"An ad?"
Was he talking about the commercials he saw on TV or YouTube?
Thanks to the persona he maintained, Kang Woojin kept a calm face on the outside.
Inside, though, he was completely flustered.
'What am I even doing?'
The fact that an offer for that kind of project had come to him—something usually reserved for famous celebrities—was shocking.
To Woojin, it felt unbelievable.
But looking at the bigger picture, it was actually a natural progression.
These days, the world was extremely sensitive to trends.
And the fastest to react to those trends was always the industry.
Whether it was a major corporation or the entertainment world, the moment the public responded to something, they immediately chased after it.
For example, even people who weren't famous celebrities but were simply generating buzz often ended up appearing all over different media.
That alone proved Kang Woojin was receiving serious public attention right now.
'But wait. Why hamburgers of all things?'
The moment that question crossed Kang Woojin's mind, the van, which had been stopped until now, began moving again.
Choi Sunggeon, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and started explaining.
"To be honest, I figured an offer like this would come eventually, but it came a little faster than I expected. You know why it's hamburgers, right?"
A line from Assistant Manager Park suddenly flashed through Kang Woojin's mind.
"Ah, it's because of Assistant Manager Park's line."
"Exactly. The line where Assistant Manager Park says he likes hamburgers, plus the interrogation room scene where you were eating one, gave the brand a positive image boost."
"Really?"
"After that episode aired, hamburger sales shot up. Anyway, I got the call yesterday, but I held off until today because I wanted to surprise you. So? Landing an ad deal only two months after debuting. Isn't that basically record-breaking?"
Whatever it was, it was exciting as hell.
Woojin tried hard not to show it.
"Yes, it's surprising."
"Heh, then you should be even happier. The scale of the ad they proposed is pretty big. They're planning both a regular TV commercial and a YouTube ad. We'll talk numbers during the meeting, but considering the scale, it should be a very decent amount."
"So it's just a one-time shoot?"
"That's right. Usually the first contract is a one-off. Depending on how it goes, they decide whether to extend it or turn it into a long-term deal."
Kang Woojin slowly nodded.
Then Choi Sunggeon flipped open his planner and broke into a wide grin.
"Then shall we move forward with it? We absolutely have to grab this opportunity. The terms are really good, and I don't see any downside at all. What do you think?"
Right.
What could possibly go wrong?
Success was practically guaranteed.
"Please handle it."
"Good. That's seriously amazing. Honestly, even Hong Hyeyeon didn't land an ad deal this quickly. Alright then, let's have you catch up to Hong Hyeyeon. Ah, I should keep this a secret from her."
"Understood. By the way, what's the format?"
"The format? Ah, the concept? I only heard about it briefly during the call, but it seems like it's based on Assistant Manager Park. Picture Assistant Manager Park casually enjoying a hamburger."
That made sense.
Kang Woojin nodded inwardly.
He understood the concept right away.
Soon, Choi Sunggeon turned another page in his planner and began a new briefing.
"We've been getting all kinds of offers from various media outlets—variety show appearances, interview requests—but I turned them all down. There's no need to appear on every single program. If the goal were to build recognition through smaller appearances, that'd be one thing, but in your current situation, it'd actually do more harm than good."
'I completely agree.'
Woojin acted like he understood, but in truth, he didn't know much about any of it.
He just wanted to leave it to the professional, Choi Sunggeon.
"Instead, I secured a few magazine pictorial shoots that can be wrapped up quickly, along with a few schedules related to Profiler Hanryang. Assistant Manager Park dies after episode 4, but PD Song said he'll keep appearing in later episodes through flashback scenes."
When Woojin nodded, Choi Sunggeon closed his planner and added,
"Starting today, there'll be a lot of articles about you. There are already plenty coming out, but most of them are shallow. The ones our PR team puts out, though, will have substance."
His smile deepened.
"Now that Hanryang has ended, let's go all in on promotion. Let's make the most of all this attention."
