Chapter 83: Enhancement (4)

Chapter 83: Enhancement (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

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.

“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.

*****