Chapter 35: Hanryang (1)

Translator: Dreamscribe

As soon as he saw the article headline with his name on it, Director Woo Hyun-goo’s eyes widened as if they were about to pop out and became bloodshot.

“Did, did this article just come out?!!”

Director Woo Hyun-goo was so flustered that he started to stutter. His usual arrogance was gone. On the other hand, Director Kwon Ki-taek, who had his arms crossed, remained calm.

“It doesn’t seem to have been up for long?”

“Damn reporters, what have they done!!”

Director Woo Hyun-goo voice was a mix of desperation and anger. His white hair mixed eyebrows trembled as he quickly checked the article’s content.

The title was repulsive, yet the content was utterly abhorrent.

Starting with sexual harassment, various similar crimes were listed, and there was more than one victim. It was even quite detailed. Of course, all the crimes pointed to the master Director Woo Hyun-goo. It was hard to dismiss this as mere gossip.

Moreover,

“···A YouTuber’s exposé?”

The source was clear. The article included the news that a YouTuber with nearly a million subscribers making a serious revelation.

At that moment.

-Swoosh.

Director Kwon Ki-taek stood up smoothly, taking his phone back from the stunned Director Woo Hyun-goo, and calmly walked out of the room. He paused for a moment.

“I told you earlier, didn’t I? You won’t be in this seat for a while.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, looking back slightly at the dazed Director Woo Hyun-goo, muttered quietly,

“It’s not just for a while. With this, it’s probably for life, but you should pay for your sins. Take care. And repent.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek left the room. Whether he did or not, Director Woo Hyun-goo was simply staring blankly into space. After about 10 seconds? Suddenly, he pulled out his phone and accessed YouTube to find the YouTuber who was the source of the exposé he saw in the article.

The interesting thing was,

“This··· crazy.”

He didn’t need to search. The video he wanted to find was already at the top of the real-time videos ranking.

-Shocking!! The hidden vile side of Master Director Woo Hyun-goo! To him, sexual harassment was a drug?! All the victims wept.

-IssueKingTV

-Views 303,128 / 2020. 3. 23

Uploaded about an hour ago. Yet, it already had over 300,000 views.

It will easily surpass a million views today.

Director Woo Hyun-goo had gone from being a master to a huge bastard. His life’s work of decades was collapsing in a moment. Director Woo Hyun-goo was bound to be in shock.

“······Ah. Wait a minute. Something’s not right.”

Just as Director Woo Hyun-goo raised his slightly trembling hand to touch the video,

-♬♪!!

His phone blared out a ringtone angrily. It was a call. The other party was, of course, the movie company BoxMovie he had a contract with. At that moment, Director Woo Hyun-goo’s thoughts froze.

But the phone kept pressing him.

As soon as the ringtone stopped…

-♬♪,♬♪,♬♪!

Text messages and chats started arriving like crazy. Director Woo Hyun-goo, who had been staring at his phone, threw it away as if it was smeared with feces. But the phone’s notification sound went on and on.

-♬♪,♬♪,♬♪,♬♪!

Director Woo Hyun-gu, shivering as if from the cold, murmured faintly,

“…Damn. I’m screwed.”

It sounded like a death sentence.

Meanwhile,

At the same time, Kang Woojin was in a studio, with filming just around the corner. Actually, he wasn’t alone in this studio. The main actors of ‘Profiler Hanryang’ were all gathered there.

The studio setting resembled a movie theater.

Multiple chairs were placed in the center of the studio stage. The main actors, including Ryu Jung-min in a trench coat and Hong Hye-yeon with her long hair elegantly tied, were seated on those chairs. And at the very end.

“……”

Kang Woojin, who plays the role of ‘Park Dae-ri’, was sitting silently. He had his hair and makeup done, and his blue jacket looked stylish. Despite being among dazzling top actors, he didn’t seem out of place. Because he was not Park Dae-ri today, but actor Kang Woojin. His striking transformation captivated the attention of the top actors seated in the row.

Ah, except for Hong Hye-yeon, of course.

Including Ryu Jung-min, who sat in the first seat and had changed his long hair to a baby perm to suit the male lead ‘Yu Ji-hyeong’.