Just as Choi Sunggeon had said, articles about Kang Woojin started pouring out by lunchtime.
Before, most of them had centered around Profiler Hanryang or Assistant Manager Park.
Now the news was focused solely on Kang Woojin.
From PD Yoon Byungseon's Sports Day to the consecutive hits The Private Investigator and Profiler Hanryang, everyone was curious about Kang Woojin's next move.
[Star IS] Chungmuro's Blue Chip + Rising Rookie Kang Woojin Remains Silent About His Next Project… When Will It Be Decided?
Both the press and the public were especially interested in Kang Woojin's next project and future plans.
And for good reason.
There weren't any rumors about him at all.
Not even the usual kind of entertainment gossip.
As a result, everyone in the industry was on edge.
Usually, when a rookie rose to prominence, their next move was obvious.
But Kang Woojin, who had shown talent far beyond that of a typical rookie, remained silent.
Even his agency kept its mouth shut.
Movie? Drama? No News From Either Side—Fans' Curiosity Explodes Over the Silence of the Rapidly Rising Kang Woojin
Still, most of the recent articles stemmed from Choi Sunggeon's remarks.
That story was already spreading all over the internet, so the ripple effect was enormous.
In other words, everything was moving exactly the way Choi Sunggeon wanted.
Now it was time to let it mature.
And just like that, another day passed.
Then came another bright morning.
Wednesday the 27th.
That day, Kang Woojin signed formal contracts for the two projects they had discussed earlier.
In the morning, it was for a replacement role in a project called Drug Dealer.
"Ah, Woojin, be careful. Seriously, thank you so much. You're my lifesaver."
"I'll do my best, Director."
"Well, the one who should be working hard is me. By the way, it seems like you're getting a lot of attention these days?"
"It seems people think highly of me."
"No, no, it's because you're good. I watched episode 4 of Hanryang, and wow, your acting was incredible. Anyway, I'll lock down the filming schedule as quickly as possible. In the meantime, study the script well."
"Understood."
"Our schedule is tight, so it's okay if your preparation isn't perfect. If you forget lines or movements, we can always cut and keep shooting."
Since Drug Dealer was already halfway through filming, there was no introduction to the cast or script reading.
And since it was only a cameo appearance, they agreed the shoot would probably take no more than about two weeks.
Then, later that afternoon—
"This is the first time I've ever signed an actor the moment a project entered pre-production."
Kang Woojin finalized his contract to appear in star writer Lee Wolsun's Frozen Love.
"It's my first time too."
"It's really remarkable. How are you so calm, yet able to make such varied expressions when you act? And it was also a pleasant surprise to learn that you know sign language."
Writer Lee Wolsun's tone had softened somewhat compared to their first meeting.
That made sense.
She had been worried about the role of the mysterious man next door, which required sign language, but Kang Woojin had appeared like a comet and erased those worries in one stroke.
"It's a shame. I wanted to work with you longer. This time it's a small role, but let's meet again later with a bigger one."
After the contract was smoothly completed and Kang Woojin left, writer Lee Wolsun and the KBC drama department executives remained behind.
All of them praised Kang Woojin's rising popularity.
"If Kang Woojin keeps this up, he'll reach the top in no time."
"Right? Aside from being a bit cold, there's really nothing to criticize. Don't you think so too, Writer?"
"When you look closely, his filmography is incredible. He won the grand prize with The Private Investigator, then appeared in Hanryang, a massive hit that surpassed 20% ratings, and now he's working with me too. I offered him an extremely small role because he wanted it, but honestly, at first I was thinking of offering him a supporting role."
"Do you think he's involved in some huge project we don't know about?"
"He might be. I get the feeling someone noticed him before I did. Anyway, it'd be good to announce the news now. Woojin's side also wanted it released as soon as possible."
From late that night onward, new reports about Kang Woojin started pouring out.
