At Kim Sohyang's proposal, the eyes of the Beneficial Evil staff wavered slightly. But Song Manwoo PD's expression and gaze, fixed on Kim Sohyang, remained serious. He was a giant in the drama industry. A proposal like this was not enough to shake him.
'This is the first time I've been approached through Netflix.'
Since Song Manwoo PD had spent his entire career attached to broadcasting stations, this was the first time he had received a direct offer from an outside platform. Still, he had already been contacted by other OTT platforms, so Netflix's proposal was not entirely unexpected. In any case, Song Manwoo PD was currently free.
Whether it was a broadcasting network or Netflix did not matter.
What mattered was the condition.
Soon, Song Manwoo PD continued with a faint smile.
"Thank you for the offer, Director. You're getting straight to the point, haha."
Kim Sohyang also smiled comfortably.
"We know we were the last to arrive. But the moment we heard the news, we moved quickly. Internally, we held a lot of meetings so we could present PD-nim with the most attractive terms possible."
"I see. I was just at the point of deciding where to head next myself."
"I expected as much, but after reading the script and synopsis for Part 1 of Beneficial Evil, I became even more excited. Ah, the title Beneficial Evil hasn't been revealed yet, right?"
"No. We're planning to announce it together with the platform that gets selected."
Kim Sohyang nodded and accepted the transparent file handed to her by the staff member seated beside her. Then she spoke again.
"To be honest, Hanryang was only Netflix's second choice, but it became a huge success in Japan and is still holding a top ranking even now. PD-nim directed it, and writer Choi Nana already proved her skills with Boy Friend."
"Yes, I know very well. She's currently writing a very strong script."
"Even with just the two of you, it was already enough to make us move, but the moment we heard that actor Kang Woojin had joined, we simply couldn't let it go. We felt we absolutely had to make this happen, no matter what."
It was not only Executive Director Kim Sohyang. Broadcasting stations and all the other places that had met with Song Manwoo PD reacted the same way. Once word spread that Kang Woojin had joined Beneficial Evil, Song Manwoo PD's phone had not stopped ringing.
In any case, Kim Sohyang continued.
"And of course, once I read the script and synopsis, my expectations only grew. It was gripping enough that I wanted to read the script for Episode 2 right away. On top of that, the cool, thrilling action felt stylish, and the story itself was solid. The distinctly Korean design and artistic charm stood out as well."
She slid the transparent file toward Song Manwoo PD.
"This project is the result of three outstanding people joining forces, so it's obvious it'll become a huge success domestically. But PD-nim, I believe Beneficial Evil has more than enough potential to succeed globally as well. It would be a shame to keep it confined only to the domestic market. Considering the position our country is in right now, wouldn't it be worth aiming for a worldwide hit?"
Song Manwoo PD opened the transparent file. He could not grasp everything at once, but even skimming through it quickly was enough for him to pick up the major points.
'Their sincerity really shows, even in difficult conditions.'
Compared to the broadcasting stations, it could not be called overwhelmingly better, but there were certainly a number of clear advantages. The biggest of them was financial support. Kim Sohyang resumed her briefing.
"The Korean Wave is strong around the world, but K-pop still dominates, and K-content hasn't quite broken through in a major way yet. Of course, there could be risks for you as well. But you've already achieved enormous success domestically, and I think perhaps you may be starting to feel some boredom. Especially since this is your first independent project, all the more so."
"······"
"And the lead actor, Kang Woojin, continues to expand his international standing. He attended Cannes with Director Ahn Gabok, and more recently, news even broke about Hollywood casting."
Kim Sohyang's voice grew firmer.
"PD-nim, I believe Beneficial Evil could completely overturn the world."
Those words struck deeply inside Song Manwoo PD. More precisely, they stirred him even further and pushed him to move forward.
'The world… yes. I've been thinking that I should take on one challenge before it's too late.'
That had originally been Song Manwoo PD's goal. He was called a master of the Korean drama industry, but he himself had always felt something lacking. Of course, he had felt tremendous joy when his projects became major hits at home, but at times he had also felt like he was trapped inside a well.
