Chapter 84: Enhancement (5)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Booster? Unlike the relaxed PD Yoon Byung-seon, the head writer looked slightly worried.

“Ah… Even though some cast members, including Woojin, have been confirmed, isn’t it a bit early for that?”

For reference, while rumors about PD Yoon Byung-seon’s new variety show on HTBS were circulating, no clear facts had been officially announced yet. However, because PD Yoon Byung-seon was a significant figure in the variety show world, there was much speculation among the media about the potential cast members.

Anyway, adjusting his glasses, PD Yoon Byung-seon shrugged at the head writer.

“Of course, releasing it right now might be overkill, and we’d also scatter the audience’s attention. But isn’t it a waste to miss this timing? Kang Woojin as the lead in Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next project? It’s obviously going to make a lot of noise.”

This time, the male assistant PD chimed in,

“True. We had no idea Woojin would be in Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next project.”

“Right. Given the unexpected news, we need to adjust our promotional plans. Even if we keep the other cast members’ announcements on schedule, we can release Woojin’s news a bit earlier, right?”

“Are you suggesting we drop the bomb as if it’s a buy-one-get-one-free deal?”

“Yes.”

Giving a short answer, PD Yoon Byung-seon briefly checked his phone again and continued,

“What’s funny about these issues is that everyone knows they’re fleeting. So it’s essential to prolong them as much as possible. When multiple issues are linked together, the momentum grows explosively.”

“If there’s only one issue, it ends there. But when several combine, they grow, feeding off each other.”

“Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next project, Kang Woojin, and us combined, also given the existing buzz around Woojin, it will all multiply significantly.”

“Ultimately, it’s a win-win for the movie, Woojin, and us.”

Clearly, PD Yoon Byung-seon had immense influence in the entertainment world. Even if not known widely, the scale of the impact was bound to be significant. Adjusting his glasses once more, he continued.

“But if we wait too long, the momentum may fade. Timing is crucial. Let’s watch Woojin’s rise in popularity due to the issue with Director Kwon Ki-taek for a few days, and when it feels the time is right, we’ll reveal our news about Woojin.”

“How long are you thinking of observing?”

“Maybe two or three days? In the meantime, you guys finalize the other cast members, and I’ll contact CEO Choi Sung-gun.”

Following his directive, the writers and junior PDs started typing into their phones. Once the head writer finished noting down on her phone, thinking of Kang Woojin, said

“Isn’t it fascinating about Kang Woojin? He’s like the center of the entertainment world right now, right? From dramas to movies and variety shows. And he’s a newcomer.”

“Promising newcomers always have a different vibe and momentum. They have a distinct aura, like with Woojin.”

“Rather than just feeling that it’s going well, it’s much more… Anyway, since I started as a scriptwriter, it’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon, with arms crossed, looked intrigued.

“Well, me too. It means Woojin is on an unprecedented path.”

Later.

Throughout the 11th, the internet was flooded with articles every second. What was the buzz about?

『[MovieIS] From ‘Exorcism’ and ‘Profiler Hanryang’ to Director Kwon Ki-taek’s latest film… Kang Woojin, cast as the lead』

News of Kang Woojin’s first leading role in a movie was a major bombshell in the entertainment world, and media outlets were rushing to cover it.

『Beyond shocking casting, the master ‘Director Kwon Ki-taek’ selects Kang Woojin as the lead for his next film!』

Consequently, all the previous rumors about Kang Woojin faded into the background. It was understandable. It wasn’t just any director’s film, but the top-tier master Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next project. And Woojin wasn’t just a minor or supporting role, but the lead from the start.

The term ‘unprecedented’ felt like an understatement.

Of course, it was a first-time situation for Director Kwon Ki-taek, and the same goes for the film industry. Moreover, the only one officially announced by Director Kwon Ki-taek’s side was Kang Woojin. In other words, they were thinking quite specially of him.

『[StarTalk] Just a few months after his debut, Kang Woojin is the lead in Director Kwon Ki-taek’s film? Kang Woojin’s unbelievable journey/photo』

Whether it was the media or public opinion, everyone was intensely curious about Kang Woojin’s story with Director Kwon Ki-taek. The more the interest grew, the bigger the issue became. Hence, by the afternoon, this bombshell news, which had broken late in the morning, had spread everywhere.

