Chapter 168: Breaking (7)

Chapter 168: Breaking (7)

Translator: Dreamscribe

"······Hmm? What did you just say, Woojin~ssi?"

At Kang Woojin's sharp refusal, the voice of Seo Gu-seob, the CEO on the other end of the phone, cooled down. However, Woojin's response was not much different from before.

"It's difficult to talk right now."

CEO Seo Gu-seob forced a laugh. That was the tone.

"Did you hear my name clearly, Kang Woojin~ssi? And that it's from GGO Entertainment?"

"I can hear you fine."

"And so?"

What do you mean, 'And so?' Kang Woojin sighed softly. He would have liked to treat it as a voice phishing scam and hang up right away, but in the jungle-like entertainment industry, rumors spread faster than light. He preferred to avoid unnecessary gossip. Choi Sung-gun had also warned him to be careful.

'GGO Entertainment, I've heard a lot about it. Anyway, let's end this call appropriately.'

If it's a major entertainment company, their influence would be stronger. Before he knew it, Woojin had reached the level where he even took care of his own image.

Soon, Kang Woojin spoke again in a low tone.

"I have to go into shooting."

"Ah- Is that so? Then let's make this quick. I heard about your one-year contract, and our GGO Entertainment is quite interested. We'd like to meet as soon as possible."

"This week seems difficult."

Maybe even until next year.

"······Difficult?"

"It includes a schedule in Japan."

"Ah, 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'?"

Disappointed yet exhaling a strange breath, CEO Seo Gu-seob on the other end of the phone suddenly laughed.

"Ha-ha, okay, then let's meet as soon as possible after you return from that. Even though our start with the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival' wasn't great, in terms of business, we should see it as fate."

"I'll check and get back to you."

"Alright, I'll be waiting. Oh- Just so you know, we're willing to meet all the conditions you want."

"Thank you."

-Click.

Only after the call ended did Kang Woojin clearly remember who CEO Seo Gu-seob was. The clue was 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival'. Well, his face was vague, but they had crossed paths at the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival'. Fallen top actor Park Jung-hyuk, who tried to white wash his image with 'Exorcism', also came to mind.

"Did I mess up the scene by getting involved?"

However, Woojin didn't think too deeply about it. He just understood a bit why this entertainment industry is called a jungle. In the past, they would attack and turn red in the face, but now they laugh off as if they were friends.

Kang Woojin felt a bit off about how all relationships are tied to business here.

'What can I do, I'll have to adapt.'

Muttering to himself, he sent appropriate replies to the entertainment companies that had contacted him just now. The content was similar to what he told CEO Seo Gu-seob. There was no reason to get on their bad side, so he maintained courtesy. With that, Kang Woojin briefly lost himself in thought.

"Hmm-"

Somehow, the treatment he received on the day of 'Hanryang's reading and now was worlds apart. The news about Woojin's contract was blowing up, and renowned entertainments like GGO Entertainment were directly contacting him.

Even the CEOs themselves were taking action.

'Back when I received business cards, at best, they were from managers.'

It meant that Kang Woojin's position in the acting industry was quite high. Hence, it couldn't be taken lightly. It was a contract that would determine the next few years. Thanks to that, Kang Woojin, who was green in this area, had been doing his homework.

Before going to bed or on his days off, etc.

Especially when he was alone, he reviewed his current contract multiple times and checked the conditions of various top actors online.

Additionally.

'The difference between the past me and the current me.'

He took stock of what he had achieved so far and what he planned to do in the future. However, it was still difficult. It didn't make sense for him, who had only gone through one contract negotiation in his first year, to be very knowledgeable.

Nonetheless, Kang Woojin was determined about one thing.

'Ah, should I go as far as to think this is a bit over the top? Let's give it a shot.'

He decided to include a bit of a concept in the contract negotiations. Since Kang Woojin's character was already well-established, acting boldly would not seem odd to the other party. The plan was to naturally arrive at a fair value through this approach.

"Heh, not bad."

What stopped Kang Woojin, who had been indulging in self-satisfaction, was.

-Rattle.