Song Manwoo PD was someone who poured his whole life into making dramas out of pure passion for directing.
Even before Hanryang, he had thought this more than once.
'Could a project I direct ever go beyond Korea and succeed overseas too? Could people out there enjoy our work?'
Should he stay here?
'This may be exactly the moment I've been putting off.'
In truth, considering Beneficial Evil's potential in overseas markets, Netflix was the optimal platform. Song Manwoo PD, burning with ambition, wanted to call a meeting about global release immediately. But this issue was tied directly to the fate of Beneficial Evil itself.
'That goes without saying for writer Choi Nana too.'
At minimum, he needed the approval of two people.
'I have to hear Kang Totem's opinion. No, Woojin's opinion.'
──────────
About an hour later, they returned to the small theater again for the Leech audition.
Roughly thirty people had gathered inside. Interestingly, the atmosphere among them was far heavier than it had been before. The entire theater felt heated, but it was not only because the heater had been turned up high.
It was because of the acting of the two actors on the stage.
Kang Woojin, possessed by Park Haseong, and Jin Jaejun, receiving Park Haseong as Yoon Jaho, were overflowing with intensity, and the energy they radiated completely overwhelmed the audience filling the small theater.
That was true not only for those seeing it with their own eyes, but also for those watching through the cameras.
Cameras had been set up at the front and on both sides of the stage.
The cinematographer watched the actors' performance through the monitor.
'······Is this really the level of an audition performance?'
The man with the protruding belly was a veteran who had worked on Director Ahn Gabok's team for more than ten years. He had met countless actors across countless projects, and all of them had passed through the lens of his camera.
But at this moment, for the first time, the cinematographer felt something like electricity running through his whole body.
Should he call it exhilaration?
The cinematographer knew the Leech script well too. No, all the key staff did. Each of them had built up and imagined the world of Leech in their own way according to their position. The cinematographer, in particular, had spent a great deal of time drawing up storyboards alongside Director Ahn Gabok.
And yet now, the true substance of Leech was unfolding in front of his eyes.
"Both actors are performing this scene for the first time, and especially Kang Woojin… that man is insane."
It was the first moment a part of Leech's world had been realized in actual form.
Because of that, it was also a first for the cinematographer, for Director Ahn Gabok, for Director Shim Hanho, and for the rest of the key staff. Yet even in that unfamiliar world, Kang Woojin and Jin Jaejun expressed it without the slightest awkwardness.
Of course, the one holding the brush and painting the picture was Kang Woojin. At least, that was how the cinematographer saw it.
'No… is it even possible to suddenly show Ripley Syndrome like that without any emotional buildup beforehand?'
Ripley Syndrome was the core of Park Haseong, the very heart of the character that had been gradually built through the Leech script. Park Haseong had collapsed little by little.
In other words, it was not the kind of emotion that could suddenly appear out of nowhere.
And yet Kang Woojin was keeping his mind perfectly clear, as if he had already lived as Park Haseong for months.
'It's not just that he acts well… I think the Park Haseong I had imagined was missing something.'
That was exactly the moment.
While the actors continued performing, Director Ahn Gabok, who had been seated at the judges' table, moved closer to the cinematographer.
"······"
He wore an extremely solemn expression, but he said almost nothing. He simply kept his eyes fixed on the monitor attached to the camera. There was not even the slightest movement from him.
That movement was enough to snap the executives, who had been fully absorbed in watching the acting, back to reality.
'He said he'd do it moderately?! That? I could've sworn I heard him say earlier that he'd keep it moderate??'
'This isn't an audition… it's just a play, isn't it?'
'Wow, so that's why they call Kang Woojin an acting monster.'
'How is anyone supposed to get through this audition stage?'
Then it happened.
"Cut."
Standing in front of the camera, Director Ahn Gabok gave the signal and then spoke in his usual old voice.
"Let's start again from the top."
It was a request for another take.
Not because Kang Woojin and Jin Jaejun's acting had been lacking. Director Ahn Gabok simply wanted to see the actors not just with his own eyes, but through the camera as well.
