When Kang Woojin first met Director Ahn Ga-bok, his voice was hoarse. He had gone to bed at dawn after a long shoot for Beneficial Evil. Even though he had gone through the deep sea before filming, his body was still intact.
'Ugh, damn it, I'm going to have to enter the void space more often today. I'm too tired.'
He found himself thinking how nice it would be if he could just fall asleep inside that empty space. It would be amazing.
Just then, Director Ahn and Choi Sunggeon entered the CEO's office. With his already rough voice layered over his usual concept, an impossibly low tone came out of Woojin's mouth.
"Good morning, Director."
Even Kang Woojin, who had fully absorbed his character into daily life, surprised himself. That was probably why Director Ahn, who had just shaken his hand, seemed to frown for a moment, making the wrinkles on his face look even deeper. But our arrogant monster did not care about such things in the slightest.
In any case, Woojin and Director Ahn sat facing each other.
Then two stacks of paper were placed on the table.
'Ah, just as I expected.'
Thanks to his concept, there was no change in his expression, but Woojin immediately recognized what the piles were.
'These are scripts, right? The boss brought them himself. That's really something.'
What Director Ahn had brought was clearly a Hollywood script. Woojin silently admired the ponytailed CEO sitting beside him. It was one of those moments when his guess had landed perfectly. Unaware of what was going through Woojin's mind, Director Ahn spoke in his usual dignified, aged voice.
"Take a look first. One is in English, and the other is in Korean. Read whichever is more comfortable for you."
But why was this old man—no, Director Ahn—so serious?
Feeling the weight in the air, Woojin deliberately lowered his voice even more.
"Understood."
He answered briefly, then fixed his gaze on the script on the table. There were two thick stacks, each with a black square attached.
A title was printed on the cover.
Pierrot.
Pierrot? Even the title alone was unusual. Without hesitation, Kang Woojin picked up the English copy. These days, there was barely any difference to him between Korean and English. Then, as he casually turned the first page with his index finger, he glanced at Director Ahn sitting across from him. The director was looking at Choi Sunggeon seated beside Woojin.
He did not even need to check.
Choi Sunggeon was definitely sitting there with his eyes sparkling and his whole body trembling with excitement. It was the same expression he always wore whenever a massive opportunity came to Kang Woojin. And as expected, this was exactly that kind of situation.
At that moment, Woojin's time seemed to stop.
He flipped through the first few pages of Pierrot, and for some reason, his resolve only grew firmer. Of course, all of it was acting.
A moment later, Woojin looked at Director Ahn and spoke calmly.
"Director, I'll do this project."
Director Ahn's brow twitched slightly, and Choi Sunggeon's eyes widened. Woojin's reaction had been far too quick and far too decisive. Director Ahn's creased lips parted.
"You'll really do it? That easily?"
"Yes, Director. I'm assuming you mean the lead role."
But Kang Woojin's expression remained unchanged. It was unexpected. At least from the director's perspective.
'I thought he would need much more time.'
There was a reason for that.
He had not been like this during Leech, the project that had turned Cannes upside down.
'...If I remember correctly, it took him about a week to make his decision back then.'
But this time, Woojin had reacted within minutes of opening the Pierrot script. A strange feeling of envy flickered through Director Ahn at the change in Woojin's attitude. The Woojin from Leech and the Woojin sitting here now were clearly different.
Yet the envy vanished as soon as Director Ahn's gaze dropped back to the Pierrot script in Woojin's hand.
The old man's jealousy transformed into deep satisfaction and anticipation.
'That monstrous brat must have felt something similar to what I felt after reading it.'
It was proof that his instincts had not dulled with age.
'Ha, being influenced by a young actor like him at my age. And yet, strangely enough, it doesn't feel bad.'
Of course it didn't.
Kang Woojin had not failed once since his debut, and now, after causing a sensation at Cannes, this was the perfect chance to firmly establish his overseas expansion. He was not the type to choose projects carelessly. More than ever, this was the moment that called for sharper instincts and bolder judgment.
Meanwhile, Choi Sunggeon, seated beside Woojin, could feel his eyes growing wider and wider.
