"What? 40 million won?" Kang Woo-jin couldn't hide his shock. Even 30 million had startled him a little, but suddenly adding another 10 million? Something had clearly gone wrong. Why had it suddenly changed like this? Woo-jin wanted to ask outright, annoyed as he was.
But to CEO Choi Sung-geon, Woo-jin was a terrifying actor.
When Woo-jin asked about his fee, CEO Choi smiled. Woo-jin hadn't yet recovered from his shock, but he tried his best to hide his emotions. He repeated CEO Choi's answer in a low voice.
"Forty million won?"
"Yes. It's possible, Woo-jin."
Woo-jin felt his sense of reality dull. Back when he worked at a design company, saving 10 million won took a year—but now it would vanish in an instant. Truly astonishing. Still, he tried to act nonchalant.
There was no reason to refuse it.
"He's mistaken the situation. I'm innocent."
Now he had to continue the conversation naturally and calmly. No lengthy explanations were needed. A slip of the tongue could ruin the atmosphere. One careless word could make him seem rash.
"Every moment feels like walking on thin ice," he thought.
No one knew, but internally, Woo-jin was fighting a fierce mental battle, shaping a polished and composed response.
"I'm curious—how was this amount decided?"
As expected, CEO Choi clasped his hands and spoke solemnly.
"…In fact, these days, there's a trend of not taking signing bonuses. Some top stars even refuse the fee, preferring a house or other perks instead."
"Yes."
"New actors who have made a name with a few successful films or dramas are the same. Often, after starting as trainees and finishing a 7-year contract, they may receive a luxury car instead of a signing bonus when changing agencies."
"Yes, I roughly know that."
"The key here is 'transfer.' Signing bonuses are usually given when an artist moves. Actors or idols rarely get a bonus with their first contract. Everyone starts as a trainee. If their skills are good, they might get pocket money."
Then CEO Choi pointed at the calm Woo-jin standing before him.
"But Woo-jin, you're a bit special. Almost unknown, with only a short film under your belt. Cases like yours are unprecedented, I'd say. You know that, right?"
"Please, continue."
"Honestly, to the public, you may still seem ordinary. In showbiz, money comes from recognition. Other agencies might think we're crazy for offering this bonus, given that you have no public profile. But those who saw you at the script reading are willing to invest—they see your future."
"…"
"The important thing is acknowledgment, whether from institutions or the public."
CEO Choi paused briefly.
"Woo-jin, your acting is truly excellent. It's been a while since I've been moved by a performance."
He concluded his explanation.
"Being captivated by the director and writer and joining 'Profiler Hanryang' was the right choice. But the future of showbiz is always uncertain. If 'Profiler Hanryang' fails, your anonymity continues. 'Exorcism' is just a short film, so the public won't see much of it."
He wasn't wrong. Only Kang Woo-jin knew hints about the works' futures.
"If that happens, the other agencies that contacted you would effectively be paying a 40 million won signing bonus to an unknown. Because of this uncertainty, no matter how good your acting is, other agencies wouldn't offer 40 or 50 million. Some might even need higher approval."
Ah, being rejected would be frustrating. Woo-jin silently agreed as CEO Choi suddenly opened the transparent file he had brought—it was the contract.
"But in truth, the signing bonus isn't that important. It's merely a token of appreciation for your acting. As you know, the core matter is this."
CEO Choi pointed with his index finger to a section of the contract.
"The distribution ratio and contract duration."
I see, thought Woo-jin. He seemed to realize something, and a little proud. "Use what Director Shin Dong-chun said." Woo-jin lowered his voice.
"You don't need to invest money, time, or training in me."
CEO Choi, smiling, nodded.
"That's right. That's a big advantage for any agency. You probably wouldn't be satisfied with anyone's terms right now, but when the business grows, you'll need an agency."
"Yes."
"So I thought—what would Woo-jin like besides the signing bonus? A taste, perhaps? Also good to understand market trends."
Impromptu as it was, CEO Choi essentially passed the contract to Woo-jin.
"The usual revenue split for unknown actors who went through trainee courses is about 5:5 to 6:4. But you're already a finished actor. That means the agency doesn't need to spend a single won. The payout ratio is 9:1, obviously we are 1. Contract duration is one year."
What is this? Such radical terms? At that moment, CEO Choi spoke meaningfully.
