Chapter 45: Projection (3)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Kang Woojin, who had checked the message from Director Shin Dong-chun, was slightly surprised. Of course, inwardly.

‘They’ve already chosen the finalists? That was quick.’

His heart was pounding a bit.

‘So, am I really going to a film festival? Wow- I’ve only seen that on TV at the end of the year. Me, doing that?’

Of course, there would be a difference from the large film festivals that Woojin had seen, such as the Blue Dragon or the SBS Drama Awards, but for Kang Woojin, a ordinary citizen, it was just fascinating regardless of the scale. He was slowly realizing that his life was changing dramatically.

At that moment.

-♬♪

Choi Sung-gun, who was sitting in the passenger seat, had his phone rang, and while he was checking Kang Woojin’s schedule in his diary, he confirmed the caller.”

“Director Shin?”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Choi Sung-gun then matched his gaze with Kang Woojin in the rearview mirror and put his cell phone to his ear.

“Yes, Director.”

Immediately, the excited voice of Director Shin Dong-chun came in.

“CEO Choi, our ‘Exorcism’ has been selected for the main competition! I just got a call from the committee.”

“Oh, really? Just now?”

“Yes! Our submission is confirmed, and I also sent a message to Woojin as well. I thought he might be filming.”

“Ah- we are on the move right now.”

Choi Sung-gun’s voice got a little louder, infected with excitement.

“Wow- Isn’t this incredibly fast? I honestly thought the announcement for the finalists would take longer? Were there surprisingly few submissions?”

“I don’t think so. The committee didn’t say exactly, but from what they let slip, it seems like it increased about 30% from last year. Probably more than 1000 works.”

“But to be this quick…”

As Choi Sung-gun trailed off, his brain spun quickly, and he came up with an answer.

“Apart from the work being good, I think they contacted us right away because of the unexpected participation of Hye-yeon. They usually announce the main works all at once in one day, right?”

“I also think that’s highly likely. It seems like they’ve contacted potentially high-profile works quickly, separately, to show their regard.”

Having reached the B team’s shooting site while talking with Director Shin Dong-Chun, Choi Sung-gun wrapped up the call.

“Okay, I understand, Director. We will also prepare well according to the schedule, yes, yes.”

As the head of bw Entertainment hung up, Han Ye-jung, who was sitting next to Kang Woojin, moved closer to the passenger seat.

“Wow- ‘Exorcism’ made it into the main competition?”

“Yes, it did!”

“Wow.”

Even the usually chilly Han Ye-jung seemed quite surprised as she looked at the cynical Woojin with admiration.

“Bro, you’re going to a film festival just two months after starting acting?”

For some reason, Choi Sung-gun answered for him.

“He’s only been here for two months domestically. Woojin, have you, by any chance, already experienced a film festival somewhere else?”

There is no way that was true.

At that moment, Han Ye-jung, looking serious, opened her diary. Her eyes were filled with strong fighting spirit.

“I’ll handle the makeup properly. The ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ is a kind of major player in the short film industry, so many reporters, directors, and actors would come. We can’t lose.”

By this point, Woojin had to lower his gaze to the ‘Island of the Missing’ scenario to calm his pounding heart, and Choi Sung-gun, who was watching Kang Woojin in the rearview mirror, let out an inward exclamation.

‘A film festival debut just two months after his appearance? It’s both crazy and unheard-of. I’ve never seen this kind of route before. And even the best-known directors in the country are unbelievably attracted to him.’

No matter how breathtaking the acting was, the directors’ attraction is another story. Choi Sung-gun, with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, knew this best.

‘And even with the English skills that wouldn’t be out of place if he went to Hollywood right now. Although I don’t know about his Japanese yet.’

Choi Sung-gun, who didn’t regret the radical contract terms at all, was estimating Woojin’s explosive future as he turned and asked,

“So, Woojin, how’s the script of ‘Island of the Missing’?”

“It’s… interesting.”

“Oh? Interesting?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“No, it’s just that your saying it’s interesting seems a bit awkward.”

