Chapter 141: Counterattack (4)
Translator: Dreamscribe
After an unexpected rumor about the Kashiwa Group first surfaced in Japan.
『Kashiwa Group, Interested in the Crumbling ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’? Rumors in the Film Industry』
As if it was all planned, the recently cornered ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ team officially announced their stance.
『[Official] ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ Team: “Investment Issue Resolved, Fully Committed to Production”』
‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ had been like a messy battlefield of arguments. Honestly, the media and public opinion had thought that ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ would collapse just like that. That was the picture painted, and internally, it was similar.
But did ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ make a comeback?
It was eye-opening news. We’re not talking about a small amount of money, but over 10 billion, nearing 20 billion won, right? Above all, amidst various rumors and nonsense, the image of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ had plummeted. And then overnight, all the investment issues were resolved?
『The Reason ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ which Lost About 70% of Its Investment, Came Back to Life』
It was too quick. Normally, in cases like ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ in the film industry, solutions would come gradually over time.
In other words, there’s usually a process involved.
But with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ it was incredibly abrupt, especially considering the scale of 20 billion won. The Japanese media, upon hearing this news, were initially skeptical even as they wrote their articles.
“Is it true that ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ has resolved all its investment issues?”
“Well, I’m not sure. But with public opinion already in the gutter, would they really make an official statement based on a lie? That would just be like peeing on your own foot, wouldn’t it? They’d be exposed right away.”
“Right? It’s strange. I heard almost half of the investment vanished in a short period. How did they manage to secure it overnight? The total investment was over 10 billion won, wasn’t it?”
“There were even talks of 20 billion. It’s odd. With its declining trend, there seemed to be no investors willing to extend a hand to ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.'”
That’s why.
“Hey! Look at this! There’s news that the Kashiwa Group stepped in to cover the investments for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’!!”
“Huh?? What are you talking about??”
“I have no idea!”
It was an absurd, unbelievable rumor about the Kashiwa Group, but it gained traction. The timing of its emergence played a part.
『Did the Kashiwa Group Save the Fallen ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’? Where is the Source?』
The Kashiwa Group and ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ had no prior connection or indication of such. There was absolutely no basis for any such possibility. So, it seemed clear that it was utter nonsense.
But the Japanese media spread the story first, then checked facts.
It was the Kashiwa Group, within the top 10 of Japan’s business hierarchy. Missing out on even a brief appetizer of such a story would be foolish.
『Kashiwa Group Enters Cultural Industry with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’?』
Thus, the Kashiwa Group and ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ got intertwined. The name of Chairman Hideki also surfaced occasionally.
『Investment of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ Fully Paid by Chairman Hideki’s Order? Media Buzzing with Overflowing Rumors』
Both the social and entertainment sections were quickly filled with similar articles. But it wasn’t just the media spreading rumors. Actors and others within Japan’s vast entertainment industry were also fervently discussing it.
“Do you think it makes sense that the Kashiwa Group got involved with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’? They have no interest in the cultural industry.”
“I think it’s just a tabloid rumor. Maybe another conglomerate deliberately spread this to play power games or something.”
“It’s like reality turned into a movie, isn’t it? But if this is true, isn’t ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ hitting the jackpot?”
“Eh, do you really think it’s true?”
The snowball of rumors about ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ kept growing, but the team behind the project just kept firing back with facts about themselves.
From here on.
-Kashiwa?? Why is Kashiwa Group suddenly coming up wwww
-The media spouting nonsense isn’t new, is it?
-It’s absurd, though. All the investors left, and now they say only Kashiwa Group is pouring in money?
-But didn’t ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ say they resolved the investment issue? It might be true.
-If a big corporation got involved, they must see real potential and benefits in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, right?
-It’s probably because of the Hallyu wave; Kang Woojin is in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, after all.
-Let’s not jump to conclusions when nothing’s confirmed yet.
.
.
.
.
The public opinion on ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ started to shift slightly. However, as expected, the Kashiwa Group didn’t leak any information. They just kept their mouths shut.
『Rumors? Yet the ‘Kashiwa Group’ Makes No Move』
As if trying to inflate the rumors further.
The next day, the 22nd, on the set of ‘Freezing Love’.
While ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was causing a stir in Japan from the 21st to today, Kang Woojin was in the midst of the second day of shooting for ‘Freezing Love’.
“Action!!”
If yesterday’s filming focused on misunderstandings arising from a breakdown in communication, today’s scene involved the male lead ‘Song Tae-hyung’ slightly opening his heart and beginning to understand the ‘Mysterious Man Next Door’. He also realizes that the ‘Mysterious Man Next Door’ can’t speak and starts taking an interest in sign language.
