By Tuesday afternoon on the 16th, the broadcasting station lobbies were far noisier than usual.
They had never been quiet to begin with, but today was different. The space felt crowded, restless, filled with overlapping conversations.
Drama PDs and variety PDs gathered in small groups, talking among themselves.
"Did you hear? Yoon PD's new variety show is going to be huge."
The topic naturally shifted to Yoon Byungseon PD's project.
"I heard it's at least a three-part series."
"Really? Where'd you hear that?"
"Outsourced production companies are already talking about it."
"Looks like he's doing it properly this time."
Then—
"And they even got Kang Woojin as the first guest for something that big?"
Kang Woojin, whose value was rising at a frightening pace, had become the center of attention.
It was inevitable.
That very morning, news of him landing the lead role in Island of the Missing had already spread explosively across the industry.
──────────
『[Exclusive] "Entertainment heavyweight" Yoon Byungseon PD confirms rising star Kang Woojin for new variety show』
The impact was immediate.
Like oil thrown onto fire, everything flared up at once.
The combination of Kang Woojin and Yoon Byungseon PD pushed the heat even higher.
"Kang Woojin is seriously unstoppable. From Director Kwon Gitaek to Yoon Byungseon PD now?"
"What he's done in just a few months since debut is insane. People are already calling him one of a kind."
"After Hong Hyeyeon, when did CEO Choi Sunggeon ever find a rookie like this?"
Because of Yoon Byungseon PD's influence, Woojin's name kept circulating.
"Did you hear Kang Woojin joined Yoon PD's project?"
"Yeah. No wonder my casting offer got rejected."
"Did Yoon PD notice him during Sports Day or something? His rise feels abnormal."
"I heard he's gotten arrogant lately."
From public broadcasters to cable networks, even HTBS, rumors spread instantly.
The media followed right behind.
『Kang Woojin, who played Assistant Manager Park, lands shocking casting in Yoon PD's new show!』
『[Issue Pick] Monstrous rookie Kang Woojin confirmed for Yoon Byungseon PD's program』
──────────
Online reactions exploded even harder.
[Online reactions]
[omg kang woojin on a variety show??? i'm watching this immediately]
[wow he's rising insanely fast]
[never seen a rookie like this before]
[but why all the hype? just acting??]
[go wash your underwear instead of hating]
[i saw posts saying he manages his image heavily]
[what image??]
[that sports day thing? people said he changed]
[woojin oppa!!! show us more of that cold charm!!!]
[his filmography is insane]
[he might go hollywood next year lol]
──────────
The timing couldn't have been better.
Just as other issues began to cool down, Woojin's name surged again.
『[Star Photo] How far can Kang Woojin rise? From Director Kwon Gitaek's lead role to Yoon PD's variety show』
Even by the morning of the 17th, the heat only intensified.
Then Yoon Byungseon PD's side added fuel.
『"We plan to create an entertaining project with someone we've wanted to work with for a long time."』
BW Entertainment followed.
The distributor of Island of the Missing joined in.
Other projects surfaced one after another.
『Film Drug Dealer, featuring Kang Woojin in a cameo, nearing completion』
Search his name, and endless results poured out.
──────────
Two days later.
By Thursday, public interest had turned into a full blaze.
It was uncontrollable.
The media shifted its focus.
『[Star Talk] The ultra-fast rise of Kang Woojin. Tracing his path reveals shocking connections』
They dug into his filmography.
The reason was simple.
His path was filled with industry giants.
Park Eunmi.
Song Manwoo PD.
Lee Wolsun.
Kwon Gitaek.
Yoon Byungseon.
Even top actors would struggle to build that lineup.
And yet—
He was still a rookie.
But his influence already rivaled top stars.
"Why does he only work with famous people?"
"Seriously. It's like he's blessed."
"He's basically a giant hunter."
If Director Kyotaro's hidden project ever leaked, things would only escalate further.
From that moment on, attention toward Kang Woojin exploded.
Media.
Production companies.
Advertisements.
YouTube.
Everyone rushed in, trying to ride the wave.
