The eyes of the chief secretary sitting in the passenger seat widened slightly. It was more out of curiosity than shock. She cautiously asked Chairman Hideki Yoshimura, who was seated behind her, in Japanese.
“Sir, but I’d like to confirm once more. You’re talking about the Korean rookie actor Kang Woojin, right?”
“Yes.”
“……”
Receiving no further response, Chairman Hideki, who had been reading a newspaper, turned his gaze to the secretary.
“Is it too sudden for you to comprehend?”
“…No, it’s just a bit unexpected.”
“That’s understandable.”
The chairman, who had been smiling gently, lowered his gaze back to the newspaper, but he added in a relaxed tone,
“But you just need to do as told. Sometimes, curiosity can be poisonous.”
The chief secretary, her face tense with anxiety, turned and bowed her head immediately.
“Yes, yes. I understand. Should I check the details thoroughly?”
Chairman Hideki, stroking his chin, shook his head at her question.
“No. Just the basics will do – his recent activities and information about his agency and works. That should be enough.”
Later.
Although Kang Woojin and Hwalin had returned to Korea, the aftermath of their schedule in Japan was significant. Especially from the Japanese side.
『「Kang Woojin, Hwalin」Spotted at the airport』
『「Kang Woojin & Hwalin’s」arrival drew more than 500 people to the airport / Entertainment News』
The scene at the airport, which had been turned upside down from their arrival, and the incredible crowd that had gathered, were enough to stir the Japanese media.
『「Kang Woojin」 waves to excited Japanese fans, more nonchalant than expected』
It was exceptionally boisterous, considering the arrival of a foreign actor, not one of their own. Even with Hwalin by his side, the fuss was undeniable.
However, the Japanese media, unlike at the beginning, also frequently published articles from a negative perspective.
『「Fuss over a Korean rookie actor – what’s the big deal?」 The voice of opposition to Kang Woojin grows louder』
Articles following the initial shock and sensation naturally tended to be more negative than positive. It was a typical scene, the same in Korea.
Nonetheless.
『「Kang Woojin」, handpicked by Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi – what’s next for his schedule in Japan?』
Japanese media focused on publishing as much as possible on the hottest news. The themes were either similar or updated on the ongoing issues.
『One million subscribers in just a week? ‘Kang Woojin’s’ rising popularity in Korea and Japan』
『Numerous fans flock to the event with ‘Netflix Japan’ and ‘Kang Woojin, Hwalin’』
A multitude of photos were spread through the articles, some taken by reporters and others sourced from the mobile phones of the Japanese public. Naturally, this wasn’t limited to Japanese media but had also spread across SNS and online communities.
-I saw Kang Woojin at the airport, and he was really, really more handsome than I thought!!
‘Netflix Japan’ and ‘Ame-talk Show!’ also contributed to the buzz. Occasionally, negative articles did pop up.
『Rumors of investors pulling out from the controversial ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, film company denies such claims』
But these were in the minority and did not garner much attention. The focus was more on the recent recording of ‘Ame-talk Show!’ with Kang Woojin.
『Kang Woojin’s appearance on ‘Ame-talk Show!’ sparks curiosity post-recording』
This could be considered the highlight of Kang Woojin’s schedule in Japan. The ‘Ame-talk Show!’ Kang Woojin participated in had many elements – the first Korean rookie actor, guest Hwalin, Woojin’s vocals, talk segments, and more.
『‘Ame-talk Show!’ Production Team: ‘Kang Woojin possesses extraordinary abilities’』
Including Kang Woojin’s hidden talents. Given Woojin’s popularity in Japan, the reaction was immediate.
– Ame-talk did a great job! I must watch the broadcast live for the first time in a while!
– Hwalin participated as a guest?!? The pictures of them arriving together looked really good. Are they dating?
– It’s comments like yours that start false rumors.
– I’m not a fan of that actor. I wish he would leave ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’!
– After watching ‘Hanryang’, I admit he can act, but… there’s something unfamiliar about him.
– What are you talking about? Our country’s actors are terrible at acting, aren’t they?
– Kang Woojin! So cute! When can we see him on Ame-talk!?
– I saw Kang Woojin at the airport. Japan really lacks behind Korea in terms of visuals…
– I’m really looking forward to ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, you know??
.
.
.
.
While there was a lot of anticipation, there were also a few twisted or outright negative comments. But, this is a natural course for a rising star, so it wasn’t a big problem. The main thing was.
– Subscribe to Kang Woojin’s SNS and YouTube! You can see his real self!
Kang Woojin’s recognition in Japan was growing rapidly day by day. At this point, the Korean media couldn’t just sit back and watch.
『Currently, Japan is smitten with ‘Monster Rookie’ Kang Woojin, his popularity spreading like a trend / Photos』
Isn’t that what they call ‘national pride’? There were also articles analyzing Kang Woojin’s popularity in Japan.
