What’s that supposed to mean? It was Kang Woojin’s honest feeling. Why is the Academy Awards coming up out of nowhere? It would surely be similar even if it wasn’t Kang Woojin. There was no explanation given before and after.
‘Is the Academy Award currently impossible? No, isn’t it always impossible there??’
Naturally, Kang Woojin was somewhat aware of the Oscars or the Academy Awards. It was common knowledge. Well, it’s still similar now, but anyway, he had seen it in past articles.
Of course, all related to Korea.
A Korean Hollywood actor receiving an award at the Academy Awards, or a Korean movie performing well in Cannes and then being nominated for the Academy Awards after being released overseas. Woojin’s memory wasn’t wrong. There actually were Korean movies invited to the Academy Awards in the history of Korean cinema.
Just two works.
One in 2010, and another in 2015. The commonality between these two works was that they were recognized at two of the world’s three major international film festivals, Cannes and Venice Film Festival. Later, they were nominated as preliminary candidates for the Academy Awards but, unfortunately, they were eliminated during the official candidate selection process.
Regardless, being a preliminary candidate was a first for Korea.
And despite the efforts of many Korean directors, that record has still not been broken. One thing was clear to Kang Woojin.
‘The Academy Awards are just an insanely awesome place, right? Isn’t even imagining about it supposed to cost money? A place like fantasy.’
The Academy Awards were indeed a ceremony that existed in another world. Therefore, even though Woojin became an actor, he had never thought about it. Well, it would likely remain the same going forward. It was too far-fetched.
So, Choi Sung-gun’s words were.
‘And the Oscars are currently impossible.’
It was absurd yet obvious. Thanks to this, Woojin felt a bit silly but decided to thicken his concept act. He couldn’t appear weak, so he added a suitable amount of pretense. Yeah, it’s a predetermined response, but a bit of showing off wouldn’t be bad, right?
“Of course, it would be difficult this year.”
The answers that followed from Choi Sung-gun were enough to confuse Woojin.
“Were you aiming for the Oscars from the start? I feel slighted. You should’ve given me a hint about that crazy plan, so I could’ve prepared myself mentally. It’s enough to give someone a heart attack.”
What in the world are you talking about? Woojin’s whole body was wrapped in extreme confusion for the first time in a while. When did I ever aim for the Academy Awards? I don’t understand at all?
This feeling was similar to when the snowball of misunderstanding starts rolling.
‘Where? Exactly where did this misunderstanding come from?’
Unlike usual, the current misunderstanding was too massive. But he couldn’t think of any section that led to this. After all, the words ‘Academy Awards’ or ‘Oscars’ had never come out of Woojin’s mouth.
At this moment, Choi Sung-gun sighed deeply and continued speaking.
“Whew- Director Ahn Ga-bok… His insight is terrifying. He’s only seen you for a few days, yet he understands your feelings.”
Who? That old grandpa? Why is he mentioned here? Woojin asked quietly, filled with question marks.
“…I didn’t mention it to him.”
“Well, but you would have indirectly hinted at it with your personality. I feel somewhat sorry now. I should have noticed sooner; guess I still have a long way to go.”
By now, Woojin realized. He didn’t know how it all came about, but the source of the misunderstanding was because of that old grandpa. It was awkward to even ask about the process. Moreover, Choi Sung-gun seemed to be confirming something with Woojin’s responses just now.
‘Ah, whatever. Pretending to be tough suits the concept better here. Just go along with it, after all, the Academy Awards or whatever it’s a long way off anyway.’
Well, what’s wrong with having a grand goal for once? It’s just a misunderstanding anyway. As usual, Woojin chose to go straight forward without looking back, gracefully accepting the ambiguous misunderstanding and confusion. Correcting it seemed pointless and bothersome.
“It’s okay, it was just my own thought.”
Watching Woojin calmly respond, Choi Sung-gun scratched the back of his head.
“Let’s just keep this matter between you and me. Director Ahn Ga-bok won’t talk about it anywhere, he wouldn’t have gotten to his position if he was loose-lipped.”
