'Iiyota Kiyoshi' had been a stranger and an outsider from the very beginning. From his high school days to the moment he finished his tasks and returned to his daily life, he could not connect with anyone and remained isolated from everything.
But what if Misaki Toka had lived?
What if their connection had not been cut off and had continued? What if that connection had developed, and Kiyoshi and Toka had grown together? The situation would have been completely different. It is such small things that make people continue living.
The catalyst that changes a person's life is surprisingly small.
Most people cling to hope or expectations as small as a fingernail just to keep breathing. For Kiyoshi, that may have been Toka. But she was gone. He became a complete stranger. No, perhaps he became even darker.
'Then… does that revenge, that task, have no meaning at all?'
Who could point fingers at him and criticize him?
Perhaps Kiyoshi wanted to live.
He may have recognized the meaning of his life as a 'task' and acted accordingly.
How can someone continue living after being wronged without doing anything? He made a rational decision. Even if it is called selfish, even if the method was wrong, it does not matter. Victim? Perpetrator? What meaning do those terms have?
That is reality. Something happened, and the result followed.
Kiyoshi's life had already gone in the wrong direction. To survive, he had to return to the starting point no matter what. Not hastily, but calmly, simply by completing his task.
Purpose, goal, dream.
In other words, hope.
For Kiyoshi, that was revenge. Somewhere, he would be watching. One day, he would complete his task. After finishing everything, Iiyota Kiyoshi returned to his daily life.
He simply observed as a 'stranger.'
It was impossible to tell whether he was looking at the camera, the audience, Misaki Toka, or his own life.
The only thing that was certain was the starting point.
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The world-renowned author Takikawa Akari, who wrote the original The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, was greatly surprised. Of course, it was because of the ending that Director Kyotaro had brought after requesting revisions.
Akari, with her glasses resting on the tip of her nose, lowered the manuscript she was holding.
Then—
"Did Woojin propose this kind of ending?"
She recalled the Korean actor Kang Woojin. The reason she was so surprised was simple. In the past, she herself had also thought of such an ending.
No, to be precise, this ending had been the real one.
'The details are somewhat different, but the result is similar.'
Before publication, the draft ending of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was about Kiyoshi living among ordinary people. Of course, the detailed scenes and direction were completely different from what Director Kyotaro had envisioned, but the meaning was the same. However, at the time, Akari had no choice but to give up that predetermined ending.
There were too many conflicting interests.
In addition, the interest of fans around the world was also a problem. The spirit of the times in the past also had an influence. In any case, the original ending had to remain buried in Akari's heart. After a long time, a foreign actor suddenly brought that buried ending back out.
'Why did he think of that ending?'
For Akari, who had many of her works adapted into films and dramas, this was the first time an actor had suggested modifying the work. Kang Woojin was the first.
Akari's gaze slowly moved to Director Kyotaro, who was sitting across from her.
"Did Woojin also propose this direction and the detailed settings?"
Director Kyotaro slightly shook his head.
"No. I only added specific scenes, locations, and direction. The core idea came from Woojin."
"In what way?"
"Denying revenge."
Director Kyotaro, with his gray hair, calmly recited what he had heard from Woojin.
"He said revenge does not suit Kiyoshi, and that living well as a stranger without harming anyone fits his character better."
"…To live well."
"Yes. He also said that Iiyota Kiyoshi's character seemed to be breaking."
A quiet breath escaped.
Soon, a smile spread across Akari's face.
"Woojin must have truly faced Kiyoshi sincerely."
"That kind of conclusion can only come out in that situation."
"He is a very unusual actor. He pretends not to know, yet sees everything. He pretends not to know, yet understands everything. It feels like my inner thoughts are being exposed."
"Exposed?"
At that question, Akari let out a light sigh and began explaining the past of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. She talked about the existence of the original ending, how it had been suppressed, and everything up to the present.
"Looking back now, I think I was afraid at that time. So I adapted Kiyoshi to fit reality. Even though I knew it was a kind of escape."
"…I understand. I was like that in the past too. In fact, I still am. I think that kind of result shaped the current Japanese content market. Everyone is too afraid."
The two exchanged slightly bitter smiles.
Akari spoke first.
"Even at this age, there is still so much to learn. I never thought I would feel this from a Korean actor. Rather than cold and cruel cynicism, I envy his fearless boldness."
"Kang Woojin has always been like that. A monstrous existence that does not compromise with the world. That kind of talent is a level no one can imitate."
