"...An A-grade? Or even top-tier? For The Private Investigator?"
The employee looked puzzled as he answered.
In contrast, CEO Seo Gu-seop, with his bulldog-like face, looked completely certain.
"If that's not the case, then none of this makes sense. The Private Investigator was originally a trash film that sat abandoned for over two years after it was completed."
"Yes, that's true."
"But then we cast Jung-hyuk as the male lead and even increased the investment. Sure, things were tight, but that rookie production company wasn't in a good position either. They already had more than enough problems. Could a single short film really create conditions like this?"
"It couldn't."
"But damn it, they broke the contract anyway. Even if Jung-hyuk's past is a little messy, are they really going to make such a fuss over a short film worth only a few million won?"
…
The employee briefly glanced toward Park Jung-hyuk, who was sitting on the five-person sofa behind them, then lowered his voice.
"Well… if they're aiming to take The Private Investigator to the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, then it might be a little sensitive."
"What does that outdated festival matter?"
Seo Gu-seop snorted.
"If anything, it's better that they're making such a shabby little film. And Jung-hyuk is practically a gentleman. People far worse than him stroll into festivals like Mise-en-scène all the time."
He blew out cigarette smoke and walked over to the sofa where Park Jung-hyuk was sitting.
"What did Director Park say again? He went to Shin Dong-chun's place with a rookie actor, right? Were there other actors there too?"
"Yes. That's correct."
The employee nodded.
"Other than the fact that he was meeting with an unknown actor, nothing seemed particularly unusual."
"Unknown?"
"Yes. A completely unknown actor. Someone with absolutely no name recognition."
At the words unknown actor, CEO Seo Gu-seop clicked his tongue.
"He was probably interviewing some idiot willing to take a meaningless role. There's no reason for us to care about someone that insignificant. Did Director Park say anything else?"
"No, nothing else. But CEO… if an A-grade actor or higher had really joined Director Shin Dong-chun, wouldn't Blue Vision Film have known about it?"
"That's true."
Seo Gu-seop nodded and tapped the sofa's armrest with his index finger.
At that moment, Park Jung-hyuk, sitting with one leg crossed, joined the conversation.
"Could it be that Blue Vision Film used its influence quietly? Director Shin Dong-chun seems to have a fairly wide network."
Seo Gu-seop slapped his thigh.
"Right. He worked as a drama PD for quite a while, so he must have connections… Ah, isn't Shin Dong-chun close with Song Manwoo PD?"
Park Jung-hyuk answered immediately.
"They're extremely close. Practically brothers."
"Song Manwoo PD has a solid network. If those two joined forces, then casting an A-grade actor in The Private Investigator wouldn't be strange."
One of the employees cautiously spoke up.
"I don't think the actor is top-tier. There wouldn't be much value to boast about if that were the case. Even if The Private Investigator made it to Mise-en-scène… A-grade still feels too high. At best, it's probably a B-grade actor in a supporting role. Maybe Director Shin Dong-chun hesitated, but eventually chose a B-grade actor just to be safe."
"Hm."
That meant they had chosen the safer route.
Instead of Park Jung-hyuk—a former top star carrying controversy—they likely chose a B-grade actor.
"The lower the grade, the more irritating it is."
No matter how Seo Gu-seop looked at it, the situation irritated him endlessly.
If the press ever got hold of this story, it would inevitably be framed as Park Jung-hyuk getting fired from his comeback project.
And that comeback project was only a short film.
Fortunately, the entire process had been handled in extreme secrecy.
Still, that didn't change the fact that GGO Entertainment had essentially been slapped in the face by Director Shin Dong-chun over The Private Investigator.
"Ha… this is ruining my mood."
Seo Gu-seop's bulldog-like face twisted further.
Then he coldly gave instructions to the employee in front of him.
"Keep an eye on Shin Dong-chun's surroundings. If an A-grade actor joins, rumors will spread eventually. And if there are no rumors… then he probably brought in some worthless actor."
"Understood."
