At Hong Hyeyeon's response, the CEO, who had paused in front of the shoe display, covered his face with one hand. He looked utterly exhausted.
"Oh dear, suddenly I feel like eating something short."
Hong Hyeyeon crossed her arms and muttered slightly.
"Why? You just feel like it for a moment, right? I never said I was making a short film, so why are you overreacting like this?"
"…You're overreacting. Well, when you want something, you end up getting it eventually. I know you well, don't I?"
Then the CEO roughly kicked off the shoes he had been about to remove.
"Why would the lead actress of the drama Profiler Hanrang suddenly want to make a short film? I could understand if it were a rare genre-specific proposal, but large-scale film offers are coming in across genres—so why insist on a short film?"
He grumbled as he sank onto the living room sofa. The CEO's reaction was surprisingly muted, probably because he was accustomed to Hong Hyeyeon's sudden emotional outbursts. In any case, when Hong, dressed in pajamas, sat beside him, he let out a small sigh.
"Give me a moment. I'll organize the situation."
Suddenly gathering his thoughts, CEO Choi Sunggeon began to think things through. He was the CEO of BW Entertainment, a startup company and the agency of top actress Hong Hyeyeon. Appearing in his late 30s, his long hair was tied back.
He wore rimless glasses, but a playful spark lingered in his demeanor.
"Hmm—"
Though outwardly relaxed, Choi Sunggeon was a veteran of over ten years in the entertainment industry, sharp-witted, observant, and excellent at handling situations.
Thanks to his unique personality, he maintained a wide network of connections.
Hong Hyeyeon and Choi Sunggeon had worked together since her debut; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he had shaped her into the star she was today. Their relationship was widely known in the entertainment world.
Hong recognized his ability and joined BW Entertainment when it was founded, investing significant funds herself. In short, she was both an investor and a key figure in the company.
At this moment:
"The short film is titled Exorcism, right?"
Leaning back on the sofa, CEO Choi asked, and Hong crossed her legs before replying.
"Yes, Exorcism."
"Are you saying you want to check the current situation, or just review the history of the film?"
"Yes, I've paid attention to even the smallest details."
"Hm, visiting a few independent short film production companies makes gathering information easy. Ah, suddenly this feels bothersome. If there's no script at all, it would be hard even for me, right?"
"No, no, PD Song mentioned it, so there must be something. Oh, and do you remember Director Shin Dongchun?"
"Yes. He was someone who made good dramas before suddenly moving into film and then disappeared… Wait, could it really be him?"
"Yes. Exorcism is written by that director."
Choi Sunggeon's eyes widened slightly for a moment.
"Really? Starting from PD Song Manwoo, the people around this seem quite unique."
"Don't you think so?"
"If I look into it, what will you do for me in return?"
"What do you mean? Don't I already feed you?"
"That alone isn't enough on its own, is it? Then how about this—regarding that messed-up shampoo commercial, how about renegotiating it?"
Hong immediately grumbled.
"Ugh, the marketing manager there is completely insane."
"I'll push for renegotiation on the condition that the director is excluded from the jury. How about it?"
"Damn. Why can the CEO of an ad agency do whatever he wants?"
"Because our artists are extremely talented."
Hong lightly clicked her tongue, patting the CEO on the shoulder.
"Fine, but can we really exclude that manager?"
"Fine. Now, explain."
"What?"
Having already calculated in his head, CEO Choi adjusted his glasses and smiled.
"Why did you suddenly become interested in Exorcism? Don't beat around the bush saying it's because of PD Song or Director Shin. Be clear."
"…sigh"
Hong Hyeyeon, tossing her long hair back, slightly pressed her jaw together.
"There's a person named Kang Woojin."
"Who is he? Your new boyfriend?"
"Are you crazy? When did I get a boyfriend?! He's an actor!"
"An actor? I've never heard of him. Can you explain more?"