"In short, this is a taste of what bw Entertainment is. After a year, you can decide whether to extend. What do you think?"
Woo-jin lowered his gaze to the contract and replied quietly.
"Please explain the contract details."
Meanwhile, at the drama set…
The set, divided into several areas, was in the final stages of construction. PD Song Man-woo was inspecting each part meticulously.
"Can you not hear the sound here? It creaks, right?"
Then…
– ♬♪
His phone rang. PD Song answered casually after checking the caller.
"Ah, Manager Choi. Did you see the actor who came to the script reading?"
A man's voice came from the other end—it was CEO Choi of the large film company 'Box Movie.'
"Yes, yes, I saw. PD, do you know the contact info of Kang Woo-jin, who made the script reading a mess? Could you give me the number?"
"Number?"
"Yes. Actually, I gave him a business card at the reading, but I haven't heard from him in a week. I suppose you saw the company name, but this has never happened before…"
PD Song chuckled knowingly.
"Well, he doesn't move just from hearing a name. He's quite stubborn. But I guess giving the number isn't easy?"
"A bit busy."
"Him ignoring Box Movie? There must be a reason."
PD Song paused, then thought…
'Box Movie contacted Kang Woo-jin, but wasn't he starting a new project with that director?'
He recalled a recent article—one of Korea's renowned directors had begun production with Box Movie. Considering the timing, the answer was simple.
'Are they trying to lure Woo-jin?'
Very likely.
"If Kang Woo-jin participates in that director's project… that film will be really special."
Imagining this scenario, PD Song smiled.
"If it's urgent, should I ask Woo-jin on your behalf?"
Several tens of minutes later, back at bw Entertainment.
Kang Woo-jin and CEO Choi sat across from each other. Choi explained the contract passionately, and Woo-jin subtly observed him.
'Whatever happened, there might be misunderstandings here. Hong Hye-yeon's influence probably played a part too.'
She certainly exerted considerable influence. So if he had gone to another agency, these conditions wouldn't have been possible. Reflecting on it, bw Entertainment offered the best terms. At least, Woo-jin thought so.
He needed 'experience,' and the 9:1 split with a one-year contract was necessary.
This introductory contract was tailor-made for Woo-jin.
"Good to have someone I know. And with Hong Hye-yeon, even better."
The entertainment world was unfamiliar to Woo-jin. Joining a new agency would double the pressure. Within the set framework, it was better to go somewhere he felt comfortable.
Woo-jin made an independent decision without CEO Choi knowing.
After about ten minutes of Choi's passionate briefing, he looked at Woo-jin and asked,
"What do you think? I promise to do my best."
"Now, rest here for a bit."
"..."
Woo-jin remained expressionless, silent. After about a minute, he spoke.
"CEO, may I add two conditions?"
"…Let's hear them."
"First, don't ask about my past. Second, I will only participate in projects I want."
"About your past… Hye-yeon has a rough idea, I guess. You mean I shouldn't even suggest a project?"
"No. I want to decide on projects myself."
In other words, he wanted control over his projects. CEO Choi didn't react negatively. If he refused all projects, it would be a problem, but otherwise, any project was fine. Choi smiled.
"Both are possible. We can add them to the contract."
Hearing this, Woo-jin reached out, his action serious.
"I'm glad we'll be working together."
Choi's eyes widened slightly, and he shook Woo-jin's hand.
"So, you mean you'll sign the contract with me?"
"Yes."
Instantly, Choi's joy spread to his ears.
"Hahaha! Got it, got it. Oh, I laughed too hard. It's been a long time since I had this much fun."
Then CEO Choi moved quickly. He handed the revised official contract to Woo-jin.
"Welcome as the second actor of bw Entertainment."
Woo-jin signed the contract. The moment he joined the agency. At the same time, he took out the business card he had been curious about.
"I received this card on the script reading day. It said to contact them, but it was a film production company, not an agency."
CEO Choi smiled wider when seeing the card.
"Haha, surprising, isn't it? I didn't expect work to come in simultaneously. Let's see… which company is it?"
At that moment, Choi's eyes widened.
'Box Movie??'
A major company. Choi quickly flipped the card—the name revealed:
'PD Choi Do-min. A power player at Box Movie, perhaps attended the script reading?'
Suddenly, an idea struck him.
