Chapter 358: Chain (7)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Kang Woojin, exuding an air of indifference, was on his way to the salon shop. Sitting with his legs crossed, he was looking down at his phone. The screen of his phone was filled with Japanese text. The reason was simple.

'Wow- this is crazy? It’s all about 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'!’

He was currently skimming through the current state of the media and public opinion in Japan. Today, Tuesday the 26th, was the opening day of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. From pre-production until now, it had never been quiet, and with the release of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', empowered by Kang Woojin’s star power, Japan was in an uproar.

‘Even the main page of the search site is all about 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. Ah, but what’s with this main article! Why did they use such a lousy picture of me??’

Every Japanese search engine, social media platform, and countless community sites were flooded with 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. In exactly one hour, the first screening was scheduled to begin. What kind of reactions would it garner? During the press screening, reporters and audiences had spouted all sorts of opinions, would they be similar this time? Woojin, with his poker face on, internally had several questions.

However.

‘Well, the answers will come soon enough.’

Woojin quickly shifted his thoughts. The snowball rolling now wasn’t just about 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. There were plenty of other matters awaiting him: the buzz surrounding Miley Cara that had broken just a few hours ago, and the domestic release of 'Leech', set to premiere in just one day. There were so many things lined up.

'Come to think of it, how's Cara's news doing?'

Woojin tilted his head slightly in curiosity as he casually moved his thumb. In an instant, his phone screen changed to the earlier article about Miley Cara, launched by PowerPatch. For a moment, Kang Woojin was mildly surprised inwardly.

‘Wow- damn, the traction is insane.’

It was about the comments under the article. Within just a few minutes of the article’s upload, there had been about a hundred comments, but now, several hundred more had been added. Naturally, the comments, which bordered on the manic commenting of the public, were continuing to increase in real time.

At that moment.

“Ah! Hyung!!”

With Choi Sung-gun absent, Jang Su-hwan, whose arm muscles seemed to be getting bulkier, had taken the passenger seat. He closed the diary he had been looking at and chimed in.

“All the year-end film festivals have sent invitations! Both the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards! It’s a bit early, but what can we do? Whether or not they can invite you is literally the difference between heaven and earth! The CEO said it’d be best to attend both, what do you think, hyung??”

Turning toward Jang Su-hwan, Kang Woojin answered in a low voice.

“Sure, I don’t mind attending both.”

“Yes!! Haha, this year’s domestic film festivals will obviously be a party for you and your movies, right??”

The stylists joined the conversation enthusiastically.

“Definitely, 100%!! You broke all-time records in Korea with 'Island of the Missing'! And then there’s 'Leech'!”

“Even though there’s no luck with the broadcasting awards this time, when it comes to movies, Woojin oppa is absolutely the top!!”

“If things go well, you could snag three ‘Best Actor’ awards this year! Wow- last year it was Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor, and now in just one year, you’ve won the Best Actor Award at Cannes too! Oppa, you really are a monster!!"

In no time, the van was filled with excitement. Ah- right, come to think of it, the end of the year was just around the corner. Woojin sighed inwardly in amazement.

‘Time flies so damn fast- it feels like just yesterday I was receiving awards at domestic festivals last year.’

There were about two months and a few days left until the new year.

Whatever the case, the domestic entertainment industry at the end of this year...

'Well, it's nothing new, but the end of the year is going to be ridiculously busy.'

It was obvious that a storm named Kang Woojin would blow fiercely.

At this moment, in Japan.

Japan was filled with talk about 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', with about one hour left until its release and first screening.

『Controversial “The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger” finally premieres today, the 26th, with just one hour until the first screening. Advance Ticket Sales: No. 1』

『The preview reviews were extraordinary, how on earth was “The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger” adapted? Find out starting today in theaters』

『“The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger” achieves No. 1 advance ticket sales ranking upon release! Are audiences curious about the performance of Kang Woojin, the Cannes Best Actor winner?』

The nationwide Japanese entertainment industry, including the media, production companies, film studios, and agencies, was abuzz with talk of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', with its first screening just around the corner. Well, given how hot the movie was, it was only natural.