"And if he's restarting everything from scratch, he'll have to look for investors. Especially among indie short film production companies."
The employee blinked.
"…What kind of pressure are you talking about?"
"Quietly make it known that nobody should invest a single won in The Private Investigator."
"Ah! Understood!"
"If he doesn't have money, he won't even be able to start."
Growling under his breath, Seo Gu-seop turned toward Park Jung-hyuk.
"Jung-hyuk, I'll send you a few short film scripts suitable for the Mise-en-scène Film Festival. Review them carefully and pick one by tomorrow."
Park Jung-hyuk shrugged with a smile.
"Yes, yes. But CEO, you'll back me strongly this time, right?"
"Do I really need to say it? I'll do everything I can, so don't take this lightly. Approach it with determination. At the very least, pick something better than The Private Investigator."
"Well, I do have the career for it."
Just looking at Park Jung-hyuk's filmography, there wasn't a Director who could easily dismiss him.
His résumé was that strong.
Soon, Seo Gu-seop's bulldog-like expression hardened again.
"I want you to crush The Private Investigator completely. This is a matter of my pride. If possible, make something good enough to win at the Mise-en-scène Film Festival."
His voice was cold.
"I want Shin Dong-chun—that bastard—to regret it and collapse on the spot."
Later.
Whether by coincidence or fate, the projects Kang Woojin became involved in gradually began gaining momentum.
And the person under the most pressure right now was—
"Whew. Woojin's confirmed. Now I need to start meeting production companies."
Director Shin Dong-chun of The Private Investigator had put everything else aside and made contacting production companies his top priority.
Because of that, Kang Woojin's contract had been temporarily put on hold.
After verbally agreeing on Woojin as the lead, they decided to sign the official contract once the production company was finalized.
On top of that, investors were still needed.
In simple terms—
They needed money.
A production company wasn't optional.
It was the bare minimum.
And beyond that, Director Shin Dong-chun still had to secure investment.
There wasn't much time left before the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.
"If things really don't work out… I'll have to gather money through personal connections."
But very few people were willing to casually lend large sums.
Especially for something as risky as a short film.
In other words, Director Shin Dong-chun's situation had become even more difficult.
It felt like he had returned to the same point he was at two years ago.
The only difference now was that Kang Woojin had been cast as the lead.
Strangely enough, unlike before, Shin Dong-chun was overflowing with energy.
He briefly explained the situation to his hyung, Song Manwoo PD, over the phone.
"Hyung, I scrapped everything I built with GGO Entertainment and started over from scratch. Of course, with Kang Woojin at the center."
Song Manwoo PD sounded supportive.
"You did well. Good decision. The road ahead might be rough, but in the long run that was the right choice. So, how was meeting Kang Woojin?"
"He was incredible. He showed real affection for my film The Private Investigator, and he understood the script in even more detail than I did as the Director. Honestly, it felt like he had been there from the start of production. He doesn't look it on the outside, but inside he's extremely passionate."
"He's the type who doesn't show much on the outside. Your timing was good. Kang Woojin's market value is about to rise."
"It probably will. Once his project airs, the calls will pour in. Before filming begins, tell me more about him, hyung. It feels awkward asking him directly."
"I don't know much either. He's a man wrapped in mystery. I'll tell you what I do know. By the way… no word from the other side?"
"Huh? The other side? Where?"
"Well… from someone you wouldn't expect. No, never mind."
Even after ending the call, Song Manwoo PD still couldn't shake one lingering thought.
Where exactly did Kang Woojin get that script?
Meanwhile, Shin Dong-chun scratched his head.
"Ah… I was so distracted I forgot to ask."
Two days later.
Before anyone noticed, the workweek had passed and Saturday the 22nd arrived.
The weekend had begun.
Director Shin Dong-chun was still running around frantically, while Profiler Hanryang was also moving ahead rapidly.
It was deep in pre-production.
The rest of the cast had already been finalized.
Sets and filming locations for the opening scenes were chosen.
