Chapter 187: United States (2)

Chapter 187: United States (2)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Upon Kang Woojin's firm response through the phone,

"PD-nim, I'll take the role of 'Jang Yeon-woo'."

Writer Choi Na-na covered her mouth with both hands and abruptly stood up. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"....Ah."

It was because she was too overwhelmed with emotion. Of course, the production manager and the casting director also stopped in their tracks. It wasn't confusion or astonishment. It was closer to a pleasant shock, with exhilaration to boot. Hearing it directly from Kang Woojin himself, rather than through others, doubled its impact.

And then,

"Really? You'll take it on, Woojin-ssi?"

With beard hanging off his chin, PD Song Man-woo seemed to have gone through hell and back in a brief moment. The bad thoughts he had just moments ago vanished upon hearing Kang Woojin would take on the role.

'Kang Totem, so reassuring.'

Even for a bigwig like drama PD Song Man-woo, in front of the Kang Totem, he was nothing but a devotee. Anyhow, Woojin's low voice continued over the phone.

"Yes, PD-nim. I found the script interesting and I like the character 'Jang Yeon-woo.' I'll do it."

"Haha, that's great. I'm grateful."

"Ah, by any chance, is there an overlap with another actor?"

"Not at all! We haven't sent the script to anyone else but you, Woojin-ssi."

The words 'eagerly awaiting' came to mind, but Song Man-woo PD tried hard to hold back.

"Woojin-ssi will be the first actor for 'Beneficial Evil.'"

"Understood."

"Now, we have to gather the cast centered around Woojin-ssi, hahaha. But first, I have to brag to Writer Park."

After tossing out a light joke, PD Song Man-woo changed the subject to something that had just occurred to him.

"Ah, but Woojin-ssi."

"Yes."

"That- um, you've considered your entire schedule before deciding, right? As you know, there will be martial arts training involved. The movements might be a bit complex since it's action-heavy."

"Yes."

"Are you sure it's okay?"

In that moment, everyone in the office, including PD Song Man-woo, looked down at their phones. Their expressions were serious. In contrast, Woojin's voice from the phone was as calm as ever.

"What do you mean?"

Was he the right choice after all? PD Song Man-woo laughed. It was a needless worry. Martial arts must be no concern for Kang Woojin.

"No, nothing. Okay, 'Beneficial Evil's main male lead is confirmed to be Woojin-ssi. Ah, but before the script reading, there will be a simple test related to the martial arts."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. It's nothing difficult, just the usual thing action projects do, where the martial arts director checks the actor's form. To see if you're flexible or stiff."

Woojin responded shortly, understanding, and then the person on the other side of the phone changed. It was Choi Sung-gun's voice.

"PD-nim, hello, this is Choi Sung-gun."

"Ah, CEO Choi."

"Uh- I'm leaving for the United States tomorrow and will be back in about a week, so I'll contact you then. We can discuss the details at that meeting."

"Sure, got it."

"Take care!"

"You too, CEO Choi."

-Click.

As soon as the call ended, the casting director, just like Choi Na-na, abruptly stood up. However, it was more of an explosion of passion for work rather than a cheer.

"PD-nim, I'll go distribute the script according to plan A right away!! With Kang Woojin confirmed, everything will proceed smoothly!!"

"Okay, okay!"

The production manager also picked up his phone, following the CD.

"I'll start contacting the key staff and schedule the next production meeting! The key staff will love this?? Ah, and I'll start preparing the contract part too!"

Soon, the two disappeared from the office, and writer Choi Na-na who still seemed to be in disbelief, finally managed to sit down.

".....Amazing. I never thought Woojin-nim would actually do it."

PD Song Man-woo's smile deepened.

"Now, Writer Choi just needs to keep writing the script."

"Thank you! It really seems thanks to you, PD-nim!"

"Not at all, it's because the script is good."

"Ah! But what did CEO Choi mean by 'the details'?"

"It means that Woojin-ssi verbally confirmed to take on 'Jang Yeon-woo,' and while he's handling his schedule in the US, we're to prepare a build-up for him."

"What??"

"It's confirmed he'll appear, but not yet officially. The formal contract is still pending. That's where the deal will be discussed."

PD Song Man-woo shrugged his shoulders and replied as if it were a given.

"Things like the appearance fees, options, and such."

Meanwhile, at the same time, in Kang Woojin's van.

Having just finished the call with PD Song Man-woo, Woojin was in the middle of moving to his schedule. The fact that he was in full makeup and wearing a long coat indicated the weather had turned colder. However, today's work would end a bit earlier than usual. He needed to meet with the 'Our Dining Table' team early in the morning and head to the airport.

'Time flies so fast.'

Though his face was indifferent, Kang Woojin's heart started to race as he looked out the window. Then, as if struck by a thought and to hide his racing heartbeat, he picked up one of the scripts piled up around him.

-'Beneficial Evil'

It was the first episode's script of 'Beneficial Evil,' for which he had just confirmed his appearance. However, Woojin did not open the script. Instead, he secretly pressed the black square attached to the side of the script.

Kang Woojin entered the void space in an instant.