“This movie is finally releasing. I doubt there’s ever been a movie that was this noisy from production to release.”

“Do you think it’ll do well?”

“For the first day, or maybe a few days at most, it’ll probably attract some audiences. After all, Akari is the original author, Kyotaro is a renowned director, and most importantly, there’s Kang Woojin. His pull is massive, and the rest of the cast are all top-tier.”

“Well, it’s true that having a Korean actor as the main male lead is a first in the history of the Japanese film industry.”

“Still, it’ll probably sell decently for a while before gradually fizzling out. Such buzz usually only lasts during the initial phase, and in the end, the film itself needs solid content to sustain interest.”

“Ah- but based on the preview reviews for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', there were a lot of criticisms.”

While there were quite a few who viewed it positively, the negative opinions were still more numerous. Well, it was a phenomenon that included various emotions. Jealousy from those resistant to change, disdain for a Korean actor, envy toward Kang Woojin, Cannes's Man, and underlying anxiety, "What if the film actually succeeds?", masked behind a façade of criticism and sarcasm.

“I heard from reporters who attended the preview that 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' was universally panned.”

“The preview audience was also sharply divided.”

“Well, the original work does have a lot of hardcore fans, how much must they have altered the screenplay for it to cause such an uproar?”

“Who knows. But from what I’ve seen on social media, people are calling it ridiculous, saying it tramples on the original, and even describing it as a disgusting movie. Clearly, the content seems to have some serious issues.”

“Hm, I thought this might finally be a film to rival theatrical anime hits, but I guess that’s going to be tough?”

“Well, still, with names like Kang Woojin and the rest of the cast attached, it should comfortably hit around 5 million viewers.”

As the heated conversations unfolded, time passed, and it was now a little past 9 a.m. A familiar woman walked into a movie theater in Tokyo. With her deep brown hair tied back and a gentle demeanor, she was Asami Sayaka, who had worked with Woojin as a voice actor in 'Male Friend: Remake'. The reason why this famous Japanese voice actress had come to the theater so early in the morning was simple.

‘Woojin’s first Japanese movie. I need to see it with my own eyes.’

Given her connections with Kang Woojin, she was here to watch 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' during its very first screening on opening day. Japanese theaters, except for minor differences, were nearly identical to Korean ones. However, when Asami Sayaka stepped into the theater lobby, she was taken aback.

‘There are way more people than I expected.’

Despite it being morning, the lobby was packed with an unexpectedly large crowd. The age range was diverse, though there were noticeably more young people. Sayaka scanned the theater lobby, taking in her surroundings. Unsurprisingly, there were plenty of advertisements and posters for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. Most of the crowd in the lobby was likely there for the same film.

After making her own assumptions, she picked up her ticket from the automated kiosk and moved toward the designated screening hall.

And then.

“......Wow.”

As soon as she entered the screening hall, her mouth opened slightly in surprise. Hundreds of seats were filled with even more people than in the lobby. With 10 minutes until the movie started, half the seats were already filled. Sayaka, trying to calm her surprised heart, sat in her seat while bowing politely.

She could hear the murmuring of the audience around her.

There were all sorts of topics being discussed, but Kang Woojin’s name was a recurring theme. Some were cheering for him, while others were criticizing him. Ten minutes later.

-Ssshh.

The lights in the screening hall dimmed.

‘It’s starting.’

The first screening of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' had begun.

By this time, the screening hall’s hundreds of seats were nearly full.

At the same time, in Korea.

Kang Woojin was at the salon shop. Though his expression was stoic, everything about him, except for his hair and makeup, which were still being worked on, was flawless. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Woojin couldn’t help but compliment himself inwardly.

‘Hmph, not bad.’

