Before anyone knew it, afternoon had arrived. The end of the workday was drawing near, but the boiling lava showed no sign of cooling.
Naturally, all attention was fixed on Kang Woojin.
His name was being mentioned across news outlets and radio broadcasts alongside Hwarin's and the attacker's.
"Let's start with some good news today, shall we?"
"Ha ha, Kang Woojin?"
"No, seriously, I thought I was watching a movie! He's a real hero. A true hero."
"Who knows? Maybe some director will turn that scene into a film one day."
"I wonder if Woojin even knows about the uproar happening back home right now. He's in the U.S., after all."
"Kang Woojin and his agency are still staying silent, and the same goes for Hwarin."
"Once Woojin gets back to Korea, ad offers are going to come pouring in."
"Isn't that already happening?"
"It'll only increase from here."
The original footage had already spread all over the community where it was first uploaded, then spilled into countless other communities through shares.
Around that time, BW Entertainment, Kang Woojin's agency, released an official statement.
『[Official] BW Entertainment, agency of 'hero' Kang Woojin: "Everything Kang Woojin tried to keep hidden is true, in consideration of Hwarin's condition."』
『BW Entertainment posts on official website that Kang Woojin's actions were "only natural"』
The heat flared up all over again. As a result, Kang Woojin's social media was thrown into chaos as well.
@Wooji_n
Posts: 189
Followers: 10.193 million
Following: 21
Fans also flooded into Kang Woojin's YouTube channel, Kang Woojin's Alter Ego.
[Channel Name: Kang Woojin's Alter Ego]
[Subscribers: 7.74 million]
[Videos: 31]
Calling it a surge would not have been enough. The comments section was overflowing with Korean, Japanese, and English, all buzzing with activity. The same went for Woojin's fan club, Kang's Heart. But the heat was not limited to Korea.
Kang Woojin's fan clubs did not exist only in Korea.
『Hwarin saved thanks to "Kang Woojin": heroic story spreads beyond Korea into Japan』
The place in question was Japan.
Japan was already in an uproar over the Hwarin incident. Then Woojin's Japanese fan club, KWJ Aishiteru, poured fuel onto the fire.
『Was it really "Kang Woojin" who subdued the attacker who targeted Hwarin?』
The first major share had begun with KWJ Aishiteru.
As a result, Japanese media and outlets took the bait, and the black-box footage involving Kang Woojin was exposed there as well.
『The footage uploaded to Kang Woojin's Korean fan club site shows...』
『SNS erupts over Kang Woojin black-box footage... Kang Woojin ranks No. 1 in social media searches』
And just like that, it spread across Japan.
Late that same afternoon.
The time was a little past eight. The location was a large, well-known hotel in Seoul. The area around the hotel was crowded. The lobby and the road in front were packed with reporters. They were busy filming the cars coming out of the hotel or swarming around celebrities for interviews.
The banquet hall inside, however, was much quieter than outside.
But the number of people gathered there was more than double.
There were at least fifty celebrities present, including top actors, famous directors, PDs, and other entertainment industry figures. Reporters and broadcast staff were there as well. The entire hall gave off the atmosphere of a luxurious private party.
In fact, that was exactly what it was.
It was the after-party hosted by the Korean Actors Association following the Star Night awards ceremony that had started earlier that evening.
Violin music drifted through the banquet hall, and round tables and long buffet tables had been arranged throughout the space. Naturally, there was every kind of champagne and wine, along with high-end party food and drinks. Everyone was busy drinking and chatting.
Among the crowd were several familiar faces.
Director Kim Dohee, who had set an unprecedented record with the R-rated film Drug Dealer, was there, along with lead actors Jin Jaejoon and Park Panseo, plus the cinematographer and music director. Drug Dealer had swept up multiple awards at this ceremony and had already become a top contender for the Blue Dragon Film Awards and other major ceremonies after that.
Because of that, a large number of people had gathered around the Drug Dealer team.
"Ha ha ha, Director Kim Dohee, congratulations. You already picked up two awards here, and if you add in the Blue Dragon, Grand Bell, and Baeksang, you'll be winning over ten this year, won't you?"
"Seriously, it's incredible. Truly incredible. The film was fantastic too. You must be getting nonstop calls from film companies now, right?"
"It's not just calls. An R-rated film pulled in eight million viewers! Ha ha ha."
Reporters and industry figures showered Director Kim Dohee with praise. Given the results, it was only natural. Kim Dohee, still wearing her permed hair as usual, responded like this.
"Ah, yes, thank you. It's all a bit overwhelming."
Her answer was polite but mechanical, and she looked visibly uncomfortable in the environment. She had attended film festivals before, but after-parties like this were still not something she was used to.
That was why—
"Ah, excuse me. I need to take this call."
Pretending to answer a phone call, Kim Dohee slipped away from the middle of the crowd. She headed for a quieter corner, and the art director and cinematographer followed after her. Not long later—
"Director."
The lead actors from Drug Dealer, who had been talking with other actors, joined them there as well. It was Jin Jaejoon, who had played Jung Hoon, and Park Panseo, who had played Professor Kim. The one who started speaking was the eldest among them, Park Panseo, who was in his late fifties and had already loosened the buttons of his jacket.