『Marketing Experts on ‘Kang Woojin’s unbelievable popularity in Japan: “The stagnant Japanese entertainment industry played a big role”』
Naturally, Korean public opinion was swelling with pride.
September 1st, Tuesday. At HTBS, a comprehensive programming network in Seoul.
Despite it being morning, the variety department office looked incredibly busy. The PDs of various programs were either on calls or in meetings with writers, and numerous props filled the desks and empty spaces around the office.
It was like a busy marketplace.
In the variety department director’s office, which contrasted with the bustling outside, the atmosphere was relatively calm. Seated on the central five-person sofa were a portly man and a familiar man wearing glasses. They were the variety department director and the variety show mogul, PD Yoon Byung-seon.
“Our PD Yoon, it’s so hard to see your face these days, isn’t it?”
“Should I take a break then? Maybe hang out at the bar nearby with the director, cracking jokes?”
“What director? What are you talking about, dude? It’s weird when you keep calling me ‘director’. Just act as you usually do.”
“No, if I keep calling you ‘hyung,’ it makes me feel old.”
“You are old.”
Recently, PD Yoon Byung-seon had hardly been in Korea. The reason was simple. He was busy with ‘Our Dining Table’, a variety show that was set to be a major project, from planning to casting.
Since the filming locations were overseas, he had been traveling between Japan and the US.
PD Yoon Byung-seon had returned from the US two days ago. Anyway, he handed over a clear file to the director.
“Enough with that, I’m busy today. Just sign this quickly.”
“Wow, what’s this? A star PD asking for a signature? That’s the aura of a PD who’s earned millions in bonuses.”
“If you’re going to reject it, just say so. I’ll scrap everything and go on a trip.”
The variety department director snatched the clear file from PD Yoon Byung-seon, who was about to take it back, and quickly picked up a pen from the table in front.
“I’m kidding, man. Didn’t I tell you? Don’t bother with signatures for every little thing, just proceed as you see fit. The CEO said the same.”
“I just prefer it this way. It feels like things are moving.”
“You’re such an odd one. Oof – how much is this expense now?”
“Look at the bottom, there’s also the expense for this trip.”
“There! Signed.”
Handing back the transparent file, the variety department director suddenly burst into a sly grin.
“By the way, I get the other participants, but did you know Kang Woojin would become this big when you picked him? I mean, when you first mentioned him, he had nothing but ‘Hanryang’. But now… he’s the first rookie to break into Japan. Honestly, Byung-seon, do you have some sort of ability?”
“Wouldn’t that be nice?”
“Why do all the unique talents you pick always rise to the top? Especially Kang Woojin, it’s really groundbreaking.”
“Woojin is indeed a special case.”
“Just special? Is that enough to describe him? Even I, who has been in the variety show business for over 25 years, have never seen such a character. How can a rookie, not even a year in, cause such a wave in the entertainment industry?”
Even as PD Yoon Byung-seon, with his short hair swept back, got up from the sofa.
“If anyone has an ability, it’s Woojin, not me. You’ll be even more surprised when ‘Our Dining Table’ airs.”
“Why? What else does Kang Woojin have?”
“I’m off-”
As PD Yoon Byung-seon walked away, the variety department director called out to his retreating figure.
“Hey, hey! Have you decided where to do ‘Our Dining Table’ Season 1? In Japan?”
PD Yoon Byung-seon, about to open the door, shook his head.
“No, we’ll start with the United States.”
After he left the director’s office, assistant directors and writers who had been waiting nearby approached him. PD Yoon Byung-seon, pushing up his glasses, gave them direct instructions.
“Let’s have a meeting right away.”
“Yes!”
“And get in touch with the cast members. We need to schedule initial interviews footage for the first episode. Especially confirm Woojin’s availability, okay? He’s likely the busiest.”
“I’ll start scouting restaurants for the shoot.”
“Right, and inform the cast members that Season 1 will be in the US.”
“Yes, yes, have you decided on the types of Korean dishes?”
PD Yoon Byung-seon, pressing the elevator button, replied with a smile.
“How about K-street food, K-bunsik.”
Meanwhile, in Japan.
Near Yūrakuchō Station, close to Tokyo Station. A towering, mostly angular building stood out even from a distance. It was the headquarters of the well-known Kashiwa Group, a major conglomerate.
At the top floor of the Kashiwa Group building.
The corridor leading to the owner’s room, the Chairman’s office, had an air of luxury. Naturally, the office belonged to Chairman Hideki Yoshimura. Recently, having learned about Kang Woojin through his grandson, Chairman Yoshimura’s office was as spacious as a hotel suite.
However, what was unusual was the abundance of books.
Books filled an entire wall, and they overflowed around the large tables and sofas. This showed how much Chairman Yoshimura read.
“Hmm-”
At a large desk near the window, Chairman Yoshimura, with his suit jacket off, was listening to a report from the chief secretary.
