March 11, Wednesday, Afternoon.
The crew of the film Exorcism was in their second day of shooting in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. The location was an old café-cum-restaurant near a villa. About ten members of the Exorcism team were busy cleaning up after the day's shooting.
In the film industry, there's a saying: "Spread it out, then fold it back."
It refers to laying everything out widely and then organizing it carefully—a process followed even in commercial films. After outdoor shoots, crews clear and pack up quickly. Short films, due to budget constraints, had to move twice as fast.
No matter how you looked at it…
-Thunk!
Top actress Hong Hye-yeon climbed into the van parked along the street. Wearing a long white padded jumper, she rested her head against the headrest and let out a deep sigh.
"Ahhh—"
She casually tossed her long hair back, like a scene from a shampoo commercial.
With that scene, Hong Hye-yeon's part in Exorcism came to an end. She had filmed for two of the five days scheduled. Originally, it was supposed to be a three-day shoot, but her other commitments made the schedule extremely tight. The previous scene had been a two-shot with Kang Woo-jin, the film's protagonist.
As she zipped up her long padded coat, she reflected on the emotions and scenes lingering in her mind.
"It felt different from watching on the monitor. Experiencing it in person is completely different. Did I feel a bit intimidated in the middle? Why was that?"
She bit her lower lip, posing the question to herself.
"I felt my acting wasn't enough because I was trying to match the other actor's performance."
Hong Hye-yeon had sensed a distance between her and Kang Woo-jin during their scenes. She was a top star, while Woo-jin was still unknown. Yet despite that, the gap felt wide. It felt almost detached.
"I'm not sure. I think I was stubborn at times."
She had even expressed dissatisfaction and requested reshoots from Director Shin Dong-chun. But with every reshoot, Kang Woo-jin's portrayal of Kim Ryu-jin grew deeper, while the gap between the two actors did not narrow.
Of course, her own acting was by no means bad.
On the contrary, it was excellent. Director Shin Dong-chun was satisfied, and Hong Hye-yeon herself was among Korea's top actresses. Yet Kang Woo-jin's presence surpassed all imagination.
"How can someone do that? Looking at him, it's like he's lived in the theater world for decades. Those eyes… is it just talent?"
She had joined Exorcism to understand Kang Woo-jin's intense, almost frenzied acting, but experiencing it firsthand drew her even deeper into it. And this time, she faced a new shock.
"Kim Ryu-jin has a completely different tone from Deputy Park. How can one actor clearly distinguish two characters while working on both projects simultaneously?"
Deputy Park had been sticky and cunning, while Kim Ryu-jin was full of calm, everyday traits. Kang Woo-jin's portrayals of Deputy Park and Kim Ryu-jin were entirely distinct. Such a skill was beyond what a rookie actor could normally achieve.
"Is this… multiple personalities?"
Multiple personalities. Yes, it seemed like that. Distinct personas. Hong Hye-yeon exhaled a long sigh.
"Can this be achieved through learning?"
Even Kang Woo-jin had taught himself. For now, it was impossible to say. Perhaps it was even impossible. Yet she had to keep watching him—she wanted to act better.
Soon, Hong Hye-yeon…
-Swoosh.
She took out her phone and called her agency head, CEO Choi Seong-geun.
"Hey! How much is Kang Woo-jin's contract fee?? Isn't that a bit low??"
Meanwhile, inside the café, the team continued tidying up.
Kang Woo-jin sat by a shabby window, waiting to get into the van with the team. He was still in full Kim Ryu-jin mode, expressionless as ever.
Yet inside, he felt pretty good.
'I did it.'
Specifically, there had been a scene where Hong Hye-yeon hugged him from behind. It wasn't romantic, more unsettling than affectionate. But a hug from behind is a hug from behind. Woo-jin could feel her warmth across his back. Even an ordinary person would smile at such a moment.
'No way… Hong Hye-yeon hugged me from behind? Now I have another thing to brag about to Kim Dae-young.'
Then it happened.
"Woo-jin."
Startled, Woo-jin turned to see Director Shin Dong-chun smiling at him.
"What are you thinking so seriously about?"
The back hug? Woo-jin couldn't admit it and mumbled instead, "I need to focus on my acting during filming."
