When Kang Woojin gave his firm answer over the phone—
"PD-nim, I'll take the role of Jang Yeonwoo."
Writer Choi Nana suddenly shot to her feet, both hands covering her mouth. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Ah…"
She was simply too overwhelmed.
Of course, the production director and the casting director froze as well. It was not confusion or disbelief, but something closer to a pleasant shock, with a sharp thrill mixed into it. Hearing it directly from Kang Woojin himself made the impact twice as strong.
Then—
"Really? Woojin, you'll do it?"
PD Song Manwoo, his beard hanging thick around his chin, looked as though he had just passed through hell in an instant. The moment he heard that Kang Woojin had accepted the role, all the anxious thoughts that had been crowding his mind vanished at once.
'Kang Totem, you really do make people feel safe.'
Even a heavyweight like PD Song Manwoo was nothing more than a worshipper before the Kang Totem.
In any case, Woojin's low voice continued over the phone.
"Yes, PD-nim. I found the script interesting, and I liked the character Jang Yeonwoo, so I'll do it."
"Haha, that's wonderful. Thank you."
"By any chance, have you sent it to any other actors as well?"
"Not at all! Other than you, Woojin, I haven't sent the script to anyone."
The words 'I've been waiting desperately' rose to the tip of his tongue, but PD Song Manwoo forced himself to swallow them.
"Woojin will be the first actor attached to Beneficial Evil."
"Understood."
"Right, then now we can move forward with casting around you, hahaha. But before that, I should brag to Writer Choi first."
After tossing out the light joke, PD Song Manwoo shifted topics as another thought came to him.
"Ah, but Woojin."
"Yes."
"Before making your decision, you did consider the overall schedule, right? As you know, this will include martial arts training. There are a lot of action scenes, so the choreography might be somewhat demanding."
"Yes."
"You're really okay with that?"
At that moment, everyone in the office, including PD Song Manwoo, lowered their eyes to the phone. Their expressions were serious.
But Woojin's voice on the other end remained calm as ever.
"What do you mean?"
In the end, he really was the right person. Smiling, PD Song Manwoo answered. It had been a pointless worry. Martial arts would not be a problem for Kang Woojin at all.
"No, it's nothing. Ah, and the male lead of Beneficial Evil is confirmed as Woojin. Oh, right, before the script reading, there'll be a simple test related to the action."
"Really?"
"Yes. Nothing difficult. Like they usually do for action projects, the martial arts director will just check the actor's posture. Things like whether you're flexible or stiff."
Woojin gave a brief reply to show he understood, and then the voice on the other end changed.
It was Choi Sunggeon.
"PD-nim, hello. This is Choi Sunggeon."
"Ah, CEO Choi."
"I'm leaving for the U.S. tomorrow and should be back in about a week, so I'll contact you then. I think it would be best to discuss the details in person at that point."
"Yes, understood."
"Take care."
"You too, CEO Choi."
Click.
The moment the call ended, the casting director, just like Choi Nana before him, suddenly jumped to his feet. But it was less a cheer than an explosion of work-driven adrenaline.
"PD-nim, I'm going right now to start distributing the script according to Plan A!! With Kang Woojin confirmed, everything will move smoothly!!"
"Okay, okay!"
The production director followed suit and grabbed his phone as well.
"I need to contact the key staff and set the date for the next production meeting! They're going to love this, right?? Ah, and I need to start on the contract too!"
Soon, both of them disappeared from the office. Only then was Choi Nana, who still looked as though she could hardly believe it, finally able to sit down.
"...This is really incredible. I never imagined Woojin would actually do it."
PD Song Manwoo's smile deepened.
"Now all Writer Choi needs to do is keep writing."
"Thank you! I really think this is all thanks to you, PD-nim!"
"Not at all. It's because the script is good."
"Ah! But what exactly did CEO Choi mean by 'the details'?"
"Woojin has verbally confirmed that he'll take the role of Jang Yeonwoo, and while he's in the U.S. for his schedule, we'll start preparing everything for him."
"What??"
"His appearance is confirmed, but it isn't official yet. The formal contract hasn't been signed, and the contract-related discussions will happen during that stage."
PD Song Manwoo answered with a casual shrug, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Things like his fee, option clauses, and so on."
──────────
Meanwhile, at the same time, inside Kang Woojin's van.
Woojin, who had just finished the call with PD Song Manwoo, was on the move for his schedule. Judging by his full makeup and long coat, the weather had turned quite cold. Even so, filming was expected to wrap up earlier than usual today. He had a meeting with the Our Dining Table team early the next morning before heading to the airport.
'Time really does fly.'
On the outside, his expression was blank as ever, but while staring out the window, Kang Woojin could feel his heart pounding faster. Then, as if something had just occurred to him—and as though he wanted to hide that racing heartbeat—he picked up one of the scripts stacked nearby.
Beneficial Evil
It was the script for the first episode of the drama he had just confirmed, Beneficial Evil. But instead of opening it, Woojin secretly pressed the black square attached to the side of the script.
In an instant, Kang Woojin entered the void.
