小火星

Chapter 201: Year End (2)

Rather, it felt less like a meeting and more like a dire confrontation, charged with a heavy atmosphere.

Around a ㄷ-shaped table sat roughly five people, with PD Song Man-woo, who appeared to have lost weight with a gaunt jawline, seated at the head. He had been staying up nights frequently in preparation for ‘Beneficial Evil’.

“Hmm-”

He was looking down at a transparent file, his forehead cradled in his hand, while the individuals seated on either side of PD Song Man-woo were the production manager and the CD and other key staff. The whiteboard behind them was adorned with the names of numerous actors.

Kang Woojin’s name was the only one listed under the ‘OK’ group.

That’s when it happened.

“PD-nim, how about we push forward with 60 million won to start?”

The CD, also looking down at a transparent file, broke the ice. Upon closer inspection, the file contained information regarding Kang Woojin’s worth. Of course, it was a natural progression. Having received the ‘OK’ for the main male lead in ‘Beneficial Evil’, it was time to negotiate the realistic aspects and seal the deal.

Producing a drama was always a challenge beyond challenges.

Soon, PD Song Man-woo, shaking his head slowly, responded seriously.

“Don’t give me the opinion of ‘to start’ in this situation. All we have from Woojin-ssi is his word. It’s still like walking a tightrope.”

“······I’m sorry.”

“It’s not a one-day, two-day matter of drama production, and how many times have we seen actors back out after agreeing?”

At this point, the production manager seated on the right chimed in.

“But Woojin-ssi has worked with you on ‘Hanryang’ before, PD-nim. It’s practically the work that made Kang Woojin what he is now. I doubt he would flip so easily given that connection.”

“Of course, Woojin-ssi isn’t the type to change his words lightly. He’s quite cynical by nature. But what I’m saying is, we can’t get complacent just because of that connection.”

“Ah.”

“Moreover, Woojin-ssi is very precise about the realistic aspects, well aware of his own value. Probably has already set some baseline for his worth by now.”

In that moment, a memory flashed through the PD Song Man-woo.

‘Even back then, when he was just a newbie, he confidently raised his own value.’

It was when sealing the deal for Kang Woojin’s participation in ‘Profiler Hanryang’.

“So, what I’m saying is we can’t just do ‘for now’ or ‘to start with’ things. Besides, our DM Production is just starting out. It’s also necessary to establish an image that our capital is solid right from the start.”

Musing, PD Song Man-woo tapped the transparent file he was holding.

“Let’s put the production company’s perspective aside, and tell me honestly what you all think.”

The production manager was quick to respond.

“To be honest, until his trip to the U.S., Woojin-ssi’s worth was at most 60 per episode.”

“And now?”

“It seems to have increased quite a bit in just about ten days. The biggest reason being his joining the film by Director Ahn Ga-bok as the lead. And there’s a strong vibe he’ll sweep the awards at various year-end ceremonies.”

“Additionally, the issue of saving Hwalin-ssi is also a significant plus for our project. The ‘martial arts’ skills Woojin-ssi possesses are a considerable advantage for our work.”

“Yes. Considering the buzz from ‘Our Dining Table’, the Miley Cara issue, and all the minor things… I’m not sure. We might have to think about 70 per episode at this point.”

70 per episode. In just ten days, Woojin’s worth had significantly risen. But this was not a miscalculation. Kang Woojin had indeed achieved such results.

At this, the PD Song Man-woo added one more reason.

“…Hmm, we also need to add the hardship pay for being the lead who will carry ‘Beneficial Evil’ on his shoulders. That Woojin-ssi would have included all that in his calculations.”

Whatever the case, no more than 70 at maximum. In that moment, PD Song Man-woo let out a hollow laugh.

‘It feels like just yesterday we were making a deal at 3.5 million won per episode during ‘Hanryang’, and now we’re discussing 60-70 million won – it’s the first time I’ve seen such a case in my decades of directing.’

Having finished his moment of contemplation, PD Song Man-woo seemed to have made up his mind and murmured to the key staff.

“Okay, let’s cap it at 75. Let’s try to make it work with that.”

