Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was surveying the vast forest, smiled faintly.
'The weather is sultry, and the humidity is damp. I quite like this discomfort.'
This was his creation, 'Island of the Missing.' Kwon Ki-taek could visualize the world of 'Island of the Missing' whenever he closed his eyes. He turned around and spoke to a man who was filming the surroundings with a small camera a few steps away. It was the director of photography.
"How does this place look for the scene where Private Kim's head falls off?"
The mention of Private Kim's role signified the importance of this location, as Private Kim's character heralded the beginning of the incidents on 'Island of the Missing.'
Meanwhile.
"Phew, it's unbearably hot."
The director of photography, wiping his sweat after putting down his small camera, recalled Private Kim's role in 'Island of the Missing.' He then nodded.
"Looks good. Almost identical to the script. Especially the smell here. What on earth is this smell? Could there be a hidden corpse somewhere?"
'Could be,' Director Kwon, taking off his safari hat for a moment, crouched down and poked the ground with his finger.
The ground was soggy.
Consequently, his finger sank deep into the ground. Pulling his finger out, he casually wiped it on his thigh and looked up and said,
"For the scene where Private Kim's head falls. Tell them to make the head prop a bit heavier. It'll be interesting if it creates a dent when it hits the ground."
The response came from the assistant director, who was panting in the heat from behind.
"Yes! Understood."
Thus, the reason Director Kwon Ki-taek and the 'Island of the Missing' team were in Vietnam was simple. They were on a location hunt for overseas shooting.
However, this wasn't initially planned this way.
They had originally planned to shoot on a set, but after seeing the completed set, Director Kwon changed his mind. He decided on half set shooting, half overseas location. It was not unusual for the director to change his mind frequently. Eventually, Director Kwon had one thing to say.
'Contact PD Park in Vietnam.'
He was referring to the line producer they had worked with on a previous project. Therefore, the 'Island of the Missing' team had to quickly pack their bags and catch a flight to Vietnam. Now, they were already on their second day. As a result, there were some changes to the pre-production schedule that began around April.
But that was almost over now.
Around this time.
"PD Park."
Director Kwon, having put his safari hat back on and wiping his sweat, asked the line producer in a relaxed manner.
"List this place too. How many locations are left?"
"About five?"
"And the overall schedule?"
"Location hunting today and tomorrow, and then just a meeting with local staff. Should take about three days in total."
"All in three days, right?"
"Yes, director."
Director Kwon, who nodded slowly, called over the Planning Team Director, who was busy taking landscape photos.
"Director Ryu!"
"Ah! Yes! Director! Sorry, haha. My daughter keeps asking me for photos."
"Send them leisurely, but schedule the set check as soon as we return to Korea. When was the script reading planned?"
"We had set a flexible date due to the Vietnam location."
"Since we're wrapping up earlier than expected in Vietnam, let's move up the 'script reading.'"
After gauging the dates for a moment, Director Kwon spoke again.
"How does August 3rd sound? Is it too soon?"
The planning team head, checking his diary, nodded as if it was acceptable.
"Roughly two weeks. No, that should be fine."
Hearing the response, Director Kwon turned his gaze back to the dense forest.
"Then, let's confirm the script reading for that day."
He murmured calmly.
"And start contacting the actors as soon as we return to Korea."
Two days later, in the late afternoon of the 24th.
The Male Friend' team was hastily setting up in a slightly secluded area behind the main building of a high school. They laid down rails, set up lights, and placed props around a small storage shed littered with various trash.
Today, they planned to shoot some filler cuts and a scene emphasizing Han In-ho's character.
In the script, a group of bullies who dislike 'Lee Bo-min,' now in her second year, make an appearance. The reason was trivial; they were merely envious of Lee Bo-min's beauty. To find a flaw, they grasped at straws. Therefore, one of the female bullies started spreading nasty rumors to torment Lee Bo-min.
However, the ever-optimistic Lee Bo-min remained undaunted, showing no signs of being downtrodden.
Moreover, she had Han In-ho by her side. She could endure as long as Han In-ho was there, even if everyone else turned their backs on her. However, the bullies did not leave Lee Bo-min alone, acting as if nothing was wrong. Since she didn't react much, they decided to torment her more openly now.
