News came through that the official production presentation for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had been confirmed.
In general, a production presentation is held about two months before final editing is completed. But no one expected the post-production work for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice to take another two full months. At least, Director Kyotaro, who was overseeing the editing, thought so.
'At the latest, it'll be finished by the end of September.'
It was now mid-August, leaving only a little over a month. At that point, Director Kyotaro spoke with the CEO of Toega Films.
"Kang Woojin needs to be informed first."
Woojin was an essential figure in the production presentation for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.
"He's the key. He's such a busy actor, so it's important to lock him in ahead of time."
The CEO nodded.
"Understood. We already informed him of the situation last month. Since Boy Friend: Remake was a hit, we're hoping he'll be able to manage both the animation and our schedule at the same time."
"That's very likely."
The sudden and tremendous success of Boy Friend: Remake had also had a positive effect on The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. Of course, the reason for that was actor Kang Woojin. In any case, Director Kyotaro, who had let out a deep sigh, brushed back his graying hair and recalled the past. It was something that had happened at the wrap party hosted by Chairman Yoshimura Hideki after filming for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had ended.
'Mr. Woojin proposed that we expand the scale.'
In response to the suggestion that they reduce the promotion in order to calm the many controversies surrounding The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, Kang Woojin had firmly declared that they should never back down.
As a result.
"We decided to expand everything several times over from the original plan, from promotion and marketing to the production presentation and related events."
In the end, everyone, including Director Kyotaro, agreed that they needed to enlarge the scale of the situation several times over. The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice would have to move forward and face everything head-on. At that, Director Kyotaro told the editing room staff to take a short break. Soon, only he and the CEO of Toega Films remained in the editing room. The one who spoke again was Director Kyotaro, who gestured for the CEO to sit down.
"How are the stage number, the production presentation, and everything else being prepared?"
The CEO pulled over a nearby chair and sat down, then answered with a serious look on his face.
"The date is Saturday, August 22."
There were about five days left.
"We set the time for noon, and the location is the Tokyo Kashiwa Hotel. Not only Kang Woojin, but all the lead actors will be attending, and writer Takikawa Akari will be there as well."
"That's a relief. What about the reporters?"
"More than 120 outlets are registered on the list. That's double what we originally planned. Since The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice is such a hot topic, there's a chance even more outlets will register going forward."
"That's fine. It's exactly what we intended. And?"
"In addition to the reporters, we're planning to livestream the production presentation on YouTube on the day of the event. We'll promote the livestream in advance through social media and other channels."
"Hmm."
In simple terms, they intended to do absolutely everything possible for the production presentation of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. In Korea, livestreaming was common, but The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice involved top stars like Kang Woojin, as well as influential figures like writer Akari. On top of that, the project had already stirred explosive attention in Japan, so it was obvious that a great number of netizens would gather.
Those netizens would not just include the general public, but Japanese actors and entertainment industry figures as well.
Director Kyotaro slowly folded his arms and stroked his chin.
'That should be enough to make the stage bigger.'
He recalled what Chairman Hideki had said at the wrap party.
'Kang Woojin is a symbol of a declaration of war.'
More precisely, it had been a misunderstanding brought about by Chairman Hideki himself. He had misinterpreted Kang Woojin's offhand remark about expanding the stage as a bold declaration intended to draw even greater attention.
'What kind of plan is Mr. Woojin making?'
At this moment, Kang Woojin was probably not thinking about anything at all, but Director Kyotaro's smile only deepened. As expected, the stage for the grand unveiling of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had now been set. All that remained was the nuclear bomb Kang Woojin would detonate.
'Yes, now I'm starting to look forward to it too. What kind of announcement will he make?'
But Director Kyotaro had no intention of leaving everything solely to Kang Woojin. With the lead actor pouring his whole being into the role, the director had no room to remain lukewarm himself.
"I need to steel myself too."
The misunderstanding planted by Chairman Hideki only fueled Director Kyotaro's fighting spirit even more. Just then, the CEO of Toega Films glanced at the various monitors behind Director Kyotaro. Kang Woojin's face, no, Iyota Kiyoshi's face, was frozen on the screen.
Kiyoshi was staring into the camera with a blank expression.
