Chapter 177: Appearance Fee (2)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Choi Sung-gun’s whisper into the phone was filled with firmness.
“My situation has mostly been resolved, now it’s just up to you to decide.”
On the other hand, the woman on the other side of the phone sounded quite surprised.
“This, all of a sudden?”
“Suddenly? No. I told you, I’ve been preparing for this from the start. You were involved too, so I asked.”
“That’s… right. But, oppa, are you sure it’s okay? Seo Gu-seob has a lot of influence, after all. I’m with GGO Entertainment.”
“Worried about the existing celebrities? Or feel sorry? Well, that’s possible. If things escalate, there could be controversy.”
Choi Sung-gun calmly continued his explanation.
“But, Hannah. If we leave things as they are, there will only be more victims, and Seo Gu-seob’s misdeeds will only increase. In the long run, it’s also beneficial for the current ones.”
“……”
“GGO Entertainment is already a large corporation, and if we don’t trip them up now, we won’t be able to touch Seo Gu-seob later. Well, his weight in the entertainment industry is already enormous.”
“But you plan to mess with him, oppa.”
“Because I’m a crazy bastard.”
“What, that. But then again, I find myself agreeing when you say it.”
Choi Sung-gun chuckled.
“Eventually, if the GGO Entertainment shareholders take action, only Seo Gu-seob will be replaced and things will be sorted out. Since GGO Entertainment is big, it will normalize quickly. There are also a lot of issues, so it’ll be forgotten fast.”
“Like Kang Woojin?”
“Something like that. Most of it will proceed anonymously, but if it’s too much for you, Hannah, you can back out. I’ll continue with what I’ve been doing.”
It was true. Choi Sung-gun had been preparing something related to Seo Gu-seob for quite some time. The exact timing was around the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’. Seo Gu-seob and Choi Sung-gun had not been on good terms since the past, and during the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’, Seo Gu-seob had realized Choi Sung-gun’s interference and attacked accordingly.
Although no one knew, in theory, Choi Sung-gun had blocked Seo Gu-seob’s path.
Regardless of the circumstances, Seo Gu-seob had indeed attacked Choi Sung-gun at the time. He disturbed Choi Sung-gun by spreading meaningless scandals about Hong Hye-yeon.
This continued even recently.
‘He influenced the investors.’
Among the investors Choi Sung-gun met for the expansion of bw Entertainment, initially, they reacted positively, but at some point, they strangely turned negative. It wasn’t just one or two. Finding this odd, Choi Sung-gun used his connections to uncover a few things.
In conclusion, Chairman Seo Gu-seob had muddied the waters.
He intentionally met with investors to prevent bw Entertainment from growing by blowing his influence. Therefore, Choi Sung-gun had been waiting for the right timing.
‘Actually, I was planning to move once the investment deal was 100% certain – but there’s Chairman Hideki.’
Of course, the deal with Chairman Hideki was not yet confirmed. However, there was some hidden relationship between Kang Woojin and him, and Chairman Hideki definitely had big ambitions for Kang Woojin.
“So. What will you do, Hannah.”
Then, the woman on the other side of the phone responded after a brief silence.
“……Yes, oppa. I’ll give it a try.”
Afterwards.
When bw Entertainment announced their official statement, it exploded.
『[Official] bw Entertainment confirms a 3-year contract extension with Kang Woojin』
The transfer rumors about Kang Woojin that had been an issue last week, stirring curiosity and rumors, seemed to settle down.
『[Star Talk] ‘Monster rookie’ Kang Woojin, not undercutting his worth… extends contract with bw Entertainment』
『Kang Woojin sticks with his current agency amid expansion into Japan, rubbing shoulders with the big names / Photo』
Of course, the media still expressed a few curiosities.
『[Feature] Why did bw Entertainment and Kang Woojin start with a 1-year contract?』
Questions like why it was a 1-year contract, how much Kang Woojin’s signing fee was, and what kind of conditions other entertainments had offered, etc. However, bw Entertainment only announced the fact of Kang Woojin’s contract extension and kept quiet about the rest.
