One of the virtues an actor needs when standing at a crossroads with each project is the ability to discern a work's potential. This is often described as intuition, instinct, or a sharp eye. Of course, there are actors who achieve great success in every work.
But this is not something that can be improved through practice.
It's closer to an innate talent from the very beginning. An instinct so powerful that it overwhelms reason in an instant. If an actor possessed such an ability, it was truly a blessing. Is the character seriously unbalanced?
Yet actors with such qualities were extremely rare. Lately, it wouldn't even be an exaggeration to say there were none.
Even veteran PD Song Man-woo, who had been in the entertainment industry for over ten years, claimed such cases were rare. And then, one day, Kang Woojin suddenly appeared in the industry. Could this enormous, eccentric monster really possess that kind of instinct?
Soon after, PD Song Man-woo asked the calm Woojin again, just to make sure he understood correctly.
"Instinct, you say. So… you chose Exorcism purely… based on instinct?"
Woojin, with his signature chic attitude, laughed silently at the repeated question. Why are they surprised? Isn't instinct a perfectly normal thing? It's a word anyone uses. For someone not yet accustomed to the entertainment industry, the question was natural. They hadn't yet realized how vital 'instinct' is for an actor.
Anyway, Woojin had already spoken, so he embellished his words a bit.
"The content of Exorcism was good, but what moved me was my instinct."
"…Why? What kind of instinct? You think Exorcism will succeed?"
Again, the question came. This time Woojin showed a touch of bravado. Well, in any case, that high rank in the void seemed to hint at the future.
"Yes. I don't think it will fail at the box office. I think Exorcism will do well."
"What kind of confidence is that…"
Woojin's words carried sincerity without a hint of hesitation. At least, that's how PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi, who were observing him, felt. Park Eun-mi, who wrote based on instinct, was puzzled.
'Where on earth does such certainty come from?'
Suddenly, Kang Woojin seemed like a stranger. Not arrogance or shamelessness, but pure confidence. At that moment, Park Eun-mi removed her headband and leaned slightly toward Woojin.
"Isn't that a bit reckless? This should be the most important time for you."
"Is it?"
Only writer Park Eun-mi wore a serious expression. Woojin was pure indifference. She clicked her tongue internally.
'This guy… he's completely insane. Where else would you see an actor like this?'
He was clearly different from the actors she'd seen before. Meanwhile, PD Song Man-woo remained relatively calm while assessing Woojin.
"His past is unclear. For over ten years, or perhaps even longer, he honed his acting skills and appeared whenever he wished under the guise of a hobby."
Moreover, immediately after debuting, Kang Woojin joined both a major drama and a short film.
'No matter the process, a rookie player can't show such tremendous speed.'
Rising popular newcomers are usually very careful from the early days of their debut to their later trajectory. Therefore, agencies pay very close attention when evaluating works from that period.
Yet Kang Woojin currently had no agency.
Despite that, he trusted his instinct and confidently selected his projects.
But the project he boldly chose was a short film called Exorcism, a work usually not even considered.
For a rookie or unknown actor, being given the chance to appear in a major production is almost always preferable. Since Kang Woojin had joined Profiler Hanryang, he could have taken his time choosing projects after the broadcast.
'Yet he confidently chose Exorcism anyway.'
PD Song Man-woo stared into Woojin's unwavering eyes across from him. Of course, he couldn't guarantee Exorcism would succeed. But if it did…
'His audacious acting, unique star quality, courage, and sharp instinct and intuition…'
Kang Woojin would undoubtedly grow into an actor no one could rival. Before long, PD Song Man-woo couldn't help but admire the monster-like presence before him.
A little too much.
'Is this character for real?'
Then PD Song Man-woo laughed.
"Haha, right. When I start my own production company, I'll have to find Woojin when choosing scripts."
At that moment, writer Park Eun-mi suddenly grabbed Woojin's hand from across the table, looking slightly excited.
"Woojin! What do you think will happen with Profiler Hanryang? Huh? Strictly speaking, you didn't choose it—we dragged you into it, right?"
Inside, Woojin felt a bit disgusted. Was this writer used to grabbing hands? Thanks to her, he subtly pulled back his hand and replied.
"With you two, won't it go well?"
"What do you mean! Do you know how hard it is to produce a drama? Even dramas with top actors often fail!"