Perhaps thanks to that?
"Extras playing the 'bullies,' please gather in front of the camera!"
The actors playing the 'bullies' stood in front of the camera. Five in total, three girls and two boys. They were all in school uniforms, but their aura was distinctly different from regular students. Their clothes were either tightly fitted or buttons deliberately undone.
They made sure their costumes set them apart from others.
These extras were different from mere background actors. They all had lines, and they were affiliated with agencies. Regardless, Director Shin Dong-chun, watching them through the monitor, sighed in disappointment.
"Hmm, it's a bit lacking."
Hearing this, the assistant director next to him frowned.
"What seems to be the problem?"
"Well, I didn't notice it while script reading, but now that they're standing there, it feels, you know-"
Director Shin Dong-chun trailed off, his gaze meeting the five supporting actors beyond the camera.
"It feels a bit lacking in intensity. It's the first tense scene; shouldn't it be more striking?"
"I think it's fine as it is."
"No, it's better to have a dramatic flair, especially for scenes like this. It makes the viewers feel the tension, leading to a more refreshing payoff."
"Do you have something in mind?"
"Um..."
Director Shin, with his square jaw, sat and scanned the surroundings. He swept his gaze over the dozens of scurrying staff members.
"Let's look together. I'd like someone 'bully'-like, with a more imposing presence."
"Are you planning to add another extra on the spot?"
"Yes."
"But, finding one on the spot is a bit! These bully roles have their significance among the extras, right? They all have lines, and even solo camera shots. Weren't they selected through auditions?"
"Well, it's okay. They just need to stand still."
"But there's also the matter of facial expressions."
Despite the assistant director's reluctance, Director Shin Dong-chun casually scanned the set. However, no suitable person caught his eye. Above all, the age range wasn't matching. They were supposed to be high school bullies, but everyone looked too worn out.
Soon, Director Shin, scratching his chin in disappointment, thought,
'I want to enhance the scene where Han In-ho looks cool... Tsk, do I have to settle for less?'
At that moment.
"Director."
A deep male voice inserted itself from behind Director Shin. Turning around, he saw Kang Woojin in his school uniform, standing with an indifferent expression. Smiling, Director Shin quickly got up.
"Oh, Woojin. Are you done with makeup?"
"Yes, but I happened to overhear..."
"Hmm?"
"Are you looking for someone to play an additional bully role?"
"Ah, well, it's adequate what we have now, but I was thinking of adding a bit more impact to the scene. It's just me being greedy, you know. But it's probably better to go with what we have, even if it's a bit disappointing."
"..."
Woojin, who had been silently staring at Director Shin, stepped aside and pointed at someone.
"Then, how about our manager?"
"...Manager? Who?"
Where Woojin pointed, a burly man was standing. Kang Woojin introduced Kim Dae-young with a composed voice.
"It's Kim Dae-young."
Instantly, Kim Dae-young's eyes widened in shock as if they might pop out. He glared at Kang Woojin, cursing through his gaze.
'What, what are you doing, you lunatic!!'
Of course, Kang Woojin wasn't fazed at all. Indifferently ignoring Kim Dae-young's look, Woojin spoke again to Director Shin.
"He's been in an acting club for quite a while, so he does have some acting experience."
Kang Woojin remembered Kim Dae-young had once shared about his dream during a drinking session.
'Hey, Kim Dae-young. Why do you act? Is it fun?'
'It is. Someday, I want to be in front of the camera. Not just as an extra passing by, but in a role with lines. That's my dream.'
'A role with lines - is that easy or hard? I don't know anything about the entertainment world.'
'It's damn hard. That's why it's a dream.'
'You bastard, you should give it your all if you're a man. Give it a shot.'
'Just thinking about it hurts my head. Haha, let's just drink.'
Kang Woojin was trying to make that dream come true. It wasn't forced, and it fit the situation. It wouldn't be a problem, and it would be a win-win for both Kim Dae-young and Director Shin Dong-chun.
'Well, it would be a complete bust if the director doesn't approve.'
Kang Woojin added calmly.
"As you can see, he has a good physical build. What do you think?"
In response to this suggestion, Director Shin stroked his chin and then...
-Swoosh.
