The first episode of "Boy Friend: Remake" ran for about twenty minutes. It introduced the male lead Sengoku Toru and the female lead Enma Kyoko, briefly explained Toru's personality and high school setting, brought in supporting characters at the right moments, and set the story in motion.
It was also expected that the final version would include Sengoku Toru's past and his piano performance.
In other words, most of episode one revolved around Sengoku Toru. That naturally meant a large number of lines, along with quite a few monologue scenes following the script.
Kang Woojin, however, was in a completely different state.
'Wow, the animation quality is seriously good. The art looks amazing too. Now I get why this studio is so big.'
He sat comfortably, watching the animation on the monitor while enjoying the process of voicing the male lead. It was easier than he had expected. Most likely because, unlike physical acting, he didn't need to move his body. Of course, voice acting still required effort, but for Woojin, who had already experienced Sengoku Toru, it was far from difficult.
The moment he brought out Toru Sengoku, the space around him shifted as if he had stepped into the world of the animation.
The reading room vanished.
The cheat-like Void Space functioned the same way even in voice dubbing. If anything, dubbing felt significantly easier in terms of difficulty. Then how well would Kang Woojin perform?
The answer was already clear.
The voice actors and the director couldn't hide their shock at Woojin's flawless performance.
'How is his timing this perfect?! Does he really have no voice acting experience?!'
'Even if the script has timing cues… everyone makes mistakes at some point. So why doesn't he make a single one? Even veteran actors can't do this, right?'
On top of that—
'He's not just reading lines. He's layering emotions, adjusting pitch and emphasis…'
Kang Woojin, who was trying voice acting for the first time, executed emotional depth and tonal control with precision. Even Asami Sayaka widened her eyes in disbelief.
'Practice? No… that's not something you reach with practice alone.'
Ironically, the Japanese voice actors made more mistakes.
The atmosphere in the reading room heated up instantly. Among the more than fifty people present, exclamations and questions burst out one after another. Despite that, Kang Woojin remained calm, simply doing his job.
And just like that—
"...Cut. Let's take a short break."
After finishing the recording for episode two, the director called for a break. But the voice actors couldn't move, as if frozen in place. The shock had rooted them where they stood. The executives and staff of A10 Studio were no different.
The only one who managed to stay composed was the female team leader from the planning department, who oversaw the overall production.
'My god… I thought his acting would cover for some things, but… not a single mistake?'
At that moment, she heard about the earlier incident from a staff member.
"What? That happened?"
Her expression turned blank with disbelief. Situations like that weren't uncommon in the entertainment industry, but she hadn't expected it to unfold so openly. Without hesitation, she approached Kang Woojin, who was sitting quietly, and bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry, Kang Woojin."
To be honest, she didn't particularly care about a few voice actors dropping out.
"I should have paid closer attention. I'll personally relay a warning to the voice actors. Once again, I sincerely apologize."
But Kang Woojin's absence would be a critical issue—one that could halt the entire production of "Boy Friend: Remake." It might even be close to a disaster. From the beginning, the male lead Sengoku Toru had been modeled after Kang Woojin, and he played a crucial role in promotion, marketing, and more.
In other words, he was directly tied to viewership.
That was why A10 Studio couldn't afford to upset him.
Meanwhile, Woojin simply shook his head.
"It's fine. I've already forgotten about it."
His tone was indifferent.
"If anything, getting so many apologies today is starting to feel more burdensome."
In truth, he had already forgotten most of what had happened earlier. As the team leader quietly observed his detached attitude, she leaned in and whispered.
"Still… even if you had taken that bet, you would've won easily, right?"
"Would I?"
It was an obvious outcome.
"Seriously… how can you be perfect at voice acting too?"
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Later that day, the shocking part was that the script reading for "Boy Friend: Remake" ended early in the afternoon. Even as the voice actors left, it was clear they were still thinking about Woojin.
If they weren't careful, they might end up overshadowed.
His skill alone was enough to justify that fear. The real question wasn't why this Korean actor had such perfect voice acting posture, but how he had achieved it. Even veterans who made a living as voice actors were on the verge of being outclassed.
