'World Disney Pictures' was such a famous distributor and film studio in Hollywood that it was harder to find someone who did not know the name. The company had a long history and was counted among Hollywood's Big Five. As everyone knew, it wielded unmatched influence in animation, but at some point, it had also begun adapting its animated films into live-action works.
Those live-action films became major hits because they already had enormous fanbases not just in Korea, but all over the world.
Of course, 'World Disney Pictures' did not make only live-action adaptations. It also produced and distributed regular films, and there were far too many box-office hits to list one by one.
It was such a massive organization that producing several movies at the same time was the norm.
And now, in one of the conference rooms at 'World Disney Pictures,' they were evaluating Kang Woojin.
"Now that Kang Woojin has been added to the casting list, how many candidates do we have in total?"
"Six. But including Kang Woojin, only three of them can handle both vocals and piano."
In the conference room at 'World Disney Pictures,' the words vocals and piano kept coming up as major talking points.
"Kang Woojin seems to have the strongest piano skills."
The reason was simple.
The films produced by the major studio 'World Disney Pictures' required actors who could sing. Whether it was a live-action adaptation of one of their animated films or a completely original project, music was always deeply embedded in the work.
It was practically part of 'World Disney Pictures'' identity.
Naturally, the films they produced, the ones that swept across the world, all had iconic OSTs. A great many Disney fans even said that World Disney Pictures films were made to be heard as much as seen. Because of that, it was only natural for the studio to test an actor's singing ability or musical talent before casting.
Then—
"Let's contact Kang Woojin as soon as possible."
At present, Woojin's name was being discussed inside 'World Disney Pictures.'
But World Disney Pictures was not the only place in LA where Kang Woojin's name was being mentioned. At the same time, several other production companies in Los Angeles were also keeping an eye on him. That was the result of the reputation he had built slowly, but solidly.
"Did Kang Woojin run a restaurant in LA?"
"No, he didn't run it himself. It was related to a Korean TV program shoot."
"Was he playing a chef on that show?"
"Yes. But his cooking was so good that the customers didn't even realize he was an actor. It's all in the materials I shared."
"Hmm, what's this? A local chef praised Kang Woojin?"
Because of Miley Cara and Cannes, his name value had exploded. On top of that, Woojin's bold acceptance speech, which had practically sounded like a declaration of war, had only fueled things further. It was only natural that all eyes in Hollywood, a place where limitless possibilities were always left open, would turn toward him.
"...His recipes are actually being sold as products in Korea and Japan?"
"Yes."
"What? Are you saying he was a chef before he became an actor?"
"We can't say for certain, but at this level of skill, it's possible. But there are plenty of vocal-related videos on YouTube too. It could just be a hobby."
"Wait. Chef-level cooking skills as a hobby? Who exactly is this actor?"
It was a global misunderstanding. The misunderstanding was spreading on the scale of a global star.
Even so, one thing was undeniable. Kang Woojin's versatility left a powerful impression.
"In any case, he definitely has the cooking skills our film needs. Contact him no matter what."
It was clear that Woojin was beginning to stand out in Hollywood.
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Meanwhile, Monday passed and Tuesday the 9th began. On the morning before filming for Beneficial Evil, Kang Woojin attended a meeting for Kang Woojin's Alter Ego.
"The end of the year is coming up, and since Woojin will probably be spending more time overseas starting next year, I think we need to prepare a significant amount of content in advance."
"I'll make time somehow. I'll adjust the schedule a little more. Woojin, are you okay with that?"
"I'm fine."
"I know you're not the type to worry much, but if anything happens to your health, tell us right away."
"Yes, sir."
"Speaking of overseas matters, if we want everything to run smoothly, wouldn't it be better for the Kang Woojin Alter Ego team to secure a workspace in LA too?"
"Yes, what?"
Domestic movie theaters were still enjoying an unprecedented boom. The number of moviegoers had more than doubled compared to normal. The previous weekend, every theater had been packed to the brim.
Articles like these filled the media:
"With Leech's runaway success and new films opening, theaters are finally coming back to life."
"Reservation rank No. 1, Leech's sold-out streak continues."
