After checking Kang Woojin's fee proposal, Choi Sunggeon calmly started running the numbers in his head.
'One hundred fifty million won is already a huge amount.'
A fee in the hundred-million-won range. It varied by actor, but S-tier top actors usually earned anywhere from 200 million to 500 million won. Even among top stars, there was a ranking. Someone like Shim Hanho, for instance, obviously commanded a much higher fee. But at that point, Kang Woojin had not quite reached the level of an S-tier top actor. He was catching up fast, but that was still the reality.
Even so, 150 million won.
For an actor who had debuted barely a year ago, it was an amount that should have been unthinkable.
'And there's also the guarantee clause.'
The moment that continuing guarantee clause was added, the situation changed completely. That kind of condition was usually only seen in contracts for true top stars. On top of that, this was already Woojin's second time getting one. Island of the Missing had been a special case, but the fact remained that the clause had been included there too.
A rookie being offered a performance guarantee.
Kang Woojin was the first case of his kind.
Soon, Choi Sunggeon stroked his chin.
'Director Ahn Gabok is definitely evaluating Woojin almost like a top-tier actor.'
It was obvious that Director Ahn Gabok and the production team thought very highly of Kang Woojin. And understandably so. Still, Choi Sunggeon had no intention of accepting the offer so easily. Absurd as it was, Kang Woojin currently held the stronger position.
In the jungle of the entertainment industry, the person with deeper greed was often the manager rather than the artist.
"Yes, I've reviewed it. But there are a few more things I'd like to confirm. Mr. Woojin is fluent not only in foreign languages, but also in sign language. Was that taken into consideration? On top of that, there's his acting ability, and the ticket-selling power the actor himself brings..."
The negotiations began.
Choi Sunggeon put more force into his voice than ever, but he never lost his manners. He did not stray outside the bounds of common sense.
In the end—
"I'm glad he'll be working with you, Director."
"I'm the one who should be saying that. I'll be looking forward to it."
Kang Woojin's revised appearance fee was finalized.
Kang Woojin / Appearance fee: 200 million won / Guaranteed bonus: 100 won per viewer after break-even is exceeded
Two hundred million won.
It was a fee on par with the highest tier. That was how the contract was wrapped up smoothly, and at the very end, Director Ahn Gabok spoke with a wrinkled smile.
"Ah, and as for actor Shim Hanho, we're still waiting for his final confirmation."
"I see. How likely is it that he'll join?"
"We're working on it."
"Hm. Understood. I'll let Woojin know for now."
At that point, the film company CEO sitting beside Director Ahn cut in.
"What did Mr. Woojin say when he heard about senior actor Shim Hanho? He didn't feel burdened or anything?"
Choi Sunggeon answered exactly as Kang Woojin had told him.
"No. You don't need to worry about that part. Woojin said it makes no difference to him."
"...It makes no difference?"
"Yes. He's really quite something."
"Oh? He said Shim Hanho being there makes no difference at all?"
Director Ahn Gabok, still seated with his arms crossed, broke into a long smile.
"I told you, didn't I? When it comes to boldness, he's number one in the country."
It was a misunderstanding, but Director Ahn simply let it pass and changed the subject as he pictured Woojin.
"CEO Choi, when would be the best time to officially announce Woojin's casting? Do you have any special circumstances on your side?"
Choi Sunggeon instantly recalled Kang Woojin's packed schedule and replied,
"You can move forward right away if you want. At the moment, there's no issue on our end. But if possible, five days from now would be better."
"Five days from now?"
"Yes. Between December 5 and 6, Woojin is supposed to leave for the US to film PD Yoon Byeongseon's drama Our Table. The shoot will take about a week."
"Ah, so you want to fill the gap with news of our film while he's out of Korea?"
"It's only a request. It doesn't have to be that way."
Choi Sunggeon then calmly gave another reason.
"Also, if actor Shim Hanho joins, I think it would be better to announce them together. It might not mean much to the general public, but for people in the industry, that approach would be better."
"Because it paints a prettier picture?"
"Yes. If actor Shim Hanho confirms his appearance, Woojin will be seeing a lot of him. I'd rather avoid any possibility of an awkward situation."
"Hm... We sent the script to Shim Hanho second, so announcing rankings might come off as a bit rude."
In other words, it was about showing respect while preserving the dignity of Korea's greatest acting veteran. Setting aside the impact of the announcement and looking only at the essence of it, Kang Woojin was still a rookie, while Shim Hanho was practically a living legend. For Choi Sunggeon, who had spent years in the entertainment industry, it was just simple arithmetic.
Besides—
'For Woojin, being announced between Director Ahn Gabok and the legendary Shim Hanho will be far better than a solo announcement.'
He had even calculated the difference in impact.
"Of course, if actor Shim Hanho ends up being unable to join for one reason or another, then none of that really matters."
"I know. We were planning to wait for his answer before making any announcement."
