Choi Sunggeon narrowed his eyes at Kang Woojin's answer.
"Kang Woojin's Alter Ego? You're saying the channel name will be 'Kang Woojin's Alter Ego'?"
Woojin had only said it offhand. He had never seriously thought about naming a YouTube channel.
'Something light. Something natural, like a hobby. Kang Woojin's Alter Ego isn't bad. Is it really that strange?'
He ended up answering plainly.
"Yes. Kang Woojin's Alter Ego. Does it sound weird?"
Choi Sunggeon stroked his chin for a moment before slowly shaking his head.
"Hmm. Kang Woojin's Alter Ego… It actually sounds good. It feels effortless, like you're not trying too hard. That casual tone even gives it a bit of humor."
"Really?"
"You're acting like you didn't think about it, but you actually did, didn't you?"
Woojin didn't respond.
'Not even close. I just said it.'
Unaware of that, Choi Sunggeon pulled Woojin along and opened his diary.
"We've got about ten minutes before we reach the set. I'll explain what's going to happen next so you get the overall picture."
They passed through a hallway crowded with staff before stopping in a quieter corner.
Choi Sunggeon tucked the diary under his arm and looked straight at Woojin, his expression turning serious.
"First, about Director Kyotaro. As you've seen, Japan is in an uproar over The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. There were already rumors about a Korean actor being cast. Like I told you, I was the one who brought that idea up first. I hope you think I handled it well."
"Ah, yes."
"Of course, everything was discussed with Director Kyotaro. We set a general direction, and it's progressing as planned. Originally, he wanted to reveal it during the official filming period, but that timing didn't work for us. So I persuaded him."
Woojin listened quietly, his expression unchanged.
Choi Sunggeon lowered his voice slightly.
"This isn't just about burying your past. It's about amplifying multiple issues at once. Profiler Hanryang blew up in Japan, didn't it? It's still number one on Netflix Japan and even airing on TV. And you've confirmed a solo appearance on Ame Talk Show!, right?"
"Yes, CEO."
"If that were all, we wouldn't need to involve Director Kyotaro. But think bigger. Boy Friend is nearing the end of filming and is confirmed for Netflix Japan. The OST you did with Hwarin is also coming out. Timing-wise, it's your next project after Hanryang… but honestly, your individual popularity in Japan is still a bit weak."
"I'm aware. I'll have to rely on Hwarin's popularity there."
"Exactly. Executive Director Kim Sohyang and Director Shin Dongchun would think the same. Hanryang was a hit, but your rise wasn't entirely your own. It's still a bit ambiguous."
"So you're using The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice."
A faint smile formed on Choi Sunggeon's lips.
"Riding on someone else's popularity, whether in Korea or Japan, sounds a bit cheap, doesn't it?"
Woojin answered calmly.
"It could also burden Hwarin."
"Right. So let's say you're revealed as the Korean actor cast in The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. Everything changes instantly. Hanryang, Ame Talk Show!, Boy Friend. All of it flips. The Japanese public will become intensely curious about you."
"And The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice gets stronger promotion as well."
"Exactly. A win-win. And that's not even the end of it."
At that moment, everything clicked into place in Woojin's mind.
Kang Woojin's Alter Ego.
"Your YouTube channel. Hanryang created buzz, but look at your SNS and past videos, especially among Japanese fans. Once The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice takes off, people will start searching for you on YouTube. The number of people looking you up could multiply several times over."
Choi Sunggeon's smile deepened.
"And most of that traffic will flow into Kang Woojin's Alter Ego."
That was exactly how it would unfold.
Once Woojin was revealed as the Korean actor, the Japanese public would inevitably grow curious.
Who is this?
They would search for him.
And the traffic would explode.
Choi Sunggeon casually shrugged despite laying out such a large-scale plan.
"Of course, it won't blow up overnight. These things need to be handled carefully. For now, we expand your reach across Japan and eventually beyond. The bigger the controversy, the stronger the ripple effect."
Internally, Woojin was impressed.
Outwardly, he simply nodded.
"Thank you for your effort."
"This is what I do. No need to be formal."
Choi Sunggeon gestured ahead and started walking again.
"With something this big happening, who has time to care about your past gossip?"
"In the middle of a war, no one worries about small arguments."
