Chapter 81: Enhancement (2)

Translator: Dreamscribe

“······Condition?”

PD Yoon Byung-seon’s eyes widened slightly. Naturally, he hadn’t expected the word ‘condition.’ Kang Woojin, on the other hand, was ready to say it out loud.

‘I don’t know. Screw it. Just do it.’

After all, PD Yoon Byung-seon had gotten a good idea of Woojin’s eccentric personality through ‘Sports Day’. Of course, it was all concept, but this much facade and pretense would be fine.

‘Rather than just acting on impulse, it’s also a necessary condition for my future.’

Fortunately, PD Yoon Byung-seon responded nonchalantly.

“Alright, as long as it’s not too big of a deal, we’ll try to accommodate.”

Being a top figure in the variety show industry, PD Yoon Byung-seon had dealt with countless celebrities and heard various conditions. Thus, Woojin began to speak more comfortably.

“Firstly, apart from the basics, I’d prefer if my detailed past isn’t emphasized.”

“Oh, maintaining a veiled concept?”

Woojin, slightly startled by the word ‘concept,’ managed to remain composed.

“No. Rather than a concept, I’d like the focus to be on my current self.”

“Ah-”

“I’d prefer if there were no speculative interpretations. While it’s natural for my life to become open to the public since becoming an actor, I don’t particularly want to reveal my past personal life.”

“I understand what you’re saying. Many celebrities have such concerns. Such things are not even considered conditions.”

It was true. Most domestic celebrities preferred to keep their pasts hidden. Celebrities are, after all, like products. They require attractive packaging, and anything from the past that could tarnish that image is best left hidden.

Effective image crafting.

Of course, there were instances where celebrities hidden pasts were exposed, leading to the downfall of some, while others had their past acts of kindness revealed. But these were exceptions. Most celebrities did not openly disclose their pasts.

PD Yoon Byung-seon was well aware of this.

Especially rising stars or newcomers tend to hide even more. They’re vulnerable, given their newly acquired fame. Moreover, Kang Woojin was rising faster than anyone else. Yoon Byung-seon obviously intended to consider Woojin’s feelings.

However,

‘Hmm- considering his personality and demeanor, I suspected his past wasn’t all smooth sailing. Looks like there’s some deep history involved.’

Yet another misunderstanding arose.

‘Well, his acting skills and language proficiency didn’t just come out of nowhere. I see an intensity in his eyes beyond his years.’

Regardless, the past was in the past. Yoon Byung-seon was a forward-looking individual and was only interested in the present Kang Woojin.

“I promise. We can even add it to the contract. During editing, we won’t include any hint of such nuances.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem. As I mentioned, many actors request this. I don’t really mind. As long as you haven’t committed any crimes, haha.”

It was a light-hearted joke to ease the atmosphere. However, seeing Woojin’s solemn expression, Yoon Byung-seon’s laughter gradually faded.

“Ha…haha. You haven’t, right? Committed a crime.”

Of course. He had lived a clean life. Even paid his rent on time. Kang Woojin responded assertively and confidently,

“Of course, not at all.”

“Anyway, it was just a joke. Any other conditions?”

“Can I know in advance who will be working with me?”

The reason Kang Woojin wanted to know the cast in advance was simple.

‘I don’t want any more surprises.’

He wanted to be prepared to prevent any shocking revelations. To Woojin, the entertainment world was unfamiliar. Knowing in advance would minimize surprises. At that moment, PD Yoon Byung-seon received a transparent file from the writers.

“Of course, we usually share that information. Some make decisions based on their co-stars.”

Handing the file to Kang Woojin, he said,

“We are considering a total of six people. Currently confirmed are Mr. An Jong-hak and Mr. Ha Kang-soo. One is still being coordinated. And of course, you, Kang Woojin.”

An Jong-hak was more of a top all-around entertainer than a top actor. While acting was his main profession, he was also successful in variety shows and as a singer. Ha Kang-soo belongs to the typical top actor category, comparable in visual appeal to Ryu Jung-min.

Two formidable actors had already been confirmed.

But PD Yoon Byung-seon wasn’t done yet.

“We’re considering two females. One of them is Hwalin.”

“···Who? Hwalin?”

“Yes. Ah, right? You’re working with Hwalin on that Netflix series, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Haha, Hwalin was discussed quite some time ago. We contacted her long before you. She has been active in Japan for a long time, so she’s fluent in Japanese. And above all, we’ve worked together a few times in the past.”

“I see. So, Hwalin is confirmed?”

“Yes, she’s confirmed. She told me that the production she’s joining during her solo activities is on Netflix and it won’t be too long. Are you uncomfortable with Hwalin?”

Not particularly? Frankly, Kang Woojin’s impression of Hwalin was neutral. He just didn’t have a great first impression of her.

‘She’ll probably be more uncomfortable with me than the other way around.’

Well, setting aside Hwalin’s case, Kang Woojin looked down at the casting board, lost in thought for a moment. But not for too long. After all, when else would he have the chance to go abroad? And for free at that. Moreover, it was a big variety show by PD Yoon Byung-seon.

The boost in recognition would be a bonus.