The CEO had already seen Woojin's performance in person on set, but this was the first time he had seen the footage through the monitor. And the moment he looked at Kiyoshi on the screen, he swallowed hard. Kang Woojin's acting had been excellent, but something about Kiyoshi's expressionless face sent chills down his spine.
'This film will definitely throw Japan into chaos.'
It could become an unprecedented disaster for the Japanese film industry.
Meanwhile.
Around early afternoon, important pieces of information related to The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice began pouring out through the Japanese press. Kang Woojin, who was on the move in Korea while carrying out several schedules, checked the information.
'Damn, the firepower is insane, isn't it?'
Outwardly, he looked calm, but inwardly, Woojin was startled. Even though he had already known about the production presentation for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, the sheer heat surrounding the project surprised him.
[The Production Presentation for "The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice," Starring Kang Woojin, Has Been Revealed]
["The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice" Pushes Ahead with Its Production Presentation Despite Multiple Issues and Controversies]
Of course, the official announcement for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, which had now entered the final editing stage, drew sudden attention, and that attention was amplified even more by the success of Boy Friend: Remake.
It was inevitable.
[Production Presentation for "The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice" Confirmed! Scheduled for Saturday the 22nd! The venue will be the Kashiwa Tokyo Hotel, and there will also be a livestream that day.]
The production presentation for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice included all kinds of details. The fact that twice the expected number of reporters would attend, along with the livestream itself, stirred public curiosity. That night, the news spread across Japan's major social media platforms in an instant.
[Isn't this the movie that was supposed to get canceled?]
[www This is the first time I've seen a production presentation livestreamed! Kang Woojin is obviously going to show up too, right?]
[I'm curious! The 22nd? What time is it? If I'm free, I'm definitely watching!]
[...A Korean actor as the lead in The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice... honestly doesn't seem that interesting...]
[So they ignored the anger of the original fans, and now they're being shameless like this?]
[I think this will be the first time Kang Woojin stands in front of the press since confirming his appearance in The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.]
[At this rate, the livestream is going to pull in a massive crowd.]
[If Kang Woojin is there, I'm watching!!!]
The reactions were all over the place, and there was no single unified mood. Some were cheering, while others were spitting out harsh criticism. Some were just watching from the sidelines, and some were indifferent. In a word, it was chaotic. It felt as though Kang Woojin's fans and the hardcore fans of the original The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice were colliding head-on.
[Social Media Heats Up Over the Production Presentation for "The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice"]
[Public Opinion Splits Sharply as News of the Production Presentation for "The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice" Spreads Rapidly Through Social Media]
As the 17th ended and the 18th dawned, the situation only worsened. What had started on social media snowballed into online communities. Even overseas media reported on the live-action adaptation of the novel The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. That was only natural, since the original novel had gained global popularity.
In any case, as this flood of attention began building,
"Hmm, this is a little disappointing."
Chairman Hideki of the Kashiwa Group, who was also the main investor in The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, gave an order to his chief secretary, Tetsugawa Lily.
"Let's add more force from our side in the press as well. Let's make them speak louder."
"Understood, Chairman."
"Is the hall for the production presentation prepared properly?"
"Yes. We've communicated clearly with the Kashiwa Tokyo Hotel, and the preparations are being handled thoroughly."
"Don't forget the publicity."
"Yes, Chairman."
Articles about The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice were already flooding out, but once Chairman Hideki's personal influence was added on top of that, it was obvious the situation would grow even more intense. Of course, Takikawa Akari, the original author of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, did not remain silent either. She mentioned the film in an interview with a major outlet.
"Writer, the live-action adaptation of the novel The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice is becoming a hot topic again. Could you give us even the slightest hint about what kind of project is being made? Hahaha, fans all around the world are really curious."
"I can't tell you the details, but one thing is certain. The film The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice will be far more entertaining than the novel I wrote. And it's going to surprise everyone."
"Ah, I see."
"I guarantee it. Even I was surprised. I think the same will be true of the production presentation for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice that will be announced soon."
"Ah, I read that article. You're attending too, right? Is Kang Woojin coming as well?"
"Of course. He's the essential lead actor of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*."*
The interview with Akari Takikawa was released later that afternoon.