About an hour later. Near Sinsa Station, a large recording studio.

This was a recording studio with a different vibe from the usual ones. For starters, it was significantly larger. There were enough microphones and booths to easily accommodate at least 10 people, and the equipment for controlling the recording was also quite extensive. There were also plenty of sofas and chairs for those waiting.

Perhaps it was three times larger than a typical recording studio?

But that wasn’t all.

Various musical instruments and albums attached to the walls made the interior of the recording studio look high-end. Around the studio, dozens of people were bustling about, led by a familiar-faced PD.

“Set up more cameras in the booth for vocal recording than around the control equipment!”

“Got it! Should we also install some on the ceiling?”

“Yes, on the ceiling as well. Front, side, rear, above, right in front of the microphone. Everywhere.”

“Understood!”

“PD-nim! How many chairs should we set up??!”

“Ah- Hmm, well, just from our side we’re expecting at least 10 people, and I’m not sure how many they’ll bring… Let’s prepare about 20 chairs just in case! With the sofas, that should be enough.”

“Okay!”

Everyone, including the PD, was part of the team for the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel. As the channel had grown considerably, the number of staff had naturally increased. They had even moved to a larger office recently.

For reference, the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel:

[Channel Name: Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego]

[Subscribers: 8.33 million]

[Videos: 33]

The channel had recently surpassed 8 million subscribers. Although video uploads had slowed slightly due to the schedule in the U.S., the buzz from various incidents had steadily increased the subscriber count.

Of course, the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel was even more anticipated for the future.

Why?

Because about an hour later, in this recording studio, the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel was set to start filming with Miley Cara. It was a project exclusive to the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel among many Korean Youtube channels.

The expectations both domestically and internationally were already high.

Therefore, the staff setting up for the shooting moved their hands busily, as if wondering if this was a dream or reality.

“Crazy… is Miley Cara really coming here?? I’m a huge fan.”

“Me too. I’ve watched all of Cara’s movies and songs… I never thought I’d get to see her in my lifetime.”

“I’m going to pay my respect to Woojin ssi. To think I’d get to see Miley Cara within a month of joining.”

“Totally! The ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel is really something, isn’t it? The impact and everything is just overwhelming!”

“That global superstar Cara herself chose it, so that says everything.”

“Kang Woojin ssi is really… or should I call him boss? Anyway, it’s amazing, isn’t it? And to think acting is his main job!”

The male and female staff were losing touch with reality at the thought of seeing Hollywood star Miley Cara. Of course, there were quite a few new hires who were seeing Kang Woojin for the first time.

“Ah- Anyway, I’m super excited for today!”

At this moment,

Kang Woojin was just getting out of a van parked in the recording studio’s parking lot.

-Thump!

He had full makeup on and his hair was neatly styled, and he was wearing a thick knit sweater and jeans. His expression was, of course, firm.

“······”

But there was a more earnest vibe than his usual concept act, for a simple reason.

-Swish.

A camera from the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel was right beside Kang Woojin. It was a VJ meant to capture every moment. Given the scale of the shoot, this was natural. It had a bit of a variety show shooting vibe, so Woojin’s poker face couldn’t possibly stay calm.

The shooting was one thing, but the guest was Miley Cara.

‘Crazy, now we’re even bringing in top Hollywood actors?? Wow- this is really something.’

In fact, Kang Woojin was somewhat composed when he received the message from Choi Sung-gun, though he was taken aback. The exact reason is unknown, but it’s likely because Woojin was in Hollywood at the time.

But as the shooting drew near, he was extremely nervous.

How to put it, like meeting an alien?

Kang Woojin tried hard to pour cold water on his heart and move forward. There’s no comment. The VJ, perhaps prepared for this, simply follows Woojin.

Meanwhile, the team following Kang Woojin was all abuzz.

First off, the stylists were very excited.

“Oh my- What’s Woojin oppa going to make? Why is he so calm??”

“Right? Honestly, since it’s Miley Cara, I thought there would be some change in expression!”

“It’s always so fascinating to see.”

