'Use my voice? And even my foreign language skills?'
Even after hearing the explanation, Kang Woojin did not fully grasp it.
'So using my vocals means they want to make my singing the main theme?'
It was only natural. He still had a lot to learn about the entertainment industry, and it was not easy for him to immediately understand what a capable CEO was thinking. Meanwhile, Han Yejung, seated beside him, seemed to catch on right away thanks to her experience.
"Ah, that kind of thing? That actually sounds good."
Choi Sunggeon, sitting in the passenger seat, smiled.
"Right? Woojin's main profession, acting, shouldn't be treated like some side job. We need to raise the value of his acting, and we can't just limit it to YouTube."
"I completely agree."
Feeling left out, Woojin wanted to say, Don't get excited by yourselves, let me in on it too. He still did not understand the situation at all, but he put on a shameless expression and pretended he did, mixing in a bit of bluff.
He spoke in a low, confident voice.
"I get the general idea."
"Haha, what do you think?"
"…I'll answer after hearing more of the CEO's thoughts."
"Really? Then let's hear it—"
The flow shifted naturally. Choi Sunggeon, who had been tying his hair back again, continued.
"I brought up musicals before when we talked about your singing, remember?"
"Yes. I remember."
"Right. I'm just asking out of curiosity. Woojin, have you ever done a musical before?"
Had he ever even seen one? Woojin had never watched a musical in his life.
"No."
"That's what I thought. I asked just in case you were about to surprise me again. Anyway, musicals really do seem like a perfect fit for your vocals and acting, but I'm not an expert in that field. So last time, I invited someone from the musical industry and showed them your OST recording."
"…You did?"
He had no idea. Woojin stayed quiet, but he was genuinely impressed by how proactive Choi Sunggeon had been. Choi Sunggeon continued.
"Yes. And the feedback was that you definitely have enough ability."
"That's a relief."
"Right. But the problem is that it takes time. As you know, the music field is a completely different market."
In other words, it would take time before Woojin could enter musicals and meet all the necessary conditions.
"It's fine to think about it slowly, but it would be a waste to let your voice be tied up by musicals alone. Put simply, your voice and your acting are like the engine of a boat."
"Like adding a motor."
"Exactly. Right now, it's not just that the tide is coming in for you. While everyone else is rowing, you're standing under a waterfall with water pouring down on you. You've got a motor. That's what I mean."
Han Yejung, who had been closing her planner, spoke up casually.
"That's right. It's not just that he sings better than average. Woojin oppa's vocals are genuinely amazing."
Jang Suhwan, holding the steering wheel, chimed in.
"Haha! Exactly! Even Hwarin was captivated!"
Caught off guard by the sudden praise, Woojin felt slightly embarrassed but pretended not to be. Choi Sunggeon pulled out his phone, waved it lightly, and continued.
"So what I'm saying is, let's start a YouTube channel centered around your voice. That doesn't mean you'll become a full-time YouTube singer. Just casually upload rearranged cover songs."
"Cover songs—I've seen those."
"Right, they're pretty common these days. But considering the timing, it'd be good to ride the global Hallyu wave, so we'll start with K-pop covers."
Choi Sunggeon smiled more brightly as he opened YouTube on his phone.
"But as you know, there are already plenty of channels doing K-pop covers in their own style. There's no originality. Sure, since your popularity is rising fast, it might get attention at first. But it won't last. Without a concept, it fades quickly."
"…"
"So what should we do? How about turning K-pop songs into English or Japanese versions? Wouldn't that feel fresher?"
"Ah."
"If your foreign language skills were lacking, I wouldn't even consider it. But you're practically native-level. To make this work, you need recognition, singer-level vocals, near-native language skills, and decent looks. Woojin, you have all of that. It's rare, and more than enough."
After hearing the explanation, Woojin agreed inwardly.
'Not bad. This is actually a pretty big plan.'
He spoke his thoughts.