Whatever it was.
『bw Entertainment secures Kang Woojin again… focusing on bulking up next year』
Kang Woojin’s agency is still bw Entertainment, and this news has been fully absorbed by the entire entertainment industry. Thanks to this, there was quite a bit of chatter here and there, and Kang Woojin’s name was bustling all day today.
Interestingly, Japan was also greatly stirred by Kang Woojin.
『Group shot with the actors of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, ‘Kang Woojin’ the only Korean actor』
In fact, Japan had been in a frenzy since the day Kang Woojin had attended the script reading for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. More like a glow? While Kang Woojin was the key in Korea, in Japan, there were many keywords. Including Woojin, renowned Japanese top actors, Director Kyotaro, Writer Akari, the Kashiwa Group, and even.
『Chairman「 Hideki Yoshimura」 appears at the script reading, shakes hands with Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi』
Chairman Hideki Yoshimura’s sudden appearance at the scene. It was strange how quiet the Japanese media was. Meanwhile, there were many articles that made one feel the popularity of Kang Woojin in Japan. For example, the sight of journalists and fans gathered at Haneda Airport, mingling with Japanese actors at the script reading, scenes of interviews with various media, and even a fan signing event hosted by Netflix Japan.
Notably, Kang Woojin’s first fan signing in Japan, similar to a fan meeting, was quite a hot topic.
-【Male Friend Making】The scene turned into a fan meeting at the fan signing event!! Kang Woojin Netflix Japan
Not only did Netflix Japan quickly upload a video, but the fans who participated in the signing event also flooded the internet with their own uploaded videos.
On Japanese SNS, stories of Woojin’s good deeds spread.
『Signing event for 300 fans + 800 more showed up, a total of over a thousand fans, Kang Woojin presents an unplanned performance for them』
『「Korean actor Kang Woojin」 shows foreign fans what fan service is all about』
Gradually, Kang Woojin’s fanbase in Japan thickened.
And when a day passed and it became the 22nd.
『[Star Issue] Actor Kang Woojin’s Japanese fan club is formed, named ‘KWJ Aishiteru’』(TL: Aishiteru = I love you)
A formal fan club for Kang Woojin was established in Japan.
On the 22nd, in Buyeo.
The time was around 10 AM. At the resort hotel used by the ‘Island of the Missing’ team as their lodging. Kang Woojin could be found in his room. He was sitting at a simple two-person table in the room. Whether he had already washed up, his hair and face looked decent.
What was interesting was.
“Thank you, Woojin-ssi. For making time from this early morning.”
Sitting opposite Woojin was PD Song Man-woo, wearing a lightweight padded jacket and sporting a beard. He seemed to have dark circles from often staying up late.
“Both last time and this time. Really – I feel somewhat sorry.”
Kang Woojin, with an indifferent face, shook his head to the slightly laughing PD Song Man-woo.
“No, it’s fine. You must have had a hard time coming here this early.”
“Not at all. It’s clear you’re busy, so it’s the jobless person who has to move. Hahaha.”
“Still, thank you for coming in person.”
“I came out of my own greed, so you don’t need to thank me. You know my personality, once I have a goal, I feel like I have to come as soon as possible.”
Woojin, recalling PD Song Man-woo’s personality of rushing headlong for his work.
‘I didn’t expect you to come all the way to Buyeo. How obsessed are you with your work.’
However, he spoke quietly, contrary to his thoughts.
“Please speak. I need to start preparing by 10:30.”
“Ye-yeah, I know.”
In fact, Kang Woojin’s standby time for today was 12 PM. Therefore, he needed to start makeup and such by 10:30 AM. Soon, PD Song Man-woo changed back to his original serious expression.
“Take a look at this.”
He took out a yellow envelope from a paper bag he was carrying. It was thick. Handing it to Kang Woojin, PD Song Man-woo met his gaze as Woojin received the envelope.
PD Song Man-woo straightened his posture and began to explain.
“It’s a script. However, it’s different from the one I gave you last time. That one is on hold, and this is a new script.”