After taking in the endless darkness stretching out before him, he turned and headed toward the row of white rectangles—especially the one at the far end labeled Beneficial Evil.
'It was S+ when I first got it, right?'
But things had changed now. Since he had officially been confirmed as the lead, it was only natural that Beneficial Evil's grade might change too. It had always been like that up to now. Holding a faint sense of anticipation, Woojin looked at the white rectangle marked Beneficial Evil.
Then—
"Wow, this is seriously nice."
A pure, unguarded smile spread across his face. The rating for Beneficial Evil now read:
-[9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), SS-grade]
It had reached the highest grade yet in that category.
Meanwhile—
As year-end approached, the Korean entertainment industry was in a frenzy over one issue after another. It was always busy around this time of year, but this year looked more chaotic than ever.
[Entertainment] The year-end mood is in full swing... Awards season is drawing attention across broadcasting and film, but what will happen this year?
Every corner of the entertainment industry buzzed with attention-grabbing stories.
Naturally, the film world was no exception.
[Official] Director Ahn Gabok reveals title of his 100th film, Leech, in interview with the press
Director Ahn Gabok's ambitious Leech aims for Cannes, while casting for Shim Hanho remains unconfirmed... multiple top stars reportedly interested
Writer of Leech finally delivers the script, and Director Ahn Gabok says, "I've already sent it to two actors"
Even the variety show world was the same.
PD Yoon's Our Dining Table team departs for the U.S. tomorrow / Photo
[Issue IS] Hwarin expected to miss Our Dining Table... but her agency says, "She will carry out her schedule without issue"
There was an endless flood of news to watch, analyze, pick apart, and enjoy.
Among them, the hottest topic by far was the Hwarin incident.
Both the press and public opinion kept adding fuel to the fire. Famous influencers, fellow celebrities who mentioned Hwarin on social media, major YouTube channels, and streamers all covered the attack.
Because it was such a provocative case, the reaction was enormous.
And what made it even stranger—like throwing gasoline onto the flames—was the content of the interview the attacker revealed to the press during the investigation.
["Why did you attack Hwarin?!"]
"...I was trying to discipline her. I never meant to stab her. It was just because Hwarin was too promiscuous. I didn't know someone would step in. That bastard suddenly tried to shield her... I should've thought a little more carefully before attacking."
Even while wearing a mask and handcuffs, the stalker showed not the slightest sign of remorse.
[Breaking News] Stalker who attacked Hwarin says, "I disciplined her because she was too promiscuous"
That only made the public even angrier.
[Online reactions]
[User1: Holy shit, I seriously want that bastard beaten to death!!!]
[User2: Trash like that doesn't even deserve prison, just execute him already]
[User3: "Promiscuous" my assㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ he's a complete psycho ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[User4: But who protected her? The security guards?]
[User5: Yeah, apparently the guards stopped the attack]
[User6: Fucking bastard... if someone stabbed him with an awl, he'd piss and shit himself...]
The stalker case ignited public outrage.
But that outrage was not limited to Korea.
Hwarin and her group Elani were also a top girl group in Japan.
So naturally, the case was widely reported there as well.
Elani's "Hwarin" attacked with an awl by stalker
Korea erupts over attack on Hwarin, and the case becomes another reason to fear obsessive fans
Assault on Hwarin sparks fury across domestic fan SNS communities
"Hwarin" fortunately suffers no serious injury and updates both Korean and domestic fans through SNS
Just like in Korea, the attack seemed to shock Japan deeply. Public interest surged there as well, and Hwarin's Japanese fans voiced their anger. The ripple effect spread almost instantly.
And so, with all kinds of issues tangled together, the day came to an end and dawn broke on December 6.
Around 5 a.m. on December 6—
A time when most people were either asleep or just beginning their day.
But inside one officetel, Korea's top stars had gathered.
Among them was Kang Woojin, dressed in a hoodie and coat.
It was early, but his mind was completely fixed. He sat on the sofa with a cynical expression, though inwardly he was trembling with excitement.
'We're really going? I'm actually going to America?!'
In just a few hours, he would be boarding a plane for the first shoot of Our Dining Table in the United States.
This was completely different from Japan.
At last, he was heading to a country where English was not merely a subject, but the main language.
'Calm down, Kang Woojin.'
Little by little, the cast began gathering in the officetel being used as the Our Dining Table office.
Hong Hyeyeon was seated beside Kang Woojin, and next to her Hwarin was chatting with Hyeyeon. PD Yoon Byeongseon, Ahn Jonghak, Ha Kangsu, and Yeon Baekgwang were nearby as well.
And thankfully, Hwarin—who was talking with Hong Hyeyeon—looked fine on the surface.
"Hmm? Hwarin, did you change your perfume?"
"Ah, really? Oh, yes, I got a recommendation."
"It smells familiar somehow. It's nice though. What perfume was it again?"
"Secret?"
"Why are you suddenly acting all mysterious?"
None of the other cast members or staff brought up the assault case to Hwarin. They were about to leave, and there was no point in dredging it up again. Everyone knew that even though she looked fine outwardly, she had to be struggling inside.
