Genuinely, Kang Woojin had no idea who the Japanese elderly man standing in front of him was. There was a certain aura about him, but it was ambiguous.
‘Sigh – Seems familiar, but I don’t know.’
The vibe was somewhat similar to Director Ahn Ga-bok, but the scent emitted was rougher from this grandpa. Woojin came to a rough conclusion.
‘Is he someone from the production team? Like a director of photography? Is that why he’s been waiting for me?’
It was a clear mistake, but Kang Woojin’s recognition wasn’t strange at all. Chairman Hideki was famous in Japan, but utterly unfamiliar to Kang Woojin. It was natural for only a few in Korea to know Chairman Hideki, not the general public. However, Kang Woojin had definitely seen Chairman Hideki before.
He might not remember, but Woojin had seen a photo of Chairman Hideki in a past article.
It was when ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was in crisis and then miraculously recovered. During the time ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was a hot topic in both Japan and Korea, Kang Woojin had also briefly seen Chairman Hideki’s face. However, it was seen so fleetingly that it didn’t deeply imprint in his mind.
In contrast, Choi Sung-gun, standing behind Woojin, had his eyes wide open. He recognized Chairman Hideki precisely.
‘Crazy. Chairman Hideki Yoshimura. This guy actually came??’
Choi Sung-gun was Kang Woojin’s main manager and a businessman. He knew Chairman Hideki even before the Kashiwa Group got involved with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. Of course, this was the first time he had faced him.
‘I was skeptical when they said they’d do the script reading at this hotel – I never imagined Chairman Hideki would actually show up.’
Here, Choi Sung-gun felt a bit of certainty. Maybe the Kashiwa Group was indeed the main investor that saved ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. It wasn’t officially announced yet, but there was some connection between Chairman Hideki and ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, whether it be through Director Kyotaro or Writer Akari.
‘The very fact that the script reading is happening at a hotel owned by the Kashiwa Group… But waiting for Woojin? For what reason?’
Soon.
-Swish.
Kang Woojin, who perceived Chairman Hideki as some kind of director, slightly bowed his head, and low Japanese words came out of his mouth.
“I’m sorry, as I mentioned, I was held up at the airport. Nice to meet you, I’m Kang Woojin.”
The surrounding actors and staff murmured at his fluent Japanese.
“…He speaks Japanese better than I thought?”
“Right? I wouldn’t have known he’s Korean if he hadn’t said so.”
Although they had seen Woojin’s Japanese on the ‘Ame-talk Show!’ and various videos, witnessing it directly showcased his skills beyond imagination. Kang Woojin felt somewhat pressured by the situation. Everyone was watching him and the elder in front of him. The reporters entering were busy taking photos. Later, the articles would probably just mention the meeting between Kang Woojin and Chairman Hideki.
Then.
“Hmm.”
Chairman Hideki, stroking his chin, showed a wrinkled smile and said to Kang Woojin.
“You seem to be even more fluent in Japanese than what I saw on TV. I saw you doing sign language.”
Sign language? Ah- Did he watch the ‘Ame-talk Show!’? Kang Woojin responded appropriately.
“Thank you.”
Then, Chairman Hideki took a step closer to Woojin and lowered his voice so that those around could barely hear.
“My grandson is a big fan of Kang Woojin~ssi. So much so that it has become a dream.”
“…Is that so?”
“Kang Woojin~ssi changed my grandson’s life.”
Chairman Hideki suddenly brought up his grandson. Then he showed a warm smile to Woojin.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. That child is everything to me.”
What, suddenly? Kang Woojin was internally flustered. Without any prior explanation, he couldn’t grasp the context. However, he didn’t ask further. He felt no need to delve deeper. While they were conversing, Director Kyotaro, scratching his gray hair, subtly joined in.
“Woojin~ssi, this is Chairman Hideki Yoshimura of the Kashiwa Group.”
Normally, the introduction would have been as the main investor of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, but with many watching, Director Kyotaro had to alter his words. Officially revealing it was Chairman Hideki’s job.
“He has rented out this hotel for us.”
