Afternoon arrived before anyone knew it. It was time to get off work. However, the boiling lava showed no signs of cooling down.
Naturally, it was all about Kang Woojin.
His name, along with Hwalin’s and the assailant’s, could be heard on various news outlets and even on the radio.
“Shall we start with some refreshing news today!”
“Ha-ha, Kang Woojin ssi?”
“No – I thought I was watching a movie! He’s a real hero, a hero.”
“Who knows? Maybe some director will take that scene and turn it into a movie?”
“I wonder if Woojin knows about all this commotion in the country? He’s in America right now.”
“Kang Woojin and his agency are still quiet, as is Hwalin.”
“Man, when Woojin returns to Korea, there’s going to be an explosion of advertisement deals and various offers.”
“Isn’t that already happening?”
“It’s going to increase even more.”
The original video had already saturated the community that released it, and it spread to many more communities through shares of shares.
Around this time, there was an official announcement from Kang Woojin’s agency, bw Entertainment.
『[Official] ‘Hero’ Kang Woojin’s agency bw Entertainment: ‘It’s all true, Kang Woojin wanted to keep it hidden, considering Hwalin’s condition.’』
『bw Entertainment posts on official website, Kang Woojin did ‘what was natural.’』
The fervor reignited. Consequently, Kang Woojin’s SNS was also in turmoil.
-@Wooji_n
Posts: 189
Followers: 10.193 million
Following: 21
Kang Woojin’s YouTube channel ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ saw a massive influx of fans.
[Channel Name: Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego]
[Subscribers: 7.74 million]
[Videos: 31]
The phrase “skyrocketing” doesn’t even begin to cover it. The comments were filled with Korean, Japanese, and English, bustling with activity. Kang Woojin’s fan club, ‘Kang’s Heart,’ was no exception. But the lava didn’t erupt only in Korea. Kang Woojin’s fan club wasn’t just in Korea, after all.
『Hwalin saved by ‘Kang Woojin,’ the tale of a hero spreads beyond Korea to Japan』
It was indeed Japan. Japan had already been ablaze with Hwalin’s incident. Then, Woojin’s Japanese fan club ‘KWJ Aishiteru’ poured oil on the fire.
『Was ‘Kang Woojin’ the one who subdued the assailant who attacked Hwalin?』
The first share was fired off by ‘KWJ Aishiteru.’
As a result, thanks to the Japanese media and outlets that bit the bait, Kang Woojin’s dashcam video.
『Video uploaded on ‘Kang Woojin’s domestic fan club site reveals……』
『SNS erupts with ‘Kang Woojin’ dashcam video, Kang Woojin already tops SNS search rankings』
spread across Japan.
Later that day, in the late afternoon.
The time was just past 8 o’clock. The location was a large, famous hotel in Seoul. The area around the hotel was packed with people. There were quite a few reporters out in the lobby and along the road in front of the hotel. They were busy filming vans pulling out or crowding around celebrities for interviews.
Inside the hotel’s banquet hall, however, it was quieter than outside. But the number of people gathered was more than double.
There were at least 50 celebrities, including top actors, famous directors, PDs, and other entertainment industry insiders. Journalists and broadcasting team members were also present. The atmosphere of this banquet hall reminded one of a high-end party. It was indeed one. It was an after-party organized by the Korea Actors Association following the ‘Night of the Stars’ awards ceremony that started in the late afternoon.
-♬♪
Violin music filled the entire banquet hall, and there were round tables and long desks everywhere. Of course, they were set with various champagnes, wines, and gourmet party foods and refreshments. Everyone was busy drinking and engaging in conversations.
Familiar faces were spotted among the crowd.
Director Kim Do-hee, who set an unprecedented record with the R-rated movie ‘Drug Dealer,’ actors Jin Jae-jun and Park Pan-seo from ‘Drug Dealer,’ as well as the film’s cinematographer and music director, were also present. Naturally, ‘Drug Dealer’ received many awards at today’s ceremony, and they were strong contenders for major awards at upcoming ceremonies beyond the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
As a result, many people were gathered around the ‘Drug Dealer’ team.