Akari's expression became serious for a moment, and she changed the topic.
"If we choose this ending, it will be a direct challenge to Japan's coexistence content market. It is practically a declaration of war to destroy the market."
"I know."
"A disaster will likely come. Strong backlash from the public, intense protests from devoted fans of the original, and fierce resistance from the industry. It will not receive a good response."
"There will be great controversy and harsh criticism. Even so, if we do not choose this ending, I feel like I will regret it for the rest of my life."
Facing Akari's gaze, Director Kyotaro smiled calmly.
"If you want to change something, bleeding is inevitable. Of course, your permission is the most important."
…
Akari let out a quiet breath, then spoke as if muttering to herself.
"…The beginning of a war that will shake all of Japan. A scene filled with curses… am I the only one looking forward to it? It sounds interesting. A tsunami within a storm is better than a quiet release. Besides, I want to try what I couldn't do before."
Akari raised her thumb and responded with a smile.
"I'll participate."
"Thank you, Akari."
"But are you really okay bearing all the responsibility alone? I would like my name to be mentioned in the press release as well."
"No. We cannot cause damage to the original author. Besides, Woojin will also share the responsibility. He is the actor who took on that role. That is why I informed you in advance."
"…What did Woojin say?"
"He said, 'It doesn't matter.'"
"That sounds like him."
Akari recalled Kang Woojin's calm face and let out a faint smile.
"Someday, I should use him as the lead in my work."
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A few hours later, around late lunchtime.
Kang Woojin was spotted at the filming set of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. About a hundred staff members were moving busily. The Japanese actors were each carrying out their roles, such as checking the storyboard.
Because of Director Kyotaro's schedule, filming for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had started slightly late today, but Kang Woojin, who was sitting on a chair, had already fully transformed into Kiyoshi through costume and makeup.
As expected, he wore a gloomy expression.
However, his thoughts were elsewhere.
'Haa… suddenly I feel like eating spicy doenjang stew. This is the problem when you come abroad, tsk. I should suggest going to a Korean restaurant today.'
Of course, on the outside, it looked as if he was cynically reviewing the storyboard.
At that moment—
"Woojin!!"
From between the set where the monitors and main staff were gathered, the assistant director called Kang Woojin.
Was it a signal to stand by? No.
"Could you give us a moment?!"
Making eye contact with Choi Sunggeon, Woojin stood up from his chair and walked over calmly. As he approached, the assistant director and the main staff stepped aside.
On the left stood Director Kyotaro, holding the shooting storyboard, and Kosaku Mana, who played Detective Yoshizawa Mochio.
When the three gathered, Director Kyotaro spoke.
"The ending of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice will be changed."
Kosaku Mana, with his sharp features, slightly widened his eyes. On the other hand, Kang Woojin maintained an expressionless face the entire time.
'Wow, seriously? It got accepted?'
Since it had been Woojin's proposal from the beginning, there was no reason for him to be surprised.
Kosaku asked again with a serious face.
"You are changing the ending? Does that mean part of the existing script will be removed?"
"The final part of Iiyota Kiyoshi will be completely removed and reshot. However, there is no need to touch what has already been filmed, and the scenes of the other actors will not change significantly."
In The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, the latter half and ending revolve around Kiyoshi and Detective Mochio, so this was a reasonable decision.
"Kosaku's scenes will not change much. However, the emotions and thoughts will be different. Of course, Kiyoshi will become a completely different person from the original."
Kang Woojin would now lead the latter half and ending of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, and the direction and scene composition would be changed.
Meanwhile, although most of Kosaku's screen time would remain, it was necessary to inform him in advance about the change in emotional flow.
"The other actors have already been informed. The filming team is working according to the new ending, and the writer has also approved it. We will give both of you the revised storyboard today. For now, please read the temporary draft script."
Director Kyotaro handed the prepared scripts to Kang Woojin and Kosaku.
The two actors read the scripts on the spot.
Woojin silently read through it with a serious expression.
'Wow, what is this? This is really good. Right, Kiyoshi should leave this kind of strong impression.'
He liked the changed parts.
Moreover, he also praised Director Kyotaro's ability. It had only been a few days since Woojin casually suggested the idea, yet Kyotaro had created an excellent ending within that short time.
That was the quality of a master.
At this point—
"…."
A slight sense of confusion appeared on Kosaku's face.
Script revisions during filming were common. Since the director made the final decision, actors had to adapt to changes.
However, for Kosaku, this was the first time the ending had been changed by 180 degrees.