The biggest reason was, of course, the smash success of Leech, but the new movies released that week had also contributed.
"Watch out, Leech! Can the newly released films stop Leech's run?"
The phenomenon had become so explosive that media outlets were visiting theaters over the weekend just to cover the atmosphere on the ground. Bursting at the seams was the perfect phrase for it. Meanwhile, Leech still held firmly to the number one reservation spot, and the audiences pouring into theaters were enthusiastically discussing the film's strongest points.
"Why is Leech still so fun even on a second viewing?"
"The craziest thing is that Kang Woojin's acting feels different every time you watch it."
"At this rate, Leech is definitely passing 20 million viewers, lol."
"I've already seen it three times."
"Don't get too excited, lol. It's way too boring."
"If Leech passes 20 million and beats Island of the Missing, then the number one and number two Korean films of all time would both be Kang Woojin movies. Isn't that insane?"
"But if Kang Woojin's acting is this good, why hasn't he gone to Hollywood yet???"
"Do you think Hollywood is some easy place you can just stroll into, lol?"
"Since he won Best Actor at Cannes, negotiations might already be happening."
Japan was seeing something similar. No—because Japan's population was much larger, the heat there was even more intense. In Japan as well, The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was fighting with Leech for the top reservation spot. But the overall atmosphere was clearly different.
Still, noticeable changes were happening within Japan too.
Articles like these were starting to appear:
"The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice continues to gain viewers, and public sentiment is shifting from its initial backlash."
At first, there had been resistance, criticism, and controversy. But now, among both the press and the public, voices acknowledging The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice were gradually beginning to appear. The clearest sign of that change came from the audience members who could no longer tolerate the insults and controversy surrounding the film.
Japanese media outlets began to say similar things.
"It may look as though The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice is split evenly between praise and criticism, but that's a misconception."
"A misconception?"
"Yes. The people criticizing The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice are only a minority. They're simply part of the media and public noise that has been amplified. Of course, they aren't numbers that can be ignored, but in the overall picture, they're only a small part of it. And they are simply unable to accept change."
"Are you saying they're outdated?"
"No. They're afraid. On the other hand, the general public outside of that group is acknowledging The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. The rapidly rising audience numbers prove that."
"Hmm."
"And the fact that The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice continues to grow in popularity is proof that the majority of the audience has grown tired of stale Japanese content."
Film critics and directors appearing on news programs and variety shows all began explaining the film's unexpected explosive success.
"Of course the audience was shocked. But viewers who had already grown tired of repetitive and dull Japanese films are embracing The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice enthusiastically. Director Tanoguchi Kyotaro captured exactly that. It feels extremely intentional."
"So you believe The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice will become a hit?"
"Absolutely. This momentum will only grow stronger. Regardless of the ending, the Japanese content market will change significantly before and after The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice."
And so two days passed. It was Thursday the 11th.
Compared to the explosive frenzy of the opening, the speed at which audiences were flooding into theaters had naturally slowed a little. But that was completely normal. New films kept opening, and not many people watched the same movie over and over.
Even so, there was no cause for concern. Theaters still looked like they were in peak season.
Around that time, many familiar faces had gathered at Toega, the Japanese studio behind The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.
Not only writer Akari and Director Kyotaro were there.
There were many others as well.
Everyone looked as though they were waiting for some kind of result. Their eyes were full of tension and expectation. Though they were in different places, the atmosphere was the same for everyone connected to The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. Not only Chairman Hideki, but even the actors felt it.
Then, a shout rang out throughout Toega.
"Director!! The results are out!!"
All eyes turned to the large television in front of them. On the screen, an intimidating figure was displayed beneath the title The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.
As of November 10, 2021, The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had drawn 15,928,755 viewers.
In just three weeks, it had passed fifteen million. No, it would not have been an exaggeration to call it sixteen million already.
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At around the same time, back in Korea, another film company was just as busy. It was Harmony Film, the studio that had produced the all-time domestic box-office record holder, Island of the Missing.
Not only the company's CEO and several executives were gathered there. Director Kwon Gitaek was present as well.