‘I thought the original wasn’t bad, but when he properly gets makeup, his visuals multiply.’

The main actors like Jang Tae-san and Lee Do-jung covertly peeked at Kang Woojin. This was the first time they met in an official setting since the shocking script reading. Kang Woojin was still shrouded in mystery and not very close to the other actors.

“The atmosphere is intense again today. But how many faces does that guy have? He looks like a different person after getting rid of Park Dae-ri’s vibe and getting styled.’

‘Oh my, isn’t he completely different from when he’s acting as Park Dae-ri?’

On top of that, the words ‘self-taught’ and Kang Woojin’s acting were clearly etched in the actors’ minds. That’s why everyone was on fired up for acting practice after the script reading and it was ongoing process. Therefore, the mood was not exactly bright.

How to put it, it was vaguely awkward?

On the other hand, Woojin was stern like a general on the eve of war. His unchanging facial expression was striking. It was as if he was illustrating what true coldness was. Of course, this was only from the other actors’ perspectives.

‘Ah- I need to fart. Should I have gone to the restroom before coming?’

Right now, Kang Woojin was simply feeling a bit uncomfortable in his stomach. He needed to fart but he couldn’t be careless. Woojin exerted pressure on his sphincter muscles while transforming that peculiar tension into part of his character.

Anyway, the reason they were gathered was simple.

It was to film the actor interviews to be used after the official broadcast. The format was similar to a teaser, and among dozens of staff members watching the actors on stage, a few were murmuring.

“But is Kang Woojin also doing the interview?”

“They said they’re taking pictures to use after the first broadcast. Including Woojin, they’re interviewing all the villains. All four of them. Today, only Woojin.”

“Ah, I see. But hasn’t Woojin changed a lot? He was like Park Dae-ri during the reading, but today he’s just an actor. I thought he was surprisingly handsome earlier.”

“Right? I was completely surprised when I saw him earlier.”

At that moment.

-Swoosh.

the goateed PD Song man-woo, who was on the phone outside, entered the studio. He signaled to the passing staff to hurry, and moved towards the main stage where the actors were sitting. Then he paused.

“Hmm.”

Seeing the familiar figure of a man among dozens of staff, he approached him.

“You must be proud? Having two of your actors there. And they’re the core characters of our drama.”

CEO Choi Sung-gun, smiled at PD Song man-woo.

“Well, both of them have extraordinary personalities. I predict lots of trouble ahead.”

“That extraordinary part isn’t just their personalities, is it?”

“Hahaha, indeed. Especially Woojin, I have high expectations for him.”

“Right, I’m curious about how successful that guy will become. But really, is it the endgame for Woojin to enter Director Woo Hyun-goo’s projects?”

“Yes, it’s over. I mean, I never thought I would refuse Director Woo Hyun-goo in my lifetime, all because of his intuition about everything. What can we do? Woojin is so stubborn about it.”

At the word ‘intuition’, PD Song man-woo snickered. It reminded him of word ‘totem’.

“I’m also looking forward to that part.”

“Yes? What are you talking about?”

“No, just talking to myself.”

At this point, the staff around PD Song man-woo and Choi Sung-gun started to get a little noisy. Thanks to this, frowning PD Song man-woo called the assistant director.

“What’s going on? Why so noisy?”

The assistant director, who had been glancing at his phone, quickly approached. He looked somewhat shocked. Then he showed the screen of his phone to PD Song man-woo.

“Just came across this article. It’s huge.”

PD Song man-woo and Choi Sung-gun, tilting their heads, checked the screen of the phone. The title of the article was quite provocative.

『[Exclusive] ‘Master’ Director Woo Hyun-goo’s ugly true face hidden behind his fame… the filthy hands of the director exposed by a 900k subscriber YouTuber.』

While looking at the article, PD Song man-woo, one of the two who furrowed his brow, snatched the assistant director’s phone. Then, he began to thoroughly read the contents of the article. Choi Sung-gun, whose face had become serious, also joined him.

Soon, they realized the seriousness of the situation.

“It’s…… Director Woo Hyun-goo.”

“Is it the director Woo Hyun-goo we know? This?”

From the contents of the article, it was confirmed that the renowned master director Woo Hyun-goo was doomed. And it all happened overnight.

