Chapter 176: Appearance Fee (1)

Chapter 176: Appearance Fee (1) Translator: Dreamscribe

Writer Choi Nana was contracted with DM Production, led by PD Song Man-woo as the overall directing director and CEO. Therefore, she had left the writer's group led by Park Eun-mi and was now working in a studio provided by DM Production. Currently, Choi Na-na and PD Song Man-woo were in the midst of an initial script meeting.

Upon hearing Kang Woojin's appearance fee, writer Choi Na-na's eyes widened behind her round glasses.

"Per, per episode 40······"

For her, who debuted with 'Male Friend,' it was an astronomical amount. On the other hand, for the drama mogul PD Song Man-woo, it wasn't as surprising.

"It's a baseline, Choi~ssi, the minimum. That means we start at 40, and we negotiate from there."

"Ah, so even 50-60?"

"It's definitely possible. It's a lot more than during 'Male Friend,' right?"

"I... didn't hear the details. Director Shin Dong-chun took care of it."

PD Song Man-woo stroked his beard and leaned back in his chair, recalling the early days of 'Profiler Hanryang.'

'Back then, Woojin~ssi's per episode fee was 3.5 million won. Now, it's even reaching over 60 million won.'

PD Song Man-woo smiled incredulously.

'It jumped 20 times in less than a year.'

A fee of 3.5 million won per episode was impressive for a newbie, and a fee ranging from 40 to 60 million won per episode was comparable to A-list actors. Of course, given Kang Woojin's current momentum, a fee in the hundreds of millions was conceivable. However, experience was an irreplaceable factor in market value.

After all, Kang Woojin was still in his first year.

'Yet, the market value assessed for Woojin~ssi has already surpassed common sense.'

For a rookie not even a year into his debut to be valued at 60 million per episode was nearly nonsensical. It was an unheard-of scenario in the entertainment industry. Yet, Kang Woojin had made the impossible possible and remained unparalleled. A new precedent was set, but it was unlikely that someone like Woojin would appear again.

After all, Kang Woojin's filmography was almost like a fantasy.

Then, PD Song Man-woo, who had been quietly breathing, looked down at the two copies of Choi Na-na's script and spoke.

"To secure Woojin~ssi, we have to consider up to a maximum of 70 million won."

"H-how much??"

"If Woojin~ssi doesn't do it, there's no point in discussing it. Well, you don't need to worry about the production cost. This is DM Production's first project, and we have plenty of funds. Setting up the production team is no issue either. We've already recruited the key staff members. This project is a one-man show for the male lead. So, it's all about casting the right actor."

"Ah."

"It's okay, it's not completely impossible. From what I know, Woojin~ssi has only doing 'Island of the Missing' and 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' excluding variety shows."

Naturally, they were completely unaware of anything regarding Director Ahn Ga-bok. Thus, PD Song Man-woo's calculations only went up until Director Ahn Ga-bok's work. Nonetheless, a visible tension flashed across the slender face of writer Choi Na-na. Or perhaps it was pressure? Noticing this, PD Song Man-woo infused his smile with reassurance.

"You don't need to worry about anything else. Just focus on the script."

Determination filled his eyes.

"I will stake my life on the casting."

Meanwhile.

After completing interviews with dozens of reporters at Gimpo Airport, Kang Woojin was looking at his phone in a van speeding down the highway.

"······"

His expression was cold. Yet, inwardly, he was performing an overly enthusiastic shoulder dance.

'7 million! Are they insane? 7 million viewers??!'

He was checking the cumulative audience count for 'Drug Dealer.' He had heard bits and pieces about it in Japan. That it had easily surpassed 6 million. But he hadn't been able to pay much attention due to his hectic schedule in Japan. Now back in Korea, it felt exceedingly real.

『[MovieTalk] 'Drug Dealer' surpasses 7 million viewers, breaking records held for over a decade!』

The second half of the film industry was graced with a sensational typhoon called 'Drug Dealer,' causing quite a stir in Korea's film scene. Of course, Kim Do-hee, the director of 'Drug Dealer,' and the film company were also celebrating.

"Director~nim! 7 million, 7 million!!"

"Congratulations!"

"Hahaha! It's 7 million but if it wasn't for the adult rating, we could have easily hit 10 million!"

The box office results they were looking at clearly displayed the 7 million.

[Daily Domestic Box Office]

1. Drug Dealer/ Release Date: October 28/ Audience: 151,257/ Screens: 1002 / Cumulative Audience: 7,028,995

The film industry media were busy informing the public of this unprecedented record.

『[Today's Entertainment] 'Drug Dealer' Surpasses 7 Million... Achieves No.1 in Adult Rated Films』

『The domestic film scene saved by the adult-rated 'Drug Dealer'!』

It was a drought in the film scene with no popular works surpassing 3 million recently. It was safe to say 'Drug Dealer' broke through that drought. The newly established record was introduced in the news and discussed by many in the film-related programs and by critics.