"At this point, I think we've shown our faces enough. I'm heading out."
Jin Jaejoon, with his sharp features, reacted quickly.
"Senior, you're leaving?"
Kim Dohee, who already looked worn out, barely managed to respond.
"Yes, go ahead. I was planning to escape in ten minutes myself."
Park Panseo let out a faint laugh, swept his eyes over the noisy banquet hall, and spoke again.
"Anyway, this place hasn't changed at all, not in the past and not now. I can ignore the atmosphere, but the fact that Woojin's name isn't anywhere on the winners list is honestly ridiculous."
Kim Dohee exhaled as if in full agreement.
"Sigh... even if there wasn't a rookie award or some kind of new talent category... not mentioning him at all feels strange."
"Mm. Doesn't seem like there'll be any reason to come next year."
"Well, this place feels more like a party than an awards ceremony anyway. Let's just leave it. The major film awards at the end of the year are the Blue Dragon and the Grand Bell, no matter what."
"Isn't it about time for the full nominee lists from those two ceremonies to be released?"
"Ah! They'll be announced this week. According to the rumors, Woojin's name has been coming up a lot on both sides."
"Of course it has. Why would they go out of their way to cause trouble by ignoring him?"
The moment Kang Woojin's name came up, the conversation grew even more lively, especially around Kim Dohee.
"Ah, senior. Did you watch the black-box footage from Woojin's car that was released this morning?"
"Of course I did. Who hasn't seen it when it's been all over the news?"
The cinematographer, Jin Jaejoon, and the art director all joined in.
"Everyone here is talking about Woojin. I just came from another group that was doing the exact same thing."
"Same here. The reporters started with Drug Dealer*, then naturally moved on to Lee Sangman, and after that it turned into Woojin."*
"It exploded this morning, so it can't be helped. Still, that guy really never stops making headlines. I never imagined he'd end up making the news for something heroic too..."
Soon the conversation shifted to the martial arts skills Kang Woojin had shown in the footage. Kim Dohee, meanwhile, ran a hand through her messy hair, unable to hide her regret.
"Ah, Woojin's movements were seriously incredible. If I'd known earlier... I would've added a few more action scenes."
Park Panseo waved a hand as if certain of it.
"You probably know this better than anyone, Director Kim, but if Lee Sangman had too many flashy action scenes, the essence of the character would've been badly diluted."
"...I know. It's just wishful thinking."
"Then you should write something better next time and cast Woojin again."
Right then—
"Ah, over there."
Jin Jaejoon, who had been heading toward a round table to refill his wine, spotted someone.
"Isn't that Director Ahn Gabok?"
The man surrounded by a massive crowd was none other than Director Ahn Gabok.
"Senior Shim Hanho is there too. Wow, even the major film company people are with him."
"Isn't that the editor from Power Patch?"
"Editors from other outlets are here too."
Among the Drug Dealer team, Jin Jaejoon fixed his gaze on Ahn Gabok's group. Desire flickered in his eyes, and he cleared his throat.
"Hm. Let's go greet him properly. We already said hello once earlier, but I think it'd be better to do it right."
The cinematographer and art director agreed. Meanwhile, Park Panseo, who had been smiling quietly, said,
"Heh. Looks like someone's trying to score points during the Leech casting process."
Jin Jaejoon shrugged without bothering to hide his intentions.
"That's right. Honestly, even getting a supporting role would be an honor."
"Mm, there's a chance, isn't there? You scored points with Drug Dealer*. But with Senior Shim Hanho standing there too... is it already decided?"*
"I saw an interview with Director Ahn Gabok. He said nothing had been decided yet."
"That only means he said it wasn't decided. Didn't he also say in that interview that he gave the script to two actors? Internally, Senior Shim Hanho might already be locked in."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Park Panseo stroked his chin and continued.
"Ahn Gabok's hundredth film, starring Shim Hanho, titled Leech*, aiming for Cannes... the scale is enormous. It's high risk. A double-edged sword."*
In any case, while the Drug Dealer team moved toward Director Ahn Gabok to greet him, Kim Dohee turned to Park Panseo, who had not moved at all.
"You're not going, senior?"
"I've got other plans."
"Ah... I see."
The cinematographer and art director murmured to each other.
"What's with him?"
"You didn't know? Park Panseo and Shim Hanho. It's pretty well known they don't get along."
"Ah..."
The Drug Dealer team joined Ahn Gabok's group. The crowd quickly swelled to more than twenty people, drawing the attention not only of other actors but of practically everyone in the banquet hall. A few actors even tried to squeeze their way into the group.
At first, the greetings went smoothly enough.
Then—
"Director Ahn Gabok."
Jin Jaejoon's expression turned serious, subtly changing the mood.
"I heard you're currently looking for actors for Leech*."*
It was a somewhat unexpected topic, but Director Ahn Gabok only smiled comfortably.
"That's right."
"If there's an opening, I'd like to audition."