Especially on SNS and various online communities, the buzz was explosive.

At the same time, bw Entertainment’s official website and Kang Woojin’s fan cafe were flooded with comments. The news spread quickly, heating things up like a furnace.

-He’s exploded in popularity after ‘hanryang’, and now he’s starring in a movie directed by Kwon Ki-taek as the lead? Really?

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Ah… I want to watch it ASAP… Waiting is hard…

-Has there ever been a precedent for this? Kang Woojin is seriously on the fast track

-Even after his breakout role as Park Dae-ri, he only got minor roles! Now he’s finally getting his big break! Anyway, if it’s someone like Woojin oppa, he definitely deserves to be leading in big productions!

-So interesting, I graduated with him, and now he’s the lead in a movie by a renowned director… Wait, where’s my yearbook?

-↑You’re his high school classmate?

-At this rate, isn’t it totally possible for Kang Woojin to become a top actor within a year?

-Why is everyone hyping Kang Woojin so much? He was just some arrogant newbie

-May you only walk the path of success, oppa!! (A passing by fan from Kang’s heart)

.

.

.

.

From hand to hand, mouth to mouth, it was a whirlwind. No one saw it coming, so it came with a significant shock.

“What, Kang Woojin landed the lead role in Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next movie??!”

“Huh? What are you talking about? It’s not just some random director, it’s Director Kwon Ki-taek and he’s playing the lead?”

“No, it’s true! It’s a fact! Look at this!”

The eyes of staff from various movie companies and production companies widened in disbelief. Except for Director Song Man-woo and Hong Hye-yeon, wwho already knew and just laughed, others like Hwalin, the ‘Drug Dealer’ team, and Netflix were taken aback. In fact, every project that Kang Woojin had been involved in was shaken.

『Thanks to rising star Kang Woojin, films like ‘Drug Dealer’ and ‘Male Friend’ receive free promotion』

Among them, one particular individual was about to explode from rage. It was the Bulldog face-like CEO, Seo Gu-seob.

“Damn it! Hey, is this for sure?! That bastard Kang Woojin, he’s the lead in Director Kwon’s movie? This doesn’t make sense!!”

“… It seems to be confirmed. The initial news came directly from Director Kwon Ki-taek’s side.”

“So it’s official?”

“It appears so.”

“What kind of messed-up situation is this?!”

Even though he saw it with his own eyes, CEO Seo Gu-seob couldn’t accept the reality. Meanwhile, the film distributor for Director Kwon Ki-taek announced:

『[Exclusive] ‘Kang Woojin’ chosen as the lead, Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next film titled ‘Island of the Missing’』

By nightfall, all the articles pouring in featured Kang Woojin, Director Kwon Ki-taek, and ‘Island of the Missing’ as a set.

The waves grew much larger.

However.

‘Hmm-’

From lunchtime to night, Kang Woojin, the protagonist of this entire storm, was constantly amazed by the current situation. However, on his way home from work, he was totally thinking about something else.

‘What should I sing for the test tomorrow? Maybe something familiar?’

For some reason, he was concerned about song selection.

The next morning, on the 12th.

The location was a suite in a large hotel in Seoul. From the look of it, the room was big enough to make one’s jaw drop. Japanese could be heard in this luxurious room. There were three people present. Two familiar faces sat facing each other on a sofa.

They were Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari.

Both were having morning tea, being briefed about today’s schedule. The person explaining was an agency staff member.

“Director, Writer, the two of you will complete your morning schedules separately and then rejoin for lunch.”

Director Kyotaro, with his full head of gray hair, nodded.

“What time are we leaving?”

“It’s an outdoor shoot. The location is near Incheon and will take about 2 hours to get there. You can leave right after lunch.”

“Hmm, understood.”

“Everything has been discussed with the onsite director, so just check what needs to be checked during the shoot and you can discreetly leave. We’ve limited the number of accompanying staff.”