"I was thinking about the next scene," he lied blatantly.
Director Shin, unaware of the truth, slid the script into his back pocket.
"Don't push yourself. You're already doing well enough. If you collapse, everything stops, understand?"
"I'll be careful."
Director Shin smiled in satisfaction and shifted the topic.
"Woo-jin, you haven't signed with an agency yet, right?"
"No, not yet."
"You probably got a lot of business cards at the 'Profiler Hallyang' consultation?"
What's happening? Should I prepare? Woo-jin watched silently as Shin shrugged.
"Back then, I was a drama PD. I was decent. Many entertainment industry people attend script readings, so they'd give you their cards if they see potential."
"Got it."
"Worried? Hmm… I'm not sure about other advice, but newbies or unknowns usually don't get signing fees when joining a company. Sometimes they even pay entrance fees."
"…."
"Developing a new talent costs money. Investors are the ones who pay. New or unknown actors usually sign contracts for 5–7 years, and it takes 3–4 years before they earn profit."
Shin's expression changed.
"But you, Woo-jin, deserve a signing fee. You're special. You're already earning from acting, and the scale is huge—not for my film, but 'Profiler Hallyang.'"
"Yes."
"You know how amazing PD Song Man-woo and writer Park Eun-mi are. Even top actors struggle to participate in their works."
How much should I ask for? Woo-jin began to think, but Shin preempted him.
"Agencies want you because they can skip millions of won in trainee time. That's a huge sum—time and money saved. Three to five years ahead."
"I know that much."
"But the scary part is uncertainty. You train, invest, promote, liaise with producers and networks, yet often no one succeeds. Those who barely succeed may only get minor roles."
The entertainment industry is ruthless. Woo-jin stayed expressionless, feeling inwardly anxious. Then Shin suddenly pointed at him with his index finger.
"How about you, Woo-jin? Lead in Exorcism, also in Profiler Hallyang?"
"I'm a supporting actor."
"Debut and already lead and supporting? With no 3–5 year gap? Acting already perfect, no extra training needed. Star power too. Some risk their lives for a minor role. You created far more opportunities yourself. Do you think agencies won't notice you?"
Everything clicked in Woo-jin's mind. Shin folded his arms, thought, then spoke again.
"I'd say you could request at least 20 million won as a signing fee."
Woo-jin was shocked. Mentally, of course.
'What?! 20 million won???'
Later, by the time Woo-jin returned to Exorcism filming, Profiler Hallyang's promotion had exploded after the script reading.
[Star Talk] 'Profiler Hallyang' Script Reading Attended by Numerous Stars / Photos
Will it meet expectations? The reading was in a rental apartment. Is it as solid as rumors say?
Photos and interviews circulated, spreading verified rumors to the public.
[Fact Check] 'Profiler Hallyang' scheduled for first broadcast in May
Likely airing Fridays and Saturdays; production announcement expected late April
Who was the "scene-stealer" actor mentioned by writer Park Eun-mi? Rumors spread online.
The first poster had a gray-to-black gradient, featuring Ryu Jeong-min, Hong Hye-yeon, and other leads at the bottom, emphasizing a profiler atmosphere.
Of course, as the first poster, changes might occur when the official one was released. Yet it successfully conveyed production progress to the public.
The next day, Thursday, the official YouTube channel released the first teaser:
– Sneak peek at the script reading with top stars? Can't miss it!! | Profiler Hallyang
-[SBC]/ENG SUB
-March 12, 2020
A 30-second clip focused on the reading, yet the views were anything but short: 1,001,332 views.
Was it built-up anticipation? Or the celebrity participation? Within a day, the teaser surpassed one million views.
Two days later, Saturday late afternoon.
Kang Woo-jin was in the second-floor bathroom of a villa in Paju. No—he was now Kim Ryu-jin. Eyes sharp with vigilance, he pressed against the wall, slowly hiding behind the door.
He stayed still like that for ten seconds.
In the eerily silent bathroom, someone shouted:
"Cut!! Got it!!!"
Director Shin Dong-chun ran to Kang Woo-jin, whose calmness remained despite reddened eyes.
"Thanks! Woo-jin, great work!"
"Director, you worked hard too."
Filming for the short Exorcism was complete.
