Chapter 226: Sacrifice (7)

The moment Director Kwon Ki-taek declared the crank-up of ‘Island of the Missing’, excitement surged among the hundred or so staff members gathered at the large set complex.

“Uwah!! Finally!!”

“Wow- everyone, great work!!”

“Yeah! I can’t believe it’s actually over!! Hahaha!”

“Director~nim! Great work!!”

“Phew!! I really need some sleep now!”

“Come on, everyone, you haven’t forgotten about the remaining cleanup, right??!”

Staff members, who had been through thick and thin together for a not-so-short period of time, hugged and laughed heartily, sharing their joy. Director Kwon Ki-taek simply sat in front of the monitor, not particularly restraining the hundred or so staff members.

He knew their hard work better than anyone else.

Of course, it wasn’t 100% over. There could be additional shootings occasionally. There were also minor schedules left like the production announcement and remaining poster shootings. However, at this moment, it was fair to say that all staff of ‘Island of the Missing’ were entering a period of rest. But for Director Kwon Ki-taek, the real work was just beginning.

After all, there was still the crucial post-production work left.

Thus, the gradually disappearing smile on the face of Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was staring intently at the monitor, signaled his mental shift to editing plans. What should be the look for the official poster, not just the temporary one? What about the first and second trailers? The opening music?

How to maximize the charm of the actors?

His brain suddenly began to work. Even though the filming schedule had just ended, there was no rest. But Director Kwon Ki-taek was among the masters of domestic directors. Soon, the directions began to accumulate smoothly.

‘It’s probably best to stick with Corporal Jin Sun-cheol from the early to middle parts.’

It was about the role Kang Woojin had played. From the early stages of conceptualizing the screenplay for ‘Island of the Missing’, Director Kwon Ki-taek had placed significant emphasis on the character of ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol.’ He was responsible for much of the conflict and tension in the drama.

As Director Kwon Ki-taek was busily thinking,

“Be careful!! Hey! Don’t be so reckless just because it’s over! Do you know how much that costs?!!”

“I’m sorry!”

“We’ll organize the props!”

“Camera crew! Should we remove the rail??!”

The hundred or so staff members left their jubilation behind and began to clean up the shooting site. At that moment, Ryu Jung-min, still in his military uniform, approached Director Kwon Ki-taek. Perhaps because of his tall stature, he looked particularly good in the uniform.

“Director~nim.”

At his approach, Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had been quietly staring at the monitor, turned his head.

“Hm, yes. You’ve worked hard, Jung-min ssi.”

Ryu Jung-min, with his short hair, smiled faintly and bowed his head slightly.

“You’ve worked very hard too, Director~nim.”

“Haha. For me, the real hard work is just starting now.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek chuckled softly and crossed his arms, looking over the bustling cleanup scene.

“It feels a bit lonely now, though. There were a lot of actors at the start.”

Currently, the only actors left on ‘Island of the Missing’ included Ryu Jung-min and Ha Yu-ra, along with a few supporting and minor roles. The other leading actors, like Kang Woojin, had already left as their filming schedules had ended. Ryu Jung-min patted Director Kwon Ki-taek’s shoulder as if to cheer him up.

“Indeed, it would have been a bit more lively if everyone was still around. I always feel a bit unsettled when a movie ends.”

“You came straight from ‘Hanryang,’ so it must feel even more so. So, did you gain anything from ‘Island of the Missing’? You had a purpose of finding your limits besides filming, right?”

This was also about Kang Woojin. Before joining ‘Island of the Missing’, Ryu Jung-min had implied deeper intentions.

“Director~nim, I can’t express a dual personality just through my eyes and expressions.”

“Is that so?”

“Not yet. Chasing a monster that can express emotions merely by his face is impossible. I’ve realized that now.”

“You realized it?”

Ryu Jung-min, making eye contact with Director Kwon Ki-taek, recalled Kang Woojin’s acting that he had seen in ‘The Island of the Missing’.

“Kang Woojin ssi is a different breed altogether. Although he’s the same actor, his very essence is······”

Ryu Jung-min trailed off. Perhaps he wanted to express something about a new human species or uniqueness. Director Kwon Ki-taek, fully understanding, stood up swiftly.

“You’re quite the oddball yourself. It’s just that Woojin ssi exists.”

He changed the subject.

“We’re looking at around May for the release of ‘Island of the Missing.'”