With slightly parted bangs revealing his forehead and a beige blazer for his outfit, Kang Woojin was dressed to impress for two upcoming interviews with foreign media outlets. While Woojin was inwardly admiring his own reflection, shop designers and staff around him had been bombarding him with questions for a while.

“Woojin-ssi, Woojin-ssi! I saw an article earlier- is it true that Miley Cara is actually appearing in your project?”

“Huh? Was there such an article?”

“Yes, I’m telling you! You know 'Beneficial Evil', the one you’re filming now? A blonde woman was spotted in overseas shooting photos, and people are saying it’s Miley Cara!”

“What- no way! Woojin-ssi! Is it true?”

Although Woojin had intended to stir curiosity, he found this attention a bit bothersome. At times like this, the best approach was to respond sternly yet vaguely.

“Who knows. Is this done?”

"...Ah, sorry. We got too excited, didn't we?"

“It’s fine.”

Woojin’s cold tone quickly snapped the shop staff out of their excitement, and they went silent. However, once Woojin left the shop, the talk about Miley Cara began spreading rapidly again.

“This is the article, right? Look at the photo, here, this woman!”

“Ah- this blondie! She does kind of look like Miley Cara, doesn’t she?”

“No way. Why would Miley Cara appear in a Korean project?”

“Well, to me, she really does look like Miley Cara! Look at that bright blonde hair and her figure!”

“She’s probably just some extra who looks similar. Honestly, why would someone of Miley Cara’s caliber work on a Korean project? The article itself is all speculation. Just tabloid nonsense.”

“Hmm- true? Woojin-ssi didn’t exactly confirm anything earlier, either.”

“But if that woman really is Miley Cara, then what happens?”

“It’ll be huge!! A Hollywood superstar has never acted in a Korean project before, right?”

Meanwhile, at the massive filming site for 'Beneficial Evil' in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, where preparations for filming were in full swing, PD Song Man-woo sat in front of monitors and grinned.

“Good, good. That’s the way.”

His eyes were fixed on his phone.

“Keep the fire burning, let it blaze.”

He was watching as numerous media outlets swarmed in to follow up on the major article launched by 'PowerPatch'.

『[Issue Pick] Hollywood superstar Miley Cara rumored to join Kang Woojin’s 'Beneficial Evil'!』

『Leaked overseas location photos for 'Beneficial Evil' in Bangkok feature Miley Cara, after Cannes, are they working together again?』

『Miley Cara, who’s dominating the Billboard charts, in 'Beneficial Evil'? A sudden, explosive rumor making waves』

The entertainment industry was already beyond buzzing about Miley Cara, it was practically on fire. Naturally so. The rumor was absurd and unexpected, yet, from another perspective, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

Not when Kang Woojin was involved.

That said, never before had a world-class superstar like Miley Cara participated in a Korean project. That made the media salivate even more, rushing to report the story.

『Evidence of Miley Cara in 'Beneficial Evil' released! / Photo』

『A sudden shocker, Miley Cara spotted in 'Beneficial Evil' filming photos! Is her appearance confirmed thanks to her connection with Kang Woojin?』

The media’s frantic excitement. And public reaction, which was several times more intense.

-?????? What???????

-What’s this nonsense rumor again? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Wait, is this real????!

-↑You think it's real?ㅋㅋㅋㅋjust total BSㅋㅋㅋtrash reporters talking nonsense as usual??

-IKR why would Miley Cara want to be in a Korean work?? 100% rumors

-But if you look at the article’s photo... she does kind of look like Miley Cara?? That striking blonde hair!!

-Oh please, how many blonde foreign women are there? Seriously, ㅋㅋㅋㅋ I hope these reporters get sued by Cara’s team.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ this is comedy gold. Why would Cara do this?? She’s killing it in Hollywood already.

-But... what if it 'is' Cara? Maybe Woojin made some deal with her to make it happen?