'Has Woojin ever agreed this quickly before? This is the first time I've seen him look this eager.'
Yes. It would not be an exaggeration to say this was practically unprecedented.
'Then that means this script is insanely good, doesn't it?! But he hasn't even properly read it yet!'
Whatever the case, there was definitely something extraordinary about that script. Then the previously silent Kang Woojin spoke again.
"If I'm given the chance, I'll do it."
Director Ahn, who had been rubbing his wrinkled cheek, answered slowly.
"...You'll have that chance."
"Yes. I assumed that's why you brought me the script."
To be exact, it meant he would be given the chance to seize that opportunity. Whether he ruined it or took hold of it would depend entirely on him.
"I understand."
"But why did you decide so quickly? You only looked at the title and a few pages before answering."
Why? The reason was simple. As always, Kang Woojin answered with an emotionless face. Of course, that answer existed only in his head.
'Because I've already been to the void space.'
What he had seen in the dark emptiness of that space had left him with no hesitation whatsoever. But there was no way he could say that out loud. He would have to answer vaguely, in circles. Still, Woojin did not need to think too hard. He had a convenient cheat code on hand.
Misunderstanding.
"I just had a good feeling about it."
The Kang-totem had activated.
Of course, that would only make the misunderstanding surrounding Kang Woojin grow even stronger, but what could he do?
A silence settled over the CEO's office. Choi Sunggeon trembled inwardly with excitement.
'As expected! His insane instincts have paid off again!'
Meanwhile, the seasoned Director Ahn stared directly into Woojin's eyes and smiled faintly.
"I've seen all kinds of actors, but you're an unpredictable one. You really are remarkable."
"..."
"Yes, there are times when actors must leave themselves to animal instinct or intuition."
The misunderstanding deepened again.
Still, the atmosphere had softened to some degree. Then Director Ahn folded his arms and said to Kang Woojin,
"It feels like there will be a fierce battle ahead, but I hope you survive it. I believe you will."
Woojin's calm reply was short and firm.
"There won't be any problem."
About an hour later, Director Ahn left BW Entertainment and went down to the underground parking garage with his team. He got into a van, and minutes later, the car merged into a road packed with traffic.
"..."
While Director Ahn stared blankly ahead, lost in thought, the agency CEO beside him, who had a slightly plump appearance, asked carefully,
"Director, did your conversation with Kang Woojin go well?"
Director Ahn did not answer immediately. Only after his usual slow pause did his creased lips finally part.
"I still have a long way to go."
"What?"
"After reading the Pierrot script, I became embarrassed by how much I had overthought it. That friend—no, that boy named Kang Woojin—he is definitely going to shake Hollywood."
"...What kind of conversation did you have?"
Director Ahn let out a quiet laugh.
"Nothing different from usual. Kang Woojin was calmly looking several moves ahead, while I was the one getting restless. It was exactly like Leech. The only difference is that this time everything moved much faster."
"Will he do it?"
"He said there would be no problem."
"What—"
The company CEO's mouth fell slightly open in surprise. As the van stopped at a red light, he changed the subject.
"By the way, Director. When should we announce the Pierrot project? Columbia Studios said they intend to finalize the production announcement within a few days."
"What did Columbia Studios say?"
"They said they're fine with either method. The contract is already signed, after all. We can announce it first, or Columbia Studios can announce the production and then follow up with us simultaneously. Either way is acceptable."
"So we have the final decision?"
"It seems they're being considerate. They know Leech is still running in theaters and overseas releases are also being prepared."
"Hmm."
Now that the conversation had turned practical, Director Ahn began calculating calmly.
"Leech is scheduled to open in Japan next month, correct?"
"Yes."
"And France?"
"It's still being coordinated, but if things go well, it should release early next year."
At the moment, Leech was still in Korean theaters. It was scheduled to open in Japan the following month and then begin rolling out in France and other countries starting next year.
Director Ahn made his decision immediately.
"There's no reason to delay."