“May- that’s spring.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek smiled warmly and gave Ryu Jung-min a thumbs up.

“Take some time off to care for your skin, it’s going to get busy.”

Later.

As ‘Island of the Missing’ was in the midst of cleanup, a variety show began to buzz in the conversations of many people gathered in companies and cafes around the country.

“Eh? Haven’t you watched ‘Our Dining Table’?”

“No, not yet. I usually don’t watch shows by PD Yoon Byung-seon. But is it that interesting? Everyone seems to be talking about it.”

“It’s totally awesome! Try taking a quick peek on Youtube! You’ll be hooked right away!”

It was PD Yoon Byung-seon’s ‘Our Dining Table.’

“It’s not popular for no reason?? It’s super fun. Finally, a variety show worth watching!”

“Kang Woojin is on it too, right? How is he?”

“······Ah, Kang Woojin is the key there. His cooking skills are insane. To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of Kang Woojin before, but after watching ‘Our Dining Table,’ I looked him up a lot. I’ve started fangirling.”

It had been like this since the day after ‘Our Dining Table’ aired. Although movies and dramas might be influential, variety shows, being particularly relatable content, evoked a stronger reaction.

Thus, the domestic media couldn’t help but be noisy with talks about ‘Our Dining Table.’

『‘As expected from PD Yoon’, ‘Our Dining Table’ bursts into the stagnant variety show industry with a 15.6% viewership ratings!』

『How long has it been since a variety show hit over 15%? The popularity of the ‘Our Dining Table’ cast, including Kang Woojin, explodes』

The fact that variety show veteran PD Yoon Byung-seon’s ‘s new show set a record of over 15% viewership also played a part.

『Kang Woojin’s high-level cooking skills showcased in ‘Our Dining Table,’ confusing even real chefs?』

『[Star Talk] What can’t Kang Woojin do? As he prepares to go to the USA in next episode, netizens cry, ‘Give us Episode 1 now!’』

However, it wasn’t a record made solely on the name value of PD Yoon Byung-seon, Kang Woojin, and other cast members. ‘Our Dining Table’ had solid content as well. To the point of giving the public not just enjoyment, but explosive anticipation that made them wait for a week.

『SNS buzzes with Kang Woojin’s creative dish, what does the ‘Kimjaban makguksu’ featured on ‘Our Dining Table’ taste like?』

With the flood of interest like this, there was no way PD Yoon Byung-seon would stay still. The ‘Our Dining Table’ team mobilized all channels to pour their efforts into promotions. Youtube was flooded with edited videos of the first episode aired the previous week, and they frantically released previews for the upcoming episode.

The previews featured ‘Our Dining Table’ members operating a food truck in the US.

The appearance of an LA Michelin 1-star chef was a bonus.

All videos posted by ‘Our Dining Table’ had at least 100,000 views, with some reaching over 1 million views.

-Ah…..I want to see it so bad…..Time is not passing at all….When is the premiereㅠㅠㅠㅜㅜㅠ

-Ah!! Give us the full episode, not just the trailer!! Give it to us! Now!!

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋStarting with a food truck huhㅋㅋㅋㅋReally curious about the Americans’ reactionsㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Is Kang Woojin confirmed as the main chef??? What if the Americans spit out the food saying it’s bad???

-It’s really novel that top actors from Korea are going to the US to cookㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋn/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

-What’s a Michelin 1-star chef?? Did the production team arrange that???

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋNo wayㅋㅋㅋA genuine American Michelin one-star chef eating Kang Woojin’s cookingㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Lee Sang-man: It’s going to burn, the going to blow up

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Well, of course, the internet wasn’t just buzzing about ‘Our Dining Table.’ There was an abundance of gossip to feed on, so the domestic media was busy picking and shooting whatever they wanted.

『‘I will conquer Japan with my acting’ Kang Woojin starts filming ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ in Japan, eyewitness accounts emerging on Japanese SNS』

As the 21st day ended and Friday the 22nd dawned. From the morning, it was the movie industry that captured the public’s attention.

-Ohㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ’The Island of the Missing’ has finished shooting???ㅋㅋㅋ it ended sooner than expected

The news of ‘Island of the Missing’ crank-up had spread.

『Master Director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of the Missing’ wraps up shooting yesterday! When is the release?』

『[MovieIS] ‘Island of the Missing’ announces shooting end, insiders say ‘Not confirmed but expected to release around May’』

Expectations were high as it was the new work of master Director Kwon Ki-taek and since top actors like Ryu Jung-min and Kang Woojin were involved. Both industry and public opinion were buzzing.

