小火星

Even now, the comments were pouring in like crazy. The name ‘Kang Woojin’ was frequently mentioned among them. There were also references to Park Dae-ri and memes like “It’d be less annoying”

Would this trend continue to rise?

Of course, names of main actors like Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon were also frequently mentioned. But after every other comment, Kang Woojin’s name would come up. At this, Woojin thought:

‘Wow, this is insane.’

He tried to maintain a cool facade, but inside he was taken aback. Seeing hundreds of people talking about him made his heart flutter. Such a strong reaction, but why? Woojin wondered.

‘Did something big happen on the day of the ‘sports day’ filming?’

There were moments during the filming when PD Yoon Byung-seon or the staff burst into laughter, but generally, Kang Woojin did his best in every scene, whether it was talking or playing a game.

‘I didn’t think I had that much screen time?’

He hadn’t expected much. Though it was for promotional purposes, it was his first variety show and throughout the filming, he had maintained an indifferent expression. Comedy is supposed to be about laughter, right? Woojin didn’t understand, but Choi Sung-gun seemed to know exactly why.

“Woojin, your stoic demeanor became a comedic highlight. It’s like, you’re serious but people find it funny. Your initial haughtiness also added a twist.”

That was it. To the audience, Kang Woojin’s portrayal appeared a bit quirky. He seemed cold and sharp, but also oddly sloppy at times.

“If you read the comments, you’ll understand. People love your pure madness, your emotionless charm, the socially inept Park Dae-ri, your awkwardness in human relationships. People appreciate your indifference.”

It was strange. He hadn’t intended any of it. And pure? Woojin chuckled inwardly. Pure? Me? The same Woojin who was mesmerized by a kiss scene. A man with a dark side. Amidst all this, Woojin noticed another comment:

-LOL Kang Woojin kinda looks like an arrogant Golden Retriever LOL.

A Golden Retriever? Woojin couldn’t understand people’s perceptions. Anyway, if they like it, then that’s good, right? Even though he felt slightly taken aback, Woojin let it slide.

He then checked the thumbnail of the ‘Sports Day’ video.

It was a picture with the faces of actors such as Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon. The issue was that Kang Woojin’s face was the largest. Naturally, he was expressionless. Below Woojin’s face, there was a caption.

-??? Who on earth is he???

Other actors had their names under their faces. Why only me?

‘Why did they zoom in on my face like that?’

Internally grumbling, Woojin calmly asked Choi Sung-gun.

“Why is my face the largest?”

“It’s probably because you’re the standout, right?”

“You’re saying my head is big?”

“A little?”

Kang Woojin’s face became even more expressionless. Noticing this, Choi Sung-gun, with his sly smile, laughed.

“I’m joking. If your head is big, then what does that make me, an alien? It’s because you’re the main focus in the first episode, so your face is featured prominently. Want to see?”

Choi Sung-gun clicked on the video. The first episode of ‘Sports Day’ had a runtime of 22 minutes, which is long for a YouTube video. The video started with a shot of a building where the filming would begin, transitioning to the interior. There’s a long table with a poster for ‘Profiler Hanryang’ displayed in the studio.

No one was there yet.

An empty table was shown, with audio of the staff chatting in the background including PD Yoon Byung-seon.

[“We have a lot of big stars coming today, so let’s try to get content for up to 3 episodes.”]

[“PD, you seem very excited about getting the footage, don’t you?”]

[“I’m curious about Kang Woojin, am I the only one?”]

[“Probably everyone feels the same.”]

Then, the camera zoomed in on Park Dae-ri’s image on the poster. Suddenly, a staff member shouted.

[“Kang Woojin has arrived!”]

The screen transitioned to Kang Woojin entering the studio, greeted by PD Yoon Byung-seon. The camera captured a medium shot of Woojin. They greeted each other, and then the PD asked Woojin a question.

[“Was it tough portraying Park Dae-ri?”]

Woojin’s indifferent reply:

[“Yes.”]

There was a murmur. The staff were visibly shocked, and the camera even shook slightly. A subtitle appeared beneath.

-He’s not just low-energy… he has none? None at all.

In the video, Kang Woojin’s initial character was highlighted for his blatant cynicism. However, as time went on, his quirky nature began to shine.

[Nice to meet you, I’m Kang Woojin, who played ‘Profiler Hanryang’ in ‘Park Dae-ri’.]

Whether it’s a slip of the tongue or being aware of the mistake and pretending it didn’t happen, the editing went in that direction. Soon, as Kang Woojin watched the video, he was slightly impressed inside.

‘Ah- so this is how they characterize someone in variety shows.’

Certainly, the video combined with on-site shooting and editing had a different vibe. It felt more intense, perhaps? Anyway, Kang Woojin’s goofiness exploded in the game. While all the actors seemed to enjoy it, only Kang Woojin looked like he was in battle. No, it was closer to a bloody battle.

[Haha, Woojin, it’s not like you’re going to war, right?]