“Ha-ha-ha, Director Kim Do-hee~nim, congratulations. You won two awards here alone, and if you count the Blue Dragon, Grand Bell, and Baeksang Awards, you’ll win more than 10 this year, right?”
“Amazing, really amazing. Well, the movie was killer. You must be getting a ton of contacts from film companies, right??”
“Not just contacts? An R-rated movie attracted 8 million viewers! Ha-ha-ha.”
Reporters and various officials lavished insane amounts of praise on Director Kim Do-hee. Well, given the results, it was a predictable scene. Meanwhile, Director Kim Do-hee, still with her permed hair, said,
“Ah- yes, thank you. It’s all a bit overwhelming.”
Her reaction was mechanical, but she seemed uncomfortable in her surroundings. She had attended film festivals before, but she wasn’t used to after-parties like this,
Thanks to that.
“Ah, excuse me, I need to take a call.”
Director Kim Do-hee, who had been caught up with many people, moved away pretending to take a call. Her destination was a slightly secluded spot. The art director and cinematographer followed her. Soon after.
“Director~nim.”
The main actors of ‘Drug Dealer’ who had been talking with other actors joined the group. It was Jin Jae-jun and Park Pan-seo, who played ‘Jeong Seong-hoon’ and ‘Professor Kim’. The one who started the conversation was Park Pan-seo, the eldest in the team in his late fifties, who had unbuttoned his suit jacket.
“I think we’ve made enough of an appearance by now. Thinking of heading out.”
Jin Jae-jun, with his sharp features, was quick to respond.
“Are you leaving, senior?”
Director Kim Do-hee, looking exhausted, caught the end of his words.
“Yes, go ahead. I was thinking of making my escape within 10 minutes too.”
Park Pan-seo chuckled and scanned the noisy banquet hall before speaking again.
“Anyway, this place hasn’t changed, past or present. I can ignore the atmosphere, but it’s ridiculous that Woojin’s name isn’t on the list of winners.”
Director Kim Do-hee sighed as if in agreement.
“Phew- Even if they say there are no awards for newcomers or anything for new talents… It’s a bit off not to mention him at all.”
“Hmm, looks like there’s no reason to come next year.”
“Well, this place is more of a party than an awards ceremony anyway. Just let it slide. The main film festivals at the end of the year are the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell anyway.”
“Isn’t it about time they announce the full list of nominees for those two festivals?”
“Ah! It should be out this week. Rumor has it that Woojin’s name is mentioned quite a bit in both festivals’ offices.”
“Rightly so. Why invite trouble by ignoring him.”
As Kang Woojin’s name came up, the conversation became more animated, especially for Director Kim Do-hee.
“Ah, senior. Did you see Woojin’s dashcam video released this morning?”
“Of course, I saw it. Who hasn’t seen the issue that made the news?”
Jin Jae-jun, the cinematographer, and the art director also joined in.
“Everyone here is busy talking about Woojin too. I just came from there talking about Woojin.”
“Me too. Journalists initially brought up ‘Drug Dealer,’ but smoothly transitioned to ‘Lee Sang-man’ stories and then to Woojin.”
“It’s unavoidable since it blew up this morning. But really, Woojin is endlessly making headlines. Never thought a heroic deed would come next……”
Soon, they began to discuss the martial arts skills Kang Woojin displayed in the video. Amidst this, Director Kim Do-hee stroked her unruly hair, tasting her disappointment.
“Ah- Woojin’s moves were killer. If only I had known earlier… I should have included a few action scenes.”
Park Pan-seo waved his hand as if in assurance.
“Director Kim probably knows better, but if ‘Lee Sang-man’ had shown such flashy martial arts, it would’ve greatly diminished the character’s essence.”
“……I know. Just wishful thinking.”
“We should write a better scenario and try casting Woojin.”
That’s when.
“Ah- over there.”