『Will ‘Island of the Missing,’ featuring many top actors and directed by a master director, be a hit or a flop?』

Meanwhile, even as Kang Woojin was in Japan, things related to him proceeded smoothly. PD Song Man-woo from ‘Beneficial Evil’ was in a script meeting with Writer Choi Na-na.

“Writer-nim, I think we can go a bit more extreme here, sort of no holds barred.”

“Re- Really?? I thought it might be too over the top.”

“It’s okay, just go for it for now.”

They were rapidly progressing through the pre-production stages with several production meetings with the key staff. But they were not in a hurry. As a substantial budget was involved, it was necessary to be meticulous.

Later the same day in the late afternoon, a drama that had featured Kang Woojin was coming to an end on broadcaster KBC.

-[Freezing Love]

-[Final Episode]

It was ‘Freezing Love’ by star Writer Lee Wol-seon. Woojin had appeared only in the initial 1st and 2nd episodes, but he appeared again in today’s final episode. It wasn’t a long appearance. However, his appearance caused a stir in various communities.

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠAnyone watching the final episode of Freezing Love right now?? Kang Woojin is onㅠㅜㅜ So touching….Kang Woojin really brings the finale to life….

For reference, ‘Freezing Love’ maintained around 10% viewership until its final episode. It was a decent performance, but given that Writer Lee Wol-seon was a star writer, there were no shortage of critical articles.

『Star Writer Lee Wol-seon, ‘Freezing Love’ ends with an average 10% viewership, a disappointing performance』

However, Writer Lee Wol-seon, the production team, and the cast of ‘Freezing Love’ seemed satisfied.

『Writer Lee Wol-seon ‘A thoroughly fulfilling project, learned a lot from the production team, actors, and Kang Woojin’』

Regardless of his current absence in Korea, Kang Woojin’s name was endlessly mentioned. It was around the time the last episode of ‘Freezing Love’ ended.

A piece of news was delivered to several top actors.

For example, Jin Jae-jun of ‘Drug Dealer.’

“Jae-jun! It’s out! Just got audition info from ‘Leech’!!”

“Oh! Really?”

The official audition date for ‘Leech’ by veteran Director Ahn Ga-bok was confirmed. Despite selective filtering by ‘Leech,’ many top actors were set to participate in the audition.

The problem was.

“Hey! The audition is for designated acting- and Director Ahn Ga-bok, Senior Sim Han-ho, and······uh? Kang Woojin?”

“Woojin ssi? What about Woojin ssi?”

“No… it says Kang Woojin will be one of the judges for the audition? Is this right??”

“Woojin ssi will······be there?”

The audition information included Kang Woojin as one of the judges.

“Eh. Nah- probably a mix-up. As much as he’s Director Ahn Ga-bok, surely he wouldn’t have put Kang Woojin as a judge with top actors auditioning.”

“······No, it probably true. It’s called an audition, but it will likely be more about just checking the skills.”

“Even so! Come on, you’re Jin Jae-jun! How can you audition in front of him, even if he’s a very popular right now!”

“Maybe that’s what director Ahn wants to see?”

Because of this, various top actors and A-list actors who confirmed the audition information for ‘Leech’ were in an uproar.

“Kang Woojin??! Is Kang Woojin really going to be on the judging panel??!”

“Call! Make a call and check!”

The reactions were varied.

“Oh come on! What the hell! Isn’t this too much? It’s already annoying to have to audition at our level! What? Kang Woojin??”

“Exactly······ This is a bit excessive.”

Some thought it was a mistake, others doubted, some were angry, and some gave up.

But clearly.

“······Will it be okay? To audition in front of a much junior actor.”

“Yes, it doesn’t matter to me.”

“Okay, got it.”

At this point, the actors’ opinions were drastically divided between those who wanted to challenge and those who wanted to dismiss it. Of course, the majority chose to dismiss it.

“Pass, just pass! This is not right! It’s not like Director Ahn’s works are the only ones in the world!”

“Yeah, right. How great is Kang Woojin supposed to be. They should know their limits.”

“If he had been someone who had been famous worldwide, maybe, but to audition in front of a kid whose works are far fewer than mine!”

Regardless, it was an issue that completely overturned the domestic acting scene.

The next day, Saturday, 23rd, in Tokyo, Japan.

