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I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 129: Departure (3)
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Chapter 129: Departure (3)
Both āMale Friend' and āDrug Dealer' releasing simultaneously? Woojin, looking calmly at Choi Sung-gun, asked for clarification.
āAt the same time?ā
Choi Sung-gun nodded his head with a small smile.
āYeah, well- it's not confirmed yet. It's just my guess.ā
Woojin, based on what he heard here and there, did some calculations.
āI heard that āMale Friend' is scheduled for October.ā
āThat's right, we're in late August now, so it's about a month and a bit away. But yesterday, when you were doing the script reading for āFreezing Love', Director Kim Do-hee personally called. She suggested holding a blind preview next week.ā
Blind what? Woojin, with a serious face, was confused by the term āblind preview'. It sounded familiar but strangely new. Where had he heard it? Then, it struck him.
āAh- right, was it during āExorcism'?'
Indeed, a blind preview had also been conducted when the editing of āExorcism' was completed. The general idea was that only the people involved in the movie gathered to watch the finished product. Does that mean the editing of āDrug Dealer' was completed? Wasn't that a bit fast? Well, he didnāt know much yet, but that was his feeling.
āIsnāt it a bit early?ā
āYeah. For a commercial movieās post-production, it's quite early. However, it doesnāt seem like āthe editing is completely finished'. More like, about 90% of the work is done. But itās still fast. It happens, directors get hooked on editing and pour their life into it.ā
āThey must have had a hard time.ā
āAnyway, it seems like the blind preview was originally scheduled for mid-September, but it was moved up due to the actors' schedules. So, if we have the blind preview at the end of August, editing completed before mid-September, then distribution companies jump in for promotion, and if everything moves quickly, the film could be released in October or November.ā
At this point, although Woojin's expression was indifferent, a sense of tension rose within him. It was just a cameo role, but a film he appeared in would be shown in theaters? Of course, he had seen āExorcism' in the cinema. But this felt strangely different.
āIs this the difference between a short film and a commercial movie?'
Not a movie shown at festivals as an event, but one where the general public pays to see Kang Woojin or āLee Sang-man' in theaters. Unlike āExorcism', the number of viewers and revenue would be counted. Indeed, this must be the pressure related to performance.
As Woojin's heart secretly fluttered,
āIt wasn't intentional, but this means there's a high possibility that āMale Friend' and āDrug Dealer' will overlap.ā
That made sense. It was unlikely that both works would open exactly at the same time, but whichever came first, they would be around the same time.
āBut that would be much more impactful. From the audience's perspective, there's the fun of choosing. And most importantly, you can showcase your versatile masks.ā
Choi Sung-gun's smile deepened as he explained.
āIn both works, you're involved, and naturally, you'll be at the center of the promotions. Then, the public will be curious, since two works featuring you, who's become a hot topic, are being released almost simultaneously.ā
Pointing at Woojin with his index finger, he said,
āāLee Sang-man' and āHan In-ho'. Two characters who are different in genre, presence, and aura.ā
He mused, imagining the future.
āWonder how the audience will react to that?ā
Afterward.
Having wrapped up the discussion about āMale Friend' and āDrug Dealer', Choi Sung-gun shifted the topic to the upcoming schedule in Japan. Although others talked about him having international experiences or having studied abroad, the real Kang Woojin had never been overseas.
āThis is the first time I'm flying as an actor.'
It would be a lie to say he wasn't excited. Even though Japan was nearby, overseas was still overseas. However, Kang Woojin's anticipation crumbled as he listened to Choi Sung-gun's briefing.
Why?
āWoojin, unfortunately, you wonāt have any time to rest even in Japan.ā
No time for leisure, not even a bit. In fact, the schedule in Japan was even packed than it had been in Korea.
āFirstly, we arrive in Japan on the 26th, late in the morning. We'll head straight to āNetflix Japan', then have a quick meal, attend a briefing about the event, and have the event in the afternoon. The next dayā¦ā
Even this was just the anticipated itinerary.
āThe actual confirmed schedule will probably be even more packed.ā
Kang Woojin let out a sigh, but it was common for celebritiesā overseas schedules to be tighter than usual. Well, what can you do? It wasn't a leisure trip anyway, so Woojin doused the excitement that had been rising in him. Seeing this, Choi Sung-gun, observing Woojin, showed a hint of concern.
āWill you be alright? How's your condition these days? It's hard to tell with your expression.ā
Woojin, deep in his role-playing, answered solemnly.
āNo problems.ā
If things got too tough, he could always retreat to the void space. Anyway, having finished briefing about the Japan schedule with only about four days left before departure, Choi Sung-gun and Woojin, freew(e)bnovel
-Swish.
left the company for the next schedule.
At this time, the two projects Kang Woojin was involved in were immersed in intense editing.
āThis cut is good for the two characters, but the cherry blossoms in the background seem a bit sparse. What about the next one?ā
The recently wrapped-up āMale Friend', which had a production announcement that shook the nation, was now in post-production. Director Shin Dong-chun had immediately started editing after the announcement.
