"Are we inviting the villains instead of the main characters?"
It was an unexpected suggestion. Even so, the chief PD and the writers seated around the table all wore serious expressions, and the atmosphere suggested the idea was being received positively.
"Yuki, have you seen that drama?"
The slim main PD asked in Japanese. The small-eyed female writer who had proposed the idea nodded right away.
"Yes. I watched it as soon as it was released on Netflix. I'm actually a fan of Ryu Jungmin."
"Haha, really? What did you think of it overall?"
"It was really good. Honestly, it's been a long time since I binge-watched something like that. Have you seen it, PD-nim?"
"Not yet. I'll need to make time."
"You should. Once you start the first episode, it's hard to stop. The fact that it surpassed 25 percent ratings in Korea makes complete sense."
Even though he likely already knew, the chief PD reacted as if hearing it for the first time.
"…25 percent? In this day and age? That's impressive. Could you give me a brief overview of Profiler Hanryang?"
"It's written by a well-known Korean drama writer and directed by a top-tier PD. It follows the familiar structure of Korean dramas, but what makes it stand out is that there are four villains."
"Four?"
Another writer leaned in, intrigued.
"Yes. Each villain leads a different arc, and the whole series runs for sixteen episodes."
"I see. Even with that many episodes, it doesn't seem like viewers are getting tired of it."
"That might actually be one of the reasons it's doing so well."
Yuki turned her attention back to the PD.
"Profiler Hanryang has been holding the number one spot for over ten days since its Netflix release, and its popularity is still rising. This doesn't feel like a short-term trend. Even just looking at communities or social media, people keep talking about it nonstop."
"Hmm. Among the four villains, who's getting the most attention right now?"
"Kang Woojin. He plays Assistant Manager Park in the early part of the series. He's receiving the most praise overall—for both his acting and his visuals."
The PD scratched his cheek, as if the name didn't immediately register.
"You remember his name that clearly?"
"I got curious and looked him up. He's extremely popular in Korea right now."
"Really? How long has he been acting? If he's been around for a while, I should've heard of him."
"He comes across like a rookie. Most of the villains in Profiler Hanryang are either lesser-known actors or newcomers."
"Then the running fee might be manageable… except for Kang Woojin."
The female writer nodded.
"He's already involved in multiple projects, so scheduling him might be difficult. But regardless of cost, we should try to bring him in as the main guest."
"Right. Without the key figure, the concept falls apart."
The program under discussion, Ame Talk Show!, had been running in Japan for over a decade. Over the years, it had gone through multiple changes, including shifts in production staff and adjustments to its format. Even so, thanks to its prime-time slot, it consistently maintained ratings in the ten percent range.
Its audience base was wide and varied.
Currently, the show followed a dual structure. The first thirty minutes were dedicated to talk segments, while the remaining thirty minutes featured comedy and performance acts. Each part was handled by a separate production team, making it feel like two different programs contained within one.
The guests who appeared on the show were almost always top-tier stars.
While Japanese celebrities made up the majority, international guests—including those from Korea—appeared from time to time, drawing considerable attention. The show also aired special episodes once a month. The previous one had focused on Hollywood, and this time, based on a writer's suggestion, they were preparing a 'K-Drama Week.'
"The Korean Wave has been going strong for years now, so this 'K-Drama Week' fits the trend well."
The PD leaned back slightly, thinking.
"K-dramas may not match K-pop in global reach, but they're still highly popular. Profiler Hanryang is no exception. Covering K-dramas alone should be enough to spark curiosity. It's a solid idea. Let's move forward and begin proper research."
"Yes!"
"First, check how Profiler Hanryang is performing on Netflix. Then collect everything—articles, social media, portal sites, and community discussions."
"Including Korean sources?"
"Of course. From the first episode all the way to the final one."
The workload grew immediately.
"Also, look into the four villain actors, including Kang Woojin, both in Japan and Korea."
The PD stood as if preparing to leave, then added one more thing.
"And we'll need an interpreter."
──────────
About an hour later, back in Korea.
At the Boy Friend filming set, Director Shin Dongchun stood with Kim Daeyoung, explaining the scene while holding the script. Kim Daeyoung listened closely, his expression more serious than usual.
He understood that if his acting fell short, criticism would follow.
At the same time, Kang Woojin's recommendation carried significant weight.
The set had grown quiet.
With his arms folded, Woojin watched Kim Daeyoung in silence, as though noticing something new about him.
'He's really focused… I don't think I've ever seen him like this before.'
Choi Sunggeon spoke from beside him.
"What's this about? All of a sudden?"
He lightly patted Woojin's back.
"You usually don't pay much attention to your friend, and now you suddenly recommend him for a minor role?"
Woojin answered calmly.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, not exactly. It just feels sudden. He came to audition, sure—but still. Is there a reason?"
"…It was his dream. I don't know if it still is."
"A dream? Oh right, he used to be in an acting club."
"Yes."
Woojin kept his gaze on Kim Daeyoung. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Choi Sunggeon smiling faintly.
"You even remembered that? You really are something."
"It just fit the situation."
"That's exactly what someone like you would say."
"…Is that so?"
A short distance behind them, Hwarin had been watching quietly.
'He handles things so effortlessly.'
Her admiration deepened without her realizing it.
'That's probably why people are drawn to him.'
Of course, Woojin had no such intention.
At that moment, Director Shin raised his voice.
"Alright! If Daeyoung is ready, we'll begin rehearsal!"
The set moved quickly into motion.
After rehearsal ended, filming began in earnest. The location was a secluded area behind a building, cluttered with trash bags and discarded school supplies. Some items had been placed by the props team, while others were real objects left behind by the school.
"Actors, standby!"