In any case, the voice actors quickly left the reading room, leaving Kang Woojin behind.
He still had piano recording and OST work to complete.
By the time Woojin finished his schedule and returned to the hotel, it was nearly midnight. Despite the packed day, he had endured thanks to the Void Space. The first person to greet him was Choi Sunggeon, his hair tied back in a ponytail.
"Hey, I heard you caused chaos in the reading room again. Word's already spreading."
Meeting him in the hotel lobby, Choi Sunggeon grinned brightly.
"What a shame. If I wasn't so busy, I wouldn't have missed that scene."
"It wasn't a big deal."
"Wasn't it tough? It was your first time, right?"
"Not really."
"Yeah, that sounds like you. Kang Woojin, after all."
Choi Sunggeon leaned in and lowered his voice.
"I was busy today handling matters related to BW Entertainment's Hollywood branch. That'll be your base when you head to Hollywood."
With a meaningful smile, he suddenly changed the subject.
"By the way, when's the official recording for Boy Friend: Remake? I heard it's in a few days."
Woojin recalled what the director had said in the reading room.
'After today's reading on the 29th, official recording begins on the 31st. It should take around three to five days in total.'
The official recording for "Boy Friend: Remake" was set for May 31st.
Two days later.
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Around 10 a.m. on Monday, May 31st.
It was the day of the official dubbing recording for "Boy Friend: Remake." The call time was around noon.
At the same time, in Japan, Director Kyotaro and the entire production team of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had gathered at the banquet hall of the Kashiwa Tokyo Hotel, summoned by Chairman Hideki.
Round tables filled with luxurious food and drinks were arranged across the wide hall.
It was a gathering hosted by Chairman Hideki to commemorate the start of the project. A kind of wrap-up celebration.
Strictly speaking, a major investor didn't need to go this far, but after visiting the test site, Hideki had been so moved that he voluntarily organized the event.
And so—
"Wow! This is really good!!"
"Eat up! When else are we going to have food like this?"
"Talking is a waste of time!"
Around a hundred members of the production team enthusiastically enjoyed the gathering. Actors and related personnel were mixed in as well.
But strangely, Director Kyotaro, writer Akari, and Kang Woojin were nowhere to be seen.
Naturally—
They were gathered in a reception room near the hall.
To be precise, in the spacious room, Chairman Hideki sat at the head of the table, with Director Kyotaro and writer Akari on either side. Kang Woojin and Choi Sunggeon sat just behind them, while executives from the production and distribution companies occupied the far end.
There were about ten people in total.
The atmosphere was heavy. Kang Woojin's expression was no different, though internally, he was irritated.
'If it's something important, the higher-ups should handle it themselves. I'm starving.'
He desperately wanted to eat the luxurious food in the hall, but he didn't show it outwardly.
Soon, Chairman Hideki, seated at the front with his jacket off, spoke in a hoarse voice.
"First of all, thank you for your hard work. Regarding the revised ending, we've decided to proceed without hesitation. However, I wanted to create this space so everyone could be mentally prepared. I'd like to discuss it further."
As the chairman of Kashiwa Group, he was the most experienced person in the room and had a clear vision for the future of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. Turning his gaze to writer Akari, he continued in Japanese.
"Once the film is released, there's a high chance of strong backlash from existing fans. The shockwaves will spread quickly across the entertainment industry and the public, whether it's controversy or dissatisfaction."
Everyone present had already anticipated this.
"I understand that we have momentum, and I agree with moving forward. But wouldn't it be wise to prepare in advance?"
"Yes, absolutely."
Director Kyotaro and the others nodded in agreement. It was something they had planned to discuss after filming anyway.
Rubbing his chin, Chairman Hideki asked,
"I don't doubt it—I saw it with my own eyes. But your perspective as a director might differ. What do you think? Are you confident in the film's quality?"
"…Editing is still ongoing."
Director Kyotaro, his white hair neatly combed, spoke with conviction.
"I believe this will be the best work of my entire career."
If the film sparked massive controversy and lacked quality, the situation would become extremely unfavorable. But his words implied that The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice would overcome such concerns.
