小火星

-It really seems like Kang Woojin

-Lol, Kang Woojin is just impossible, lol. He has recently been working on Director Kwon Ki-taek’s next work, lol.

-A Korean newcomer… Could it really be Kang Woojin? Isn’t he the hottest among the newcomers in Korea right now??

-↑Agree. Seriously, with Kang Woojin’s momentum, even Hollywood entry seems totally possible.

-Park Dae-ri is on fire!

-Idiots, lol. There’s no connection between Kang Woojin and Director Kyotaro, lol.

-Why the sudden focus towards Kang Woojin???

-Wow LOL But seriously, if it’s Kang Woojin, his filmography is crazy LOL Isn’t he surpassing top actors??

-No, no, no, it won’t be Kang Woojin. The news about ‘Island of the Missing’ going for an overseas location shoot was released. His schedule won’t match.

-These guys are getting carried away, lol. Idiots, lol.

Various online communities were buzzing about Kang Woojin. Naturally, his name also began to appear in the comments of various articles.

-Is Kang Woojin really the actor being talked about???

-Kang Woojin? For real?? Why is Kang Woojin suddenly coming up?

-The Netizen Conans in the community are going crazy claiming it’s Kang Woojin, lol.

-Isn’t there a rumor about Kang Woojin having a split personality? Kang Woojin is so unlikeable.

-Lol, Kang Woojin my foot. Just the idiots spouting their brain farts, lol.

-Wow! True, Kang Woojin is currently the most dominant rookie!

-…I don’t think it’s Kang Woojin? Isn’t he already involved in many projects??

The media caught on to this atmosphere and began to add their spin to the facts.

『[Issue Pick] Is Kang Woojin the ‘Korean rookie actor’ mentioned by Director Kyotaro? Rumors rapidly spreading through online communities.』

In just a few dozen minutes, speculative and sensationalized articles began to increase.

-I think it’s highly likely, considering ‘Hanryang’ is super popular on Netflix in Japan. Director Kyotaro must have noticed Kang Woojin there.

Amateur detectives comments also surged. The situation was a mess, but it was positive for Kang Woojin.

No, it was exactly the picture Choi Sung-gun wanted.

Back at the live cafe.

As Kang Woojin’s name spread online, ‘Male Friend’s’ final shooting location, the live cafe, was busy with clean-up. Dozens of staff moved around in organized chaos.

“Hey, watch the cables! Don’t step on them!”

“Oops – sorry!!”

“Hey, rookie! How can you handle that expensive light so carelessly?! Handle it gently! Got it?!!”

“Yes sir! Gently! Noted!”

“Let’s hurry up, we only have an hour left to clear out!”

Kang Woojin and Hwalin were saying goodbye to the key staff. Meanwhile, Kang Woojin, with his usual indifference, thought to himself.

‘Wow, somehow managed to finish another one?’

What should he call this feeling? Deep satisfaction? Kang Woojin commended himself. Despite the overflowing schedule, he had diligently completed another project.

‘‘Exorcism’, ‘Profiler Hanryang’, ‘Drug Dealer’ and now ‘Male Friend’. Wow, I’ve already done four??’

He felt a sense of accomplishment. It felt like only yesterday when he began acting as Park Dae-ri, but now many characters were already imprinted in Kang Woojin’s mind. Of course, he was ready to show them off at any moment. It felt like ‘Kang Woojin’s world’ was expanding.

‘Well, I have more to do than what I’ve finished.’

Thinking of the backlog of work, Woojin tried to lift his spirits. His face, however, remained stoic as ever.

At that moment.

“Uh- Woojin.”

Having just finished talking with Director Shin Dong-chun, Hwalin approached Kang Woojin. Her expression was slightly sullen. To her, Woojin responded in a low voice.

“Yes, Hwalin. You worked hard.”

“You too, Woojin.”

At this, Kang Woojin’s instincts slightly stirred. Hwalin’s slightly red lips caught his eye. Oh, wait a minute. Still vividly remembering their recent kiss scene, Kang Woojin averted his gaze from Hwalin as if pretending nothing happened.

‘Forget it, you idiot.’

Although Kang Woojin wanted to slap his own cheek for being distracted by thoughts of Hwalin, he refrained and saw Hwalin, noticing his averted gaze, having her own thoughts.

‘Ah! Maybe he’s bored or… is he busy? Ugh, I don’t know! Just go for it!’

Soon, Hwalin cleared her throat and cautiously asked Woojin.

“By the way, could you give me your number?”

“Number?”

Hwalin’s gaze flickered slightly.

“…Yes. It’s not for any other reason. It’s just that, with ‘Male Friend’ and the upcoming ‘Our Dining Table’ with PD Yoon, I thought it might be good to know.”

“Ah.”

“…Or maybe a situation might arise where we need to contact each other.””

“Yes. Sure.”

Woojin nodded indifferently and took Hwalin’s phone to enter his number, smiling inwardly.