Then the film company CEO, who had been checking news articles related to Leech on his phone, gave a low laugh.
"The media and public response are interesting. Shim Hanho hasn't even answered yet, but people are already treating him as confirmed. On the other hand, Kang Woojin's name wasn't even mentioned in the press, and people are already reacting as if his casting is final."
Director Ahn Gabok, lounging with his chin propped on one hand, answered easily.
"I didn't expect that kind of reaction. People are going to be pretty surprised."
──────────
After the film company announced that Director Ahn Gabok's 100th film was aiming for Cannes—
『[MovieIS] Director Ahn Gabok's 100th work aims for Cannes... signaling an unusual direction』
—the level of interest in Leech within the domestic film industry became almost unimaginable. The press and industry insiders were already stirred up, but the reactions from the country's top actors stood out the most.
They had started moving.
The desire to join, curiosity over who would get which role, interest in the contents of Director Ahn's new film, and inquiries to agencies about audition information all fed into the frenzy.
"CEO! Please set up a meeting with Director Ahn Gabok or the film company."
"What? You're serious? Hey, hey, calm down. Getting tangled up in something like that comes with more disadvantages than benefits."
"But as an actor, there's no higher position than that."
"If you rush in and get rejected, all you'll get are pointless rumors. And even if you do get in, if your acting slips even a little, it'll show immediately. It's Director Ahn Gabok's set. Have you even thought about how humiliating that would be? Your value could plummet."
"Even so, somebody's going to fit!"
"For now, let's just watch the situation a little longer. Either way, the first choice is obviously senior Shim Hanho, and after that it's the top actors. Let's see how the mood develops."
Of course, all kinds of speculation sprang up as well. That was because the place in question was the filming set for Director Kwon Gitaek's movie Island of the Missing. Because of Director Ahn Gabok's past behavior, dozens of staff members guessed that the actors joining the second lineup would probably come from the people gathered on that set.
"That's right. Director Ahn didn't go all the way to Danang just for fun. He went there to see actors."
"It has to be Ryu Jungmin, right?"
"Right? He seems like the strongest candidate. But Yoo Jihyung can't be ignored either. He's had good results in Hollywood recently."
"Kim Iwon and Jeon Woochang may be a little weaker than those two, but they're still top actors."
"I saw Director Ahn talking with Hong Hyeyeon in Danang. Maybe Hong Hyeyeon knew because I did a cameo?"
Then Kang Woojin's name came up.
"Why is everyone leaving Woojin out of the conversation?"
"Well... Kang Woojin is doing incredibly well these days, but how should I put it... he still seems a bit short on experience."
"His filmography does feel a bit thin for a lead role in a Director Ahn Gabok project."
"But maybe they're already discussing a supporting role for him."
"Wow... Even if Woojin only got a small or supporting role in a Director Ahn film, his filmography would look insane, right?"
Meanwhile, actors like Ryu Jungmin and Ha Yura, who had been part of Island of the Missing, showed no obvious reaction on the surface. But inwardly, all of them were probably watching closely.
In this entire situation, the only person who felt certain of anything was, as expected, Director Kwon Gitaek.
'...Shim Hanho? Why did his name come up before Woojin's? Did something happen on Woojin's side?'
He knew Director Ahn Gabok's intentions, but the situation itself was confusing.
And so, time passed.
──────────
Early that afternoon, Director Ahn Gabok, the man at the center of it all, was in the middle of an interview with a famous film magazine. He had arranged the interview himself to clear up the many rumors surrounding him and to introduce his new project. There were quite a few cameras around. The woman asking him questions was a broadcaster with experience as an announcer.
"Director, articles recently came out about you and actor Shim Hanho. Is the content true? And is Shim Hanho appearing in your 100th film?"
With his short white hair, Director Ahn smiled with the seasoned ease of a veteran.
"Haha, at the time that article came out, I was simply having a meal with actor Shim Hanho."
"Ah, so it was fake news?"
"The possibility is still open."
The woman nodded and changed the subject.
"Director, you've said this project is aiming for Cannes. Has the script already been completed?"
"Yes, it has."
"Oh! Then can you tell us the title?"
"It's called Leech. This is actually the first time I've said that here."
"Thank you! As you know, there's a lot of interest from domestic actors. Is there anyone in particular you've been watching closely?"
"Of course, the casting shortlist has already been decided. I'm still thinking it over."
"I see."
"Hm, I can't reveal the details of the casting yet. It's confidential, and there are also the actors' personal circumstances to consider. We'll announce it once everything is confirmed. But the script has already been delivered to two actors."
An hour after the interview ended—
Director Ahn Gabok was riding in a van. He was headed home. His schedule had been especially hectic that day, and there was a faint trace of fatigue on his face. Just then, his phone rang.
-♬♪
He slowly checked the screen. The caller ID showed top star Shim Hanho. Director Ahn accepted the call with a smile deepening the wrinkles around his face and spoke in a low voice.
