“!!!”
You want to see Woojin? His eyes widened in shock and Choi Sung-gun quickly turned and moved back to the lodging. Does ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ know Woojin? Even so, he checked the living room sofa in the lodging. There were about two men visible. They were personnel from bw Entertainment, who had come over for the LA schedule.
Two employees, who seemed to have just woken up, greeted Choi Sung-gun, then noticed he was on a call and simply bowed their heads. Choi Sung-gun then picked up a chair from the kitchen, placed it in front of them, and sat down, switching his phone to speaker mode. The reason was simple. One of them was an interpreter from the bw Entertainment’s overseas team. Of course, Choi Sung-gun could communicate to some extent, but he wasn’t professional.
It was a precautionary measure.
Then, Choi Sung-gun signaled the situation to the interpreter with a glance and spoke into the phone placed on the table. Naturally, it was in English.
“I’m sorry, please continue.”
“Yes. I am Megan Stone, a casting director at ‘Winner Movie Pictures’. Currently, I am working on a project called ‘Last Kill 3’ for Director George Mendes.”
Choi Sung-gun, who had understood somewhat, listened as the interpreter whispered the explanation into his ear.
“‘Last Kill 3’??”
It was the movie he had thought of earlier. Even director George Mendes was famous enough to be familiar with the name. Choi Sung-gun, who was gradually getting excited, tried hard to suppress his feelings.
“Ah- Yes, I see.”
“Actually, Director George Mendes has seen Actor Kang Woojin before. He is interested. Is Kang Woojin in LA right now?”
Choi Sung-gun realized the seriousness of the matter when he heard they knew Woojin was in the United States, and nodded.
“…That’s right. He is currently near Hermosa Beach.”
Upon mentioning Hermosa Beach, a slight laugh mixed into the woman’s voice on the other end of the phone.
“Oh, Hermosa Beach. It’s a beautiful place, and it’s close to where I am. If it’s possible, could I meet Actor Kang Woojin?”
“Is this a meeting request related to ‘Last Kill 3’?”
“Yes. I can’t give you the details, but we are currently looking for an Asian actor. Of course, the role requires martial arts skills, and I saw Kang Woojin’s videos on Youtube. The way he subdued the thug was impressive?”
“Ah.”
“The director was impressed as well, and eventually, it led to the suggestion that Kang Woojin should also attend the already scheduled screen test.”
“…When is this screen test?”
“It’s in a few days, so it’s a bit tight. But since you are already in LA, and there’s no need to feel too pressured. We plan to see some martial arts skills, but what’s important is how the actor appears on the monitor.”
Having a chance to do a screen test in Hollywood was insane. Even Hollywood stars had to go through screen tests. And now, Kang Woojin, who was nobody in Hollywood, was being offered this. It was an enormous opportunity, to say the least.
‘Director George Mendes saw Woojin, and this lady CD saw Woojin’s dashcam video······’
It was clear that this situation had arisen from a series of events. Otherwise, such a thing could never happen. But right now, that wasn’t what was important.
“Understood, I will convey this to Kang Woojin first.”
“Okay. I’ll send you a message with the exact schedule and a simple side script. Please check it and let us know your decision. The sooner, the better.”
After the call ended, Choi Sung-gun looked down at his phone for a moment, dazed. He couldn’t believe this was reality. Meanwhile, the interpreter, who had heard the situation, asked Choi Sung-gun, his eyes full of shock.
“CEO~nim! Did ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ just contact Woojin ssi?!”
At that moment, Choi Sung-gun’s phone emitted a short notification sound.
-♬♪
It was a message from ‘Winner Movie Pictures.’
About an hour later.
Kang Woojin came out of the bathroom, shaking his wet hair. Since he was alone, there was no need for pretense. He was in his natural state, immediately checking the time.
’10 o’clock-‘
The schedule ahead was simple. Leave in 30 minutes to get some light makeup done, then dive back into filming for ‘Our Dining Table’. The cast would gather at 11 AM to prepare for opening the restaurant at 12:30 PM.
Soon, Kang Woojin yawned as he dried his hair with a hairdryer.
“Well, just as I was getting used to it, it’s ending.”
His tone was a mix of disappointment and relief. The filming for ‘Our Dining Table’, from adjusting to the time difference to its hellish schedule, was finally coming to an end. After today and tomorrow, the first round of filming would be over.
The second round of filming was next year.
“It was tough but kind of fun.”
Although cooking all day was the main point, Woojin enjoyed seeing foreigners relish the food he made. Their expressions, the way they took photos of the food, and the occasional lavish praise sent his way were experiences the ordinary citizen Kang Woojin could never have.
‘I’m curious about how it will look on TV.’
As he looked forward to the first broadcast of ‘Our Dining Table’, he picked up his phone, which was thrown on the bed. Among the many messages, Choi Sung-gun’s name was at the top. The message was simple: let him know once he woke up.