[Star Talk] Director Kim Dohee of the film Drug Dealer says, "Actor Kang Woojin saved our project."
Naturally, the news centered on Drug Dealer and Frozen Love.
From Writer Park Eunmi to Writer Lee Wolsun? Rising Star Kang Woojin Appears in Writer Lee Wolsun's New Work in a Minor Role!
The reactions from both the press and the public were mixed.
No way!! So right after doing one famous writer's work, he's already doing another?
LOL, this is seriously amazing. Write more articles about him. This still isn't enough.
But honestly, it's a little disappointing… considering Kang Woojin's current status, couldn't he have taken a bigger role than just a minor role or cameo?
↑ Agreed. Even if he's still a rookie, with the momentum he has now, shouldn't he at least get a supporting role?
Supporting role? lol Why is everyone so obsessed with Kang Woojin? He's still just a rookie. You're expecting too much.
Right lol. But honestly, even landing a small role after Park Eunmi and then getting Lee Wolsun too is impressive.
I want to see more… I want Kang Woojin as a lead! Cast him in a rom-com!
Disappointment and admiration existed at the same time.
Still, one thing had become clear.
Not only the media, but the entertainment industry as a whole—agencies, production companies, film production companies—everyone felt the same.
[Special Feature] Why the Future of Rookie Kang Woojin, Who Has Captured So Many Hearts Since Debut, Is Especially Anticipated
Kang Woojin was no longer an unknown.
The next morning, Thursday the 28th.
It had been about a week since episode 4 of Profiler Hanryang aired, but Hanryang was still the center of online buzz.
At that same time, Kang Woojin was on his way to BW Entertainment in a van.
"..."
Because of the image he always maintained, Kang Woojin showed no emotion and simply looked out the window.
Inside, though, he was in a very good mood.
'I got another appearance fee.'
'I'll probably be able to sign a contract soon. With all these projects lined up, my income's going to keep growing. And soon I'll move to Seoul.'
There was a very realistic reason behind his happiness.
He wanted to dance from joy.
But Jang Suhwan and Han Yejung were in the van with him, so he couldn't.
He had to stay composed.
'Ah, I'm sleepy.'
'What's on today's schedule again? A photoshoot and a few meetings. I should rest a little before going.'
Choi Sunggeon wasn't in the van.
He was probably already at the company.
According to Jang Suhwan, Hong Hyeyeon was busy with schedules and company matters.
Since Woojin was heading to the agency now, he would probably see her soon enough.
An hour later—
As soon as they arrived at BW Entertainment, Jang Suhwan headed to the restroom and Han Yejung went straight to the PR team.
Woojin lightly greeted the busy employees in his usual low, chic voice.
'Yeah, this is enough.'
Praising himself inwardly, Kang Woojin headed toward the CEO office.
Swoosh.
The door opened right away, revealing the scene inside.
The first thing he saw was Choi Sunggeon sitting at the desk in the center.
Seeing Woojin, Choi Sunggeon smiled.
"Ah, Woojin, there you are?"
"Hello."
Next, he spotted Hong Hyeyeon sitting beside Choi Sunggeon.
She was wearing a white cap and didn't seem to have gotten her makeup done yet.
"It's nice seeing your face. I was just about to leave."
Cap or no cap, Hong Hyeyeon still looked unbelievably beautiful in Woojin's eyes.
'Hong Hyeyeon's looks are exploding again today. What a great way to start the day.'
But of course, he couldn't say what he really felt.
Kang Woojin replied in a calm tone.
"Hello."
The problem was—
'What?'
Across from Hong Hyeyeon stood a bear-like figure he had never seen before.
No, not a bear.
A man.
A huge man.
Woojin almost laughed inwardly.
'He's massive. That silhouette looks exactly like Kim Daeyoung's… wait, what?'
The moment Kang Woojin made eye contact with the man, his eyes widened in shock.
"!!!"
Why?
"Woojin."