Really? Not knowing much about the drama industry, Woojin thought he needed to calm Park Eun-mi across from him. Besides, he had some confidence about Profiler Hanryang.
So Woojin's answer was simple and somewhat sincere.
"I joined because I think it will do well."
At that moment, writer Park Eun-mi felt relief and a new surge of energy.
"…I guess this is why people believe in religion."
Later.
PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi, who had been focused on Kang Woojin, finally returned to the main topic. They had called Woojin because of the script. With her headband back on, Park Eun-mi took the lead.
"The script had originally been completed up to episode four, but recently I revised episodes two through four."
"You asked for revisions?"
"Yes, but it wasn't a complete rewrite. I focused on the characters and deleted parts where necessary. So compared to episode one, there are some awkward spots. Of course, I also fixed those."
In other words, there had been slight changes to the overall script, and Park Eun-mi, who had received many scripts from PD Song Man-woo, smiled.
"The video of Assistant Manager Park that Woojin showed me—totally unfair. It inspired me a lot. If you look at this part of episode two, you'll see the dialogue and emotional expression of Assistant Manager Park slightly changed…"
Park Eun-mi then explained the adapted role of Assistant Manager Park. The atmosphere was subtly fun, so Woojin focused. It felt like history classes are boring, but historical stories are interesting.
A few dozen minutes later.
"I'll send you the official scripts for episodes two through four as soon as they're ready. And this is the official book script for episode one."
Park Eun-mi handed Woojin a book that looked somewhat new. It was the official manuscript of Profiler Hanryang, episode one.
"As I said earlier, only minor revisions were made in the first episode, so please review it again with the draft in mind."
"Understood."
Woojin took out the manuscript with black rectangles, and PD Song Man-woo, who had been checking his watch, changed the topic.
"Woojin, about the script reading—nothing's finalized yet since we're still coordinating actor schedules, but it will probably be conducted via video conference."
Script reading? Woojin recalled checking that.
'Probably a meeting to sync all actors' timing before actual filming.'
Woojin felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Seeing the actors would be exciting, but it was his first time attending such an event, so he was nervous.
But MT isn't a motel, right?
Woojin tried to hide his expression as much as possible, confirming if it was the MT he thought.
"MT style, you said?"
PD Song Man-woo immediately nodded.
"That's right. As you know, script readings can be done in a reading room, but when there are many actors and staff, we do it MT-style to coordinate."
"Oh, okay."
"But well, the script reading is just an excuse. It's a gathering where actors and staff hang out, haha. We grill meat and drink too."
At that moment, Park Eun-mi tapped PD Song Man-woo's shoulder to get his attention, and Woojin drifted into his imagination.
'Wait… I'm going to hang out with celebrities?'
Eating barbecue and drinking with actors he'd thought lived in a different world? When he last read about Profiler Hanryang, top stars including Hong Hyeyeon were listed.
Woojin found it fascinating that he could share the same profession and enjoy the same space with them.
'Wow, I never thought of this.'
Woojin's nervousness grew rapidly. Though outwardly calm, his body was restless. PD Song Man-woo continued.
"Anyway, the date isn't confirmed yet. It will probably be early or mid-March next month. If confirmed, Woojin, can you go? One night, two days."
"…I can."
"Good. We'll cover up to episode two, so you should understand the script thoroughly. I believe you can manage it alone."
Then PD Song Man-woo explained the details of Assistant Manager Park's role, costumes, and appearance.
"Most will be prepared by us, but if needed, you can bring something yourself. If it looks good, we'll use it."
After all the meetings, about three hours had passed. As Woojin was leaving the studio, Park Eun-mi approached to say goodbye.
"Woojin, I didn't even know your number until now. Can you give it to me?"
Smiling, she asked for Woojin's phone number. PD Song Man-woo already knew, so it wasn't necessary. This was her choice.
"Here."
Thus, Park Eun-mi's number was saved in Woojin's phone. The more celebrity numbers he had, the higher the value of his phone.
Anyway, as Woojin entered the elevator after leaving the studio.
"Wow, it's been a while since I went on an MT."
He shed his usual demeanor, excitement filling him.
"Going with Hong Hyeyeon and other celebrities? My life feels bigger already."
He had attended membership training in college, but this time, the participants were different. Woojin descended to the first floor with light steps.
Vrrr… Vrrr…
His phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. A call. The caller was director Shin Dong-chun, who hadn't contacted him for days since they last met at a café.
