Chapter 164: Breaking (3)

Chapter 164: Breaking (3)

Kang Woojin's contract with bw Entertainment is for a year? The editor, with his double chin, frowned deeper, and said again to the female reporter with a serious expression right in front of him, his tone slightly raised.

I mean, what kind of bullshit is that. A one-year contract? And who would believe that? Hey, do you not know who Choi Sung-gun is? He's a player, a player. Would that networker have contracted with a diamond like Kang Woojin for just one year? No, to begin with, a one-year contract doesnt even exist.

Though what he said wasnt entirely wrong, the female reporter didnt back down.

Ive obtained the info from a source.

The editor, who had been scratching his double chin, shut his mouth. Then, he slowly sized up the determined female reporter. After roughly a few seconds, he spoke again.

How reliable is that information?

Well, about- 80%?

80?

Yes.

Confidence was apparent. At this point, even the editor found it hard to ignore.

Huhthis is quite the fresh news. Which crazy entertainment company contracts a newcomer for just one year nowadays.

Exactly! Especially since its Kang Woojin were talking about. Hes been involved in so many issues right now. Hes also accumulated a string of hits.

Is that true? No matter how much he thought about it, the editor found it hard to understand.

Well, fine. Lets say, for the sake of argument, its a one-year deal. But didnt he blow up right after his debut with Mise-en-scne and Hanryang? Then, unless theyre idiots, shouldnt they have immediately extended the contract?

Moreover, Kang Woojin was currently shaking up the entertainment industry not just in Korea but also in Japan, in less than a year. And Choi Sung-gun just left him be? Has he lost his touch?

Hmm. I dont know, but there must be some reason between those two. Or perhaps a deal.

If bw Entertainment loses Kang Woojin now, theyll really be treated like clowns in the industry.

That they will.

Well, its not really our concern. Anyway, Editor-nim, how does this story smell to you? Its juicy, right?

The female reporter smiled slightly. The editors smile slowly spread as well.

Whats there to say? Especially since Kang Woojin is practically monopolizing the market right now, this will turn the entertainment companies upside down. Theyll all rush in with their money. Public interest will spike too. At any rate, the story is interesting.

We can properly hook them in for once, especially with the year-end just around the corner.

So, are you going to release it right away?

Whats the point in delaying? Just go for it.

Under normal circumstances, the editor would have agreed, but this time, for some reason, he was a bit more cautious.

Hmm- no, that information you got. Check it again. Then get confirmation from me again.

The female reporter furrowed her brows.

Editor-nim. Are you backing out now??

Yes.

Why! Why drag it out for no reason?

If you push this and it turns out to be baseless, are you going to take full responsibility if they sue us?

Whats there to sue for??

The editor sighed softly.

Listen well, touching Kang Woojin right now requires a certain readiness. Its not going to end with just a slap on the wrist.

Huh??

List the big names associated with Kang Woojin.

Ah.

Drama, film, variety show, star writers, even Japan. You know that the main investor for The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger is Japans conglomerate Kashiwa Group, right?

Those are heavyweights that a typical newcomer couldnt even dream of, but whatever it is, Kang Woojins surroundings are swarming with such people. In other words, you need to be ready to touch all those heavyweights.

But its not a scandal.

Whats the point in creating unnecessary trouble?

The female reporter understood the editors feelings. Then, the editor rose from his seat smoothly. His protruding belly was notable.

If that case you mentioned is 100% true, theres no problem. But if it turns out to be a rumor or hearsay, its a problem. Yet, its too good a topic to drop.

He mumbled and then stood right in front of the female reporter, speaking in a low voice.

So, check again, and then its not too late to turn the entertainment companies upside down.

The same day, around lunchtime, at the Mxdonald commercial shooting site.

Kang Woojin was still battling with a hamburger. The shoot that started in the morning was still ongoing. According to the shooting schedule, it looked like it would only end around the afternoon.

Woojin-ssi! Can you make it look like lightning strikes in your eyes when you eat the hamburger??

Lightning? Yes, Ill give it a try.

Okay! Lets go again with feeling!

Among Woojin's team of a dozen or so members, Choi Sung-gun, with a very serious expression, stood out. Watching Kang Woojin quietly with his arms crossed, Choi Sung-gun, who was retying his ponytail, muttered to himself.

A stepping stone? That Director Ahn Ga-bok?

Choi Sung-gun's mind was filled with thoughts of Director Ahn Ga-bok, especially the phone conversation they had earlier that morning. It was clear that the topics discussed were not light.

Then, Choi Sung-gun.

Hmm-

He recalled an important part of the conversation with Director Ahn Ga-bok. It started with the elderly voice of Director Ahn over the phone.

I think you would have noticed by now. For my 100th film, I need actor Kang Woojin. You might have heard rumors, but I plan to challenge for the Cannes Film Festival with this movie.

Though Choi Sung-gun had already finished his investigations, he hadnt acted openly. Just pretended to be slightly surprised.

He had no idea that the basis was an misunderstanding.

The next day, the 10th. In the workspace of writer Lee Wol-seon.