Moreover—
'Are we really going with this ending? Seriously? This might end with nothing but criticism.'
The revised ending of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was quite shocking. It went beyond simple innovation and aimed to create a new history in the Japanese content market.
Kosaku, who had spent a long time in the entertainment industry, expressed his honest thoughts.
"…Director, are you really certain about proceeding with this ending?"
"I am certain."
"If we proceed like this… the passionate fans of the original may strongly oppose it."
"If it ends at that level, it is nothing more than a minor issue."
"What?"
Imagining a future filled with controversy and backlash, Director Kyotaro gave a slight smile.
There was firm determination in his expression.
"Even so, the change of the ending of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice has been confirmed without any retreat."
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Later.
Before filming began, Kosaku Mana cautiously approached Kang Woojin.
"Woojin, are you really okay? It seems like most of the criticism among the actors will be directed at you."
As a top actor, Kosaku could predict the harsh criticism Woojin might face. He had experienced such situations countless times.
Even so, Woojin's calm answer was simple.
"It's nothing."
It was not a trivial matter.
However, for Kang Woojin, it truly did not matter.
'I can just ignore it, right?'
Inside, Woojin was still an ordinary person, and his way of thinking was different from that of typical actors.
He had committed no crime, so why should he care? Ignoring it was the answer.
Kosaku interpreted it differently.
"He is cool. It is not arrogance or showing off. He accepts it humbly, yet he is not bound by it."
It was cold, but fundamentally grounded confidence, not the arrogance of a madman.
Kosaku Mana sincerely thought there was something to learn from him.
"He has only been active for two years, yet he already shows the qualities and presence of a top actor."
Meanwhile, Kang Woojin was thinking.
'If things go badly, I can just go back to Korea, right? Ah… by then, maybe I should just stay in Korea.'
Kosaku asked calmly.
"…Is it really a trivial matter?"
Woojin lowered his voice with a firm expression.
"Yes. I completely agree."
"You are truly impressive in many ways."
Why was he suddenly so amazed?
Although he sensed a faint misunderstanding, Woojin did not ask further.
It was a familiar feeling.
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The hectic Saturday passed, and Sunday morning, the 23rd, arrived.
The production team of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice gathered at the filming set early in the morning.
Among them, Director Kyotaro, wearing a cap pulled low, asked the distributor.
"Has the release gap between Japan and Korea been decided?"
"It will be released in Japan first, and the Korean release is being adjusted to be between two weeks to one month later. We will inform you once it is confirmed."
"Hmm."
This time, Director Kyotaro asked the production team.
"If we change the ending, how much delay will there be in the filming schedule?"
"We reviewed it yesterday, and there will not be much difference. Due to adjustments for extras and location arrangements, it seems there will be about a two-day difference."
"Not bad."
"However, there will be some costs for the parts that were prepared in advance according to the original schedule."
"That is fine. I have already discussed it with the investors."
The main investor was Chairman Hideki.
"Two days delay."
Director Kyotaro muttered briefly and concluded.
"Then it is confirmed that we will start on Friday the 28th."
Today was the 23rd.
That meant there were about five days left until the filming of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was completed.
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A few minutes later.
Inside a black luxury sedan speeding along a quiet road in Tokyo.
It was the car of Yoshimura Hideki, the chairman of the Kashiwa Group.
Seated in the back, Hideki finished a call with someone and lowered his phone. The person he had spoken to was Director Kyotaro at the filming set.
"Lily."
Hideki called his chief secretary, who was sitting in the passenger seat.
Lily, who had been sitting upright, turned her body.
"Yes, Chairman."
Hideki gave his instruction.
"Please change the schedule to the 28th. I want to visit the filming set of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. I want to see the ending with my own eyes."
After giving the order, Hideki looked out the window and smiled faintly.
"Kang Woojin… I am curious how you will finish The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice."
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Meanwhile.
Kang Woojin, who had just woken up on the bed in his hotel room, shouted,
"Ah, I'm so tired."
Still drowsy, he grabbed one of the scripts piled on the nearby table at random. He intended to rest a little more due to accumulated fatigue.
—Stab!
Kang Woojin stepped into the endlessly dark void.
He yawned widely and stretched.
It felt like he could lie down as it was.
At that moment—
"Ah."
Woojin habitually checked the white rectangles and then paused for a moment.
Among them, there was a change in The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.
-[7/Scenario (Title: The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice), SSS Grade]
Instead of dropping, the rating had risen.