Awkward as it may be. Woojin’s answer wasn’t a lie or his persona. ‘Island of the Missing’ was genuinely interesting.

‘No, how does a man put up with such a monstrous genius?’

So, Woojin, although cold, sincerely uttered once more.

“I haven’t finished reading it yet, but it’s interesting.”

“Okay, let me know after you’ve read it all. Whether or not you’re going to do it or not, and which character you particularly liked. Director Kwon Ki-taek said there’s no rush, so take your time and think about it.”

“Yes, CEO.”

“Director Kwon Ki-taek probably also has a ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ schedule too, so we can set up a meeting after the festival.”

Then, all of a sudden, Kang Woojin changed the subject with his calm voice.

“Also, can I get more scripts or scenarios?”

“Suddenly? The past ones? Or the ones that haven’t started yet?”

“I’d prefer ones that are in planning.”

There wasn’t a particularly significant reason. Rather than being greedy for projects, it was more about wanting to read various scripts and scenarios. He needed to acquire experience and knowledge quickly.

‘It would be nice if something high-grade comes along.’

Meanwhile, Choi Sung-gun, who had been stroking his chin, asked,

“Hmm- getting works that are circulating in the market won’t be hard. But there’s no hurry, is there?”

“I just need to read them in advance.”

“Really? Then what genre do you prefer? Thrillers, action, rom-coms, etc.”

“I don’t really mind.”

“Hmm, since you played some intense characters at the beginning of your debut… If you keep doing that, your image might become fixed. Actually, sweet ones are the best for making fandom explode.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was explaining continued,

“Woojin, you have good versatility and spectrum.”

He suggested to the silent Kang Woojin.

“Do you want to try a rom-com or a melodrama?”

The same day, around lunchtime. Japan, Tokyo.

A high-end sushi restaurant near Tokyo station. Even at a glance, it looked expensive. Two men were sitting across from each other in the tatami VIP room of the sushi restaurant. One was in his 50s with a full set of graying hair and a big nose. The other was a skinny man, younger than his 50s.

They were enjoying the colorful variety of sushi placed in the center of the table.

Then, the skinny man started the conversation.

“Ah, Director.”

The gray-haired man, who was looking at the sushi, replied in a low voice.

“Why? The person who eats quickly is the winner, isn’t it?”

At his response, the skinny man chuckled.

“No, not about the sushi. Are you going to Korea this time? You said you were invited to a film festival, right?”

“Hmm? Ah- yes. I’m thinking of going.”

“Really? You’ve had some rest, so it’s about time for a new project.”

“Even if I do, it won’t be with you.”

“That’s disappointing.”

In fact, the man in his 50s with the big nose, referred to as the director. He was one of the renowned directors in Japan. A person always mentioned when talking about master filmmakers in Japan. His filmography ranged across all genres, such as documentaries, action, biopics, dramas, thrillers, etc., and in 2018, he had won a prestigious award at the Cannes Film Festival.

His name is Kyotaro Tanoguchi.

Furthermore, Director Kyotaro had a deep connection with Korea.

『‘Japanese Master’ Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi, Posts Pictures of His Trip to Korea on SNS Again』

He was a friendly person who enjoyed Korean content and culture. His SNS was frequently updated with photos of his trips to Korea, and he had even worked on a Korean-Japanese joint production a long time ago.

Anyway.

“What’s there to be disappointed about? We’ve worked together on several projects.”

As Director Kyotaro spoke, putting down his chopsticks, the skinny man across from him sighed and changed the subject.

“Yes, yes, but will there be anything for you to enjoy at that Korean film festival?”

“It’s the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’. I was invited last year but couldn’t go. I should go this year. There’s a lot to see since it’s a major film festival for short and art films.”

“But if it’s a short film festival, all the actors will be unknown, it’s only major in Korea and internationally, it’s not that important, right? The works might also be trivial.”

Holding a glass of water, Director Kyotaro glanced at the skinny man across from him.

“That mindset is what’s causing the decline of the Japanese film industry.”