──────────
Later that night, after finishing filming for Boy Friend, Kang Woojin headed to the YouTube team's office.
It was located near bw Entertainment. The place was quiet, with only the PD waiting for him.
"Let's take a look."
♬♪
The finished videos were high quality.
At least, in Woojin's opinion.
'Seeing my own face is still a bit awkward… but just listening to it, it's actually good.'
There were three videos in total. A short interview, and two versions of the cover song Ballerina, one in Japanese and one in English.
The interview ran for about three minutes, while each cover video was around four.
"This is the English version."
♬♪
The video was clean and simple. Just a recording booth, with Woojin singing in profile while wearing headphones.
His voice stood out clearly.
After watching, the PD nodded in satisfaction.
"Woojin, your English and Japanese pronunciation are excellent. I listened to it several times. It's clear, smooth… really addictive. And your singing is great too."
"…Thank you."
"If we get enough traffic, subscribers are going to love this. I'm not just saying that because I'm in charge. It'll do really well. By the way, have you decided on the channel name?"
"Yes. Kang Woojin's Alter Ego."
"Haha, nice. It feels casual. Less pressure."
After reviewing everything, they immediately created the channel.
[Channel Name: Kang Woojin's Alter Ego]
[Subscribers: 0]
[Videos: 0]
It had just been opened.
Nothing had been uploaded yet.
"CEO, when should we start uploading?"
"It's hard to set an exact date. I'll tell you depending on the situation. We'll release it when the timing feels right."
"Understood. Then we should talk about building up content before launch."
"Of course."
The delay in uploads was due to Woojin's packed schedule.
Consistency was essential on YouTube, so they needed to film as much content in advance as possible.
"Have you thought about the second cover song?"
"Not really."
Then Woojin spoke again.
"What if we reverse it? Like how K-pop songs get translated into Japanese or English… we translate J-pop or English songs into Korean instead."
Choi Sunggeon rubbed his chin.
"That's a good idea."
──────────
Two days later, the controversy surrounding Director Kyotaro grew even larger.
Because he remained silent.
The longer he said nothing, the more speculation spread.
Japanese media flooded the public with articles, while online communities filled with debate.
Predictions about the Korean actor began to appear.
[Online reactions]
[it's probably Lee Hotae. he's done Japanese films before]
[if it's real, it has to be a top-tier actor]
[no way they'd cast someone unknown]
Attention toward The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice surged rapidly across Japan.
Korea was no different.
While Japan focused on Kyotaro, Korea had its own spotlight.
Missing Island.
After a successful script reading, the project quickly gained attention. With top actors involved and Director Kwon Gitaek leading it, it had already become a major topic.
And among them—
Kang Woojin stood out.
A rookie with overwhelming acting ability.
──────────
Meanwhile, Boy Friend was nearing the end of filming, and promotional activities began to slow down.
Posters, press conferences, and various promotional events had already been lined up.
At the set, Director Shin Dongchun spoke to Woojin and Hwarin.
"Woojin, Hwarin. At this pace, we should wrap by August 15. Let's keep pushing."
Time continued to pass.
And during that time—
Rumors about Woojin's "multiple personalities" spread online.
Negative comments began to increase.
[Online reactions]
[isn't he rumored to have DID?]
[why is he staying silent?]
[there are so many witness accounts, but no explanation?]
Woojin ignored all of it.
"So what?"
He left everything to Choi Sunggeon.
More than anything, he was too busy to care.
Around that time, the contract with Ame Talk Show! was finalized.
The news reached Woojin.
"Woojin, the recording is scheduled for August 30."
──────────
August 14.
Tokyo, Japan.
Inside a large meeting room, Director Kyotaro sat across from several reporters.
An interview was underway.
Then one of the reporters spoke.
"Director, your upcoming film The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice has been surrounded by controversy even before production. What are your thoughts?"
A brief silence followed.
Another question came right after.
"If the rumors are false, wouldn't it be better to clarify instead of remaining silent?"
Kyotaro let out a quiet breath and stroked his chin before finally speaking.
"I can't reveal everything yet. However… it is true that a Korean actor has joined the film. The role has already been decided. He is a male actor."
The reporters froze.
"…Really? Is he one of Korea's top actors?"
Kyotaro shook his head calmly.
"No. He's not a top star."
A short pause.
"He's a rookie actor."