”

The women kept talking to Kang Woo-chul without giving him a break. Despite having a temper, Kang Woo-chul endured it. He knew their behavior reflected on his son. There were many eyes watching.

At this moment, Seo Hyun-mi, who was at the counter, came up to Kang Woo-chul and whispered.

“Step away, these women are so annoying, but we can’t just turn them away.”

But the women also spoke to Seo Hyun-mi.

“Anyway, you must be so happy your son is doing well – I’m so jealous.”

Kang Woo-chul and Seo Hyun-mi forced a smile.

At that moment, there was some commotion outside.

And then.

-Swoosh.

The glass door of the porridge shop opened, and a man walked in. He had a hat pulled down low and was wearing a mask. An employee, recognizing him, spoke in a slightly puzzled or suspicious tone.

“Uh? Oh- sorry, but you need to line up outside!”

The man glanced around the hall briefly and then spoke to the employee in a low tone.

“It’s okay, I’m not here to eat.”

“……Pardon? What do you mean by that.”

At this moment.

“Ah!!!”

Seo Hyun-mi, who was heading to the kitchen, pointed at the masked man in surprise.

“Oh- oh?!!”

Following her gaze, Kang Woo-chul also turned his head. In fact, everyone in the expanded porridge shop glanced or stared at the man.

Regardless.

-Swish.

The man took off his mask and slightly bowed his head to Kang Woo-chul and Seo Hyun-mi.

“I’m back.”

Soon, the eyes of everyone in the porridge shop widened dramatically.

About an hour later, Jinju City Hall. Mayor’s Office.

The mayor’s office in Jinju City Hall, equipped with the Taegeukgi, of course, a desk for work and a table for meetings. At the work desk in such a mayor’s office, a slightly balding mayor was reviewing documents.

Just then.

-Knock knock, click!

An employee entered the mayor’s office. As soon as the employee reached the mayor, he urgently reported.

“M-Mayor! Kang Woojin has just arrived in Jinju!”

Immediately, the mayor’s eyes bulged as if they would pop out.

“W-what?!”

*****

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