“What on earth is happening all of a sudden.”

“I know, right! It’s too abrupt······ But the content doesn’t seem like a groundless rumor?”

“Are there any other articles?”

With a somewhat hurried hand, PD Song man-woo checked other articles. It didn’t take long. Already, articles about director Woo Hyun-goo were being rapidly spread across the entertainment news. The hyena-like reporters had caught the scent of prey.

Nuclear bombs were dropping endlessly on Director Woo Hyun-goo’s life.

At that moment.

“!!!”

PD Song man-woo’s eyes suddenly widened.

“Hold on. If it turns out like this.”

“······ Yes?”

Choi Sung-gun, who had asked the question, also had a flash of insight.

“Oh.”

Soon, PD Song man-woo, who had been looking at his phone, and Choi Sung-gun’s heads moved simultaneously. They were looking at the main stage where the actors were sitting. Or, to be precise, they were looking at:

“The totem.”

“That instinct.”

They were looking at Kang Woojin, who was sitting calmly (holding in a fart) on stage. It was a situation that could easily deepen a misunderstanding. After all, the instinct or intuition of that monster actor had eerily come true.

So, Song Man-Woo and Choi Sung-gun were utterly shocked.

‘This is beyond the level of totem superstition?! Did he see the future or something??’

‘What is he? Did he receive divine revelation? Predicting this with his instinct? Is that even possible??!’

News of director Woo Hyun-goo had reached the actors on stage, too. It all started with Jang Tae-san, who was looking at his phone with his legs crossed.

“Eh? What’s this? Wow – he’s crazy. Director Woo Hyun-goo is ruined?”

His muttering drew the attention of actors like Ryu Jung-min, Hong Hye-yeon. However, Kang Woojin at the end did not move, keeping his solemn expression, seemingly unconcerned about worldly affairs. But inside, he felt different.

He was quite anxious.

‘What’s happening? What’s going on? Ah, I’m so curious.’

Whether or not, the other actors who confirmed the news either covered their mouths or had eyes filled with astonishment and shock.

“Crazy······Is this real??”

“I had a feeling Woo Hyun-goo would run into something like this someday. He was a pervert.”

“Even so, he has crossed a line. He’s a criminal now, isn’t he? We are in modern times and he’s still doing this nonsense?”

“The article is very detailed. There are many victims. Wow- this is the end for both Director Woo Hyun-Gu and Box Movie. They have already started constructing the movie set, investors were in too.”

“Woo Hyun-goo is finished. If it ends like this, the penalty would be huge.”

The actors chattered on, each in their way. However, this was only about director Woo Hyun-goo. No one cared about Kang Woojin sitting at the end.

But among the closely gathered actors, only one person.

“······?”

Only Hye-yeon looked back at Kang Woojin at this moment.

‘He said it was intuition, didn’t he? But how could it be this accurate? Did he know all along? Otherwise, there is no explanation······’

Her already big eyes widened even more.

Soon, Kang Woojin, who noticed her gaze, slowly made eye contact with Hong Hye-yeon. His poker face remained. At this, Hong Hye-yeon narrowed her brow after confirming Woojin’s firm gaze.

‘It’s strange that he’s calm in this situation. What the hell are you??’

Although there was no change in his expression, Kang Woojin was a little taken aback inside.

‘···Did she catch me? I kept it so quiet.’

He wondered if he got caught secretly passing gas.

Later.

About an hour after Kang Woojin started the interview shoot, articles about director Woo Hyun-goo started to fill various portal sites.

『[Breaking News] Youtuber exposes the ugly truth about ‘Master’ director Woo Hyun-goo, video views explode』

『Explosion in the film industry, more than five victims of sexual harassment, assault, threat··· ‘Master’ Woo Hyun-goo remains silent』

His dirty acts were being exposed article by article in detail. It was only a matter of time before they spread to numerous areas through the mouths and fingers of the quick-witted public. Director Woo Hyun-goo remained silent, but it seemed certain that he was headed for doom.

As the world was being overrun with news about Director Woo Hyun-Goo,

In the late afternoon, the interview shoot with the actors, including Kang Woojin, ended. Dozens of staff, even while cleaning up, were all talking about director Woo Hyun-goo.

