"...Condition?"
Producer Yoon Byungseon's eyes widened slightly. He clearly hadn't expected that word.
Meanwhile, Kang Woojin had already decided to say it.
'I don't know. Screw it. Let's just go for it.'
Yoon Byungseon already had a decent grasp of Woojin's unusual personality from the Sports Day shoot. Of course, most of it was a concept—but a bit of polish and restraint wouldn't hurt.
'This isn't just impulsive. It's a necessary condition for my future.'
Fortunately, the PD remained calm.
"Alright. As long as it's nothing too serious, we'll do our best to accommodate you."
Having dealt with countless celebrities, Yoon Byungseon was used to hearing all kinds of requests. That made it easier for Woojin to speak.
"First… aside from basic information, I'd prefer if you didn't emphasize details about my past."
"Ah, so you're maintaining a mysterious concept?"
The word concept caught him off guard, but Woojin kept his composure.
"Not really. I just want people to focus on who I am now."
"I see."
"I'd also like to avoid speculative interpretations. It's natural for my life to become public after becoming an actor, but I don't want my past private life exposed unnecessarily."
Yoon Byungseon nodded in understanding.
"That's completely reasonable. A lot of celebrities worry about that. It's practically the norm."
It was true.
Most public figures tried to hide their past. After all, celebrities were products in a way—presentation mattered, and anything that could damage their image was better kept hidden.
There had been rare cases where someone rose because of a good past—or fell because of a bad one.
But those were exceptions.
Yoon Byungseon knew that better than anyone.
Especially rising stars. Sudden fame made them vulnerable.
And Kang Woojin—
Was rising faster than anyone.
Still—
A misunderstanding formed.
'Given his personality… his past probably wasn't simple. There's something deeper there.'
"His acting and language skills didn't just appear overnight. There's something intense in his eyes—far beyond his age."
Regardless, the past was the past.
Yoon Byungseon cared about the present.
"I promise. We can even add it to the contract. We won't include anything suggestive during editing."
"Thank you."
"It's nothing. Like I said, many actors make this request. As long as you haven't committed a crime, haha."
It was meant as a light joke.
But when Woojin didn't laugh, the PD's smile faded slightly.
"Ha… haha. You didn't, right? You didn't commit any crimes?"
Of course not.
He had lived cleanly. Paid rent on time, even.
Woojin answered calmly.
"Of course not."
"Right. Just joking. Any other conditions?"
"Can I know who I'll be working with in advance?"
The reason was simple.
'I don't want any more surprises.'
He wanted to prepare for anything—especially unexpected revelations.
The entertainment industry was still unfamiliar territory.
Knowing in advance meant fewer shocks.
At that moment, Yoon Byungseon received a transparent file from the writers.
"Of course. We usually share that. Some actors even decide based on the cast."
He handed it to Woojin.
"We're considering six people. Ahn Jonghak and Ha Kangsoo are confirmed. One more is still under discussion. And of course—you."
Ahn Jonghak was more of an all-around entertainer than a typical top actor—successful in acting, variety shows, and music.
Ha Kangsoo, on the other hand, was a classic top actor type, comparable to Ryu Jungmin in visuals.
Two strong names were already confirmed.
But the PD continued.
"We're also considering two female members. One of them is Hwarin."
"…Hwarin?"
"Yes. You're working with her on a Netflix series, right?"
"Yes."
"We've actually been discussing her for a while. She's fluent in Japanese and has experience working in Japan."
"I see. So she's confirmed?"
"Yes. Her Netflix project fits the schedule, and it won't be too long. Any concerns?"
Not really.
To be honest, Woojin didn't feel much about Hwarin. Their first impression hadn't been great, but—
'If anything, she's probably more uncomfortable around me.'
He set that aside and looked down at the casting board.
He didn't think for long.
When else would he get a chance to go overseas—especially for free?
On top of that, it was a large-scale variety show led by a top PD.
Exposure was guaranteed.
And honestly—
It sounded fun.
'I want to use English… Japanese too.'
After a moment, Woojin looked up.
"I'll do my best."
Yoon Byungseon smiled faintly and shook his hand.
"Thank you. I'm already looking forward to working with you."
He pulled out his phone.
"Shall we discuss the details with CEO Choi now?"
While they discussed specifics, the entertainment industry continued moving.
The film Drug Dealer was progressing even faster, despite Woojin's absence.
In fact, the atmosphere on set had grown even more intense.
"Director, sorry—can we shoot that scene again?"
"Hmm? I thought it was fine."
"I think I messed up my lines. I'd like another try."
The actors and staff were noticeably more focused.
It was clearly Woojin's influence.
"Don't you think the acting level has improved?"
"It's because of Woojin. He's a rising rookie, but his acting is unbelievable. Anyone would push themselves after seeing that."
His overwhelming performance had changed the entire set.
At the same time, one of Woojin's projects began gaining traction.
『[Issue Check] Star writer Lee Wolsun's new work confirmed with top KBC PD Song Hyuk』
With the production team and main PD finalized, pre-production officially began.