Soon, Woojin and Jin Jaejun stopped acting and returned to the original positions of the scene.
Meanwhile, Director Ahn Gabok—
'······Kang Woojin.'
He watched Woojin place the chair back in its original position.
I understand Director Kwon's feelings.
His gaze was intense.
'What director wouldn't be delighted to see the work he created come alive this vividly?'
On the other hand, Kang Woojin, having just returned the chair to its place, was deep in thought. He was not thinking about Park Haseong. He was thinking about another role entirely.
'It feels like portraying Chairman Yoon Jeongbae exactly as he is might be a little excessive. Should I try character fusion instead?'
──────────
About an hour later, in one of the waiting rooms at the theater.
Among the actors waiting for their turn in the ongoing Leech audition, one person stood out. She was a rookie actress with a somewhat unfamiliar face. Sitting on the sofa in the waiting room and reading the script, her expression was intense.
"I'll do it. I absolutely will."
Her eyes were filled with fierce determination. Perhaps even ambition. It was understandable. Among all the many famous actors gathered here, she was the only rookie.
Her name was Han Sojin.
With long black hair and sharp eyes, she drew attention with her clear skin and slender limbs. A single mole at the tip of her nose added to her charm, giving her an elegant yet decadent atmosphere.
Han Sojin had debuted about three years ago.
But it was only around two years ago that she had begun to receive public attention. Compared to Kang Woojin, she was technically earlier, though not by much.
What was interesting was—
『[Film Festival] "Monster Rookie" Kang Woojin sweeps major categories at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, including Best New Actor and more』
She had won Best New Actress at this year's Blue Dragon Awards. Even by ordinary standards, Han Sojin's achievement as a rookie actress who had risen to attention after Kang Woojin was remarkable. After all, she had been relatively unknown after her debut, only to seize the Best New Actress award.
But—
『Kang Woojin sets a new record with 8 trophies! No one can stop him!』
Her impact was small.
Naturally, she had been completely overshadowed by Kang Woojin's overwhelming presence. From the beginning of her career, she had been praised, and both her beauty and her acting were at their peak, but once Kang Woojin suddenly appeared, Han Sojin's media exposure dropped, and public attention toward her faded.
It was not that Han Sojin was lacking.
It was simply that Kang Woojin's influence was crushingly overwhelming.
Even so, Han Sojin was still working steadily. Although she was overshadowed by others, her achievements had never betrayed her.
At some point, however, she had started observing Woojin consistently. Social media, YouTube, articles, works, even rumors. He revealed an unbelievably intense presence wherever he appeared.
So what?
'How great can he really be? If he were right in front of me, I could surpass him too.'
The entertainment industry had a tendency to weed out those who lacked skill or focus, but Han Sojin did not give up easily. Instead of foolishly accepting defeat, she turned her frustration into even stronger determination.
"I can do it. No, I will."
That was why she had turned down projects she could have joined without auditioning and come all the way here instead. It was not because of arrogance or jealousy, but because she desperately wanted to prove herself.
Otherwise, she would never have pushed herself into such a difficult situation. It seemed something like competitiveness had taken hold of her.
Right then—
Knock knock.
A knock came at the waiting room door, and one of the staff members from the Leech audition team poked their head in.
"Han Sojin-ssi, it's your turn."
"Ah, yes."
She set down the script and stood up gracefully. She straightened her long hair, then took a small breath in and out. After that, she began to walk, one slow step at a time. The hallway leading to the theater was quiet.
'Fortunately, that actor agreed to perform with me.'
Because of that, Han Sojin's resolve only hardened further. Her heart was pounding with tension, but she somehow forced it down.
The role she had chosen for today's audition was Yoon Jimin, the youngest daughter among the three children in Leech.
On top of that, she was the very first actor to perform it today.
Soon—
Han Sojin stepped into the small theater, which was thick with heat. Many people were visible. She first bowed politely to the judges seated in front.
"Hello! I'm Han Sojin!"
Director Ahn Gabok, who had been wearing a stern expression, smiled slightly.
"Hoho, good. I'm looking forward to your acting."
"Thank you!"