[I’m just doing my best.]

Then, the end of the video. It was the climax of the ‘Name the Celebrity’ game. It would be over if only Kang Woojin succeeded.

[Alright, Woojin, this is the last one. It’s easy, really easy!]

[Um.]

[Wrong!!]

After Kang Woojin’s failure, the staff burst into laughter. Then came the comment from PD Yoon Byung-seon.

[Woah- This was basically a freebie. What should we do now? This is awkward.]

[I’m sorry, who was that?]

At that moment, in the video, Hong Hye-yeon fiercely punches Kang Woojin’s arm.

[Ah!! It’s me!! Are you out of your mind?!]

The screen suddenly goes black. White letters appear in the center.

-To Be Continued.

-Will Kang Woojin survive?

Episode 1 ends with Kang Woojin in crisis.

‘Ah- Damn. That was close. It’s funny.’

Seeing his own face was embarrassing, but it was truly the work of the top variety show, PD, Yoon Byung-seon. Woojin almost burst into laughter. If the main participant felt this way, the public would have an explosive reaction. At that moment, Choi Sung-gun turned off YouTube. Then he accessed a search site and murmured. The laughter was unusual.

“Because of your first appearance, the media is going crazy right now.”

On the other hand.

As Choi Sung-gun said, the impact of episode 1 of ‘Sports Day’ featuring the Hanryang team was significant. PD Yoon Byung-seon’s shows were always impactful, and now with the addition of the popular drama ‘Hanryang’, journalists were all over it.

『’Sports Day’s Hanryang episode hits 200,000 views instantly, and it’s Kang Woojin’s first variety appearance!』

Entertainment news was flooding with ‘Sports Day’. Not only news articles, ‘Sports Day’ proudly held the top spot in real-time YouTube videos ranking, and new information about Kang Woojin poured out on various portal sites.

The main arena was the online community.

Public, having confirmed Kang Woojin’s character through ‘Sports Day’, were furiously posting everywhere. Starting with various online communities.

– Just watched Sports Day, go check it out lololol, it’s hilarious. lololol.

-Sports Day Hanryang episode’s ‘Celebrity Quiz’.gif

New posts related to the issue were increasing on SNS and online forums. Kang Woojin, already a hot topic, was getting even more attention. Among the comments on the ‘Sports Day’ video, there were some peculiar ones.

-Haha, Kang Woojin wasn’t like that originally?

People pretending to know Kang Woojin showed disbelief. These comments were buried under the flood of others, but they kept appearing steadily.

-I was surprised at Woojin’s acting, but it seems his personality has changed a lot. Always supporting you (from a former coworker).

Right now, it wasn’t a major concern. Choi Sung-gun, who just checked the situation on his phone as he came downstairs from the shop, had a satisfied smile. He then called the company’s PR team.

“Hey, you’ve seen ‘Sports Day’ blow up, right? Let’s move quickly. Release the articles we prepared in advance.”

It was to add momentum. Having experienced all sorts of ups and downs in the entertainment industry, he knew best how to elevate one’s Fame.

“Fame is like a flame. No matter who you are, it has a lifespan. The key is how big of a fire you can create in a moment.”

When the fire ignites, you fan the flames as much as you can. The popularity and fame accumulated now will all become assets for Kang Woojin.

It was then.

-♬♪

Choi Sung-gun’s phone rang. Well, lately his phone had been ringing non-stop. There were matters related to Hong Hye-yeon, but now many were about Kang Woojin.

So, Choi Sung-gun checked.

“Let’s see- who is it this time?”

He casually checked the caller ID. But then,

“Huh?”

Choi Sung-gun’s eyes widened.

“It’s PD Yoon?”

The person on the other line was the entertainment big shot, PD Yoon Byung-seon. For some reason, Choi Sung-gun’s smile grew wider. He somewhat anticipated what was to come.

“Yes, PD. Hahaha, hello!”

“CEO Choi, do you have time to talk?”

“Of course.”

“You’ve watched the first episode of ‘Sports Day’ – the hanryang edition, right?”

“Of course, I’ve seen it. Haha, it was a huge hit. Thank you for portraying our Woojin’s character so well.”

“You’re welcome, Woojin did a great job.”

“At this rate, the first episode might easily reach 4 million views, right? Or even 5 million?”

“Hmm, we’re expecting even more. Since the content turned out well, we’re going to release up to the third episode.”

Choi Sung-gun and PD Yoon Byung-seon, on the other end of the phone, had a conversation, imagining a promising future. Then, PD Yoon Byung-seon changed the topic.

“By the way, I know Woojin is very busy these days, but I’d like to meet with you and discuss something.”

Choi Sung-gun, not sure what to expect, responded,

“Oh, about Woojin?”

“Yes. But this isn’t about ‘Sports Day’. I’m speaking as a PD from the HTBS Entertainment Division.”

“······Could it be about a new show you’re planning?”

“Exactly. I’m thinking Woojin might be a good fit for the new show I’m planning. I’d like to discuss the details in person. What do you think?”

