小火星

Chapter 292: Breather (2)

It was really unexpected news. More surprising than shocking.

“Are you sure? I haven’t heard anything about this. So suddenly without any sign? Where did you confirm this?!”

“Well, I haven’t officially confirmed it either, but by chance-”

The employee who was reporting quickly took out his phone. Then he accessed SNS. Specifically, Instagram. Then he typed ‘Kang Woojin’ in the search bar. The employee clicked on a recent post among the many that included Kang Woojin. Woojin was clearly in the photo. The location was a porridge shop in Jinju about an hour ago. The tag was proof.

“It’s confirmed that Kang Woojin appeared at the porridge shop run by his parents! There are many more posts like this one.”

“Oh- I see! Is he still at the porridge shop now? Ah, that porridge shop is run by Kang Woojin’s parents, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct! From a quick glance at the posts, it seems Kang Woojin has left the porridge shop now.”

“Damn it! We should have noticed this earlier!”

“I’m sorry! The visit was too sudden and unexpected!”

“…Well, that’s certainly true.”

The balding mayor of Jinju swallowed with a mix of regret. Yes, that wasn’t the issue now.

“What do you think? Does it seem like that friend Kang Woojin will return after a brief visit?”

“Based on what I’ve checked, it doesn’t seem so.”

“What’s your basis?”

“If you look at the news articles, it says that the filming of the movie ‘Leech’ ended around yesterday. If he came to his hometown the next day, it’s likely he came to rest for a while!”

“Hmm.”

The mayor of Jinju slowly nodded. The reason the mayor was so concerned about Kang Woojin was very simple.

Kang Woojin’s impact was tremendous.

Not just tremendous, but it was shaking both Korea and Japan. Currently, no celebrity could beat Kang Woojin in popularity, issues, and brand power. Simply put, even looking at the recent insane record of nearly 19 million viewers for ‘Island of the Missing’ showed that.

And Kang Woojin was from Jinju.

As the mayor of Jinju, it would be nonsensical not to salivate over this.

“So- How are the tourists around that porridge shop these days?”

“It’s already become a famous spot, and it’s almost a mandatory course for tourists visiting Jinju. Moreover, the number of Japanese tourists has also been increasing recently.”

Given Kang Woojin’s tremendous momentum in Japan, it was expected.

“Jinju is frequently mentioned on SNS, mainly by Japanese tourists who have visited.”

The presence of Woojin, who was from Jinju, alone was driving promotion and marketing by itself, and a key part of the mayor’s many tasks was revitalizing the region. Therefore, every year he puts great effort into organizing large festivals and various events. Utilizing Youtube or SNS has become essential these days.

And every time, the essential element is inviting celebrities or famous people.

They can easily capture the public’s attention and interest. The fact that almost every local ambassador is a popular celebrity is proof of this. In other words, for the mayor of Jinju, Kang Woojin was the number one target to recruit. No, the top priority.

‘Even if he mentions it just a few times, not frequently, it will generate quite a flood of articles.’

Kang Woojin had already reigned as the ‘king of issues’ domestically since last year. How many issues has Woojin sparked or will spark in the future? Not only that, the power of Woojin’s ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel and SNS was staggering. In the past, Kang Woojin was just an ordinary citizen, but now it’s different. Of course, there are quite a few celebrities or famous people from Jinju.

However, the current momentum of Kang Woojin surpassed all of them.

Naturally, the mayor of Jinju had made several proposals to Kang Woojin’s side. Ambassador for promotion, invitations to big festivals or events, and so on. There were even times when he just wanted a simple meeting.

‘I even said I would go in person.’

The mayor of Jinju had said he would personally go to Seoul. The work started last year. Probably after ‘Profiler Hanryang’ became a hit.

But every attempt failed.

There were many attempts, but the reason given by bw Entertainment was Kang Woojin’s tight schedule. Well, the mayor of Jinju didn’t completely fail to understand. In fact, Kang Woojin had never come to Jinju since his debut.

And now, such a hot actor suddenly appeared in Jinju?

The mayor of Jinju couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity.

“What about the media right now?? If it’s on SNS, some reporters must have caught wind of it.”

“Yes, that’s correct. It’s already being reported that Kang Woojin is in Jinju.”

“Right, of course. Indeed- The promotional power is amazing.”

The mayor of Jinju murmured as he searched ‘Jinju’ on his phone. Indeed, there were quite a few articles that included Kang Woojin.

『[Star Photo] The 19 million viewers legend ‘Kang Woojin’, suddenly spotted in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do… Did he come to his hometown to rest?/ Photo』

When was the last time Jinju was mentioned this much? No, it hadn’t. Even if there were festivals or events, the buzz would die down quickly. But with just a simple visit by Woojin, Jinju was gaining so much attention.

“This is…… what brand power is.”

Then, the balding mayor of Jinju suddenly stood up and shouted to his employee.

