Kang Woojin was honestly baffled.
What did that even mean? Why did the Academy Awards suddenly come up? There hadn't been any explanation before or after. Anyone would've reacted the same way, not just him.
'Is winning an Academy Award impossible right now? No… wasn't it impossible from the start?'
Of course, Woojin knew about the Academy Awards to some extent. It was basic knowledge. He had seen it in articles before, even if his understanding was still vague.
Mostly in connection with Korea.
He remembered how Korean actors who made it to Hollywood would occasionally be mentioned alongside the Oscars, or how Korean films that performed well at the Cannes Film Festival would later be submitted for Academy Award consideration. His memory wasn't wrong. In fact, there had been Korean films that reached that stage.
Only two.
One released in 2010, the other in 2015. Both had something in common. They were recognized at major international festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. After that, they made it onto the Academy Awards preliminary shortlist, but unfortunately failed to secure final nominations.
Still, even reaching the shortlist had been unprecedented for Korea.
Despite the efforts of countless Korean directors, that record remained unbroken. To Woojin, one thing was certain.
'The Academy Awards… that place is insane, isn't it? Just imagining it feels expensive. It's like a fantasy world.'
It really did feel like something that existed in a completely different realm. Even after becoming an actor, Woojin had never seriously thought about the Academy Awards. He probably never would.
It felt too far removed from reality.
Then Choi Sunggeon had said—
"And as of now, the Oscars are not possible."
It was such an obvious answer that it almost felt absurd. Woojin felt a bit embarrassed, but instead of showing it, he leaned harder into his composed persona. Showing weakness wasn't an option. A little performance wouldn't hurt.
"Of course, this year would be difficult."
Choi Sunggeon's response only made things more confusing.
"You were aiming for the Oscars from the beginning? I'm a bit disappointed. If you had at least hinted at that ridiculous plan, I could've prepared myself. I almost had a heart attack."
What was he talking about?
For the first time in a while, Woojin felt his entire body sink into confusion.
'When did I ever aim for the Academy Awards? What is he even saying?'
It felt like a misunderstanding that had started rolling and growing like a snowball.
'Where did this even start? Seriously, where?'
This one was far bigger than usual. And yet, he had no idea what had triggered it. He had never once said anything about the Academy Awards or the Oscars.
At that moment, Choi Sunggeon let out a deep sigh and continued.
"Wow… Director Ahn Ga-bok… his insight is terrifying. He's only known you for a few days, yet he already understands what you're thinking."
Who?
That old man?
Why was he suddenly being brought up?
Woojin, filled with questions, spoke quietly.
"…I never told him anything like that."
"Hmm, but with your personality, you must've hinted at it indirectly. Thinking about it now, it's a bit regrettable. I should've realized sooner. I still have a long way to go."
Only then did Woojin piece it together.
He didn't know how it happened, but the root of the misunderstanding was clearly that old man. Asking about the process felt awkward, and Sunggeon seemed to be confirming something just from Woojin's reaction.
'Well… whatever. Acting tough fits the situation better anyway. Just go with it. The Academy Awards are still far off.'
What was wrong with having a grand goal once in a while? It was just a misunderstanding anyway. As always, Woojin chose to move forward without looking back, accepting the vague confusion with quiet composure.
Trying to correct it would only be bothersome.
"It's fine. It was just a thought."
Watching Woojin answer so calmly, Choi Sunggeon scratched the back of his head.
"Let's keep this between us. Director Ahn would never go around talking about this anyway. If he were the type to have a loose tongue, he wouldn't be where he is now."
"Yes, sir."
"Anyway… sigh. If that had really been your plan from the start, I would've understood. But with your current situation, the Academy Awards aren't easy. It's on a completely different level from your Japan debut. Honestly, it might as well be another planet."
"…I know."
"Right. You're an expert, so there's no need for me to explain the Oscars."
No, he really needed that explanation.
But Sunggeon had no way of knowing.
"You might be thinking about building your résumé, but honestly, nothing beats the Cannes Film Festival when it comes to getting noticed in Hollywood quickly. Another option is auditioning directly in Hollywood, but that's harder than finding a needle in a haystack. Just look at how Ha Yura went through auditions and came back to Korea for answers."
"..."
"Starting from the bottom is also an issue. It would take at least three years. But if you use Cannes as a stepping stone, you might be able to take a shortcut. Of course, achieving results at Cannes is extremely difficult."