āMale Friend' had more work than a typical short drama series.
It was longer, with four parts, and had more aspects to manage, from the OST to launching on Netflix Japan. Naturally, as the scale increased, so did the work involved. In short, Director Shin Dong-chun and the production team had to pour their souls into it.
And then,
āMusic Director, I've been thinking, for the cut where āLee Sang-man' dies, Iād like to change the BGM.ā
āNow?ā
It was for āDrug Dealer', with the blind preview just around the corner.
āCurrently, it evokes a sense of sadness, right? But I really want āLee Sang-man' to be a proper villain until the end.ā
āYou mean something more grandiose and shocking?ā
āExactly. I want him to be a bastard till the end.ā
āHmm.ā
āThat will make a more lasting impression on the audience.ā
Both projects were busy with editing, each on its own schedule. The only difference was one was just starting, and the other was nearing completion. This is the difference between short and long formats, allowing them to release around the same time.
Thus, the 22nd day ended and Sunday the 23rd dawned.
First thing in the morning, the team of āFreezing Love' circulated a press release. It was a natural flow of events since the script reading had just finished.
What was noteworthy was,
ć[Star Photo] Star writer Lee Wol-seon's āFreezing Love' begins official script reading! / Photosć
The photos in the promotional article they circulated mostly included Kang Woojin. Kang Woojin, featured in the same shot as the leads of āFreezing Love'. The reason was simple. Though his role was minor, he was currently the hottest-selling actor in the country.
ć[Star Talk] Kang Woojin, sitting alongside the top stars of āFreezing Love'ā¦ Still not overshadowed / Photosć
At the moment, he might have even more promotional power than the male lead, Jung Jang-hwan. Regardless, the team of āFreezing Love' leaked images of Woojin but kept information about his role under wraps, to spark curiosity.
ćDirector Kyotaro's Korean rookie Kang Woojin, what role he is playing in āFreezing Love'? Insider: āAn unexpected roleāć
However, when it came to Woojin's role, they used keywords like ātwist', āunexpected', or āunimaginable'.
While Kang Woojin's name was being spread through āFreezing Love',
ć[Star Talk] The advertising world's growing interest in Kang Woojin's āJapan debut'ć
ćWorld Bestsellerās Live-Action Movie āThe Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' features the only Korean actor, Kang Woojinć
In fact, domestically, the saturation had already set in after the production announcement of āMale Friend'. As days passed, Kang Woojin's influence was bound to grow.
ć[Master Directors] How did Kang Woojin captivate both Japanese maestro āKyotaro Director' and Korean maestro āKwon Ki-taek Director'?ć
ć[Fact Check] Kang Woojin, who has been a series of āfirsts' since his debut, what will his next move be? The industry is watching.ć
ćKang Woojin is hot in Korea and now Japanā¦ His YouTube channel āKang Woojin's Alter Ego' surpasses 500,000 subscribers in just a few days.ć
The current deluge of articles included numerous words and phrases: āThe Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', Director Kyotaro, āMale Friend', āKang Woojin's Alter Ego' channel, Hanryang, and more.
ć[Star Pick] Not just a monster in acting? Public awed by Kang Woojin's Japanese skills on his āKang Woojin's Alter Ego' channel.ć
The media had a field day.
There was an abundance of material to cover. Public opinion wasn't much different.
ćNetizens amazed by Kang Woojin's unexpected singing talent: āWhy is he good at singing too?āć
Every day, countless reactions exploded beyond enumeration.
At this time.
-!Teaser! Finally out, enjoy the sweet romantic drama of Kang Woojin and Hwalin! (āMale Friend' Teaser | Netflix Korea)
The first teaser video for āMale Friend' was uploaded to the official Netflix Korea channel. It was very short, only about 15 seconds, but the view count was astonishingly high.
-Views: 520,000
The number of views was growing at an incredible rate. While Hwalin's fandom also played a role, Kang Woojin's pull was evidently more significant at the moment.
-???????? Just the teaser and itās already so sweet
-Whatās with these colors??? So beautiful, hope the whole thing looks like thisā¦
-Both in school uniforms??!! What, why am I already trembling!!
-Definitely going to be boring
-??????Lol??????I thought Kang Woojin wouldn't suit rom-coms, but why is he fit so well???????
-So!! When is it coming out!!! Tell us the date, not just ācoming soon'!!
-I remember Hwalin's hardcore fans complaining at first??????To me, Hwalin and Kang Woojin look good together??????
-This is definitely going to flop??????
-Instead of a short drama, give us a 16-episode miniseries! Right now!
-But can Kang Woojin handle both the Korean and Japanese schedules???????
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Meanwhile, the teaser for āMale Friend' was also released in Japan, through Netflix Japan.
The Japanese public's interest was different from before.
Rather, the term āexplosive' would be fitting. The number of people who knew of the Korean newcomer āKang Woojin' had skyrocketed, and his name was being mentioned everywhere in Japan.