“······Huh?”

“It’s the same in Japan, where short and artistic films go unnoticed. If you look at what’s happening now, Japan needs to learn from the Korean content market system.”

“Ah, yes, I agree with that.”

“Just look at Japanese Netflix, doesn’t it give you the answer? Over half of the top 10 are Korean works. It’s a crisis, isn’t it? But Japan has a stable domestic market, so it’s always the same.”

“······”

“Actors always act with the tone of ‘Look, I’m acting now¹!’ and directors continue to use the same methods and systems.”

Here, Director Kyotaro let out a long sigh.

“But Japan is already being swept away by the Hallyu wave. The number of people who love KPOP and K-contents is continually increasing.”

He spilled his sincere inner thoughts.

“We need to pay more attention to Korea. That’s why I’m going to Korea.”

Afterwards.

When Kang Woojin was deeply immersed in the filming of ‘Profiler Hanryang’, various news was being announced on the internet.

『[Movie Talk] With a new sponsor this year, ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ takes a different approach from last year!』

It was about the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’. Although it was not the main focus like ‘Profiler Hanryang’ or the drama war.

『’Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ committee: “Many famous foreign directors will attend this year”』

It was definitely more aggressive promotion than last year. The ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ was seen in entertainment sections of various portal sites and in many online communities.

-Recent happenings at the major domestic Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.jpg

Indeed, the financial backing had changed. In other words, it was clear that the sponsors were spending money generously. The promotion for the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ was not a one-day wonder but continued to grow the next day and the day after.

Moreover.

“Do you guys know about the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’? It’s a film festival that opens on the 30th of this month? They’ve put in an there!”

Many BJs and YouTubers also advertised the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’. Interest wasn’t overwhelming, but it still spread to a wide range of people. Especially since this was a promotional method that hadn’t even been attempted last year.

『[Issue IS] Famous YouTubers to top actors, they’re all promoting the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’』

It naturally attracted attention.

So, people who were originally interested in the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ and those who were not mixed together. Provocative words like master filmmakers, top actors, or famous foreign actors also played a part.

This aggressive promotion effect was immediately apparent.

Movie-related communities were buzzing, and the sharing of the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ was frequent on SNS and the like. It was the same offline.

For instance.

“Oh-”

Kim Daeyoung, Kang Woojin’s friend, who had just returned from lunch, said that. As he was already interested in acting, his interest was even higher.

“The ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’, they’re really making a big deal of it in the news this year?”

He really wanted to go. The festival schedule included the finalist short films screening over a week, including weekends, and apart from the closing and award ceremony.

However, Kim Daeyoung was reluctant to go alone.

“Sigh- Shall I drag someone along?”

Kim Daeyoung sent a message to one of the three members, including Kang Woojin.

-Hey, Lee Kyung Sung.

His friend was also on lunch break, so the reply came quickly.

-Fatty Kyung Sung: Speak.

-(Link) Do you want to go see this Short Film Festival next weekend?

-Fatty Kyung Sung: No.

-Why, you idiot? You’ve got nothing to do on the weekend anyway.

-Fatty Kyung Sung: LoL. Why would I watch that?

-Just come for a drink afterward.

-Fatty Kyung Sung: Okay, then call others too. Why is Kang Woojin always so busy?

-I don’t know, he always says he’s busy. Anyway, should I invite Na hyeong-gu too?

-Fatty Kyung Sung: Yes, tell Na hyeong-gu to come. And Kang Woojin definitely got a girl

-If it’s a girlfriend, it’s fine. Na hyeong-gu okayed it, so you should come too.

-Fatty Kyung Sung: Lol, okay

Kim Daeyoung, who had roped in two friends, also sent a message to Kang Woojin.

-Hey, are you dead? At least show your face.

Surprisingly, the reply came quickly.

-Leave me alone: Next time. I’m really busy.

As soon as he saw the reply, Kim Daeyoung snorted.

“This guy definitely has a girlfriend.”

Sunday, April 26th, late afternoon.

