Chapter 193: United States (8)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Before they knew it, the grand opening of the ‘Our Table’ food truck had arrived. An enormous park in the United States, a place Kang Woojin had never been to before, unfolded before his eyes as he donned the ‘Our Dining Table’ uniform. Woojin checked the front continuously while casually putting a headscarf on his head.
Because both wonder and unfamiliarity arose at the same time.
‘Crazy… Why am I even here??’
His expression was full of the dignity of a chef, but inside, his heart was pounding like an ordinary citizen. Indeed, the world was vast. Especially, Kang Woojin’s world was several times larger than that of ordinary people. After all, it included the realm of the void space.
But that was only for a moment.
‘Ah- shit, well, that aside. I need to prepare.’
As if intending to unwind the tension with work, Woojin was about to take out the wok when the people standing around him openly voiced their trembling hearts. They were Hong Hye-yeon, Hwalin, and Yeon Baek-kwang, all dressed the same as Woojin.
“Ah- It’s so nerve-wracking actually being in the food truck, right?”
“Right? Unnie, my hands are shaking.”
“Oh? Really? I think I’m okay.”
“…Baek-kwang. Your legs are shaking though?”
“Ah, that’s because I did squats for too long yesterday… just kidding! I’m actually insanely nervous! The, the Americans are really coming, right?”
“But… It wouldn’t be the case that not even one person comes, right?”
“There are more than four food trucks here.”
“If they don’t come, that’s a disaster in itself.”
“PD Yoon seems like he would even enjoy a failing scene.”
As if to relieve their pounding hearts through conversation, the three chattered while preparing for the opening. In the meantime, Kang Woojin’s cynicism intensified, and Yeon Baek-kwang, who glanced at the chef leader, whispered to Hong Hye-yeon next to him.
“But sunbae-nim, Woojin hyung doesn’t seem nervous at all. He’s like the Terminator.”
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Hong Hye-yeon turned her head back to check on Kang Woojin. He had already started the preliminary cooking for bulgogi.
“A matter of this magnitude isn’t enough to make him shake. We need a Hollywood star to show up for his eyebrows to even come closer together.”
“Amazing… I want to learn that aura too.”
“That kind of thing suits Woojin ssi, you would get scolded if you did it.”
That’s when it happened.
“Uh, uh, uh?”
Hwalin, who was portioning out soba noodles next to Woojin, opened her mouth a bit unusually.
“Uh, uh, uh? Here they come, they’re coming.”
Thanks to her, everyone including Kang Woojin raised their gaze to the front. A few minutes after opening, an elderly American couple was talking around a table with the ‘Our Dining Table’ writer. Apparently getting their consent. Soon, the elderly couple sat at the central table, and An Jong-hak, the figurehead boss, approached them with a menu.
And so.
“One bulgogi! One kimjaban!”
The Americans ordered Kang Woojin’s dishes. Here it comes, the time has finally arrived. Woojin felt an emotion similar to the first time he acted. It wasn’t a serious situation, but a peculiar greed arose.
He wanted to serve them delicious food.
Therefore, Woojin sprinkled calmness all over his body, suppressing the nervousness. He heavily laid on the concept. Calmly focuses. There’s no problem with the process of making the food itself. What’s important here is Kang Woojin’s mindset.
‘Since I’m doing it, wouldn’t it be nice if it went well?’
Coming to a foreign country to promote Korean food, hearing complaints was not acceptable. Whatever it was, Woojin’s two dishes were quickly completed. Soon, the food was delivered to the elderly couple. Kang Woojin secretly swallowed his saliva.
Of course, the assistants around him did the same.
How is it? How does it taste? When Woojin was quietly- observing the elderly couple, the expression of the grandpa eating the broth of the Kimjaban Makguksu tightened. Huh? Doesn’t it suit his taste? Reflecting Kang Woojin’s inner thoughts, Hwalin opened her mouth.
“Ah- It seems the taste is a bit unfamiliar.”
The elderly couple starts whispering to each other. At this moment, An Jong-hak, standing in front of the food truck’s kitchen, turns his head and locks eyes with Woojin inside the truck.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})“Chef, how about you go and ask them yourself?”