Meanwhile, mentions of Kang Woojin were inevitable.

『[StarTalk] 'Lee Sang-man' Kang Woojin, the biggest beneficiary of 7 million viewers?』

However, it was regrettable that the momentum of 'Drug Dealer,' which achieved 7 million viewers, had noticeably slowed down. This wasn't an unnatural phenomenon. No matter how much 'Drug Dealer' had broken limits, everything eventually comes to an end.

The consensus was that 'Drug Dealer' would struggle to reach 8 million in terms of flow and atmosphere.

Around this time, when the film industry was abuzz with talks about 'Drug Dealer,' Kang Woojin's name was also exploding elsewhere. It was only natural since he had just returned from Japan today.

『[StarPhoto] Kang Woojin returns from his schedule in Japan, interviews with the swarm of reporters at the airport... 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' script reading was interesting / Photos』

The first Korean rookie actor to be cast as a lead in a film by a legendary Japanese director. Once it became reality, the public quickly took interest.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ the national pride is real ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Kang Woojin being the only Korean actor there is epic ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Lmao, go and crush all the Japanese actors when you start the main shooting!!!

-But what if Kang Woojin gets crushed instead???

-↑Idiot, he's already chewing up Korea's top actors, how would he lose to Japan??

-The national pride here is kinda overwhelming ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I mean, I'm not a huge fan of Kang Woojin, but I hate the idea of losing to Japan moreㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

·

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It made sense. Kang Woojin standing among Director Kyotaro and top Japanese actors was an unfamiliar sight. It was an innovative move and something never seen before.

Two days later.

On the 20th, around late lunchtime. Buyeo.

Outside the large set complex of 'Island of the Missing,' in the dense forest, Director Kwon Ki-taek's gentle signal spread.

"Cut, okay."

Simultaneously, an assistant director shouted out an instruction.

"Okay!! We'll get ready and standby in 10 minutes!!"

The dozens of staff members, who had paused, rushed back into their respective tasks. The filming team adjusted the camera settings, while the lighting and art departments reviewed the next shot with Director Kwon Ki-taek. The makeup team stuck to actors like Ryu Jung-min who were inside the shooting zone.

Among them.

-Swish.

Kang Woojin, drenched in fake blood on his military uniform, was stepping away to his spot. The next scene didn't include him.

Kang Woojin had rejoined the shooting of 'Island of the Missing' yesterday. He planned to commute from a nearby accommodation for about 3 days and then travel back and forth from Seoul for the remaining 7 days due to other schedules.

Still, the focus was on shooting 'Island of the Missing.'

As 'Island of the Missing' team was considerate of his situation, Kang Woojin had to focus even more on filming. However, among the staff, Woojin's absence didn't seem to be greatly felt.

"Maybe it's because Woojin~ssi hardly ever do NGs? The shooting schedule is moving smoothly."

"It's strange, right? Usually, when actors rejoin after being away due to circumstances, their emotional lines tend to be inconsistent. But there's none of that with Woojin~ssi."

"The other actors NG more, if I were the director, I would really favor Woojin~ssi."

Indifferent to the surroundings, Kang Woojin sat on a chair a bit away from the shooting site.

'Is it because it's the forest? Or because the weather is getting colder? Somehow it feels chilly.'

He was sensing the change of seasons to winter. At that moment,

"Hyung~nim!"

Jang Su-hwan, a man with a good physique, suddenly appeared and approached Kang Woojin with brisk steps.

"You've worked hard! Here's some water and your phone!"

Handing over the phone and a bottle of water, Woojin responded in a cynical tone before opening the water bottle. At the same time, his phone began to vibrate longly. Scratching his chin after checking the caller, he remembered,

'CEO Seo Gu-seob. Ah, right. I forgot about this guy.'

Since returning to Korea, Kang Woojin had replied to the entertainment companies that had contacted him regarding scouting. Precisely, he had politely declined. In the process, he realized he had forgotten to respond to CEO Seo Gu-seob of the large GGO Entertainment.

'Well, what does it matter? Since he called, I can tell him now.'

Then, he stood up from the chair to answer the call.

"Yes, hello."

The cool voice of Bulldog CEO Seo Gu-seob, came from the other end of the phone.

"Ah- Woojin~ssi. We need to meet. Remember our promise? Haha, I got tired of waiting and called first."

"Yes. I was actually about to call you."

"Is that so? Good, then when can we meet? We're both busy, so I'd like to meet as soon as possible."

"About that, I'm sorry. I've already made a decision, so I hope we can meet some other time if there's an opportunity."

The voice of CEO Seo Gu-seob turned cold immediately from the other end of the phone.

"...You've made a decision? Does that mean you've decided on your next agency?"