Swish.
Answering, Woojin regained his previously serious expression.
"Yes, Director."
Shin Dong-chun's voice said:
"Woojin, can we meet tomorrow morning? I have something to discuss about Exorcism."
The weather was gloomy.
"I'll send the address. Come there."
The next morning, the 26th, near Jeongja Station, Bundang.
Woojin was found in a rental office, dressed lightly as the weather had warmed—a flight jacket and jeans. He sat at a desk in the narrow space, across from him sat the exhausted director Shin Dong-chun.
Shin Dong-chun glanced around the rental office and awkwardly smiled.
"I rented it in a hurry. Is it uncomfortable?"
"Yes, it's fine."
In fact, this office had been quickly rented after Shin Dong-chun left Blue View Film. It was small but perfect for meetings when they couldn't always meet at a café.
Whatever the case.
"So… Woojin."
Shin Dong-chun took out a thick transparent folder and struggled to speak.
"In short, I've checked everywhere for a production company or investors, but it's not easy."
In other words, he was still chasing a dream.
"Also, though not certain, it feels much harder than before, almost as if GGO Entertainment is interfering."
"Mid-April."
"Excuse me? Ah, you mean the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival? Yes, it's in mid-April, but shooting must start by early or mid-March at the latest… Sorry. I spoke confidently, but the situation isn't that good."
Shin Dong-chun's face darkened suddenly. Woojin, showing no emotion, silently felt pity for him.
"It's just like when I worked at the design company. Even when creating the sixth or seventh draft, I went through the same thing."
This made Woojin's deep voice slightly softer.
"If there's anything I can help with, tell me."
Shin Dong-chun shook his head and gave a faint smile.
"No, sorry. Woojin, you just focus on acting. I'll handle funding and film production."
At that moment.
-♬♪
Woojin's phone rang. Not set to vibrate, he quickly moved.
"Ah, sorry."
Then, seeing the caller, he hesitated briefly.
-Hong Hyeyeon.
The call was from top actress Hong Hyeyeon. If he had been at home, Woojin would have smiled widely.
"...…."
Shin Dong-chun was right in front of him, so Woojin suppressed his excitement.
"Excuse me for a moment."
"Yes, yes, yes, go ahead."
Woojin politely answered.
"Yes."
"Your answer is too brief. Don't people usually greet?"
"Yes, hello."
"That's fine. Why always bow when greeting? By the way, where are you now? If possible, I'd like to meet you."
Me? She wants to see me? Though the tone was calm, Woojin's heart skipped a beat.
"Why is that?"
"Uh? I have something to say."
"I'm a bit busy now. I have to meet someone."
"Ah! Could it be Director Dong-chun?"
"...…?"
How did she know? Woojin was slightly surprised. The Hong Hyeyeon on the other end laughed.
"Right? Somehow. Then great. Send me the location. I'll come. Honestly, there's no other time right now."
Then he had to tell her. But he acted nonchalant. Woojin vaguely told her his current location, and the call ended quickly. After that, Woojin and Shin Dong-chun had a deep discussion about Exorcism.
"Woojin, I think we should cut this scene."
"Really?"
"Yes. I think production costs should be reduced. Lower costs increase the chance of finding investors."
"Won't that reduce quality?"
"Yes, but filming comes first."
About forty-five minutes into the conversation.
Bang!
Suddenly, the rental office door swung open. Woojin and Shin Dong-chun were startled.
And then.
"Oh my, there's a place like this too?"
A woman wearing a mask and black hat entered. Hoodie and denim jacket. She removed her mask when seeing Woojin and Shin Dong-chun.
Swish.
Her face was revealed. Clear skin and flawless beauty. Shin Dong-chun's eyes widened.
"Ho, Hong Hyeyeon?!"
It was Hong Hyeyeon. She removed her hat, letting her long hair fall, and smiled at the flustered Shin Dong-chun.
"PD… no, now Director. Director, I want to do Exorcism."
Shin Dong-chun immediately stood up, probably too shocked for his expression not to twist.
"Wha?! Wha-what??!! What is this?!"
Hong Hyeyeon turned to look at Kang Woojin sitting on the right. Woojin was too stunned to react. Unaware, Hong Hyeyeon smiled at him when their eyes met.
"You're not surprised at all? So, can I do Exorcism?"