Han Ye-jung, who had been promoted to head stylist, contrary to her usually cold demeanor, was visibly tense. Choi Sung-gun noticed it.

“Ye-jung, why haven’t you said a word since earlier?”

“······CEO~nim, I think I’m going to throw up.”

“What?”

“I’m a huge fan of Miley Cara- her acting and as a singer she’s insane, and she’s known for her fashion too.”

“Ah, sounds familiar.”

Jang Su-hwan, the burly one, felt the same. Anyway, Kang Woojin and his team entered the recording studio. They were immediately greeted warmly. The main PD approached Kang Woojin.

“Hahaha, you’re here? We’ve finished installing cameras inside the studio. Please check and let us know if anything is lacking.”

“Ah- Yes.”

Kang Woojin casually scanned the vast recording studio. Just glancing around. That’s when it happened.

-♬♪

Choi Sung-gun’s phone rang as he was about to sit on a waiting chair behind the recording equipment. It was a call from a staff member waiting on the first floor.

“Uh huh, oh- okay.”

After finishing the call, he told Woojin.

“Miley Cara is on her way up.”

Before Kang Woojin could even react, the dozens of staff members around them were quicker to create a fuss. Murmurs and whispers. About 3 minutes later.

-Swish.

The glass door of the recording studio opened, and large foreigners, clearly bodyguards, entered first. Right behind them, a blonde woman appeared.

It was Miley Cara, a global superstar.

As a result, everyone from the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ team froze. They only followed Miley Cara with their eyes as she exuded a pleasant scent upon entering. Cara, dressed in a khaki short padding jacket suitable for the Korean winter, set her blue eyes on the man standing in the center of the recording studio.

‘That man must be Kang Woojin.’

Whether by looks or aura, it was clear he was Kang Woojin. Thus, Cara approached Woojin directly. A faint smile, an outstretched handshake, and parting lips. Cara spoke in her distinctive cool voice.

“Mr. Kang Woojin? Nice to meet you. I’m Miley Cara.”

Hearing her voice, the staff around Woojin exhaled silent excitement, covering their mouths and such actions. In contrast, Kang Woojin, taking Cara’s hand, gave a cynical greeting. Of course, it was in English.

“Hello, I’m Kang Woojin.”

At the same time, Kang Woojin checked the team behind Cara. There were about a dozen people, all foreigners, and some of them held cameras, indicating that Cara’s shooting team was mixed in as well. It made sense. While Kang Woojin had 8 million subscribers, Miley Cara’s official Youtube channel had soared past 70 million subscribers. And for reference, her social media followers numbered 100 million.

Yes, she was practically an alien.

“Indeed- you speak English very well.”

Kang Woojin, looking into Cara’s blue eyes.

‘An alien is talking? So amazing.’

He had to gather his wits about him.

“It’s just enough to communicate.”

“Hm? Not really. I had some expectation after seeing your English cover songs on Youtube, but seeing it in person, it’s more than that.”

“Thank you.”

“I was looking forward to it, thank you for covering my song.”

“It’s such a great song. The honor was all mine.”

“Hm- That’s some calm lip service, isn’t it? Ah, I’ve also watched dramas you were in. I haven’t seen them all, but they were impressive.”

“Is that so? I’ve watched a lot of movies you were in, even before I became an actor.”

“Really? By the way, have you really only been an actor for one year?”

“Yes.”

The conversation flowed as naturally as if two Americans were greeting each other. Naturally, the shooting teams from both Cara and Kang Woojin’s sides were filming, and Miley Cara, even as she took off her padding jacket, scanned Kang Woojin closely.

‘He looks several times better in person, quite the quiet type. A totally different vibe from his acting roles? Where does all that explosive energy come from if he’s this calm? And he’s really only been debuted for a year??’

Then, she suddenly asked Kang Woojin.

“······Do you know a person named Joseph Felton?”

Yes, I do. He was a producer who had given him his business card in Hollywood. Though unsure why her inquiry involved that name, Woojin had to deny any knowledge of ‘Last Kill 3’ and everything related to it.

“No, I haven’t heard of him. Why do you ask?”

As Cara swept her blonde hair behind her ear, she shook her head.

