Chapter 90: Acceleration (6)

Chapter 90: Acceleration (6)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Around Tuesday afternoon, the 16th.

The lobbies of various domestic broadcasters became noisy. They weren’t a quiet place to begin with, but today was particularly bustling. PDs from drama and variety shows seated in the lobby were chatting.

“Have you heard? PD Yoon’s new variety show is supposed to be huge.”

Their topic of conversation was PD Yoon Byung-seon’s new variety show project.

“Rumor has it, it’s going to be a series with more than three parts.”

“Really? Where did you hear that?”

“I heard whispers from the outsourced production companies.”

“Heh, they’re really going big with this, huh?”

And then,

“They secured Kang Woojin as the first guest on such a large-scale project?”

The soaring stock, Kang Woojin, was the main topic. It made sense. Earlier that day, before the news about his leading role in ‘Island of the Missing’ had even cooled down:

『[Exclusive] ‘Entertainment industry titan’ PD Yoon Byung-seon confirms rising star ‘Kang Woojin’ for his variety show』

A huge scoop was thrown into the entertainment world.

It felt like new food sizzling on a hot pan. Regardless of how it was cooked, the combination of Kang Woojin and PD Yoon Byung-seon heated up swiftly.

“Wow, Kang Woojin is truly on the rise, isn’t he? From Director Kwon Ki-taek to now with PD Yoon Byung-seon.”

“It’s insane how much he’s achieved in just a few months after his debut. They’re already calling him ‘one of a kind’ and ‘the first of his kind’, right?”

“When did CEO Choi Sung-gun find such a huge rookie after Hong Hye-yeon? He must be over the moon.”

Due to the immense influence of PD Yoon Byung-seon in the broadcasting world, everyone related to the industry couldn’t stop mentioning Kang Woojin’s name.



“Did you hear Kang Woojin is joining PD Yoon Byung-seon’s project?”

“Yeah, I saw the article. No wonder all my casting offers were getting rejected.”

“Did PD Yoon Byung-seon take a liking to him during ‘Sports Day’? But his rise is indeed abnormal. Which rookie gets more attention than top stars?”

“Rumors say he’s getting a bit arrogant. His nose is up in the air. He’s the top choice for casting, the very top.”

From public broadcasting to cable, and even PD Yoon Byung-seon’s home ground HTBS, the fast-paced industry quickly spread rumors.

And the media?

『’Park Dae-ri’ Kang Woojin’s shocking inclusion in PD Yoon’s new show!』

『[Issue Pick] Monstrous Rookie Kang Woojin, confirmed for PD Yoon Byung-seon’s new show.』

The online reaction was exponentially more explosive.

After the first official article was released, there was non-stop chatter about Kang Woojin throughout the 16th. The timing was impeccable, just when other issues and ‘Island of the Missing’ were starting to fade.

『[Star Photo] How far will Kang Woojin’s momentum go? From Director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘lead role’ to PD Yoon Byung-seon’s variety show.』

The chatter continued all day on the 16th and as the 17th dawned, the flames of interest hadn’t dimmed. They seemed even more intense than the day before. PD Yoon Byung-seon’s side kept adding fuel to the fire.

『Following the news of Kang Woojin’s participation, PD Yoon Byung-seon’s team said, ‘We aim to create a fun project with someone we’ve been eager to work with.’』

And bw Entertainment fanned the flames even more.

That wasn’t all. The distributor of ‘Island of the Missing’, noticing the resurgence of interest, also joined in. Other works involving Kang Woojin weren’t silent either.

『When can we see ‘Drug Dealer,’ in which Kang Woojin from ‘Island of the Missing’ made a cameo, as filming nears completion?』

One thing led to another. The branches of the tree spread endlessly. That’s why Searching for Kang Woojin on YouTube or portal sites resulted in a staggering amount of information. The list of keywords seemed endless.

Thus, two days passed.

By Thursday, the spreading public opinion added fuel to the fire, reaching an uncontrollable point.

-OMG... Is Kang Woojin appearing on a variety show??? I want to see it now!!



-Wow, Kang Woojin is really making it big, huh?

-Agreed, I’ve never seen a rookie like this. The hype is real!

-But I don’t get it. He’s just good at acting, what’s all the fuss about? Is his agency really rich or something?

-↑ Instead of wasting time leaving hate comments, go wash your underwear or something.

-I saw a comment somewhere saying that Kang Woojin has really worked on his image lol. Saw it on a forum.

-??? What image?

-They’re talking about that event, right? Was it the sports day? I read comments from schoolmates saying he’s a bit different now from before.

-Ahh!! Woojin oppa!! Show us your cruel yet adorable charm!! I can’t get enough!!

-But what’s crazy is, if you look at Kang Woojin’s filmography, he’s worked with all the big names???

-No way, at this rate, he might go to Hollywood next year. LOL.

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.

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By this point, the media turned their focus to:

『[Star Talk] Ultra-rising ‘Kang Woojin’. Tracing his journey reveals a jaw-dropping array of big names.』

The media became increasingly interested in Kang Woojin’s filmography. The reason was simple. His journey had been marked by collaborations with giants of the industry, from writer Park Eun-mi and PD Song Man-woo, to writer Lee Wol-seon, Director Kwon Ki-taek, and PD Yoon Byung-seon.

It was a filmography even top actors would struggle to build.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

More than anything, Kang Woojin was a rookie. Yet, his influence was comparable to that of top celebrities. Therefore, the industry couldn’t help but get more excited.