“Hmm? What’s going on?”
Woojin tilted his head and sent a reply to Choi Sung-gun, and Choi Sung-gun appeared precisely 3 minutes later. He must have been waiting nearby. Choi Sung-gun, dressed in a white hoodie with the ‘Our Dining Table’ logo, had a thin bundle of papers tucked under his arm.
-Click.
As soon as the door closed, Choi Sung-gun began to speak.
“Woojin, since we’re about to start filming, I’ll only tell you the essentials.”
Choi Sung-gun’s explanation was short and clear, filled with excitement in his eyes: ‘Winner Movie Pictures’, ‘Last Kill 3’, screen test, etc. Woojin, who listened to it indifferently, …
“······”
showed no particular reaction. Neither outwardly, which was due to concept, nor inwardly. It wasn’t that he was unimpressed; rather, his mind paused for a moment, finding it hard to comprehend.
‘Wa-, wait a minute. So what? Does this Winner something, a Hollywood film company, have an interest in me??’
Kang Woojin, who had a hard time understanding the content, felt his heart beat faster and at the same time was filled with question marks.
‘What?? But why???’
This case was on a different level from usual. Or should it be said to be from a different world? While the Korean entertainment industry felt somewhat familiar, Hollywood, which dominated the global film market, was an entirely different beast.
In the first place, he hadn’t even fully adapted to the Korean entertainment industry yet.
Whenever a Korean actor makes it to Hollywood, whether in a major or minor role, it flips the Korean entertainment industry upside down. Even Ha Yu-ra, a top actress in Korea, is treated as a newcomer in Hollywood. To all actors worldwide, Hollywood was the stage of dreams. And now, they were reaching out to Kang Woojin.
However, to the current Woojin, there was a lukewarm feeling.
Or should it be said he felt like cold water was poured on him?
Perhaps because Hollywood felt so unrealistic and distant, his enthusiasm cooled off rapidly. While other actors might jump at the opportunity, Woojin, who was oblivious to the gravity of the situation, had little desire.
‘Well- it’s amazing. But it’s not confirmed, just a test. So, it’s like an audition, right?’
The more serious and clear the situation, the more time it takes to make decisions and choices. However, Kang Woojin, whose thoughts, growth process, and perspective were 180 degrees different from ordinary actors, had a completely different understanding of the situation.
‘So, I just have to go and act? Hmm, it’s like changing the audition from Koreans to foreigners.’
Deciding to take the opportunity lightly, regardless of its significance. After all, imagination requires experience to be vivid.
To Choi Sung-gun, Kang Woojin’s reaction was utterly unpredictable. A stoic expression. What on earth was going through that eccentric’s mind? As a result, Choi Sung-gun swallowed his saliva inconspicuously.
‘It’s hard to get a read on him, but it seems like he’s taking it seriously, right? Well, it’s Hollywood after all. Maybe Woojin is just thinking more deeply about it than usual.’
He was wrong. Kang Woojin had just given a very simple answer.
‘It wouldn’t be bad to go and see the sights too? If I fail, I just won’t do it. Whatever it is, I can decide when I get there.’
In simple terms, does it matter whether he does it or not? A crazy thought only Kang Woojin could have in this situation. The pressure and urgency had vanished. Soon, Woojin, heavily leaning into his facade, chose his words. Acting tough was essential, after all.
“Not bad.”
“…Not bad, you say?”
“Yes.”
“Hey, hey, don’t you have any nerves? It’s Hollywood, you know? Or what, are you used to it?”
“No, so am I the only one taking the screen test?”
“Uh? Ah- no, I don’t think so. Actors from other countries will be attending on the day as well? But from the looks of it, it seems like they’ve squeezed you into the already scheduled test. The role is probably a minor or a supporting one at best.”
“I see.”
“But you know, right? This is a really big, ultra opportunity? A minor or supporting role in Hollywood is on another level.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Even the project itself is insanely famous. The ‘Last Kill’ series. Just having this opportunity could skyrocket your value. If you land the role, it’s like making history.”
Here, Woojin poked Choi Sung-gun in the ribs with his index finger.
“But what is this?”
Choi Sung-gun, flipping through the script he had brought, replied.
“It’s the side script sent by ‘Winner Movie Pictures’. It looks like you’ll be using that for the screen test.”
“Is that so?”
“I roughly looked at it, and it’s mostly action scenes rather than dialogue. They want you to familiarize yourself with it and just do what you can without feeling too pressured. They said they’re just going to check how the actor looks on screen, or something like that.”
“Hmm-”
-Flip.
As Woojin was unfolding the side script, Choi Sung-gun checked the time and continued.
“The test is on the 16th, but luckily, we can make it. If we just delay our return to Korea by a day after finishing the first round of filming for ‘Our Dining Table’ today and tomorrow?”
Woojin, slowly nodding, murmured softly.