‘She’s cute.’

Remembering her fangirl moments, Woojin returned the phone to Hwalin, who casually thanked him.

“Thanks.”

Internally, she was jumping up and down with joy, like she had obtained a rare item.

At that moment.

“You two! Really great work!”

An excited male voice came from behind. Turning around, they saw Director Shin Dong-chun, accompanied by the shy writer Choi Na-na and the plump executive director Kim So-hyang.

It seemed they had visited for the last shooting.

Writer Choi Nana, true to her timid nature, approached the actors and bowed deeply.

“The last scene with Woojin… your vocals were really great, and Hwalin, your acting was so, so amazing.”

For her, everything must have felt like a dream. Kang Woojin appearing in ‘Male Friend’ and later Hwalin as well. Now, it had already reached the last shooting, with plans to launch not only in Korea but also in Japan.

The scale had grown beyond imagination.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how ‘Male Friend’ turns out! I, I love you both!”

The mood lightened with Choi Na-na’s courageous declaration. Director Shin Dong-chun joined in.

“Haha, I guess I’ll have to work to death in post-production to live up to the writer’s expectations.”

“Aah! That’s not what I meant!”

“I know, I know. I also plan to put a lot of effort into this drama since it’s been a while. And Woojin, Hwalin, you know that even though filming is over, there’s still a lot to do. From poster shoots to post-sync recording. Ah! Woojin, I think it’s better to record today’s cut OST separately.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, while explaining, paused to consider the date.

“Let’s see – today’s the 15th. The trailer and teaser will start rolling out next week, including the ‘making-of’ videos.”

Executive Director Kim So-hyang took over.

“We also have to hold the production announcement soon. ‘Male Friend’ will be the representative project among our short drama projects.”

Meaning, both Kang Woojin and Hwalin had to participate, along with the director and the writer.

“And this part will be communicated to your agencies, but there might be a brief trip to Japan for the promotional schedule of ‘Male Friend’.”

Japan, suddenly? As Woojin wondered internally, Kim So-hyang explained.

“The Netflix Japan has officially requested it. Probably because of ‘Hanryang’s success. Woojin’s popularity has risen, and Hwalin is already top in Japan.”

Such cases were not entirely unheard of. It happened quite often.

“Since ‘Male Friend’ is officially launching in Japan, the pretext is the production announcement, but it’s more of a small promotional event.”

Then, a male voice interjected.

“Haha, just let me know the schedule, and I’ll adjust. It’s Woojin’s first leading role, so we must go.”

It was the ponytailed Choi Sung-gun.

-Swish.

He smiled and whispered in Woojin’s ear.

“The media and public are starting to buzz with your name. All that’s left is the push.”

The next day, after the wrap-up of ‘Male Friend’ shooting, late morning on the 16th. Around that time the news about ‘Male Friend’ hit the internet.

『‘Kang Woojin’ and ‘Hwalin’ finally complete filming of ‘Male Friend’!!』

Kang Woojin, who had been sleeping soundly in bed, suddenly woke up.

“….Eh-”

Woojin’s hair was disheveled and his eyes were bleary, as if his soul had left him. He had slept deeply. For a while, he stared blankly at the familiar ceiling, before his brain suddenly kicked into gear.

“Ah- crap!!”

He abruptly got out of bed in a rush, sensing that he had overslept. His appearance was reminiscent of his days working at the design company, still exuding a hint of his ordinary life. Quickly heading to the bathroom, Woojin checked the time on his phone.

“What time is it… ah.”

He suddenly stopped his hurried pace and chuckled in resignation.

“What am I doing? Am I an idiot?”

The reason was simple. The previous night, Choi Sung-gun had given him two days off.

“‘Male Friend’ is over, and the reading for ‘Island of the Missing’ is finished, so let’s take a break for a day or two.”

Woojin was so elated he almost hugged Choi Sung-gun, but maintained his solemn demeanor and just thanked him. Then, Woojin, scratching his disheveled hair, dove back into bed.

“Sweet relief-”

It was a rare moment of total relaxation, dropping all responsibilities: the hellish schedule, acting, maintaining his persona, even his misunderstandings. At this moment, only the real Kang Woojin existed. Although the outside world was abuzz, Woojin closed his eyes without a care.

What does it matter?

This was his time to unwind. It wasn’t until the afternoon that he lazily got up and headed to the parking lot.

“Ah, my beloved~, it’s finally time for your debut.”

He was planning to take his newly-purchased car for a spin. While Woojin was indulging in this sweet rest, his name was spreading rapidly across the internet.

-Is it really Kang Woojin? There’s nothing about it on his Instagram??

As time passed, speculation and theories flooded the internet. It was unclear who had first sparked the rumor. Was it because Kang Woojin was the most prominent ‘rising star’ recently? Was it the timing?

Either way, the situation was beyond control.

There were even posts with amateur detective work.