“Should I be the one to speak?”
“I could go, or Kang-soo could, but since they are our first customers and the first to taste our food, I think it would look better if you, Chef, were to go out?”
“Ah.”
“And show off your English skills a bit. There’s no way PD Yoon would cut that out.”
In essence, An Jong-hak was ensuring Woojin could showcase his talents while securing content for the show. Indeed, he shows the qualities of a veteran in the entertainment side of things. Woojin, internally admiring this, silently nodded his head.
“Ah- Yes, I understand.”
Encouraged by Yeon Baek-kwang’s cheering “Good luck!”, Woojin calmly washed his hands, took off his mask, and stepped out of the food truck. Kang Woojin strides towards the elderly couple. At this sight, PD Yoon Byung-seon among the staff scattered around the food truck smiled.
“Attach cameras in front, behind, and to the side for this cut.”
By this point, Kang Woojin had approached the white-haired American elderly couple, and the grandpa, sensing someone, lifted his head. To him, Woojin lowered his voice, thinking it needed to have a bit of charm, and surprisingly smooth English flowed out.
“Hello, how do you find the food?”
The elderly couple seemed slightly surprised. The grandma spoke first.
“Oh! Your English is really good? Did you live in the United States?”
If one were to close their eyes, they might mistake it for a conversation between two Americans.
“I’m not that good to be praised. How do you find the bulgogi rice bowl?”
“It’s fantastic.”
A thrill ran through Woojin.
‘Ah- The pleasure is incredible. This is why one cooks, I guess.’
Then Woojin turned his gaze from the grandma to the grandpa, who, as if waiting, asked in English.
“Are you a chef?”
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Huh? What’s he talking about? Woojin, maintaining a moment of indifference, responded.
“I do handle the cooking here at the food truck.”
“No, I mean- I heard this is a Korean TV show and the others are actors.”
“That’s correct.”
“You’re not an actor but a real chef, right?”
“No, my main profession is as an actor.”
The elderly couple’s blue eyes widened in surprise. Especially, the grandpa seemed more shocked, and the grandma clapped her hands in exclamation.
“Really??! It’s amazing that you can produce such flavors despite not being a chef.”
At this point, the grandpa, who had been staring blankly at Woojin, chimed in.
“Your main job is really as an actor??”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“……I would really like to see a work you’ve acted in.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Soon, the grandpa pointed at the two dishes placed on the table.
“This bulgogi rice bowl is delicious, but especially this noodle dish is the best. Is this food commonly eaten in Korea?”
“Ah- that’s my original creation.”
“……Eh? You said your main job was as an actor.”
“I have cooking as a hobby.”
“Then, that means! Are we the first ones to taste this noodle dish??”
“Yes, you are the first customers to try it, excluding test tastings.”
The grandpa murmured softly, maintaining his widened blue eyes.
“What an honor.”
The grandma expressed regret.
“Then… that means it’s not available in the United States.”
Feeling it was enough, Woojin slightly bowed his head.
“Please, enjoy your meal.”
The one to stop him was the grandpa, scratching his white hair.
“Just a moment! Could we possibly take a picture together?”
“Of course.”
Following was a photo session, and finally, the grandma asked.
“How long will this food truck be operating?”
As Woojin was turning to leave, he calmly answered.
“Until the afternoon, two days from now. After that, we plan to open the shop for about 5 days.”
And so, several tens of minutes later.
The white-haired American elderly couple, having finished their meal, got into a van prepared by the staff and proceeded with an interview. It was a good story from the first customer. Especially since the grandpa was a real chef.
“Oh, you run a restaurant?”
“That’s right. It’s close from here, not too big but we have a lot of regular customers.”
“I see. Then, how did you find the two dishes you had?”
“I’m thinking of coming back tomorrow. It was really delicious, I’ll also recommend it to people I know. But I heard the food truck is only until the day after tomorrow and then you’re opening a shop.”
“Ah! Yes, the food truck is like a practice run.”
Then, the elderly couple asked in unison.
“Can you tell us where the shop will be located?”