With his warm, cheerful face, Director Kwon stood there looking slightly heavier than before, perhaps because he had been on break. In any case, the key figures behind Island of the Missing were all there. Director Kwon and the executives were each staring down at their tablets, where the results for another film were displayed.
Not Island of the Missing this time.
Leech.
As of November 10, 2021, Leech had reached 15,016,082 viewers in Korea.
Leech too had broken the fifteen-million mark.
The expressions of the people gathered at Harmony Film turned visibly dark. Of course they did. Island of the Missing still held the all-time number one spot in Korean box-office history, but not long after setting that record, a threatening rival had already appeared.
"...Leech is climbing faster than Island of the Missing did."
"We expected it to be strong, but I didn't think it would close in this quickly."
"If Leech's momentum doesn't fade, the ranking will change soon."
"It feels strange. I acknowledge Leech's power, but I didn't think the crisis would come this fast."
While the CEO and executives of Harmony Film spoke one after another in low, heavy voices, the information on all their tablets changed.
Soft sighs escaped from several people.
The all-time Korean box-office ranking now showed this:
Number one: Island of the Missing — 20,321,451 viewers.
Number two: Sea Battle — 16,715,955 viewers.
Number three: Unstoppable Force — 15,557,118 viewers.
Number four: Leech — 15,016,082 viewers.
Leech's insane pace had already reached their throats.
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At the same time, at a hotel in Seoul—
Hundreds of reporters had gathered in front of a famous hotel. Vans, luxury sedans, and other vehicles kept arriving in a line. Famous people, celebrities, and influencers got out one after another.
The reason was simple.
An international luxury brand's year-end party was about to be held at that hotel.
The celebrities invited to the party politely waved at the reporters, then posed at the photo wall set up beside the entrance.
Flashes exploded in a storm.
Then—
A black van that had just pulled up came to a stop, and one man stepped out. His black hair was neatly swept back, and he was dressed in a navy suit from a high-end brand. His face was completely expressionless.
The moment the reporters saw him, they shouted.
"Kang Woojin!! Kang Woojin!!!"
"Mr. Woojin!! Over here!!"
Kang Woojin, whose influence had been steadily growing across Korea, Japan, and now overseas, had appeared. He was attending the event as an ambassador for the luxury brand in question.
Wearing a calm expression, Kang Woojin silently waved to the hundreds of reporters gathered in front of him.
Then the questions came flooding out all at once.
"The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice is becoming a mega-hit!! Do you think it can pass twenty million viewers?!!"
"Leech too!! Leech has already passed fifteen million! How high do you think it'll go?!"
"Mr. Woojin!! Have you received any casting offers from Hollywood since Cannes?!"
"Come on, you definitely have! Just give us a hint!!"
"Are you planning to attend all the domestic film award ceremonies at the end of the year?!"
"There's a rumor that you'll officially debut in Hollywood next year—is that true?!"
But Kang Woojin kept his poker face.
"..."
He did not answer a single question. He only waved. His expression was more solemn than ever.
'Ugh, damn it, my ears are going to burst!'
At that moment, the female reporter standing closest to him shouted at the top of her lungs.
"Mr. Woojin!! Kang Woojin!! That rumor about Miley Cara appearing in Beneficial Evil isn't true, right?! It's just nonsense, isn't it?!"
This time as well, Woojin remained silent. His gaze stayed fixed on the reporters in front of him. Even so, he still said nothing, as if he had no intention of answering until the very last moment. The reporters knew that, but they did not give up.
Influenced by that question, several more reporters piled on with follow-ups.
"Right, that photo that's been going around social media and forums!! That blonde woman is just a staff member, isn't she?!"
"There's a rumor that Miley Cara appears in Beneficial Evil!! Most people are calling it ridiculous, but Mr. Woojin, please give us a clear answer!!"
And then, the previously silent Kang Woojin suddenly opened his mouth.
"Yes. The blonde woman in the photo taken on the set of Beneficial Evil in Bangkok is Miley Cara."
He spoke again in his low voice.
"Miley Cara's filming has already been completed."
At that instant, the hands of the hundreds of reporters who had been frantically pressing their shutters came to a stop.
"...What?"