Then Hong recounted all the stories she had been hiding, from the first time she met the strange Kang Woojin up to now. The remarkable thing was that CEO Choi's face was full of shock as he listened.
About ten minutes passed.
After finishing her story, Hong watched as Choi, running his fingers through his long hair, let out a low sigh.
"PD Song and writer Park Eunmi did all that for Kang Woojin? No wonder even top stars rely on him—how could he not be satisfied?"
"It's not about skill. They're people who thrive on production."
"…That's true, but interesting."
For Choi Sunggeon, CEO of an entertainment company, PD Song and Park Eunmi were mountains that couldn't be surpassed. Most of the industry probably thought the same.
Thus, Choi became more curious about actor Kang Woojin.
"From the start, his filmography is… unusual."
"He's self-taught in acting and may have been abroad. According to PD Song, he must have gone through tough times."
"Abroad? Hmm… if he was in a theater company, I'd have heard about him."
Having heard everything, Choi met Hong's gaze and smiled.
"So, it's not the Exorcism film itself that attracted you, but Kang Woojin's acting."
"No, that's not it!!"
"Why the bluff? You haven't even read the Exorcism script yet, right?"
"…"
At that moment:
"Brother."
Shifting the topic, Hong asked Choi sharply:
"How much money do we have?"
"Suddenly? What kind of question is that?"
"Do we have room? If not, we should prepare in advance. Half the battle is preparation, right? Paying a rookie's contract may sound odd, but he's a unique player anyway. And as a director, it's time to step onto the field again. Treat the actor kindly."
"Hey, are you serious?"
Frowning, Hong shouted at the CEO as an investor.
"Ah, after the script reading, someone will scout him immediately."
Thursday, 20th, morning. Near Ori Station cinema.
It was about 9 a.m. Being a morning screening, the cinema was quiet. Kang Woojin stood out on a sofa in the waiting area. He was alone, wearing a long padded coat and a hat.
Why was Woojin at the cinema alone at this hour?
The answer was simple. Starting recent acting activities, he had begun to take interest in various content he previously ignored. This was the first time he had come to watch a movie alone, in the morning, no less.
Still…
-Swish.
Waiting for the screening, Woojin glanced at his phone.
"The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, right?"
He was searching for information, recalling his conversation with Director Shin Dongchun yesterday.
Everything started from Shin's bloodshot eyes, asking Woojin to take the lead role in Exorcism:
"Please play Kim Ryujin in the film Exorcism."
At that moment, Woojin was slightly bewildered. A crying man suddenly asking him to take the lead was unexpected. He remained silent as Shin continued explaining.
"Exorcism is not made for the general audience. It's made for festival submission."
"You mean a film festival?"
"Yes. The 'Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.' Like the Blue Dragon or Baeksang awards for commercial films, this festival is considered the top for short films. It has a long tradition and will be held in mid-April, two months from now. We aim to submit in time. The schedule is tight."
"…."
"It's almost as famous as the Blue Dragon Awards; hardly anyone doesn't know it. And, of course, you're aware of it too."
No, Woojin had never heard of this festival. He nodded seriously, maintaining his composure.
"Yes, roughly that's it."
"As you know, the festival jury consists of prominent domestic directors. Rookie directors who win are guaranteed strong careers. Many directors who made their name as jurors came from this festival."
Woojin roughly understood it was an audition-like opportunity for filmmakers. Many top actors had participated in similar programs in the past.
Shin's expression darkened slightly.
"Competition is fierce. Over 600 works are submitted yearly. Even good shorts can get buried. Making it to the 40 finalists is like winning a lottery."
"It's a war."
"Yes, a battlefield for aspiring directors. Many famous actors serve as honorary jurors, and industry insiders are heavily involved. Winning the grand prize can instantly make a rookie director a star."
Though Shin didn't mention it, actors often gained fame via this festival, and some shorts were later remade into commercial films.
But without excellence, the grand prize wouldn't be awarded.
In over 20 years, only ten works had received the grand prize. Hence, winning grants industry prestige, but outsiders remained outsiders.