"So, have you decided? I'm curious whether my persuasion worked."
Shim Hanho's calm, deep voice came from the other end.
"Yes. I'll take the role you offered, sunbae."
The second lead actor for Leech had been confirmed.
──────────
That same night.
The 9 o'clock news was airing on a public broadcasting channel, and the incident involving Hwarin from the day before was being reported.
"Yesterday, singer and actress Hwarin was attacked by an unidentified man in a parking garage. The attacker was carrying an awl, but fortunately Hwarin was not seriously injured. Reporter Hwang Daegi has more."
Naturally, the information had been provided by JML Entertainment, Hwarin's agency. Because of that, only the necessary details were revealed. A photo of the arrested attacker, the awl he had been carrying, evidence found in the car, and photos of Hwarin captured on camera were all shown.
That alone was enough to terrify people.
Notably, Kang Woojin's involvement was left out of the news report. In any case, once this report aired, the Hwarin incident spread rapidly through other media outlets, radio, and all kinds of public channels. JML Entertainment's intentions were obvious enough, but the shocking and serious nature of the case made it spread like wildfire.
So as soon as the news report ended, the major media outlets began using Hwarin's name in headlines.
『[Breaking] Elani's Hwarin attacked by a stranger』
Even though it was nighttime, articles kept pouring out without pause.
『What happened? Hwarin attacked by a stranger in a parking garage... attacker was carrying an awl / Photo』
『[Star Talk] Hwarin attacked by a stalker... agency says "Fortunately, there were no injuries"』
『Security's timely restraint was sheer luck... Hwarin attacked by a stranger armed with an awl』
In an instant, it took over the entertainment section.
『Another sasaeng? After this attack, what happens to Hwarin's future schedule?』
『Police on the man who attacked Hwarin: "The investigation is ongoing, but the evidence is clear."』
That meant countless people were able to see what had happened.
『[Official] Hwarin assault case, JML Entertainment declares "strong response, no leniency"』
『JML Entertainment draws a line, saying it will deal strictly with sasaeng fans, stalkers, and the like under any circumstances』
『"Sasaeng fan? No, he's a criminal!" Elani fan club erupts in fury』
Hwarin, the girl group Elani, their fans, and public opinion all exploded in anger.
Seriously, an awl??? An awl??????? This is absolutely insane??????
LMAO sasaeng fan my foot, he's just a would-be murderer
ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Hwarin unnie must've been so terrified... seriously, that bastard... I want to hit him myself...
I got chills watching the news... If Hwarin saw someone rushing at her with an awl, she's probably going to relive that scene every night
Sasaeng fan ㅠㅠㅠ criminal ㅇㅇㅇㅇ
What the hell is wrong with these people???
They should never be shown any mercy. They do this because they think people will keep letting them off.
ㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷ An awl is scarier than a knife ㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷ
But who was it that subdued the attacker? I saw in the news that the guards caught him...
Obviously the guards caught him, right?
(Link) If you go to this YouTube video, there's a summary of the incident, and it's seriously chilling... there are hundreds of photos of Hwarin on the evidence camera ㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷ
LOL I can't believe I'm seeing an article like this in my lifetime ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
Hwarin unnie ㅠㅠㅠ I'm seriously disgusted with the entertainment industry...
It did not stay confined to one corner. It spread through YouTube, online communities, and every kind of social media all at once. As the situation grew worse, Hwarin kept updating her own social media to reassure people.
『Hwarin shares an update on social media for angry fans: "I'm okay, I love everyone who worried about me"』
That only made public anger burn even hotter.
At the same time, in the basement parking garage of a certain building—
It was a familiar place. It was the very parking garage where Hwarin's stalker incident had happened just the day before. It was late at night, so there were not many cars, and the place was quiet.
Then—
-swish.
One man walked toward a black foreign-made car belonging to Company B, parked in the garage. The car was parked right in front of the glass doors by the elevator. He looked to be in his forties, with a polished appearance, and he carried a bag in one hand. A moment later, he sat down in the driver's seat and let out a deep sigh.
"Ugh, I'm exhausted."
Muttering to himself, he checked his face in the rearview mirror and was about to start the car when he hesitated.
"Ah."
As if something had just occurred to him, he pulled out his phone from his bag. Then he opened the app connected to the dashcam built into the car.
"Today's the day to delete it, right?"
It was one of his habits. Every week, he deleted the footage stored on the dashcam. He had read somewhere that it was a good habit to have. But when he tapped the screen, the recordings saved up to that point appeared one after another.
And then, something stood out.
"...What?"
The reason was simple. One of the videos stored on the dashcam immediately caught his eye.
It was footage of what had happened right in front of his car.
Was it a movie shoot? Had something been filmed in the parking garage? The footage contained scenes that looked straight out of an action movie.
"What is this? What the hell is this?"
At the center of it all was Kang Woojin.