Meanwhile, in Korea.
At the time Kang Woojin’s cooking made its debut in the United States, which was lunchtime on the 8th in LA, it was the morning of the 9th in Korea. Early time. However, a variety of issues were pouring down like a torrential rain, regardless of the time.
『[MovieTalk] Following Sim Han-ho, Director Ahn Ga-bok announces the casting of ‘Kang Woojin’ for his 100th movie / Photo』
『Actor joining Director Ahn Ga-bok’s new work finally unveiled… ‘Top actor’ Sim Han-ho and ‘Big Twist’ Kang Woojin』
『[IssueIS]’Monster Rookie’ Kang Woojin chosen by Director Ahn Ga-bok, industry insiders react “What?”』
It was a very natural phenomenon. A globally significant guest had visited Korea.
『World star ‘Miley Cara’ visits Korea, hundreds gather to see her / Photo』
『’Miley Cara’ appears at Incheon Airport… waves leisurely to the swarming press』
『[IssuePick]’First experience in Korea’, ‘Miley Cara’ visits Korea, plans to engage in promotional activities for about a week』
The visit of the global superstar was introduced in the news by all three major domestic broadcasters.
[“Hollywood superstar Miley Cara has arrived in Korea. Hundreds of reporters and fans were tangled up in the arrival hall of the airport at her visit. Despite the barrage of flashes and screams of fans, Miley Cara continued calmly with her fan service. This is Kim Dae-hyun reporting.”]
The country had been in turmoil to welcome this guest.
『’First Year Rookie’ Kang Woojin, how was he cast in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work?』
Especially the entertainment industry. The names of many movies and drama filming sites were incessantly calling out Kang Woojin’s name. Among them, of course, was the set of ‘Island of the Missing’, which currently had a vacant spot due to Woojin’s absence.
Buyeo side, a large set complex.
At the time when about a hundred staff members were busy with shooting preparations, actors dressed in military uniforms were gathered in small groups, waiting for standby. With the cold weather, they wore paddings or jackets over their military uniforms, and Kang Woojin’s name kept coming out of their mouths.
“Wow- Really, I never imagined it would be Woojin ssi!”
Tough Jeon Woo-chang exclaimed, and Kim Yi-won, sipping warm coffee, strongly agreed.
“Exactly. And to think Director Ahn Ga-bok would announce it himself in such a crowded place-”
“But Woojin ssi too! How could he not say a word to us!”
Ha Yu-ra, who was tying her hair, shrugged her shoulders.
“Must have been a gag order, and well, there might be reasons he couldn’t tell.”
“Che! I thought we were somewhat close, but isn’t it a bit upsetting?”
“You’re not the only one feeling that, Woo-chang.”
Kim Yi-won sighed deeply.
“Ah… It’s really a mix of jealousy and admiration. But isn’t the casting really unique? Senior Sim Han-ho and Kang Woojin ssi.”
After a brief silence, Jeon Woo-chang, who was silently looking at his phone in his long padded coat, asked Ryu Jung-min.
“Jung-min hyung! What about you? Honestly, the media occasionally mentions you as the actor confirmed for ‘leech’ , right?”
“…So what?”
“Meaning, did you also not receive any contact?”
“Of course not, from the beginning, Director Ahn Ga-bok only made contact with Woojin ssi.”
“Ah!! Da Nang! It was when Director Ahn Ga-bok came to Da Nang!”
“Yeah, that time.”
“Wow- I thought at that time the director just came for a vacation… But did he come all the way to Vietnam, Da Nang, just to see Woojin ssi? Director Ahn Ga-bok??!”
Ryu Jung-min chuckled.
“He was really captivated.”
Then Ryu Jung-min snorted a laugh, and Jeon Woo-chang and Kim Yi-won looked puzzled.
“Eh? Why are you laughing, Jung-min hyung?”
“No- it’s just ridiculous.”
“Huh??”
“Having a growth opportunity right before my eyes, and just stupidly watching him leap ahead- makes me wonder.”
Ryu Jung-min had joined ‘Island of the Missing’ for various reasons, including overcoming his limits and growing. His target was the rookie, Kang Woojin.
