Among the virtues an actor needed when standing at the crossroads of choosing a project was the ability to judge a work.
People often called it intuition.
Or instinct.
Or a sharp eye.
Of course, there were actors who achieved remarkable success with almost every project they joined.
But that ability was not something that improved through practice.
It was closer to a talent someone had to be born with.
An instinct powerful enough to overwhelm reason in an instant.
If an actor possessed that, it was truly an enormous blessing.
"But isn't that a trait whose balance is completely off?"
Still, actors with that kind of quality were extremely rare.
In fact, it would not have been an exaggeration to say there had been none in recent years.
Even Song Manwoo PD, a veteran with more than a decade in the entertainment industry, had rarely encountered someone like that.
And then, one day, Kang Woojin had suddenly appeared.
Did this gigantic, eccentric monster really possess that kind of intuition?
Soon, Song Manwoo PD asked the calm Woojin again, just to confirm.
"By intuition. So… you're saying you chose The Private Investigator purely by instinct?"
Inside, Kang Woojin almost burst out laughing at the repeated question.
But outwardly, he maintained his usual chic expression.
Why were they so shocked?
Was intuition really that strange?
It was a word people used all the time, wasn't it?
Since he was still unfamiliar with the entertainment industry, the question felt natural to him.
He still did not understand how important "intuition" was for an actor.
Anyway, since he had already said it, Woojin decided to embellish it a little more.
"The content of The Private Investigator was good, but what moved me was my intuition."
"…Why? What kind of intuition? Do you think The Private Investigator will succeed?"
Another question followed immediately.
At that moment, Woojin decided to bluff a little.
After all, the high rating inside the void space seemed to hint at the future.
"Yes. I don't think it will fail at the box office. I believe The Private Investigator will do well."
"What kind of confidence is that…"
There was not the slightest hesitation in his answer.
It sounded completely sincere.
At least, that was how Song Manwoo PD and writer Park Eunmi heard it.
Park Eunmi, who also relied heavily on intuition when writing, found it strange.
'Where on earth is that certainty coming from?'
Kang Woojin suddenly felt like a stranger to her.
It was not arrogance.
And it was not shamelessness either.
It was pure confidence.
At that moment, Park Eunmi removed her headband and leaned toward Woojin.
"Isn't that a little reckless? This has to be the most important period of your life right now."
"Is it?"
Only Park Eunmi looked serious.
Kang Woojin himself seemed completely indifferent.
Inside, she clicked her tongue.
'This guy… he's completely insane. What kind of actor like this even exists?'
He was clearly different from the actors she usually dealt with.
Meanwhile, Song Manwoo PD remained relatively calm as he observed Woojin.
Woojin's past was unclear.
He had supposedly honed his acting for more than ten years, perhaps even longer, before suddenly appearing whenever he felt like it under the excuse that acting was just a hobby.
On top of that, right after debuting, Kang Woojin had joined both a major drama and a short film.
No rookie should have been able to move that fast.
Most rising rookies were extremely cautious at the beginning of their careers.
That was why agencies carefully scrutinized their early projects.
But Kang Woojin did not even have an agency.
Even so, he had confidently chosen projects based on nothing but his own intuition.
And the project he boldly picked was a short film called The Private Investigator.
A project most people would not even glance at.
For a rookie or unknown actor, appearing in a large-scale project was always the better choice if the opportunity arose.
Since Woojin had already joined Profiler Hanryang, he could have simply waited until after it aired and then carefully chosen his next project.
But instead, he confidently chose The Private Investigator.
Song Manwoo PD stared into Woojin's unwavering eyes across the table.
Of course, no one could guarantee that The Private Investigator would succeed.
But if it truly did—
his unconventional acting, his unique star power, his courage, and even his keen intuition—
Kang Woojin would grow into a tremendous actor no one could rival.
Before long, Song Manwoo PD could not help but admire the monster sitting in front of him.
It might have sounded exaggerated.
'Is this guy actually some kind of con artist?'
Then Song Manwoo PD suddenly burst out laughing.
"Haha, right. If I ever start my own production company someday, I'll ask Woojin to help me pick scripts."
At that moment, Park Eunmi suddenly grabbed Woojin's hand.
She looked slightly excited.
"Woojin! What do you think will happen to our Profiler Hanryang? Huh? Technically, you didn't even choose it. We dragged you into it!"
Meanwhile, Woojin felt a little uncomfortable.
'Is this writer just used to grabbing people's hands or something?'
Because of that, he gently pulled his hand back and answered.
"With the two of you involved, won't it succeed?"
"What are you talking about! Do you know how hard it is to make a drama? Even dramas starring top actors flop all the time!"
Really?