It was a variety show he had thought of doing someday. And if he was to be a part of it, being on such a big production like this would be ideal. Honestly, Woojin thought it would be fun.

‘I do want to use English or Japanese openly.’

Soon after, Kang Woojin, who had been imagining his time abroad, met PD Yoon Byung-seon’s gaze. Then in a low voice, he said,

“I’ll do my best.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon, who had been smiling softly, grasped Kang Woojin’s hand,

“Thank you, I’m already looking forward to working with Woojin.”

He took out his phone.

“Shall we discuss the details with CEO Choi now?”

At the same time, as Kang Woojin and PD Yoon Byung-seon were discussing the specifics, various things were unfolding in the entertainment industry. The movie ‘Drug Dealer’ was progressing at an even faster pace, despite Woojin’s brief absence.

Furthermore, after Woojin’s involvement, the enthusiasm on set seemed to have heightened.

“Ah, Director, I’m sorry. Can we do that scene once more?”

“Huh? Jae-jun, I thought it was fine?”

“I think I muddled my lines a bit. I’d like to try again.”

“Oh, alright.”

The staff and actors seemed to be on high alert, putting in more effort than usual. This was undoubtedly due to Kang Woojin’s influence.

“Director, don’t the actors seem to be performing at a higher level?”

“It’s because of Woojin. He’s a rising rookie and showed such incredible acting. If I were an actor, I’d also go all out in acting.”

Such was the effect of the monstrous acting of Kang Woojin.

Meanwhile,

Among the projects that Woojin joined, there was significant movement in the one involving star writer Lee Wol-seon.

『【Issue Check】Star Writer Lee Wol-seon’s new work secured by KBC’s top PD, Song Hyuk.』

With the confirmation of the production team and the main PD, pre-production officially began. So far, Kang Woojin was the only confirmed actor. However, given that it’s a work by Lee Wol-seon, top actors have been frequently mentioned in casting discussions.

In other words, the casting would likely be finalized in no time.

There were also unofficial heavyweights causing a stir.

For instance, the globally renowned Japanese novelist Akari Takikawa, who was currently visiting Korea. As soon as she arrived, she was busy with interviews with Korean publishing media.

『【Photo】 Internationally acclaimed novelist Akari Takikawa visiting Korea announces, ‘One of my works will be adapted into a movie.’』

In the interview, she revealed that one of her works would be adapted into a film. Meanwhile, Director Kyotaro, who came to Korea with Akari but moved around secretly, was in the middle of a meeting.

“Hello, Director.”

“It’s been a while. You’ve checked the details in the email, right?”

He was conducting meetings with domestic import and distribution companies. Naturally, only a few knew about it.

“We’re aiming to release this upcoming project both in Korea and Japan.”

In addition, while Director Kwon Ki-taek was equally secretive, a few reporters who caught wind of it released articles.

『【Movie Talk】 Rumors of Director Kwon Ki-taek’s new work, industry insider claims, ‘The script is already circulating in the market.’』

However, it didn’t gain much traction.

In the film industry, there was high interest in the next work of the renowned director Kwon Ki-taek. Being such an influential director, and given that there weren’t many big films or issues in the movie scene recently, Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of the Missing’ was silently progressing through its pre-production phase.

The main cast, including Kang Woojin and Ryu Jung-min, for both main lead roles, was almost finalized, and they were moving on to the storyboard phase.

As always, the entertainment world was bustling and busy, and night quickly approached.

Location: A coin karaoke near Samseong Station.

The time was past 9 PM. Yet, the large karaoke place was bustling with customers—students releasing daily stress, groups of female friends, men having a drink, and so on.

Among them, a room was occupied by three women.

“Ah, what should we sing?”

“Should I go first?”

“Wait a minute!”

Just then, a soft pop song could be heard from the neighboring room.

-♬♪

When the intro played, the girls didn’t think much of it. But once the actual song started:

“…Wow, hold on, he’s singing really well.”

“The pop song is amazing, isn’t it? What’s with the pronunciation? Is it a foreigner?”

All three girls stopped in their tracks, drawn to the voice singing the pop song. The voice was male, and his singing skills were astounding.

“How? His voice is amazing.”

“Is he a real singer?”

“My ears are melting.”

“He sounds like a real singer, right? Should we sneak a peek?”

To them, the man’s singing was clearly on par with a professional singer. But for now, the women quietly enjoyed the pop song. What’s interesting is…

-♬♪

“Huh? Now he’s singing a Japanese song?”

After the pop song, the man began singing a JPOP song, and his proficiency was just as outstanding.

“His Japanese… is also amazing.”

“I don’t know much Japanese, but isn’t his pronunciation really good? It doesn’t sound awkward at all.”

“Ah- maybe they’re playing some promotional video in the next room.”

“Huh? Anyone can tell that’s a real person singing.”

One thing was for sure.

“I want to hear him up close.”

Whether it’s pop or Japanese songs, the women were captivated by the man’s skills. Gradually…

“Look, he’s a singer, right?”

“I can’t see clearly.”

Other patrons in the karaoke place started to gather around the man’s room. Students, women, and men alike.