“Yes, CEO~nim.”
“Anyway, phew- if that was your plan all along, you would know, but with your current status, the Academy Awards are difficult. It’s a different league compared to debuting in Japan. No, it might as well be a different planet.”
“…I know.”
“Yeah, well, since you’re a professional, I guess there’s no need to explain about the Academy Awards.”
No, I desperately need it. But Choi Sung-gun had no way of knowing Woojin’s true feelings.
“You might be thinking about designing your resume, but honestly, there’s nothing like Cannes for making a splash in Hollywood in a short period. The other route is auditioning in Hollywood, which is harder than finding a needle in a haystack, just look at Ha Yu-ra spinning around and then returning to Korea for the answer.”
“……”
“Starting from the bottom is also a problem. It will take at least 3 years. On the other hand, using Cannes as a stepping stone can pave a shortcut. Of course, achieving something in Cannes is extremely tough.”
Woojin silently stored the new information he heard in his mind. So, it’s like opting for chicken when you can’t have pheasant? He roughly understood the system. In the meantime, Choi Sung-gun asked Woojin.
“Do you have a different route in mind? Or… do you have connections in Hollywood?”
Not at all. He had only seen America on TV; what could he possibly have in Hollywood? However, he couldn’t just say that, so Woojin beat around the bush.
“What makes you think so?”
“Um- First off, Director Ahn Ga-bok has offered himself as that stepping stone. It’s like he’s clinging to you. He called me personally yesterday to request a meeting. He wants to meet in person and hand over the script.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. Honestly, it’s the first time Director Ahn Ga-bok has moved like this. He said he needs you, mentioned something about sign language, so it seems like this project might include a sign language scene.”
Sign language? Woojin inwardly tilted his head when Choi Sung-gun continued.
“Of course, if you don’t like Director Ahn Ga-bok, you can gently refuse. No matter what anyone says, I’m on your side. But if you’re too blatant about it, that’s another story; we’ll need to strategize. However, the film company or other organizations involved with Director Ahn Ga-bok are experts in the international field. They’re top-notch in terms of experience and achievements domestically.”
“I see.”
“How about meeting once and looking at the script? It would be good to go along with the stepping stone story Director Ahn Ga-bok offered.”
Well, that wasn’t difficult. While it was true that Woojin was wary of Director Ahn Ga-bok, the situation seemed to suggest that simply ignoring it wasn’t the answer.
‘If I can beat that old grandpa, that’s the end of it, right? It’s also a chance to practice acting the concept.’
If he could rise by stepping on a max-level veteran, Kang Woojin’s core would undoubtedly be protected like a fortress.
‘I’m curious about the script, too. How would a script written by the legend of Korean cinema turn out?’
Then, Woojin slowly nodded and answered confidently.
“Understood, please arrange the meeting.”
Choi Sung-gun gave a thumbs up and opened his diary.
“Okay.”
Quietly, Woojin took out his phone and secretly searched for the Academy Awards. Among the flood of information, he read a page about the history of the Academy Awards and exclaimed inwardly.
‘Crazy! Is this really possible??’
Even he thought it looked impossible.
At the same time, in Tokyo, Japan.
The location was a grand hotel. Even now, a crowd was visible in one of the hotel’s halls where about a dozen people were gathered. Leading them was an old man with a familiar face.
It was Chairman Hideki, in a neat suit with white hairs mixed in his eyebrows.
“Hmm-”
Beside him stood the chief secretary Lili, her long hair tied in a single line, looking as clean-cut as ever today. Behind them were the secretarial office and various staff members. It was natural. After all, this hotel belonged to the Kashiwa Group.
Meaning, it was Chairman Hideki’s property.
Then, Chairman Hideki, resembling an old lion, slowly surveyed the interior of the vast hall. His hands were in his pocket, but his eyes were sharply focused. The hall he was looking at used to serve a similar purpose to a banquet hall.
It had changed a lot.
The setting was more formal than a party venue. Business-like, perhaps? With a square-shaped table in the center, surrounded by about a hundred chairs, etc. Of course, the chairs in this hall all looked expensive. Chairman Hideki, who was quietly surveying the hall, slowly moved.