ć[Trending] Popularity of Kang Woojin's āProfiler Hanryang' Skyrockets in Japanć
There was also another buzz in Japan: Kang Woojin and Hwalin were soon to arrive in Japan.
ć[Hot News] āKang Woojin' and Elani's āHwalin', confirmed to Arrive in Japan on the 26thć
This hot ānew Korean actor', Kang Woojin, was to appear on Japan's national talk show.
ć[āAme-talk Show!ā Announcement] This week's K-Drama special guest is Kang Woojinć
August 26th, Wednesday.
The location was Haneda Airport, also known as Tokyo International Airport. Indeed, being a major airport, there was a large crowd even in the morning. Everywhere was bustling.
People who had just entered or were about to depart.
True to its international status, there were many foreigners, and particularly, Koreans were commonly seen. Among them, especially,
āAre those journalists over there?ā
āWhere? Oh- right. What's going on?ā
āMust be a celebrity coming!ā
Groups of journalists with cameras were noticeably abundant. Whether in pairs, groups, or alone, journalists seemed to be waiting for something, attracting attention from the crowd in the airport.
But it wasnāt just journalists.
āBut, look ā aren't people heading that way too?ā
āYeah. This is definitely about a celebrity! Look, even the airport guards are heading there.ā
āShould we check it out? We still have time before our bus.ā
Passersby and airport staff alike were moving in the direction the journalists were rushing towards.
At that moment,
āOh- arrived in Japan. That was really quick from Korea, huh?'
Kang Woojin was also at Haneda Airport. In fact, he had just arrived. His hair was styled without excess, and his makeup neatly done. Naturally, the entourage with him was substantial too. It included Choi Sung-gun and Kim Dae-young from bw Entertainment, the Netflix Korea team, and,
āWoojin, we need to move together.ā
Hwalin, who had just joined Woojin, and her team. A considerable number of people were gathering their luggage. The reason was simple: starting today, Woojin and Hwalin were scheduled to fulfill their commitments in Japan.
Soon, Woojin thought,
āAh, I need to manage my expression.' š»šššššš·šÆā“š·šš.šā“š
It was his first flight and his first time in Japan, but he suppressed his excitement upon seeing Hwalin so close.
āYes. Are we moving together from here?ā
āThatās the plan. But it's better for the press if we're seen together rather than individual ones. It makes it easier for articles, both in Korea and Japan.ā
It was new information for Woojin, but he pretended to understand.
āI see.ā
As Woojin spoke indifferently, Hwalin, brushing her long hair, internally expressed her regret.
āSuch a shame, if only the schedule was a bit more relaxed, I could have shown Woojin some good restaurants.'
Hwalin, who had already performed numerous concerts in Japan, knew all the best places to eat. However, there was little time to spend with Woojin. It was her favorite artistās first overseas schedule, and it felt too lukewarm. This caused Hwalinās disappointment to grow, though it didnāt show on her face.
At that moment,
āIf everyone's ready, let's move!ā
All teams, including Kang Woojin and Hwalin, began disembarking from the plane. At the entrance to the airport, staff awaited the āMale Friend' team, including people from Netflix Japan and airport officials. As Woojin moved alongside Hwalin, he felt a bit puzzled.
āArenāt there too many people??'
The number of people gathering seemed excessive. There were already dozens of them, but upon arriving at Haneda Airport in Japan, that number seemed to double. And then,
āKim Dae-young and Jang Su-hwan! Stand on both sides, both sides.ā
As they moved towards the immigration area, Choi Sung-gun positioned Jang Su-hwan and Kim Dae-young, who had come to support, on either side of Woojin and Hwalin. They were then surrounded by half a dozen robust guards. Whatās this? Before Woojin realized, he was encircled by nearly ten burly men, and behind them, a crowd of dozens followed.
Woojin felt oddly enclosed.
āFeels like Iām surrounded by walls ā wonāt this draw more attention?'
For Woojin, who was experiencing all this for the first time, glanced at Hwalin next to him. She seemed nonchalant, busy with her phone. That's when it happened.
āAh, they're here.ā
Hwalin suddenly looked up. Following her gaze, Woojin's eyes also shifted forward. The doors to the immigration hall were slowly opening.
But then,
āUh? What's that?'
Woojin noticed something stirring beyond the doors of the immigration hall. Was that a crowd of people? Just as he realized this, the doors swung open.
Simultaneously,
-Pabababababab!
-Pababababababababab!!
A barrage of flashes started like lightning. Blinding. Suddenly, what's going on? What is this??
The source of the flashes was soon apparent.
āWhoa! What the? Are those, journalists??'
A horde of about a hundred Japanese journalists had gathered.
The flashes continued relentlessly as they snapped photos.
-Pabababababababab!!
But it wasn't just journalists taking photos of Woojin. Behind the journalists, packed tightly together, were hundreds of people shouting in Japanese, recording Woojin on their phones.
āThey're here!!ā
āTheyāve arrived!!!ā
āOver there, over there!!ā
All combined, there seemed to be well over 500 people.
*****
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