“What’s with him, working only with big names??!”

“Exactly! It’s not like he’s covered in honey or something.”

“He’s just a big-shot hunter, hunting big shots.”

What would happen if the yet confidential project with Director Kyotaro was also leaked or revealed? Even if it wasn’t known, Kang Woojin was bound to remain a legendary newcomer. At this point, more and more people started to keep an eye on Woojin.

“Yes, hello.”

“Hehe, is the filming for ‘Profiler Hanryang’ almost done?”

“Just a couple of days left.”

Ryu Jung-min, with his perm hair, entered. The room was spacious, with about five tables put together. Ryu Jung-min sat in the middle. Another long-haired male actor was already seated.

“Hyung, it’s been a while. I’ve been enjoying ‘Hanryang’.”

“Oh- Yi-won. You’ve lost weight?”

His name was Kim Yi-won. He too was among the top actors. Although not exceptionally handsome like Ryu Jung-min, he had built up popularity with solid acting skills. He had a slightly masculine appearance.

“Director Kwon told me to start exercising. I’ve been eating only protein bars these days.”

“You have to endure if it’s required.”

Another top actor joined them from behind. This time, it was the muscular Jeon Woo-chang.

“Hello!”

“Oh- Woo-chang, you’re here?”

“Whoa! Jung-min hyung. Filming a drama with a 20% rating and then joining Director Kwon’s project! It’s amazing.”

“Why make a fuss as soon as you arrive?”

The top actors, meeting after a long time, chatted comfortably. Around this time, a graceful-looking actress opened the door.

“Hellooo-”

It was Seo Chae-eun, often mentioned in the same breath as Hong Hye-yeon. Short-haired Seo Chae-eun greeted everyone briefly, then sat at the table with the actors, immediately teasing the muscular Jeon Woo-chang.

“Woo-chang, if you build up more muscle, won’t they burst?”

“Hahaha, nuna – oh, I’m glad to see you too.” (TL: Nuna – big sis)

“No, seriously. Ah! Kim Yi-won, why are you all bones?”

“Mm, hello to you too.”

Seo Chae-eun, contrary to her gentle appearance, was rather sharp-tongued. Should we say she was outspoken? Soon, her gaze met Ryu Jung-min’s.

“You’ve been doing well recently, haven’t you, oppa?”

“So have you.”

“Well, I’m always the same.”

“Not true. Your clinic seems to be doing well. Maybe cut back on the botox a bit.”

“Ah! Do you want to die?”

Domestic actors with tremendous influence gathered in one place. It was expected. This was the venue for the first get-together for ‘Island of the Missing.’ Naturally, all the main actors were present. Amidst the noisy ambiance, Seo Chae-eun, holding a glass of water, looked around.

“Where’s the director?”

The response from Ryu Jung-min came quickly.

“Not here yet.”

Jeon Woo-chang chimed in, scratching his muscular arm.

“By the way, isn’t that popular Kang Woojin coming today?”

Seo Chae-eun clapped her hands as she flicked her bobbed hair.

“Ah! Right! That newbie hasn’t arrived yet? Wow- we’re all here already? He’s so full of himself.”

“Nuna, your nose is up in the air the most here, isn’t it?”

“Jeon Woo-chang, want me to burst your muscles? Seriously, someone just a few months into their debut being the last to come?”

Ryu Jung-min, crossing his arms, chuckled.

“He’s probably the busiest among us.”

“Ugh- I can see it already. He’s totally caught a bad case of the ‘star’ disease. Isn’t he the kind to cause trouble on set? I hate seeing that kind of behavior.”

“Mind your own business.”

“Ha! What? Just because you worked on the same project, you’re defending him? When something’s wrong, it’s wrong.”

Kim Yi-won, spoke up.

“But, Kang Woojin really is impressive. Chosen by Director Kwon as the lead, and he’s even confirmed for PD Yoon’s new variety show. He’s just going to soar. Lately, all our friends from the gathering can’t stop talking about Woojin.”

Seo Chae-eun, looking perplexed, whispered, keeping an eye on the production team.

“But, I heard Kang Woojin is related to Director Kwon. Is that not true?”

Ryu Jung-min refuted immediately.

“That makes no sense. The director is not the kind of person to do that.”

“No- it doesn’t make sense, that’s why I’m asking. How does a newcomer get a lead role within a few months of debut? Anyway, I don’t like him. Even now, he should have been the first to arrive.”

Just then.

-Creak.

The wooden door opened, and a man with an indifferent expression appeared. As a result, all eyes in the room were on him. The quickest to react was Ryu Jung-min.

“Woojin, over here.”

It was Kang Woojin who entered. Woojin, in a white tee, jeans, and a hat, greeted everyone and then...

-Swoosh.

Took a seat opposite Ryu Jung-min, right next to Seo Chae-eun. Then, taking off his hat, Woojin bowed deeply to the top actors.

“Hello, nice to meet you all. I’m Kang Woojin.”

His voice was deep and solemn. While this was familiar to Ryu Jung-min, it was new to the other actors, causing their expressions to shift in surprise.

Among them, Seo Chae-eun, who seemed displeased with Kang Woojin, spoke first.

“You’re quite late. Shouldn’t a newcomer be the first to arrive? Isn’t it too early for you to be so arrogant-”

Kang Woojin stared at her coldly for a moment, then replied without any hint of emotion.

“Do you have a problem with me?”

*****