Hwarin was standing in front of the elevator, and Hong Hyeyeon had just entered the building. The two of them briefly met each other's eyes.
Because of that, a short silence settled over the hallway.
"······"
"······"
Both of them looked surprised.
That was only natural. Neither of them had said a word to the other about this audition. Then again, it was not exactly strange. No matter how close they were, even if they talked on the phone often, that did not mean they shared every single detail about work.
Still, to run into each other here like this.
In truth, both Hwarin and Hong Hyeyeon had been deeply interested in Leech for quite some time. Ever since Director Ahn Gabok had officially announced the production of Leech, the two of them had each been preparing for something. Their goals were slightly different, but in the end, they led to the same place.
To be cast in the film Leech.
Soon, the actresses' staff members found themselves facing one another, and the managers on both sides wore awkward expressions.
On Hwarin's side—
'Ah, of all people, Hong Hyeyeon. This is seriously awkward.'
Hong Hyeyeon's side felt much the same.
'The atmosphere is going to get awkward. The audition itself will be fair, but the two of them are close, so they're bound to be conscious of each other.'
Even Kim Daeyoung, the sturdily built man who had made an appearance again after a long time, was there with Hong Hyeyeon's group.
'Damn... this feels like a morning soap opera. Judging by their faces, they really had no idea. I wonder if that damn Woojin knows about this.'
Looking closely, Hong Hyeyeon and Hwarin's situations were somewhat similar. Hong Hyeyeon had temporarily halted her activities after making cameo appearances in Island of the Missing and Our Table. Hwarin had been in much the same position.
Anyway, it was Hong Hyeyeon who broke the silence first. She brushed her long hair back and let out a short sigh.
"Whew, that really surprised me."
Hwarin shrugged.
"Same here. You didn't say a single word that you were doing this, unni."
"As if you told me anything either?"
The two sounded like they were bickering a little, but in truth, they were no different from usual. By then, Hong Hyeyeon had moved to stand beside Hwarin in front of the elevator.
"This project has a lot of confidential aspects to it. And since it's Director Ahn Gabok's work, there are a lot of actors who want in. I don't know exactly who, but I heard they're all highly skilled actors. The audition itself is one thing, and Woojin being involved as a judge probably serves as a kind of filter, but still, a lot of people would apply, and there was always the chance it might not work out. So I didn't really see the need to mention it."
"Yes, unni. I felt the same way. Besides, I'm an idol-turned-actress. It felt a little awkward to bring it up. Honestly, I thought a lot about whether I should even come. I was worried about whether I'd really be able to do well in this audition."
"What are you talking about? There's nothing wrong with you."
"It's not that. It's just that the perception around me can still be a little vague."
While waiting for the elevator, the two of them spoke honestly. But there was one thing they both left unsaid.
'As for Woojin... well, there's no reason to bring him up.'
'Just in case, let's not bring up Woojin. If it shows, that might not be good.'
The person they were both thinking of was Kang Woojin. Both actresses had been heavily influenced by him in getting to this point.
In any case, the mood softened somewhat.
"Since when did you start preparing?"
"Since the rumors about Leech started going around. What about you, unni?"
"Around the same time. It was when Director Ahn Gabok came to Da Nang."
"Ah, really? Hmm, unni, I'm guessing you're auditioning for the same role as me?"
"Probably. As far as I know, there's only one female role being auditioned for today."
A competitive atmosphere formed between Hwarin and Hong Hyeyeon. It was the first time anything like this had happened since the two of them had grown close. They had never had the chance to compete before, and neither had expected to find themselves in this situation, so their feelings were complicated throughout the conversation.
Before long, both teams stepped into the elevator.
Ding!
When the doors opened on the second floor, Hong Hyeyeon spoke first in a low voice.
"Hwarin, do well. I'm going to do well too."
"Of course. No taking it easy on each other."
"There's no room for that. No matter what, let's survive this."
"Right... this is a battlefield, isn't it? I'll call you after it's over."
"Of course. Definitely."