The van door opened, and Choi Sung-gun pointed backwards with his thumb.

"Standby! Let's go, Woojin."

"Yes, CEO~nim."

Kang Woojin, dressed in military uniform, got off the van silently. Yet, he glanced at Choi Sung-gun, who hadn't taken his eyes off his phone.

'Hmm- It's probably best not to mention the calls from the entertainment companies, right?'

Around noon, at the SBC.

The corridor, adorned with posters of various hit shows, also featured 'Profiler Hanryang.' The poster, seemingly added recently, was in pristine condition, and through the glass doors of the conference room at the end, many figures were gathered.

The composition was mostly of older individuals.

However, it wasn't just SBC executives present. There were influential figures from various sectors related to the entertainment industry. The reason was simple. They were the 'jury' for the SBC Acting Awards, which was less than two months away.

The atmosphere was solemn.

In front of the people seated around the large rectangular table, tablets and papers were abundant, detailing this year's confirmed awards, SBC's productions, and the actors who shone in those works. The jury was examining these with great depth.

Interestingly,

"Hmm- As expected, 'Profiler Hanryang' is strong this year."

Both in the works and among the award nominees, actors from 'Profiler Hanryang' were significantly represented. It was a natural outcome.

"'Hanryang' captured everything from ratings to popularity, artistic value, and acting."

"The actors' performances deserved praise, but the ratings were so good that if 'Hanryang' actors aren't nominees, viewers would revolt."

"Ah- I hope we can finish this year without any controversies."

"Agreed."

At that moment, a man pushing up his narrow glasses joined in. He was the head of the drama department.

"About the Rookie Award this year. It's tricky to divide."

"Ah- Because of Kang Woojin?"

"Right. The gap between other rookie candidates and Kang Woojin is just too wide."

"Hmm, indeed."

Many agreed. Every year, the Acting Awards' Rookie Award was given to many newcomers, including at least four men and women. But this year, Kang Woojin's dominance was overwhelming. Having such a disparity among rookie award nominees would inevitably lead to controversy.

The data from many years made this clear.

"Then, this year, we should probably give the Rookie Award to just one person."

"Instead, those who would typically qualify for the Rookie Award could be considered for the Scene Stealer Award or something similar."

"Um. Everyone was fine, it's just that Kang Woojin is too powerful."

At this point, a middle-aged woman chimed in.

"The Rookie Award- But isn't it a bit weak to only nominate Kang Woojin for that?"

Meanwhile, at bw Entertainment.

Every team was in chaos. The PR team was in the middle of a heated meeting in the meeting room, and other teams were also busy answering calls or working on their laptops. There were only two actors signed, but their influence was immense.

Especially Kang Woojin.

Moreover, due to rumors about Kang Woojin's one-year contract, bw Entertainment's internal phone lines were ringing non-stop.

-♬♪

It rang crazily. Among the dozens of employees, a male staff member from the management team picked up a transparent file he had just organized and stood up. His destination was the team manager.

"Manager, I've compiled the information on Woojin's awards ceremonies for this year. I gave you Hye-yeon's yesterday."

"Ah, okay. So far, which awards have approached Woojin?"

"As expected, invitations came from the Blue Dragon, Grand Bell Awards, and all three terrestrial broadcasters. Only the film festivals have confirmed nominations."

The manager nodded and flipped through the transparent file. It was filled with various texts, but the essence was twofold.

-From the Blue Dragon Film Festival Organizing Committee. (Final/ Kang Woojin nominated)

-Best New Actor Nominee (Drug Dealer/ Kang Woojin)

-Popular Star Award Nominee (Kang Woojin)

The value of Kang Woojin as determined by the Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Film Festivals?

-From the Grand Bell Awards Organizing Committee, nomination confirmed (Kang Woojin)

-Best New Male Actor Nominee (Drug Dealer, Kang Woojin)

-New Wave Award Nominee (Kang Woojin)

Soon, the management team manager, with a mix of astonishment and disbelief,

"Is this really for a first-year actor's invitations? This is the first time I've seen such a scenario."

A smirk deepened, as if weary.