In the quiet room, writer Lee Wol-seon was staring at her laptop. Unusually natural, she sighed lightly after looking at the laptop screen for a few minutes.

Its done.

Then, writer Lee Wol-seon abruptly picked up her phone and called the director of Freezing Love. Probably filming, but the director picked up quickly.

Yes, writer-nim.

Writer Lee Wol-seon declared simply.

I just finished the manuscript for the last episode.

The manuscript work for Freezing Love,' which is about to premiere, has been completed. Upon hearing this, the voice of the director on the phone grew louder.

Wow! You've worked hard, writer-nim! But- today won't work! Tomorrow! I'll come tomorrow morning!

Okay. But there are two versions of the last episode's manuscript.

Two versions?

Yes. I kept thinking about the Mysterious Man Next Door' that you mentioned last time.

Hm? You wrapped it up nicely, didnt you? You even inserted a flashback cut and a mention of him moving away.

But I felt a bit sorry for the character. Also, Woojin-ssi brought it to life, enhancing its quality.

That's true. What are the two versions?

One where the main character Song Tae-hyung' and the Mysterious Man Next Door' meet again in the last episode, and one where they dont.

Aha.

Writer Lee Wol-seon, who was slowly crossing her legs, continued to explain.

As you can see in the script, the Mysterious Man Next Door' happens to meet Song Tae-hyung by chance. The Mysterious Man Next Door' avoids his gaze. But the completely changed Song Tae-hyung greets him with sign language, and the surprised Mysterious Man Next Door' also smiles and responds in sign language.

Oh ho! It would definitely warm hearts with the contrast between the first and the last episode, right??

But we cant use it if Woojin-ssi doesnt agree.

Yes. And seeing Woojin-ssi in the media, he does seem very busy.

The shooting would only take half a day, so could you please request Woojin-ssi's side?

Understood, writer-nim.

What was unique was that the response to the message sent by the director was very quick. Of course, the respondent was Choi Sung-gun.

-[Yes, Director-nim. Woojin also wants to do it, and if you let us know a week in advance, we will make time.]

At a similar time, Freezing Love' released its official trailer to the world, across YouTube and various other video platforms.

-Freezing Love' | Official 1st Trailer | KBC

There were 15-second and 30-second teasers and the official first trailer. It was a natural step since the premiere was only about 2 weeks away. Of course, both videos included a brief but intense appearance of the Mysterious Man Next Door' and sign language. Kang Woojin's presence was strangely intense.

Naturally, the public's reaction was swift.

-Kang Woojin, in Drug Dealer, devoured the acting with his eyes and breath alone.so thrillingly sexy like a crazy psychopathbut his sign language acting is something new??

-How much is Kang Woojin's screen time in this??

-Kang Woojins mask is so versatile! Sweet one moment, chilling the next, now its softly heartwarming

-Ahfeels like its gonna be boring..

-It's Writer Lee Wol-seon's workwonder if she can surpass Writer Park Eun-mi?

-Kang Woojinfrom a lover to a drug addict, now with sign languagejust like a completely different person

-Jung Jang-hwan is in another dramadoesnt he do movies??

-WoahKang Woojins brief appearance is killerreally everything from his facial muscles to his gestures is amazing.just the trailer alone is so fun.

Kang Woojin's acting spectrum was endlessly expanding.

Meanwhile, at the same time. In a shop in Cheongdam-dong.

Kang Woojin's van was visible in the large shop's parking lot. Soon, Woojin, with full make up, got into the van. Inside the car, only Choi Sung-gun in the passenger seat was visible. Han Ye-jung and Jang Su-hwan were in the bathroom, and the rest of the team were at the office.

Today, Woojin's schedule had two interviews in the morning, and from afternoon till night, he had to return to the filming of Island of the Missing'.

Regardless.

-Swish.

Choi Sung-gun, sitting in the passenger seat, suddenly handed a transparent file to Kang Woojin.

This is related to the end-of-year activities. It includes all the award ceremonies that have sent invitations so far. Just so you know, it's beneficial to attend all end-of-year ceremonies, regardless of the type, you know?

The cool Kang Woojin silently unfolded the file and nodded.

Yes, I'm aware.

Choi Sung-gun, who was intently watching Woojin look through the file, suddenly changed the subject.

And the Oscars are currently impossible.

Woojin slowly lifted his head to meet Choi Sung-gun's eyes, followed by a moment of silence.

There was no wavering in his poker face. However, it seemed like there was a subtle disturbance. Or should it be called a question mark? After a few seconds passed, Kang Woojin responded with a clear voice.

Of course, it would be difficult this year.

Right after hearing the answer, Choi Sung-gun chuckled.

Ha- I wondered, but as expected. The Oscars it's not just ambitious, it's lofty, too lofty. It breaks all norms.

The annoyance in his voice was a bonus.

Were you aiming for the Oscars from the start? I feel slighted. You should've given me a hint about that crazy plan, so I could've prepared myself mentally. It's enough to give someone a heart attack.

Kang Woojin's indifferent face was firmer than ever.

?