“Kang Woojin, whom you asked about, has completed his schedule in Japan and returned to Korea.”
As she reported, with documents to accompany it, Chairman Yoshimura, glasses perched on the tip of his nose, slowly nodded his head.
“It’s a pity. Is there no talk of him coming back to Japan?”
“Not at the moment.”
“I see. Continue.”
The chief secretary, with a neat appearance and her hair tied back, then recited her prepared speech.
“Kang Woojin is currently making a big impact in Korea. He first gained recognition with a short film at his debut, and then his following drama hit a 25% viewership. Next…”
She recounted Kang Woojin’s career from the beginning to the present. Since most of it was already publicized in the media, gathering the information was easy, and she also added how major figures were starting to take interest in Woojin.
“In Japan, ‘Hanryang’ has been launched, and the drama ‘Male Friend’ is upcoming. Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi’s ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ which you’re aware of, is in pre-production. The surge in Kang Woojin’s popularity in Japan is largely due to ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.’”
“Hmm, I see. I also enjoyed reading the book ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.’”
“The issues and topics surrounding Kang Woojin in Korea and Japan are skyrocketing. Especially in Korea, he is dominating.”
As he continued to listen to the report, Chairman Hideki Yoshimura’s expression showed a hint of surprise. Soon, tapping the report with his index finger, he calmly asked the chief secretary.
“All of this happened in less than a year?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Is this common? I find it surprising. Even the models we contract with our headquarters and affiliates usually take at least three to five years to emerge from obscurity.”
“It’s indeed an exceptional case. It may not be certain in Korea, but in Japan, it’s safe to say he’s the first of his kind.”
“Then he must be unique in Korea as well.”
Honestly, Chairman Yoshimura was quite shocked. The filmography of the Korean actor Kang Woojin was extraordinary. Beyond any empathy, from a businessman’s perspective, the speed and results were intriguing.
‘Even though he must have gone through hard times like me – he achieved this much? And he’s so young… Acting, Japanese, Japanese sign language, and even his Youtube channel is mainly about singing. He’s multi-talented. Above all.’
Turning the page of the report, Chairman Yoshimura focused on people related to Kang Woojin.
‘He’s surrounded by outstanding figures, heavyweights, including Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi.’
He came to a realization.
“It’s hard to imagine how much painstaking effort he must have put in.”
“Sir?”
“Nothing. Was there no information regarding sign language?”
“No, Chairman. There was nothing about sign language.”
Changing the subject, Chairman Yoshimura asked about Kang Woojin’s agency.
“This guy’s agency isn’t that big. bw Entertainment?”
“Yes. It’s a relatively new and small company compared to others entertainment companies in Korea.”
“So, it’s a startup.”
“There are only two actors under them: Kang Woojin and the top actress Hong Hye-yeon.”
“Ah, that actress.”
“Yes. However, given the recent success of Kang Woojin and Hong Hye-yeon, the company seems to be aiming for expansion.”
“Oh, is that so? Planning to expand, huh-”
Chairman Yoshimura’s voice trailed off, his eyes glinting with a hint of interest.
“A vessel needs to be big enough to hold more. Look into this more thoroughly.”
“…Understood.”
“Any peculiarities?”
Upon his question, the secretary brought up ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
“It seems to be kept under wraps, but from what I’ve found, there appears to be a problem with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.”
At this, Chairman Yoshimura’s eyes widened in surprise.
“A problem? What kind of problem?”
Suddenly, he thought of his grandson Shingo, precisely recalling a promise to watch ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ together. Chairman Yoshimura’s brows furrowed deeply.
“Could it be a money issue?”
“Exactly. It’s about the investment.”
Chairman Yoshimura’s expression relaxed slightly as he nodded.
“If it’s about money, that’s hardly a problem.”
Meanwhile, in Korea.
The location was a sound studio in Seoul. Not a small one by any means. This was evident in the size of the main recording studio. The front was lined with multiple monitors and screens, various sound equipment, and various control panels with numerous buttons, and dozens of chairs behind the equipment.
Could it accommodate at least 50 people?
Indeed, it could. Currently, over 30 people were seated in the studio. The lighting was dim. In the center chair sat Kang Woojin, the epitome of cynicism as always.
However.
‘I’m so excited!’
Inside, he was filled with excitement. The reason was displayed on the screen in front.
-♬♪
BGM resonated throughout the studio, grand and heavy. Then, white letters appeared on the darkened screen. Numerous names related to investment, and suddenly, the volume of the sound increased. Large letters appeared on the screen. (TL: BGM – Background Music)
-[Drug Dealer]
The title was a mix of black and red, rugged in style. Soon, the title dispersed like smoke, replaced by other ruggedly styled letters.
-[Jin Jae-joon]
The names of the actors.
-[Park Pan-seo]
Following the lead actors’ names, one more actor was listed.
-[And Kang Woojin]
The first preview of ‘Drug Dealer’ began.
*******
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