After that brief exchange, Hwarin and Hong Hyeyeon headed toward their separate waiting rooms. At first, they had been startled, but both of them accepted the competitive challenge with calm expressions. At that moment, no matter how close they were, Hong Hyeyeon and Hwarin were simply two actresses.
'I want to be in Leech*.'*
And the actresses they had to surpass today were not few in number. They had no room to waste their energy on trivial things.
So—
"Hyeyeon, are you okay?"
"About what?"
"I mean, you probably had no idea Hwarin would be here."
"Anyway, I guess we don't know all the actresses coming today. So Hwarin is one of them. Where's the script?"
"Ah, here."
The same went for Hwarin's side.
"Wow, things really are going to get interesting. I never imagined Hyeyeon would show up... I'm seriously nervous. Hwarin, can you still focus on the audition without worrying about it?"
"Yes. Actually, if anything, it motivates me more. This is the first time something like this has happened with unni. I might still have a lot lacking, but I still want to do my best."
For some reason, their fighting spirit flared up at once. It was not from contempt or jealousy toward each other. It was energy born out of mutual respect. Watching Hong Hyeyeon open the short script, the broad-shouldered Kim Daeyoung muttered to himself,
'Hong Hyeyeon and Hwarin. Their styles are completely different... I really can't predict how this will turn out.'
In the meantime—
actors started arriving one after another at the theater building where the Leech audition would be held. They were top-tier performers, regardless of gender. More than five had already arrived, and it was expected that twice as many would still come.
There were more people than expected.
Of course, it was still an audition, and because Kang Woojin was one of the judges, even this group had already gone through a considerable amount of filtering. This was exactly the scenario Director Ahn Gabok had wanted. Without forgetting his original intention, he was looking for actors with desperation in them. Actors who would throw away their pride, ignore their fame, and dive into the role with everything they had.
But not every actor who came to the audition was entirely pleased.
"Sigh, Dongwook. I'm asking you one last time before we head to the waiting room. Are you really doing this audition?"
"Yes, I am. How many times do I have to say it before you get it?"
"No matter how I think about it, there's nothing in this for you, is there? It's just an audition. Does this even feel like an audition at your level? And on top of that, that cocky Kang Woojin is sitting there as a judge?"
"I don't care. I'm just going to ignore him. Besides, they said Kang Woojin got contacted by Hollywood, didn't they? Then I guess that balances things out a little."
"But there's no guarantee that's one hundred percent true. And lately there's been all that fuss about him playing the piano in Japan."
"Forget all that. This is Director Ahn Gabok's hundredth work. Honestly, don't you want to see it too? As long as I don't have to look at Kang Woojin, I'm fine."
Or there was discomfort of another kind.
"Ha... so it's confirmed that Kang Woojin really is one of the judges?"
"I'm not sure. But the production company hasn't said otherwise, so there probably hasn't been any change. Just prepare as if Kang Woojin is definitely there."
"Ah, if only Kang Woojin wasn't involved, this would be perfect. I don't mind auditioning... but the idea of him sitting right there in front of me is a little uncomfortable."
"What can you do? Not everything can be perfect. But I heard Kang Woojin is also appearing in PD Song Manwoo's new project. His popularity is way higher than yours right now."
"Hyung, are you actually on my side?"
Of course, there were also top actors who focused solely on the role they wanted, regardless of their surroundings.
For example, Jin Jaejun, the lead actor from the recent hit film Drug Dealer, gave off exactly that kind of presence when he arrived.
"Jaejun, we're here. Are you alright?"
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"Did you contact Woojin?"
"No. There was no need."
"Honestly, after seeing Woojin's acting in Drug Dealer*, I can't help but acknowledge it. But even so, doesn't it burden you, knowing he's sitting there as a judge?"*
"Hmm, to some extent."
"You don't have to overdo it."
"Why wouldn't I? There's a monster named Kang Woojin sitting in front of me. You don't get it. When you see Woojin acting right in front of you, it really... Anyway, it feels like something inside me is boiling. Jungmin-hyung told me to turn the frustration I feel toward Woojin into determination."