As soon as Woojin heard the word “Kashiwa Group”, something flashed through his mind, and Choi Sung-gun, standing behind him, whispered closely. It was then that Kang Woojin realized the grandpa standing in front of him was the owner of a Japanese conglomerate.
‘Wow- Yes, right! I saw it in the articles!’
So what? Even though he clearly recognized the grandpa’s identity, Woojin’s excitement wasn’t that great. After all, it’s not like he was going to see him continuously; it was just a bit fascinating. Around this time, Director Kyotaro gestured to Woojin.
“Woojin~ssi, you should start by greeting the actors.”
“Understood, then.”
Chairman Hideki leisurely said to Kang Woojin.
“I’m looking forward to your performance today.”
“Thank you.”
As Woojin turned around after the farewell greeting, he heard Choi Sung-gun’s whisper.
“I’ll also move to the back.”
Around the time Choi Sung-gun was distancing from Woojin, Chairman Hideki, Director Kyotaro, and Writer Akari were posing for the reporters. Flashes burst like lightning, and Kang Woojin took in the entirety of the hall.
‘It’s huge.’
Big enough to easily accommodate hundreds of people. In the middle, there was a rectangular table. As Woojin checked the name tags on the rectangular table for the script reading, he saw:
-[Role of Iyota Kiyoshi / Kang Woojin]
His name written in Japanese. The first seat next to the head of the table. Then, he checked the actors gathered around. A man with a headband, a woman with big eyes, a woman with long hair, a man with perfect facial features, a woman with a small face, and so on. At least a dozen actors were all looking at Kang Woojin.
It felt strange. But it wasn’t uncomfortable.
Soon, Kang Woojin slightly bowed to the actors.
“Hello, I’m Kang Woojin.”
The Japanese actors also politely greeted Kang Woojin in their natural Japanese.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Mana Kosaku.”
“I’ve wanted to see you! I’m Mifuyu Uramatsu!!”
“Nice to meet you. My name is Ogimoto Yasutaro.”
“You’re really good at Japanese. I enjoyed ‘Male Friend’, I’m Sonamura Kimiko.”
·
·
·
Many Japanese names were thrown around. They seemed to know each other well, but in this hall, Kang Woojin was the stranger. He was familiar with the top actors from Korea, but realizing it was impossible to remember all these Japanese actors’ names.
‘Yeah, just focus on acting. When would I memorize all that.’
After finishing greetings with the main actors, Woojin also greeted the supporting actors and then.
-Click.
He took his seat. He didn’t particularly continue conversations with the actors. His mind was preoccupied. Focusing on the concept was the priority. The Japanese top actors, even as they moved to their seats, whispered among themselves.
“Kang Woojin~ssi seems quite reticent.”
“Or maybe he hasn’t adapted yet.”
“Ah- It’s awkward, since we’re all Japanese.”
“He seems nervous, what if he messes up his lines?”
“Is it because he’s still in his first year? It’s fascinating but worrying.”
“The acting he showed in ‘Hanryang’ and ‘Male Friend’ was good.”
“But it’s his first time acting in Japanese, and above all, he’s too nervous.”
The actress who introduced herself as Mifuyu Uramatsu, with big eyes, tilted her head in confusion.
“Eh- Nervous? Does everyone see it that way? I don’t. Someone nervous wouldn’t be able to produce such a cool voice.”
“Ha, Mifuyu. Did you come to the script reading to find your ideal type?”
“That’s not it. I’m saying Kang Woojin~ssi’s tone of voice doesn’t have any tremble! Even his hands aren’t shaking!”
“If that’s the case, it’s a relief but-”
Then.
“Everyone.”
After finishing talking with Chairman Hideki, Director Kyotaro addressed everyone gathered in the hall.
“We’ll start in 10 minutes after getting organized, please go to the bathroom now if you need.”
‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’s script reading was ignited.
A little while later.
Before long, the over a hundred people scattered around had found their seats. Director Kyotaro and Writer Akari were seated at the head of the table, with dozens of actors on either side, and the staff, production team, associates, and reporters wrapping around the rectangular table.
By the way.
“……”
Chairman Hideki had taken a seat where he could clearly see Kang Woojin’s face, and Choi Sung-gun had perched himself on a chair towards the back of Woojin’s head.