“What are you doing right now! Call everyone in!!”

An emergency assembly. It might even seem like an emergency.

“Unless it’s urgent, everyone should focus on this!”

At the mayor’s order, the employee briefly went out and returned with key staff members. To the roughly dozen or so gathered personnel, the mayor of Jinju urgently instructed.

“First, start with the media! Make sure twice as many articles come out compared to now!!”

“Yes, yes!”

“On our Youtube channel too!”

“Wh-what should we put on the YouTube channel-”

“Don’t be so dense! Just use it to spread the news! The content doesn’t matter! Just put ‘Kang Woojin’ in the title! And hang banners as soon as possible! Anywhere noticeable.”

The employees’ hands quickly scribbled notes in their notebooks.

“Put something like ‘Welcoming Kang Woojin’s Visit to Jinju’ as the message!”

Just Woojin’s visit alone started shaking Jinju.

The next day, Saturday morning, the 26th.

It was around 8 AM. The location was an old apartment complex in Jinju with only four buildings, with not many households. The 10th floor of the front-most apartment was the home that Kang Woojin’s parents, Kang Woo-chul and Seo Hyun-mi, had settled in after moving to Jinju.

It was quite spacious. It had three rooms.

The master bedroom was used by the couple, and the other rooms were used by Kang Woojin or Kang Hyun-ah when they visited. Well, of course, each room was filled with clothes and miscellaneous items. In the master bedroom’s large bed, Kang Woo-chul and Seo Hyun-mi lay side by side.

Both were awake.

“……”

“……”

They were silently looking at their phones. Specifically, searching for their son who had suddenly visited yesterday. In fact, both of them would search for their son when bored, but today was a bit special.

Anyway, the search results for Kang Woojin were dazzling.

First, starting with the stylish profile picture in the person information that appeared first, then blogs, cafes, communities, SNS, YouTube, and so on. Just looking at the search volume and information, he was undoubtedly a top actor.

Above all, the articles that were still popping up.

『[Issue IS] Kang Woojin appeared in Jinju amid his tight schedule… It turns out his hometown is Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do』

『The ‘king of issues’ Kang Woojin made a surprise visit to his parents’ shop in Jinju, taking photos with customers… Top-notch fan service!』

『[Photo] “Handsome even in casual photos” Witness accounts of Kang Woojin in ‘Jinju’ emerging on SNS/ Photo』

Of course, there were plenty of other articles overflowing on different topics, but Woojin’s parents were only looking at those related to Jinju. In every photo of Kang Woojin in the articles, he looked stylish and charismatic. He even exuded the aura of a top actor. Kang Woo-chul and Seo Hyun-mi were still not used to it.

Seo Hyun-mi put down her phone and murmured softly.

“…Is this really my son in these photos?”

Kang Woo-chul, who took the same action, nodded in agreement but pulled himself together.

“I know. But let’s try to get used to it now. Woojin has come down to visit.”

At this moment.

“Oh!”

Seo Hyun-mi suddenly shot up.

“We need to prepare breakfast for our son!!”

“Ah, yes! That spicy braised chicken he likes!”

“You prepare the chicken we bought yesterday.”

“Okay, okay.”

The couple, in agreement, put aside the glamorous images of Kang Woojin and after quickly getting ready, left the main bedroom.

However.

-Slurrrp!

As soon as the couple came out into the living room, they heard the sound of someone slurping ramen. The reason was simple.

“…W-Woojin?”

Somehow, Kang Woojin was already awake and sitting at the kitchen table, eating ramyeon straight from the cup. Of course, while munching on the noodles and looking at his parents, Woojin was grinning mischievously.

“Yo- Did you have a good night?”

There was no sign of a poker face or any sort of pretense.

Grinning, Woojin picked up some kimchi.

Wearing a slightly worn bear-printed short-sleeve shirt and grey sweatpants with holes at the knees, his black hair standing on end like he’d been struck by lightning, scratching his head while eating the noodles.

This was the real Kang Woojin.

“Still so lovey-dovey? Are you planning on giving me a sibling? Hehe.”

Looking at such a Kang Woojin, Kang Woo-chul and Seo Hyun-mi fell into slight confusion. After all, the charismatic ‘actor Kang Woojin’ they had seen on the internet moments ago was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was only the ‘ragamuffin’ Seo Hyun-mi often scolded Woojin for being.

Soon, the couple looked at each other and spoke in unison, quietly.

“…Ah, this is definitely our son.”

Seo Hyun-mi, who let out a long sigh, approached Kang Woojin and suddenly delivered a back smash.

-Smack!!

“Eating ramyeon first thing in the morning!!”

Afterwards.

Although Kang Woojin, battered by the back smack, finished the ramyeon he was eating. Of course, Woojin also devoured the chicken stew that Seo Hyun-mi and Kang Woo-chul prepared.

“Mmm- Indeed, it’s incredibly delicious.”