And he comes to recognize his own shortcomings.
“Cut, cut!! Okay!! Nice, nice!!”
Of course, the filming with Kang Woojin and Jung Jang-hwan went smoothly without any hitches. Woojin’s portrayal of the ‘Mysterious Man Next Door’ and his sign language left nothing to be directed, and Jung Jang-hwan, awakened by this, showed the best he could offer.
Later in the afternoon.
“Cut!! Ok! Ah, that was great!”
As Kang Woojin’s part of the shoot was nearing its end.
“Let’s take a 10-minute break for prop changes!”
The directing PD declared a break for the entire set. Several staff members rushed onto the set, Jung Jang-hwan checked his script, and Kang Woojin had his makeup touched up. Observing this scene, the PD slowly sat down and smiled at the writer Lee Wol-seon sitting next to him.
“Now I understand what that meant.”
For reference, writer Lee Wol-seon had arrived on set about two hours earlier. It seemed she was intent on catching every bit of Kang Woojin’s performance. She tilted her head in confusion after taking a sip of water.
“What do you mean?”
The directing PD then turned his gaze towards Kang Woojin on the set.
“I know PD Song Man-woo, you see. I called him a few weeks ago to congratulate him on ‘Hanryang’, and he said this. Once you start filming Kang Woojin, it’s agonizingly regretful to cut and move on.”
“You mean you want to keep watching his performance?”
“Exactly.”
Writer Lee Wol-seon smiled faintly in response.
“So, that’s why you kept the camera rolling for additional takes, even when it wasn’t a NG, changing angles and props for reactions?”
“I was a bit greedy, yes, but it was also necessary. But isn’t it peculiar? Each take varies, but the explosive form is consistent. He makes the difficult task of portraying a disability seem effortless.”
“It’s anything but an easy role.”
“I can confidently say, once our drama airs, if there’s any talk about portraying disability in acting, Woojin will be the first name that comes up.”
Writer Lee Wol-seon found this entirely understandable, yet it was slightly astounding.
“Just two days of filming, and he’s made that much of an impact. No wonder big shots in Korea and Japan are flocking to him.”
“Ah! About Japan, did you see the article on ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’? Suddenly there’s a Japanese conglomerate involved?”
“Yeah, I saw that. It seemed odd to me. I heard ‘Kashiwa Group’ doesn’t do entertainment business.”
“It must be a rumor, right? The news seemed a bit far-fetched.”
“Whether it’s rumor or not, it seems true that they’ve resolved the investment issue, so isn’t that all that matters?”
Meanwhile, Woojin, who had just finished touching up his makeup.
-Swish.
Briefly returned to his own spot, a little away from the shooting zone. He was thirsty. Jang Su-hwan noticed this and heartily offered him a bottle of water.
“Hyung~nim, I chilled it for you!”
“Uh-huh. Thanks.”
Kang Woojin responded softly and gulped down the water, all the while feeling a bit of internal turmoil.
‘A conglomerate?? I’ve heard of Kashiwa Group for the first time, but whatever, it must be a lie, right? The Japanese media is as bad with tabloids as Korea, really.’
He too had heard the news about ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. But no matter how much he thought about it, it didn’t make sense. That a staggering Japanese conglomerate, with no known ties, would save ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, which was on the brink of collapse.
And that was what was buzzing in Japan right now.
The timing of Kashiwa Group’s emergence was absurdly unexpected, and above all, not a single piece of evidence or fact was presented. Woojin naturally thought it was preposterous.
‘Maybe Director Kyotaro has some connection with that conglomerate? Is that why it became an S+ grade project?’
He left a strange possibility open. Either way, the resolution of the investment issue was certain. Though he was inwardly shocked by the amount, surpassing 15 billion won.
At that moment.
“Hyung~nim.”
Jang Su-hwan handed Kang Woojin his cellphone.
“Do you want to check your phone?”
“Ah- sure.”
His phone had been bombarded since yesterday with various messages, texts, and calls. Naturally, it was all related to ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. As a result, Kang Woojin casually browsed through his phone with an indifferent expression. Just then.
-Vrrr, vrrrrr.
A long vibration rang out. It was a call from Director Kyotaro in Japan. This was the first contact since the investment issue. Soon, Kang Woojin cleared his throat discreetly and answered the call.
“Yes, Director.”
Japanese words flowed from the other side of the phone. Director Kyotaro’s voice sounded decidedly more upbeat than before.
“Woojin, you might already know, but I wanted to tell you directly. All the issues have been cleanly resolved.”
“Yes. That’s good to hear.”
“Yes, really a relief.”
“But······never mind.”
