Chapter 126: Fireworks (6)

Chapter 126: Fireworks (6)

10 minutes.

After the official statement from Director Kyotaro's side was released, similar or nearly identical articles began to flood Japan.

『The Korean actor, officially announced by Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi, is ‘Kang Woojin', a real newcomer.』

The issue was already a hot topic. The controversy had grown due to Kyotaro's interview and had attracted the attention of many.

『'Toega' Film Company confirms Korean actor ‘Kang Woojin' for casting.』

Thus, the Japanese media replicated the official statement faster than light.

Finally, a clear answer had emerged.

『Kang Woojin is the first newcomer to lead a foreign film in both Korea and Japan!』

With their curiosity neatly resolved, the Japanese public reacted with a mix of enthusiasm and grumbling.

-Of course, it was Kang Woojin! I like it! He's a good actor.

-I thought it was already somewhat confirmed in Korea, but why did they hide it then??

-Maybe they kept it a secret because the issue became too big?

-Still, having a Korean actor in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' which I like, is a bit...

-Kang Woojin! I really like him! Check out his YouTube, you'll all become his fans!

-I think it's better to have a Korean actor. Anyway, Japanese actors' performances have been deteriorating.

-I like it too. If you have a complaint, start by watching ‘Hanryang' on Netflix.

-It's impressive... How did a newcomer secure a leading role?

·

·

·

Regardless, all the facts were now revealed. This situation was unprecedented for Japan, and the public was abuzz with this novel spectacle.

Of course, not everyone in Japan viewed it positively. There was a lot of skepticism too.

『'Korea's Newcomer Actor' Revealed, But Film Industry Insiders Are Skeptical.』

『Who is ‘Kang Woojin'? Netizens' Concerns Grow.』

However, one thing was consistent: the focus of Japan's media and public opinion was now on ‘Kang Woojin' and ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.'

His name and recognition skyrocketed.

There was already a buildup, so a boost was inevitable. ‘Hanryang' on Netflix Japan also received frequent mentions.

『Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi's ‘Kang Woojin' Turns Out to Be a Supporting Actor in a Popular Korean Netflix Drama.』

Japanese reporters often covered Kang Woojin-related SNS, YouTube channels, filmographies, and past works. It was basic strategy yet essential, as the public clicked on news containing as much information as possible.

At this point, at the Japanese private broadcasting station TBE.

“PD~nim!!”

Writers from ‘Ame-talk Show!' rushed to PD Shinjo.

“It's Woojin! It's really Woojin!”

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean the ‘Korean newcomer actor' that Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi mentioned! It's Woojin!”

“What are you saying... Are you sure? There were only speculations, no facts.”

“Just now! Director Tanoguchi officially announced it! The lead role is confirmed to be Woojin!”

At that moment, PD Shinjo's eyes widened in shock.

“Contact bw Entertainment immediately! And bring all the plans we've made!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Hurry up! We need to coordinate with bw Entertainment and get the news out as soon as possible! And we have to overhaul more than half of our plans!”The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

The ‘Ame-talk Show!' team became extremely busy, almost frantic.

And then.

『Korea's hot newcomer ‘Kang Woojin', soon to launch on Netflix Japan with the rom-com ‘Male Friend'』

As if waiting for the right moment, the Japanese Netflix side released news about the soon-to-be-launched ‘Male Friend.'

Additionally,

『'Kang Woojin' and ‘Hwalin' scheduled to visit Japan soon for ‘Male Friend' promotions』

News about Kang Woojin and Hwalin's upcoming schedule in Japan was also leaked.

-Wow! Kang Woojin and Hwalin are coming to Japan!!

-Really?? Male Friend? Is it a rom-com? I have to check it out!

-Which airport! What time! I want to see them in person!

This news spread rapidly as well.

Then back to Korea.

In Korea, where the news had exploded even before it reached Japan, the country was still in turmoil even as afternoon turned into night. Various portal sites continuously updated their news, and these articles spread rapidly through the clicks of numerous fingers.

It was noisy. The most intense uproar of the year.

By this point, it was impossible for Kang Woojin's acquaintances not to be aware of the situation. His sister, Kang Hyun-ah, was shocked, and Woojin's close friends were in a frenzy about the exclusive news.

Furthermore, everyone Kang Woojin had ever interacted with was equally stunned.

Directors, PDs, actors, staff – counting just the number of people, hundreds were showing a range of reactions.

“PD~nim! Have you seen the news?! Our Kang Totem has been confirmed for the lead role in Akari Takikawa's live-action movie!”

“I saw it too! That project will do really well!”

“But why can Woojin sing so well? Didn't you know this? If I had known, I would have asked him for an OST in Hanryang!”

“Did you see the search sites? Seriously, the entertainment news is filled with articles about Kang Woojin.”

“It makes sense. Besides the national pride angle, it’s unprecedented in the history of cinema.”

“But it’s really curious, how did he snatch the lead role in that field? Does he have a strong backing?”