"Is this even possible in a debut year?"

Later that afternoon, back to Buyeo.

Despite the setting sun, the heat around the large set complex of 'Island of the Missing' was intense. Director Kwon Ki-taek, along with about a hundred staff members, poured their hearts into filming, and the actors matched this dedication with equally passionate performances. Perhaps the only silver lining was the weather becoming a bit cooler?

This made wearing the stuffy military uniforms somewhat more comfortable.

Among the numerous cars parked in the external parking lot, a man in a military uniform approached a familiar van. It was Kang Woojin, stretching his neck from side to side as if it was stiff.

"Phew-"

He exhaled softly as he opened the door and climbed into the van. He had been granted about an hour's break after continuous shooting. Waiting over 30 minutes on set could be tough, so Kang Woojin had moved to the van to rest, a routine he was somewhat accustomed to by now.

Soon.

-Swish.

Kang Woojin leaned back in his seat and slowly crossed his legs. Interestingly,

'Not bad at all. Did my physical stamina really improve?'

Despite a full day of shooting, Kang Woojin seemed to be in quite good shape. Certainly, compared to his past self, he seemed overly energetic now. Well, with the repeated filming and acting, his physical strength must have increased, not just his concept. Woojin checked his phone after coming to a satisfactory conclusion.

"There's quite a lot here."

Missed calls, texts, KakaoTalk messages. Contacts had piled up during the shoot, numbering in the dozens. The senders varied widely. Naturally, there were messages from various entertainment companies and from friends, including his 'close friends'. Among them, Kang Woojin stopped at a message from his mom.

-Mom: Woojin, when did you say you're going to Japan?

Remembering the script reading for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', Woojin replied to his mom and then turned his attention to the stack of books on the seat next to him. Naturally, these were scripts and screenplays. Feeling he should do something since he still had some energy, he reached out.

He could have looked at 'Leech', but what Kang Woojin picked up was the screenplay for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'.

He had already read through it several times and even experienced the reading, but repetition was necessary. It made things more vivid. Since the script reading was coming up soon, it was good to review. Thus, Kang Woojin opened the screenplay for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'.

It was all in Japanese.

Although he had received a version translated into Korean, Kang Woojin insisted on the original screenplay. To fully grasp the intentions of the writer and director, it was right to familiarize oneself with the original text.

'Comparing it with the translation, the differences are quite clear.'

In fact, for Kang Woojin, who already had near-native proficiency in Japanese, either version was fine. He then focused on reading the screenplay.

-Flap, Flap.

'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' by Japan's ultra-popular writer Akari Takikawa was a tale of revenge. Of course, the movie screenplay adapted by Director Kyotaro was the same. However, the intensity of the revenge was missing. It wasn't passionate.

It was a dignified, static, and poignant revenge.

But there was no mercy. A stark bleakness stood out. Leading this was the character 'Iyota Kiyoshi', played by Kang Woojin. 'Iyota Kiyoshi' was a Zainichi Korean.

This setting differed from the original.

It was a change made in the transition to film. However, having a Korean actor play 'Iyota Kiyoshi' fit well. It was all an intended setting. The beginning of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' started with bullying at the high school. A disgusting problem that has not been eradicated in both Korea and Japan, from the past to the present.

'Iyota Kiyoshi' was the victim of this bullying.

It started from very simple things. Just because Kiyoshi looked gloomy or had an unpleasant face. Trivial reasons escalated, and eventually, being a Zainichi Korean was also brought up, making Kiyoshi an outcast throughout the school.

Yet, Kiyoshi was unaffected.

Whether his desk disappeared or his shoe locker was filled with trash, whether he faced sudden assaults or his gym clothes and school uniform vanished, whether milk cartons from the cafeteria were thrown at him or his money was stolen,

No matter the bullying, he showed no reaction.

There wasn't even a hint of disturbance.

His face showed no expression, emotion, thoughts, or pain. There was nothing on Kiyoshi's face. He seemed like a broken robot.

This reaction from Kiyoshi only escalated the bullying.