"I agree. If we announce this project as soon as possible, it will give Leech, which is still in Korean theaters, an even bigger push. The same will naturally apply in Japan next month. Though in France or other overseas markets, the effect may be limited."
"That's fine. Overseas releases are symbolic anyway."
"I'll prepare it properly and announce it as soon as possible!"
The company CEO, who was typing something into his phone, suddenly looked even more excited.
"Ah, this is really nerve-racking."
The surrounding staff joined in.
"Right? It's exciting, but also nerve-wracking."
"Me too! I've never experienced anything like this before, so I'm anxious."
"How much do you think Korea is going to erupt over this?!"
The agency CEO nodded and spoke to Director Ahn.
"A Korean director leading a Hollywood project… this is truly overwhelming. Of course, there have been a few Asian examples before, but working with one of Hollywood's Big Five, Columbia Studios, is practically unheard of for an Asian director!"
"Hmm."
"Aren't you being too calm about this?"
"Well, now that I'm actually in it, it doesn't feel like such a huge deal. Maybe I've gotten too old."
"I… honestly never imagined a day like this would come—"
"You say that as if you thought I wouldn't be able to do it."
"What? No, no, that's not what I meant at all!!"
"I'm joking."
The company CEO, whose heart had nearly dropped, hurriedly continued.
"The joy of winning the Palme d'Or and Best Actor at Cannes hasn't even faded yet, and when this news breaks, both the press and the public are going to explode."
One of the staff members chimed in.
"And on top of that, there's the incredible success of Leech!"
Director Ahn rubbed his wrinkled cheek and laughed quietly.
"That's right. It's going to get pretty noisy. But compared to what's coming, this is nothing."
"What?"
"That monstrous brat."
He knew just how overwhelming Kang Woojin's brand power was.
"Once Woojin's side starts moving, won't all of Korea go several times crazier than it already is?"
At the same time, a black van had just entered the highway. Kang Woojin was inside, heading to Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi Province for filming Beneficial Evil. He sat with one leg crossed over the other, staring out the window. His rigid expression added to the impression that he was deep in thought.
In the passenger seat, Choi Sunggeon glanced at him through the rearview mirror.
'Hmm, he made that decision so firmly earlier… He probably needs some time to sort things out. This wasn't in the plan.'
Wrong.
In truth, Kang Woojin was not serious at all right now. He was just staring out the window and thinking about lunch.
'What's on the food truck menu today? Stir-fried pork? Or bulgogi? Doesn't matter. I can never say no to meat anyway.'
He lowered his gaze. In front of him were the Beneficial Evil and Pierrot scripts Director Ahn had handed him that morning. Without much thought, he picked up the Pierrot script.
So if you think about it, this was the first Hollywood project he had actually confirmed.
'Well, technically it's not finalized yet.'
There was still Joseph's project, but since that was still in the scriptwriting stage, he set it aside for now. In any case, a first experience was always nerve-racking.
But Kang Woojin, looking down at the English text filling the Pierrot script, remained calm. It still did not feel real to him. Perhaps that would change the day he actually began filming somewhere in Hollywood.
And then—
He lifted his right index finger. It hovered over the black square attached to the script. He would have to properly read Pierrot eventually, but right now rest in the void space came first.
In an instant, Woojin's vision plunged into the darkness of the vast empty space.
"Ahhh!!"
Throwing off his concept, Woojin immediately let out a huge yawn and stretched his arms. Then he walked toward the floating white rectangles. A variety of projects entered his view. Starting with the earliest one, Exorcism, then The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, Leech, Beneficial Evil, and all the recent works. The highest-rated among them was still Beneficial Evil.
-[9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), EX Grade]
EX grade.
Woojin's gaze shifted to the white rectangle newly added that morning, floating at the very end.
Pierrot.
At that moment, he remembered Director Ahn's question from earlier that day.
"But why did you decide so quickly?"
Woojin curled his lips into a mocking grin and answered loudly in the void.
"Because anyone who sees a grade like this and still doesn't do it would be an idiot."
-[11/Script (Title: Pierrot), EX+ Grade]
Pierrot had received the highest grade in the void space.