Whether he knew it or not,

-♬♪

A third song began to play in the room. This time, it was a Korean song. A rather famous ballad, especially among men. However, the audience was entranced.

“Damn- this song sounds incredible when sung well.”

“He’s definitely a singer, right? Who is he? Can we identify him by voice?”

“The song is so good…”

Soon after.

-Bam.

The incredibly talented singer emerged from the room, wearing a black hat and mask. He was tall with a good physique. Immediately, the spectators around sensed something.

He must be a celebrity.

Given his singing skills, they were 100% sure he was a singer. As a result, everyone from students to men and women started approaching him.

“Excuse me…”

However, after briefly scanning the onlookers, the man quickly left the karaoke place.

“Ah!”

A few students tried to chase after him, but he quickly disappeared down the stairs. The remaining onlookers gazed at the room where the man had been.

“That was amazing, right?”

“He must be a singer. But who? He definitely sounded like one.”

“Maybe an idol? He had that kind of vibe.”

“Why would an idol come here?”

In a nearby alley, the man who turned the karaoke upside down paused and looked behind him. No one was following. He then slightly pulled down his mask, and,

It was Kang Woojin, who smiled mischievously.

“Wow, seriously, what am I?”

He hadn’t expected such a reaction. He’d visited a nearby karaoke on a whim, and he was genuinely impressed by his singing skills. The audience’s reaction was proof.

Kang Woojin’s singing skills now were unparalleled compared to the past.

“Could I actually become a singer?”

He was definitely good enough to be one.

On the 11th, at Netflix Korea,

In the early morning, Hwalin stepped out of the van in the underground parking lot. Dressed in a short-sleeved top that barely revealed her navel and with her long hair tied back, she looked rather casual. With a lighter makeup, the freckles under her eyes were more noticeable.

Then, she said,

“I’ll be back soon-”

She greeted the chubby manager inside the van, who waved back.

“Uh-huh. Have fun. Want me to buy something?”

“I’m good, you guys go eat.”

“Okay!”

Soon after, Hwalin turned and headed towards the elevator. Today, there was an important meeting related to ‘Male Friend’ at Netflix Korea. There were other matters to decide on as well, like the OST and the schedule. They had agreed to meet with just the core members, excluding the manager team, such as writers and actors.

Hwalin then pressed the elevator button.

‘The director’s been decided, I wonder who it is?’

While waiting, she checked her phone. First, she accessed Kang Woojin’s SNS.

“Really, I have to tell him today. That I’m a fan.”

Next, she checked Kang Woojin’s fan club. Checking his SNS and fan club had become almost a daily routine for Hwalin.

“I’ll get close to him. I can do it.”

She had set a goal to become a superfan. She might not be able to openly admit to being a crazy fan, but she could casually mention being a fan and try to get close. Encouraging herself, Hwalin lifted her head.

Just then,

-Swish.

A deep male voice greeted her.

“Hello.”

Hwalin, slightly startled, turned to find the indifferent face of Kang Woojin right in front of her. In an instant, her mind went blank, forgetting her earlier resolution she had made moments ago.

She reflexively turned her gaze towards the elevator door.

“… Ah, hello.”

“Yes.”

“……”

She felt like her body and soul were disconnected. The conversation stopped. The elevator door opened, and both Kang Woojin and Hwalin stepped in. Feeling restless, Hwalin fidgeted with her thin bracelet, thinking,

‘Gosh, why am I so nervous? Just tell him. Just say you’re a fan. Stay calm. You can do it.’

Gathering her courage, she began,

“Um, excuse me.”

However,

-Ding!

The elevator interrupted her. As the door opened at the designated floor, Kang Woojin took a step out, turning to Hwalin and asking,

“Yes?”

Without thinking, Hwalin followed him. As they walked side by side, accidentally, their arms brushed against each other, causing her thoughts to freeze once again.

‘Ugh.’

Meanwhile, Kang Woojin, standing in the hallway, stared intently at Hwalin, with a stoic expression before asking,

“Are you alright?”

“……”

Struggling to reply, Hwalin blurted out,

“I need to, uh, go to the bathroom!”

With awkward strides, she hurried down the hallway. Watching her retreating figure, Kang Woojin’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

‘Is she avoiding me? That’s a bit… unexpected?’

At that moment, the thin bracelet on Hwalin’s wrist fell to the ground. But she didn’t notice and continued rushing down the hallway, turning at the corner.

-Swish.

Right around the bend, Hwalin pressed herself against the wall. She was right in front of the restroom. Holding her chest, she sighed,

‘Of all times for our arms to brush. My heart nearly burst. Just from that brief encounter…’

She muttered to herself,

“I can’t tell him, never. If I tell Woojin that I’m a superfan, he’ll think I’m crazy.”

She bit her lower lip for a moment and sighed before entering the restroom. And then,

“……Huh-”

Behind the corner, Kang Woojin stood awkwardly. Or should one say he was malfunctioning? In his right hand, he held Hwalin’s bracelet.

“Huh?”

With a blank expression, Woojin blinked in surprise.

“Is Hwalin a fan of mine?”

*****