“Are you eating your meals properly? I know you’re busy, but try not to skip meals as much as possible.”

“Dad, why are you suddenly lowering your voice like that? It’s giving me a bit of PTSD.”

“What are you talking about?”

“No, it reminds me of that act you put on.”

“He’s been like this lately, trying to maintain his image because of you.”

Even so, Woojin brought up the topic he had been thinking about.

“By the way, I told you to look for a new house, right? I looked it up while eating ramyeon, and there are many new apartments. Or would you prefer a house?”

“You brat, this place is perfectly fine, why move? And we’ve already expanded the store, changed the furniture, and even got a new car. Save the money for yourself.”

Kang Woojin’s bank account was quite full. Every project he touched was a hit, and he had numerous advertisements, photoshoots, and his ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel bringing in a flood of money. There was even money still coming in from his ‘Hanryang’ days, so there was no point in discussing it. Even without counting the money that would come in the future, he had plenty.

But, somehow, even though he wanted to spend it, his schedule was so hectic that he had no time to do so.

“Hey- I’m saving it involuntarily? I need to spend some money. Even our CEO told me to spend more. You know, because of taxes and stuff.”

Anyway, after finishing his meal with his parents, Kang Woojin took a shower to shed his ‘ragamuffin’ look. Meanwhile, Kang Woo-chul and Seo Hyun-mi left the house to open the store. As Woojin finished his shower, he checked numerous messages from his sister and the president of his fan club, ‘Kang’s Heart’, Kang Hyun-ah.

By the way, Kang Hyun-ah, who was on university break, had also come down to the house in Jinju.

At this moment.

-Buzz buzz, buzz buzz buzz.

His phone buzzed with a long vibration. It was a call from Choi Sung-gun. Clearing his throat, Kang Woojin brought the phone to his ear.

“Yes, CEO~nim.”

A low voice soon emerged. On the other hand, Choi Sung-gun’s voice on the phone had a hint of laughter.

“Hehe, as expected from issue-maker actor Kang Woojin, huh? What kind of grand entrance did you make in Jinju for the press to be in such an uproar?”

“No, I just said ‘I’m back’ and that’s all.”

“You just barged in with your ‘I’m back’ without any regard for the surroundings, didn’t you?”

“More or less.”

“Well, you did well. It’s not bad to create such a buzz even for a short break. But don’t move around too much. You went down there alone after all.”

“I understand.”

“It’s only 3 days of rest anyway, so forget everything and just sleep. I’ve postponed all your schedules.”

After expressing his concerns, Choi Sung-gun changed the subject.

“I called because I have a few things to ask and some urgent things to convey. First, the Jinju City Hall contacted us. The content is similar to before, something about being a promotional ambassador. Are you going to do it?”

“No, I won’t.”

“You won’t be doing any short schedules while you’re resting there, right? There was a proposal for attending a charity event Vlog.”

“Yes, I won’t do it.”

“Got it. I asked just in case because it’s your hometown. Honestly, just you being there is already enough to get Jinju mentioned. Anyway, I’ll handle them. Oh, by the way, do you mind if the Jinju City Hall puts up banners and stuff?”

Banners? What banners? Woojin blinked his eyes but nodded for now.

“No.”

“And Miley Cara’s side sent over the schedule and other details? There are materials related to the album work and a guide track. When you return, I’ll brief you. Based on the rough schedule, it seems you can go to LA before fully diving into ‘Beneficial Evil’.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. You’ll probably spend about a week in LA working on the album. It’s not confirmed yet, but there might be an interview schedule with Cara too. Once everything is sorted, take a few more days off before coming back.”

Choi Sung-gun on the phone added some weight to his voice.

“There’s something I want to show you in LA.”

Meanwhile, in Seoul. DM Production.

Many people gathered in the large conference room of DM Production, where PD Song Man-woo serves as both the overall director of the production team and the CEO. There appeared to be over 20 people. Naturally, at the head seat was PD Song Man-woo.

“Next, regarding location hunting.”

Displayed on the front screen of the slightly dark conference room was a PPT related to the production. It was natural. The current meeting was a late-stage production meeting for the upcoming series ‘Beneficial Evil’. Thus, it was more about confirming than checking progress.

Soon, a series of 3D-drawn cuts appeared on the front screen.

They were shooting storyboard cuts pulled from the script of ‘Beneficial Evil’, with only one character drawn in blue line among many others. It was the main character of ‘Beneficial Evil’, the role of ‘Jang Yeon-woo’ played by Kang Woojin. Seeing the intense scenes, anyone could tell they were action scenes.

Then, PD Song Man-woo, who had been quietly looking at the front PPT while stroking his goatee, murmured softly.

“As expected, domestic locations and sets alone are not enough. Let’s finalize the overseas locations.”

He murmured softly.

“Let’s start coordinating with the first plan, Bangkok, Thailand, right away.”

*****

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