Chapter 246 - Sprint (2)

Translator: Dreamscribe

PD Yoon Byung-seon was slightly surprised by the main writer’s words. As a result, the PDs gathered around tilted their heads, and the head of the variety department standing close to PD Yoon Byung-seon opened his mouth.

“What, what’s going on? Did something happen?”

They were on the verge of celebrating the 20% viewership achievement. But suddenly, PD Yoon Byung-seon had a serious expression, making the general manager and the head of the department worried that an unforeseen problem might have arisen. After all, the variety show industry was inherently unpredictable.

On the other hand,

“…No, no.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon, who had been exchanging glances with the main writer for a while, smiled again.

“Nothing’s wrong, I was just a bit surprised.”

He calmed the general manager, the department head, and other executives. However, the executives didn’t easily lose their serious expressions.

“What’s going on?”

Of course, PD Yoon Byung-seon did not answer immediately but instead led the main writer and teams out of the variety department.

“Later, later-”

The issue he had just heard from the main writer was deeply related to ‘Our Dining Table’, but the urgent matter wasn’t on the variety side.

Anyway.

-Swoosh.

While moving to the dedicated meeting room for ‘Our Dining Table’, PD Yoon Byung-seon, who had left the noisy variety department, asked the main writer next to him again.

“You got a direct call from a food company?”

The main writer, who was pressing the elevator button, shook her head.

“No, they emailed first, and after confirming, I called them. I think they wanted to check with us before contacting Woojin-ssi.”

“Oh- really? Which food company?”

“Nongshin.”

“Nongshin? That’s a huge company.”

“They seem to have sensed the potential for sales and moved immediately.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon, who nodded slowly, got on the arriving elevator. Indeed, it was understandable that a company would notice. Firstly, the impact of ‘Our Dining Table’, which had surpassed 20% viewership, and Kang Woojin’s cooking skills that even impressed Americans. The ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ developed by Kang Woojin. Just considering these three factors was enough to make one’s mouth water.

“…Indeed, that ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ is insanely delicious.”

The main writer nodded quickly in agreement.

“It’s crazy, the ‘Kimjaban Makguksu.'”

The surrounding staff reacted the same way.

“Ah- that’s undeniable.”

“It’s a bit nutty, spicy, and includes the salty taste of kimjaban… Ha, I suddenly want to eat it again.”

“Honestly, it won’t be exactly the same as Woojin-ssi makes it, but if it gets sold, I’d buy it at least once a week.”

While the team members drooled, PD Yoon Byung-seon recalled the first time he ate ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’.

‘Honestly, it was shocking.’

He had asked Kang Woojin to develop a dish, but what he brought was too perfect. How was the taste? Heavenly. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say it was made by a professional chef.

Such cases weren’t unheard of.

But although there were precedents, it was extremely rare. Nowadays, similar cases were increasing with YouTube and such, but most were actual chefs or former chefs.

It was safe to say that Kang Woojin was the first actor to do this.

At that moment, PD Yoon Byung-seon, who got off the elevator, recalled Kang Woojin’s current momentum. He was the Kang Woojin whose every project was a mega-hit, continuously creating buzz.

“If it comes out… it’ll definitely sell like hotcakes.”

It would also act as a fresh issue.

“But it’s amazing. If Woojin-ssi’s dish comes out-”

“It’ll be properly acknowledged by the public. Truly, Woojin-ssi is on another level.”

Moreover, if ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ bearing Kang Woojin’s name were to be distributed nationwide, it would make him even more familiar to the public. From a branding perspective, it was an absolute advantage for Kang Woojin.

If it became a huge hit, it would write another chapter in history.

Soon.

“The ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ commercialization advertisement should be done by ‘Our Dining Table’ first.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon’s smile deepened as he spoke directly to the main writer.

“First, give Woojin-ssi a call right away.”

At this moment.

Amid the various issues flooding the internet, especially numerous articles about ‘Leech’, new news began to spread.

『[Issue Pick] ‘Our Dining Table’ captivates the taste buds of LA locals, surpassing the seemingly impossible 20% viewership!』

『‘Beneficial Evil’ confirmed for worldwide launch, Netflix says ‘We will create a work with no regrets’』

‘Our Dining Table’ had just surpassed 20% viewership for the first time, and ‘Beneficial Evil’ had made an official announcement at almost the same time. ‘Beneficial Evil’ quickly gained traction due to its highly provocative keywords.

It was the first time.

『‘Beneficial Evil’ starring ‘Kang Woojin,’ netizens wonder ‘Is it action?’』

The challenge was significant, but the individuals participating as actors were incredibly strong. It was natural for the public’s expectations to rise.

