Chapter 366: Power (3)

Translator: Dreamscribe

‘World Disney Pictures’. In Hollywood, it was such a famous distribution and film company that it was hard to find someone who didn't know about it. Boasting a long history, it was one of Hollywood's 'Big Five'. As everyone knows, it held unrivaled power in animated films, but at some point, it began producing live-action adaptations of its animations.

Since the fanbase was enormous not only in Korea but worldwide, the live-action films achieved great success.

Of course, ‘World Disney Pictures’ didn’t only produce live-action films. They also produced and distributed regular movies, and the list of their hit works was far too extensive to enumerate.

Being such a massive entity, it was common for them to produce multiple films simultaneously.

And now, in one of ‘World Disney Pictures’ conference rooms, they were evaluating Kang Woojin.

"With Kang Woojin added to the casting board, how many candidates do we have in total?"

"Six. However, only three actors, including Kang Woojin, can handle both 'vocals' and 'piano'."

In the ‘World Disney Pictures’ conference room, the terms ‘vocal’ and ‘piano’ were frequently mentioned as the main focus.

“Kang Woojin seems to have the best piano skills.”

The reason was simple.

The films produced by the major studio 'World Disney Pictures' required actors with singing ability. Whether adapting animated films or producing regular movies, various songs were included in the works.

It was practically the signature of ‘World Disney Pictures’.

Naturally, the films they produced, which took the world by storm, also had iconic OSTs. There were many Disney fans who would say, 'World Disney Pictures films are for listening to the OST.' So it was only natural for 'World Disney Pictures' to test actors' vocal or musical abilities before casting.

And then.

“Let’s try to contact Kang Woojin as soon as possible.”

Now, Woojin's name was being discussed at ‘World Disney Pictures’.

However, it wasn’t only ‘World Disney Pictures’ mentioning Kang Woojin’s name in LA. At the same time, quite a few production companies in LA were also targeting Woojin. It was thanks to the reputation he had built up slowly but firmly.

"Did Kang Woojin run a restaurant in LA?"

"No, he didn't run it directly. It was for filming related to a Korean TV show."

“Did he play a chef in that TV show?”

“Yes. However, his cooking skills were so outstanding that customers didn’t even realize he was an actor. It’s all summarized in the materials I shared.”

“Hmm- What’s this? A local chef actually praised Kang Woojin?”

That reputation exploded thanks to Miley Cara and the Cannes Film Festival. Woojin’s bold acceptance speech, which was essentially a declaration of war, also contributed. In Hollywood, where possibilities were infinite, it was natural for eyes to turn to him.

"......He actually developed recipes that are being sold as products in Korea and Japan?"

“Yes.”

"What? Was he a cook before becoming an actor?"

“It’s not entirely clear, but with skills like this, it’s possible. However, there are many vocal-related videos aside from cooking ones on YouTube. It might have been a hobby.”

“Huh- Chef-level cooking skills are just a hobby? Who is this actor?”

A global-level misconception. Misunderstandings were becoming world-star level.

Nevertheless, one thing was clear, Kang Woojin’s multiple abilities had left an impression.

“......Whatever the case, it’s certain he has the cooking skills our movie requires. Make sure to contact him no matter what.”

It was clear that Woojin was making his mark in Hollywood.

Meanwhile.

Monday ended, and Tuesday, the 9th, began. On the morning before filming for ‘Beneficial Evil’, Kang Woojin was in a meeting about ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’.

“With the year-end coming up, and if Woojin will be spending more time overseas starting next year, we’ll need to prepare a fair amount of advance content.”

“Whew, I’ll try to squeeze it in somehow. I’ll adjust the schedule a bit more. Woojin, are you okay with that?”

“I’m fine.”

“Well, it’s true you’re not the worrying type... but still, if anything happens to your health, let us know immediately.”

“Yes, CEO-nim.”

“And speaking of overseas matters, to ensure everything proceeds smoothly, wouldn’t it be better for the ‘Kang Woojin Alter Ego’ team to set up a workspace in LA as well?”

"Yes, what?? LA??"

Domestic movie theaters were still experiencing an unprecedented boom. The number of moviegoers had more than doubled compared to usual. For reference, during the past weekend, every existing movie theater was packed with people.

『[MovieIS] Theaters are all smiles thanks to the box office hit 'Leech' and new releases, weekend theaters bustling with crowds / Photo』

『#1 on Advance ticket sales, 'Leech' continues its unending streak of sold-out shows』

The biggest reason was the box office sensation 'Leech', but the new movies released this week also played a role.