Since Woojin did not know much about the drama industry, he decided to reassure the writer sitting across from him.
Besides, he felt somewhat confident about Profiler Hanryang.
So Kang Woojin's answer was simple.
And partly sincere.
"I joined because I think it will do well."
At that moment, Park Eunmi felt both relief and renewed energy.
'…What is this? Is this why people believe in religion?'
Later—
After focusing on Kang Woojin for quite a while, Song Manwoo PD and Park Eunmi finally returned to the reason they had called him over.
The script.
Park Eunmi, now wearing her headband again, spoke first.
"Originally, the script was written up to Episode 4, but I recently revised Episodes 2 through 4."
"You were asked to revise it?"
"Yes. But I didn't change everything. I removed certain parts to focus more on the characters. Compared to Episode 1, there were a few awkward sections, so I fixed those as well."
In other words, the overall script had changed slightly.
Taking several scripts from Song Manwoo PD, Park Eunmi smiled.
"Woojin, that video of Assistant Manager Park you showed earlier—that was honestly unfair. I got a lot of inspiration from it. If you look at this part in Episode 2, Assistant Manager Park's lines and emotional expression are slightly different…"
She began explaining the newly adjusted version of Assistant Manager Park's role.
Surprisingly, the atmosphere was engaging enough that Woojin listened carefully.
It felt like history class.
The class itself might be boring, but the stories were interesting.
So after several dozen minutes—
"I'll send you the official scripts for Episodes 2 through 4 once they're finalized. And this is the official bound script for Episode 1."
Park Eunmi handed Woojin something that looked like a fairly new book.
It was the official script book for Episode 1 of Profiler Hanryang.
"Like I said earlier, only very minor revisions were made to the beginning, so review it again while keeping the draft in mind."
"Understood."
As Woojin accepted the black-covered script book, Song Manwoo PD checked his wristwatch and changed the subject.
"Woojin. About the script reading—since we're still coordinating everyone's schedule, it's not confirmed yet, but it will probably be done through a video meeting."
Script reading?
Woojin vaguely remembered looking it up before.
'It's probably some kind of gathering before filming starts.'
He felt both excited and nervous.
Meeting actors sounded cool.
But it would be his first time attending something like that.
Still—
'MT doesn't mean motel, right?'
Trying not to reveal anything on his face, Woojin asked carefully.
"You said it's MT-style?"
Song Manwoo PD nodded immediately.
"That's right. As you know, script readings can be done with everyone gathered in a reading room. But when there are many actors and staff, we sometimes do it MT-style to build chemistry."
"Ah, I see."
"But honestly, script reading is just an excuse. It's basically a gathering where actors and staff hang out. We grill meat, drink alcohol, things like that."
At that, Park Eunmi lightly smacked Song Manwoo PD's shoulder.
Meanwhile, Kang Woojin had already drifted into his imagination.
'Wait… does that mean I'll be hanging out with celebrities?'
Barbecuing and drinking with celebrities.
People he once thought lived in a completely different world.
The last time he read an article about Profiler Hanryang, top stars—including Hong Hyeyeon—had been listed in the cast.
The fact that he now shared the same profession as them and would be in the same place felt surreal.
Because of that—
'Wow… I never imagined something like this.'
His tension shot up.
Outwardly, he remained expressionless.
Inside, he was restless.
Song Manwoo PD continued.
"Anyway, the date isn't fixed yet. Probably early or mid-March next month. If it's confirmed, Woojin, can you come? It will be a one-night, two-day event."
"…I can."
"Good. We'll cover the official script up to Episode 2, so it would be best if you understand it thoroughly beforehand. We'll read up to Episode 2 together. I trust you'll manage fine on your own."
After that, Song Manwoo PD explained more details about Assistant Manager Park's role, costumes, and styling.
"We'll prepare most things, but if there's anything you want to bring yourself, feel free. If it looks good, we'll use it."
By the time the meeting ended, three hours had passed.
As Kang Woojin was about to leave the studio, Park Eunmi approached him.
"Woojin, I just realized I don't even have your number. Can you give it to me?"
She smiled as she asked for his phone number.
Song Manwoo PD already had it, but she wanted it too.
"Here."
And just like that, Park Eunmi's number was saved in Woojin's phone.
The more famous people whose numbers he collected, the more valuable that phone felt.
Anyway—
the moment Woojin stepped into the elevator—
"Wow, it's been a long time since I went to an MT."
His composed act immediately collapsed.
Excitement rushed in.
"Going with Hong Hyeyeon and other celebrities? My life really is getting bigger."
He had gone on membership training trips during college before.
But this time, the people involved were on an entirely different level.
Soon Woojin reached the first floor with light steps.