He turned around after confirming the endless darkness stretched out before him. His destination was the place where white rectangles were lined up, especially the one at the very end, updated with 'Beneficial Evil.'

'It was S+ when I first received it, right?'

But the situation had changed. Now that he was decided as the lead, it was natural for the rating of 'Beneficial Evil' to change as well. It had always been like that up until now. Holding onto that faint expectation, Woojin looked at the white rectangle of 'Beneficial Evil.'

And then,

"Whoa- this is awesome."

He smiled a genuine, concept-free smile. The rating of 'Beneficial Evil' was.

-[9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), SS Grade]

It had achieved the current highest grade in the void space.

On the other hand,

As the year-end approached, the domestic entertainment industry was bustling with activity, truly rich in issues. It was always hectic around this time of year, but this year seemed several times more chaotic than usual.

『[Entertainment] Year-end atmosphere is fully here... From broadcasting to the film industry, various award ceremonies are in focus, what will happen this year?』

Each sector of the entertainment industry was buzzing with attention-grabbing issues.

In the film industry, of course.

『[Official] Director Ahn Ga-bok announces the title of his 100th movie in an interview with the media, 'Title is 'Leech"』

『Director Ahn Ga-bok's ambitious work 'Leech,' aiming for Cannes, 'Sim Han-ho' is not yet confirmed... many top actors interested↑』

『'Leech's screenplay is out, Director Ahn Ga-bok 'I've already given the script to two actors'』

Even in the variety show industry.

『PD Yoon's 'Our Dining Table' team leaves for the US tomorrow/ Photos』

『[Issue IS] 'Hwalin', was expected to miss 'Our Dining Table'... But her agency states 'She will fulfill her schedules without any issues'』

There was a flood of news to watch, tear apart, chew on, and enjoy. Among them, the hottest topic was definitely Hwalin's incident. The media and public opinion endlessly fueled the fire. Not to mention, famous influencers, fellow celebrities mentioning Hwalin on SNS, and big YouTube channels and streamers covered the assault incident.

The incident, being the most provocative, generated tremendous firepower.

The gasoline poured on the fire was, bizarrely, the interview shared with the media by the assailant stalker during the investigation.

["Why did you attack Hwalin?!!"]

[".....I wanted to discipline her. I didn't really plan to stab her. It's just that Hwalin is too promiscuous. But I didn't expect to be interfered with. Suddenly that bastard shielded Hwalin.....I should have thought more carefully before attacking."]

Despite being hooded and handcuffed, the stalker showed no sign of remorse.

『[Breaking News] 'Hwalin's assailant stalker "I disciplined her because she's too promiscuous"』

This caused the public to pull even tighter on the bowstring of outrage.

-Wow f*ck, makes me want to beat the crap out of him!!!!!!!!

-That kind of bastard doesn't even deserve prison food, just go straight to death penaltyㄱㄱㄱ

-Promiscuous my assㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋHe's really a psycho ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅗㅗㅗㅗ

-But who shielded her??? Is he talking about the guards???

-Yeah, it's about the guards blocking the attackㅇㅇ

-Fucking bastard...If he got stabbed with an awl, he'd be pissing and shitting himself

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The stalker took on public outrage. However, the explosion of anger wasn't confined to Korea. Hwalin and her group 'Elani' were also top-tier girl groups in Japan.

Thus, this incident was also prominently covered in Japan.

『Elani's 「Hwalin,」 attacked with an awl by a stalker』

『Korea is now noisy over the 「Hwalin」 attack incident, a reason to be wary of sasaeng fans』

『「Hwalin's」 attack incident sparks outrage on domestic fans' SNS』

『「Hwalin,」 fortunately not seriously hurt, shares news on SNS to Korean and domestic fans』

Just like in Korea, the assault seemed to have shocked Japan as well. Thanks to this, Japanese public interest heightened, and Hwalin's Japanese fans screamed their anger. The spread was instantaneous.

Amid such a muddle of issues, the day ended, and it was the dawn of December 6th.

Around 5 a.m. on December 6th,

A time when most are asleep or just starting their day. However, in one officetel, some of the nation's top celebrities were gathering.

Among them was Kang Woojin, dressed in a hoodie and coat.

Despite the early hours, his concept was strong. He sat on the sofa with a cynical face, yet inside, he was bouncing with excitement.

'A-are we really going?? Am I going to the US?!'

Why? Because in a few hours, he was scheduled to board a plane to the US for the first shoot of 'Our Dining Table.' It was different from Japan. He was finally going to a country where English wasn't just a subject but the main language.

'Calm down, Kang Woojin.'

Gradually, the cast members started to gather in the officetel, serving as 'Our Dining Table's office. Beside Kang Woojin sat Hong Hye-yeon, then Hwalin chatting with her, surrounded by PD Yoon Byung-seon, An Jong-hak, Ha Gang-su, and Yeon Baek-kwang. Incidentally, Hwalin, who was chatting with Hong Hye-yeon, seemed to be in good condition, thankfully.

"Hm? Hwalin, you changed your perfume?"

"Oh?? Ah- yes, I got a recommendation."

"I've smelled it somewhere before. It's nice, which one is it?"

"A secret?"

