小火星

Around the time the news was posted on the internet that Kang Woojin had joined Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next film as a main lead, Woojin, who was unaware of this, was in the middle of a meeting at Netflix Korea.

In a medium-sized meeting room, key figures related to ‘Male Friend’ had gathered.

Of course, there was Kang Woojin, and also the plump Executive Director Kim So-hyang, writer Choi Na-na, Hwalin, Director Shin Dong-chun, and team leaders from various Netflix departments. They had been exchanging greetings for several minutes; casual conversations ensued.

Meanwhile, Hwalin was fidgeting with the thin bracelet that Woojin had given her, sneaking glances at Woojin and Director Shin Dong-chun.

‘That director made ‘Exorcism’ with Woojin…’

To her, Director Shin Dong-chun seemed like a benefactor who introduced Kang Woojin to the world. Hence, as a fan, Hwalin’s fondness for the director had skyrocketed.

‘I must greet him properly after the meeting!’

After wrapping up the preliminary discussions, Executive Director Kim So-hyang, who had been talking to the team leaders, drew everyone’s attention.

“Now, from here on, Director Shin will take over.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, who had been looking down at his tablet, nodded slowly.

“Hmm, we should start with finalizing the production company.”

“Yes, but we’ve already narrowed it down to three choices, so it shouldn’t take long. After a brief meeting, you can decide based on the situation.”

After hearing the response, Director Shin Dong-chun turned his attention to the tense writer Choi Na-na.

“Miss Choi, can we have a brief script meeting after this?”

“Ah! Yes, yes!! That’s fine! I’ll do my best!”

“Haha, don’t be so stiff. Relax.”

“Yes! I’ll try my hardest to do that too!”

The meeting room erupted in laughter at writer Choi Na-na’s enthusiasm, and Executive Director Kim So-hyang changed the subject while showing her tablet to everyone.

“Although details will be shared gradually, let me give you the main points. This ‘Short Drama Project’ will begin with ‘Male Friend’ and release a new episode every two weeks. As ‘Male Friend’ is the starting point, we will put a lot of effort into everything, from promotion to production.”

She had many plans laid out.

“Additionally, we’ve discussed with Netflix Japan. While not the entire ‘Short Drama Project’, but initially, ‘Male Friend’ is set to launch on Netflix Japan.”

Launching on both Netflix Korea and Netflix Japan, Kang Woojin pretended to be calm, but he was quite surprised inside.

‘Wow- this is huge. It’ll be uploaded on Netflix Japan too? This is expanding big time!’

He hadn’t even thought about Netflix Japan. Netflix. Suddenly, the grade of the script crossed Woojin’s mind.

-[6/Script (Title: Male Friend), Grade A]

The elevated grade of ‘Male Friend’.

‘Is it A-grade because of Hwalin’s participation… or perhaps because of its connection to Japan?’

At that moment,

“Also, one more thing. Although Director Shin will ultimately decide, I believe it’s something you should be aware of beforehand.”

Kim So-hyang turned to the nonchalant Woojin.

“Woojin, we’ve expanded the OST (Original Soundtrack) aspect. There are two options for you. If it’s burdensome, you can just stick to the role of ‘Han In-ho’, but if you’re okay with it, how about participating in the OST?”

What? Participate? In the OST? Kang Woojin was well aware of the significance of an OST. Because he frequently saw drama OSTs ranking high on music charts. But is it okay for him to do that? As Woojin pondered this internally, Executive Director Kim So-hyang continued.

“Hwalin has already agreed to participate, and we’ve collected quite a few songs. We’re thinking of 2-3 main tracks: a solo song by Hwalin, a solo song by Woojin, and a duet. Of course, we’ll add other tracks, but the main focus would be on both of you.”

At this point, Hwalin sneaked a glance at Woojin from across the table.

‘I hope Woojin agrees. Even if he’s tone-deaf, I can use all sorts of techniques to make it sound good.’

Kim So-hyang, slowly crossing her legs, leaned towards Woojin.

“You have a good enough reason. There are scenes in the drama where ‘Han In-ho’ showcases his hidden singing talents. What do you think, Woojin?”

Another major responsibility was being thrown his way. Now they wanted him to try his hand at an OST, something he had never done before. It was a field completely foreign to Woojin. Singing in a karaoke room is one thing, but releasing a song to the public is a whole different story. However, Woojin didn’t show any hesitation.