The official script for Part 1 had been distributed to every actor.
Plans for the script reading, production meeting, poster shoot, and press event were also finalized.
Riding that momentum, C-Blue Studio began focusing on mid-term promotions.
[News Check] First-half most anticipated drama Profiler Hanryang enters final pre-production stage, script reading imminent
Profiler Hanryang female lead Hong Hyeyeon stuns with goddess-like beauty at fashion brand party / Photo
Can SBC pull it off? Interest in Profiler Hanryang grows daily
Meanwhile, star writer Park Eunmi was planning a change.
"Hm."
She sat at her desk watching a video on her laptop.
On the screen was Kang Woojin.
More precisely, it was footage of his first performance as Assistant Manager Park.
After watching it, Park Eunmi murmured quietly.
"That's right… he should feel slightly more innocent. But when he acts, there should be a hint of madness in his eyes."
Ideas began flowing rapidly.
It was a fascinating moment.
It felt as though she was drawing inspiration from the Assistant Manager Park that Kang Woojin had brought to life.
Because of that—
Tap tap tap!
Park Eunmi's fingers flew across the keyboard as she began revising the already completed script for Part 4.
By Monday after the weekend, revisions from Parts 2 through 4 were mostly finished.
Song Manwoo PD read the revised script during a meeting and said,
"…Ah. This really is Writer Park."
His eyes widened.
He wasn't merely impressed.
He was admiring her.
"The quality improved several times over. The psychological detail of the characters, the density of the writing… it's not just the other characters that changed."
He looked down at the script again.
"What exactly is Assistant Manager Park now? The depth is incredible."
The next day.
Tuesday the 25th.
It was a photo shoot set.
Dozens of staff members filled the studio.
Large cameras surrounded a woman wearing a suit.
"Great! Hyeyeon! This time let's try one with the jacket off!"
It was Hong Hyeyeon.
Her long hair flowed down her back.
She wore a perfectly tailored suit and luxurious heels.
Click! Click-click!
She shifted expressions and poses perfectly in sync with the shutter.
The professionalism of a true star.
Anyone watching couldn't help admiring her dazzling beauty.
Then—
"Great! Go change and we'll resume in ten minutes!"
At the staff's call, Hong Hyeyeon removed her jacket and walked back toward her seat.
Nearly ten staff members were already waiting there.
"Unnie, great job!"
Someone handed her water and her phone.
Hong Hyeyeon sat down beside a stack of documents resting on a chair.
On the slightly worn cover were the words:
— The Private Investigator
It was the script.
Over the past few days, Hong Hyeyeon had been reading it constantly.
Even here.
Right then—
Bzzzz.
Her phone vibrated.
The caller was Choi Sunggeon, CEO of her agency, BW Entertainment.
Since she had business with him anyway, she answered immediately.
"Hyung, hi."
Choi Sunggeon spoke right away.
"Are you in the middle of the shoot? Can you talk?"
"Yes. I'm on break."
"Then I'll keep it short. It looks like production on The Private Investigator has been halted."
"What?? Why?"
"It seems Director Shin Dong-chun pulled the plug. The production company was Blue Vision Film. They're keeping quiet, but from what I found, GGO Entertainment seems involved too."
"…GGO Entertainment? I never heard anything about that."
"It looks like they handled it quietly. Anyway, connect the dots."
Choi Sunggeon began laying out his deduction.
"Originally, GGO Entertainment was involved. Then for some reason Director Shin Dong-chun withdrew. In the middle of that, Kang Woojin appeared. It looks like that stubborn idiot from GGO caused a mess. And if there's someone in GGO with a rotten reputation right now, who would that be? Park Jung-hyuk."
"Ah."
"Now's the time they're trying to bring him back. My guess is GGO wanted to repair Park Jung-hyuk's image through The Private Investigator. But it fell apart. Director Shin Dong-chun beating them in the script evaluation probably made things worse. Naturally, GGO got angry and began pressuring indie film and short film production companies."