『[MovieTalk] “Watch out, 'Leech'!” New movies lined up for release, can they stop the 'Leech' bulldozer?』

The phenomenon was so explosive that the media visited theaters over the weekend to report on the life situation. The expression 'bursting at the seams' was fitting. Meanwhile, 'Leech' was firmly holding onto its #1 position in advance ticket sales, and audiences who had visited theaters were enthusiastically discussing their preferred aspects.

-Why is Leech still fun even when watching it twice??

-The craziest part is that Kang Woojin’s acting feels different every time you watch it.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋ crazy 'Leech' is definitely going to surpass 20 million viewers ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I watched it three times

-Ah, stop hyping it up so much ㅋㅋㅋㅋ It’s so boring.

-If 'Leech' surpasses 20 million and beats 'Island of the Missing', then the top 1 and 2 movies in Korea will both be Kang Woojin’s ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. Isn’t that crazy?

-But if Kang Woojin’s acting is this good, why hasn’t he gone to Hollywood yet???

-Do you think Hollywood is some pushover where you can just waltz in because you want to ㅋㅋㅋㅋ?

-Since he won Best Actor at Cannes, they might already be in negotiations

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The same situation was happening in Japan. No, given Japan's larger population, the hype was even noisier. In Japan, ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was also holding onto the #1 advance ticket sales alongside 'Leech'. However, the overall atmosphere remained distinctly different.

Still, there were noticeable changes occurring within Japan.

『Audience numbers endlessly increasing for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', public opinion shifting from initial criticism / Photo』

While there had initially been backlash, criticism, and controversy, now voices acknowledging 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' were gradually emerging in the media and among the public. The most noticeable were the audience members who could no longer tolerate the insults and controversies surrounding 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'.

The same was true for various Japanese media outlets.

“‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ may seem to have an equal divide of praise and criticism, but that’s a misconception.”

“A misconception?”

“Yes. Those criticizing 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' are just a minority. It’s like a part of the media and public opinion war that we often mistakenly perceive. Of course, they aren’t a negligible number, but overall, they are only a small part. And they’re unable to accept change.”

"You mean they're behind the times?"

"No. They're afraid. Meanwhile, the general public, excluding them, is acknowledging 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. The steeply rising audience numbers are proof of that.”

“Hmm-”

“And the fact that the momentum of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' continues to rise is evidence that the majority of audiences have grown tired of Japan’s stale content.”

Film critics and directors appearing on news programs and variety shows explained the unexpected explosive success of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'.

“Of course, audiences were surprised. However, since they were already sick of Japan’s repetitive and boring content, they are cheering for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi cleverly struck that point. It seems very intentional.”

“Then do you believe 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' will continue its box office success?”

“Absolutely. This momentum will only grow stronger. Regardless of how it concludes, the Japanese content market will change significantly before and after 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'.”

Two days passed like that. Thursday, the 11th.

The rush of audiences pouring into theaters had naturally slowed down slightly from the explosive energy of the opening days. However, this was a natural phenomenon. New movies continued to be released, and not many people watched the same movie multiple times.

But there was no need to worry. The theaters still resembled the peak season.

Around this time, many familiar faces were gathered at Toega, the Japanese film company responsible for producing 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'.

Aside from Writer Akari and Director Kyotaro, there were many others.

Everyone had expressions as if they were waiting for some result. Eyes full of tension and anticipation. It wasn’t the same location, but it was the same for everyone involved with 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'. Not only Chairman Hideki but also the actors.

At that moment, a shout echoed throughout the entire Toega film company.

“Director!! The results are in!!”

Everyone stared at the large TV screen in front of them. The imposing numbers for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' appeared on the display.

-[Audience count for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' until November 10, 2021]

-['The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'/ Release Date: October 26 / Total Audience: 15,928,755]

It had surpassed 15 million in its third week. No, even calling it 16 million wouldn’t have been an issue.

Meanwhile.

Around late morning, a Korean film company was bustling as well. It was 'Harmony Film Company', the company behind Korea’s all-time #1 film, 'Island of the Missing'. Not only the company’s CEO but also several executives and a familiar master director were present.

“Hmm-”

It was Kwon Ki-taek, the director of 'Island of the Missing', with a warm and easygoing face. Perhaps because he was on a break, he had put on a bit more weight. In any case, the key figures of 'Island of the Missing' had all gathered. Director Kwon Ki-taek and the others were each staring at their tablets, where the results of another film were displayed.