“If you don’t know, never mind. I was just asking in case.”

“Is that so.”

Soon, Woojin handed a tablet received from the PD of the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel to Cara.

“I guess I should explain today’s shooting schedule.”

He briefed the entire schedule fluently in English. Not only Cara, but also her manager and the entire team listened attentively. In summary, the duet singing would be shot in this recording studio, and the rest of the content, like talks and cooking, would move to another rented studio.

Cara quickly understood since there had already been some communication.

“Alright, then the duet song is ‘Absolute’, the one you covered?”

“That’s right.”

Cara’s long blonde hair swayed as she nodded.

“Okay. Since your cover of ‘Absolute’ was translated into Korean, what will it be this time? English? Korean?”

“I’m fine with either.”

Cara, after briefly discussing with her team, locked eyes with Woojin again.

“I’d like to hear ‘Absolute’ sung solo by you before the duet.”

There was a cool firmness to her request.

“If possible, in the Korean lyrics from the cover video. There’s a big difference between watching the video and hearing it live, so let’s start with that and then adjust the feel for the duet.”

Kang Woojin nonchalantly nodded.

“Sounds good.”

Soon, a few foreigners from Cara’s team took seats in front of the recording equipment.

“I never thought I’d be producing in Korea.”

“Haha, me neither.”

“But does that Korean actor sing well? I haven’t seen the cover video.”

“Well, I haven’t heard much either. But he covered Cara’s song pretty well. I thought it was quite good.”

“Oh- Really?”

Behind them stood Miley Cara. After having a brief conversation with Choi Sung-gun and the PD, Kang Woojin moved to the recording booth.

Woojin, standing in front of the microphone, puts on the headphones.

Cara, watching him quietly from outside the booth, involuntarily let out a soft exclamation of admiration. Of course, her nearby companion was the manager.

“He’s handsome, with a strangely rugged appeal that draws more attention.”

“Cara. You can save those comments for later. There are many ears around.”

“So what. It’s refreshing to speak your feelings when you feel them.”

“······Right. Anyway, with that face and decent singing skills to cover your songs, it’s no wonder he’s popular.”

At that moment.

-♬♪

The intro of one of Miley Cara’s hit songs, ‘Absolute,’ filled the recording studio. It started with a powerful drum, gradually blending with the violin. Then, it suddenly stopped before the drum slowly resounded again.

The intro part, Kang Woojin’s vocals began.

Following the drum, his distinctively firm and deep tone penetrated the ears of everyone in the studio.

Suddenly, the movements of the foreigners seated in front of the recording equipment halted.

“What?”

“Hold on.”

And Cara’s arm was covered in goosebumps.

‘The timbre… it’s too good? It’s like it’s not even my song.’

With just one verse, Kang Woojin had captivated the entire recording studio, and under everyone’s gaze, ‘Absolute’ surged towards the chorus.

-♬♪

Unlike the beginning, the intensified drums and violin mixed with Woojin’s slightly rough vocals as it climaxed. The more it progressed, the deeper the appeal and emotion ingrained in his voice became. As the original singer, Cara knew this all too well.

‘Not just the vocals. The emotion, how can he imbue such feeling into a cover song?’

The message embedded in ‘Absolute’ was freedom. Cara, also an actress, sang this song blending despair. Thus, it gradually mixes with a hopeful force.

But now, this Korean actor from the start to the end, was expressing anger.

It was a vocal full of dissatisfaction.

Naturally, Woojin’s expression also gradually mixed with indignation. Naturally, his vocal intensity mixed in, and the song itself varied according to Kang Woojin’s modulation.

‘The depth of emotion…’

At a level she had never seen before. And it wasn’t even his song but a cover? Blonde Cara stopped in her tracks, purely captivated by him, by Kang Woojin. It wasn’t Woojin’s appearance but his energy that drew her in.

Miley Cara was inadvertently astonished.

‘What! The cover video didn’t capture half of this!’

Especially considering the theme of the ‘Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego’ channel.

‘A hobby?? What kind of hobby is this?!’

For Kang Woojin, vocals weren’t even his ‘main identity.’