So far, only Kang Woojin had been confirmed.
But given Lee Wolsun's reputation, top actors were already being considered.
Casting would likely be finalized quickly.
Meanwhile, major figures were quietly making moves.
『[Photo] World-renowned author Takikawa Akari visits Korea, announces "One of my works will be adapted into a film"』
After arriving in Korea, she immediately began interviews with publishing media.
At the same time, Director Kyotaro—who had entered the country quietly—was holding meetings.
"Hello, Director."
"It's been a while. You saw the email, right?"
He was meeting with domestic distributors.
Very few people knew.
"This new project will be released in both Korea and Japan."
Even Director Kwon Gitaek was moving in secrecy, though rumors had begun to leak.
『[Film Talk] Rumors of Director Kwon Gitaek's next work—industry insiders claim "the script is already circulating"』
The response wasn't explosive yet—
But interest was steadily building.
His next film, Island of the Missing, had quietly entered pre-production.
With Kang Woojin and Ryu Jungmin nearly confirmed as leads, storyboarding had begun.
As always, the industry stayed busy.
Night fell quickly.
Location: Coin karaoke near Samseong Station.
Time: Past 9 PM.
The spacious karaoke was packed with customers—students, groups of friends, office workers unwinding.
In one room, three girls were chatting.
"What should we sing?"
"Can I go first?"
"Wait, hold on!"
Then—
♬♪
A soft pop song drifted in from the next room.
At first, they didn't pay much attention.
But once the vocals started—
Everything changed.
"Wait… he's really good."
"Is this a foreign song? His pronunciation sounds insane."
They stopped moving, drawn in by the voice.
It was a man.
And his singing—
Was exceptional.
"His voice is crazy."
"Is he a real singer?"
"My ears are melting…"
They stood there, listening.
Then—
♬♪
The song changed.
This time—Japanese.
"…Wait, that's Japanese."
"And his pronunciation is perfect…"
"Maybe it's just a recording?"
"No way. That's clearly live."
There was no doubt.
"I want to hear it closer."
People from nearby rooms began gathering.
Students. Women. Men.
Everyone.
Unaware—
♬♪
The third song began.
A Korean ballad.
A difficult one.
And yet—
He nailed it.
"Wow… if you sing that well, it's game over."
"He's definitely a singer. Who is he?"
"This is insane…"
Then—
The door opened.
A tall man in a black cap and mask stepped out.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
He was clearly not ordinary.
People began approaching him.
"Excuse me—"
But the man only glanced at them briefly before walking out.
"Ah—!"
Some tried to follow.
But he was already gone.
Silence lingered.
"That was amazing… right?"
"He has to be a singer. But who?"
"An idol, maybe?"
Outside, in a nearby alley—
The man stopped and looked back.
No one followed.
He lowered his mask slightly.
And grinned.
It was Kang Woojin.
"Seriously… what even am I?"
He hadn't expected that reaction.
He had just gone in on a whim—
But his own singing surprised even him.
And the crowd's reaction confirmed it.
His skills had improved beyond recognition.
"Could I actually become a singer?"
He had the talent.
Clearly.
November 11th. Netflix Korea.
Early morning.
Hwarin stepped out of a van in the underground parking lot, dressed casually with her hair tied back.
"I'll be back soon—"
She waved at her manager.
"Alright. Have fun. Want me to grab you anything?"
"I'm good. Go eat."
She turned and walked toward the elevator.
Today was an important meeting for Boyfriend.
OST, filming schedules—everything would be discussed.
Only key members were attending.
As she pressed the button—
'The director's confirmed… who is it?'
She checked her phone.
Then opened Kang Woojin's SNS.
"Today… I'll tell him I'm a fan."
Next, she checked his fan cafe.
It had become part of her daily routine.
"I'll get closer to him. I can do this."
She lifted her head—
And froze.
"Hello."
A low voice.
Right in front of her.
Kang Woojin.
Her mind went blank.
"…Ah, hello."
"Yes."
Silence.
They entered the elevator together.
Her fingers fidgeted with her bracelet.
'Why am I so nervous? Just say it. Say you're a fan.'
She gathered her courage.
"Um, excuse me—"
Ding!
The doors opened.
Woojin stepped out, turning slightly.
"Yes?"
She followed without thinking.
Their arms brushed.
Her thoughts stopped again.
'Oh no.'
Woojin looked at her.
"Are you okay?"
"…I—I need to use the restroom!"
She hurried off.
Woojin watched her leave.
'Is she avoiding me? That's… unexpected.'
Something fell.
Her bracelet.
But she didn't notice.
Around the corner—
Hwarin leaned against the wall, clutching her chest.
'Why did our arms have to touch… my heart almost exploded.'
She muttered,
"I can't tell him. If he finds out I'm a super fan, he'll think I'm crazy…"
Meanwhile—
Woojin stood behind the corner.
Holding the bracelet.
"…What?"
He blinked.
"Hwarin… is my fan?"