"…An A-grade actor, or even a top-tier one? For the movie Exorcism?"
The employee answered with a puzzled expression. In contrast, CEO Seo Gu-seop, whose face resembled a bulldog's, showed a confident, unwavering gaze.
"If that's not the case, it doesn't make sense. Exorcism was originally a trash movie that had been sitting unfinished for more than two years."
"Yes, that's right."
"But we cast Jung-hyuk as the male lead and increased the investment. Of course, the situation was tight, but the rookie production team was in the same boat—they had too much to handle at once. Do you really think conditions like that could be created for a single short film?"
"They couldn't."
"But damn it, he broke the contract, didn't he? Even if Jung-hyuk has some past issues, would anyone make a big deal out of it for a short film worth only a few million dollars?"
"…."
The employee glanced at Park Jung-hyuk, sitting on the five-person sofa behind them, and lowered his voice.
"Well… if they're trying to win the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival with Exorcism, it might be a little concerning."
"What does that old story matter? The fact that they're making such a shabby film is actually good for us. Besides, Jung-hyuk is a gentleman. Even worse people attend festivals like the Mise-en-scène without any problem."
CEO Seo Gu-seop exhaled cigarette smoke and walked toward the sofa where Park Jung-hyuk was sitting.
"What did Director Park say? You mentioned he visited Director Shin Dong-chun's house with some rookie actors, right? Were there other actors there too?"
"Yes. But aside from the fact that he was having a meeting with an unknown actor, nothing unusual happened."
"Unknown?"
"Yes. A completely unknown actor."
At the words "unknown actor," Seo Gu-seop clicked his tongue lightly, reacting with casual indifference.
"He was probably interviewing some fool willing to take a trivial role. We don't need to concern ourselves with insignificant people. Did Director Park have anything else to say?"
"No, nothing else. But CEO… if an A-grade actor really joined Director Shin Dong-chun's project, shouldn't Blue View Film Company know about it?"
"That would make sense."
Seo Gu-seop tapped the sofa armrest with his index finger. Meanwhile, Park Jung-hyuk, sitting with his legs crossed, added,
"Maybe Blue View Film secretly pulled some strings. Director Shin Dong-chun seems to have a wide network."
Seo Gu-seop slapped his thigh.
"Right. He worked as a drama PD for a long time, so he must have connections… Ah, isn't PD Song Man-woo close with Shin Dong-chun?"
"They're extremely close. Like brothers," Park Jung-hyuk replied.
"PD Song Man-woo has a strong network. If the two of them collaborated, casting an A-list actor for Exorcism wouldn't be surprising."
An employee cautiously added,
"I don't think the actor is truly top-tier. There's nothing particularly notable about him. Even if Exorcism goes to the Mise-en-scène Festival, an A-list actor would be overkill. At most, maybe a B-list supporting actor. Perhaps Director Shin Dong-chun hesitated but cast a B-level actor just in case."
"Hm."
The comment implied that instead of risking controversy with Park Jung-hyuk—who, despite once being a top star, had a problematic past—they chose a safer, less prominent actor.
"The lower the level, the more irritating."
For GGO Entertainment's CEO Seo Gu-seop, this situation was extremely frustrating. If this leaked to the media, it could be reported that Park Jung-hyuk had been fired from his comeback project.
And the comeback project was only a short film.
Fortunately, the entire process had been carried out very secretly. But that didn't change the fact that GGO Entertainment had effectively been snubbed by Director Shin Dong-chun.
"Ha… my mood is terrible."
Seo Gu-seop's bulldog-like face twisted in frustration. Then he coldly instructed the employee in front of him:
"Look into Shin Dong-chun's circle. If an A-list actor joined, rumors would inevitably spread. If there are no rumors, he must have brought in a nobody."
"Understood."
"And since he's starting everything from scratch, he'll need to find investors. Especially independent short-film production companies."
"…What kind of pressure do you mean?"
"Subtly hint to them not to invest a single cent in Exorcism."
"Ah! Understood!"
"If he has no money, he won't even be able to start."
Growling, Seo Gu-seop turned toward Park Jung-hyuk.
"Jung-hyuk, I'll give you a few short-film scripts for the Mise-en-scène Festival. Review them carefully and choose one by tomorrow."
Park Jung-hyuk shrugged, smiling.