At the assistant director's call, the actors took their positions.
Six extras stood in front of the camera—three boys and three girls.
All of them wore school uniforms.
They were playing bullies.
The boys wore their shirts loosely, with buttons undone. The girls wore tight-fitting uniforms paired with heavy makeup.
"Lee Bomin is ready!"
Hwarin stepped forward.
Her uniform was slightly oversized, and her long hair was tied back. She took her place in front of the six bullies.
Director Shin checked the monitor and gave the signal.
"Camera!"
"Ready!"
"Audio!"
"All good!"
"Action!"
The mood shifted immediately.
The expressions of the six bullies changed, each one taking on a different kind of menace. The boys stepped back with mocking looks, while the girls approached Lee Bomin slowly.
"Hey, Bomin."
The sharp-nosed girl spoke in a provocative tone.
"People say you're pretty. Do you think that means everyone likes you?"
Lee Bomin didn't respond.
She simply looked straight at her.
Her expression made it clear she wouldn't back down.
"..."
"Look at her ignoring me. You're really getting on my nerves. Stop showing up everywhere."
The girl sneered and picked up a carton of chocolate milk. She opened it as if she were about to drink, but instead poured it over Lee Bomin's head.
The brown liquid flowed down from her hair, soaking her face and uniform. The camera captured her widened eyes before slowly pulling back to show her drenched figure.
Shock filled her expression.
The camera then shifted toward the girl.
"What? Don't like it? I couldn't finish it, so I shared."
Laughter broke out around her, joined even by the boys standing behind.
The atmosphere turned uncomfortable.
At that moment, a milk carton suddenly flew in from the side and struck the girl in the torso. The impact caused it to burst, spraying white liquid in all directions. Before anyone could react, another carton followed immediately, hitting her head and exploding on contact. This time, it was strawberry milk, and the pink liquid mixed with the white, drenching her completely.
"Aaaah!! What is this?!"
The bullies froze and turned at once.
The camera followed their gaze.
Han Inho stood there.
Expressionless.
As if he had just completed a clean throw.
Then he spoke.
"Strike."
──────────
After a brief reset, filming resumed from that same moment.
Han Inho lowered his arm and stepped forward at a steady pace. The camera tracked his movement naturally, shifting into position in front of him.
He approached Lee Bomin without saying a word.
Chocolate milk continued to drip from her hair, trailing down along her cheeks and soaking into her uniform. Han Inho stopped in front of her and quietly looked down.
A faint smile touched his lips.
He removed his jacket and used it to wipe her face.
The movement was sudden, yet careful in its own way. It felt rough at first glance, but there was a subtle warmth behind it.
He tilted his head slightly.
"It's hot, isn't it?"
"…What?"
"You just had a milk shower. Thought you might feel hot."
"I don't know."
"Wipe it off."
He handed her the jacket before turning away.
The male students stepped forward and blocked his path.
Han Inho's gaze shifted toward the girls.
His expression remained blank, and his eyes seemed dull, almost lifeless.
Even so, a faint trace of irritation passed through them.
It was subtle and tightly controlled, never fully surfacing.
Watching from nearby, Kim Daeyoung felt a chill run through him.
'It's so subtle… but it's all there. He's holding everything back. This is insane.'
Director Shin, watching through the monitor, came to the same conclusion.
'He's clumsy with emotions, so they leak through his gaze… that's exactly it. That's Han Inho.'
At that moment, the sharp-nosed girl hurled another milk carton toward Han Inho.
He leaned back and avoided it effortlessly.
The carton flew past him and struck Lee Bomin directly in the face.
"Ah!"
She cried out.
Han Inho raised a hand calmly.
"Ah, sorry. My reflexes are just that good."
"You crazy bastard!"
"It's fine. Thanks for accepting the apology."
A large male student stepped forward.
Kim Daeyoung.
He grabbed Han Inho's shoulder and spun him around roughly, a relaxed smile still lingering on his face.
"Are you two dating?"
"No."
Director Shin observed closely.
'Not bad.'
Kim Daeyoung grabbed Han Inho's collar, tightening his grip until the fabric stretched and revealed the firm lines beneath.
"Want to test your boyfriend's patience?"
Han Inho showed no fear.
Instead, he glanced briefly at the arm holding him.
"Test? You mean violence? Why are you carrying weapons on your arms?"
"You're insane."
The larger boy raised his fist.
Han Inho calmly lifted a finger and pointed upward.
"Before you swing, look up."
Everyone followed his gesture.
The camera moved with them.
A window on the second floor stood open.
A bald head appeared.
"…You lot."
It was the principal.
──────────
The next morning, at bw Entertainment.
The office was busier than ever.
Phones rang without pause, and keyboards clattered continuously as employees moved between tasks.
"Yes, yes! Regarding Woojin—please send the details by email."
"Hello, this is bw Entertainment. I'm calling about Hyeyeon's interview."
"How can they write something like that and act like nothing happened? Have you seen that reporter before?"
"About the casting—if you send the details, we'll forward them to the management team."
Thanks to Kang Woojin and Hong Hyeyeon, the company was experiencing its busiest period since its founding.
Amid the constant movement, the PR team leader sat still, staring at his laptop screen.
He had been monitoring reactions related to Kang Woojin across social media, news articles, and online communities, collecting anything noteworthy.
However, his expression gradually hardened.
Something about the recent posts felt off.
He stopped scrolling.
A familiar type of post had appeared again.
'There have been several like this… but this one again?'
He clicked it.
[Online reactions]
[Post: I went to the same high school as Kang Woojin, and his personality is completely different now]
The author sounded like someone who had known Kang Woojin personally.
The PR team leader's gaze sharpened.
'…This could turn into a real issue.'