The eyes of the chief secretary sitting in the passenger seat widened slightly. It was not quite surprise, more curiosity than anything else. She carefully asked Chairman Yoshimura Hideki, seated behind her, in Japanese.
"Chairman, I'd like to confirm once more. You mean the Korean rookie actor Kang Woojin, correct?"
"Yes."
When no further explanation followed, Chairman Hideki, who had been reading a newspaper, lifted his gaze toward her.
"Was it too sudden to make sense of?"
"No, it was simply a little unexpected."
"That's understandable."
The chairman wore a gentle smile as he lowered his eyes back to the newspaper, then added in an easy tone,
"But you only need to do as instructed. Sometimes curiosity can be poisonous."
The chief secretary immediately turned her body and bowed her head, her face tightening with unease.
"Yes, sir. I understand. Should I look into the details thoroughly?"
Chairman Hideki stroked his chin and shook his head.
"No. Basic information will be enough. His recent activities, his agency, and the works he has appeared in should do."
──────────
Later on, Kang Woojin and Hwarin returned to Korea, but the aftereffects of their schedule in Japan were considerable. That was even more true on the Japanese side.
『Kang Woojin and Hwarin spotted at the airport』
『More than 500 people gather for Kang Woojin and Hwarin's airport arrival / Entertainment News』
The sight of the airport turning upside down the moment they arrived, along with the enormous crowd that rushed in, was more than enough to catch the attention of the Japanese press.
『Kang Woojin waves calmly to the ecstatic Japanese fans, looking far more composed than expected』
Considering he was a foreign actor, and not even one of their own country's actors, the atmosphere was unusually frenzied. Even with Hwarin beside him, there was no denying how noisy and intense it had all become.
Still, unlike in the earliest days, the Japanese press also began releasing articles with a more negative tone.
『A commotion over a Korean rookie actor? What is the big deal? Opposition to Kang Woojin continues to grow』
After the initial shock and ripple effect, the articles that followed naturally leaned more negative than positive. It was a phenomenon commonly seen in Korea as well.
Even so—
『Kang Woojin, personally cast by Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro. What will his next move in Japan be?』
The Japanese media stayed focused on pushing out as much of the hottest news as possible. The topics were largely extensions of existing issues or updates reflecting the latest developments.
『One million subscribers in just a week? Kang Woojin's explosive rise in popularity across Korea and Japan』
『Huge crowds of fans gather at the Netflix Japan event featuring Kang Woojin and Hwarin』
Countless photos appeared throughout those articles. Some had been taken by reporters, while others came from the phones of ordinary Japanese citizens. Naturally, this did not remain limited to the press. It spread everywhere across social media and online communities too.
[I saw Kang Woojin at the airport, and he was way more handsome than I expected!!]
Netflix Japan and Ametalk Show! also helped fuel the word of mouth. From time to time, negative articles appeared as well.
『Rumors spread that investors have pulled out of the controversial film The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, but the production company denies it』
But those were only a minority, and they failed to gain much traction. Far more attention was focused on Kang Woojin's recent recording for Ametalk Show!.
『Kang Woojin's appearance on Ametalk Show! sparks even more curiosity after recording wraps』
『Kang Woojin's appearance on Ametalk Show!, the biggest highlight of his Japan schedule, offers a wide range of things to watch: the first appearance of the Korean rookie actor, guest Hwarin, Kang Woojin's vocals, and the talk segment』
『Ametalk Show! production team: "Kang Woojin has extraordinary abilities"』
That included Kang Woojin's hidden talents as well. Given his popularity in Japan, the response was immediate.
[Ametalk was so good! I'm going to watch it live for the first time in ages!]
[Hwarin was there too?!? The photos of the two of them arriving together looked so good. Are they dating?]
[Comments like yours are how fake rumors start.]
[I'm not even a fan of that actor. I hope he gets dropped from The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.]
[I admit Kang Woojin from Profiler Hanryang can act, but there's still something unfamiliar about him.]
[What are you even talking about? Our actors are the ones who can't act.]
[Kang Woojin! He's so cute! When is he going to be on Ametalk?!]
[I saw Kang Woojin at the airport. Japan really does fall behind Korea in visuals.]
[I'm seriously looking forward to The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, you know?]
There were great expectations, but there were also a few distorted or openly hostile comments mixed in. That, however, was only natural for a rising star and not something worth worrying about.
What mattered most was this.
[Please subscribe to Kang Woojin's social media and YouTube channel! You can see who he really is there!]
Kang Woojin's recognition in Japan was rising faster with every passing day. At that point, the Korean media could no longer afford to simply watch from the sidelines.
『The rookie monster Kang Woojin is currently seeing an explosive surge in popularity in Japan / Photo』
There were even articles framing it as national pride.