Bzzzz—Bzzzz—
The phone in his jacket vibrated.
It was a call.
The caller was Director Shin Dongchun, whom he had met earlier at the café.
As soon as Woojin answered, his expression turned serious again.
"Yes, Director."
Director Shin Dongchun's voice came through.
"Woojin, can we meet tomorrow morning? I need to discuss something about The Private Investigator."
The weather was slightly gloomy.
"I'll send you the address. Just come there."
The next morning, the 26th.
Near Jeongja Station in Bundang.
Kang Woojin sat inside a rented office.
The weather had warmed slightly, so he was dressed lightly.
An aviator jacket.
Jeans.
Woojin sat at a desk in the small office.
Across from him sat Director Shin Dongchun, who looked utterly drained.
Looking around the office, Shin Dongchun laughed awkwardly.
"I rented this in a hurry. Is it uncomfortable?"
"No, it's fine."
In truth, Shin Dongchun had rushed to rent this place after leaving Blue View Film Company.
They could not keep discussing things in cafés forever.
Even a small office like this worked fine for meetings.
Anyway—
"Woojin."
Director Shin Dongchun pulled out a thick transparent file.
"To put it simply, I've been looking everywhere for a production company or investors, but it hasn't been easy."
In other words, he was still chasing the dream.
"And I'm not completely certain, but it feels even harder than before. It's almost like GGO Entertainment is interfering."
"Mid-April."
"Huh? Ah, the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival. Yes, it's held in mid-April. So we need to start filming by early or mid-March at the latest… I'm sorry. I spoke confidently before, but the situation isn't good."
Director Shin Dongchun's face darkened.
Woojin showed nothing outwardly, but inside he felt a little sympathy.
'It's the same as when I worked at the design company.'
Whenever he had to make the sixth or seventh revision of a draft, he had felt exactly like that.
Because of that, Woojin's voice softened slightly.
"If there's anything I can help with, please let me know."
Director Shin Dongchun shook his head.
"No, I'm sorry. Woojin, you just focus on acting. I'll handle the funding and production."
Right then—
♫♪
Woojin's phone rang again.
Since it was not on vibrate, he quickly excused himself.
"Ah, excuse me."
Then he paused when he saw the caller ID.
Hong Hyeyeon.
The top actress.
'Kim Daeyoung calls me like a friend, and Hong Hyeyeon too?'
If he had been alone at home, Woojin would have been grinning.
But Director Shin Dongchun sat across from him.
So he suppressed his excitement.
"Hello."
Her reply came immediately.
"That response is too short. Aren't people supposed to greet each other properly?"
"Yes, hello."
"That's better. Anyway, where are you right now? If it's okay, I'd like to see you."
Me?
She wanted to see him?
Her tone was casual, but Hong Hyeyeon clearly wanted to meet him.
Woojin's heart thumped slightly.
"Why?"
"Huh? I have something to say."
"Right now might be difficult. I'm meeting someone."
"Ah! Is it Director Dongchun?"
"…?"
How did she know?
Woojin was slightly startled.
On the other end, Hong Hyeyeon burst out laughing.
"Right? Anyway, that actually works out. Send me the location. I'll come there. Honestly, I don't have time except right now."
Then he might as well tell her.
Still, he had to pretend it was nothing special.
Woojin briefly explained where he was.
The call ended quickly.
After that, Woojin and Shin Dongchun continued discussing The Private Investigator.
"Woojin, I think we should remove this scene."
"Really?"
"Yes. We need to lower the production cost. The cheaper it is, the easier it will be to attract investors."
"Wouldn't the quality drop?"
"It would. But filming comes first."
About forty-five minutes later—
Bang!
The rented office door suddenly flew open.
Both Kang Woojin and Director Shin Dongchun flinched.
Then—
"Oh my, places like this exist too?"
A woman wearing a mask and black cap stepped inside.
She wore a hoodie and denim jacket.
The moment she saw Woojin and Shin Dongchun, she removed her mask.
Her face was revealed.
Flawless skin.
Perfect beauty.
Director Shin Dongchun's eyes widened.
"H-Hong Hyeyeon?!"
Yes.
It was Hong Hyeyeon.
She removed her cap, letting her long straight hair fall free.
Then she smiled at the stunned Shin Dongchun.
"PD—no, Director now. Director, I want to do The Private Investigator."
Director Shin Dongchun shot to his feet.
His face twisted in shock.
"What?! What is this??!"
At that moment, Hong Hyeyeon turned to Kang Woojin, who sat to her right.
Woojin was so surprised he could not even react.
Completely unaware of that, Hong Hyeyeon smiled when their eyes met.
"You weren't surprised at all? By the way… may I do The Private Investigator too?"