-Let me summarize it for you. Kang Woojin won the acting award at the Mise-en-scène Film Festival, and the award trophy was presented by Director Kyotaro.

-Woah, that sounds right! This seems the most accurate LOL

-Right now, there’s no newcomer like Kang Woojin LOL I haven’t seen ‘Exorcism’, but Park Dae-ri was awesome LOL

There were also plenty of negative reactions to the spreading rumors.

-Isn’t Kang Woojin busy with filming ‘Male Friend’, ‘Island of the Missing’, and all sorts of commercials, and whatnot, right?

-The Japanese language is a main issue guys. When did he even learn it?? I vote no for Kang Woojin

-Could be an unknown actor from Korea or maybe even a Korean-Japanese.

-Ah, maybe they referred to a Korean-Japanese as a Korean actor LOL?

The debate raged on. The issue related to ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was so unique that the overflowing interest was like a grand and colorful explosion of fireworks.

One thing was certain now.

That Kang Woojin’s name was penetrating deeper into public consciousness. This situation persisted for at least two days, with the media also joining in.

『[Issue Check] First ‘newcomer’ from Korea to lead a Japanese blockbuster? Kang Woojin emerges as a prominent candidate.』

『[Exclusive] Director Kyotaro presented the award trophy to Kang Woojin at Mise-en-scène Film Festival, raising the possibility of him being the ‘Korean newcomer.’』

Of course, many people became aware of this news, including actors and other figures in the entertainment industry, as well as Woojin’s acquaintances.

-Kyung-sung: Yo, Woojin, is it true you’re going to star in a Japanese movie as a lead???

-Hyeong-gu: True? Considering he hasn’t said anything, it’s probably just BS.

-Kyung-sung: KANG WOOJIN, you bastard!! Ah, damn it, hey, Dae-young, respond! You must know something, right?

-Dae-young: I’m busy, and I don’t know either.

-Hyeong-gu: Just ignore them, idiots. But shouldn’t we meet up soon? Let’s see our Kang-star’s face.

Woojin’s fan club was also buzzing.

-[Official/Kang Woojin’s Official Fan Club ‘Kang’s Heart’ Welcomes You!]

-Members: 19,520.

-Chief Manager: BloodSister.

Among them, of course, the fan club’s representative, ‘BloodSister,’ and the administrators were especially active.

“Is this for real?? Is Woojin oppa really making a debut in Japan?”

“I don’t know! But there wasn’t any word from oppa’s agency.”

“Hyun-ah! Call oppa and ask him!”

“Ah! He’s not answering!”

Despite the growing snowball of rumors, Kang Woojin simply…

『[Star Talk] Speculation about Kang Woojin’s ‘Japan Debut’: Rumors Are Growing, But Kang Woojin Himself Remains Silent』

Continued to carry out his schedule quietly.

A few days later, on the 19th, in the morning, at a salon in Cheongdam-dong.

The van carrying Kang Woojin stopped in the salon’s parking lot. Soon after, the back door opened, and Woojin stepped out briskly. He was wearing a cap, a black t-shirt, and jeans, overall he looked pretty casual. Kang Woojin’s first schedule for the day was the poster shoot for ‘Male Friend’.

Of course, there were full packed schedules afterward.

Following the indifferent Woojin were Choi Sung-gun, Jang Su-hwan, Han Ye-jung, and five other team members. Just as Woojin was about to step forward,

“Woojin.”

Choi Sung-gun, who had just tied his ponytail again, called out to him.

“The situation seems to have heated up just enough. How about the launch of ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel? What do you think?”

If that’s what you suggest, I’m okay with it. But, of course, pretending to be cool is essential. Kang Woojin’s voice was deliberately low.

“I think it’s the right time.”

“Okay.”

Choi Sung-gun, forming a circle with his fingers, paused for a moment, picked up his phone, and called the PD in charge of the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel.

Then, he handed the phone to Woojin.

“It’s your channel, so you should be the one to launch it.”

Woojin nodded cynically. But internally, he felt a bit nervous. Why is my heart beating so fast over this? Soon, the voice of the PD came through the phone.

“Yes, CEO.”

Woojin replied in a low voice.

“This is Kang Woojin, PD~nim. I think it’s time to start my channel.”

“Haha, I’ve been waiting for this. Then, I’ll start uploading right away!”

The change in the previously empty ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel happened within a few minutes.

[Channel Name: Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego]

[Subscribers: 158]

[Videos: 2]

-【Greeting】Hello, I am actor Kang Woojin. No, Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego. Do you have a moment?｜Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego

-【(1)Elani/’Ballerina’】Cover [Japanese.Ver]｜Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego

The lid was lifted.

The interesting part was

“Wow! It’s not a fake!!”

“Hahaha, what! It’s really Woojin oppa’s channel??”

“…What? This is the real Kang Woojin??”

The reactions started pouring in rapidly.

***