Chapter 187: United States (2)

Chapter 187: United States (2)

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.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

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.'

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.

*****

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