The atmosphere was solemn.
Breaking that solemnity.
-Click.
“Hello, I am Kyotaro Tanoguchi, the director of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. Please take care of me.”
It was the master Director Kyotaro from Japan, and he turned his gaze to Writer Akari sitting to his left. Her introduction followed.
“Hello. I’m overwhelmed to see the characters of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, which I wrote with my life on the line, in front of me. Thank you, everyone.”
Akari Takikawa, a world-renowned writer, sincerely bowed her head. Then, Director Kyotaro turned his gaze to the actor sitting right in front of him to his right. It was Kang Woojin.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Kang Woojin, playing the role of Iyota Kiyoshi.”
His Japanese was fluent but brief and clear. Choi Sung-gun, sitting in the back, was moved.
‘Wow- Kang Woojin is the first to be introduced, bypassing all these renowned actors in Japan. Impressive.’
It was a moment that confirmed how much Director Kyotaro cherished Woojin. The role of Iyota Kiyoshi was also a very important character.
Anyway.
“I’m Mana Kosaku, playing ‘Yoshizawa Mochio’. Please take care of me.”
“Hellooo- I’m Mifuyu Uramatsu, playing ‘Horinochi Amie’!!”
“I’m Sonamura Kimiko, playing the role of ‘Iiya Saki’.”
The introductions of the actors and the applause continued on. ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, having received a substantial investment, featured many actors, including top and A-list actors. The actor introductions alone lasted over 30 minutes. At the end.
-Swish.
A short-haired actress at the very end of the table shyly stood up to introduce herself.
“Ah, hello. My name is Kimi Nakajo, playing the role of ‘Misaki Toka’ and I will learn a lot from it. Please take care of me.”
An actor who seemed to lack confidence, with pale skin and somewhat of a newcomer vibe. Indeed, Kimi Nakajo was a rookie, in her second year since debut, gaining considerable popularity in Japan. Thanks to an intense audition, Kimi managed to land the role of ‘Misaki Toka’.
‘Misaki Toka’ was a character of lesser importance but significantly crucial in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’.
She would trigger the character Kang Woojin was playing, ‘Iyota Kiyoshi’. From the scene where Toka takes her own life, Kiyoshi begins to compile a list for vengeance. Kimi was exploding with nervousness.
‘Phew- I finished the greeting well.’
Everyone around her was a senior, and the director and writer were legendary figures, not to mention about a hundred associates around. She wanted to run away right then and there.
That moment.
‘…Huh?’
Kimi was slightly surprised as she looked up. Why? Because Kang Woojin, seated in the very front, was looking at her. Their eyes met. Most of Kimi’s acting would be alongside Kang Woojin. Hence, Kimi was very interested in Kang Woojin, the Korean actor. She had seen ‘Male Friend’ and ‘Hanryang’ as well.
The conclusion was that he was impressive. Kimi felt so.
Even though this Korean actor was only in his first year, the gap between them felt vast. Kang Woojin was the lead actor seated right next to Director Kyotaro, and Kimi was at the very end, in a minor or supporting role. Why was Kang Woojin paying attention to someone who hardly received any attention?
‘What, what do I do? Should I greet him?’
While the actor introductions continued, Kimi awkwardly bowed to Woojin, who lightly acknowledged her. But then.
‘Why…the gaze.’
Kimi felt that Kang Woojin’s eyes looking at her were empty. It was a nonchalant gaze that seemed devoid of emotion. An indescribable expression. Why was this Korean actor looking at her with such a face?
Disregard? Or pity?
That’s when it happened.
-Flap.
“Let’s begin.”
Director Kyotaro’s solemn Japanese spread throughout the reading hall. Consequently, not only Writer Akari but all the actors unfolded their scripts. The narration and progression were naturally handled by Director Kyotaro.
“S#1. Inside a classroom, several students are bullying a male student. However, the face of the male student lying on the floor is stoic.”
In the script, there are quite a few scenes initially where many students bully ‘Iyota Kiyoshi’. This part is essential for building Kiyoshi’s narrative, but since there are no sound effects or extras during the reading, Director Kyotaro appropriately handled it through narration. Thus, Kang Woojin’s early scenes were also skipped.