She answered brightly. Han Sojin was startled not only to see Director Ahn Gabok, but also the veteran actor Shim Hanho. They were both figures of enormous influence.
'Calm down, calm down.'
Steadying herself, Han Sojin climbed onto the stage. She looked at Kang Woojin, who wore a detached expression. No—he was the target she had set for herself. No matter how desperate she felt, she could not afford to give up.
Han Sojin approached Woojin and greeted him.
"Hello. It's nice to work with you."
Kang Woojin replied in a low voice.
"Yes. I look forward to it."
At that moment, Han Sojin lowered her voice and whispered her determination to him.
"Woojin, I'm definitely going to beat you and surpass you."
"······"
Kang Woojin looked at her without expression. Han Sojin could not read his face at all.
'What in the world is this person thinking?'
She understood immediately why people said this man was unpredictable.
Without any change in expression, Kang Woojin answered shortly.
"Confidence."
"What?"
"Do as you like."
"······"
He treated her fierce determination far too lightly.
Han Sojin bit her lower lip slightly, her competitive spirit flaring up. Then she informed everyone of the scene she had chosen, and Director Ahn Gabok raised a hand to signal the start.
"Hi, action."
The scene she had chosen depicted a confrontation between the chaebol family's youngest daughter, Yoon Jimin, and her father, Chairman Yoon Jeongbae.
Soon, Han Sojin suddenly raked both hands through her long hair and shouted at Woojin standing in front of her.
"Ah!! Why!! I told you it wasn't me! Why would I ever like that servant and that parasite? Have I gone crazy? Have I lost my mind?"
Madness swirled in her eyes.
By contrast, Kang Woojin, one hand in his pocket, remained calm. His deep gaze was filled with cold composure. He was already Chairman Yoon Jeongbae himself.
"Calm down. I was just asking. If anything, looking at your reaction only makes it seem more certain, doesn't it?"
Kang Woojin took another step toward Han Sojin. His expression, his gestures, his tone, even the way he looked at her—everything had changed. Park Haseong was nowhere to be found. What remained was a low voice carrying the sly charisma of a snake. If you closed your eyes, only Chairman Yoon Jeongbae came to mind.
And seeing him from so close up, Han Sojin felt that fact more acutely than anyone.
'Wasn't he just playing Park Haseong? How can he bring Chairman Yoon Jeongbae to life like this too?'
Shim Hanho flinched without realizing it. Director Ahn Gabok's eyes widened. A disturbance rippled across the entire small theater.
In the middle of it, Han Sojin delivered her next line.
"Ah, what are you talking about? No! No!! Get out! Get out of my room!! You filthy old man! You're just as disgusting as that leech bastard, so stop saying weird things and get out!"
Her scream was almost a desperate shriek. But Kang Woojin, watching her, did not budge in the slightest. Then he tilted his head slightly. A faint smile spread at the corner of his mouth. He stepped even closer.
When he came closer still, their faces were so near that she could feel his scent and his breath.
And at that exact moment—
'······What?'
Only a few minutes earlier, Kang Woojin had been frighteningly perfect as Chairman Yoon Jeongbae, but in an instant he had transformed into a completely different person.
Han Sojin felt that change more clearly than anyone.
"My daughter, my beloved daughter."
The atmosphere around them changed into something inexplicable in an instant. All emotion disappeared from his tone and manner of speaking, yet the rhythm remained. Above all, the smile unique to Chairman Yoon Jeongbae still remained at his lips.
"Look me in the eyes and say it again. Is that really not true?"
Kang Woojin's eyes were empty. Neither his mouth nor his gaze showed even a trace of emotion.
As a result, Chairman Yoon Jeongbae now felt like a completely different person.
No—was he actually another person?
'It feels like… something has fused with him.'
Whatever the case, Kang Woojin let out a deep breath through his nose and spoke to Han Sojin. The tone was dry, as though he were talking about homework.
"My daughter, that's how it looks to me. Isn't that right?"
At that exact moment—
"······Ah."
Han Sojin froze.
'What in the world is that—'
The veteran actor Shim Hanho abruptly rose from his seat.