"…It sounds good."
"Really? Haha. You like it? If this works, you'll be able to show off your vocals and language skills, and you'll attract English-speaking and Japanese-speaking fans who already like Hallyu. Of course, domestic fans too. The ripple effect could be huge."
That meant he could properly show off his strengths.
"If it goes well, it'll be killing two birds with one stone. Later, when the channel grows, we can invite guests or do collaborations. For example, with someone like Hwarin."
It was still just a plan, but Woojin already felt a strong sense of anticipation. In the past, YouTube had only been a way to kill time during his hellish commute, but now it had become a real opportunity.
'Heh, life really is turning out well.'
Choi Sunggeon, who had set his phone down, asked,
"What do you think? Your call."
Suppressing his rising excitement, Woojin answered calmly.
"Let's do it. It sounds fun."
A new plan was set in an instant.
"Good. Then I'll move quickly on the arrangement, lyrics, studio prep, everything."
Choi Sunggeon scribbled something in his planner and added,
"You're going to get much busier than now. Can you handle it?"
Could he keep up? Woojin's answer was simple.
"Yes."
──────────
Late that afternoon, Kang Woojin arrived at the wrap party for Profiler Hanryang. The event was held at a large barbecue restaurant on the outskirts of Seoul rather than in the city center. By the time he arrived, reporters had already gathered outside.
"Kang Woojin!!"
"After Hanryang, you look like you're in great spirits! How do you feel?!"
"Woojin! Over here! Please look this way!"
"Are you still in contact with Director Kwon Gitaek?"
"Please wave just once!"
"Yoon Byungseon PD's variety show hasn't been fully revealed yet—do you know who else has been cast besides you?!"
The reporters swarmed like predators. The Hanryang staff tried to block them, but their energy was overwhelming. Camera flashes burst nonstop.
Flash! Flash! Flash!
Following Choi Sunggeon's advice, Woojin walked past them as if nothing was wrong and gave a small wave.
'My eyes! I can't see anything… stay calm. Stay calm.'
He tried to maintain an indifferent, polished expression. For a brief moment, his steps wavered, but fortunately, no one noticed.
After pushing through, he finally entered the restaurant.
Inside, dozens of staff members and most of the Hanryang cast had already gathered. Soon, voices greeted him.
"Woojin's here!!"
"Ah, Kang-star has arrived!"
"Hahaha, it's been a while! You're really popular these days!"
"Seriously! Every time you go online, it's full of articles about Woojin!"
Judging by their volume, they had already been drinking. Unlike them, Woojin had to stay cautious.
"Hello. Thank you."
He responded calmly. The cinematographer offered him a drink.
"Those reporters must've been a hassle. Here, have a drink! It'll cool you down!"
"No, I don't want to drink."
"Huh? You said the same thing at the company dinner last time. Woojin, you don't drink?"
It was not that he did not drink. He liked alcohol. But now—
'If I drink and get tipsy, everything falls apart. Hold it in… damn, I still want one.'
Worried that his real self might slip out, he moved toward the actors' table, where Ryu Jungmin and Hong Hyeyeon were gathered.
Jang Taesan was the first to call out.
"Oh! The superstar's here! Come sit!"
Next was Ryu Jungmin, now with straightened hair.
"You're here? I saw the Boy Friend article. When does filming start?"
As Woojin answered, he looked at Ryu Jungmin's hair and sighed inwardly.
'He was already insanely handsome with a perm… now it's on another level. That's ridiculous.'
The wrap party remained loud and lively.
Hanryang's popularity had surged both during and after its broadcast, making the atmosphere feel far beyond a simple closing party. Around then, Hong Hyeyeon approached, her long hair tied back, her face slightly flushed from alcohol. A mix of perfume and alcohol drifted toward him.
"Is Hwarin doing well?"
"What do you mean?"
"Are you two close? Have you been in contact?"
"Not really. We're not that close."