Jin Jae-jun, who was moving towards the front circular table to refill his wine, spotted someone.
“Isn’t that Director Ahn Ga-bok?”
It was indeed Director Ahn Ga-bok, surrounded by a throng of people.
“Senior Sim Han-ho is there too. Wow, and there are big shots from major film companies.”
“Isn’t that guy with the PowerPatch’s editor?”
“Editors from other media outlets are here too.”
Among the ‘Drug Dealer’ team, focusing their gaze on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s group, Jin Jae-jun, with a hint of desire frosting over his eyes, cleared his throat.
“Ahem. Let’s go and greet him properly. We did briefly earlier, but I think we should do it properly.”
The cinematographer and art director agreed. Meanwhile, Park Pan-seo, who had been chuckling softly, commented,
“Heh, looks like someone’s trying to score points during the casting of ‘Leech.'”
Jin Jae-jun shrugged, not bothering to hide his intentions.
“That’s right, honestly, even a supporting role would be an honor.”
“Well – it could be possible? You must have scored points with ‘Drug Dealer.’ But seeing Senior Sim Han-ho there… does that mean he’s confirmed?”
“I saw an interview with Director Ahn Ga-bok saying it’s still undecided.”
“Just undecided in words. Didn’t he say in an interview that he gave the script to two people? Internally, Senior Sim Han-ho might have already been stamped.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, and Park Pan-seo, stroking his chin, continued,
“That ‘Leech’ movie, aiming for Cannes as Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th film, with Sim Han-ho as the lead. The scale is enormous… It’s dangerous, a double-edged sword.”
Regardless, when the ‘Drug Dealer’ team moved to greet Director Ahn Ga-bok, Director Kim Do-hee asked Park Pan-seo, who remained unmoved,
“Aren’t you going, senior?”
“I have other plans.”
“Ah… understood.”
The cinematographer and art director murmured among themselves.
“Why is he like that?”
“Didn’t you know? Park Pan-seo and Sim Han-ho. It’s well-known they’re not on good terms.”
“Ah-”
The ‘Drug Dealer’ team then joined Director Ahn Ga-bok’s group. The crowd swelled to over 20 people, attracting the attention of not only actors but also directors and everyone in the banquet hall. Some actors were even trying to squeeze into the group.
The greetings began without any major issues initially.
Then,
“Director Ahn Ga-bok-nim.”
Jin Jae-jun changed the atmosphere with a serious expression.
“I heard you’re in the midst of considering actors for ‘Leech.'”
It was a rather unexpected topic, but Director Ahn Ga-bok showed a relaxed smile.
“That’s right.”
“If there’s a role available, I’d like to try out for it.”
“Is that so? Hmm, I did watch ‘Drug Dealer’ and enjoyed it, Jae-jun.”
“Thank you.”
But that was all. Unlike with Hong Hye-yeon, Director Ahn Ga-bok didn’t offer any acting advice or comments, showing a lack of significant interest. However, those around them suddenly became more intrigued.
Actors began to look at each other. Editors from media outlets did the same.
Among them, the belly-bulging editor of ‘PowerPatch’ joined in.
“Speaking of which, Director Ahn-nim! You mentioned in a magazine interview that you’ve handed the script to two actors, right?? Could you give us a hint? Everyone is dying to know which top actors have joined, ha-ha-ha!”
Though it was a question asked in jest, the intent was clear. Nonetheless, Director Ahn Ga-bok, running his hand through his short white hair, remained relaxed.
“Heh, why all the curiosity.”
Even as he put down his wine glass, he exchanged a glance with the gray-haired Sim Han-ho standing next to him. Suddenly, he revealed a new fact.
“In fact, it’s not just about handing over the scripts now, but the two lead roles have been confirmed.”
“Really?! Both lead actors are confirmed??”
“That’s right.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok pointed at Sim Han-ho.
“One of them is actor Sim Han-ho here.”
“!!!”
Immediately, everyone from Jin Jae-jun to Director Kim Do-hee and the editors clapped their hands in realization.