[[Hot Issue] Takikawa Akari, Author of "The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice," Says the Film Adaptation Will Surprise Everyone]
The moment that article drew a heated response from viewers, it exploded into a major topic. Comments from Japanese viewers came flooding in. Kang Woojin, who was in Korea at the time filming a commercial, checked the news. He was wearing the ad shoot outfit, a white shirt and jeans, and judging by the timing, it seemed he was on a break.
Although Woojin sat there with his legs crossed and a serious expression on his face,
'Is this seriously getting this big?? Is this even right??'
inwardly, Kang Woojin was deeply shocked. Considering what had been said earlier, he had expected some level of attention, but what was happening in Japan was drawing far more interest than he had imagined. When major figures all joined forces, it seemed absurdly easy for something like this to become massive. Muttering to himself inwardly, Kang Woojin felt a slight sense of burden.
'Ugh, this is kind of a lot.'
But that concern did not last long.
'Hm, whatever.'
He concluded that as long as he did not let his guard down and kept holding onto his concept, everything would be fine.
'Honestly, this is easier. I just have to keep not backing down.'
A few days later, on the highway.
It was Friday, August 20, a little past eight in the morning. The black van carrying Kang Woojin sped down the road. Its destination was Gimpo Airport. Several team members were riding inside, and of course, Kang Woojin was there too. He was wearing a beige shirt and dark brown slacks. His hair and makeup had already been done perfectly.
Naturally, he had gone to the salon early that morning.
"..."
Woojin stared blankly out the window, giving off a dry and cool atmosphere, but inside, a mixture of anticipation and concern simmered quietly.
'It's already time for the production presentation of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*. Time really flies. At this rate, the preview screening will be here before I know it too.'*
Today, he was scheduled to board a flight to Japan. Sitting in the front passenger seat, Choi Sunggeon tied his hair back tightly once more, then turned around with the schedule sheet in hand.
"Woojin, after you arrive in Japan today, starting around lunchtime, you've got interviews related to Boy Friend: Remake and a visit to A10 Studio. And as you know, tomorrow the 21st is the major day, the production presentation for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*."*
This Japan schedule for Kang Woojin was short, only about three days. Today, the 20th, was focused on the massively successful Boy Friend: Remake, while the 21st and 22nd were set aside for the production presentation of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice and several important events. Because the schedule was short, they had to accomplish as much as possible, which made it extremely tight.
Even so, Woojin answered calmly.
"Yes, sir."
Just then, Choi Sunggeon's phone rang, and he answered it. Meanwhile, Han Yejung, who had recently changed her hairstyle to a short orange bob, called out to Woojin.
"Oppa, about the production presentation for The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*, CEO said you need to leave a strong impression, so I made an outfit list. Which one do you like?"*
Printed photos filled with various outfit concepts were spread out in front of him. Kang Woojin pointed to one of them.
"This one."
They were all dressed entirely in black.
About two hours later, Kang Woojin passed through the airport departure gate, leaving behind a crowd of reporters. Spectators had gathered in an instant, but because CEO Choi Sunggeon had arranged extra security in advance, there were no major problems.
At that very moment.
Bzzzzz, bzzzzz.
As Woojin walked toward the gate, his phone vibrated for a long time. Calls had been frequent lately, so he checked the caller without much thought.
'Oh?'
Kang Woojin's expression did not change at all, but inwardly he was slightly surprised. The reason was simple. The caller was none other than the veteran Korean film director Ahn Gahbok. Woojin signaled to Choi Sunggeon to stop for a moment, then raised the receiver to his ear. His voice was low.
"Yes, Director. Have you been well?"
Director Ahn Gahbok's aged voice on the other end sounded the same as always, though drier than before.
"Mm. It's been a while since we last talked. Where are you right now?"
"I'm just about to leave for Japan."
"Our Leech is very close too."
"…I see."
"Mm. Then you'll have to pay some attention to our side as well. It looks like the editing will be finished before mid-September."
There were not even three weeks left.
Then Director Ahn Gahbok continued over the phone.
"Anyway, once you get back from Japan, I think we need to meet. We have to shoot the poster."
He said it firmly.
"This will be the main poster we send to the Cannes Film Festival."