“Some articles say he's from a wealthy family. Good at acting, vocals, and even Japanese. Sounds like he received intense early education.”

Reporters, staff, and actors were all abuzz with speculation.

“Wow, Kang Woojin. I’m jealous. When will I ever get a chance to go abroad?”

“First, you need to get rid of your supporting actor image in the domestic market.”

“You're in the same boat.”

“Anyway, the internet and SNS are all about Kang Woojin. It’ll probably last a while. I wonder if he'll start ignoring other actors?”

“I heard he's actually quite nice.”

At that moment,

-Swish.

The glass door slowly opened, and a man with a cold expression entered. It was Kang Woojin. Immediately, everyone's gaze in the reading room shifted to Woojin at the entrance. After briefly scanning the room, Woojin bowed his head slightly and greeted in a low voice.

“Hello, I'm Kang Woojin.”

Suddenly, the reading room fell silent. At that moment, a reporter, somewhat dazed looking at Woojin, had his phone in view. It displayed the ‘Kang Woojin's Alter Ego' channel on YouTube, probably because he was watching it in anticipation of meeting Kang Woojin soon.

What was interesting was:

[Channel Name: Kang Woojin's Alter Ego]

[Subscribers: 509,000]

[Videos: 2]

The subscriber count had ‘exploded' dramatically.

Meanwhile, outside the reading room in the corridor, Choi Sung-gun, who was still glued to his phone, was pacing the corridor, busy with the onslaught of calls. He was currently talking to Kim So-hyang from Netflix Korea.

“The promotional event in Japan is on the 26th?”

The promotional event in Japan was the event disguised as a press conference that she had mentioned before, planned in collaboration with Netflix Japan. As Choi Sung-gun inquired further, Kim So-hyang, the executive director, responded from the other end of the phone.

“Yes, next month would be okay, but for such events, it's better to act quickly. We've aligned opinions with Netflix Japan. We need to strike while the iron is hot. Of course, if Woojin's schedule doesn’t allow it, we might have to adjust.”

“No, next month would be even harder. Woojin's schedule next month is twice as busy as now. Hmm, the 26th.”

That was just a few days away. After quickly calculating in his head, Choi Sung-gun spoke up.

“I do have a few schedules fixed for the 26th, but what about you, Hwalin?”

“It’s just a one-day schedule, so she’s okay with it. If it’s difficult, you can arrive in Japan separately and join her there.”

“No, it’s better if they go together. Okay, I’ll try to adjust it.”

“Oh! Thank you, then shall I proceed with preparations for the 26th?”

“Yes, Director Kim.”

After finishing the call, Choi Sung-gun opened his diary, which was already packed with no space left. He sighed softly, turned to a new page, and wrote something down.

‘Arrive in Japan on the 26th. Carry out promotional schedule for ‘Male Friend'. Then- schedule a meeting with Director Kyotaro on the 27th and then ‘Ame-talk show!'.’

Closing the diary, he muttered to himself.

“And on the 30th, the official recording for ‘Ame-talk Show!'.”

In short, Kang Woojin’s upcoming schedule in Japan would span four days, not just one. The 30th was set for the shooting of ‘Ame-talk Show!', and it was more convenient than going back and forth.

Having figured out a plan, Choi Sung-gun then made a call. This time to the production manager of ‘Island of the Missing'.

“Yes, Manager. Sorry for the late call. I was sorting out the schedule. Yes. For now, I will let you know the exact details after meeting with Director Kyotaro in Japan. Yes. But there shouldn’t be any major issues with the overseas location schedule. We’ll make sure not to disrupt the shooting schedule too much.”

After a lengthy explanation, Choi Sung-gun concluded.

“Yes, we'll meet after I return from Japan. Yes. Ah- I will call Director Kwon directly about that part. Yes-”

-Click.

Feeling like he had extinguished the urgent fires, Choi Sung-gun let out a long sigh.

“Phew, this is even busier than when it was with Hye-yeon. Well, she never had overlapping schedules like this. It's hectic but fun.”

Just then.

-Brriing, brriing.

The phone rang again. Choi Sung-gun, checking the caller ID, tilted his head slightly.

“Director Kim Do-hee?”

The caller was Kim Do-hee, the director of ‘Drug Dealer.' Thinking ‘She must be calling to congratulate Woojin,' Choi Sung-gun answered the phone.

“Yes, Director Kim. Haha, have you had lunch yet?”

“No, I’m about to. But more importantly, CEO Choi.”

However, what Kim Do-hee said over the phone was not a congratulation.

“We’re planning a blind preview for ‘Drug Dealer' next week.”

“A blind preview?”

A blind preview was a schedule towards the end of a film’s post-production. It's where directors, production teams, and actors gather for a preview. Essentially, it's an assessment of the finished product.

This meant...

“Yes. A blind preview. I’d appreciate it if you and Woojin could attend together, it's important.”

The release of ‘Drug Dealer' was imminent.

****

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