It wasn’t 'Island of the Missing', it was 'Leech'.

[Audience count as of November 10, 2021]

[Daily Domestic Box Office]

1. Leech / Release Date: October 27 / Screens: 1354 / Total Audience: 15,016,082

'Leech' had also surpassed 15 million viewers.

The expressions of those gathered at 'Harmony Film Company' grew noticeably darker. It was only natural. 'Island of the Missing' was still holding its position as Korea’s all-time #1 movie, but it had only recently set the record, and now a threat had already appeared.

“......'Leech' is progressing faster than 'Island of the Missing'.”

"We expected it to be strong- but not this fast."

“If 'Leech' doesn’t lose its momentum, the all-time rankings will change soon.”

“It’s a strange feeling. I do acknowledge 'Leech', but I didn’t expect the crisis to come this quickly.”

As the CEO and executives of 'Harmony Film Company' spoke one by one with heavy hearts, the information on everyone’s tablets changed.

Soft sighs were heard here and there.

[All-time Box Office in South Korea]

[All-time Movie Rankings (Combined)]

-1. 'Island of the Missing' / Total Audience: 20,321,451

-2. ‘Sea Battle’ / Total Audience: 16,715,955

-3. ‘Unstoppable Force’ / Total Audience: 15,557,118

-4. 'Leech' / Total Audience: 15,016,082

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Because the frenzied speed of 'Leech' had chased them right up to their throats.

At the same time, in a hotel in Seoul.

Hundreds of reporters had gathered in front of a famous hotel. In front of them, vans, luxury sedans, and other vehicles stopped in a line. Several well-known individuals got out of the cars, celebrities, influencers, and more. The reason was simple.

Soon, a year-end party for an international luxury brand was scheduled to take place at this hotel.

The famous people invited to the party waved appropriately at the reporters, then struck poses at the photo zone set up right next to the hotel entrance.

-Pababababak!

A barrage of intense flashes went off.

It was then.

-Thunk!

From a recently stopped black van, a man stepped out with his black hair neatly slicked back and dressed in a navy luxury-brand suit, his face expressionless. As soon as the reporters saw him, they shouted.

“Kang Woojin!! Kang Woojin!!!”

“Woojin-ssi!! Woojin-ssi, this way!!”

Kang Woojin, whose influence was steadily growing in Korea, Japan, and even overseas, had appeared. The reason for his presence was that he was an ambassador for this luxury brand. With a calm expression, Woojin waved silently at the hundreds of reporters crowded in front of him.

At this moment, the reporters frantically fired questions.

“'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' has become a mega-hit!! Do you think it will surpass 20 million viewers?!!”

“'Leech' too!! 'Leech' has already surpassed 15 million! What’s your prediction for the total audience numbers?!!”

“Woojin-ssi!! Since Cannes, has there been no casting offers from Hollywood?!”

“Ah! Surely there must have been casting offers from Hollywood!! Just give us a hint!!"

“Are you planning to attend all the domestic film awards at the end of this year?!”

"There are rumors that you'll be making a full-fledged debut at Hollywood next year! Is this true?!"

But Kang Woojin, maintaining his poker face.

“......”

Simply waved his hand without answering a single question. His expression was more solemn than ever.

‘Ugh- damn, my ears are about to explode!’

At that moment, a female reporter standing closest to Woojin shouted with all her might.

“Woojin-ssi!! Kang Woojin-ssi!!! The rumor about Miley Cara appearing in 'Beneficial Evil', that’s not true, right?! It’s just nonsense!”

Of course, Woojin remained silent this time as well. However, his gaze stayed fixed on the reporters in front of him. Even so, he didn’t open his mouth. It seemed he had no intention of answering until the very end. The hundreds of reporters knew this, but they didn’t give up.

Several reporters, infected by her question, threw out follow-up questions.

“Ah, that’s right! The photo circulating on social media and forums!! Isn’t the blonde woman just a staff member?!”

“The rumor about Miley Cara appearing in 'Beneficial Evil'!! Most people dismiss it as nonsense, but Woojin-ssi, please give us a definitive answer!!”

Then, Kang Woojin, whose expression hadn’t changed, suddenly opened his mouth.

"Yes, it is Miley Cara, the blonde woman in the photos from the Bangkok filming location of 'Beneficial Evil'."

Woojin spoke again in a low tone.

“Miley Cara’s filming has already been completed.”

At that moment, the hands of hundreds of reporters frantically pressing their shutters suddenly stopped.

"......Eh?"