『What else could this be but national pride? Analysis pieces examine Kang Woojin's popularity in Japan』
『Marketing experts analyze Kang Woojin's surprising success in Japan: the stagnation of Japan's entertainment industry played a major role』
Naturally, public sentiment in Korea swelled with pride.
──────────
Tuesday, September 1st. HTBS, a major broadcasting network in Seoul.
Even though it was still morning, the variety department office was packed with frantic energy. PDs from different programs were on calls or in meetings with writers, and countless props were piled across desks and in every corner of the office.
It looked almost like a crowded marketplace.
In contrast to the noise outside, the head of variety's office was relatively calm. On the five-seat sofa in the center sat a heavyset man and a familiar bespectacled man.
They were the head of variety and the giant of the entertainment world, PD Yoon Byeongseon.
"PD Yoon, it's getting harder and harder to see your face these days."
"Should I take a break, then? Maybe I should head to a bar nearby and spend some time joking around with Director."
"Director? What are you talking about, you punk? You keep calling me 'Director,' and it sounds strange. Just act like you normally do."
"If I keep calling you hyung, it makes me feel like I'm getting old."
"You are old."
Recently, PD Yoon Byeongseon had hardly shown his face in Korea at all. The reason was simple. He had been too busy preparing the large-scale variety show Our Table at Home, from planning to casting and everything in between.
Since the filming location was overseas, he had been living back and forth between Japan and the United States.
Yoon Byeongseon had only returned from America two days earlier. In any case, he passed a neatly organized clear file to the department head.
"Enough with that. I'm busy today, so just sign it quickly."
"Wow, what is this? A star PD personally asking for a signature? I can feel the aura of someone who made millions in bonuses."
"If you're going to refuse, just say so. Then I'll cancel everything and go on vacation."
The head of variety snatched the clear file from Yoon Byeongseon just as he was about to pull it back, then quickly grabbed a pen from the table in front of him.
"I'm joking, you punk. I told you, didn't I? You don't have to get my signature for every little thing. Just do what you think is right. The CEO said the same thing."
"I still prefer doing it this way. It feels like things are actually moving."
"You're a strange one. Anyway, how much is this round going to cost?"
"Look at the bottom. The travel expenses are listed there too."
"There. Signed."
As he handed the clear file back, the department head suddenly smiled in a slippery way.
"Still, I understood the other cast members, but I never expected Kang Woojin to blow up this much. When you first mentioned him, all he had was Profiler Hanryang*. And now he's become the first rookie to break into Japan. Honestly, Byeongseon, do you have some kind of special talent or something?"*
"Wouldn't that be nice?"
"Why do the people you pick always end up becoming the best? Especially Kang Woojin. He's really on another level."
"Woojin is a very special case."
Just as Yoon Byeongseon was brushing his short hair back and rising from the sofa, the department head continued.
"Just special? Is that enough to describe him? Even after more than twenty-five years in variety, I've never seen anyone like him. How can a rookie with less than a year since debut shake up the industry this much?"
"If there's ability involved, it belongs to Woojin, not me. Once Our Table at Home starts airing, you'll be even more surprised."
"Why? What else does Kang Woojin have?"
"I'm leaving."
As Yoon Byeongseon walked away, the head of variety called after him.
"Hey, hey! Have you decided where season one of Our Table at Home is going to be filmed? Japan?"
Yoon Byeongseon, who had just reached for the door, shook his head.
"No. We're starting with America."
As soon as he stepped out of the office, assistant directors and writers who had been waiting nearby approached him. Adjusting his glasses, Yoon Byeongseon gave them instructions directly.
"Let's start the meeting right away."
"Yes!"
"And get in touch with the cast. We need to set up the interview filming schedule for the first episode. Make sure you check Woojin's schedule in particular. He's probably the busiest one."
"We'll start looking for restaurants that would work as filming locations."
"Good. And let the cast know that season one will be filmed in America."
"Yes, yes. Have you decided what kind of Korean food it'll focus on?"
Yoon Byeongseon, who was pressing the elevator button, answered with a smile.
"How about K-street food? K-bunsik?"
──────────
Meanwhile, in Japan—
Near Irakuchi Station, not far from Tokyo Station, a tall, boxy building stood out even from a distance. It was the headquarters of the famous conglomerate Kashiwa Group.
At the very top floor of the Kashiwa Group building—
The hallway leading to the owner's room, the chairman's office, carried a lavish atmosphere. Naturally, the office belonged to Chairman Yoshimura Hideki. Ever since learning about Kang Woojin through his grandson, Chairman Yoshimura had kept a broad office that looked almost like a hotel suite.
The unusual part was the books.
There were books everywhere, so many that they filled the entire wall and spilled around the large desk and sofa as well. It was enough to show just how many books Yoshimura read.
"Hmm."