“Understood, a day is manageable. Let’s do it.”
Choi Sung-gun’s expression brightened instantly.
“Okay! I’ll contact ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ right away!”
He then pointed to the script Woojin was intently reading.
“How is it? Difficult? It seemed complex to me. If- if you go to the screen test and get compared with other actors for nothing… it’s a bit, you know?”
“No, it’s not particularly difficult.”
“Oh! Really?”
Woojin’s answer was low and full of confidence, his voice firm.
“Whoever comes, whichever country’s actors, I don’t think I’ll be overshadowed.”
The reason was simple.
‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen a such short script? Is this the first time since ‘Super Actor’?’
There was a black square next to the script.
Later
As Kang Woojin was once again cooking as a chef, news about the first round of filming for ‘Our Dining Table’ broke out in Korea.
『Kang Woojin causes a stir even in the US? ‘Our Dining Table’ team featured in a local LA newspaper』
『[StarTalk] Kang Woojin mentioned in a local LA newspaper, culinary skills praised by local chefs?』
While some of the news was the result of press releases intentionally thrown out by the ‘Our Dining Table’ team, many were the product of journalists’ direct efforts.
Either way, the progress of LA’s ‘Our Dining Table’ could be checked even from Korea.
『[Photo] ‘Our Dining Table’ production team releases photos of Kang Woojin focused on cooking, alongside assistant Hong Hye-yeon』
『’Our Dining Table’ official website posts photos of the food truck and interior, netizens’ expectations↑』
『Foreigners flock to ‘Our Dining Table’, a Korean restaurant… Is it that delicious?』
Thus, two days vanished in the blink of an eye.
Thanks to that, the ‘Our Dining Table’ restaurant near Hermosa Beach in LA was about to have its last day of business. Having welcomed many foreign customers for about a week, ‘Our Dining Table’ sold countless dishes. Promoting Korean cuisine. While many foreigners already knew about Korea through the Hallyu wave, leaving for a variety show filming was a meaningful time in itself.
In front of the ‘Our Dining Table’ restaurant.
“Alright! Are we closing??”
The cast, including Kang Woojin, gathered, surrounded by dozens of ‘Our Dining Table’ production staff. Soon, the firgurehead boss, An Jong-hak, changed the sign at the door to ‘Closed’. Along with An Jong-hak, Kang Woojin, Hwalin, Hong Hye-yeon, Ha Gang-su, and Yeon Baek-kwang. Everyone was wearing uniforms with the ‘Our Dining Table’ logo, and PD Yoon Byung-seon shouted to them, having just finished the marathon of the first round of filming.
“Great work everyone!! Before we leave, let’s take a few group shots in front of the store! We’ll use them for posters!”
An Jong-hak and all the cast members joined in.
“Okay, okay. Hey hey, Woojin? Why are you over there? Come to the center, to the center. You’re the leader, right?”
“Ah- that’s An Jong-hak for you!”
“A hero can’t be on the outskirts!”
“Ah- okay, then.”
As a result, all the cast of ‘Our Dining Table’, with Chef Kang Woojin at the forefront, gathered together. Soon, many cameras were prepared in front of them, and the cast members took their positions. Kang Woojin crossed his arms with a solemn expression. Below this picture with the ‘Our Dining Table’ title would make the perfect poster.
Soon, PD Yoon Byung-seon yelled to the members in position.
“Here we go, one, two!”
-Click!!
Thus, the first round of filming for ‘Our Dining Table’ came to an end.
Morning of the 16th, Hollywood.
The ‘HOLLYWOOD’ sign hung on the mountain behind the building catches the eye. Indeed, walking on the sidewalk, the foreigners all seemed busy, true to the homeland of movies, and the honking of the numerous cars filled the roads, contributing to the chaos. The buildings on both sides of the road were packed.
Among them, a notable building. Something reminiscent of a palace, with large letters on the rooftop.
-‘Winner Movie Pictures’
A mid-level film company among the many in Hollywood, ‘Winner Movie Pictures’ occupied the entire 6-story building, and the adjacent 4-story white building was also theirs. The 4-story building had a different nature than the headquarters. This side consisted entirely of internal sets and studios on all floors.
Though all floors were filled with staff, the 4th floor was particularly bustling now.
The 4th floor appeared like a vast empty space but was a studio. Still not fully prepared. Soon, numerous foreign staff filled it with various types of cameras. At the front near the entrance, a long desk was set up, and curtains to cover the windows were also arranged.
Meanwhile, a female staff with large eyes, who was placing tablets, several files, and bundles of paper on the front desk, tilted her head. She had glanced at the contents of the bundle of papers.
“Huh? An actor has been added for the screen test? I thought it was only Chinese actors today?”
A bald male staff member behind her responded.
“I heard Director George added him, a Korean actor?”
30 minutes remained until the screen test.
*********
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