Late morning. A high school in Tokyo. As it was the end of summer vacation, no students were seen at all. However, for some reason, there was a crowd of nearly a hundred people gathered around the school’s sports field. Cameras, lighting, audio equipment, and various other filming equipment were plentiful.

The reason was simple.

They were the filming crew of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.’ After finishing their schedule in the village of Ine Funaya, their first filming location, they had moved to this outdoor location. The ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ team had managed to handle the tight schedule. At this school, all the past scenes that would lead to the incidents in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ were scheduled to be filmed.

Kiyoshi’s bullying and the death of Misaki Toka. And everyone’s childhood.

“Lay the rails! Starting from the sports field! Next up, the classroom!”

“We’ll pile the trash behind the school!!”

“Have the actors received their school uniforms?!”

“Yes! All distributed!!”

“Camera test! One, two!”

Thus, all the lead actors participating in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ were due to arrive at this school. Over a dozen were expected. Standby time was around noon. Currently, it was 11 AM, so not all actors had arrived yet.

In one of the several tents set up on the sports field, designated for the actors, about five actors were visible.

Soon, Yasutaro who was about to leave, actress Nakajo Kimi who played ‘Misaki Toka,’ two supporting actors, and Kang Woojin who had become a star among the ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ team. Woojin was currently maintaining a poker face.

“······”

He sat silently. But he was not alone. The handsome Yasutaro was chattering next to him.

“Woojin ssi, it’s incredible. Your YouTube subscribers have surpassed 10 million? How did you do it?”

“I’m just doing it as a hobby.”

“Eeeh?? A hobby, no way. You could quit being an actor and just do YouTube, you know! Ah, but you really shouldn’t quit. I’ve become your fan now.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course! So, Woojin ssi, how about we follow each other on Instagram? It’d be nice to get closer.”

“Sure.”

Woojin was genuinely a bit annoyed. Ah- this guy was louder than expected. His personality somewhat resembled his younger sister Kang Hyun-ah. Meanwhile, the rookie actress Nakajo Kimi, who played ‘Misaki Toka,’ was also full of interest in Kang Woojin.

‘Sh- should I talk to him? Will he think it’s weird?’

However, she only peeked at him without taking any further action. Around this time outside the tent, some of the bustling ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ staff were expressing their bewilderment.

Because there were foreigners on the site who weren’t originally part of it.

“Which team are those foreigners from?”

“Yeah, I see them for the first time too. Were they here at yesterday’s shooting?”

“They weren’t, were they? What’s going on?”

“Looking at them talking to the director- Ah, maybe they are from the special effects or VFX team?”

“But why aren’t they doing anything?”

The group of foreigners who suddenly appeared consisted of five people: a woman with brown bob hair, a man with short orange hair, and a stout man among others. After having a brief conversation with Director Kyotaro, they only talked among themselves without getting involved in the shooting setup.

A ponytailed man was watching them closely.

“Hmm- I’ve seen them somewhere. Especially that brown bob haired one. Or not?”

It was Choi Sung-gun, standing in front of the tent for the actors and staff with his arms crossed. Today, he was supposed to return to Korea due to overlapping commitments and had just come to check the site briefly. That’s when he spotted the group of foreigners. But that foreign woman looked particularly familiar.

“I’m sure I’ve seen her face before, but I can’t quite recall it.”

Just then.

“CEO~nim.”

Han Ye-jung, the head stylist with newly dyed blue hair, suddenly came out of the tent and approached Choi Sung-gun. She seemed a bit urgent.

“Have you seen this?”

Soon, Choi Sung-gun, who had taken his eyes off the foreigners, turned his head.

“Huh? What?”

“I just saw it too while monitoring YouTube.”

She manipulated her phone and then stretched it out towards Choi Sung-gun. Han Ye-jung’s phone was displaying a Youtube video that had been uploaded about 30 minutes ago.

-【Exclusive Scoop!!】The sensational actor Kang Woojin!! Secretly took a Hollywood movie screen test already?! Hollywood debut imminent! (Decisive evidence obtained!)｜FactGuys

Soon, Choi Sung-gun’s brow furrowed upon seeing the video title. The reason was simple.

“···What is this? How did this get out?”

Because a top secret that no one should have known was revealed to the public. Moreover, in just 30 minutes after being uploaded, the view count had already surpassed 400,000.

-View count 410,000

The comments section was already in frenzy.

*****

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