-Get real. Miley Cara’s appearance fee is astronomical. No way they could afford her.

-Miley Cara in 'Beneficial Evil' would be... absolutely insane, but it’s impossible. It’s just a clickbait article.

.

.

.

.

Not just online, but Cara was also hot topic in offline conversations at cafes and restaurants.

“Did you hear that Miley Cara is appearing in 'Beneficial Evil'?”

“Huh? What are you talking about? That's an exaggeration."

"I'm telling you, there was an article??"

"Huh- let me see."

Even as the snowball gained insane momentum, there was silence from the other side.

『Rumors of ‘Miley Cara’ appearing in 'Beneficial Evil' spread everywhere, but the production team remains quiet』

『Is Hollywood star Miley Cara really in 'Beneficial Evil'? Kang Woojin’s side keeps silent』

Both the production team of 'Beneficial Evil' and Kang Woojin refrained from commenting.

While Cara was dominating entertainment news, the domestic film industry’s media issues were also steadily gaining traction. Of course, news about The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger's release in Japan was noticeable.

『[MovieTalk] Kang Woojin’s starring film 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' debuts today, early screenings draw packed audiences / Photo』

But in Korea, 'Leech' was the clear frontrunner.

『Palme d’Or winner 'Leech' soars to a 50% advance ticket sale rate, claiming the 'overwhelming No. 1' spot』

『[MovieIS] 'Leech', premiering tomorrow, already shows signs of box-office success... No. 1 in domestic pre-sales!』

『The Palme d’Or and Best Actor Award-winning 'Leech' is finally set to premiere tomorrow』

Kang Woojin’s dominance and influence were frequently mentioned as well.

『[StarTalk] In Japan, it’s 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', and in Korea, it’s 'Leech'... Kang Woojin premieres blockbuster films in two countries within a day』

An unprecedented achievement.

The next day, the 27th. Morning.

Many of Kang Woojin’s connections were heading to theaters. Actually, even those who had no connection to Woojin, or who had never seen him in person, were flocking to theaters across the country.

Today, 'Leech', which had shone at Cannes and garnered worldwide acclaim, was being released in cinemas nationwide.

Being a film already surrounded by immense buzz, numerous reporters were also heading to theaters from early morning. They needed to capture the scene and quickly publish articles.

『'Leech' starts strong with 500,000 advance ticket sales and a advance ticket sales rate of 77.3%』

Meanwhile, at the 'Beneficial Evil' set, a black van had just arrived. From the van Kang Woojin stepped out with an indifferent face. Filming for 'Beneficial Evil' was scheduled for this morning.

At the same time,

-Buzzz, buzzzz.

Just as Woojin was about to step forward, his phone vibrated in the pocket of his jeans. It was a call. After signaling the staff to wait a moment, Kang Woojin's face turned solemn as soon as he saw the phone screen. Of course, his inner thoughts matched.

‘Director Kyotaro, if he’s calling me this early, it must be about that!’

The caller was Kyotaro Tanoguchi, the director of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', who was currently in Japan. Then Kang Woojin put the phone to his ear and spoke in low Japanese, keeping his voice as deep as possible.

“Yes, Director. Hello.”

On the other end of the call, Director Kyotaro’s voice was highly excited.

“Woojin! I called you as soon as the audience numbers were announced! The opening-day audience count for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'! 850,000! 850,000!”

850,000 in a single day.

‘Crazy- 850,000??!’

Even 'Island of the Missing', which had become the top-grossing movie in Korean history with over 20 million total viewers, had recorded 700,000 on its first day.

'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' had surpassed that by 150,000.

Meanwhile, in LA.

In the heart of downtown LA, where tall buildings loomed, stood an older building bustling with heavy foot traffic. In an office near the top floor, a man with a balding head and round glasses sat at a desk, speaking into his phone.

“Joseph, I’ll direct that project. But there’s a condition.”

The man was none other than Danny Landis, a Hollywood master director.