Soon, Chairman Hideki nodded slowly.
"Hmm. Then the film itself won't be an issue."
An executive from the distribution company added,
"The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice has already gained significant attention since early production and has far higher recognition than competing films. Based on social media, it seems almost no one is unaware of it."
Raising his graying brows slightly, Chairman Hideki glanced at Kang Woojin, who sat quietly.
"Hmm. Woojin's influence has grown considerably."
"Yes. In that case, how about slightly reducing the intensity of promotions when we begin full-scale marketing two months before release?"
"Reducing it?"
"Yes. We'll maintain the basics, but tone down press conferences and marketing schedules. We'll also slightly reduce the number of screenings."
"The goal being to minimize the expected noise?"
"Exactly."
Normally, they would push aggressive promotions, but The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had already generated massive attention. The goal now was to minimize the anticipated backlash.
No one could predict how large the uproar would be, but both the production and distribution sides expected a massive impact.
Chairman Hideki, arms crossed, let out a deep sigh.
The atmosphere grew even heavier.
At that moment, his gaze suddenly fixed on Kang Woojin.
"Woojin, what do you think?"
The question was directed at him without warning.
Outwardly, Woojin remained calm, but inside, he was slightly taken aback.
'Why is this old man suddenly asking me? Shouldn't the higher-ups be handling this?'
He believed they should resolve it themselves, but given his personality, he couldn't simply back down. If asked, he had to respond.
More importantly—
'Isn't reducing promotions a bit too passive? Or is it just me? It feels like running away.'
His real thoughts were completely different from the room's mood. The reason he could think that way was because he always had the option to retreat back to Korea. His perspective fundamentally differed from everyone else's.
Then—
Quickly.
He scanned Chairman Hideki, Director Kyotaro, writer Akari, Choi Sunggeon, and the executives.
All eyes were on him.
'This is a bit much.'
Still, despite the inner discomfort, Kang Woojin spoke in a calm, low tone.
"I think we should expand things even further."
Most of them were startled.
Chairman Hideki responded first.
"…Expand?"
Woojin remained composed.
"Yes. If we step back, people will see us as foolish, and the criticism will only grow stronger."
A smile slowly formed on Hideki's wrinkled lips.
"So you're saying we should confront it head-on and amplify the situation? Increase promotions, marketing, press conferences, and events beyond the original plan? Invite even more reporters and industry figures than usual?"
In other words, not fear the chaos, but intensify it.
Chairman Hideki's smile deepened.
"Let's multiply our efforts and face this directly."
Woojin answered calmly.
"That's what I think."
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Meanwhile, at the same time in Korea—
The situation was completely different.
Korean film media outlets had been flooding the news with articles related to the past weekend.
Theaters were packed with audiences.
Drive-in theaters were filled with cars watching the phenomenon-level film Island of the Missing.
Inside a porridge restaurant in Jinju, Gyeongnam, Woojin's parents, Kang Woochul and Seo Hyunmi, were preparing to open their shop while staring up at the large TV on the wall.
Neither of them spoke.
The morning news was playing, specifically the culture segment. The female anchor's clear voice filled the room.
The film Island of the Missing, which has been setting new records daily and creating a nationwide sensation, has surpassed 10 million viewers, becoming the 19th Korean film to achieve this milestone. It reached the mark in just 12 days, three days faster than the previous record holder, The Naval Battle. As competition for the all-time box office record intensifies, attention is focused on whether this film will set a new benchmark.
Footage of packed theaters filled the screen.
At the same time, the male reporter continued.
Directed by Kwon Gitaek and starring Ryu Jungmin, Ha Yura, Kim Iwon, Kang Woojin, and Jeon Woouchang, the drama film Island of the Missing is enjoying explosive popularity.
A graphic appeared at the center of the screen.
[Island of the Missing Audience Count (as of May 30, 2021)]
[Release Date: May 19 / Total Audience in 12 Days: 10,178,755]
Only then did Seo Hyunmi and Kang Woochul slowly turn to look at each other.
As if by agreement, they muttered at the same time.
"Our son… is in a film that reached ten million viewers?"