"Yes, yes. But CEO, you'll support me strongly this time, right?"
"Do I even need to say it? I'll do my best. Don't take this lightly. Approach it with determination. At the very least, make sure it's better than Exorcism."
"Well, I've got quite the career."
Looking at Park Jung-hyuk's filmography, no director could easily dismiss him—it was impressive.
Seo Gu-seop hardened his expression like a bulldog.
"I want you to completely crush Exorcism. This is about my pride. Make something strong enough to win at the Mise-en-scène Film Festival—so that bastard Shin Dong-chun regrets everything and collapses in shame."
Later, whether by intent or coincidence, projects involving Kang Woojin began moving forward rapidly.
And the person under the most pressure was…
"Whew… Woojin is confirmed too. Now I need to meet with production companies."
Director Shin Dong-chun of Exorcism halted all previous work and prioritized contacting production companies. As a result, Kang Woojin's contract was temporarily postponed. They had only reached a verbal agreement about the lead role; the official contract would be signed after a production company was confirmed.
Moreover, they needed investors. In other words—they needed money.
Production companies were more of a requirement than a solution. Besides contacting them, Director Shin Dong-chun also needed investors.
Time before the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival was running out.
"If things don't go well, I'll have to raise money through personal connections."
But few would casually lend large sums, especially for a risky short-film investment. Shin Dong-chun's situation became even more difficult.
It felt as if he had returned to two years ago. The only difference was that Kang Woojin had been cast as the protagonist.
Interestingly, unlike before, Director Shin Dong-chun was full of energy. He briefly explained the situation to his close friend, PD Song Man-woo.
"Hyung, I abandoned everything I built with GGO Entertainment and started over from scratch—centered around Kang Woojin."
PD Song Man-woo sounded supportive on the phone.
"Good. Excellent. The road might be rough now, but in the long run, that's the right path. How was Kang Woojin when you met him?"
"He was incredible. He showed real affection for Exorcism and understood the script even better than I did. It was like he'd been part of the production from the start. Outwardly, he seems calm, but inside, he's extremely passionate."
"He doesn't show emotions easily. The timing was good. Kang Woojin's value will rise soon."
"I think so too. Once the project airs, his phone will be flooded with offers. Before filming, could you tell me more about Woojin? It feels awkward to ask him directly."
"I don't know much either. He's mysterious. I'll tell you what I do know. So, no contact from the other side?"
"Huh? The other side? Where?"
"Someone unexpected… never mind."
Even PD Song Man-woo had questions.
"But where did Kang Woojin get that script?"
Director Shin Dong-chun shook his head.
"Ah… I was distracted and forgot to ask."
Two days later, it was Saturday the 22nd.
Director Shin Dong-chun was still busy, while the drama Profiler Hanryang continued production. They were in the middle of pre-production.
All remaining actors were confirmed. Sets and locations for early scenes were decided. Part 1 scripts had been distributed. Meetings for script, production, poster shoots, and press conferences were scheduled.
C-Blue Studio began focusing on mid-phase promotion.
News headlines appeared:
"Highly anticipated drama Profiler Hanryang nears script reading."
"Lead actress Hong Hyeyeon shows goddess-like beauty at fashion brand party."
"Can SBC succeed? Interest in Profiler Hanryang continues to rise."
Meanwhile, star writer Park Eun-mi was planning a change.
"Hm."
She sat at her desk, watching a video of Kang Woojin acting as Assistant Manager Park during his first performance.
"Yes… he should look a bit more innocent. But when acting, there needs to be a hint of madness in his eyes."
Inspiration poured out.
She felt inspired by the character Assistant Manager Park that Woojin had performed so perfectly.
Tap! Tap!
Quickly, she began revising the completed Part 4 script. After the weekend, by Monday, revisions from Part 2 to Part 4 were roughly done.
PD Song Man-woo read the revised script and said:
"…Wow. This is definitely Writer Park."
His eyes widened as he praised her.
"The quality improved several times. The psychological depth of characters, the density of the text… it's not just other characters that changed."
No—he genuinely admired her.
"What exactly is Assistant Manager Park now? The depth is incredible."
Next day, Tuesday the 25th.
It was a photo shoot.
Dozens of staff, large cameras, and a female actor in a suit.
"Great! Hyeyeon! How about taking off the jacket this time?"