At school, Kiyoshi was treated no better than livestock. Yet, this 'livestock', Kiyoshi, simply kept his mouth shut and lived on. He attended school without fail. The villains began to gradually enjoy bullying him. It escalated.

This is where one unruly girl came into the picture.

Her name was 'Misaki Toka'. Toka was a transfer student, and upon seeing the atmosphere at the school, she somehow found the courage to protect Kiyoshi. She boldly told everyone to stop. Then, she asked Kiyoshi if he was okay. It was the first time Kiyoshi had ever heard such words.

Why? Why is this girl protecting me?

Though Kiyoshi remained indifferent, he took an interest in Toka. It wasn't something romantic. It was more akin to a respect for her as a human being. He observed and watched over her. Fortunately, with her arrival, the bullying against Kiyoshi momentarily paused.

Thanks to that, Kiyoshi could spend time with Toka.

They ate lunch together and talked. She treated people as people. Being with Toka made Kiyoshi feel as if a cool breeze was blowing through his desolate heart.

However, that time did not last long.

The bullying hadn't stopped. Unbeknownst to Kiyoshi, the target had shifted to Toka. He realized this when she hadn't come to school for a few days. When she returned, there were scars on her face.

However, Toka was not as stoic as Kiyoshi.

Regrettably, Kiyoshi was also the one who witnessed her end. Of course, Kang Woojin experienced Toka's demise not through words but with his own eyes.

-[7/Scenario (Title: The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger), S+ Grade]

-[*This is a very complete movie scenario. 100% reading is possible.]

Becoming the protagonist, Kiyoshi.

["'A:Iyota Kiyoshi' reading preparation in progress······"]

["······Preparation complete. This is a very complete movie scenario. Implementation rate is 100%. Beginning the reading."]

Kang Woojin's perspective merged with 'Iyota Kiyoshi's. A vague sensation spread, neither cold nor hot. His heart felt parched. It was as if his emotions stretched out like an endless desert. Yet, the wind brushing against his cheeks and the sunlight beating down were warm.

Cherry blossoms fluttered in the distance.

-Rustle.

Is it spring? The expressionless Kang Woojin's, Kiyoshi's, empty eyes moved. Woojin stood on the school rooftop. And there, in front of the railing, stood a girl with a fluttering school skirt, of medium height.

It was 'Misaki Toka'.

She sat perilously on the rooftop railing, staring somewhere ahead. Dangerous. Yet, Kang Woojin did not move. He just stared at Toka's back with a rigid face. At the same time, he noted her school blouse. Why were her buttons undone, why was there so much dust on her, why had her wounds increased?

Then.

"Kiyoshi."

Toka, who had been looking ahead, turned her head to speak to Kiyoshi. Her face was gentle but without any regrets.

"I don't regret meeting you."

Kang Woojin, who had remained in the same posture, responded in an emotionless tone.

"It's time for lunch."

But Toka, who showed no signs of coming down from the railing, smiled at Woojin.

She vanished.

However.

"······"

Kang Woojin's face remained expressionless. He simply stared endlessly at the now-empty railing. Far from being excited, his breathing was even.

Then.

-Swish.

Standing still, he began folding his fingers on his right hand one by one. He murmured names softly. One person, two people, three people... as if compiling a list. That's when it happened.

-Thud!

Someone ran up to the rooftop. It was a male student with a pointed face, included in the list just mentioned. Then, noticing the state of the rooftop, he asked Kiyoshi standing beside him.

"Did you see that?"

"Yes."

"Keke, I should have come up faster."

The laughing male student strode over and leaned his stomach against the railing where Toka had been just moments before. Then, he sneakily looked down below.

"Heh- Impressive, how could she from such a high place! Aaack!!!"

Suddenly, the male student let out a strange scream and disappeared below the railing. Screams could be heard again from below. Kang Woojin, who had carried out the act, left the rooftop with an expressionless face. On the stairs, he also gave a belated response to Toka.

"I do regret it."

Soon, Kang Woo-jin, with his ten fingers spread out, folded his right thumb and murmured quietly in a nonchalant tone.

"For now, one done."