-Swish.
He silently touched the square-shaped table in front of him with his finger, checking the cleanliness. Yet, he spoke in a scratchy voice.
“Is there anything else needed?”
The one who immediately responded to the spoken Japanese was Chief Secretary Lili. She approached with a click-clack of her heels and answered Chairman Hideki.
“Yes, Chairman. We’ve prepared everything after discussing with the ‘Toega’ film company in advance.”
“A script reading doesn’t require as much preparation as I thought. Make sure there are enough seats, so you don’t have rush to prepare on the day.”
“Understood.”
Soon, Chairman Hideki pulled out a chair and sat down. At a glance, it seemed he just sat down, but internally, he was testing the convenience of the prepared chairs. Not bad, as Chairman Hideki slowly crossed his legs and asked again.
“How many people. How many are coming for the reading?”
Chief Secretary Lili, who slightly bowed, answered quickly.
“The original author Akari Takikawa, Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi including the production team of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, the cast, the staff of the actors, film company officials, journalists, and others, about 200 people are expected to attend.”
“That’s quite a lot.”
“Given the scale of the movie ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, it’s understandable.”
Chairman Hideki, who slowly nodded, looked around the hall again and chuckled.
“Having the reading in this hotel will excite the media again.”
“Yes. It will add fuel to the fire regarding the relationship between ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ and us.”
“Hmm-”
Chairman Hideki, who hummed, stood up from the chair and slowly strolled through the hall, followed by Chief Secretary Lili. With about a dozen employees now at a distance, Chairman Hideki’s wrinkled mouth opened again.
“How is Kang Woojin these days?”
“After the success of ‘Male Friend’, the movie ‘Drug Dealer’ in which he starred has recently been a big hit in Korea.”
“Oh? Seems like he’s been growing steadily since he returned to Korea.”
“Not only that, but his Youtube channel and SNS have also grown significantly compared to the past. It’s being called an unprecedented event in Korea within a year.”
After finishing the report, Lili handed over a transparent file she had been holding to Chairman Hideki. Naturally, it was a research document related to Kang Woojin.
-Flap.
Chairman Hideki, who silently reviewed the contents, murmured softly.
“Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi said so. He owes a debt of gratitude to Kang Woojin.”
“What?”
“Me too. It’s peculiar, how such an actor can spread his grace in a foreign country in such a short moment.”
Lili stopped in her tracks, puzzled by what she heard. Then, Chairman Hideki, who had closed the transparent file, muttered to himself.
“I’m somewhat looking forward to seeing him in person.”
Chairman Hideki’s deep gaze lifted and met Lili’s.
“This ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ matter has had the effect of branded content, hasn’t it?”
“It is currently in progress.”
“If the awareness in Korea and Japan is this much, it seems we’ve gained some justification. Check the positions for advertisement models among our affiliated companies and propose them.”
Of course, he was talking about Kang Woojin.
Meanwhile, at ‘Toega’ film company in Tokyo.
A production meeting led by Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi was in full swing at ‘Toega’, the film company behind ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. People sat around Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi at the head of the U-shaped table.
The atmosphere seemed to be wrapping up, indicating the meeting had progressed quite a bit.
“Wow- I never thought we’d do the script reading at that top-tier hotel.”
“Right, I totally thought it would be at our film company. That place is usually reserved for tycoons’ parties, isn’t it?”
“Not only that, but big corporations also host their lavish events here. Our movie’s script reading is the first of its kind. No, there might not be such an event again in the future.”
“This will stir up the media once it gets out.”
“Of course, especially with the current buzz around our movie and the Kashiwa Group’s relationship. But I wonder if a script reading needs to be this luxurious.”
“Hahaha, what’s wrong with that? It creates an issue and benefits us. It also gives the actors a boost. But do you think Hideki Yoshimura, the chairman, will come on the day of the script reading?”
“Doubt it- that would be unlikely.”
“Right, he probably won’t come, will he?”
At this point, Director Kyotaro steered the conversation back on track.