"Pressuring them? What do you mean?"
"GGO was probably planning to handle the investment too. If things collapsed, Shin Dong-chun would have to raise the money again, right? Do you think Seo Gu-seop would sit quietly after getting furious?"
Choi Sunggeon's guess was extremely close to the truth.
Hong Hyeyeon's face hardened.
She suddenly stood up.
"So they changed the lead actor… and now they can't produce The Private Investigator because there's no investment money?"
"What if that's exactly what happened?"
"How big is the production budget?"
"Only Shin Dong-chun would know."
…
For some reason, Hong Hyeyeon fell deep in thought.
Then she stared at her phone and quietly said,
"Hyung… BW Entertainment is preparing an investment project too, right?"
Meanwhile, at the same time.
Inside Park Eunmi's studio.
Kang Woojin sat upright at the kitchen table inside the workspace, showing no expression.
'It's called a workspace… but it feels like an apartment.'
He came because Song Manwoo PD had asked him to.
Woojin had only just arrived.
Across from him sat Song Manwoo PD and writer Park Eunmi.
At the moment—
"Woojin."
The bearded Song Manwoo PD smiled lightly and broke the silence.
"Is this your first time coming to Writer Park's workshop?"
Since arriving, Kang Woojin had been trying to steady himself.
He had to maintain his composure.
He had to appear calm.
To Woojin, this place felt like a battlefield.
At least, that's how it felt to him.
'Overconfidence is forbidden.'
Because of that, Woojin's face looked calm.
Almost excessively so.
Without realizing it, a faint madness lingered in his eyes.
"Yes. It is."
"Haha. We call it a workshop, but it's not much different from a home."
"It seems that way."
"But before we get to the main point, let me ask you something."
Song Manwoo PD smiled faintly.
"How did you come to get the script for The Private Investigator?"
It was sudden.
Judging by her calm reaction, Park Eunmi already knew about it.
At that moment, something crossed Woojin's mind.
'Ah right… PD Song and that square-jawed Director are close.'
'Funny how everything connects.'
Explaining the full story here would be troublesome.
But lying wasn't necessary either.
So Woojin answered briefly.
"I got it from someone I know."
"Someone you know?"
At the same time, Woojin added just a trace of arrogance.
"Does the source matter?"
Song Manwoo PD laughed.
"Haha, no. I was just curious. What I really want to know is why you chose The Private Investigator now."
…
Park Eunmi spoke quietly.
"Director Shin Dong-chun told me you really liked the script. But our drama is already filming. So was there a reason you wanted to appear in The Private Investigator too? Assistant Manager Park isn't an easy role. Woojin, I'm curious why you specifically chose that film."
"You're curious?"
Song Manwoo PD continued.
"To be honest, it looks a bit risky. It's a short film, and the situation around it isn't great. But Woojin… how should I put it… you seem very certain."
It was genuine confidence.
The foundation of that confidence was the void space only Woojin possessed.
Still, Woojin chose his answer carefully.
His attitude mattered.
His tone mattered.
He would be working with these two industry giants for a long time.
Avoiding the question wouldn't work.
But explaining everything would be worse.
It had to sound refined.
And vague.
'Right. Keep it subtle.'
'I can't exactly mention the void space.'
Kang Woojin opened his mouth.
"It was just a feeling."
"…A feeling?"
"Yes. That feeling was the biggest reason I chose that script."
That should be enough.
Woojin quietly praised himself.
Across the table, Song Manwoo PD and Park Eunmi stared at him.
Then Song Manwoo PD asked carefully,
"Woojin… are you the type who relies on intuition?"
"I think I am."
At Woojin's confident answer, Song Manwoo PD muttered inwardly.
Sense.
In other words—
Instinct.
An eye for scripts.
Hoo…
If The Private Investigator really turned out well…
Then this man…
Admiration filled his thoughts.
He's already a unique monster.
And on top of that, he has sharp instincts too?
And just like that—
another misunderstanding quietly began growing again.