The site the agency staff was referring to was for the movie ‘Drug Dealer’. While Director Kyotaro had already spoken with Choi Sung-gun about it, Kang Woojin wasn’t aware of it. After a few minutes of detailed briefing, the agency employee left the suite.

Simultaneously.

-Swish.

Akari, the writer who had been wearing glasses, took them off and smiled gently at Director Kyotaro across from her.

“You know Director Kwon Ki-taek, right?”

“Of course. He’s an incredible director. We became friends a few years ago at the Venice Film Festival.”

“I heard the actor you mentioned is joining Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next project? There was a lot of buzz about that yesterday.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about it. I’ve seen the articles too.”

Director Kyotaro put down the tea cup he had been sipping from.

“I think he’s finally getting the spotlight he deserves.”

“Are you okay with it? I was wondering if this would disrupt your plans.”

“Nothing has changed. While it would have been great to meet him earlier, but I still need actor Kang Woojin.”

Director Kyotaro firmly replied, then slightly changed the topic while looking at writer Akari.

“Of course, if you disagree, I’ll have to reconsider.”

“As I mentioned in our last meeting, I’m in favor of adding a Korean actor.”

“But didn’t you mention you wanted to see him in person? Wasn’t it to assess his acting?”

“I’m curious because you praised him so highly. I also wonder which role might suit him. Have you decided on a role for actor Kang Woojin?”

Director Kyotaro shook his head.

“Not yet. But I do have a character in mind. Oh, and of course, after seeing him, I would like to hear your opinion as well. I’ll take it into account as the original author’s perspective is most accurate.”

Writer Akari, who had been smiling faintly, checked the time and stood up from the sofa.

“Of course, I’ll tell you exactly which character comes to mind when I see him, be it a minor role or a lead.”

Meanwhile, at the same time.

At a recording studio near Netflix Korea. This studio was affiliated with Netflix. Inside, there was a long waiting sofa, a variety of musical instruments, a control area, and a recording booth in front, making it quite spacious.

The ‘Male Friend’ team gathered in this studio.

The plump Executive Director Kim So-hyang, a few Netflix employees, Director Shin Dong-chun, Writer Choi Na-na, Kang Woojin’s team, and Hwalin’s team were all present. At a glance, about ten people were there, and the place was buzzing with conversation. Naturally, most of the talk centered on Kang Woojin and Director Kwon Ki-taek. Woojin had already received numerous congratulations.

Both Kang Woojin and Hwalin were seated side by side on a sofa in the center.

Woojin was wearing a cap pulled low on his forehead. He didn’t need to visit the salon for his next schedule, which was the second shoot for ‘Drug Dealer’. On the other hand, Hwalin, who was blankly staring at the empty front booth, was fully ready with make-up, probably because her next schedule was soon.

Neither of them spoke.

“……”

“……”

Kang Woojin had a stern expression, while Hwalin looked somewhat haughty. Director Shin Dong-chun, who was talking with Executive Director Kim So-hyang, whispered.

“It seems the two of them are still a bit awkward. They should start getting closer.”

“Woojin tends to be a bit reserved, so it’s probably more pronounced. Once we start filming, I’ll have to coordinate it well.”

Hwalin, who was seated right next to Kang Woojin and seemed quite preoccupied, had many thoughts in her head.

‘Should I ask if he had breakfast? Would that seem strange? But what perfume is Woojin wearing? It smells so good……’

At that moment.

“Ms. Hwalin.”

Suddenly, Kang Woojin, who had been looking at his phone, asked Hwalin in a soft voice.

“Have you had breakfast?”

Startled, Hwalin responded in a fluster.

“Huh? Oh, I didn’t. No. Wait, I think I did.”

“I see.”

“And- what about you, Woojin?”

“I didn’t eat.”

“…Oh.”

It was a brief exchange. At this point, Hwalin’s fangirl emotions were exploding.

‘I should’ve brought a sandwich in the car! Should I go get one? It’s fine to give it just as a colleague, right?’

But then.

-Boom!

The thick door of the studio opened, stopping her in her tracks. The producer in charge of today’s session had entered.

“I’m sorry- the call took longer than expected. Let’s get started.”