Few people knew about short film festivals.
"Judging is extremely strict. The jury evaluates script, direction, acting, but direction and acting are weighted highest."
Even at a glance, Woojin knew this was an incredibly challenging task, like threading a needle. He considered it far more difficult than being rejected dozens of times by a client.
"A prestigious festival."
At this point, Shin said:
"Actually, Exorcism's production situation isn't good right now."
He summarized everything about the short film.
"However, that's no longer necessary. I'll abandon the production company, investment, actors, and start from scratch, using you as the foundation. So please take the role of Kim Ryujin."
"…."
What? A total reset? All because of me? Woojin tried to maintain a calm expression, though Shin was extremely excited.
"Director, you don't have to push yourself too hard."
"This isn't excessive!"
But Shin only became more determined, adrenaline surging.
"I must do this. I'll endure any discomfort. Don't worry, I'll reset everything. Woojin, I ask only one thing: act."
"Ah."
"Take the role of Kim Ryujin. A character only comes alive when portrayed by an actor with love and dedication. Woojin, you must do this."
It was intense. Shin had been crying moments ago. Woojin thought he couldn't stop the director's stubbornness.
Still, it didn't matter. Despite the worsening situation, Woojin achieved his original goal. Festival, prize—whatever—he just had to act.
Deciding this, Woojin extended his hand to Shin with a sharp gaze.
"I look forward to working with you, Director."
Reflecting on everything so far, Woojin returned to the reality of being in the cinema and checked the time.
"Ah, now it's time."
It was time to move; the screening was about to begin. Woojin headed to the auditorium.
"Hmm, but…"
Suddenly thinking about the "exorcism ritual," he muttered:
"I wonder if actor Park Jeonghyuk, originally cast, would get angry at the racism controversy. He probably would."
He murmured casually:
"Well, that's not my concern."
A few hours later, GGO Entertainment, Nonhyeon-dong.
Around early lunch, in the office of the large entertainment company.
Suddenly, a loud voice erupted in an office decorated with various potted plants.
"What?! They rejected us?!"
It was CEO Seo Guseop of GGO Entertainment, short with a bulldog-like face. He yelled at a male employee in front of him.
"What do you mean?! Everything was fine until yesterday!"
Startled, the employee barely responded:
"…I just received a call. Blue View Film Company decided this morning."
"What?!"
"It seems the director of Exorcism wants to undo everything in progress, including the mentioned actor, investment, and even relations with Blue View Cinema."
The ongoing plan was completely overturned, all because of Director Shin Dongchun. GGO Entertainment had been fully rejected.
Biting his teeth, bulldog-like CEO Seo fumed.
"How dare… they reject me? Reject GGO Entertainment?"
He was more angry at being rejected personally than at the failed plan—it was a hit to his pride.
"I've known him since his PD days and even checked the script. What a terrible person, right?"
"…."
"He's pushing a ridiculous scenario as if campaigning."
Seo slammed his desk and turned to the right. Sitting on a luxurious five-person sofa, a man shouted at him.
"Hey, Jeonghyuk! Forget Exorcism! Pick another script! Damn, submitting a short film to the Mise-en-scène Festival is too trivial!"
It was Park Jeonghyuk, once a top star, trying to redeem his image with Exorcism. Popularity wasn't what it used to be, but still high.
Crossing his legs, he replied:
"I know there are alternative short films. CEO, isn't it odd we got rejected? Everything was fine until yesterday."
"…."
Making eye contact with Park, Seo suddenly looked serious. He slumped into his chair, picked up a pack of cigarettes on his desk, and thought deeply.
"Director Shin, cornered, suddenly changed his mind overnight, overturning all progress including investments and Jeonghyuk…"
After about ten seconds, Seo took a drag of his cigarette and concluded.
Had Director Shin cast a different actor for the male lead?
He explained the conclusion in detail:
"At least an A-grade, or top-tier performance, how about that?