End of a Chilly Winter and Gentle Spring
The chilly winter and gentle spring were drawing to a close. Yet the heat on set burned hotter than summer. Wanted raced toward its finale. The crew and cast sweated every drop to perfect the dragon's finishing touch right up to the end.
And then.
"Scene 49, let's shoot."
It was the long-awaited final scene. The ending of episode 20. Choi Kyu-bo, Im Eun-soo, and Seo Jun-mo walking side by side against the backdrop of the KCFS building. A narration would be overlaid later in post-production.
"Directing team, control the surroundings."
The street in front of Gwanghwamun, the shooting location, was packed with crowds. As much as viewers had showered the drama with support and love, the decision to make the finale a public event shoot had been unanimously approved internally.
Moments later, as the actors appeared, cheers and shouts filled the air.
"Shooting starts soon. Please refrain from camera flashes."
"Hold the cheers and shouts for a bit. Thank you for your understanding."
Staff announced guidelines over megaphones while managing the crowd. Meanwhile, Park PD and the actors ran rehearsals.
"One rehearsal, then straight into the take."
"Yes, Director."
Park PD meticulously checked the actors' movements and camera positions. Their teamwork flowed organically like a single body, wrapping prep in an instant.
"Shooting now."
The shoot finally began.
"20 take 49."
- Clack.
The slate sound, heard countless times during filming, rang out the most crisply now.
"Ready!"
"Camera rolling."
"Sound okay."
The countless gathered people, crew—every eye turned to one spot. Ye-chan, Soo-hyun, and Woojin.
"Action!"
Just one scene left. Amid the hushed set, Park PD's resounding call echoed.
Thus, Woojin's debut wrapped.
* * *
The drama that started March 26 ended May 29. A grand 10-week journey. The past two months flew by in a blink—pure bliss from start to finish.
A cable drama considered a hit above 3%, a mega-hit over 5%—it shattered that four or fivefold. The mythical 20% barrier for cable? Wanted broke it first.
The success's ripple effects exceeded imagination.
Rookie writer Seo Min-kyeong dazzled with sharp prose and pacing. Veteran PD Park Min-jae endlessly incorporated her ideas, lending strength. Media praise poured in nonstop.
Especially, their philosophy shone: PPL (*product placement via sponsorships) woven naturally, without excess or disrupting immersion.
Praise continued for the cast's solid performances. Leads Kim Ye-chan and Park Soo-hyun nabbed Daehan Arts TV Best Actor noms; Oh Seong-cheol got Supporting Actor nod—proving their worth.
But Woojin topped the buzz. Center of the center. A no-name newbie's so-called 'insane acting.' Post-drama, viewer consensus: "No Baek Woojin, only Choi Kyu-bo."
The ultimate praise for any actor. The pinnacle he chased: viewers seeing only the character, not the performer.
Post-finale, his phone and inbox blazed as hot as viewer passion. Predictable, of course. A proven monster rookie, comet-like, agency-less? Entertainment world wouldn't let that slide. Love calls flooded from agencies daily.
"Woojin, sign with us already."
Most aggressive? Flower Entertainment's Kim Tae-gon Team Leader, Woojin's top pursuer. Even at the wrap party, he sat by Woojin, pitching nonstop.
"You know we're Korea's top actor agency, right?"
"I know."
"See? Plus Soo-hyun's with us—your chemistry was perfect."
Kim Tae-gon flashed a thumbs-up, fervent. His face screamed: not letting you go.
"Everything you say is spot-on, Team Leader. Just give me a little time to think."
Kim Tae-gon looked pained.
"Woojin, no agency's better than us. We've got hot actors. What's the holdup?"
He had no counter. Flower was solid. But Woojin had to be cautious—for separate reasons.
"Because of your old agency?"
Kim Tae-gon's sharp guess cut through Woojin's reticence. Woojin blinked, stunned.
"How'd you know?"
"I've got over 20 years in this game. Easy to dig if I want. And if I want you that bad, I'd research you."
Kim Tae-gon pressed confidently.
"That won't happen with us. I stake my name on it."
"It's not that I don't trust you."
"I know. I know what went down. I get it. But things are different now."
"True."
"Sorry to say it, but back then you were a powerless no-name, treated like dirt. Now? 180 degrees."
Woojin nodded. Spot-on.
"Didn't wanna go this far, but we'll tailor the contract to you max."
Kim Tae-gon glanced around, whispering.
"Usually 5:5 split, but for you? 6:4?"
His ace-face.
"Team Leader."
"Yes, Woojin? Speak."
Expectant eyes. Woojin smiled.
"After the Daehan Arts Awards ceremony. Give me till then."
Kim Tae-gon pouted.
"I'm not playing hard to get or anything. I'm grateful—a rookie like me, you pitching personally."
"Then why..."
"Just being cautious. And need time to shake off past baggage."
Kim Tae-gon sighed.
"Fine. One promise."
"Promise?"
"You've gotten offers elsewhere, right?"
"Yes."
"Your choice, but talk to Flower first."
He hooked his pinky. Woojin laughed, linking.
"Got it. You first, Team Leader."
"Deal. That's it for today. Drinks?"
"Thanks for everything!"
- Clink.
Glasses touched. The wrap party wound down.
* * *
Next morning, Woojin bought gifts for mom and sis at the department store, then headed home. Shooting kept him swamped; time for family at last.
"I'm here."
Hands full—first time since moving out, maybe since birth. Holiday, so sis was home too.
Mom rushed from the kitchen.
"Son's here?"
"The actor graces us."
Her beaming welcome. Sis followed, bowing 90 degrees—seemed happier about gifts than him. Real siblings.
"Aigoo, son. What's all this?"
"Gifts. This for Mom, this for Sis. And beef."
Premium cosmetics for mom, bag for sis, Hanwoo beef.
"Mom's beauty must endure!"
"Why buy this?"
"It's fine. Got paid. Don't worry."
Mom glowed with joy. Never gifted on holidays or her birthday. Best he could do: family meals here. Gifting her now? Woojin felt happy too.
"Mine?"
"Yeah. You wanted that bag."
Coolly handing it, sis tackled him in a hug.
"C'mere, lil bro."
"Ew, lips away!"
"Love ya, bro."
"Ugh, stop!"
Sis puckering; Woojin recoiling. Mom burst laughing. Warmth long missed.
"Woojin's here—dinner time."
"Yeah, Hanwoo awaits."
Sis eyed the beef nonstop.
"Beef over bro?"
"Duh."
"Gimme the bag."
"No way? Gave it, can't take back."
"You little—"
"Mom! Woojin's stealing my bag!"
Childlike bickering; Mom's laughter endless.
Joyful dinner. Family chats. Mom and sis probing shoot stories. Laughter nonstop.
* * *
Happy.
Post-dinner, bed felt like paradise. Drifting off, imagining award wins.
- Vrrr.
Suddenly, corner glowed; odd hum. Woojin sat up. Bag's diary emitted light.
He yanked it out, flipped open.
Invitation message has arrived.
Do you accept?
Woojin clicked 'Yes'.
Moving to virtual world.
Light intensified, enveloping him. Moments later, eyes open: long-missed Choi Kyu-bo stood before him.
"Yo, bro. Been good?"
That low, nostalgic voice.