He was brimming with confidence.

‘Hehe, I’ve never done it before, but I can somehow manage. I’m acting, so why not an OST? Besides, my singing skills are pretty amazing right now.’

He mentally puffed up his chest with pride. Of course, his confidence was backed by valid reasons, mixed with a hint of arrogance and bravado.

“I think I can manage it without much difficulty.”

Executive Director Kim So-hyang looked slightly surprised.

“Oh- really?”

“Yes. Really.”

Was he being sincere or just being impulsive? Executive Director Kim So-hyang was unsure.

‘…Well, he must be doing that because he’s at least average, right? But if he’s way below average, it would be problematic-‘

Hwalin feigned indifference, but inside she was ecstatic. Well, everyone in the meeting room had their own unique reactions upon hearing Woojin’s words. Director Shin Dong-chun wondered:

‘Could he… possibly sing well, too? No way, right?’

The writer, Choi Na-na, and other team leaders thought:

‘As long as it’s not terrible… Hwalin can carry it.’

Regardless, a test was necessary. So, Executive Director Kim So-hyang spoke again.

“Then, let’s coordinate the schedules of Hwalin and Woojin to do a simple check. It won’t take long, and it’d be good to match the tones of Woojin and Hwalin at our recording studio. That way, it will be easier to find a suitable song. It’s just a preliminary check.”

It was a standard procedure.

“In that session, Hwalin and Woojin can try singing a duet song that’s already in the market.”

Kim So-hyang then requested Kang Woojin,

“Woojin, you can just sing any song you like.”

At the same time,

Near Netflix Korea was a 24-hour rice soup restaurant. Due to the nearing lunchtime, it was packed. Among the patrons were three familiar faces: Choi Sung-gun, Jang Su-hwan, and Han Ye-jung.

All three were busy devouring their rice soup.

They had to fill their stomachs while Kang Woojin was in the meeting. Han Ye-jung, who had recently changed her hairstyle to a short yellow bob, looked at her phone. Her eyes widened immediately.

“Huh? CEO. Look at this article-”

She quickly showed the article to Choi Sung-gun, who had just taken a bite. His pupils dilated instantly.

“When was this published?!”

“It seems like just a few minutes ago.”

The article read,

『[Exclusive] Renowned ‘Director Kwon Ki-taek’s’ confirms top rookie ‘Kang Woojin’ for his next film… Film Company says “Kang Woojin has been cast as the lead.”』

Choi Sung-gun quickly took a sip of water and checked his phone.

“Is this… an official announcement, not a rumor?”

“Yes. It’s official, considering the source.”

“Huh, it’s from Director Kwon Ki-taek. But I thought the timing wasn’t right yet. Why did they release it so early? And only about Woojin?”

As Choi Sung-gun checked online, there were already numerous follow-up articles.

Then,

-Brrr, Brrr.

Choi Sung-gun’s phone vibrated intensely. Seeing the caller, he was a bit surprised. It was a call from the director Kwon Ki-taek. Soon, Choi Sung-gun stepped outside of the restaurant and answered.

“Yes, Director.”

Through the phone, the calm voice of Director Kwon Ki-taek could be heard.

“Mr. Choi, have you seen the article about Woojin’s confirmed casting?”

“Yes, I just saw it and was about to call you. Did you officially announce it from your side?”

“Yes, our distributor company released it. As you know, we initially planned to announce it around the end of June, but there have been some nasty rumors circulating about Woojin, so we decided to announce it earlier.”

Those nasty rumors. Choi Sung-gun and bw Entertainment were aware of them but had not directly addressed them. After all, such rumors were too common in the entertainment industry.

‘Maybe Director Kwon Ki-taek felt sorry for him? It’s good for us since we’ve been waiting.’

Then, through the phone, Director Kwon continued.

“Of course, if you have any promotional preparations ready, you can release them now. We plan to gradually announce starting with Woojin, so you can adjust the pace while coordinating with the distribution company.”

“Understood, Director. We’ll focus on releasing news related to Woojin.”

“But Mr. Choi, those recent rumors about Woojin, although they were all over the place, to me, it feels like someone intentionally spread them. It doesn’t seem like journalists randomly wrote them. From my experience, it feels like someone is trying to stir the pot.”