──────────
By Friday the 19th—
"Woojin, another ad offer came in. They want you again."
"Yes, CEO. I'll do it."
Beyond the burger commercial, offers poured in endlessly.
Ads, variety shows, YouTube.
It felt like a booster had been activated.
Meanwhile—
Woojin's reality was completely different.
"Wow… this is insane."
He entered the void space more often.
"How do people survive schedules like this?"
Fame still didn't feel real.
But now, wherever he went, people recognized him.
Photos.
Autographs.
Praise.
Criticism.
Everything flooded in at once.
"Whew… just endure it."
"I'm not going to die, right?"
Even so, he kept moving forward.
──────────
At the same time, Boy Friend accelerated.
With Director Shin Dongchun confirmed, delays disappeared.
『[Exclusive] Director Shin Dongchun confirmed to helm Boy Friend starring Kang Woojin and Hwarin』
A top-tier team formed.
Even as a short series, the quality aimed for full drama level.
Production moved fast.
Relentless.
Director Shin pushed everything forward without pause.
Especially the OST.
"Play that again."
"Should we check Woojin's guide track?"
"Hmm… it fits, but something's missing."
Tracks were narrowed down.
Opening.
Woojin's theme.
Hwarin's theme.
Ending.
Duet.
Once finalized, only recording remained.
──────────
Around that same time—
『Will Park Eunmi break 25 percent again? Lee Wolsun returns with Frozen Love』
Lee Wolsun's project also progressed quickly.
Scripts, casting, sets.
Everything moved forward without delay.
Then—
She met Park Eunmi.
"It's been a while."
"Funny how people reconnect like this."
"What role did Woojin take?"
"Small, but challenging."
"Make sure he attends the script reading."
"Why?"
"If he shows up, you'll understand."
The atmosphere grew quietly tense.
──────────
Meanwhile, the Drug Dealer set burned with intensity.
"Cut! Good! Next scene!"
Filming was nearing completion.
And in Japan—
Director Kyotaro entered full production.
"Finalize Woojin's signing bonus quickly."
Everything aligned like gears locking into place.
──────────
A few days later.
Monday the 22nd.
A high-end hanok restaurant in Cheongdam-dong.
Inside a VIP room, top actors gathered.
"Oh, Jungmin!"
"Hello."
Ryu Jungmin entered.
Kim Iwon was already there.
"Hyung, it's been a while."
"Did you lose weight?"
"Director Kwon made me work out."
Soon, Jeon Woochang joined.
"Hello!"
"Wow, straight from a 20 percent drama into Director Kwon Gitaek's project?"
They chatted comfortably.
Then—
"Hello—"
Seo Chaeun entered.
Elegant. Sharp.
"Woochang, if you get any bigger, won't you burst?"
"Noona…"
Before long, the room filled with top actors.
This was the first gathering for Island of the Missing.
Seo Chaeun glanced around.
"Where's the Director?"
"Not here yet."
Then—
"Is Kang Woojin coming?"
"That rookie isn't here yet? Everyone else already is."
"He's full of himself."
"Noona, aren't you worse?"
"A rookie showing up last? Seriously?"
Ryu Jungmin smirked.
"He's probably the busiest one here."
"I don't like him. Feels like trouble."
Kim Iwon spoke calmly.
"Still, he's impressive. Lead role, variety show… he'll rise even more."
Seo Chaeun lowered her voice.
"I heard he's connected to Director Kwon. Is that true?"
"That's nonsense."
"Still… I don't like him."
──────────
Creak.
The door opened.
An expressionless man stepped inside.
Every gaze turned.
Ryu Jungmin spoke first.
"Woojin, over here."
Kang Woojin had arrived.
White T-shirt.
Jeans.
Cap.
He walked in, sat down, removed his cap, and gave a polite bow.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you. I'm Kang Woojin."
His voice was deep.
Heavy.
Unfamiliar to most.
Seo Chaeun spoke immediately.
"You're late. Shouldn't the newcomer arrive first? Isn't that arrogant?"
Woojin looked at her.
Still.
Cold.
Then—
"Do you have a problem with me?"