"Really? Hm. I watched Drug Dealer*. I enjoyed it, Jaejoon."*
"Thank you."
But that was all.
Unlike what he had done with Hong Hyeyeon, Director Ahn Gabok offered no acting advice, no additional comment, and showed no particular interest. The people around them, however, were suddenly intrigued.
The actors began exchanging looks. The editors from the media outlets did the same.
Among them, even the round-bellied editor from Power Patch joined in.
"By the way, Director Ahn! In that magazine interview, didn't you say you handed the script to two actors? Could you maybe give us a hint? Everyone's dying to know which top actor joined, ha ha ha!"
The question was delivered jokingly, but the intent behind it was obvious. Even so, Director Ahn Gabok calmly swept back his short white hair.
"Heh heh, why are you all so curious?"
As he lowered his wine glass, he made eye contact with the white-haired Shim Hanho standing beside him.
Then he revealed something new.
"Actually, we're past the stage of simply handing out the script. The two lead roles have already been confirmed."
"Really?! Both lead actors are confirmed??"
"That's right."
Director Ahn Gabok gestured toward Shim Hanho.
"One of them is actor Shim Hanho, who's standing right here."
For a beat, everyone froze.
Then from Jin Jaejoon to Director Kim Dohee to the editors, applause broke out at once as if they had finally put the situation together.
"Of course! Actor Shim!!"
"Ha ha! Two legends joining forces!"
"Wow, Director, I'm looking forward to it~"
The moment the new bait was thrown, their eyes lit up with excitement. In the actors' eyes, greed swirled openly, mixed with thoughts like I want in too and I have to be part of this. As the atmosphere heated up, an editor from another major outlet, not Power Patch, asked the next question.
"Actor Shim Hanho is confirmed, and if there are two leads, then who's the other one?"
This time, it was real.
Shim Hanho had at least been a somewhat predictable choice. But the other confirmed actor was someone else entirely.
Who exactly was this hidden star?
"Ha ha, at this scale, they'd need another top actor... Could it be Ryu Jeongmin? He's been acting unbelievably well lately."
"If someone's starring alongside Shim Hanho, it can't just be anyone. Wouldn't it have to be one of the top actors here tonight?"
"Actor Park Panseo, maybe??"
"Director Ahn, could you at least give us the tiniest hint?"
"Just the surname. Just the surname."
Because of that, countless eyes locked onto Director Ahn Gabok's lips. The veteran director leisurely raised his wine glass, then opened his wrinkled mouth in the calmest tone imaginable.
"Kang Woojin."
Suddenly—
"...What?"
Everyone froze where they stood.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles—
It was nighttime in Korea, but here it was early morning. Even so, the airport was far from quiet. Inside one of the planes parked there—
The cabin was a luxurious first-class section.
The plane had not yet taken off, and many of the first-class seats were still empty. Among them, one woman sitting by the window stood out immediately. She had blonde hair falling to her chest, large eyes, blue irises, and pale skin. She was clearly a foreign woman, yet something about her appearance and aura was unusual.
Even the flight attendants kept glancing at her.
The reason was simple.
『[Hollywood] Top Hollywood actress Miley Kara visits Korea to promote new film... expected to arrive on the afternoon of the 8th』
She was Miley Kara, the Hollywood superstar actress.
Though she had started as an actress, she was now gaining just as much attention as a singer. Already known for her exceptional singing ability, she had cemented her status through a hit musical film. After that, she appeared frequently in Disney films, and her songs had entered the Billboard charts.
In short, Miley Kara was at the height of her fame as both a Hollywood actress and a singer. Even overseas, she was always counted among the top three most popular actresses.
Even so—
Her face, as she looked down at her phone, was cold and indifferent as ice.
That described Kara's personality perfectly.
Then—
"Kara."
Someone called her name. A large foreign man with a mostly shaved head approached her seat. He was Kara's manager. Speaking to her in English, he said,
"We're about to leave. Get some sleep. It'll be a long flight."
Kara glanced at him briefly, then answered in a cool British tone.
"I know. I'll handle it. I'm not sleepy yet."
"It's your first time going to Korea. How do you feel?"
"I've never been there, but it seems fine. You know that Korean restaurant near my place? It's clean, and the food is really good."
"That's good news. Your film promotions in Korea will last about a week, so you'll need to keep up your stamina."
That was exactly why she was on the plane.
Miley Kara was visiting Korea to promote her new film. She was the lead actress in a movie that was about to be released there. Then the bald manager handed her a tablet and asked about something else.
"It's the list of Korean YouTubers. Did you look at it? You need to decide now. Which channel are you going on?"
But Kara only scanned the tablet quickly before answering coldly,
"Like I told you, I'm appearing on only one YouTube channel."
"...Kara. We can't ignore YouTube promotions these days. If you've made up your mind, you need to tell me."
Kara held up her phone.
A video from YouTube was playing on the screen.
-[(6) Miley Kara / "Absolute"] Cover [Korean Version] | Kang Woojin's Alter Ego
Views: 16.33 million
With the same cold expression, Kara gave her final answer.
"I'll only appear here."