It was Hong Hyeyeon, her long hair flowing freely, wearing a fitted suit and elegant high heels.
Click! Click!
As shutters fired, she changed expressions and poses with perfect professionalism. Anyone who saw her couldn't help but admire her dazzling beauty.
Soon—
"Great! Change outfits and we'll start again in 10 minutes!"
She removed her jacket and walked to the waiting area where about ten people were already there.
"Unni, you did great!"
A bottle of water and her phone were handed to her. She sat next to a stack of documents labeled:
"Exorcism"
She had been reading this script for the past few days.
Just then—
Buzz.
The caller was CEO Choi Sung-gun from BW Entertainment.
"Oppa, hello."
"Are you at the shoot? Can you talk?"
"Yes, it's break time."
"Then I'll be quick. About Exorcism—it seems production was halted."
"What?? Why?"
"Director Shin Dong-chun stopped it. The production company was Blue View Film, but from what I gathered, GGO Entertainment was involved."
"…GGO Entertainment? I never heard that."
"They probably kept it secret. Connect the dots."
CEO Choi Sung-gun explained:
"GGO was originally involved, but Director Shin stopped everything. Then Kang Woojin appeared. That persistent GGO guy probably messed things up. Now they're trying to slowly bring Park Jung-hyuk back. I think GGO wanted to erase his image via Exorcism, but it didn't work. Shin Dong-chun beat them at script evaluation, so now GGO is pressuring indie filmmakers."
"Pressuring? What do you mean?"
"They were supposed to invest. If things fall apart, Shin Dong-chun needs new funding. Do you think CEO Seo Gu-seop will just sit quietly?"
Choi's prediction was mostly accurate.
Frowning, Hong Hyeyeon stood.
"So the lead actor changed, and now they can't produce Exorcism due to lack of funds?"
"If that's true."
"How much is the budget?"
"Only Director Shin Dong-chun knows."
"…."
After a moment, she quietly muttered:
"Oppa… BW Entertainment is preparing an investment project too, right?"
Meanwhile, at Writer Park Eun-mi's studio:
Kang Woojin sat upright at the kitchen table, emotionless.
This was a workspace, but it felt like an apartment.
He had come after being called by PD Song Man-woo. Across from him sat PD Song Man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi.
"Woojin."
The bearded PD smiled lightly, breaking the silence.
"Is this your first time at Writer Park's studio?"
Since arriving, Woojin had been controlling himself, keeping a calm, strong exterior. This place felt like a battlefield to him.
Arrogance was dangerous.
His face remained calm, but a subtle madness flickered in his eyes.
"Yes, it is."
"Haha. We call it a studio, but it's basically a house."
"It seems that way."
"Before we get to the main topic, one question."
PD Song Man-woo asked,
"How did you get the Exorcism script?"
Unexpected, but Writer Park Eun-mi seemed aware.
Something clicked in Woojin's mind.
Ah… this PD is friends with that square-jawed director. They were somehow connected.
Explaining everything would be cumbersome. Lying wasn't necessary.
So Woojin gave a short, fitting answer.
"I got it from someone I know."
"Someone you know?"
Woojin added a hint of arrogance:
"Does the source really matter?"
"Haha, no. I just wanted to know why you chose Exorcism at this time."
Writer Park Eun-mi added,
"Our drama is filming, yet you chose to appear in Exorcism. The role of Assistant Manager Park isn't easy. Why this film?"
"Curious?"
PD Song Man-woo answered for him:
"Honestly, it's risky. Short film, unstable situation. But Woojin… you seem oddly confident."
That confidence came from something only Woojin understood—the invisible space where he saw the works' value.
He needed a proper answer—refined, slightly vague.
Finally, Woojin said:
"Just a feeling."
"…A feeling?"
"Yes. The biggest reason I chose it was that feeling."
Woojin internally praised his own answer.
Across the table, PD Song Man-woo and Writer Park Eun-mi stared at him.
Then PD Song Man-woo hesitantly asked:
"Woojin… do you usually follow your instincts?"
"To some extent."
Hearing Woojin's confident reply, PD Song Man-woo muttered:
"Instinct… an eye for works. If Exorcism really succeeds…"
It was a deep sigh of admiration.
"He's already a unique monster… with sharp instincts too?"
Another wave of intrigue and misunderstanding began building rapidly.