Sitting at the large desk by the window with his suit jacket removed, Chairman Yoshimura listened to the chief secretary's report.
"The Kang Woojin you inquired about has completed his schedule in Japan and returned to Korea."
As she presented the related documents and continued her report, Chairman Yoshimura, glasses resting at the tip of his nose, slowly nodded.
"That is unfortunate. There is no chance at all that he might return to Japan?"
"Not for the time being."
"I see. Continue."
The chief secretary, dressed neatly with her hair tied back, read from the prepared materials.
"Kang Woojin currently wields major influence in Korea. He first drew attention through his debut short film, and the drama he appeared in afterward recorded ratings of twenty-five percent. Next—"
She went through Kang Woojin's career from his early debut period up to the present. Most of it had already been widely covered in the press, so gathering the information had not been difficult. She also added that major figures were beginning to take an interest in him.
"In Japan, the Profiler Hanryang channel has launched, and the drama Boy Friend is scheduled to air. In addition, as you already know, Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro's The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice is currently in pre-production. Kang Woojin's rapid rise in popularity in Japan is due in large part to The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*."*
"Mm, I see. I enjoyed the book The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice as well."
The issues and attention surrounding Kang Woojin were increasing sharply in both Korea and Japan. In Korea especially, he was showing an overwhelming presence.
As he continued listening, a trace of surprise appeared on Chairman Yoshimura Hideki's face. Soon, tapping the report lightly with his index finger, he asked the chief secretary in a calm voice,
"All of this happened in less than a year?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Is that common? I find it rather surprising. Even models signed by the main company or its subsidiaries usually take at least three to five years before they are fully shaped."
"It is a truly exceptional case. It may be uncertain in Korea, but in Japan, it would not be an exaggeration to say he is the first of his kind."
"Then he must be a uniquely singular figure in Korea as well."
To be honest, Yoshimura was deeply surprised. Kang Woojin's filmography was remarkable. Beyond mere empathy, the speed and results fascinated him from the perspective of a businessman.
'He must have endured tremendous hardship to achieve this much. And at such a young age. Acting, Japanese, Japanese sign language, and even his YouTube channel mostly consists of song videos. He really is versatile. Extraordinary.'
As he turned the next page of the report, Yoshimura focused on the people around Kang Woojin.
'He is surrounded by outstanding figures. Giants, even.'
And then he realized something.
'It is difficult even to imagine how much hardship he must have gone through.'
"Secretary?"
"There was nothing else. Was there no information at all about sign language?"
"No, Chairman. There was nothing at all regarding sign language."
Changing the subject, Yoshimura asked about Kang Woojin's agency.
"This agency of his is not very large. BW Entertainment, was it?"
"Yes. Compared to other entertainment companies in Korea, it is relatively new and still small in scale."
"So, in other words, it is a startup."
"Yes."
"And under them, there are only two actors. Kang Woojin and top actress Hong Hyeyeon."
"Ah, that actress."
"Yes. However, judging from the recent success of Kang Woojin and Hong Hyeyeon, the company appears to be aiming for expansion."
"I see. They are planning to grow."
Yoshimura's voice grew quieter, and a curious light flickered in his eyes.
"A ship must be large enough to carry more people. Look into that part in greater detail."
"Understood."
"Anything else unusual?"
At that question, the secretary mentioned The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.
"This seems to be under strict secrecy, but from what I was able to learn, there appears to be a problem with The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*."*
Yoshimura's eyes widened slightly.
"A problem? What kind of problem?"
At once, his grandson Shingo came to mind, as did the promise they had made to watch The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice together. Yoshimura's brows drew together.
"A financial issue?"
"Yes. An investment-related issue."
Yoshimura nodded, and some of the tension in his expression eased.
"If it is a money problem, then it is not a problem at all."
──────────
Meanwhile, in Korea—
The location was a sound studio in Seoul. It was by no means small. That much was obvious from the scale of the main recording studio alone. At the front stood multiple monitors and screens, various sound devices, and control panels crowded with buttons. Behind them were dozens of chairs.
Could it hold fifty people at minimum?
It truly looked that way. At the moment, more than thirty people were seated inside the studio. The lighting was dim, and in the chair at the center sat Kang Woojin, wearing his usual indifferent expression.
But inside—
'This is so exciting!'
He was bursting with excitement. The reason was displayed on the screen in front.
A grand, heavy piece of background music filled the studio. White text appeared over the darkened screen. It was a long list of investment-related names. Then the volume rose abruptly, and large letters emerged on the screen.
-[Drug Dealer]
The title was styled in a rough design mixing black and red. Soon it dissolved like smoke and was replaced by more rough lettering.
-[Jin Jaejoon]
The actors' names.
-[Park Panseo]
After the names of the lead actors, one more actor's name appeared.
-[And Kang Woojin]
The first preview for Drug Dealer had begun.