He took a few steps toward the flustered Kim Dae-young. Soon, Director Shin was sizing up Kim Dae-young. He was a bit rough around the edges, but that could be covered with makeup.
'Still, his presence is better than the extras here, it doesn't look forced. And his size would definitely add to the scene. If he's been in an acting club, he must have some experience.'
Director Shin Dong-chun, who thought it wasn't bad, asked Kim Dae-young.
"Can you do it? It's not confirmed yet. We need to shoot a few test shots. How about it? Want to give it a try?"
"······"
Kim Dae-young, who had been standing dumbfounded, wondering if this was real, looked at Kang Woojin's expressionless face in front of him, finally mustered his courage, and hesitantly responded.
"I can... do it, Director."
Kim Dae-young's eyes were slightly moist. Kang Woojin, who noticed this, thought to himself.
'Is he crying? Just when you think he's the toughest, he turns out to be the softest.'
Woojin, hiding his amusement, poked Kim Dae-young in the ribs without showing it, and Kim Dae-young, startled, quickly regained his composure after looking at Kang Woojin standing on his right.
Then he shouted confidently to Director Shin Dong-chun in front of him.
"I can do it!"
It was then that a smile spread across Director Shin Dong-chun's face as he lightly patted Kim Dae-young's shoulder.
"Okay, let's see-then we need to start with the costume."
Soon, Director Shin Dong-chun asked the staff around him.
"What's the largest size we have for our school uniform costumes?"
At this time, in Japan.
The entertainment industry in Japan was abuzz with talks of 'Profiler Hanryang,' for about a week since its launch on Netflix Japan. This included the media, various production companies, agencies, and actors.
Especially among Japanese actors, there was a lot of discussion about Hanryang.
"Have you heard about that Korean drama, Hanryang? It's been making noise, hasn't it? Is it still number one on Netflix?"
"It's just the hype of the first week of launch. There have been many Korean dramas like that in the past, right?"
"True. They tend to fall off the rankings after the initial buzz during the launch week."
"It'll quiet down soon, right?"
The reactions were mixed. No, if one were to delve deeper, the negative perspectives were slightly more prominent. This was because the more successful Hanryang became, the stronger the Hallyu wave grew.
However, the popularity of Hanryang in Japan remained solid.
Rather, as time passed, brisk word-of-mouth spread among the Japanese public. Since its launch, 'Hanryang' had consistently held the number one spot on Netflix, showing no signs of wavering. It surpassed the level of just a fleeting launch hype.
And for good reason.
『Korean Drama 'Profiler Hanryang' Soars in Popularity, Seizing Netflix's No. 1 Spot』
Japanese media also began to cover Hanryang in earnest. They noticed that it was receiving a significant response across various age groups, beyond just the younger demographic.
『Korean Detective Drama 'Profiler Hanryang' Rapidly Spreads Through Word of Mouth on SNS』
While many K-dramas had already made their way to Japan, Hanryang showed signs of being more potent than any before. This was evident even on SNS and various communities.
The drama was even mentioned on a Japanese variety show a few days ago.
"Ah, has anyone seen Hanryang? I almost stayed up all night watching it yesterday."
"I watched it! I love Park Dae-ri!"
"Miko-chan knows her stuff, huh? I also loved Park Dae-ri!"
By this point, it was impossible for the renowned director Kyotaro to not know. Kyotaro, who was in the middle of casting actors, was genuinely pleased with Hanryang's upward trajectory.
"At this rate, our movie will gain high recognition in Japan even before its release."
It was an evaluation towards Kang Woojin.
By now, 'Profiler Hanryang' was also being discussed at a team meeting of a famous Japanese talk show. They were in the midst of selecting topics for their next segment.
"What should we cover in our next foreign special?"
"The last Hollywood episode didn't get much of a response. It seems that way because we proceeded only with information, without any guests."
"How about doing a 'K-Drama Week' for this time? There's a lot of noise about 'Profiler Hanryang' on Netflix. It's quickly becoming popular among the public."
"Oh, that drama? I've read a few articles about it. Hmm, its momentum is quite noticeable. But inviting the main actors would be too expensive, wouldn't it?"
"How about inviting the villains instead of the main characters?"
It was a rather innovative idea.
"Just the villains from Hanryang?"
*******
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