The actors kept arriving one by one. Fortunately, because they were arriving at different times, they rarely ran into each other.
About an hour later.
Around one in the afternoon, a large black van pulled into the crowded outdoor parking lot filled with numerous vans and cars. It was Kang Woojin's van.
Then—
Kang Woojin stepped out of the vehicle wearing a gray knit sweater and a long coat. He had a mask on, and his hair had not even been styled. That was only natural, since he had come directly from Japan. There had been no reason to stop by a salon for an audition.
As always, the Kang Woojin stepping out of the van carried his usual dense air of confidence.
"······"
A small breath escaped his mouth into the cold air. In the peak chill of early February, Kang Woojin fixed his gaze on the fairly large building in front of him. It was a three-story structure with an exterior metal staircase, and from the outside it looked almost new.
'So that's the theater? It looks way bigger than I imagined.'
He had expected something smaller, since it was supposed to be used as a theater, but it was much larger than he had thought.
'If it's that size, then the stage space inside must be pretty big too.'
At that moment, Choi Sunggeon with his ponytail, and the broad-shouldered Jang Suhwan, came over to Woojin's side. The stylists like Han Yejung seemed to be resting in the van for the moment.
Soon, Choi Sunggeon patted Woojin on the shoulder.
"Aside from Director Ahn Gabok and actor Shim Hanho, every actor in this theater today is top level. Of course, I know you've got no reason to be nervous, but I still want to ask. Are you steady?"
No, honestly, I'm a little nervous.
Up until he was on the plane, Kang Woojin had been fine, but now that the audition was right in front of him, he was slightly tense. That was understandable. This was the first major audition of his life, and on top of that, he was not attending as an actor, but as a judge.
And everyone here—whether actor or director—was a major name.
He had to prove his worth in front of them both as the lead actor of Leech and as one of its judges.
'Damn, was accepting this a mistake? Just sitting there sounds even more uncomfortable.'
Suppressing the anxiety rising inside him, Kang Woojin answered in a steady tone.
"Yes, CEO-nim. Same as always."
"Got it. But honestly, Woojin, it's such a shame that being a judge for Director Ahn Gabok's project has to stay secret. If it weren't confidential, I'd have taken a hundred photos and posted them on SNS right away. What a waste."
Right after Choi Sunggeon sincerely lamented that fact, a shout rang out from the right.
"Mr. Woojin! Hello!!"
It was a staff member from the Leech team.
"This way! I'll guide you!!"
A little later—
guided by the staff, Kang Woojin entered the small theater on the first floor of the building. More precisely, he stepped onto the stage at the front of the small theater. Standing alone there, Woojin slowly scanned the entire space. There was a decently sized stage, a large screen hanging behind it, several lights installed on the ceiling, and far more seats than he had expected.
This small theater was actually fairly large.
'Can you even call this a small theater? It looks pretty big to me.'
The place had a strange atmosphere, like a mix of a playhouse and a movie theater. Naturally, it was rented out for a variety of events, and today it was being used as the venue for the Leech audition. That was why the armrests of the very front-row seats, right in front of the stage, had drink holders and clear document trays placed on them.
The judges would probably be sitting there.
As Kang Woojin looked over the front seats, an elderly voice came from the side entrance by the stage.
"So you're here?"
Turning toward the sound, Woojin saw an old man with a thin gray jacket, both hands resting behind his back, smiling with wrinkled eyes. It was none other than the legendary Director Ahn Gabok.
"I heard you came straight from Japan, but you got here earlier than I expected."
Director Ahn Gabok slowly climbed onto the stage where Woojin stood. Kang Woojin gave him a respectful nod.
"Hello, Director."
"Yes, hello. Are you tired? Thank you. You've been rushing through a busy schedule in both Japan and Korea, and now you're here for this audition."
"It's nothing much."
"Heh heh. Like I told you before, you can just sit and watch, so don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"······"
"Ah, right. I also heard a lot of things while you were in Japan. What was that piano video all about?"