Though he said “hold,” it was more like stopped. Kang Woojin had acquired his cooking ability from that script. Internally expressing his gratitude, Woojin listened as PD Song Man-woo spoke again.
“It’s a new work by Writer Choi Na-na.”
Although surprised internally, Kang Woojin asked calmly on the outside.
“Writer Choi’s new work?”
“Right. Uh- explaining would take long. Simply put, it’s a polished work of Writer Choi Na-na’s draft. I was intrigued after reading it, and chose it as my first independent project. The contract has already been concluded too.”
Oh really? But it hasn’t been long since ‘Male Friend’ ended for Writer Choi Na-na, that’s impressive? It was unexpected, but Kang Woojin reacted nonchalantly.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. And as soon as I saw this script, I felt it. The male lead is perfect for Woojin-ssi. Honestly, it’s rare to see an actor’s face come to mind immediately after looking at a role, but this time, it was you, Woojin-ssi.”
“……”
“Of course, Writer Choi Na-na thought the same. You’ll see when you read the script, but the drama’s storyline is led by the male lead’s strong presence. In other words, the existence of the male lead is very solid. I want you, Woojin-ssi, to take on this role.”
PD Song Man-woo’s eyes brimmed with determination. Kang Woojin, who had been staring at those eyes for a moment, lowered his gaze. There were two bundles of paper on the table in front of him, obviously scripts, each with a black square attached to the side. Among them, Woojin picked up the script labeled ‘Episode 1’.
The first thing that caught his eye was the title embedded on the cover.
-‘Beneficial Evil’
The title itself was intriguing to Kang Woojin. And no wonder, given the strong impression it made, especially after scripts like ‘Male Friend’.
‘Oh? What’s this? I’m curious about the content.’
Normally, he would have entered the void space right away, but this time, he flipped through the first pages of the script instead of going into the void space. He was curious about Writer Choi Na-na’s second work, especially since they had worked together before and this time it was not a short drama but a 16-episode series.
-Flap.
Reading the first line of the script ‘Beneficial Evil,’ Woojin internally exclaimed in astonishment.
‘Wow- shit, it starts off rough? Kicking off with action right away? But this was written by Writer Choi Na-na?’
That exclamation turned into interest, heightening Woojin’s focus. About 5 minutes later.
-Flap, flap.
After quickly flipping through a few pages, Kang Woojin suddenly closed the script and, filled with a slight tension and fervor, spoke to PD Song Man-woo.
“It’s interesting.”
“!!!”
“I’d want to read it right away if I had the time.”
He was sincere. PD Song Man-woo, his beard bristling with excitement, widened his eyes.
“……Would you consider doing it, putting aside all other considerations, just as an actor?”
“Yes, I think I would.”
At this, PD Song Man-woo stood up, his voice filled with energy.
“Okay! Then, please keep reading. I won’t disturb you anymore, I’ll take my leave now. Please check thoroughly and let me know.”
Woojin, also standing up, politely responded.
“Understood, PD-nim. Thank you for coming.”
“Ah-ah, don’t worry about that. Oh right, I’ll talk to CEO Choi too, but just know, we can definitely afford Woojin-ssi.”
“……”
“Just know that’s our resolve.”
PD Song Man-woo showed a thumbs-up as he left the room. Woojin had no chance to give a final remark. Regardless, Kang Woojin sat down again and picked up the script for ‘Beneficial Evil’. Specifically.
-Swish.
He poked the black square attached to the side of the script with his index finger. He had finished checking the content and needed to look at something else. Soon, Woojin entered the completely dark world of the void space. There, he walked towards the white squares floating around his chest level.
“Let’s see-”
Stretching, Woojin began to check the recently updated works. But then.
“Eh?”
Woojin was slightly surprised. The reason was simple. The first was because there was a change in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s ‘Leech’.
-[8/Scenario (Title: Leech), SS Grade]
SS Grade. It was a new grade of appearance.
“SS?? Crazy. ‘Leech’ was definitely S+ grade before, right?”
Furthermore, the grade had gone up by one level.
“This definitely changed because of me. Shit, don’t go up, you cheeky smile.”