"Oh, Director Woo Hyun-gu. You know him? One of Korea's master directors. He's making his next film at Box Movie. And he's friends with Manager Choi Do-min. Ah! So Manager Choi plans to cast Woo-jin in Woo Hyun-gu's film?"
Lost in thought, Choi met Woo-jin's expressionless gaze.
"Woo-jin, I think you should meet Manager Choi. No, you must meet him."
At that moment…
–으으으으, 으으으으.
Woo-jin's phone rang—PD Song Man-woo. CEO Choi gestured for him to answer. Woo-jin picked up.
"Yes, Chief of Police?"
PD Song's voice came through.
"Woo-jin, you should have received a card from Box Movie, right?"
"Yes. But how did you…?"
"Manager Choi called me asking for your number. I said it was impossible but I'd ask you directly."
Perfect timing, indeed. They were discussing this story while PD Song was on the call.
"Woo-jin, I know you'll do well. But meeting someone from the film company won't hurt. It's a big company."
"Yes, Chief. I'll contact them."
"Understood. I'll follow up."
–Click.
As the call ended, Woo-jin quickly had CEO Choi connect him. Now Choi, his manager, picked up his phone.
"I'll call Manager Choi now."
Meanwhile, Choi on the other line said,
"You gave him Woo-jin's card? Ah, I'll explain when we meet, haha. Yes, yes."
He seemed a bit surprised.
"Ah? Wants to see him right away??"
Two hours later, around lunchtime, at Box Movie's production office.
Box Movie used the 7th to 9th floors of a building in Nonhyeon-dong. Movie posters filled corridors and walls.
Woo-jin and Choi were in a medium-sized meeting room on the 8th floor, seated at a U-shaped table. Woo-jin discreetly observed the movie posters on the walls.
At this point…
"He's late."
Choi tapped the table with his fingers, slightly annoyed. Manager Choi Do-min was already 30 minutes late.
"He complained he couldn't reach Woo-jin."
Thirty minutes was over the line—clearly intentional delay. Choi removed his glasses and sighed.
At that moment…
–Squeak.
The glass door opened, and a short man entered: Manager Choi Do-min.
"Hahaha, sorry, something urgent came up on the way."
Woo-jin clenched his teeth silently, feigning calm.
'Ah, that line… damn, heard it often at the design company. Like PTSD.'
After a brief greeting, Do-min smiled at the expressionless Woo-jin.
"Finally meeting you, Woo-jin. Been waiting a long time."
"I was filming."
"Oh, I see? Still, it took too long. Haha, I was worried—you hadn't contacted me in over a week. I thought a rookie actor building their filmography was ignoring me."
Woo-jin smiled brightly, but he immediately sensed irritation beneath Do-min's tone.
Then Do-min placed a stack of documents on the table.
"I told the director, but we almost got scolded since we couldn't reach you. Ah, I'm not blaming you."
Choi asked, gently waving at Do-min.
"Excuse me, Manager, the director you mentioned—is it Director Woo Hyun-gu?"
At that moment, Do-min straightened his shoulders.
"Yes, that's right. Director Woo Hyun-gu. Nothing to hide—it's already public. Woo-jin, you'll need to audition, but seeing your acting, I'm confident you'll excel. Joining won't be difficult."
Do-min pushed the script forward with a slight smile.
Woo-jin casually glanced over the cover and turned the first page, as if uninterested. Meanwhile, Choi quietly organized his thoughts.
'Is Manager Choi pushing this strongly? If Woo-jin joins right after 'Profiler Hanryang' in Woo Hyun-gu's work, the ripple effect will be massive…'
At this moment, Do-min spoke confidently.
"Funding isn't an issue. Investors are competing to back Director Woo Hyun-gu's next film."
Woo-jin flipped through the script without a care, as if skimming. Observing this, Choi stroked his chin.
"Do-min is always rude, but work is work. Can't let this opportunity slip because of his attitude. If he pushes, we have to seize it."
Woo-jin raised his index finger toward the script—no one noticed.
He paused briefly, then softly snorted.
"Hmm—"
Choi leaned toward Woo-jin and whispered.
"Woo-jin, this is an opportunity you must seize, no matter what. Honestly, this kind of chance never comes to rookies or unknowns."
"Really?"
"Of course. A chance to work with master Director Woo Hyun-gu—you have to take it."
Woo-jin's dry reply followed.
"Yes, please reject it."