Kang Woojin was about to ask about the Kashiwa Group but swallowed his words. Did he really need to ask about all that? He thought. Well, as long as it’s resolved. Then, Director Kyotaro’s voice, silent for a moment on the other end, spoke again.
“······Thank you for your concern.”
Huh? What’s that about? What concern did I show? Ah- maybe just general worry? Woojin tilted his head in confusion when Director Kyotaro spoke again.
“Thanks to you, Woojin, we were able to expand the production scale more than before the issue arose. The investment has increased.”
But why is that thanks to me? Confused, Woojin was about to ask, but.
“Director.”
“Ah, I’ve been on the phone for too long. We’re both busy, so I’ll let you know through the company when the schedule for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ is confirmed. See you at the script reading next time.”
“···Understood.”
“Then, see you then.”
-Click.
The call ended abruptly. Kang Woojin slowly lowered his phone, slightly furrowing his brow. Something felt familiar, yet he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
What was it? It felt like something huge was brewing.
But that thought was fleeting. Woojin maintained his poker face and refused to delve deeper into his thoughts.
‘Maybe it’s just my imagination.’
Meanwhile, as Kang Woojin returned to the shooting zone, the other actors were abuzz.
“Did you see the article? ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was rumored to be in trouble, but they resolved it?”
“Ah, yes- the article about resolving the investment?”
“Really? Then ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ won’t be scrapped, and production will continue. That’s great news!”
Their words weren’t negative but rather spread good news.
“Soon, Woojin will be off to Japan.”
“But before that, doesn’t he have to shoot ‘Island of the Missing’?”
“Phew – his schedule is crazy. Didn’t he just wrap up ‘Male Friend’ right before? But how is Woojin so energetic? I’d be half dead by now.”
“More importantly, what’s this about the Kashiwa Group? They’re saying it’s the Japanese conglomerate that covered ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’s’ investment.”
“Eh, that’s just a tabloid rumor, isn’t it?”
“But for a rumor, the timing is just too bizarre, isn’t it?”
The problem was the increasingly bizarre misunderstandings that were spreading.
“······I think I saw a comment like that before.”
“What kind?”
“That Woojin is related to a conglomerate.”
“Oh! Me too! Wasn’t there a rumor that he’s a conglomerate’s son? Wasn’t that just nonsense??”
“But given the timing, doesn’t it seem like there might be some connection to the Kashiwa Group?”
“So, does that mean the theory about him being an identical twin is actually true?”
“Ah- That’s just nonsense.”
Amidst these misunderstandings and speculations, the set of ‘Freezing Love’ continued filming without interruption.
“Cut!! OK!! Wow, Woojin! You’ve worked hard!!”
Kang Woojin’s two-day filming journey for ‘Freezing Love’.
“Thank you for your hard work, Woojin. Let’s definitely meet again next time. In a project.”
“Yes, Writer-nim. Thank you for your hard work too, PD-nim.”
Finally concluded late into the night.
Afterwards.
The day after Kang Woojin’s ‘Freezing Love’ filming wrapped up, on the 23rd, ‘Drug Dealer’, which had been perfectly edited last week, was in the midst of its promotional schedule.
『’Drug Dealer’ Jin Jae-jun, Enters the Variety Show ‘Market’』
During the day on the 23rd, a third trailer for ‘Drug Dealer’ was released with a noticeable change. Although the content of the trailer, which was just over a minute long, was similar to the first and second trailers.
At the very end.
-[Premiering on Wednesday, October 28th]
The release date was definitively printed.
Interestingly, that same afternoon, the official release date for ‘Male Friend’ was also revealed.
-Male Friend｜Official Trailer (Including Unreleased Scenes)｜Netflix Korea
This video included previously unreleased scenes from ‘Male Friend’ and a brief part of the duet OST by Kang Woojin and Hwalin.
And at the end.
-[Releasing on Monday, October 19th]
The confirmed launch date was displayed. ‘Male Friend’ on the 19th, ‘Drug Dealer’ on the 28th.
There was about a week’s difference.
September 25th, early afternoon.
A large van was speeding down the highway. Inside, a familiar top actor was reading a script.
-Flap.
“······”
It was Ryu Jung-min, whose hair was cut short to match his new role. The script he was currently reading was ‘Island of the Missing’, and the destination of the van he was in was a massive set complex in Buyeo.
Why?
『【Star Pick】 ‘Ryu Jung-min’, ‘Kang Woojin’, ‘Ha Yu-ra’, and others begin shooting Director Kwon Ki-taek’s ‘Island of the Missing’ today!』
Today was the crank-in for ‘Island of the Missing’.
*****