The change in ‘Leech’ was undoubtedly thanks to Kang Woojin. After all, Woojin had recently confirmed his joining ‘Leech’. But SS grade? While the new grade was welcomed, Kang Woojin couldn’t help but wonder. ‘Leech’ was meant to be a Cannes Film Festival entry, wasn’t it? What does the SS grade imply?
“Will it even be released later?”
Well, he couldn’t confirm anything right away. But surely, it was a situation worth celebrating. Woojin’s gaze, which had been slightly amused, shifted.
-Swish.
He looked at the white rectangle for ‘Beneficial Evil’ written by Writer Choi Na-na.
-[9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), S+ Grade]
This one started off at an S+ grade. It was like having two fanfares go off at once. Soon, Woojin, who had been rubbing his hands together, opened the script for episode 1 of ‘Beneficial Evil’ after declaring his exit and return to the room.
“Shit, no wonder it was damn interesting.”
At the same time, in Nonhyeon-dong, at GGO Entertainment.
Having finished the morning’s full meeting, Bulldog Seo Gu-seob sat in the central seat of the 5-person sofa in his office. He had taken off his suit jacket and had a cigarette in his mouth, squinting one eye while looking at the tablet in his hand.
“Sshh-”
On the sofas to either side of him sat the so-called ‘right-hand men,’ the executive-level officers. Though they were called officers, it wouldn’t be wrong to refer to them as loyal dogs doing Seo Gu-seob’s dirty work.
Then.
“Huh.”
Seo Gu-seob exhaled a long puff of cigarette smoke and put down the tablet with a small click of his tongue.
“Is this all there is?”
An officer seated on the left sofa bowed his head.
“Yes, CEO~nim.”
“Damn, it’s not even a joke. Isn’t there anything stronger? With these flimsy things, would Kang Woojin even get a bruise on his face?”
“I’m sorry. Kang Woojin hasn’t been debuted for long, and there’s nothing to be found from his past.”
“So, these are the best we have?”
“……Yes.”
Seo Gu-seob, glaring at the visibly frightened officer, exhaled another puff of smoke.
“Huh- Fine for now. We can fabricate something stronger later. Then, reignite the split personality stuff, the scandal between Kang Woojin and Hwalin, and the drug-related rumors. Tie in some Japan stuff as well.”
“Japan, sir?”
“Yeah. Just create suspicions. Does it even make sense for someone to know Japanese and Japanese Sign Language?”
“Ah.”
Seo Gu-seob, who had briefly clicked his tongue, leaned back into the sofa.
“And I’ve shaken up all of Choi Sung-gun’s investors. Why isn’t that bastard Choi Sung-gun biting? He should be making a move or cursing out by now.”
“I’ll check on it.”
“Push them to the edge of the cliff. That’s when we can swallow up bw Entertainment.”
If things went according to plan, both Kang Woojin and Hong Hye-yeon would be his.
At that moment.
-♬♪
Seo Gu-seob’s phone on the table rang. It was a call, and he, having just put a new cigarette in his mouth, picked up the phone.
“Yeah, it’s me. Uh-huh.”
But then.
“···What? What the hell are you talking about? Are you out of your mind?”
Seo Gu-seob’s face crumpled in an instant. Then, he threw the cigarette from his mouth and reached out to the officer in front of him, asking for the tablet. His eyes widened grotesquely as he rapidly tapped on the tablet screen.
“!!!”
He harshly questioned the officers sitting on both sides.
“Damn, what the hell is this!!!”
The two officers, startled, hurriedly checked the tablet screen in Seo Gu-seob’s hand. Soon, their eyes widened in shock, and Bulldog Seo Gu-seob began to scream violently.
“Damn it, don’t just freeze, answer me!!! What is this!!!”
Naturally, the cause was what was displayed on the tablet screen. A leash had been put on the bulldog.
『[Exclusive] “Called out to karaoke at dawn”… The confession of an actress towards GGO Entertainment’s Seo Gu-seob “I wasn’t the only one” – Part 1 of 5』/PowerPatch
It was the leash of downfall.
*****