“…Yes, I had the same suspicion. Especially since the rumors escalated so quickly.”

“With your extensive network, Mr. Choi, you should investigate. Woojin’s career is just starting, and it would be bad if he gets caught up in such rumors.”

Choi Sung-gun gave a faint smile.

“Thank you for your concern, Director.”

“It’s nothing, Woojin is now our lead actor, so we should take care of him. Let’s talk again soon.”

-Click.

The call ended, and Choi Sung-gun returned to the soup restaurant with a contemplative expression. At the table, Jang Su-hwan and Han Ye-jung eagerly asked him questions.

“So, it’s official?”

“They’re finally announcing it?”

“Yes.”

“Wow! His first commercial film as the lead is directed by Kwon Ki-taek. The film industry is going to be in chaos again!”

Although Jang Su-hwan was excited, Choi Sung-gun was deep in thought.

‘Yes, now there won’t be any ridiculous rumors about him lacking projects. Although it’s not confirmed yet, if we add Director Kyotaro’s film to this, it will be monumental.’

He then called the PR team on his phone.

“Yes, did you see the article? Alright. Since it’s official, let’s release what we’ve prepared. Media, SNS, official site, everywhere, and as soon as possible.”

After giving his instructions, Choi Sung-gun hung up and crossed his legs, deep in thought.

‘Hmm, the one who might be targeting Woojin… there’s only one person that comes to mind.’

It hadn’t been long since Kang Woojin entered the entertainment industry in Korea, so Choi Sung-gun easily deduced the person who might be behind the attacks on Woojin.

‘Seo Gu-seob. It’s definitely that bulldog. Whether he started these rumors or fueled the existing ones, I’m sure he’s involved.’

Of course, Choi Sung-gun had been keeping an eye on CEO Seo Gu-seob. Since Seo Gu-seob knew that he was the investor in ‘Exorcism,’ Choi was sure he wouldn’t stay quiet.

‘Honestly, I thought he’d attack head-on. He’s been strangely quiet, but I guess I should also get ready.’

Suddenly, Choi Sung-gun smirked.

‘Come at me, Seo Gu-seob. You’ll get hurt more than I will.’

His expression was mysteriously sinister.

Afterwards, news of Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next film shook the film industry, especially the news that the popular Kang Woojin was chosen as the lead.

In no time, the news spread throughout the entertainment media. It was big news, after all.

“It is a new movie directed by the master director Kwon Ki-taek. The fact that Kang Woojin, who had only debuted a few months ago, was chosen as the lead for such a big project was sensational. Naturally, this caused quite a stir, and the impact was huge. Articles started appearing on various portal sites within an hour.

Meanwhile, PD Yoon Byung-seon, who was traveling in HTBS Entertainment’s van with his team, was surprised.

“Wow, what’s this? Woojin is joining Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next film? And as a lead actor?”

Hearing the news, the writers and junior PDs were amazed.

“Wow, really?!”

“It’s true! The articles are coming out now! Being the lead in a Kwon Ki-taek film… This is insane!”

“Is it confirmed? Does this mean that Woojin will work with Director Kwon Ki-taek?”

“It’s not confirmed yet, right?”

PD Yoon Byung-seon, scanning through various articles, said,

“Who knew he had this big news up his sleeve? It looks like they had confirmed this a while ago and kept it a secret.”

“Must be. With the power of Director Kwon Ki-taek, it’s entirely possible that he cast him earlier and waited for the right time to announce.”

“Maybe after seeing ‘Hanryang’, Director Kwon Ki-taek sent the script directly to Woojin. Or was it because of ‘Exorcism’? Anyway, there’s nothing ordinary about Woojin’s career.”

Chuckling, PD Yoon Byung-seon’s smile grew deeper.

“This will definitely leave an impression on the public.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon murmured, in a meaningful way.

“Hmm. Should we give this a little push too?”

At PD Yoon Byung-seon’s sly words, the head writer’s eyes widened, putting down her phone, she quickly asked,

“Give it a push? Do you mean we should also promote Woojin too?”

“Yes, that’s what I mean.”

PD Yoon Byung-seon, with his mischievous PD grin, casually mentioned.

Since he has gained momentum, it’s time to add a booster to it.

*****