– Wowwwwww isn’t this the first time they’re aiming for worldwide release with a Netflix original??

– Info: PD Song Man-woo directed ‘Hanryang’.

– Park Dae-ri…no, Lee Sang-man…no, just Kang Woojin’s form is insane….

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ no way K-dramas will never catch on overseas

– Whether it does or doesn’t, the attempt itself is meaningful, you moron.

– Beneficial Evil! The title sounds intriguing? Is it action?

– But isn’t the theory that Kang Woojin has a twin quite likely?? I think I saw an article about ‘Leech’ yesterday???? Are all these schedules possible??

– Oh!!! In ‘Hanryang’, Woojin oppa was a supporting role! This time it’s a solo lead!! And it’s going international!!

– Action? Can Kang Woojin do action?

– ↑ Didn’t you see Woojin save Hwalin? It was almost special forces level.

– As expected, is Netflix the trend?? Anyway, it’s Kang Woojin, so there’s no worry about his acting, but please…just don’t let it be cheesy….

Meanwhile, there were those who raised objections to the flood of articles.

『After the great success of ‘Hanryang,’ PD Song Man-woo turns to global markets, is it the right decision?』

It was some of the broadcasting stations that participated in the ‘Beneficial Evil’ auction.

“Did you see it, Director? PD Song chose Netflix over domestic broadcasters.”

“I saw it. Hmph- it’s a shame, a shame.”

“Well, it’s come to this, so we have to let it go. But isn’t PD Song getting a bit out of touch? Suddenly challenging the global market like this.”

“He got greedy.”

“I understand, but- honestly, K-dramas still struggle to gain traction overseas, don’t they? With Kang Woojin’s backing, the domestic ticket power was somewhat secured, but it seems right to first release it domestically and then go to Netflix as a second step.”

“I also think the probability of success is slim. Whether it’s a challenge or not, if it fails, it becomes a work that’s useless for anything.”

There was a certain level of discomfort and realism in their evaluations, feeling slightly bitter about being sidelined.

“Global launch riding on Netflix- it’s premature.”

“That’s right…no matter how explosive a rookie Kang Woojin is, it’s only been a little over a year, and he’s not yet recognized overseas, except in Korea and Japan.”

“Last time, there wasn’t any confirmed fact about that Hollywood screen test either, right?”

“Yes, yes. It’s been quiet.”

“Hmm, it’s a shame.”

In fact, not only the rejected broadcasting stations but the entire industry viewed it similarly. Various production companies and media alike.

『[Planning] ‘Beneficial Evil’ aiming worldwide by partnering with Netflix, industry insiders say ‘Premature’』

Most reactions were skeptical about its success. No matter how high the quality of the PD, writer, and actor was, they were still virtually unknown overseas.

By this point, it was inevitable that PD Song Man-woo would hear about it.

However, the busy PD Song Man-woo.

“Meddlesome people.”

Was not bothered. There was not an inch of hesitation. He didn’t have the luxury to worry about such things. Since ‘Beneficial Evil’ had switched to pre-production, it had to achieve more than double the quality compared to live production.

Later that same afternoon.

“Thank you for your hard work, Woojin-ssi!”

“Great job.”

“Thank you for singing the viewer’s request live midway, honestly, I didn’t expect you to sing it right away.”

“It wasn’t a difficult thing to do.”

After finishing the visible radio, Woojin was walking down the hallway for his next schedule.

“Woojin-ah.”

Choi Sung-gun, wearing a faint smile, muttered.

“A meeting has been set up with Nongshin.”

Nongshin? It was a very familiar company to Kang Woojin. Why? Because his favorite ramyeon was from Nongshin. Feeling slightly pleased that the company of his favorite ramyeon had contacted him, Kang Woojin asked while maintaining his cynicism.

“Is it for an advertisement?”

“It’s similar but not quite. They want to release a product using your cooking recipe.”

“······”

Woojin didn’t immediately understand what that meant. So, he chose to remain silent, and Choi Sung-gun, who had no way of knowing this, continued explaining before getting into the van.

“You know, that ‘Kimjaban Makguksu.’ Nongshin wants to make it into a product. They must have noticed the good reactions from viewers and decided to push it quickly.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was slightly excited since it was a first-time experience, continued with the briefing. The gist of the lengthy explanation was this: the meeting with Nongshin was scheduled for tomorrow morning, and what Nongshin aimed for was to turn ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ into cup noodles.

With a solemn face, Kang Woojin silently muttered to himself.

‘Damn, that’s amazing.’

It was a situation he had never imagined. Sure, his cooking skills were a gift from the void space, but he never expected it to result in a real product.