"That's correct."

"You made a decision without even meeting me? Why?"

"It's difficult for me to tell you everything."

"Kang Woojin~ssi. This makes things uncomfortable for both of us, doesn't it? Who did you sign with? How great is it... no, did you renew with Choi Sung-gun?"

"I can't answer that yet."

Despite the annoyance in CEO Seo Gu-seob's voice, it had little effect on Kang Woojin, who was deep in his act. After a brief silence, it was CEO Seo Gu-seob who broke the quiet.

"It seems like you and I don't match at all. Right? Not just once, but twice we've been out of sync."

"......"

"I understand."

-Click.

The call ended abruptly. Lowering his phone, Woojin slightly furrowed his brows.

'What the hell. This guy has a bad temper.'

Suddenly, a familiar presence was felt from behind.

"Woojin. What are you doing there?"

Turning around, he saw Choi Sung-gun approaching while zipping up his jacket, and upon reaching Woojin, he immediately got to the point, shaking his own phone.

"PD Song called me. He said he would come to Buyeo himself in about two days?"

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. It seems like he wants to give the script, similar to last time. Since we couldn't go, he immediately said he would come. But this time, it feels like PD Song is determined about something. Do you know anything?"

Woojin hadn't received any calls from PD Song Man-woo recently, although he had mentioned before that he would review another script.

"No."

"Really? Anyway, he asked to come? If it's inconvenient for you, we can tell him to see us later."

"It doesn't matter."

"Okay- then let's meet briefly before the shoot."

Choi Sung-gun suddenly chuckled.

"Actor Kang really has become something, huh? Making a big name like PD Song Man-woo come all the way to Buyeo? By the way, what's going on? Who was on the phone?"

"CEO Seo Gu-seob of GGO Entertainment."

Choi Sung-gun immediately frowned.

"Why that Bulldog?"

Kang Woojin briefly explained his story with CEO Seo Gu-seob, and Choi Sung-gun, openly showing disdain, muttered softly,

"I'm wondering what that Bulldog bastard will do next. Looks like we need to hurry."

Hurry? With what? Internally puzzled, Woojin asked,

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing. Just talking to myself. Anyway, don't worry about that Bulldog. No, CEO Seo Gu-seob. I'll take care of it."

Though Kang Woojin had virtually no interest, he responded calmly.

"Yes, CEO~nim."

As Choi Sung-gun was pulling out his phone, he continued,

"Since you've drawn enough attention with the agency matter, we should announce it by tomorrow."

At this moment, at GGO Entertainment.

Sitting in the large CEO office, Seo Gu-seob's face was visibly flushed with anger. His lips trembled as he gritted his teeth hard.

Then he,

"That bastard Kang Woojin."

Slammed his fist down on the desk.

-Bang!!

"Fucking hell."

The frustration was palpable on his face, making him look even more like a bulldog.

"After covering up the 'Mise-en-scène Film Festival' incident and me humbling myself... How dare he make a fool of me twice?"

Kang Woojin had twice deceived him. Of course, this was just Seo Gu-seob's unilateral view. His pride was hurt, and his dignity trampled. And what about Kang Woojin's insolence during the call?

'Thinks he's all that just because he got a bit famous?'

Flames seemed to flicker in CEO Seo Gu-seob's eyes.

"Alright. Let's wait and see, you bastard."

With a reddened complexion, he called someone over the intercom. Soon, several executives entered the CEO's office. Seo Gu-seob coldly ordered them,

"Hey, let's dig up some dirt on Kang Woojin. Gather all the rumors that have been circulating about him."

The next morning.

A resort hotel a short distance from the 'Island of the Missing' shooting location. It was around 8 AM, a bit early, but Choi Sung-gun was seen in the hotel lobby.

"Let's see- what's on the menu today?"

Seemingly, he came down for breakfast. Then, something occurred to him, and he accessed a search site on his phone. What Choi Sung-gun wanted to check was simple.

『[Official] bw Entertainment confirms a 3-year extension contract with Kang Woojin』

An official statement released by bw Entertainment just dozens of minutes ago. With this, Kang Woojin wouldn't be hitting the FA market, and Choi Sung-gun nodded in satisfaction after checking the article.

"That's settled."

He briefly muttered before suddenly making a call somewhere. The recipient answered quickly.

"Yes, oppa."

A slightly trembling female voice.

"Did you sleep?"

"No. I'm about to go to the salon. I have a shoot at lunch."

"I've secured the expansion funds, you can accept them. bw Entertainment is going to grow, and I'll officially come to scout you soon."

"...Really?"

"Yes, so I was thinking of moving forward with what we planned."

"Ah."

Choi Sung-gun moved to a secluded corner of the lobby and spoke to her over the phone, almost whispering.

"Hannah, let's break that bastard Seo Gu-seob."

*****