Kang Woojin lowered his voice.
"I played a simple piece, but it ended up getting more attention than I expected."
"From what I heard, it didn't sound like the level of something learned in just a year or two. Really, the more I see you, the more mysterious you become."
"······"
"Oh, right. You're also appearing in PD Song's next work, aren't you?"
"Yes."
Having come close, Director Ahn Gabok carefully studied Kang Woojin's face.
"You're not overworking yourself, are you?"
"I'm doing fine."
The legendary director of Korean cinema looked at Woojin and let out a concerned sigh.
"...Woojin, you're the kind of actor who will lead the Korean acting world in the future. Don't push yourself too hard. If you ever stop acting, it would be a great loss to Korean acting."
That was not simple lip service. Director Ahn Gabok's serious expression made it clear he meant every word.
At his age, he already understood it vaguely.
'I don't have much time left. This person will be the one to carry on my history and my goals.'
He was speaking not only of Korea, but of Hollywood as well.
Kang Woojin gave a serious nod.
'This old man really is a bit tsundere after all. In his own way, he's looking out for me.'
Just then, Director Ahn Gabok changed the subject.
"Ah, and aside from you and actor Shim Hanho, one more casting has been finalized. Actress Oh Heeryeong will be joining us as Yoo Hyunji."
With that, one of the key roles in Leech—Yoo Hyunji—had officially been cast. The actress Director Ahn Gabok mentioned, Oh Heeryeong, was in her fifties, yet despite having over twenty-five years of experience, she still looked as though she were in her thirties.
On top of that, she was associated with every sort of keyword imaginable—captivating, elegant, refined, enchanting. That was why she still remained one of the top actresses across numerous works. Compared to Hong Hyeyeon, she was on a level above.
Of course, Kang Woojin knew exactly who Oh Heeryeong was.
'Wow, that's crazy. She got Yoo Hyunji? The sync is insane.'
A thick male voice then joined in from beside them.
"Are you doing some sort of rehearsal?"
It was veteran actor Shim Hanho.
Still radiating the tiger-like charisma that defined him, he walked confidently onto the stage with his long hair, streaked with white, tied back. After respectfully greeting Director Ahn Gabok, he held out his hand to Kang Woojin.
"I've been watching your impressive performances."
Internally startled by the overwhelming presence Shim Hanho gave off, Kang Woojin kept his emotions hidden as much as possible and answered calmly.
"Thank you, sunbae-nim."
"You must be busy, but have you analyzed Leech*?"*
"Yes. To some extent. I'm doing that now too."
Shim Hanho released Woojin's hand, glanced at Director Ahn Gabok, then looked back at Woojin.
"I'm looking forward to it."
After that, preparations for the audition in the theater, which felt almost like a stage play, were completed quickly. There was nothing overly grand about it, but once the lighting check was done, the judges, including Kang Woojin, took their seats. The key staff of Leech and the managers of the actors also took places here and there around them.
Finally—
"Alright, let's begin. Who's the first actor?"
When Director Ahn Gabok asked from the very front row, the assistant director seated beside him leaned in and whispered,
"Jin Jaejun is first."
"Hmm. Bring him in."
"Yes, understood."
The assistant director radioed the waiting production staff, and Director Ahn Gabok opened the brief script that had been distributed in advance. Today's audition would proceed as a designated acting audition. Depending on the role, the actors would perform scenes from Leech.
"Now then, who'll be reading opposite each actor?"
When Director Ahn Gabok let the question hang, the representative from the film company seated beside him spoke up.
"Should I do it?"
"Really?"
"Yes. I'll just read the lines."
At that very moment—
"Director."
A low voice suddenly came from a little farther away. From Director Ahn Gabok to Shim Hanho, the film company representative, the key staff seated behind them, and even the managers of the actors, including Choi Sunggeon, everyone turned their heads to look.
It was Kang Woojin.
In a low voice, he said,
"I'll take the supporting role."
For a brief moment, the small theater fell silent.