“Let’s save the admiration for later. Let’s quickly inform the actors about the decisions made today. Especially about the location and date of the script reading.”
“What if someone says they can’t make it on November 16th?”
“It could be changed by a day or two, but it’ll be fine.”
“Understood, I’ll immediately notify the actors that the script reading is confirmed for the 16th.”
Director Kyotaro nodded and specifically emphasized one actor.
“Notify Kang Woojin first, since he’s the farthest away.”
The script reading for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was set for next Monday.
The next day, November 11th morning, at bw Entertainment.
It was around 8 o’clock. Since it wasn’t the usual office hours yet, bw Entertainment was quiet. No employees had arrived yet. However, the desks without employees looked like a battlefield, as if a typhoon had swept through.
Yet, there was some noise in bw Entertainment for a reason.
“Sorry for the early morning.”
“No, it’s fine, Director~nim.”
In the CEO’s office, Kang Woojin and Director Ahn Ga-bok with short white hair were sitting across from each other. Of course, the film company’s CEO and Choi Sung-gun were also present.
There were a total of 4 people.
It was a modest gathering, but the stack of papers Director Ahn Ga-bok offered held significant meaning.
“It was too abrupt in Danang. Before we get into details, take a look at this first.”
-Swish.
It was the script for Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th movie. Soon, Choi Sung-gun, whose eyes followed the stack of papers handed to Woojin, swallowed hard.
‘That’s the- stepping stone.’
On the other hand.
“Yes, Director~nim. Thank you.”
Woojin’s face was the epitome of calmness as he received the script. Indeed, it was Kang Woojin, always composed.
‘This grandfather is straightforward, handing over the script right away.’
From Danang, Director Ahn Ga-bok was not seen as a veteran giant but merely the grandfather next door to Kang Woojin. And now, an old grandpa was added.
Well, it was the power of mind control.
Anyway, Woojin checked the cover of the script with an indifferent face. Since it was a draft, only the title was written.
-‘Leech‘
The title of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th movie was ‘Leech’. However, Woojin saw something else besides the title. What could it be? A swirling black square next to the script.
Unaware of this, Director Ahn Ga-bok spoke.
“You can skim through it if you like.”
Already turning the first page, Woojin secretly raised his index finger. He had entered the void space.
After a brief moment.
To Director Ahn Ga-bok, looking at Woojin across, it was only tens of seconds, but for Kang Woojin, there was a disparity of at least 10 minutes. Soon, as Woojin’s face became serious, Director Ahn Ga-bok slightly tilted his head in curiosity.
“Why. Is there a part you don’t like?”
“……”
Woojin, remaining silent, inwardly sighed heavily.
‘No, but- seriously, starting with an S-grade??’
At that moment.
-Wooong, wooong.
Next to Kang Woojin, Choi Sung-gun’s phone emitted a long vibration, and he flinched slightly, bowing his head as he stood up from his seat. Stepping out of the CEO’s office, he checked the caller.
It was the head of the PR team.
“Ah, Team Leader.”
The voice of the team leader on the other end of the phone was extremely excited.
“CEO~nim!! You need to see this article that just came out!!”
Then, the team leader sent a link to Choi Sung-gun’s KakaoTalk. The title of the article that appeared was striking.
『[Exclusive] ‘Monster Rookie’ Kang Woojin, Turns Out to Have a 1-Year Contract with bw Entertainment… Entering the FA Market Early Next Year?』(TL: FA Market = Free Agent Market)
Upon checking the article, Choi Sung-gun’s eyes dilated in shock.
“This, this is crazy!!”
However, at this moment, Choi Sung-gun wasn’t the only one whose eyes nearly popped out at the same article.
“CEO~nim!! Have you seen the article about Kang Woojin’s 1-year contract??!”
“What?? A 1-year contract? What kind of nonsense is that?”
“The article has been published!! But the content doesn’t seem like mere gossip!! Kang Woojin might be available for recruitment early next year!”
“Does that even make sense… Wait!! I’ll check the article and call you right back!!”
Entertainment companies nationwide began to stir.
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