Woojin quietly stored the new information in his mind.
'So it's like choosing chicken when you can't get pheasant?'
He roughly understood the system.
Then Sunggeon asked,
"Do you have any other plans? Or… do you know someone in Hollywood?"
Not at all.
He had only ever seen America on TV. What could he possibly have in Hollywood?
Still, he couldn't answer that bluntly.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, for one, Director Ahn said he'd build a stepping stone for you. It almost sounded like he was clinging to you. He even called me personally yesterday to request a meeting. He wants to hand you the script directly."
"Really?"
"Yes. Honestly, this is the first time I've seen Director Ahn move like this. He said he needs you. He also mentioned sign language, so it looks like the project will include it."
Sign language?
Woojin tilted his head inwardly as Sunggeon continued.
"Of course, if you don't like it, you can politely decline. No matter what anyone says, I'm on your side. But if you reject it too bluntly, that's a different story. We'd need a strategy then. Still, the production companies and people around Director Ahn are all highly capable professionals on the international stage. Even domestically, they're top-tier in terms of experience and track record."
"I understand."
"How about meeting him and going over the script together? Like he suggested, it could serve as a stepping stone."
It wasn't that difficult a decision.
Woojin was wary of Director Ahn, but simply ignoring him didn't seem like a solution.
'If I beat that old man, everything's settled, right? And it's a good chance to practice acting too.'
If he could climb over a top-tier veteran, his foundation would become unshakable.
"I'm curious about the script as well. What kind of story would a legend of Korean cinema write?"
Woojin slowly nodded, then answered with confidence.
"Alright. Please set up the meeting."
Choi Sunggeon gave a thumbs-up and opened his planner.
"Good."
Quietly, Woojin pulled out his phone and searched for the Academy Awards. As he read through the history, he couldn't help but react inwardly.
'This is insane… Is this even possible??'
Even to him, it seemed impossible.
──────────
At that same time, in Tokyo, Japan.
It was a grand hotel.
Even now, over a dozen people had gathered in the hall, led by a familiar elderly man.
Chairman Hideki.
Dressed in a neat suit, streaks of white mixed into his eyebrows, he exuded a sharp presence. Beside him stood his chief secretary, Lily, her long hair tied neatly back. Behind them were secretarial staff and employees.
Naturally so.
This hotel belonged to the Kashiwa Group.
In other words, it belonged to Chairman Hideki.
The old man, who resembled a lion, slowly scanned the massive hall. His hands rested in his pockets, but his gaze was sharp.
This space had once been used like a banquet hall.
It had changed significantly.
Now, rather than a party venue, it felt far more formal. Almost like a business hall. A rectangular table sat at the center, surrounded by what looked like over a hundred chairs. Every single one of them looked expensive.
After observing quietly, Hideki began to walk.
He ran his fingers across the table, checking its cleanliness without a word.
Then, in a low voice—
"Is there anything else needed?"
Lily immediately responded.
"No, Chairman. We coordinated everything in advance with the Toega Film Company."
"Script readings don't require as much preparation as people think. But securing enough seating is important so things don't become chaotic on the day."
"Understood."
Soon, Hideki pulled out a chair and sat down. It looked casual, but he was testing its comfort.
Not bad.
Crossing his legs slowly, he asked again,
"How many people are attending?"
Lily bowed her head slightly and answered without hesitation.
"Including original author Takikawa Akari, Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro, the production team of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, cast, staff, film company officials, and media—approximately 200 attendees are expected."
"That's quite a lot."
"Considering the scale of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, it's understandable."
Hideki nodded slowly, scanning the hall once more before letting out a faint smile.
"Holding the reading here will draw attention again."
"Yes. It will further fuel the discussion about the relationship between our group and the film."
"Hmm."
Humming lightly, Hideki stood and began walking down the corridor with Lily. After the staff distanced themselves, he spoke again.
"How is Kang Woojin doing these days?"
"After the success of Boy Friend, his film Drug Dealer has recently become very popular in Korea."
"Oh? He seems to keep rising even after returning to Korea."
"Not only that, but his YouTube channel and social media have grown significantly compared to before. It's considered an unprecedented rise within a year."
Lily handed over a transparent file.
Flap.
Hideki reviewed the documents in silence, then muttered,
"Director Tanoguchi said the same. He owes Kang Woojin a great deal."