Eventually—
"All right! Let's move out!"
PD Yoon Byeongseon and the head writer had finished making the departure arrangements. The rest of the dozens of staff members were already waiting outside the officetel.
Soon, VJs carrying cameras moved in and attached microphones to each cast member, including Kang Woojin. At that point, PD Yoon Byeongseon, looking excited, began giving instructions.
"We'll each head to the airport in separate vehicles. Of course, there'll be cameras in them! Reporters might be there when we arrive, so before check-in, we'll do brief interviews that won't be for broadcast! As you all know, just act as you normally would until we get to the airport. Don't feel pressured just because the cameras are rolling!"
Following PD Yoon Byeongseon's calm guidance, the large-scale movement began immediately. Since they would meet again on the plane, there was no contact between the cast as they headed out. Kang Woojin also made his way to the underground parking garage with Choi Sunggeon and the rest of his team.
Vroom!
And just like that, they set off. Several vans and minibuses parked in the garage departed for the airport at the same time, and inside the minibus, Kang Woojin glanced at the camera mounted to his right.
'They're really filming the whole time? Then... that means I have to stay in character the entire time except when I'm sleeping? That's rough. Seriously rough.'
He spoke to the male VJ holding the camera.
"Can I really act the way I normally do?"
"Yes, you can just act naturally."
"When I'm moving around, I usually read scripts."
"That's fine too. PD-nim will probably use it well as cutaway footage."
"Understood. Would you like a snack?"
"No, I'm fine. You can just pretend I'm not here, haha."
'How am I supposed to pretend you're not here when you're literally right there?'
That was Woojin's inner retort as he picked up one of the stacks of paper nearby.
It was The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.
Well, whatever.
Thinking that, Woojin solemnly began reading through the script again.
And so two hours passed.
Soon after, the entire Our Dining Table team arrived at Incheon Airport.
"Move, move!!"
Including PD Yoon Byeongseon, the Our Dining Table production team, the cast, and all their personal staff, the number of people moving together was enormous. It was only once they reached the airport that the six cast members finally gathered in one place. Naturally, there were also six VJs with them, and when the wide-shot and background filming teams were added in, the number easily exceeded ten.
To anyone looking, it was obviously a filming crew.
Because of that, the Our Dining Table team drew attention from the very moment they arrived. Even though it was early, the airport was crowded, and onlookers rushed in almost instantly.
"Whoa!!! Look over there!!"
"What?! Ah!! No way, it's Hong Hyeyeon, Hong Hyeyeon!!"
"Aaaah!! Oppa!! Oppa!!!"
"That's Hwarin!! Wait, what?? Are they filming something?!"
"Over here!! Please look this way!!!"
"Oh my god!! Kang Woojin!! He looks insane in person!!"
"That's it! It's Our Dining Table!!"
The security guards who had been positioned in advance moved to block the crowd, but people kept surging in like waves. Even so, the security line held firm. Because of the Hwarin incident, PD Yoon Byeongseon had arranged far more guards than originally planned.
Then—
"Unni!! Hwarin unni!! Stay strong!!"
"Oppa!! Oppa, this is a gift for you!! Woojin oppa!"
"Have a safe trip, Baekgwang!!!"
Once the fans who had been waiting in advance joined in, the crowd swelled into the hundreds in an instant. Everyone had their phones out, taking pictures and videos. Even though the guards tried to stop them, gifts thrown by fans began piling up in heaps.
At that, Kang Woojin—whose expression was normally stiff—was dumbfounded.
'What the hell is this? A grenade? This is absolute chaos.'
There were five other top stars there besides him, so the airport felt as though a bomb had gone off. There was no time to worry about the gifts scattered across the floor. To prevent accidents, they had to keep moving as quickly as possible, and the Our Dining Table team barely made it to the departure area while surrounded by dozens of reporters.
Then, in an instant, flashes exploded everywhere.
Papapapapak!
Papapapapapapak!
Reporters shouted questions from every direction, but because the crowd was twice as large as expected, the Our Dining Table crew did not have time to stop for interviews. All they could do was wave to the press in greeting. Kang Woojin did the same.
Then, following the shout of PD Yoon Byeongseon, the leader of the Our Dining Table team—
"All right! That's enough, move, move!"
The Our Dining Table team headed toward U.S. departure screening.
Exactly one hour later—
'We're taking off. We're really going.'
Kang Woojin was in the sky.
And of course, the news spread across the internet in no time.
[This Week's Pick] Ahn Jonghak, Ha Kangsu, Hong Hyeyeon, Hwarin, Yeon Baekgwang, Kang Woojin... Our Dining Table team departs for the U.S.!
Interestingly, around the time the plane carrying Kang Woojin took off for America, news also broke that an overseas top star would be coming to Korea.
[Hollywood] Actor and singer, Hollywood top star "Miley Kara," to visit Korea on the 8th next week to promote her new film!
It was a name he had seen before—on the Kang Woojin's Alter Ego channel.