The location was the set of ‘Profiler Hanryang’. It was the main team, not the B team, and dozens of staff members, including PD Song Man-woo, held their breath and looked at the shooting zone.

“……”

“……”

At the center of their gaze, Kang Woojin, or rather, Park Dae-ri, was standing in handcuffs, held by detectives on both sides.

At that moment, the front-facing camera slowly moved in on Park Dae-ri, riding on a rail.

Therefore, the face of Park Dae-ri was gradually shown in close-up on the monitor that PD Song Man-woo was watching. Park Dae-ri didn’t have anything to say. He just stared at the approaching camera. The interesting thing was that there was a slight change in Park Dae-ri on the monitor. As the face magnified, the corners of his mouth gradually lifted.

It’s as if the process of a person smiling is being expressed in slow motion.

Park Dae-ri’s smile was growing. No, it was more accurate to say that a chilling smile was spreading across his face. It felt like ink spreading. When the camera finally stopped two steps in front of Park Dae-ri.

“……”

A bright smile beamed on the previously expressionless face of Park Dae-ri. Combined with his crazed, intense eyes and growing smile, it momentarily reminded one of a clown.

The painted smile, and the reality hidden within.

His face was one, but it was a mix of several layers. A scene that clearly expressed his character, the truth of which could not be known.

At this moment.

“……Cu, Cut!! OK!!!”

PD Song Man-woo, who had been absorbed in Kang Woojin’s acting, jumped up and called out, and at the same time, dozens of staff members around him applauded for Woojin.

-Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

“Awesome!! You nailed it!”

“Woojin, you’ve worked hard!!”

“It’s a pity, such a pity! Woojin, you did a great job!”

Actors who had been waiting, such as Ryu Jung-min, also joined in the applause. A sincere smile filled their faces. Because Kang Woojin’s portrayal of Park Dae-ri was truly remarkable. Even though he was a junior, the applause contained a sense of respect as fellow actors.

And then.

-Swish.

Suddenly, PD Song Man-woo, who rushed to Kang Woojin on set, gave him two thumbs up.

“In all my directing career, the character Park Dae-ri you’ve shown us has been absolutely the best. Seriously.”

Amid showers of praise and congratulations, Kang Woojin maintained a nonchalant face, but was slightly taken aback internally.

‘How should I wrap this up??’

In addition, a slight surge of emotion and a tremendous sense of accomplishment or satisfaction washed over him. At this moment, there was no need for pretense or acting tough.

‘Well… I should just thank everyone.’

Kang Woojin bowed his head solemnly to PD Song Man-woo, and the many senior actors and dozens of staff members he had worked hard with.

“Thank you all, I learned a lot.”

It was the moment when the filming of Kang Woojin’s ‘Park Dae-ri’ was finished.

And an hour later.

Kang Woojin, who had just finished filming ‘Profiler Hanryang’ as Park Dae-ri, came out to the set parking lot. It was just Woojin alone without his team. Choi Sung-gun was talking with the directing team, Han Ye-jung was tidying up the costumes, and the Jang Su-hwan had rushed to the restroom.

Then,

-Swoosh.

An Expressionless Kang Woojin looked up at the sky in front of the black van. It had become dark before he knew it. However, the moonlight was bright. The atmosphere wasn’t bad. A cool breeze was blowing too. It felt as if nature was congratulating him on his final shoot.

So Woojin,

“……”

The joy he had been holding back unknowingly manifested. A broad smile blossomed from his lips. He had let go of his act for a moment. The excitement and the feeling of overcoming a hurdle made him feel great.

He had worked hard all this while, so this much was fine, right?

He was giggling. That’s exactly what Woojin was doing now. Kang Woojin’s true self. If someone noticed, he could just turn back to on his persona.

“Haha, I shouldn’t be laughing. But it keeps coming.”

And that giggling Kang Woojin.

“……?”

Someone was watching from inside the white van. It was Hong Hye-yeon who had been waiting inside the van with pink eye mask on her forehead.

“What is he doing……what?”

Her expression was serious.