"Pardon?"
"It's remarkable how an actor can create such influence overseas in such a short time."
Lily paused, slightly confused.
Then Hideki closed the file and murmured,
"I'm looking forward to meeting him."
His deep gaze met Lily's.
"This The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice situation has worked like brand content, hasn't it?"
"It is currently ongoing."
"If it's reached this level of recognition in Korea and Japan, then it has already secured a degree of justification. Check the recruitment notices for advertising models in our affiliates and recommend candidates."
He was, of course, referring to Kang Woojin.
──────────
Meanwhile, at Toega Film Company in Tokyo—
A production meeting led by Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro was in full swing. People sat around a U-shaped table, with the director at the head.
The meeting seemed to be nearing its end.
"Wow, I never imagined we'd hold a script reading at such a luxury hotel."
"Same here. I thought it would be at our company."
"That place is usually used by conglomerates for parties."
"Exactly. Large corporations host lavish events there. This is the first time a film script reading is being held in that space. It might never happen again."
"Once this gets out, the media will go wild."
"Of course. Especially with all the attention surrounding our film and the Kashiwa Group."
"Still… does the reading really need to be this extravagant?"
"Haha, what's the problem? It brings attention and benefits us. It also motivates the actors. But do you think Chairman Hideki Yoshimura will actually attend?"
"Unlikely."
"Yeah, probably not."
At that point, Director Kyotaro steered the conversation back.
"Let's leave the compliments for later and inform the actors of today's decisions. Especially the location and date."
"What if someone can't attend on November 16?"
"A day or two of adjustment is fine."
"Understood. I'll notify them immediately that the reading is set for the 16th."
Kyotaro nodded, emphasizing one name in particular.
"Contact Kang Woojin first. He's the farthest away."
The script reading for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was scheduled for next Monday.
──────────
The next morning, November 11.
At BW Entertainment.
It was around 8 a.m., before regular working hours. The office was quiet, with no employees present. Yet the desks looked like a battlefield after a storm.
There was a reason for that.
"Sorry for contacting you so early."
"No, it's fine, Director."
Inside the CEO's office, Kang Woojin sat across from Director Ahn Ga-bok, whose short white hair stood out. Choi Sunggeon was also present.
Four people in total.
It was a modest gathering, but the stack of documents Ahn handed over carried significant weight.
"Everything in Danang happened too suddenly. Before we talk further, please take a look at this."
The script of his 100th film.
Choi Sunggeon swallowed as he followed the documents with his eyes.
'That's the stepping stone.'
Meanwhile—
"Yes, Director. Thank you."
Woojin accepted the script calmly, as always.
'This old man is straightforward… handing over the script right away.'
To Woojin, Ahn Ga-bok felt less like a legendary master and more like a neighborhood grandfather.
Still—
Mind control did the rest.
He checked the cover.
Leech.
That was the title of Ahn Ga-bok's 100th film.
But something else caught his attention.
A swirling black square beside the script.
Unaware, Ahn spoke again.
"You can skim through it if you'd like."
Woojin had already flipped the first page.
Quietly, he raised his index finger—
And stepped into the void.
──────────
Moments later.
To Ahn, it had only been a few seconds.
To Woojin, it felt like at least ten minutes.
As Woojin's expression turned serious, Ahn tilted his head slightly.
"What is it? Something you don't like?"
"..."
Woojin let out a deep sigh inwardly.
'No… seriously, it starts at S-rank??'
At that moment—
Bzzzz—
Choi Sunggeon's phone vibrated. He flinched slightly, stood, and stepped outside to check.
The caller was the PR team leader.
"Ah, Team Leader."
The voice on the other end was urgent.
"CEO!! You need to see this article right now!!"
A KakaoTalk link was sent.
The headline stood out immediately.
『[Exclusive] "Monster Rookie" Kang Woojin signs 1-year contract with BW Entertainment… entering free agency early next year?』
Choi Sunggeon's eyes widened in shock.
"This… this is insane!!"
But he wasn't the only one reacting.
Across the country—
"CEO!! Did you see the article about Kang Woojin's one-year contract?!"
"What? One year? That's ridiculous!"
"It's out!! And it doesn't look like simple gossip!! It says he might enter the free agent market early next year!"
"Does that even make sense… Wait!! I'll check and call you back!!"
Entertainment companies nationwide began to move.