In between, the main actors’ lines were briefly continued.
“Hey- Kiyoshi! Stand up straight, straight up.”
Along with the dialogue, the characters’ names were also known through the narration. The real conflict begins with the appearance of the transfer student, Misaki Toka.
“S#18. Misaki Toka, breaking through the crowded students, shouts intensely at everyone.”
It was Kimi’s turn, and after swallowing her saliva, she shouted out loud.
“Stop it! Don’t do it, do you guys find this fun?”
Toka then speaks to Kiyoshi.
“Are you okay?”
Now it was Kang Woojin’s turn. Kimi turned her head to meet Woojin’s gaze at the very front. At the same time.
“!!!”
She felt it.
The gaze. The gaze Woojin had now was the same as the one he had when he looked at her earlier. Emptiness, a void where nothing could be seen. That’s right, Kang Woojin wasn’t ignoring Kimi.
‘…Was he Kiyoshi from the start? Was he looking at me as Toka, through Kiyoshi’s eyes?’
He had been Kiyoshi from the beginning. Thinking about it, Kang Woojin’s desolate gaze was no different from Kiyoshi’s. Exactly like the ‘Stranger’ in the script. No, even more vivid. Kimi felt chills down her arms and a coldness down her spine.
‘But, how so quickly? Without anyone noticing??’
When? When exactly had he become Kiyoshi?
The answer was simple.
“……”
The Kang Woojin who was intently looking at Kimi had been Kiyoshi long before the actor introductions were made. For him, the hundred or so staff members and production team had already been erased. There was no Chairman Hideki or Director Kyotaro. There was only a classroom filled with severe bullying and a world filled with villains.
But it was okay. It wasn’t painful. Woojin was merely existing here. His heart was dead.
The dozens of actors and the hundred or so people present couldn’t have noticed. Surely, the scent was Kiyoshi’s, but Kiyoshi was a character with nothing. Rather, if those around had noticed, it meant he hadn’t properly portrayed Kiyoshi.
Kang Woojin was presently the embodiment of Kiyoshi.
With unflinching eyes and thoughtless movements, Kang Woojin looked at Kimi at the end of the room. Only one thing was visible in his empty gaze.
Curiosity.
“I’m fine.”
Why is this woman protecting me?
It was this moment. When Kang Woojin. No, when Kiyoshi’s first voice spread throughout the hall, starting with Director Kyotaro.
‘There was nothing carried in it, not a hint of emotion in the dialogue. The lack of emotion is Kiyoshi’s emotion. How can he make such a nuanced expression so effortlessly?’
Both the wide-eyed Writer Akari and others were shocked.
‘…My heart is trembling. To see Kiyoshi, right before my eyes.’
The Japanese actors widened their eyes as they looked at Kang Woojin, noticing the presence of Kiyoshi. Woojin was looking at Kimi, who was seated at the end. However, it was unclear why he was looking.
Kiyoshi slightly tilted his head.
It was strange. Although his eyes, nose, lips, and even his breathing were all functioning normally, Kang Woojin felt an odd dryness coursing through his body. Then, Toka asked Kiyoshi.
“Do you want to eat lunch together?”
Kiyoshi simply replied.
“If it’s okay with you.”
“Of course, it’s okay! Let’s go to the rooftop.”
“Alright.”
Even as he spoke, Kang Woojin continued to gaze endlessly at Toka.
“Ah! Kiyoshi, don’t you have a lunchbox? Do you usually just eat bread?”
“Usually, yes.”
“Do you want to try my lunchbox?”
“I will.”
There’s no purpose, no affection. But Kiyoshi responds. He talks to Toka. He looks at her directly. Gradually, the Japanese actors watching Woojin began to feel a sense of alienation. Some were shocked.
Mana Kosaku, who had tied her long hair with a headband and was sitting across from Kang Woojin, felt this way.
‘How can…’
It wasn’t a matter of control or restraint. This newcomer actor from Korea.
‘How can an actor eliminate their emotions?’
He deliberately removed all his emotions.
*****
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