“Of course! Actor Sim!!”
“Ha-ha! Two legends have joined forces!”
“Wow- Looking forward to it, Director~nim!!”
Their eyes sparkled with excitement at the new piece of bait thrown. The actors’ eyes filled with desire, mingling thoughts like ‘I want to be a part of it!’ and ‘I want to do it!’. As the atmosphere heated up, an editor from another major media outlet, not ‘PowerPatch,’ posed an additional question.
“With Actor Sim Han-ho confirmed – if there are two leads, who is the other one??”
In fact, the real deal was this time. Sim Han-ho was a character whose casting could have been somewhat anticipated. The remaining actor who was confirmed for the casting.
Who was this veiled top actor?
“Ha-ha, with such a scale, it must be a top actor… Maybe Ryu Jung-min? He’s been killing it lately.”
“If it’s someone to star alongside Sim Han-ho, it would have to be more than just any actor – Is it one of the top actors who came here today??”
“Actor Park Pan-seo??”
“Director Ahn-nim, could you give us just a small hint??”
“Just the last name, please, just the last name.”
Thanks to this, many eyes were focused on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s lips, and the veteran director Ahn Ga-bok, leisurely lifting his wine glass, opened his wrinkled mouth with a very nonchalant tone.
“Kang Woojin.”
Suddenly.
“……What?”
Everyone froze in place.
Meanwhile, in LA.
It was night in Korea, but here it was early dawn. However, the airport was not quiet. Inside one of the planes at the airport.
Inside Its luxurious first-class.
The plane was still before departure, not moving, and there were many empty seats in first class. Among them, a woman sitting by the window caught the eye. Blonde hair down to her chest, large eyes, blue irises, a white face. She was clearly a foreign woman, but her appearance and aura were extraordinary.
Even the flight attendants glanced at her discreetly.
The reason was simple.
『[Hollywood] Hollywood top actress Miley Cara to visit Korea for new movie promotion… Expected to arrive in Korea on the afternoon of the 8th』
She was the Hollywood superstar actress, Miley Cara.
Initially an actress, she was now making strides as a singer. Already known for her singing talent, she cemented her position with a hit musical movie. Afterwards, she appeared frequently in Disney movies, and her songs as a singer hit the Billboard charts.
In short, Miley Cara was at the peak as a Hollywood actress and singer. Always among the top three popular actresses overseas.
Anyway
“……”
Her face, looking down at her phone, was ice-cold. Indifferent. This perfectly described Cara’s personality.
Then.
“Cara.”
Someone called her. It was a burly, nearly bald foreign man approaching Cara’s seat. It was Cara’s main manager. He spoke to Cara, of course, in English.
“We’re about to depart, try to get some sleep. It’s going to be a long flight.”
Cara glanced at him briefly and responded with a chilly English tone.
“I know. I’ll take care of it. I’m not sleepy yet.”
“It’s your first time going to Korea, how do you feel?”
“I haven’t been there, but it doesn’t seem bad. You know? There’s a Korean restaurant near my house, it’s clean and the food is fantastic.”
“Good to hear. The movie promotion activities in Korea will last about a week. You need to manage your energy well.”
This was the reason she was on the plane. Miley Cara’s visit to Korea. For the promotion of her new movie. Since she was the main lead in a movie that was about to be released in Korea. Then, the bald manager handed Cara a tablet, asking her about something else.
“It’s a list of Korean YouTubers, have you looked at it? You need to decide now. Which YouTube channel will you appear on?”
But Cara, having swiftly flipped through the tablet, responded coldly.
“I’ve told you, I’ll only appear on one YouTube channel.”
“……Cara. You can’t ignore YouTube channel promotions these days. And if you’ve made a decision, you need to let me know.”
Cara showed her phone. The screen displayed a YouTube channel video.
-【(6)Miley Cara/‘Absolute’】Cover [Korean. Ver]｜Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego
-Views: 16.33 million
Cara with her icy face delivered the final word.
“I’ll only appear here.”
*******
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