Chapter 26
Everything had gone smoothly since regressing to the past—landing the drama role, the awards ceremony, and signing with the agency—but there was no time to savor the joy. Woojin was busier than anyone.
The flood of interview requests and variety show offers proved he was the hottest rising star right now.
"No time to breathe, no time at all."
Song Jun-an, now his dedicated manager, gripped the wheel and said,
"You're really working your ass off, hyung."
"Nah, I got to rest in the car while you were doing that interview."
"Still, today's the last schedule."
"Yeah. Once this is done, I can finally catch my breath. Head out right away. I'm gonna nap."
"Got it, hyung."
Right after the magazine interview, they headed straight to Myeongdong's Million Ore Road. It was a weekend evening, and the street buzzed with crowds.
And soon after...
The single post on the community site quickly set the board ablaze.
Those at the center were the heroines of Wanted.
It was the ratings promise made on a whim by PD Park at the press conference: free hugs in Myeongdong for an hour if they hit 15% viewership. The five actresses had gathered to fulfill it, dressed and made up just like in the drama.
Starting with the first post, accounts of the event poured in like bamboo shoots after rain. Within 30 minutes, related articles flooded real-time news.
Even well past the scheduled hour, the event continued. It expanded from hugs to a full fan sign, drawing bigger crowds, but the actors kept smiling to the end. They were just grateful for the fans who'd shown up—no room for fatigue.
Woojin's fan cafe, opened during Wanted's run and now boasting three-digit membership, kept uploading photos of him joyfully interacting with fans.
The fan cafe membership broke four digits that day.
"Good work."
"You too. Oh, Woojin-ah."
As the event wrapped and they changed out of costumes, Seong-cheol called to Woojin.
"Yes, sunbaenim."
"Decided on your next project?"
"Not yet. Haven't had time to read scripts with the schedule."
"Perfect timing then."
"Pardon? What..."
"You know Ryu Chang-min, right?"
The name from his lips: Ryu Chang-min. The master who first put Korean cinema in Cannes' main competition in the late '90s, proving new possibilities. He'd since crafted landmark films etched in Korean film history.
"Ryu Chang-min? Of course."
"I'm in his next one—his last film before retiring."
A retiree's masterpiece... Tempting for any actor.
Seong-cheol's cautious tone suggested it was still under wraps. He continued softly.
"Talked casting with the director. He needs a solid 20s actor. Recommended you."
"What's the role?"
"Don't freak out."
Seong-cheol paused, then slowly said,
"...Yeonsan."
The two syllables jolted Woojin.
Prince Yeonsan?
"You said not to be surprised, but honestly, I am."
"Fair enough."
"What's your role, sunbaenim?"
"Me... sigh."
Woojin had a feeling.
"Im Sa-hong, Joseon's top sleaze."
"Sunbaenim, another..."
"Yup. Villain again. Boo-hoo."
Seong-cheol pulled his signature goofy, playful pout. Remembering his face from the Wanted press conference, Woojin swallowed a laugh.
"Title's Red Petals. About the Chaehong Jun-sa—tribute envoys gathering horses and beauties for the king nationwide."
"Intriguing premise."
"The timeline's already climax territory. Right before Yeonsan's deposition in the Jungjong Restoration."
The more he heard, the more hooked he got. Ryu's retirement alone would draw eyes, but the story's elements were just as compelling. Especially one stark difference from past Yeonsan tales: Jang Nok-su's diminished presence. No dual leads here—it zeroed in on Yeonsan and Im Sa-hong's ambitions, two men's raw drive.
What kind of story is this?
"Can't pass up the chance, but a bit worried."
"About what?"
"I'm a rookie, not even six months debuted, first film too. Ryu's swan song..."
"That's what? Haha."
Seong-cheol burst out laughing.
"Don't sweat it. Director already saw your acting and loved it."
"My acting?"
"Yeah. He's a Wanted fan. Your psycho role was wild."
...A compliment, right?
"Your range—unhinged one moment, childlike next, normal sometimes—fits Yeonsan. Right?"
"Haha, spot on."
"Anyway, I'll set up a meet with the director soon. Casual chat, no audition. Relax."
"Thank you, sunbaenim."
"Talk to your agency and let me know. Don't ghost me."
"Will do."
Ryu Chang-min, a director every actor dreamed of working with, had called first. And another collab with Oh Seong-cheol from his debut ensemble.
I want this.
Woojin had already decided in his heart.
The next morning, Woojin headed straight to the office.
"Hello."
"Oh? Woojin-ssi, what's up?"
Hong Young-ju from Team 1 greeted him in the management office.
"Where are the team leader and deputy?"
"Out for a bit. Oh right! Team leader said to contact you."
"Huh? Why?"
"Tons of scripts came in for you. Look! You're on fire lately!"
Her gaze led to stacks of fresh scripts on the desk.
"Wow, a lot. Grateful."
"'Cause you're killing it!"
Woojin smiled bashfully at her praise.
"Wait here and skim them. They'll be back soon."
"Thanks."
"Fighting! Hehe."
After chatting with Hong, Woojin approached the desk piled with scripts waiting for their leads.
He sat and started reading.
"Some really fun ones here."
Thirty minutes flew by. Time always vanished when diving into scripts.
"Huh? Woojin, what's this?"
Kim Tae-gon and Lee Min-seong returned and approached.
After signing with Flower Entertainment, the older duo had agreed to casual speech, drawing the three closer naturally.
"Thought you'd rest at home for once. No schedule today."
"Yeah, why come in?"
"Got something to discuss."
"What?"
To their puzzled looks, Woojin relayed yesterday's talk with Seong-cheol verbatim.
"Ryu Chang-min's retirement film?!"
"Dual leads with Yeonsan?!"
They mirrored his shock from yesterday.
"Jackpot."
"No announcement yet. Zero buzz."
"While waiting, I skimmed all the incoming offers."
"Already?"
"Yeah."
"Thoughts?"
Woojin scratched his head at Kim Tae-gon's question.
"Some meh, some pretty good. But..."
As he trailed off, they leaned in, holding breath.
"I'm leaning toward Red Petals. Ryu's last, and when else do I play Yeonsan?"
Honest gut feeling. No script yet, but instinct screamed blockbuster. More importantly, invaluable lessons awaited—beyond box office.
"Min-seong."
Kim Tae-gon's tone turned deadly serious. First time since contract signing.
"Contact Ryu's side for a meeting. From now on, politely reject all Woojin's offers, say we're discussing a project."
"Yes, team leader!"
"Great call. Move on it once schedules align."
Kim balled his fist and strode out.
Woojin called Seong-cheol with the news; he promptly arranged the meet.
A week later, meeting day arrived. Woojin headed to Movie Sales' office.
"Hello! Rookie actor Baek Woojin here. Thank you for having me."
He bowed deeply. Ryu smiled and offered a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, haha. Ryu Chang-min."