‘I only knew how to eat it, but now a cup noodle with my name on it? Seriously?’

Even now, Woojin’s home was filled with stacks of ramyeon. Now, a ramyeon he created would be added to that. Woojin felt a strange sensation.

There was no reason to refuse, was there? On the contrary, he wanted to see the actual product as soon as possible.

Therefore.

“It seems fine to me.”

Suppressing his rising excitement as much as possible, Kang Woojin gave a cool OK sign.

The next day quickly arrived, the morning of the 9th.

Around 10 AM on Tuesday.

Woojin could be found in a large conference room of the major corporation, Nongshin. Even beside him were Choi Sung-gun and about half a dozen members from the bw Entertainment marketing team. On the other side were about six members from Nongshin.

It was a fairly large-scale meeting.

As expected, the meeting began with the Nongshin members praising Kang Woojin. In fact, outside the conference room, the hallway was already filled with Nongshin employees gathered to see Woojin.

“Wow- Kang Woojin looks amazing in person??”

“I caught a glimpse of him going in earlier, and his physique is great too.”

“He’s insanely cool, honestly, I didn’t get what people meant by saying he has the actor look until I saw Kang Woojin.”

“His aura is definitely different… he looked fantastic in that long coat. And why is his face so small??”

Regardless of this, the meeting between Nongshin and Woojin proceeded smoothly.

“Woojin-ssi, as mentioned earlier, we are aiming to commercialize ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ as soon as possible.”

Of course, it wasn’t a haphazard projrct. Very detailed and complex discussions took place. While Woojin, with a stern face, pretended to understand while adding a touch of toughness, but.

‘This is so uncomfortable – I want to escape.’

Honestly, his head was throbbing. Whatever the case, the gist of the long and extensive meeting was this: ‘We will handle the production, and when the time comes, Kang Woojin, you will handle all the promotions.’

“As you can see from the preliminary design, Woojin-ssi’s image will be included in the product.”

In exchange, he needed to provide the recipe to Nongshin. Woojin only remembered the parts about promotion and providing the recipe. Anyway, financial matters would be handled entirely by Choi Sung-gun, and the contracts would be managed by bw Entertainment.

Kang Woojin just had to say one solemn sentence.

“I look forward to working with you.”

This single sentence marked the starting point for the commercialization of ‘Kimjaban Makguksu.’

The next day, Wednesday the 10th. Tokyo, Japan.

Near Tokyo Station in Japan, where stories exceeding mere good deeds about Kang Woojin were rampant. A gray building with a famous anime character statue at the entrance, easily surpassing ten floors in height.

-‘A10 Studio’

It was the A10 Studio building, which ranked among the top three anime production companies. Inside this ‘A10 Studio’ was a medium-sized recording studio. Despite being a massive anime production company, the recording studio had a rather ordinary feel. The only distinguishing features were life-sized character stands placed around the booth.

And.

“······”

A woman who appeared to be in her forties, with dark brown hair tied up and a kind expression, sat on the recording studio’s sofa, looking down at her phone. She was a familiar face, the famous voice actress Asami Sayaka, who recently connected with Kang Woojin through a piano performance.

Sayaka, who was alone, was looking at her SNS. She spoke in Japanese with a troubled expression.

“Ha- this has gotten too big. I hope I didn’t cause any trouble for Woojin-nim.”

While her daughter, Asami Yusako, was ecstatic, Sayaka was worried. Especially since there had been no response from Kang Woojin’s side, it made her even more anxious.

‘Should I send a DM?’

At that moment.

-Swoosh.

The thick door of the recording studio opened, and about three employees from ‘A10 Studio’ entered. Leading them was the female team leader of the planning department for the anime ‘Male Friend: Remake.’ Sayaka and the employees exchanged brief greetings and updates, and the team leader handed Sayaka a tablet, getting to the point.

“Sayaka-nim, we are preparing a new anime. It hasn’t been announced publicly yet, but we are in the middle of casting voice actors, and there is a role we really want you to take on.”

A voice acting proposal. Given Sayaka’s involvement in many hit works, she had anticipated the request for a meeting from ‘A10 Studio.’ However, she had just finished a recent project and was in a resting period. Moreover, Sayaka had already intended to take on another anime project that had approached her earlier.

“Um- I’m sorry. I don’t think I have the time right now.”

“Oh, I see? That’s unfortunate. Actually, Kang Woojin-ssi has agreed to voice the main male character in this new project.”

Sayaka’s expression changed instantly.

“Who? Woojin-nim?”

“Yes. We thought you two would create great synergy – but if you don’t have the time.”

“No.”

Sayaka abruptly changed her attitude without looking back.

“I’ll do it, this project. I really want to.”

*****