Ryu Jung-min had been observing Woojin from ‘Hanryang’ to ‘Island of the Missing’.
But now, Ryu Jung-min found himself in a position where he could only watch Kang Woojin become increasingly distant. Clearly, Kang Woojin was close by. Yet, within just a few days, a gap had widened to the point of invisibility.
Perhaps he had been complacent.
‘Woojin ssi was on a rapid sprint, and I failed to notice.’
But it was already too late.
『Eventually ‘Director Ahn Ga-bok’ fell for his acting, Kang Woojin sweeping up all the big-name directors in the country』』
『[Feature] From ‘leech’ to standing shoulder to shoulder with Sim Han-ho, Kang Woojin aims for Cannes in his debut year』
With the acceleration of his sprint compounded by a booster, the media frenzy surrounding Kang Woojin had reached an uncontrollable level.
『Already drawing attention, the acting showdown between ‘Sim Han-ho’ and ‘Kang Woojin’, experts favor Sim Han-ho』
It wasn’t just now. It had been since the moment Director Ahn Ga-bok mentioned Kang Woojin’s name.
『[StarTalk] “Busy, Busy, Busy”… Hero Kang Woojin, who saved Hwalin, joining Director Ahn Ga-bok’s project, will he become a ‘hero’ to rookie actors too?』
Tales of heroism related to Hwalin had shaken the foundation, and on top of that, Director Ahn Ga-bok threw gasoline on the fire. But the resulting explosion seemed like a nuclear bomb had been dropped. The uproar was inevitable.
『How long has it been since he caught the stalker? Kang Woo-jin, whose issues haven’t ceased since his debut / Photo』
Actors scattered throughout the entertainment industry, broadcasters, production companies, and film companies, etc. Flames soared everywhere, with facts and rumors rampant.
Kang Woojin was not in Korea, but his absence was not felt at all.
Instead, his presence had magnified tenfold. A turmoil. Yes, Kang Woojin had caused a turmoil. A mere 1-year rookie at that. It was an unprecedented situation in the history of Korea’s entertainment industry.
Kang Woo-jin, who was rubbing shoulders with figures hailed as the history of the Korean entertainment industry, such as Director Ahn Ga-bok, top actor Sim Han-ho, and many big shots, was ironically…
『‘From debut to now, without failure’, Kang Woojin completing a decade’s worth of an actor’s filmography in his first year… What’s left, an Academy Award?』
He was writing a new history all on his own.
United States, the morning of the 9th.
All the cast members of ‘Our Dining Table,’ having successfully completed their first day of business at the food truck, were now in the van, moving. Of course, this included Kang Woojin, who wore an indifferent expression. He was looking out the window, thinking about yesterday.
‘Yeah, there were not many customers, but it was pretty good. If only we could have as many today as yesterday, that would be perfect.’
Woojin was internally praising himself, while An Jong-hak and Yeon Baek-kwang sitting around him were looking down at their phones. Specifically, they were looking at the upheaval Kang Woojin had caused in the Korean entertainment industry.
“Wow! Woojin hyung! The articles are- changing every second?!”
“Man, when our Chef returns to Korea, will the reporters give him a guard of honor at the airport??”
Hong Hye-yeon chimed in.
“It’s kinda funny. I mean, Miley Cara made a visit to Korea, but she got overshadowed because of Woojin ssi.”
At that moment.
“Eh??!!”
Yeon Baek-kwang, who had lifted his head, suddenly saw something upfront and was startled.
“Lo-look over there!!”
The van had neared the food truck where they were to do business, and Yeon Baek-kwang pointed towards the area around the food truck. What was peculiar was.
“……Eh?”
“Ah – no. What is that?
“What the??”
Everyone except Kang Woojin widened their eyes or opened their mouths in shock. Woojin, heavily into his character, cursed internally.
‘Wha- fuck!! Are they crazy?!!’
The reason was simple. There was a long line of Americans standing in front of the food truck, which hadn’t even opened yet. It easily looked like several dozens of people.
‘What kind of line is that??!!’
It was only ‘Our Dining Table’s food truck that had this.