"You're pretty cold, even for Hwarin. Not just fans—there are plenty of people in this industry making moves on her."
What was she getting at? Then something crossed Woojin's mind.
"By the way, where's Daeyoung? Didn't he come?"
"He did. Over there."
She pointed behind her. A large figure was devouring meat and alcohol.
'You idiot. At least breathe while eating. You'll choke at this rate.'
At that moment, Kim Daeyoung met Woojin's gaze and waved enthusiastically. He seemed to have adapted well. At least for now.
"Woojin."
Someone called his name. It was Song Manwoo PD, his beard grown out, dark circles heavy under his eyes.
"Let's talk for a moment."
"Yes, PD."
They stepped away toward the restroom. In a quiet hallway nearby, Song Manwoo suddenly spoke.
"I'm leaving SBC. I've already submitted my resignation."
Woojin was slightly surprised but stayed calm.
"I see."
"I've been tied up with Hanryang's post-production, but once things settle, I'll work independently. So… when I send you a script, could you review it? I plan to work with an external production company instead of a broadcaster."
"Will you direct it?"
"I'll handle directing only. More like the nominal lead."
"If you send it, I'll read it."
"Haha, thank you. By then, your value will probably skyrocket. You'll be treated as a top-tier actor."
His laughter faded, turning serious.
"And if I struggle choosing a script… could I ask for your help? Since it's my first project after going independent, failure would be difficult. Even a small hint—from Kang Totem—would help."
Song Manwoo PD, a major figure in the drama industry, had already become a firm believer in Kang Woojin. The misunderstanding ran deep, but it did not matter anymore. Woojin had already accepted it. More importantly, Song Manwoo had been a key contributor to his rise.
Woojin recalled Choi Sunggeon's advice.
'Give and take. Manage relationships with those above you.'
If it was a blockbuster-level project, he was willing to join.
"If I can help, I will."
Song Manwoo's smile deepened.
"That's reassuring."
──────────
About a week later, at a high school in Seoul.
It was late morning at a high school in Jongno-gu. The campus was large, and its exterior looked almost like a painting. The atmosphere felt very different from a typical high school.
Nature stood out first.
The entire school seemed to blend into it, filled with trees of various kinds. Beyond the entrance lay a wide central garden, complete with sculptures and carefully maintained landscaping that resembled a university campus.
The buildings were just as striking.
A grand Gothic-style main building stood alongside brown brick annexes, a cathedral-like cafeteria, a wide field, an auditorium, storage facilities, and dormitories. For a high school, it was exceptionally beautiful.
In that central garden—
"Good! Let's unload the equipment first!"
"Where's the director?!"
"He went to check the location! He should be at the auditorium!"
"Radios are being handed out! One per team!"
The filming crew moved quickly, unpacking equipment. There were well over forty people.
"Hey! Be careful! That's expensive!"
"Sorry!"
"Security! Block that area before students gather!"
"Have the actors arrived?!"
"Almost everyone's here!"
The atmosphere was chaotic enough to overwhelm anyone.
And what made it worse—
"Wow! No way! They're really here!"
"This is amazing! I've never seen filming in person!"
"What are they shooting?"
"I heard it's called Boy Friend."
"Wait, isn't that on Netflix?!"
Students began gathering around the staff. It was mid-July—summer break—so the school should have been empty, but some students remained in the dorms. What started as a few quickly grew to around a dozen as word spread.
"Boy Friend?! Then Kang Woojin and Hwarin are here?!"
The noise kept rising. Soon, security pushed them back, but they still peeked through gaps, trying to catch a glimpse.
Then—
"Damn… I can't see anything. Can you?"
One of the students noticed something at the entrance. Staff suddenly ran toward it. She stared, then—
A man walked in calmly, expressionless.
He carried the unmistakable presence of a celebrity.
The moment she recognized him, she pointed and shouted.
"There! There! Kang Woojin! Kang Woojin!!"