The actors who didn’t leave their seats immediately were the same. At this time, Hong Hye-yeon suddenly stood up.

-Swoosh.

She stuck close to Kang Woojin, who also got up from his chair. Soon, a pleasant scent wafted around Woojin. But he maintained an expressionless face. Hong Hye-yeon whispered softly to him.

“You knew, didn’t you?”

“What?”

“Director Woo Hyun-goo. You knew, didn’t you?”

Ah- That? Kang Woojin had already heard about the issue with Director Woo Hyun-goo.

But unlike other actors, his reaction wasn’t very big. He just thought, ‘‘So that’s why he’s an F-grade’. That was all, because he knew the hint about the future. Of course, he internally cursed that the director was a piece of trash.

But he couldn’t say that out loud.

Honestly, Kang Woojin didn’t expect that the F-rated director would cause such a commotion. Well, he thought it would just cause a huge drop in the audience. Even if it was something else, he thought it would blow up a bit later.

‘I thought at least the movie would be released.’

By that time, people’s memories would be a bit blurred after a few months, and there would be a chance to evade or circumvent it. But the incident came earlier than expected.

‘I would be surprised too, my intuition would look like future prediction, right? Ah, does it look similar?’

Whatever the case, Kang Woojin, who looked at Hong Hyeyeon, maintained his cynicism but pondered. But when he thought about it, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Well, this time too, he’ll get through it without any problems.

There’s no evidence anyway.

What can you do without evidence? From Kang Woojin’s perspective, the word ‘intuition’ seemed to be used frequently in the future. Then it would be better to have high accuracy. But still, Kang Woojin was a bit shaky. At this point, Hong Hye-yeon, who was sticking close to Woojin, asked again. The pleasant scent was intensifying.

“You said you refused Director Woo Hyun-goo because of your intuition, but it fits too perfectly.”

Control your expression. First, calm down. Woojin, having finished intense mind control within himself, muttered the prepared answer.

“It’s a coincidence.”

“…Coincidence?”

“Yes, a coincidence.”

Hong Hye-yeon took this more seriously.

“So you refused Director Woo Hyungoo with intuition, and it was just a coincidence that it matched, and that’s why all this fuss?”

“That’s what happened.”

“No, but that doesn’t make sense… But why are you so calm?”

“Should I be excited?”

Right at that moment, the rabbit-eyed, Choi Sung-gun ran onto the stage. He also stuck close to Kang Woojin’s right side.

“Woojin. Please explain about Director Woo Hyun-goo.”

“It’s a coincidence.”

“Th, that’s right? It’s obviously a coincidence. But the timing is too perfect.”

Choi Sung-gun, trailed off as he looked at Kang Woojin’s face. It was firm without any faltering. It must not be a lie. No, it had to be a coincidence. It must not be a lie.

If it’s not…

‘It would be believable only if he was an alien.’

Because it was hard to see him as a human.

‘Anyway, his intuition is insane, right? Besides, he didn’t even see Director Woo Hyun-goo? It’s like the instinct of a monster… But why is he so nonchalant?’

And off the stage, a person watching Kang Woojin, who was stuck between Hong Hye-yeon and Choi Sung-gun.

‘It’s probably a coincidence. How could everything fit so perfectly? The problem is his intuition that perfectly predicted the situation.’

It was PD Song man-woo.

To him, Kang Woojin was already an outlier. An monstrous actor with an opaque past.

‘Totem… Honestly, half of it was a joke, but at this level, whether it’s coincidence or whatever, it’s like divine intervention.’

PD Song man-woo, who was muttering to himself, moved his feet. It was to approach Kang Woojin. But then.

-Whoosh.

At that moment, Kang Woojin and PD Song man-woo eyes met. Only then did Woojin realize that PD Song man-woo was nearby.

‘Ah, don’t tell me you’re trying to join in too, Uncle? Please, hold back.’

PD Song man-woo, who stopped in his tracks, felt it from Kang Woojin’s ruthless expressionless face.

He’s incredibly calm. As if something like this is nothing to him.’

That this kind of incident was daily life to that freak. No one knew at this moment, but inside the wide studio.

‘This kind of situation has happened frequently in his obscure, lonely, and silent past.’

Errors and misunderstandings were rampant.

*****