Choi Sung-gun was taken aback. However, he didn’t immediately jump on the opportunity, especially since getting too involved in the variety world could be risky. Plus, Kang Woojin was genuinely busy.

Soon, Choi Sung-gun sat on a sofa in a nearby waiting room, crossing his legs.

“Just a moment, I’ll check Woojin’s schedule.”

At the same time, PD Yoon Byung-seon asked over the phone,

“While you’re checking, does Woojin have any scheduled commitments in the second half of the year?”

That same day, around lunchtime, at Netflix Korea.

In a medium-sized meeting room with various posters on the walls, a meeting was being held with Executive Director Kim So-hyang and team leaders from different departments.

They were discussing the recently launched short drama project.

Among them, the hottest topic was related to ‘Male Friend’. Executive Director Kim So-hyang, who had been looking at a tablet in front of her, looked up and said,

“The reaction to Kang Woojin is insane, isn’t it?”

At her words, the male team leader from the physical team on her right nodded,

“Woojin was already popular due to his acting in Hanryang, and his natural appearance in ‘Sports Day’ seems to have really resonated.”

“I watched a bit of the footage, and he did look adorable. When he had a meeting with us, he seemed so calm and composed, but he has a surprising charm.”

“The editing probably played a part, and there’s also the unique atmosphere of a variety show filming. Anyway, it’s refreshing news for us.”

Executive Director Kim So-hyang smiled and nodded,

“Even though the short drama project is still in the planning stage, it’s already getting a lot of attention, right?”

The one to answer this time was the female team leader from the creative team on the left.

“Yes. With Woojin and Hwalin making headlines one after another, the momentum is really good. Even without any promotion, articles about ‘Male Friend’ keep increasing on their own.”

“Good. We should continue to leak information. Anything really. For now, just throw in the names Woojin and Hwalin. If we drop hints here and there, the media will run with it.”

“Understood.”

Executive Director Kim So-hyang, looking excited, clapped her hands together.

“Now, with this in place, we really need to expand our plans-”

The physical team leader asked,

“Have you contacted John Craig?”

John Craig, whom the team leader mentioned, was the executive director of Netflix in Japan. Kim So-hyang answered as if it was obvious.

“Yes, I did. He seems positive about our short drama project and seems favorable about launching it in Japan.”

“So, it’s not confirmed?”

“We need to keep in touch. They might have their own circumstances to consider. But John probably can’t ignore it, given that Netflix in Japan can’t disregard the Korean Wave.”

“Especially now that Netflix has so many Anime.”

“That can’t be helped, given that anime is huge there. That’s why a lot of titles in the top rankings are anime. But the other half is Korean content, right? From John’s perspective, he can’t possibly ignore ‘Elani’, a top-tier girl group in Japan.”

This referred to Hwalin.

“I heard that when ‘Elani’ had a concert in Japan, they filled a large stadium?”

“The tickets were sold out in either ten or fifteen minutes. They also frequently topped the Oricon charts¹.”

“With Hwalin’s popularity, if we launch ‘Male Friend’ tailored to Japanese tastes, the response will be explosive. Anyway, leave the Japanese launch to me. I’ll handle John. Let’s proceed with the plan as if the Japanese launch is confirmed.”

Executive Director Kim So-hyang, swiped the screen of her tablet. The other team leaders did the same.

“First off, the production lineup looks good. Proceed with it. How about the OST²?”

“We’ve started collecting songs. I think it would be good if Hwalin sings one or two songs. Of course, we’ll need her consent.”

“That would be fantastic.”

Kim So-hyang, recalling Kang Woojin, said,

“Since ‘Male Friend’ is a romantic comedy, having a duet would be great. If we have a duet following the storyline, it would likely top the charts both in Korea and Japan, right?”

“There are many precedents. But while Hwalin would be no problem, if there’s a big difference in singing ability with Woojin, it could be tricky.”

“Hmm, Woojin himself said he’s pretty good. First, let’s gather songs that fit ‘Male Friend’ perfectly.”

The next agenda was raised by the executive director, Kim So-hyang.

“For the direction, we need someone with a strong reputation. I’d like a renowned PD.”

“Yes, we’re looking into freelance PDs, but some are hesitant because it’s a short series.”

“Tsk. Just skip those directors.”

Then, the creative team leader suggested someone.

“Director, how about this person?”

“Who?”

The team leader showed Kim So-hyang his tablet.

“He has a connection with Kang Woojin. He’s the winner of the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ and directed ‘Exorcism’. He’s currently the hottest name in the film industry. In the past, he made a name for himself as a drama PD.”

Looking at the picture on the tablet, Kim Sohyang clapped her hands in realization.

“Ah! Director Shin Dong-chun?”

*****

Notes:

1) The Oricon Albums Chart is the Japanese music industry standard albums popularity chart issued daily, weekly, monthly and yearly by Oricon.

2) Original Sound Track

*****