That night, the team, including Woo-jin, had a simple dinner at a butcher shop near their lodging in Paju. It was past 10 PM. Hong Hye-yeon, who had left mid-schedule, was absent. Naturally, Woo-jin missed her.
Still…
"Three pieces of pork belly per table, please!"
"Yes, yes—"
"And three bottles of soju now!"
About fifteen team members gathered, officially starting the after-party.
"It's a shame. I really liked that villa."
"Yeah, felt like my own home."
"Hahaha. Work hard enough and maybe we can buy one, right?"
"Do you know why they call it a 'villa'? Because it's like picking stars from the sky—hence the name."
The team of ten, now fairly close after five days, laughed and busied themselves. Shin Dong-chun smiled, satisfied—a proud moment for a rookie director.
Meanwhile…
"…."
Next to him, a man sat expressionless. Kang Woo-jin, zipped up to his neck, silently stared at his cup, or rather, reflected on the past five days of filming.
'Feels strange. Bittersweet?'
We call that regret. Woo-jin felt a tinge of it. After a long time, he experienced a sense of accomplishment.
"When I heard 'It's fine' after filming, goosebumps ran over me."
For a short film, this was his first lead role and first shoot. Everything was new and unfamiliar. The consecutive five-day shoot was exhausting yet exhilarating. Despite fatigue from the unfamiliar environment, daily wonders and charms outweighed it. Mentally maintaining the character added pressure.
Yet Woo-jin concluded: It was fun.
"Working at a design company, I never felt this. This is really tough. And this is just a short film?"
He imagined how grueling an ad shoot or Profiler Hallyang filming would be. He was correct. Exorcism was merely a warm-up.
Sigh, need to build stamina.
In any case, Woo-jin's life had changed completely.
Then…
"Woo-jin?"
A female actor called him.
"Not tired? Sitting so quietly."
Attention shifted to Woo-jin; actors and staff began voicing opinions.
"Yes, Woo-jin didn't change expressions at all. Amazing."
"By the end, only Woo-jin looked fresh. I never saw him tired."
"Even during acting, calm tone maintained. Wasn't it tough?"
No? It was tough. But Woo-jin kept composure, no complaints. No facial change, no faltering. Answers were as steady.
"I did it."
Behind him, Shin patted Woo-jin's shoulder twice, smiling.
"Strong stamina, strong mind. Honestly, Woo-jin, nothing lacking as an actor. If I were a drama PD, I'd cast you immediately."
"Thank you."
"And soon, you'll face huge sets. You must remain unshaken."
Understood. Yes. Remembered fears, now reignited. Others had rushed carelessly; Woo-jin acted sincerely.
"Oh! What's being filmed? Movie? Drama?"
"Wow, jealous. But Woo-jin, with your acting, you'll succeed anywhere."
"When people see you on screen, I want to brag. Ah! Woo-jin, can I get your autograph?"
"…Handwritten?"
As soon as 'autograph' was mentioned, actors raised hands. Shin stopped them.
"Hahaha, later. Woo-jin finished filming; post-production starts tomorrow."
In other words, editing was about to begin.
"Synchronization might need extra work."
Shin explained briefly. Environmental sounds can distort audio; syncing may be required.
"Will finish in a day. Will contact before scheduling."
Woo-jin, unfamiliar with this, nodded calmly.
"I understand."
He asked a question:
"Has the Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival schedule been announced?"
"No, usually announced two weeks prior. Rumor says mid- to late April. Thankfully, post-production isn't too rushed."
"Got it."
Suddenly, Shin's eyes lit up.
"Woo-jin, your editing is excellent. Cinematography too. This film will turn out great."
Then…
"Oh."
Shin filled Woo-jin's soju cup, changing the topic.
"Woo-jin, you have a suit, right?"
A suit? Yes. Cheap one from a 1+1 sale, intended for interviews.
"I have one."
"Hm… buy another. Spend a bit more for a good one."
"Why?"
"Honestly, meeting you felt like a dream. Now it feels real. As I said, only a few films among hundreds are selected for the Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival finals. Actor skill matters too."
"Yes."
Shin smiled confidently.
"If invited as a finalist, the lead must attend the festival."
He pointed at Woo-jin.
"Film industry elites will be there; you need to present yourself accordingly."