The silhouette hadn't merely looked like Kim Daeyoung.
It really was Kim Daeyoung sitting there.
Why was he sitting there?
And on top of that, why was he smiling?
Kang Woojin was so startled he almost slapped his own cheek.
'You crazy bastard. Why, why, why the hell are you here?!'
At that moment, Woojin's thoughts completely stopped.
He could only stare blankly at Kim Daeyoung.
Then Hong Hyeyeon, sitting across from Kim Daeyoung, chimed in.
"Isn't he that friend? The one who went with Woojin to the Super Actor audition. I remember his face."
'No, please forget it.'
Woojin prayed desperately inside.
But Hyeyeon smiled kindly and spoke to Daeyoung.
"You were the one who said Woojin used to work in design on the day of the audition, right?"
"Yes, that was me. I even acted for about fifteen seconds. You remember?"
"No, not really."
"Ah, I see. Hahaha, thank you."
'Why are you thanking her?'
'And stop laughing.'
'Why are you saying thank you in a situation like this?'
Kang Woojin had to fight the urge to smack the back of Daeyoung's head.
He really wanted to.
But obviously, he couldn't.
'Should I just leave? I can explain later, right?'
Kim Daeyoung knew Kang Woojin's real personality inside and out.
There was no point pretending in front of him.
On top of that, there wasn't even time for excuses.
Though Woojin was flustered, he still struggled to maintain his usual expression.
Anyway, this was an unbelievably dangerous moment.
If Kim Daeyoung realized what was going on—his act, and all the misunderstandings surrounding him—it could cause problems with Choi Sunggeon and Hong Hyeyeon.
"Huh? Woojin? Shouldn't you talk to your friend?"
Choi Sunggeon finally spoke to the silent Woojin.
Woojin's frozen thoughts began moving again.
'Had Choi Sunggeon heard everything?'
'That it had all been an act?'
'That everything about me had been built on misunderstandings?'
'Or maybe not yet?'
He couldn't be sure.
For now, Woojin greeted Daeyoung in a rough voice.
"It's been a while."
And it really had been.
This was the first time since they had run through the park together.
But Kim Daeyoung was focused on Woojin's tone, expression, and entire atmosphere.
'What's with him? Why does he look so serious?'
He looked completely different from the Kang Woojin Kim Daeyoung knew.
Because of that, Daeyoung's brow furrowed slightly.
"Yeah, it has."
"What are you doing here?"
"More importantly, how have you been?"
"You first. Why are you here?"
"..."
His tone was unbelievably strict.
Now Kim Daeyoung was sure of it.
Something was off about Woojin.
His gaze was sharp.
His expression was ice-cold.
Why?
This wasn't like Woojin at all.
Then—
'No way… is this it?'
Realizing something, Kim Daeyoung shifted his gaze from Woojin to the goddess-like Hong Hyeyeon, then to Choi Sunggeon.
After quickly scanning both of them, he turned back to Woojin.
After a few seconds of eye contact, Kim Daeyoung's expression grew serious.
"Woojin."
He suddenly stood up and took a step toward him.
Instinctively, Woojin leaned his head back.
'Don't come any closer, you bastard.'
But Kim Daeyoung didn't stop.
He placed a hand on Woojin's shoulder.
Then, awkwardly, he said,
"You've become way more cheerful."
Hong Hyeyeon and Choi Sunggeon reacted almost at the same time.
"That… looks cheerful to you?"
"He got more cheerful? Better… really? Like that?"
Meanwhile, Kang Woojin—
"...?"
Even though he was staring at Kim Daeyoung right in front of him, his mind was filled with nothing but questions.
Then—
Wink.
Maintaining eye contact, Kim Daeyoung gave a quick wink with his right eye, as if to say, I did well, didn't I?
At that, Woojin squeezed his eyes shut in irritation.
'Don't do that, you lunatic.'
'Don't make this situation even worse.'