The nearly bald producer took a seat in front of the editing equipment. Then, Executive Director Kim So-hyang looked at Kang Woojin and Hwalin and said,

“This is just a test to match your tones, so there’s no need to push yourselves.”

The current recording session was, as Kim So-hyang mentioned before, to check the voice chemistry between Woojin and Hwalin. It was intended to help in selecting tracks for the OST. While solo songs were important, duet songs were even more crucial. It was a test to find the perfect song to match their combined voices.

Well, that might be the official reason, but the main point was,

“Uh- Since everyone knows about Hwalin’s singing skills, she can go later. Shall we start with Woojin first?”

The real focus was to evaluate Kang Woojin’s singing ability. Since the OST was in the works, a clear assessment was essential. With everyone watching, Kang Woojin calmly stepped forward.

His destination was the recording booth.

“……”

-Thud.

Without a word, Kang Woojin entered the booth and slowly surveyed the interior. There wasn’t much to see: a few sound devices, a microphone, and headphones. Having never been in such a booth before, he kept trying to calm himself.

‘Think of it as a coin-operated karaoke room. Yes, just like a coin-operated karaoke. But it’s kind of embarrassing with everyone staring.’

Meanwhile, the people observing Woojin from the window each had their own thoughts. Kim So-hyang had been silently praying since earlier.

‘Please, just be above average. Even slightly below average is okay.’

Hwalin, overwhelmed by her fan feelings, had her heart racing.

‘A song from Woojin?! This is precious! I wonder how it’ll be? I wish I could tell the fan club about it.’

Director Shin Dong-chun and writer Choi Na-na looked both worried and expectant, with more signs of worry. Choi Sung-gun, was quietly talking with Hwalin’s chubby manager.

“CEO, do you know if Kang Woojin can sing?”

“Well, he says he can sing ‘decently’. But his definition of ‘decently’ is usually not just decent.”

“Oh- if he’s from an acting background, he probably sings just okay. Maybe like singing a bit when hanging out with friends at karaoke?”

“Hmm. I can’t really imagine him singing. He might not have even been to a karaoke room.”

“Really?”

Staring blankly, Choi Sung-gun responded to the manager’s question with a faint smile. He then turned his gaze to Kang Woojin in the booth and folded his arms.

‘He can’t be good at singing too, can he? Well, what ordinary people and experts see is different, so he might just be decent. That would be enough.’

Then.

“Uh, Woojin, can you hear me?”

The producer, sitting at the main console, spoke to Woojin, who was wearing headphones, and Woojin’s answer echoed throughout the studio.

“Yes, I can hear you.”

“I’ll play the song you mentioned, and it’s okay to read the lyrics from your phone.”

“Okay.”

“Alright, let’s start?”

-Swish.

As the producer manipulated the equipment, a gentle intro began. A ballad. It was a song that seemed fitting for winter and was also well-known. Everyone seemed to recognize it, murmuring.

“Oh- this song.”

“It’s a good song. But isn’t it a bit difficult?”

“He might be pushing himself.”

“Shh, shh. Let’s listen.”

In a moment, Woojin looked at the lyrics on his phone and began singing.

The first verse started in a low tone. The sound was smooth, but his voice was slightly raspy. The fascinating thing was…

“What?”

“…”

“Wow-”

“What? What’s going on?”

As soon as they heard Woojin sing, everyone’s mouths dropped open. Even,

“This is crazy…”

Hwalin covered her mouth with both hands. Unaware of their reactions, Woojin gradually raised his pitch, approaching the climax. Slowly, his emotions and expressions deepened. He was lost in the music.

-♬♪

As a result, everyone was captivated by his song, their faces blank in astonishment. Executive Director Kim So-hyang, coming back to her senses, suddenly turned around, her eyes wide open. She asked Choi Sung-gun, who also had his mouth open.

“Did Kang Woojin… ever work as a singer?”

All eyes were fixed on him. Choi Sung-gun struggled to reply,

“No, that’s impossible-”

But he began to doubt himself. Kang Woojin’s singing ability,

-♬♪

It was outrageously incredible.

“…Or, did he?”

*****