"What's with the sudden mysteriousness?"

Other cast members or staff didn't bring up the assault incident to Hwalin. They were just about to leave, and there was no good in dredging up the incident. Everyone knew that Hwalin, appearing fine on the outside, was struggling internally.

Eventually,

"Alright! Let's depart!"

PD Yoon Byung-seon and the main writer had finished preparing for departure. The rest of the dozens of staff members were waiting outside the officetel. Soon, the camera-carrying VJs attached themselves to each of the cast members, including Kang Woojin, mic'd up. PD Yoon Byung-seon, with an excited face, gave the instructions at this moment. (TL: VJ = Video jockey)

"We'll be heading to the airport in our own cars, of course with cameras attached! There might be reporters at the airport, so we'll do a quick interview for off-air use before starting the boarding process! As you all know, just act normal till we get to the airport, no need to feel pressured by the cameras!"

Right after PD Yoon Byung-seon's moderate guidance, the mass migration began. Since they would meet again on the plane, there was no communication among the cast members. Kang Woojin also moved to the underground parking lot with the staff, including Choi Sung-gun.

-Vroom!

And they were off. Several vans and minibuses parked in the lot started heading to the airport simultaneously, and Kang Woojin, in the minibus, glanced at the camera attached to his right.

'Really filming continuously? So........ except for sleeping, I'll have to maintain the concept, huh? Tough, it's really going to be tough.'

He spoke to the male VJ holding the camera.

"Can I really act normally?"

"Yes, just as you normally would."

"I usually read scripts while moving."

"You can read them. PD-nim will probably use it appropriately for inserts."

"I see. Would you like some snacks?"

"No, thank you. You can treat me as if I'm not here, haha."

How can I treat you as if you're not here when you are here? Woojin retorted inwardly and picked up any of the paper bundles nearby. It turned out to be 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.' Well, does it matter? Thinking so, Woojin solemnly resumed reading the script.

And so, two hours passed like that.

Soon, the entire 'Our Dining Table' team arrived at Incheon Airport.

"Let's move!!"

Including PD Yoon Byung-seon, the staff of 'Our Dining Table,' the cast, and their staff, the group moving together was of a formidable size. Only upon arrival at the airport did the six cast members gather. Naturally, there were also six VJs. Adding in those filming wide shots and backgrounds, the total exceeded ten people.

To anyone looking, it was obviously a filming team.

Thanks to that, the 'Our Dining Table' team captured the attention of the crowds in the airport lobby from the moment they arrived. Despite the early hour, the airport was crowded. Onlookers quickly swarmed.

"Wow!!! Look over there!!"

"What what!!? Ah!! Amazing! Hong Hye-yeon, Hong Hye-yeon!!"

"Kyaaa!! Oppa!! Oppa!!!"

"It's Hwalin!! What?? Is this a shoot??!"

"Here!! Please look over here!!!"

"OMG!! Kang Woojin!! He looks insane in person!!"

"This is it! 'Our Dining Table'!!"

Even though prepared guards held back the onlookers, they swelled like waves. Still, the guards' defense was solid. PD Yoon Byung-seon had deployed even more guards than expected due to Hwalin's incident.

Then,

"Unnie!! Hwalin unnie!! Stay strong!!"

"Oppa!! A gift for you!! Woojin oppa!"

"Have a safe trip, Baek-kwang-ah!!!"

Fans who had been waiting in advance joined in, quickly numbering in the hundreds. They all held up their phones to take pictures or videos. Gifts from the fans were thrown in heaps, even as the guards tried to block.

At this point, Kang Woojin, with his stern face, was bewildered.

'What, what's this? Grenades?? This is total chaos.'

Since there were five other top stars besides himself, it felt as though a nuclear bomb had gone off in the airport. There was no time to care about the gifts falling to the floor. They needed to move as quickly as possible to avoid any accidents, and the 'Our Dining Table' team barely made it to the departure area, swarmed by dozens of reporters.

Then came a barrage of flashes.

-Papapapapak!

-Papapapapapapak!

Questions from the reporters poured out frenetically, but 'Our Dining Table' team didn't have time for interviews due to the crowd of onlookers, which was twice as expected. They could only wave their hands towards the reporters. Kang Woojin did the same.

Prompted by the leader of 'Our Dining Table' team, PD Yoon Byung-seon's shout,

"Alright! That's enough, pass, pass!"

'The Our Dining Table' team proceeded to the US departure immigration. Exactly one hour later,

'We're taking off! We're off!'

Kang Woojin was in the sky.

Of course, this news was quickly thrown onto the internet.

『[Issue Pick] An Jong-hak, Ha Gang-su, Hong Hye-yeon, Hwalin, Yeon Baek-kwang, and Kang Woojin... 'Our Dining Table' team departs for the US!』

Interestingly, around the time the plane carrying Kang Woojin took off for the US, news broke that a top star from overseas was arriving in Korea.

『[Hollywood] "Big News", from actor and singers, top-tier Hollywood actress 'Miley Cara'... coming to Korea next week on the 8th for new movie promotion』

It was a name seen on the 'Kang Woojin's Alter Ego' channel.

*****